The Freedom Search: Kai & Gloria's Story (Search Series Book 4) (6 page)

“What about your dad?” he asked and he oddly was truly concerned.

“Never met him, she never talked about him, I have no clue who he is. Always wanted to know, though.” She whispered the last part, but Kai heard it. He kissed the top of her head tucking her closer to him. “And I thought the great Kai Lukas wasn’t a romantic,” she said into his chest; it caused him to smile. He wasn’t, but maybe things could change.

Gloria

She had spent the last three weeks in Kai Lukas’ bed. Tonight, he told her he would come to her after she got off work. He had business to take care of, so therefore Gloria didn’t ask. She was falling in love and over the last few weeks, she saw glimpses from Kai that gave her hope for the future.

‘Hey I’ll be at your apartment before you get home. Leave the door unlocked.’
She smiled at his text.

‘Okay Lukas, done,’
she replied. He hadn’t asked much of her since the confrontation with Raiden and Tai at the park so whatever Kai was doing he was doing on his own. She knew he would ask more of her and she vowed to just go along with it, no questions asked.

“God, Gloria, you are a slut.” She laughed. Her mom was right. Kai was clearly trying to rip apart Raiden and Tai and Gloria was just going right along with things. She didn’t have any ill will towards Raiden.

Kai

Coretti. That was her last name Tai Coretti. He had found it and found out why she was here. Her mother had an affair with her fiancé. That was a bummer for sure, but it would work to Kai’s advantage.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Hello, is this Meredith Coretti?” he responded in his most charming way.

“Yes,” she answered.

“I have news on your daughter, Ms. Coretti.”

“Is Tai alright?” Kai could feel the fear.

“Well, I’m not sure. See, she has been seeing a man by the name of Raiden, and well, there are things she just doesn’t know.” He paused waited for her to press him.

“What kind of things.” She almost whispered.

“Well, Raiden isn’t human, you see. He’s ummm....he’s a vampire.” He told her and she gasped at his words.

“Where is she? I’ll send Jordan right away!” She panicked.

Kai smiled to himself. “Aishan, you’ll have to travel to the Capitol city of Hokena.”

“Thank you, sir. Thank you so very much,” she said, clearly overcome with a lot of emotion.

“Of course, Ms. Correti. I know how I would feel if it was my child,” he answered before hanging up.

Satisfied with himself, he headed to the door. He had snuck an overnight bag in his car already. “Hey dad, going camping tonight, but Tai’s mom is sending a rescuer for her,” he called before leaving the house.

Gloria

When she arrived at her apartment it was dark. She looked around and spotted Kai’s car, but it didn’t look like anyone was inside. She pushed open her door and cautiously entered the apartment. “Lukas?” she called.

“Right here, doll.” His voice was low and strained.

She flipped on a small lamp. “What the hell are you doing sitting in the dark?” she admonished.

“I think better in the dark.” She nodded at his reply.

“This is one of those don’t ask questions moments isn’t it?” She laughed lightly.

“Correct, doll.” His voice was now seductive as he stood and moved towards her.

“I need a shower, my back and feet are killing me.” She breathed overtaken by his closeness.

“Sounds like a plan, doll, come on,” he whispered kissing her gently on the lips before leading her to her bathroom.

Kai

He probably should’ve flipped on a light, but he was processing and the darkness helped him decompress. He had called Tai’s mom and dropped the bomb that Raiden was a vampire. She freaked out of course, and immediately said she would send Tai’s ex for her. While Kai was proud of that moment, at first. After he had been alone in Gloria’s apartment in the darkness for an hour, he suddenly felt guilty. He tried to push those guilty thoughts from his head, but he couldn’t no matter how hard he tried.

“Coming, Lukas?” Her voice pulled him from his thoughts and he looked up at her peeking her head out from the shower curtain.

“Fuck yes!” He beamed quickly stripping off his clothes and joining her. “Mmm...so beautiful, doll.” He muttered as he trailed his mouth from her shoulder to her neck.

“Ahhh.” She breathed. His hands moved to her lower back and he began to knead with his knuckles. “That feels good, Lukas.” She moaned leaning back against him resting her head on his shoulder.

“You have a lot of knots, doll. Do you really need to work there?” he questioned, surprised at much he cared about her well-being.

“Are you saying you care, Kai Lukas?” She smiled still resting against him.

“Of course I care, doll, just things are...well, they’re complicated.” She sighed at his words. He felt bad that he couldn’t tell her everything, but if he did, she’d run for the hills for sure.

Gloria

Kai Lukas was hot and cold over the last few days. She did know why, but she didn’t ask either.
‘Hey I’ll be over tonight.’
She stared at the text. For the last several months he had been bouncing between her place and having her sneak into his place. Every morning leaving the minute the sun came up or kicking her out just before.

‘See you then.’
She typed back, she didn’t know what was happening. He hadn’t asked her for anything since that first confrontation in the park. Bethany had confronted her on more than one occasion.

‘Bethany was working today and Gloria groaned. She was the manager though. So Gloria had to play nice. “I see Kai dropped you off today,” she stated as Gloria was tying her apron on in the locker room.

“So he did. What’s it to you?” she spit back.

Bethany crossed her arms, “Look, I know you don’t like me, but Kai Lukas isn’t who you think he is.” She sighed before shaking her head and leaving Gloria alone.

She feared something had happened between them, or maybe it was just like Raiden. Did Bethany have a thing for both of them? Was she holding out that one day one of them would look her way.’

Gloria remembered that conversation, she never confronted Kai on it, reminding herself that they had a deal, but every time their nights ended and they parted, she wondered. Maybe he was just holding out for Bethany. Maybe he wasn’t.

He didn’t seem happy when Jordan arrived and moved in Bethany’s direction and she wondered if that had less to do with Tai staying and not giving her ex one glance or because he had feelings for Bethany and now another guy was moving in. She sighed and stared at her phone again.

“Yeah, see you tonight, Lukas. I don’t mind being your little slut.” She dropped her phone to the couch and fell onto it. The tears stung her cheeks. She wanted to be worth something to someone.

Kai

He was staring at Tai Coretti. She was still here. Hell, so was her ex, Jordan. She knew the truth and it didn’t scare her. Jordan was moving in on Bethany. She wasn’t his but Kai always felt an obligation to her, especially after what happened between them. He knew he was getting under Raiden’s skin. He thought back to one of the times at the diner.

‘He got out of the car and walked around to open her door. “What are you doing, Lukas?” She asked clearly amused.

“Walking you in.” She raised an eyebrow and looked around the parking lot. “What are you looking for?”

“Raiden’s car.” Kai laughed.

“Am I that transparent?” She chuckled and shook her head letting him take her hand.

The second they entered the diner he spotted Raiden in his usual booth. Bethany was at their table and was next to him, he was trapped. “Fuck!” Raiden roared shifting both Tai’s and Bethany’s focus to the door.

Kai smirked in his direction before pulling Gloria to him and placing a kiss square on her lips. He heard Raiden mumble something, but for now he was focused on the blonde in his arms. Was he playing her? Yes. Was he falling for her? Yes. Kai tried not to think about that as he pulled his mouth from hers.

“Damn it, sweetheart, let me up!” Raiden barked at Tai. She grabbed his hands and spoke to him, Kai couldn’t hear her extract words, but she was standing her ground.

Raiden spoke back to her focusing only on her for the time being. Kai just waved and smirked before leaving. Raiden’s glare could be felt all the way to his car. This satisfied Kai. He loved getting under his skin.’

He walked up behind her. His intention was to just spook her a little, place some doubt in her head. “Ah, he left his precious alone.”

“Go away, Kai,” she said without turning around.

“I think I’ll stay.” He moved closer to her. “What do you think Raiden would do if I put my hands on you?” He was amused by her discomfort as he ran his hand down her back. She stepped forward moving out of reach still not looking back at him.

“Get the fuck away from her, Kai!” A voice he once thought he loved boomed from behind him. A voice he still cared about, and missed having in his life to talk to.

“Oh, I should’ve known she wasn’t out here alone.” He hissed trying to cover up his emotions.

“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.” Kai wondered when she got so feisty. He decided to just leave it alone though. Bethany would’ve had no problem slapping him if he challenged her further. He missed her.

He flicked his gaze back at Tai who had been watching the confrontation between Bethany and him.

“We’ll meet again, sweet Tai,” he said with an amused smirk. Mission accomplished.

Gloria

He knew the door would be unlocked so she wasn’t surprised when she heard rustling in her living room while she was still getting ready. “Just make yourself at home, Lukas.” She laughed calling out to him.

“You know I will, doll,” he threw back. She was taking her time when she suddenly smelled food cooking.

“What are you doing?” She smiled crossing her arms as she stopped at the edge of her kitchen.

“I thought we had a deal?” he questioned laughing.

“Oh really, Lukas, that is the game?” She fired back playfully.

“If it is, what are you going to do about it, doll?” She enjoyed bantering with him. She liked his playful side and it was a side she rarely saw. A side most people rarely saw.

“My couch could use some warmth tonight,” she fired at him walking away. She could feel his eyes on her, but he didn’t move. “Problem, Lukas?” she questioned sitting on the couch not looking his way.

“I thought I’d try my romantic side tonight.” His voice was barely above a whisper. Score one for her. She sauntered back over to him wrapping her arms around his middle. She moved her hand down his chest, his breath caught. She undid the button on his jeans. “I might burn dinner,” he gasped out.

“Then we’ll order something.” She whispered in his ear before running her tongue along his skin. Her hand had slipped into his jeans and boxers. He was breathing hard and trying to focus on the meal he was preparing. Gloria was relishing in the fact that he was letting her have the control.