Betrayed by Blood (Betrayed #1)

by Victoria Renteria

  I’VE ALWAYS LOVED THE FIRST day of school, even when I was a child. I used to love the hustle and bustle of going from class to class and getting lost in my assignments. Moving as often as we did, I found routine to be my only friend. So come Monday morning, I was overly prepared for my first day. I’d spent the entire weekend going over the current curriculum and developing lesson plans. As promised, there was someone to walk me through Seo-Jun’s processes and expectations. My fellow teacher stayed with me in the classroom, allowing me to shadow her for the week. Not that it was necessary. I’d caught on so quickly, she pretty much stepped back and let me take over by Wednesday.

  Before I realize it, the days have flown by and it’s Friday, and a mound of papers waiting to be graded are sitting in front of me on my desk. I looked up at the clock to find it is 3:45 p.m., only fifteen minutes until school ends.

  Earlier in the day, I’d received an email from Emma stating she wanted me to call her when I got off work. I hadn’t spoken to her since I left and we both needed time to de-stress and chat. The clock chimes and the bell begins to ring. I rise from my chair and tell the children to enjoy their weekend. Most just smile politely and nod.

  As I begin packing up, I’m startled when I hear my name called. Whirling around, I’m surprised to see Cho Sang-hyun standing in the doorway wearing a satisfied smile.

  “Mr. Sang-hyun, you startled me. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “My apologies, Ms. Parker. I wanted to see how your first week went.”

  “Long yet rewarding. I’m glad to be here. The students and the faculty are wonderful.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that. You seem to have picked up things rather quickly. Mrs. Seok was very complementary of your teaching style.”

  “Oh, that’s very sweet of her. Everything was so organized it made it rather easy for me to jump right in.”

  “I’m glad you are finding everything so accommodating. I was wondering if you would be interested in picking up an extra class on Saturdays. I have an opening to teach English to some of our college students and you are the first person who came to mind.”

  “Well, I don’t think it will be a problem. I guess it just depends on how far away it is and how long the class is on Saturdays. What’s the duration of the class, anyway? Is it like a college semester?”

  Once again smiling, he states, “See, I knew you would be interested. The classes are every other Saturday from four until six in the evening. It does run like a regular college semester, but you have the option to stop at any time if it isn’t working out or if it becomes too much.”

  “I would love the opportunity to teach college students. When would I start?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon. I have the address here.” He hands me a card with the address. “Ask for Madame Lin. Be sure to be prompt because she doesn’t tolerate tardiness.”

  “Yes, sir, I will. Thank you.”

  Spinning on his heel, Mr. Sang-hyun leaves me and I rush to pack up for the day. The moment I walk through my front door, I fling my bag onto the table and plop down on to the couch with my phone in hand. My heart races, filling me with excitement as I dial Emma’s number.

  “Hello,” Emma’s cheery voice comes over the line.

  “You’re awful cheery.”

  “Well, it’s Friday and a half-day so I figured I’d smile.” Frowning, I look at the clock, realizing it’s seven back home.

  “Oh, Em, I’m sorry. You’re on the way to school. I can call you back later.”

  “You better not! I’ve been missing you something fierce.”

  “I miss you, too, Em.” Silence fills the line as we both take a moment to get control of our emotions. Gulping, I finally say, “You’ll never guess who I ran into.”

  “Who?” She perks up, thrilled with the prospect of gossip.

  “Brighton.”

  “What the fuck! Are you serious?”

  “Yep. Sure did. I ran into him and some of his colleagues at a hibachi the other day.”

  “Well, I guess he figured Korea was far enough away,” Emma says, her voice wavering slightly.

  “Uh, Em, what’s going on? I thought the two of you hit it off.”

  “So did I,” she mumbles.

  “Okay, so what happened?” I prod, not wanting to let it go.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Emma snaps.

  Wanting to avoid further irritation, I wait patiently for her to speak.

  “I’m sorry, Kai. I just don’t feel like talking about him today.” Her voice is subdued, teeming with anguish.

  “Okay. I’m here when you’re ready to talk,” I say, concern lacing my tone.

  “I know.” She sighs. “Oh! Hey, I just remembered I wanted to ask you if you’d mind a visit from your bestest friend in the whole wide world.”

  Squealing, I bounce up and down on my couch for a moment before relaying, “Oh my goodness! No, I wouldn’t mind.”

  “I’m glad you agreed because I was coming anyway.” She chuckles.

  “I’d never turn you away even if you are a spoiled brat.”

  “I am not,” she grumbles into the phone.

  Excitement at the prospect of seeing my best friend fills me, brightening my tone as I say, “All right, Em. I know you have to go. Email me the dates and when you have confirmation, let me know. I want to pick you up from the airport.”

  “You got it, babe. Love you.” Emma kisses loudly into the phone.

  “Love you, too. Bye.”

  The conversation with Emma has me missing the convenience of having her and my dad close. Homesickness hadn’t hit me at all since my arrival in Seoul, but after my conversation with Emma, all of my emotions are coming to the surface. Studying the phone in my hand, I take a breath then immediately start dialing a number I’ve known by heart for most of my life.

  “Hello.” The rough timber of his voice brings tears to my eyes.

  “Hi, Daddy.”

  A weary sigh comes over the line before he replies, “It’s so good to hear your voice, Princess.”

  The endearment I’ve grown accustomed to hearing over the years is like music to my ears. Sniffling, my voice is needy as I croak, “I miss you, Daddy.”

  “I miss you, too, Princess. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come home? I can get you on the next plane out of Incheon.” My heart warms at the thought.

  “No. It’s okay. I’m enjoying my students. I just miss being able to see you, is all.”

  “I know, Princess. Me too.” He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Hey, Princess, do me a favor? Be extra careful while you’re in Seoul. Things work differently in Korea and I don’t want you getting hurt. Do you still have that pepper spray I gave you?”

  A smile brightens my face. He’s always so protective, even from the other side of the world.

  “Yes, Daddy. I carry it in my bag wherever I go.”

  “Good. Make sure you’re not walking alone at night, either.” His statement is more of a demand and his tone leaves no room for argument.

  Laughing, I reply, “Will you please stop worrying? I learned from the best. Besides, I’ve got Tango Bravo to protect me if something goes wrong.”

  My father’s voice softens. “You still have that old thing?”

  “Yes. He goes with me everywhere.”

  He grows quiet for a few moments before admitting, “I remember the day I gave it to you.” Anguish fills his voice with each word. It’s as if he’s reliving the same memories I do each day. “I never should have left you with her.”

  “Don’t. There was no way you could have known. It’s over. We’ve moved on. Let’s leave it in the past.” The lie tastes bitter in my mouth. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to move on, but I can definitely put his mind at ease.

  “Have we moved on? Sometimes I feel like you’re stuck on a continuous loop, Princess, reliving that nightmare over and over again.” My breath hitches in my throat. I thought I’d masked the pain and darkness,
shielding him from my nightmare.

  “Daddy,” I breathe out.

  “I just want you to be happy, Princess.” His voice is clogged thick with emotion.

  Tears stream down my face, my heart bursting with love and admiration for this man.

  Sniffling, I reply, “You make me happy, Daddy. I promise I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me.”

  “You make me happy, too, Princess. You’re the best thing I’ve ever done in this life. Promise to stay safe?”

  “I promise.” My voice is barely audible through my tears.

  “Email me daily. Call me often. Got it?”

  “Yes, sir,” I reply, giving him a mock salute he can’t see.

  “I love you, Princess.”

  “I love you, too, Daddy.”

  Disconnecting the call, I stare off into space for a while, my mind teeming with emotions. Exhaustion finally takes me as I curl into a ball, falling into a dreamless sleep.

  Excitement finds me come Saturday morning, washing away the melancholy from the previous night. Smiling, I stand in front of my closet, pondering whether I should go casual or dressy. Deciding I don’t want to look like one of the students, I settle for business casual. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I find myself glancing up at the clock and nearly shouting. Pulling my hair into a quick bun at the nape of my neck, I grab my things and bolt out the door, heading for the bus stop.

  The bus rolls up to the curb, letting me off at the address. I look at the paper then back at the address in confusion. There has to be some mistake. This looks like an expensive apartment building not a college. Marching up the pathway, I enter the lobby and a portly little man looks up from his square-framed glasses behind his desk.

  “May I help you, miss?”

  “I’m afraid I may have the wrong building. I was looking for Madame Lin in building 2421.”

  “You’ve come to the right place. Is she expecting you?”

  “Um. Yes, sir. I’m Kylee Parker. I’m here to teach English to her college students.”

  A strange look passes over his features before it dissipates. I’m unable to tell if it was confusion or shock but it’s given me an unsettling feeling. “Well, Ms. Parker, if you give me one moment, I’ll call up and let her know you’re here.” He politely smiles and gestures for me to have a seat in the waiting area.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Sitting in the lobby, my eyes immediately land on the Renoir hanging near the window. The painting suits the building, however, it seems odd and out of place for a college, not that this building resembles anything close to a college. The elevator dings, grabbing my attention. A woman in her mid to late forties steps out of the elevator, wearing what’s clearly designer clothing. Having no fashion sense whatsoever, I can’t tell who or what she’s wearing other than an elegant black pantsuit that looks like it was cut and molded to fit her body.

  Her hair is styled in a chignon, giving her a polished and sophisticated look. Nodding to the security guard, she makes her way over to me, her four-inch heels clicking on the tile as she walks.

  “Ms. Parker?” she inquires as she reaches me.

  “Yes. I’m Kylee Parker,” I say, standing to greet her.

  “I’m Madame Lin. I run this house.” She pauses, peering down her nose at me. Her eyes roam over my body critically, taking in every square inch. Making a noise in her throat, her eyes reach mine once more. “I suppose you’ll do.” Turning on her heel, she strides to the elevator. About halfway, she tosses over her shoulder, “Well, come on, we have work to do. Can’t have you standing around all day.” Scrambling, I locate my wits and follow her into the elevator, watching as she slides the key card into the access panel for the penthouse.

  Darting my eyes to the side, I catch a quick glimpse of Madame Lin. She stands rigidly, poised in the corner, looking straight ahead, her mouth set in a firm line. This has to be the angriest college professor I’ve ever met. I kind of feel sorry for these students. The elevator dings, opening into the grand foyer of the penthouse. My eyes roam the luxurious space, taking in my surroundings. Looking around one thing is for certain: this is definitely not a college. Although, I’m not certain what I’ve gotten myself into just yet.

  Madame Lin leads me into a sitting room where there are six young women lined up in two rows, three in the front and three in the back, silently waiting. Madame Lin stops just in front of the women and in her harsh tone says, “This is Ms. Parker. She’s here to help you with your English. You will listen and do as you’re told or there will be consequences, am I understood?”

  Each of the women answer in unison, “Yes, Madame.” Turning to me, she continues.

  “You will teach them here in the sitting room. We will conclude all business promptly at six. Any questions?” Her tone is concise, and her instructions leave no room for questions.

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Very well. You may get started. I’m just through that door if you need me,” she says, pointing to a doorway across the room. Turning, she walks away, leaving me in an utterly confused state. I focus my attention on the women standing in front of the window.

  “Hello, ladies. My name is Kylee Parker, but you may call me Kylee. Let’s introduce ourselves and get to know each other a little before we get started, shall we? How about we all take a seat over here,” I say, pointing to one of the plush sofas.

  The women all turn, giving each other suspicious glances before proceeding to the sofa. Once they have taken their seats, I smile and begin. “I would like for you to tell me your names and what you’re studying here at school.” Surprise registers on their faces before the small female in the front speaks up.

  “Ms. Parker, we are not in school.” She looks from herself to the other women sitting next to her, confusion now marring their faces.

  “Please call me Kylee. Forgive me, I didn’t get your name. I don’t understand. What do you mean you’re not in school? I thought this was a college. I mean, I’m here to tutor college students in English.”

  “You may call me Kim.” Then looking from side to side before continuing in a hushed whisper she says, “This is not a college. We are not college students, Kylee. We work here. We are escorts in Madame Lin’s Tenpro House.”

  My breath leaves my lungs with such force I’m almost positive it echoes off the walls. An escort service . . . ? They’re all prostitutes? So many questions run through my mind. Did Mr. Sang-hyun know this when he sent me here? And if so, why? Looking back to the sofa, I see the worried expression on the girls’ faces.

  Kim speaks up once again. “Please, don’t leave. Stay. Teach us. I know this isn’t something you may agree with, but it’s not very often we get someone that’s as nice as you are that wants to help us.”

  The girls all nod their agreement and I decide right then and there that I will stay, at least for today. “Well, let us get started then.” Smiling, I watch as they begin to relax one by one. Once the initial shock wears off and I get to know more about the girls, I realize they are actually really nice and we have a connection. The clock on the wall chimes, letting us know six o’clock has arrived.

  “Well, ladies, it’s been a pleasure working with you today,” I say, grabbing my things.

  Each of the girls line up in rows and plasters what I now recognize as fake smiles on their faces just as the elevator door opens. Madame Lin walks out of her office, giving me a stiff nod. I begin making my hasty exit. As I walk out of the sitting room, I come to an abrupt stop as I notice the person waiting in the foyer. Standing before me, looking glorious in a three-piece suit, is none other than Mr. Violet Eyes. Blood pounds in my ears as my eyes sweep over the length of his body.

  Giving myself a mental shake, I look back to his face. His violet eyes are looking in my direction and his jaw is set in a hard line, causing my body to go rigid. Breaking eye contact, I notice Noah, Cooper, Brighton, and Sam are all in attendance as well. Forcing myself forward, I put one foot in front of the othe
r and make my way to the elevator. When I reach the spot where they are standing, I’m quick to maneuver around them, or so I thought. Alex is quicker. He steps directly in front of me, blocking my last few steps to the elevator.

  Alex glances over his shoulder, making sure the remainder of his party has moved into the sitting room before he speaks. His tone is curt as he questions me. “What are you doing here?” The forcefulness of his tone takes me by surprise and almost has me taking a step back. I try once more to maneuver around him. Alex steps in front of me once again, this time throwing his hands up in surrender.

  “Please, Kylee, answer the question. What are you doing here?”

  Still not having found my voice, I look into his eyes for several long moments before speaking. “Alex, I don’t owe you an explanation. You can’t demand answers from me. Why do you care? It’s not like you even know me.”

  Blowing out a breath, he turns his face up to the ceiling before looking back down at me. His features soften. “I’m just surprised to see you here, that’s all.” Glancing over his shoulder, a frown creases his brow. Turning back to face me, his mouth set in that firm line once again, he reiterates, “Kylee, in all seriousness, what are you doing here?”

  Heat begins to spread through my veins, flooding my system. How dare he question me? Is he really questioning my intentions? Thick black ropes of anger begin to unfurl in my belly, fueling my irritation. Raising my chin and glaring at the gorgeous man in front of me, I say through clenched teeth, “I could ask you the same thing.”

  He opens his mouth and then closes it before giving me a sharp nod then finally decides to say, “I’m here on business.” A hysterical laugh escapes me before I can stop it.

  “Business,” I say, laughing again. “Well, not that I owe you an explanation, but I’m here on business as well. Although I’m sure we both know what kind of business you’re here for.”

  He takes a step forward, the vein in his neck pulsing. He towers above me, his nostrils flaring, his anger practically visible and rolling off him in waves. “Why, are you offering?”

  All the air is forced out of my lungs. He didn’t just suggest what I think he did . . . did he? He can’t possibly believe that I would be here for that reason. Looking into his eyes, I see the anger and anguish written on his face. For that one moment, I let myself hope and believe that I could have something real. But that’s the thing about hope. When you let yourself hope, you become weaker, then someone like Alex comes in and you only end up broken. Stepping around him, I silently walk to the elevator, pressing the call button then waiting for it to come.