by Amanda Kay
“Have you seen Kai around?” Getting to the point.
“Not recently, but Gloria’s been running her mouth about him a lot lately.” Raiden growled his frustration.
“What kind of stuff has she been saying?” Tai took over asking the questions for Raiden because she knew he was pissed at this revelation.
“Weird stuff when you consider the facts.” She responded in an ominous tone.
“He’s playing with her,” Raiden muttered.
Both she and Bethany nodded to each other. Tai had learned more information in the last few months. Bethany had shared a lot of information about growing up in the type of society Raiden’s family wanted to build. Bethany’s family agreed with their direction and was therefore given a special place in the society Lee had built. Raiden had talked with Tai about wanting to do the same for Bethany her family had always been trusted confidants and Raiden trusted Bethany with his life and the life of the people in the society. Tai was cool with this because she had learned a great deal about the society from Bethany stuff Raiden was worried to get in with her Bethany did. None of the stuff she was told truly bothered her, in fact the most worrisome thing from everything was just the relationship between Raiden and Bethany. He had now set those fears at ease though so no more walls existed between the three of them. Now together they could beat Kai at his own game.
“Fuck!” Tai and Bethany both jumped and the. Their gazes followed where his eyes had landed.
Gloria entering the diner hand and hand with Kai. He smirked their direction and leaned in kissing Gloria square on the lips.
Raiden’s hands slammed to the table, “That fucking hypocritical bastard.” Tai and Bethany jerked their eyes back to Raiden. “Let me out, Tai,” he demanded.
“No.”
“What?” he questioned fiercely.
“I said no.” She was standing her ground on this one.
“Damn it, sweetheart, let me up!” She shook her head.
She grabbed his hands, “Playboy, it’s not worth it. We’ll beat him at his game. We’ll succeed. I’m not letting him destroy what your family built. I’m part of it now, I hope.” He looked at her with sad eyes.
“Of course you are, Tai. I’m sorry it’s just...he gets under my skin. And as much as I don’t like Gloria, I don’t want her being played by him.” She nodded.
“I know, playboy, you’re an amazing guy.” He finally released his tension she could feel it and it relieved her.
Kai waved and smirked as he left and she just glared at him. He needed to go because the next time Raiden decided he wanted out of this booth to kick his ass she was letting him up.
Raiden
He didn’t know how she managed to calm him down. When dealing with Kai no one had ever had that effect on him. Kai had just been lucky he had never been in the same room as Raiden when he flew off the handle, and well today he could count his lucky ass stars that Tai was there giving Raiden a grounding that relaxed him.
“Shouldn’t you be waiting on your tables, Bethany, and not still trying to get into Raiden’s pants. Trust me, Hun you couldn’t handle his cock.” Bethany’s eyes flew to Gloria and she stormed off. Next to him he felt Tai wince, he squeezed her hand in a reassuring manner.
“Gloria, I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re doing, but Kai isn’t who you he think he is,” Raiden warned.
“Aww...Raiden I didn’t know you cared. My door is always open when your cock actually needs a good fuck because I doubt she’s satisfying you.” He could feel Tai’s whole body tense and she went to stand but Raiden kept a firm hold of her hand so she couldn’t get up.
She shot him a glare and he shook her off, “It’s not worth it, remember?” She expelled a breath and relaxed as Gloria disappeared to start her shift.
“Sweetheart, what she said...” He was cut off when she pressed a kiss against his lips. Damn she could interrupt him like that any time. He pressed the kiss deeper.
Caressing her mouth till it parted and allowed his tongue access he could feel a familiar bulge take over his jeans.
“E’hem,” someone cleared their throat. They both looked up and Bethany laughed, putting their food in front of them. They joined in with her laughter as she walked away from the table leaving them alone again.
He watched as Tai’s eyes drifted down momentarily when she looked up she looked pleasantly amused. “Looks like playboy is going to need some good loving when we get home.” She chuckled but he silenced her with a hard quick kiss. Pulling back his whispered against her lips.
“Funny, sweetheart.” She smiled and he couldn’t help but return it.
He felt the ring in his pocket and thought about proposing right then, but changed his mind. He wanted everything to be perfectly romantic. She deserved nothing less and she actually deserved a helluva a lot more. He was taking the fact that she had been proposed to in the past and then shattered by that same person into consideration. So for now the ring stayed tucked in his jean pocket.
To the world,
I’d be lying to you and myself if I didn’t admit that I am starting to get scared. Raiden and I have almost hit our five month anniversary and if we aren’t engaged by then, he will be forced to put a ring on Bethany’s hand. It bothers me because I am not sure what he is waiting for. Bethany and I are having lunch today. She wants to talk about Jordan and me. I think she likes him and wants to know what happened fully. It isn’t something I have wanted to discuss for more than one reason, of course. One of the main one centers around her and Jordan. I think they both really like each other and I don’t want her to judge him from his past mistakes. No matter how shitty they were, I know deep down he’s a good guy. I just wasn’t his one. I see the way he looks at her and the way she looks at him and I know. I know I am being foolish when it comes to Raiden and the fact that he hadn’t proposed yet, but I think part of me has felt everything has been pretty close to perfect. I am waiting for the ground to just swallow me up. Anyhow, if I don’t get going I am going to be late. So bye for now maybe next time I check in I’ll really be the future Mrs. Raiden Wyrick. ~Tai
Reaching the park, she looked around for Bethany. “Ah, he left his precious love alone.” The voice behind her sent shivers down her spine and not the good kind. Kai.
“Go away, Kai.” Tai didn’t turn around. She didn’t need to, she knew it was him.
“I think I’ll stay. What do you think Raiden would do if I put my hands on you?” His voice arrogant and evil he ran his hand down her back and she instinctively stepped forward out of reach.
“Get the fuck away from her, Kai!” A female voice shouted from behind, thank goodness Bethany arrived just in time.
“Oh I should’ve known she wasn’t out here alone,” he hissed.
Tai turned to watch their stare down. Bethany’s arms were crossed her glare firm and hard. “Yeah, Kai, you should’ve, now I won’t say it again. Get the fuck out of here before Raiden finds out and he comes here himself to kick your sorry ass.” Tai hadn’t seen this side of Bethany yet, but damn she liked it, no. she loved it.
Kai flicked his eyes back in her direction and gave her an amused smirk, “We’ll meet again, sweet Tai.” He blew a kiss in Tai’s direction before he snaked away, hopefully back to the damn hell hole he crawled out of.
That man made her skin crawl; she shook it off, “Afternoon, Bethany. Perfect timing.” She flashed a smile.
“Yeah, Raiden would’ve beaten the shit out of him if he had been the one meeting you here,” she said as she walked closer to Tai.
“I should probably call Raiden, let him know what happened, but I think he was going to a meeting with his dad.” Bethany shook her head.
“Won’t matter. He’ll answer if you call, and you’re right, he needs to know.” She sat down on the blanket Tai had brought and laid out.
“Yeah, you’re right. We’ll talk after. I want to ask you a few things anyways.” Bethany nodded as Tai dialed Raiden’s number.
/> Raiden
His phone began ringing as he was heading to his car with his dad. They had been at the Capitol in a meeting with important confidants made up of vampires, half-breeds, and humans alike. When he saw Tai’s name scroll across his phone, he became immediately worried. She was supposed to be meeting with Bethany. She had questions that only Tai could answer about Jordan. Raiden was happy for both of them, he agreed with Tai that Jordan deserved a chance to prove he could be a good guy for the right woman. He climbed into the driver side and answered.
“Sweetheart?”
“Yeah, playboy. Umm....ummm...” Shit, she was stalling this wasn’t good at all. This had to do with Kai or Gloria or both.
“Tai, what’s going on? Talk to me.” He turned his eyes towards his dad who curiously watched him while he was on the phone.
“While waiting for Bethany, Kai showed up,” she finally got out. He knew she was worried about him flipping off the handle. He didn’t want Kai near her at all. However, for her sake, he had to not jump off the deep end.
“Sweetheart, did he hurt you?” he asked trying to keep his voice level.
“No, but he did run his hand down my back. I think he wanted to intimidate me.” She was probably right. He didn’t like the idea of Kai touching her though.
“Are you with Bethany now?” His anger was trying to come to the surface and when he hung up he was going to blow a gasket.
“Yes,” she simply answered.
“Sweetheart, do me a favor. You and Bethany can have your girls outing on the back porch. I won’t bother you two when I get back, but I’d feel better if you were at the house.”
“He wants us to go back to the house.” He heard her tell Bethany. Yeah, he said he’d leave us alone to talk.” He couldn’t hear Bethany’s response. “Okay, Raiden, we’re going to the house.” He let out a relieved sigh.
“Thank you, I’ll be home soon, so when you and Bethany are done come find me, alright?” he asked.
“Sure thing, playboy.” He heard a smile in her voice that wasn’t there at first and he was feeling much better.
“Love you, sweetheart, have fun with Bethany.” He always made sure he told her that often. He never wanted her to forget.
“Love you, too Raiden, bye.” She hung up. He took a minute to make sure he was in control of his actions before facing his dad.
“Kai showed up where Tai and Bethany were meeting. She was alone and he took it upon himself to touch her and while she didn’t say, he probably verbally harassed her. Then, I’m assuming Bethany showed up, and he slithered away.” His dad studied him.
“She okay?” Raiden just nodded.
He wanted to get home. Even though he promised to leave them alone he wanted to make sure she was okay and that required at least being able to look at her. He wanted her to have this day though. Bethany didn’t have a lot of free time and her and Tai had become good friends. It helped Tai relax even more to life in Aishan the last few months. She still missed her dad and he was working with her dad, Roger, on getting him out to visit. he was coming in a few weeks. By then, he hoped there would be a ring on Tai’s finger. Her dad had already given him permission. He was still hanging onto his mother’s ring though. He wanted the moment to be beyond perfect, but he knew time was starting to get away from him he was going to have to act soon or be forced to walk away. He was nervous though, he just needed the right moment.
Tai
Back at the house and on the back porch, Bethany seemed nervous. “Bethany, what’s wrong?” she asked.
“I want to ask you about everything that happened with Jordan. But then I worry that makes me a shitty friend for making you relive it when I know it hurt you deeply,” she sighed.
“I’ll tell you, but don’t judge him on this. If you like him give him a chance,” she said. She didn’t mind telling the story, not anymore in the least. In fact, she had plans on calling her mother today as well. She just wanted Raiden to be there with her because from what her dad told her in their last conversation she is not happy about the fact that Tai stayed even after learning the whole truth about Raiden. It was actually his suggestion that he be there so he could help put her mother’s fears to rest. He wanted her to know he would take care of Tai and she had nothing to worry about. Tai hoped it worked; admittedly she was extremely nervous. She hadn’t talked to her mom since that day she learned about the affair.
“You still here, Tai?” Bethany asked.
“Yeah, sorry was thinking about something I have to do later. What’s your first question?” She refocused. Bethany wanted to know a few things about Tai and Jordan and she was willing to share.
“Tell me about the day of the breakup. Raiden said there were a lot of things stacked against you that day.” Tai nodded at her.
“You could say that.” She let out a low chuckle. “I was called to my parents’ house and informed that after twenty-five years of marriage they were divorcing. I was stunned and heart broken, because I always felt their marriage was pretty close to perfect and I wanted a marriage like theirs. That night, I was excited because Jordan was coming over and we were going out. I figured he could take my mind off the divorce but....” She paused briefly. “But when he arrived I knew something was wrong. That was when he said we shouldn’t get married in four months. I was confused so I asked if he wanted to postpone and he said no he didn’t think we should get married at all. I asked who the other woman was and he denied it but I just knew there was one.” She stopped and let Bethany soak that in. “When I thought things couldn’t get worse he asked for the ring back. I threw it at him and told him to get the fuck out.” Bethany chuckled.
“I would’ve done the same thing.” She smiled at her.
“Yeah, things got much worse after I was here.” Tai needed a minute, this part still stung.
“Jordan called me, not happy about my leaving and proceeded to call me gorgeous and baby.” Bethany stared back perplexed.
“Why is that bad?” Tai laughed at the question and the look on her face.
“It wasn’t bad, it was just odd he had never called me that or beautiful, or even pretty. To Jordan, I was Tai and I was adorable and cute.” It didn’t hurt anymore because Raiden had made up for two years of Jordan not using affectionate words in the course of only five months.
“Oh, umm....Jordan told me I was beautiful yesterday and today when he called as I was leaving he called me baby.” Tai smiled, she was right Bethany was indeed the one.
“It’s okay, Bethany. I realized a while ago I wasn’t Jordan’s one, but I believe you are. Anyhow, the next morning my mom called. When I left for here, we weren’t speaking because she thought I was giving up on Jordan too easily. What she said only devastated me more. She was rambling on about how Jordan called her and told her I cussed him out and hung up on him. I didn’t deny it because I had and I didn’t regret it. Then she started talking about how she and Jordan made their mistakes.” Bethany’s eyes widened as she picked up on exactly where Tai was going with this. Tai shrugged in response. “Needless to say, my suspicions about Jordan and another woman were correct. I just wasn’t expecting it to be my mother.” Bethany was now staring at her with her mouth wide, which caused Tai to chuckle.
“Oh my God, how do I date someone capable of that?” she screeched.
“Bethany, remember your promise. Give him a chance. He can be the most amazing guy in the world, for the right woman, I know this. I firmly, with all my heart, believe you could be that girl.” Bethany shook her head. “No, Bethany trust me. Trust him, and most importantly, trust yourself.” She let Bethany ponder that thought and Tai watched a smile light her face as she looked to her.
“You’re right, Tai; I avoided relationships for so long because I never thought Raiden would settle down, I swear he’s pickier than a woman. I didn’t want to put my heart out there only to have it crushed because I had an obligation to fill. One that no longer exists and now I’m terrified.” Tai understood that.
“I can appreciate not wanting to put your heart out there. I wasn’t going to give Raiden the time of day because I was scared too. But in a matter of hours he had convinced me somehow. It was pretty surreal.” Both of them laughed. Then Tai stopped, she felt a familiar surge of energy.
She turned towards the glass door where Raiden was watching. He waved at them and flashed a brilliant grin before turning away allowing her and Bethany to continue to their girls’ day.
As she watched him leave, she thought about what she wanted to ask Bethany. It was time now. “Hey, Bethany. What do you think he’s waiting for? He tells me all the time he wants to marry me and I know his time is running out. I don’t understand.” She turned to look back at Bethany.
She shrugged, “Been trying to figure that out myself. He doesn’t shut up about proposing and yet he hasn’t taken any action.”
Tai swallowed before asking this next question, “Do you think he’s having second thoughts about us?”
Bethany began shaking her head before Tai completely got the question out. “No, I know for a fact that’s not it, but I’m not sure why he’s waiting. Sorry, Tai. I wish I knew that answer for you, but if you want, I’ll go kick his ass just for you.” Tai laughed she had no doubt Bethany would do that.
Raiden
He watched as Tai stared at her phone like it was about to come alive. He knew calling her mom was a big step. She had forgiven Jordan and they both were moving on. Tai had him and Jordan was pursuing Bethany, which pleased Raiden. Calling her mom was the last step, but this was way different than forgiving Jordan. He understood that. This was her mother and she had an affair with Tai’s fiancé at the time. Jordan wasn’t thinking clearly but her mother should have been for Tai’s sake and that was the issue Tai was still dealing with.
“Sweetheart, I’m right here.” She nodded as he rubbed her back. She looked up at him and crawled into his lap he had been sitting against the headboard of the bed and she was sitting next to him, but he wasn’t going to complain if she wanted to sit in his lap. “Talk to me, sweetheart. Something else is bothering you about this call.”