Betrayed by Blood (Betrayed #1)

by Victoria Renteria

  “Sam, you know I can’t do that. It puts us all in danger.” An ache blossoms in my chest knowing I’ve lied by omission. She opened up and told me all of her deepest darkest secrets, yet I’ve told her nothing of mine. I can’t even tell her about a job that I love for fear of putting her life and my unit’s in danger. I reach up, rubbing at the phantom ache in my chest.

  Tilting his head to the side, observing me once more, Sam quietly asks, “What aren’t you telling me, AJ? Something happen between you two?” Nodding my head, I stare down at my empty hands for a few moments.

  “You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, man. You know where I am when you’re ready.”

  “No, it’s okay. I could use some advice.” Sam nods and gestures for me to continue. Inhaling deeply through my nose, I wince when I think of all the pain my goddess went through over the years. “You’re right. She’s had a rough life—no fault of her own. She tried to push me away but I’m a persistent bastard.”

  Sam chuckles. “You can say that again, brother.”

  “Screw you,” I toss out, flipping him a quick bird. Blowing kisses at me, Sam smirks for a moment before settling back and motioning for me to continue. “When I said rough . . . that was an understatement. She was abused physically and mentally by her mother. Let’s just say it did a number on her. Fuck. Sam, she told me everything and fell apart. She was trying to show me she wasn’t good enough for me. It was fucking tragic.” I pause, rubbing at the heavy ache in my chest once more.

  “All I could think when she told me was: Who do I have to kill for hurting my girl? Red, Sam, I swear I saw red. It was pure fucking rage and the only thing that kept me from flipping the hell out was her. It was gut wrenching. She was broken, sobbing into my chest for a good thirty minutes before I was able to soothe her fears and bring her down. We stayed curled on my balcony for most of the night until I took her inside, kissed her tears away, and held her while she slept.”

  Releasing a sigh, I look up into Sam’s knowing gaze. A smile begins to slowly spread across his face before he thumps me on the back. “Oomph.” All the air whooshes out of my lungs. Rubbing the spot he just smacked, I warily eye him for a moment.

  “What was that for?”

  “Congratulations.”

  “What?”

  “I like her.”

  “Huh?”

  Sam smirks again and looks at me with a playful glint in his eye. “You, brother, are whipped.”

  “What? No, I’m not!”

  “You sure as hell are, my friend.” Sam chuckles.

  “Sam, you’ve lost your damn mind. I’m not whipped. She’s a great kisser and I like spending time with her. Hell, I definitely wanna have sex with her. But I most certainly am not whipped.”

  Shaking his head, Sam’s eyes light up with mischief as he points his finger at me. “Alexander James Grant, you can tell that shit to someone who doesn’t know you. Because you, my friend, are pussy-whipped, and you aren’t even getting any. Don’t worry, with your mad skills, I’m sure you’re bound to change that soon.”

  Vehemently shaking my head, I reply, “I am not fucking whipped.”

  Sam’s loud guffaw can be heard above the roar of the engine. He slightly pitches forward, slapping his knee as he continues to laugh. With his laughter slowing down, he begins taking deep breaths before straightening and leveling me with his gaze once again. Placing a hand on my shoulder, his face grows serious as he says, “Honestly, AJ, it’s a good thing. I really like her. She isn’t anything like Brina. Love looks good on you, man.”

  Love? What the hell is he talking about? Who said anything about love? Kylee is amazing, she’s beautiful, sexy, a fantastic kisser. Hell, the woman makes my blood boil anytime she’s near. Love . . . no, it can’t be. It’s too soon. Besides, when love gets its hooks in you, it bites and bleeds, latching on and never letting go until you can’t breathe without the other person. I don’t feel that way about Kylee. Warning bells start going off in my head as I ponder Sam’s words. Somewhere deep down in my subconscious, I know that I could grow to love Kylee but I’m not there yet, am I?

  Sam nudges me with his boot, bringing me back to the present. Grinning like a damn Cheshire cat, Sam stretches and slaps me on the back once more.

  “You think you can get your head out of the clouds long enough to lead this training?”

  With a growl, I bare my teeth and snap, “My head’s not in the clouds, asshole.”

  “Of course not. You gonna tell me you weren’t contemplating whether or not you’re in love with that damn girl?”

  “Dammit, Sam! I’m not in love with her. I like her, that’s it.”

  “Uh huh. You keep telling yourself that. But you need to think long and hard before you go any further with her. Don’t start anything unless you’re planning to take it all the way. She deserves better than that and you know it.”

  Sam’s words ring in my head as I give the orders to my team to move on to the safety briefing. Questions continue to plague me as we move onto the range. Where do I want this to go? What does Kylee want? Can she handle my line of work? The final thought that passes through my mind before facing the awaiting enemy sends a bolt of fear racing up my spine. What if she changes her mind and decides I’m not enough?

  GRIMACING, I RUB MY TEMPLES once more and glare at the mountain of papers on my desk. Time slipped away from me the other night and now I’m paying the price for not getting any work done. Alex’s words have been like a vice around my heart from the second they left his lips. “It changes nothing.” Such a powerful phrase said in the heat of the moment. It was just the heat of the moment . . . wasn’t it? How can he believe it changes nothing? It changes everything . . . doesn’t it? I’m such an idiot. Of course it changes things.

  My eyes drift shut as memories begin to surface. For a split second, it’s as if I’m back in his arms while powerful hands rub the length of my spine. Warmth gradually spreads through my body as I remember his soothing touch and warm embrace. Alex held me with fierce compassion and understanding as my secrets were eradicated, wiping away each tear that fell without judgment. A sense of calm washes over me as a grain of hope begins to unfold.

  Quivering breaths leave me as I lock my hands together and force myself to remember who I am. Hope is a gamble, a dangerous game, and the stakes are always high. Unfortunately, it’s one I’m not sure I can afford to buy in to. That niggling feeling is back, telling me Alex is different.

  “Knock knock,” a voice calls from the doorway.

  Gasping, I surge upright in my chair, clutching my chest. Cho Sang-hyun walks through the door with a smug grin firmly etched on his face.

  “Forgive me, Ms. Parker, I did not mean to alarm you.”

  “It’s my fault, really. I was lost in the task at hand.” I wave my hand toward the stack of essays in front of me. Moving closer, he perches himself on the edge of my desk, giving him a direct view down my blouse. A sly grin slowly spreads across his face as he licks his lips and moves even closer. Goosebumps form on my arms as he eyes every inch of my chest. Shifting back to put some distance between us, I instinctively reach for my sweater, pulling it on. For a brief moment, it looks as if he’s annoyed with my decision. Sliding a blank look in to place, Sang-hyun shifts slightly before picking up a pen and twirling it in his hand.

  “I was passing by and saw you were working late, so I decided to stop by and see how things were going.”

  “Oh. Well, thank you for stopping by. Things are going well. I’m just grading papers.”

  “I see. Well, I won’t keep you.” Standing, he takes a few steps in the direction of the door before circling back. Sang-hyun holds my gaze for a moment, the sly smile he dawns practically unnerves me. “Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you. How did things go at Madame Lin’s?”

  Blood rushes to my face, heating my cheeks as the memory of the Tenpro house resurfaces. Just as quickly, my embarrassment fades as questions begin to fill my mind. Did he
send me to an escort service on purpose? Why? What was the point? Questions continue to plague me as I try to determine Cho Sang-hyun’s intentions for sending me to Madame Lin. Searching his face for any clues, I’m quickly shut down as his eyes tighten around the edges. Alarms go off in my head, telling me to be careful with the information I disclose.

  “It was educational. A learning experience that was very interesting.”

  My hands begin nervously twisting the frayed edge of my sweater.

  “Is that so? What do you mean educational?”

  His once lecherous grin has now transformed into something feral, causing me to bite the inside of my cheek just to keep my teeth from chattering. Plastering a polite smile on my face, I meet his eyes and am quite surprised my voice is even and clear when I respond, “Nothing, really. It’s just that I’ve never seen a college quite like the one Madame Lin runs. The girls are wonderful, very polite, well educated, and very eager to learn. Although I’m a little jealous. My college looked nothing like that.”

  Bile churns violently in my stomach with each lie I tell. Not wanting him to catch on, I quickly turn the dial up on my saccharine smile. A long silence rests between us before he clears his throat. Hunger and lust burn brightly in his eyes as he says, “Ah, yes, it is quite unconventional. I’m glad you learned from the experience. I assume you will be returning next week?”

  All of the air freezes in my lungs, leaving me unable to catch my breath. It feels as if time stands still as he waits for my answer. A tremor begins in my hands and starts to work its way through my body. As calmly as possible, I place my hands on my lap to disguise their trembling. My smile wavers for a moment before I firmly fix it back in place.

  “Yes, I was planning on returning,” I say, feeling as if I’ve been backed into a corner.

  “Good, Madame Lin will be pleased to hear it.” He pauses before his voice takes on a low, seductive tone. “Is there anything that you need while I’m here?” The suggestive quality in his tone makes me feel as if my body has been overrun by spiders.

  Stifling a shudder, I barely manage to choke out, “No, sir, I’m fine, thank you.”

  “Well, if you need anything, be sure to let me know.”

  Without another word, he turns on his heel and abruptly leaves the room. Relief surges through me as I slump forward, my head falling onto my desk. What the hell just happened? Was he coming on to me? Coldness seeps into my veins at the thought. I shake the thoughts away. Wrenching myself out of my chair, I begin shoving papers into my bag as fast as I possibly can. A sense of foreboding settles deep within me. The comfort and solace I once found in my classroom has vanished.

  Clutching my bag tightly, I lock up and rush through the halls, racing to the exit. The need to feel safe in my surroundings has me damn near running to catch the bus. Coming to a stop just shy of where the bus runs, a sigh escapes me as I take in my surroundings. Darkness has settled upon the once bustling city streets. Striding forward, I come face to face with the bus schedule and realize it stopped running almost an hour ago.

  Pressing a hand to my temple, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Sighing, I open my eyes and begin walking in the direction of my apartment. Well, it could be worse. I could have worn heels and it could be raining. A giggle bursts from my lungs as I pass by a group of college students heading into a bar. One of the men stops and stares for a moment. Uncomfortable with the attention, my steps quicken as I hastily make my way down the deserted street.

  For several long minutes, the only sound is that of my own footsteps echoing on the pavement. Rounding the corner on the next street, a glint in the shop window catches my eye. Raising my gaze, I find the reflection of a man in a hoodie glaring back at me, a hint of shiny silver grasped in his palm. A shocked breath leaves my lungs. My legs have stopped working and I’m now standing on the sidewalk in front of the store staring at his reflection.

  Lowering my eyes so as not to give myself away, I pretend to be looking at the shop window. Using my left hand, I gently open my bag, searching for the can of pepper spray I always carry with me. Fumbling, my hand passes over papers, pens, books, everything but the small can I pray won’t be necessary. Footsteps sound in the distance. My gaze catches his movement as he begins taking deliberate steps in my direction. Willing my feet to work, I swiftly move, increasing the length of my stride. Echoing sounds of his quickening steps reach me, causing panic to swell and flare within me.

  Small tremors begin to rock my body, starting in my calves and traveling up my torso to my arms. I’m franticly searching the streets for an alternate route when a voice inside of me screams for attention. Run. The word flashes in my mind like a neon sign. Peering over my shoulder, I can see the unknown man coming closer. Quickly jamming my bag safely in the crook of my arm, I suck in a harsh breath and take off, sprinting down the street. The glint in the window catches my eye once more. Looking to the side, I watch in horror as the hooded man confirms my fears and breaks out into a full run, heading in my direction.

  My heart thumps erratically in my chest, beating wildly with every pump of my legs. Gasping, air bursts from my lungs in harsh pants. With each inhale, it feels as if shards of glass have lodged themselves in my airway, making it difficult to catch a full breath. The sound of his voice surrounds me as it echoes down the street. I stumble before righting myself and pushing through the burning pain in my chest and legs.

  Laugher bounces off the buildings, causing me to flinch. “You may as well stop running. I will catch you.” His taunt pushes me to run faster than I ever have before. Gasping for air, I round the corner and run into a solid wall of muscle. A scream rips from my throat as I begin to wildly thrash around, desperately trying to break free from the unyielding hold gripping my body.

  “Kylee? What’s wrong?” Panic laces Alex’s tone as he frantically tries to breach my hysteria. Placing his hand under my chin, he tilts my head back and gazes deep into my eyes.

  “Kylee, it’s me, Alex.”

  Alex’s voice penetrates the fog besieging my brain. As it slowly begins to lift, my vision clears.

  “Alex?”

  “Yeah, baby, it’s me.” Relief washes over him as he continues to search my face as if the answers to his questions lie hidden in the depths of my eyes.

  “A—Alex, w—what are you doing here?”

  Alex shrugs his shoulders before replying, “It’s late. You’re normally home from work by now. I figured you might need someone to walk you home considering the buses don’t run this late. Seoul can be very dangerous at night. I was worried about you.”

  His confession is a reminder of the danger I was in only moments ago. Frantically I look from side to side, searching for the man in the hoodie. Seeing nothing, a pained sob escapes me as the reality of the evening comes crashing down around me. My knees buckle and I slump forward as tears stream down my face and sobs continue to wrack my body. Tightening his hold on me, Alex pulls me closer into his chest.

  “Kylee, talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

  Taking a calming breath, fear strikes once more. I realize the hooded man might still be after me and now Alex might be in danger. “Alex, we have to go. We can’t stay here,” I say, trying to break free of his hold.

  “Stop squirming. I’m not letting you go. What do you mean we can’t stay here?”

  “Oh God, Alex, please. We have to go. Someone was chasing me.” A heavy weight settles in my chest as I think of Alex being harmed on my account.

  “What!” Alex snarls. Stepping back, he tucks me into his side before searching the street, frantically looking for any sign of danger. Tugging on his shirt, I begin to pull him and plead, “Please, we have to go now, Alex.” Alex’s face softens as he lightly caresses my cheek.

  “Goddess, I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’re safe with me.”

  Groaning, I shake my head. “No, you don’t understand. It’s you I’m worried about. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.” Alex ch
uckles and places a gentle kiss on my lips.

  “Goddess, I love that you want to protect me, even if it’s unnecessary. Come on, let’s get you home where I can make sure you’re safe.”

  Heat begins to spread throughout my body, filling me with a sense of calm as I realize the truth in his words. Alex makes me feel safe, and he will protect me. The only question that remains now is: If the tables were turned, could I do the same?

  RED. IT’S THE COLOR OF blood. A color we associate with anger or rage. I’ve been angry plenty of times in my life, but rage isn’t something I’m accustomed to. Army life teaches you to handle emotions and control them in difficult situations. Last night, for the first time in my life, I had a hard time controlling my emotions. The scream that ripped through her damn near tore me to pieces, shattering me from the inside out. Panic and fear are emotions I never want to see cross my goddess’s face, yet I find every detail of those moments are permanently etched into my brain.

  If I’d have gotten my hands on the bastard that was chasing her, he never would have made it out alive. Not for the first time today, unanswered questions bounce around my overactive brain. Who was chasing her? Better yet, why were they chasing her? The need to solve this puzzle eats away at my insides like flies on a dead carcass. A nagging feeling in my gut tells me something bad is about to go down.

  All of the muscles in my body tense as the word protection trolls through my mind once again. The overwhelming need to protect Kylee has taken root in my mind. Groaning, I rub the back of my neck and sink back into my chair. I’ve got to get a handle on this situation for both our sakes. I can’t afford to be distracted and if she’s not safe, I will be distracted. A knock sounds on the door, bringing me back to the present.

  “It’s open.” Glancing to the door, I give a stiff nod as Brighton, Cooper, Sam, and Noah enter my apartment.

  “You wanted to see us, AJ?” Cooper says, stepping forward.