The Freedom Search: Kai & Gloria's Story (Search Series Book 4) (7 page)

“Oh my God, doll...what you do to me.” He dropped the cooking utensil and braced himself against her counter allowing her to continue to get him off.

When he exploded in her hand, the smoke detector started going off. She laughed lifting her hand from his pants. “Shall we order pizza, Lukas.” He just nodded. She laughed harder reaching around him to kill the smoke detector. “That was fucking awesome,” she whispered before leaving him alone in the kitchen to wash her hands.

Kai

“Son, I need you a moment.” Kai swallowed, this wasn’t good. He had failed, even though Raiden and Tai weren’t engaged yet. Kai knew it was just a matter of time. He was running out of time but the truth was, he wasn’t sure if he wanted that life anymore. He thought about cooking for Gloria and bantering with her, and then, well...she rocked his world.

“What can I do for you, dad?” Kai asked stepping into his office.

“Ummm...what the fuck is going on?” He was keeping his voice level but knew he was disappointed.

“I’m working on something,” Kai retorted quickly escaping.

Kai knew it was time to double down which meant asking for Gloria’s help again. What he needed her to do, he hated. He for sure didn’t want her lips on anyone else’s least of all Raiden’s.

‘Doll meet me outside I’m on my way to get you.’
He texted quickly pulling out of his drive and ripping off in her direction.

Gloria

She obeyed his text and was standing outside when he pulled up. There was an ominous feeling that washed over her as she thought about his text before climbing into his car.

“I need a favor, doll.” He said not even looking in her direction.

“Ummm...sure.” She swallowed, the ominous feeling grew.

“Doll...?” The nervousness in his voice caused her to give him a pointed stare. “I’m taking you to Raiden’s.”

“What do you need?” she asked.

“Knock on the door, do anything to get him to answer then plant a kiss on him.”

“Lukas...” she began, but he raised his hand.

“Doll, I’m possessive. I hate this, but you have to make sure Tai sees the kiss and then...” he paused, she was having trouble breathing. “I want you to convince Tai that you were having an affair with him.”

“Lukas, have you lost your fucking mind?!” she shouted.

“Doll, I need your help. Please,” he begged.

She closed her eyes and just nodded her agreement as Kai began driving in the direction of Raiden’s house.

Kai

It was silent the whole five minutes to Raiden’s house. When he stopped the car he grabbed her hand and interlaced their fingers. “Doll, I’m running out of options, my family is counting on me.” His voice was shaking. He wanted to turn the fucking car around, but he couldn’t. He had failed. He had to play a last ditch effort to get marriage off the table for Raiden and Tai.

She nodded, “Just wish I got it,” she sighed.

“I wish I could explain it, doll.” He kissed her cheek before releasing her to the task at hand. She exited the car and he watched her stroll up to Raiden’s door. He had to look away because if he didn’t, he would jump Raiden the moment her lips touched his. “Fuck!” he roared, slamming his hand against the steering wheel. He hated this shit. He hated he was putting the girl he loved through this game, through this pointless game, and he truly believed it was pointless now. Raiden was clearly in love, so was Tai. He truly didn’t know why Raiden was waiting, but he knew it was because there was a plan swirling in his head.

Gloria

She neared the door, the panic seizing her. She didn’t want to disappoint Kai, but she desperately wanted to understand. She banged on the door and tried to use all the emotions she was feeling. “Please, Raiden, answer the door, it’s about Kai.” She assumed this would work since they were at odds.

Gloria wasn’t sure what her face looked like at the moment but Raiden immediately looked concerned. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

She shook her head and felt a tear hit her face, shit she hadn’t realized she was crying she wiped the tear from her face. He pulled her into the house and shut the door.

“Gloria, what’s wrong?” he pressed her. Gloria shook her head again trying to stall, she needed more courage before she could pull off the task Kai asked her to.

“Gloria...” he started again, but this time she silenced him with a kiss lacing herself in such a way that would make it hard for him to pull away without possibly hurting her. She had a hard time keeping her lips locked with his. She had to wait till Tai saw them lip locked.

“What the fuck!” She heard her screech. Gloria then broke the kiss. Pass or play time she could follow through or break down and tell them everything.

“Missed you last night, Raiden.” she purred. Tai stared, the tears filling her eyes and then she took off up the steps. Raiden followed so Gloria let herself out.

Kai

He turned towards the door in time to see Gloria walking slowly back to the car. There were tears clearly in her eyes. “Oh God, what have I done?” he whispered.

He got out of the car and rushed to her. She shrugged him off, “Please, Lukas. Don’t touch me.” She pleaded as she continued towards the car and got in.

Kai sighed before returning to the driver side, “So...?” He hated pressing her but he needed a report.

“She was devastated,” she answered quietly.

“Good job, doll,” he said driving her back to her apartment.

“I’d like to be alone tonight,” she said right before they stopped at her building.

“Okay, doll,” he agreed. “Gloria...” he began, unsure of what to say. She just shook her head and climbed out.

Kai had nothing to say now. He had to let her go. Besides, he had to go on watch and see if Tai was leaving. He drove back to Raiden’s house and camped out front.
‘Waiting outside Raiden’s should have update soon.’
He typed to his dad and Roy. As he sat outside in his car waiting to see what would happen next, his thoughts went to Gloria. The blonde that had stolen his heart, invaded his mind daily. The one person he didn’t want to lose, yet he had no choice.

“Redemption, Lukas, this is for redemption,” he reminded himself. He focused back on the house and just waited, and waited. The hours past and still nothing, eventually sleep claimed him.

Gloria

She stared at her phone for hours trying to decide if she was going to call Kai. She shook her head and finally set her phone on the nightstand. Just as she was drifting off to sleep it rang. “Hello?” She questioned unsure of who was calling since she didn’t look.

“He doesn’t love you. You’re just a game.” The male voice spoke.

“Raiden?” She asked it was the only answer she had.

“That isn’t important.” The man replied and then the phone just died.

She was shaking, sure that the voice wasn’t Raiden’s. She didn’t have a choice she had to reach out to Kai. The phone rang and rang finally going to voice mail. The tears stung her eyes. “Lukas, I’m scared.” Was all she managed to get out before hanging up. She cried herself to sleep praying Kai would call, but he never did.

The sun was shining in through his car windshield and his phone was screeching at him. “Lukas.” He answered.

“What the fuck have you been doing?” Kai groaned at Roy’s voice.

“Playing the game. I know how to get to Raiden.”

“Yes, well it’s not working, so it’s time to up the stakes.” Kai sighed.

“What are you thinking, sir?” Kai swallowed.

“Bring Tai to me.” Kai’s eyes widened and he was glad that Roy wasn’t in front of him.

“Ummm...sir...” Kai began.

“No it’s time, Kai, play the game and then bring her to me,” Roy interjected firmly.

“Yes, sir.”

“And Kai, I need a little scare.” Kai nodded.

“Of course, sir,” Kai replied hanging up.

He looked down at his phone in his hand and saw a missed call and voicemail from Gloria. He knew if he listened to it, going through with Roy’s latest request of him would be impossible. “Sorry, doll,” he whispered to himself before exiting the car.

The door opened and Tai stood before him. “Lovely to see you again, Tai.” He grabbed hold of her, and she turned her head towards the stairs and Kai knew she wanted to scream. He silenced her with his finger. “I wouldn’t do that, sweetness.” The words coming out of his mouth were typically him, but he was changing and everything he was saying was making him sick.

‘And Kai, I need a little scare.’
He thought about those words and knew exactly what Roy wanted.

She looked at him and silently complied. “Good girl, when we get to our location you can show me what all the fuss is about.” Kai knew Raiden was going to kill him for what it seemed like he was implying. “Raiden sure loves human women, especially you, and I’m dying to find out what kind of fuck I’m missing.” He hissed softly to her. She struggled against his hold, but remained silent.

He got her in the trunk of his car fairly easy, he sped off towards where he knew Roy would want her taken. He couldn’t come to her till tonight, so the safe house was the only option.

Speeding in that direction, he put his phone on speaker and listened to Gloria’s voice mail. “Lukas, I’m scared.” Her voice drew him in instantly. What had scared her? His foot pressed harder on the gas pedal. Has he lost his focus. A light flashed on his dashboard catching his eye. The trunk had been popped, he watch in his mirrors and he saw her jump. “Shit!” he cursed. “Please be okay,” he silently said to himself as he rounded the corner to get out of the way and catch his breath.

Gloria needed him, so he was going to her.

Gloria

Her phone buzzed.
‘I’m on my way. Are you okay?’
She stared at the phone and sighed. How did she answer? Was she okay? No not really.

‘I’ve been better.’
She finally decided to answer somewhat honestly.

‘I’ll be there soon.’
She sighed at his text somewhat disappointed. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him there.

She heard the door fly open and hit the wall, “Doll?” he called. She was in her room deciding whether or not she wanted him to know where she was. “Gloria!” he hollered. She heard his panicked footsteps stomping down the hall.