"The art of pleasing is the art of deception."
~Luc de Clapiers

...♛...

Summer White

...♛...

The first thing that comes to mind is the smell. It reeks of the musky cologne only his body wears. I guess this office has become a part of him seeing as his smell has consumed this room. He probably spends majority of his day in here.

Books and files are perfectly lined on the bookshelf standing in front of the right wall. His desk, made out of dark wood, is sparkling clean with no loose papers. He, himself, sits behind the table on a cushioned seat as his eyes focus on the computer screen in front of him.

I take a seat on one of the chairs across from him, and wait until he's done. He's still wearing the black suit and I can't help but admire how perfect he looks in it.

"We have an hour. Ask the right questions," Kai says as he turns away from his computer and gives me his full attention.

"Explain the situation with Dean and Anthony from the beginning. How'd you know they wanted me?"

"Dean and Anthony left Chicago right after the ball, but came back shortly after. We didn't find out until a couple weeks later and that's when I sent in some of my members to figure out what they were doing here.

They were at some of the public appearances we were making and they were hacking into databases to collect information on you and your adoptive family. I had Cole scrub anything he could, but things like magazine covers in hardcopies are harder to make disappear.

They were able to get a good amount of information about your history, but we were luckily able to burn any private notes that Captain kept of when he found you. The only thing they know is that you were adopted by him.

I sent a few warnings and messages through members to make them stop, but they're persistent. I met with Dean personally and we weren't seeing eye to eye on things so I set up the carnival to send them a clear message," he explains.

"Are they the only reason I haven't been put into missions?"

"No. Athen, the man you murdered at the ball, was a son to a very powerful man who is also looking for revenge," he says, his jaw flexing tight at the end displaying his frustration.

"Anyone else trying to kill me?"

"Just about everyone at the ball has shown some sort of interest in you. I wouldn't say it's necessarily to kill you," he says as he leans back in his chair. His elbows rest on either side of him on the chair as he plays with a pen in his right hand.

"Does that include Nicholas?"

"Let me put this in the simplest way possible. You kill a man like that in front of people who make a living off of killing people, they're definitely going to want to get to know you."

"Has he tried anything?"

"He's made his interest in you explicit."

"How many of them know my name?"

"Everyone. Word travels fast when a woman with the same name and skills as a woman who is supposed to be dead shows up out of no where." There's a hint of accusation in his tone as if I'm at fault. Bringing me to public event was Kai's doing not mine.

"Why'd you leave Nick?" I ask changing the subject. It's time to see how much Kai is willing to reveal about himself.

"We've never gotten along."

"That's hard to believe."

"That's because you've made assumptions about me based on your experience with him."

"Like my experiences with you haven't further proven my assumptions," I retort. His eyes flicker with annoyance as he looks past me with disinterest.

"Any other questions?"

"What's your main source of income?"

"Weapons, drugs, cars and real estate. We accept certain contracts if it's worth the price."

"Anything else?"

"The human trafficking rumours are fake. Nicholas fuelled them to make things more complicated for me and my business."

"Did it work?"

"No. People who do business in that industry aren't stupid enough to act on what they hear."

"Did you know me when I was with your brother?"

"I heard you... and I saw you at times, but you never saw me."

"Why?"

"There was no need for you to."

"Those scars on your chest, did Nick do that to you?"

"Yes," he continues holding eye contact telling me he's not affected by the confession.

"Does Nick know I escaped that night?"

"He knows you're alive. None of the autopsies matched your description. By the time the autopsies were complete, it had already been a couple days, but Nick sent out an alert to his team to search for you.

He couldn't search for too long or spread the search far, otherwise he would risk others knowing you were alive and out of his hold so he announced that you died in that fire."

"Do you think my current situation is a give away?" I ask. Kai's eyes scan me throughly before committing to an answer.

"In some aspects yes, but you don't look how you used to. Besides the disguise, you're healthier and a lot stronger. That's why I've emphasized a unique training plan for you to help you switch up your techniques. The less you fight like you used to, the more people will doubt who you actually are."

"Makes sense. What's the plan moving forward?"

"I'm hoping The Dragon's have taken the warning and I expect them to lay low for a bit. No one else poses too much of threat at this moment, but I'm working on a couple alliances and deals to make sure that we stay ahead of everyone else. As far as Nick goes, he's been laying low for now. It's a little odd, so I have people around him to get some information."

"Where do I come into play?"

"For now, I want you to lay low and continue with what you've been doing. There is a work event coming up next weekend that I'd like you to attend with me."

"Okay."

...♛...

I used to have a lot of nightmares when dad first found me. I would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and thrashing. It scared Alice and we had to be separated into different rooms because the things I would say were too much for a fifteen year old who hasn't been a part of the life I've experienced.

It took a lot of time, but at the end of my first year with them, I was able to bury and numb out my past. I've barely ever thought about it ever since, unless something was triggered and even then, I was able to suppress whatever came up.

Now that I'm completely emerged in the life I ran from, my mind has reached its capacity. While I'm able to handle it consciously, I can't when sleeping. After the meeting with Kai, I headed to my room. I was still on bed rest for a couple days as I healed so I was able to rot for as long as I needed.

Turns out, my mind had other plans because the second my eyes closed, nightmares engulfed my entire being. Nightmares of Nick, of killing people, of memories I had completely forgotten flooded me.

I woke up heaving, sweaty and trembling from the memories that felt like I was reliving them. I thought it was a one off and decided to take a shower before I tried to sleep again, but the memories came right back in my sleep.

I didn't sleep at all that night. The next morning my brain refused to give me any peace at all. I kept thinking of Nick and everything that happened between us. I was going insane by the second. That's when I decided to go to the cellar and see if a little alcohol would fix my problem.

No one was home that day so my experiment was done without any interference. I sipped on a glass of wine while watching a movie. One glass of wine turned into two whole bottles being devoured before I fell into a night sleep of bliss. I woke up the next morning hungover and still a little tired, but felt better than the day before.

I was able to keep up with training and Alec didn't notice anything out of the ordinary when we went on our daily collection run. As the days passed, my tolerance kept growing and I would drink more each time resulting in a worse hangover. I'm groggy and irritated every day.

I fall asleep in the middle of the day at times. I wake up screaming from a nightmare every time. No one has heard me yet but I know I need to find a better solution for it.

This is getting harder and harder for me to hide. I don't know why I dream of the same things over and over again. There's no way to stop them. The only thing on my mind is to get something stronger. I need to smoke, but there are no cigarettes in the house. I literally spent all night looking for them once.

To make things worse, crime rates in the city keep rising. The news is reporting high amounts of gang activities so they're beginning to enforce a curfew. Alec has become more careful in his dealing as well and Cole had heightened security everywhere.

"As much as I love your company, getting drunk every night here doesn't seem like a good idea," Killian says as he slides over a glass of whiskey to me.

"Indulge me," I say as I sip on the drink. The liquid burns my throat, but it's my third drink of the night so it's a bit easier to take down.

"You're not very discreet coming here and you come here at the same time everyday."

"Yeah and so do a lot of the people here. Also, I'm enjoying my newfound freedom. Did you not miss me, Kill?"

"Most of the people here aren't followed my the FBI, police or paparazzi. You're followed by all three and Kai. And of course I missed you, but things are different now."

"What a lucky girl I am," I sarcastically reply swigging the drink.

"Keys."

"Come on Kill," I groan. He keeps his arm extended out. "Fine," I give in. I take the car keys out of my pocket and hand them to him. "They're going to notice the two cars missing."

"I'm sure they don't want you drinking and driving."

"I don't think anyone wants me to start doing everything they want me to, we would have a way bigger problem on our hands."

"That 's fair but if you're trying to kill yourself, do it with a bullet it'll be faster and easier," he suggests.

"I'm not. I'm-" I take a pause to think. If it was anyone else I would've stuck to the sarcasm but it's Kill. He knows me the best right now and he's the only person I can truly vulnerable with without fearing that he might use something against me. "I've got monsters coming up that I don't have the time to deal with."

"Make time. You're in way deeper than I ever was and it's not gonna get any easier."

"There's trouble every where I look."

"You're merely floating, treading along . You won't be able to keep all this up for much longer. You have to pick a side and stick to it."

"I have picked a side," I huff. I chug the last bit of whiskey before sliding the cup over to him.

"Seems like you're still fighting it."

"Thanks for the drinks and company, Kill. I'll see you in a couple days."

"Good luck at your party."

"Thanks," I smile at him before getting up.

"My guy is outside, he'll take you home."

"Thanks."

"Always here for you," he salutes jokingly. I laugh in response and wave bye as I head out the door. The fresh air feels amazing and I take a deep breath before my eyes land on Killian's nephew who has been in charge of driving me home the past two days.

We exchange a small greeting before I climb into his Daytona and we head off to Kai's place. It's about a twenty minutes drive and he drops me off just a couple minutes walk away from the gate so that I can keep him off Kai's radar.

I stumble on my way inside as the liquor starts to consume me, but I'm able to make it inside and to my room without causing too much ruckus. By the time I make it to my room, I'm way too tired to do anything but get into bed and fall asleep.

...♛...

"If we had figured out who she was before, we could have avoided most of this." I hear Alec speak through Kai's office door. I clutch the towel tighter to my body so that it doesn't fall.

I was mid-shower when the water unexpectedly turned off. I waited a few minutes for the water to come back, but had no luck so I decided to come find someone who could give me an answer. The house was empty which led me to Kai's office. 

"I'm aware," Kai responds.

"At least she can fight. She's from this world." Alec says making me realize they're talking about me. The small crack in the door allows me to eavesdrop. Otherwise I'm certain his office is soundproof.

"Doesn't change the fact that she hates it."

"Yet she still fights."

"We haven't left her much of a choice," Kai responds.

"She could easily let it all end."

"Do you really think after all this? After surviving Nick, that'd she'd call it quits with us?" Kai sounds like he genuinely doesn't believe that to be a possibility.

"If you put it that way, no."

"She's a fighter. Even if we did treat her as badly as he did, she still wouldn't give up. You know, in some ways, I bet she thinks we're much worse," Kai concludes.

"It's a win win for everyone if Nick ends up dead."

"If, Alec and from the looks of it, it's a long ways away."

"His shits gotta catch up to him someday and the odds of you and Summer crossing paths the way you did, it just feels like it's all for a reason," Alec says causing goosebumps to arise all over my body.

"I never understood why Nick functioned the way he did at times, but with Lucy and Summer, I just think I'm getting in over my head," Kai admits. Lucy? Who's Lucy?

"What happened with Lucy wasn't planned and as far as we're aware no one knows about her, so there's nothing to worry about. Summer, on the other hand, is difficult but she's adjusting as long as you give her some space and room to feel like she has control."

"We'll see how long that lasts. She wants to kill Nick, but to her, Nick and I are the same. She didn't even want revenge or anything to do with this life up until we forced her to come back. She's still holding back." Kai sounds a bit disappointed. I'm not sure if its with himself or my lack of enthusiasm being back in this life.

"You're nothing like Nick. And yeah she might be holding back for now, but it's just her against herself. She has nothing to go back to and everything forward includes this life. What other option does she have? At this point, we're just waiting for her to accept reality." His words make my heart rate rise with rage. He is right, but the feeling of being read, lead and controlled by these assholes pisses me off.

"She'll never see it that way and it should work in our favour. Nick's done enough damage to everyone, it's time for it to come to an end," Kai states.

"I can agree with you on that."

"How is Lucy? Everything is good?" Kai's voice is softer at the mention of Lucy's name. I wonder who she is? What she is to him?

"Everything is good. They're healthy and happy."

They're?

"Good," Kai says.

"Hi," Cole comes up behind me.

"Shit, hi," I jump turning around. Luckily, my grip on the towel doesn't loosen. I hear the door to Kai's office behind me creak open.

"What are you guys doing?" Alec questions. His eyes boring into me suspiciously as he looks at the towel I'm using as a dress.

"The shower in my room stopped working," I tell him. "And the water hasn't come back on."

"Did you try a guest bedroom?" Cole asks.

"I tried to wash my hands in the kitchen, but no water there either. I'm assuming there's no water in the house," I explain.

"Kai's bathroom gets the backup," Alec shares. "You can finish showering in there. Right Kai?" He looks back at Kai for his approval.

"No. She can't."

"She's got shampoo in her hair and it'll probably take hours to get the water fixed," Alec explains as he backs away so that Kai can get a glimpse of my state but he doesn't lift his eyes off his computer.

"And?"

"I'm guessing you want her to walk around in a towel then?" Alec retorts. It's amusing to watch because I barely see them banter like this.

"There's a pool outside."

"Right. Let me just go skinny dip. I've always wanted to do that. You boys wanna join?" I challenge Kai.

"Don't mind me if I do," Cole teases rubbing his hands mischievously.

"You can use my bathroom," Kai concedes. He gets up from his chair and give him space to walk past me and Cole. I turn watching him until he comes to a stop. "Are you coming?"

"I guess so," I shrug looking at Alec and Cole. Alec nods with his head as Cole words "go" with his mouth so that Kai can't hear him. Kai starts walking again and I follow him as he leads me up towards his room across from mine.

I wait as he punches in the code to unlock his door as I his all black suit fitted perfectly for his body. He blocks my view completely making sure I can't see the numbers. I let out a small laugh knowing he's being discreet on purpose. Even though I've never cared and don't think I ever will about breaking into his room, it would be good information to know and have in my back pocket.

The alarm beeps and I hear the lock turn. Kai pushes the lever down and opens the door. He stands with his back against the door watching as I get a clear view of his room.

I'm not surprised when I see how plain and simple his room is. It's large with the entire wall across from us being made from glass illuminating the entire room.

As I walk in, I notice his king sized bed sits on a higher platform with nightstands on either side. To the far right from his bed, behind the door, there's a small reading nook with a fireplace and a mini coffee bar.

When I look to my left, I notice another glass wall, only to discover that it has a door and on the other side, is the bathroom.

There's a his and her's sink on the far left and a door near it which I'm assuming leads to the toilet. On the right, I see two shower heads hanging from the ceiling with a panel on the wall in front. There's also built in shelves in the wall holding all of Kai's hygiene supplies. A few steps away, there's a large black marble tub with a rustic gold tap and handheld shower head.

The room itself is painted shades of grey and accented with black furniture and a couple larger plants. It's clean and organized. Kai's room tells me nothing more than what I already knew about him.

"The shower is controlled using the panel on the wall," Kai explains. I didn't even notice he had closed the door and was walking in towards the shower.

I watch through the glass as he clicks on the screen and it lights up. He clicks a few buttons and I'm briefly startled when The Party and The After Party by The Weeknd starts playing through the room.

Instinctively the hold on my towels gets a bit tighter as I walk over and open the glass door heading in. The cool tiles send a chill through my body and I stand a foot away staring at the panel as the music plays in the background. I feel Kai's eyes looking at me curiously and I wait a few seconds before I speak.

"I didn't plan on putting on a show."

"No? You do have a special talent for it if I recall correctly," he teases. The amusement in his tone is clear as day.

"I prefer my showers without an audience."

"It's nothing I haven't seen before." He stares at me challengingly. Without a second thought, I let go of the towel letting it pool by feet. I turn my body and scan the screen turning on the water right above me. The cool water trickles down my body and I close my eyes shifting my body away from Kai as I massage the shampoo out of my hair.

Kai remains still as water splashes on him. It's like nothing can stop him from keeping his gaze on me.

"You can make yourself useful and wash my back for me," I say as I turn around a few minutes later and meet his dark eyes. "Your suit is already wet anyway."

His lips form a thin line as his jaw clenches. He reaches into the pocket of the wall. I turn my back towards him and hear him shift. A few seconds later, I feel the tips of his fingers scooping my hair over of my right shoulder.

His left hand remains on my shoulder as the other runs the loofah around my back. I feel his hand lift from my shoulder and push my hair to my back before his fingers gently wrap around my throat. Naturally, my head falls back and meets his chest as his other hand travels to my front. 

My head is off to the side, not directly under the water but I keep my eyes closed as he runs over my collar bone and then my boobs. My nipples harden as he goes over my boobs awfully slow and with a little extra pressure.

I can feel him harden under his wet slacks. Instinctively, my hips roll back pressing my butt against his erection. When he reaches my lower belly, I tense slightly feeling my breath hitch. Why did I do this to myself?

Without a warning, he parts from me completely and my eyes rip open in annoyance. I watch as he walks around in front of me soaked. Strands of his hair fall over his dark eyes as he scans my body with a tightened jaw. The water running down my body, blurs my vision so I take a step back to not be directly under the water.

Kai lowers himself down on one knee and my head cranes following his movement. I feel his breath near by püssy and internally groan. What is this man doing to me?

His hand wraps around my ankle and lifts it onto his thigh. He uses the loofah starting at my inner thigh. I watch as he lathers my entire leg and the water rinses it away. The intensity in his eyes combined with the urge for more is daunting. I can feel my nervous system working over time trying to remain still. None of this feels real.

"Do you do this for Lucy too?" I ask. I watch as he stops for just a millisecond before regaining his motion.

"Is that jealousy I sense?" there's amusement on his face.

"I mean why wouldn't I be jealous that you decided to ruin my life over hers?" I taunt. He can think anything he wants, but I need information and that only he can provide.

"How are you so confident I haven't already ruined hers?"

"That's fair," I admit. He puts my right leg down and brings the other up. "Who is she?" I pry further. This new Lucy character is interesting. I always knew Kai had a sexual life, but it's always been a mystery. Up until now at least. Now I have a name. It's not a lot considering there's probably thousands of Lucys in Chicago, but it's still something.

"You know eavesdropping is rude," he comments.

"Is it? Thanks for letting me know but you didn't answer my question," I retort in annoyance. I could play these little games forever. That's the best and worst thing about these brothers. Games. Games. Games. Nothing is ever really straightforward. Everything has a double meaning. Nick played many with me and I learned a lot from him because of it.

Playing games was the reason I was able to stay alive during my missions. Nick taught me that life is a game. Something is always at play. You just have to be a few steps ahead each time and keep your eyes on the prize. Short term losses mean nothing if you win in the end.

"She's a friend," Kai admits to my surprise.

"What kind of friend?" He chuckles in response. Yeah, I didn't think I'd get more than that but it doesn't hurt to try.

"Does it matter?"

"I was just curious."

"I can tell." He says putting the loofah away. He stands in front of me, the water streaming down his face. I take a step closer grabbing his coat and start to unbutton it. "What are you doing?"

"It's your turn."

"I can shower myself."

"That's no fun," I tease eye fucking him. I twirl his tie around my hand and pull him down letting my mouth hover over his ear.

"And I miss playing house." Something snaps in him. I hear a low, tense growl just before he bends grabbing me and I jump wrapping my legs around his torso as he smashes his lips against mine. He strides until my back meets the wall.

I can feel his dïck against my püssy as my hips roll against his erection. His tongue exploring my mouth like he's been craving my taste for an eternity. I guess he misses playing house just as much as I did. I smile at the thought and it vanishes just as fast as I feel Kai's fingers wrap around my neck.

"You find this amusing?" He questions.

"Maybe," I force another smile. His other hand grabs my tit then his fingers squeeze my nipple hard. "Ugh-mh."

"You're still wearing clothes," my eyes darken with lust.

He chuckles. I drop down as he takes a step back and unbutton his coat and shirt. His hand works on the buckle and I watch as he pulls his belt out of the loops. I gulp remembering how he used the belt last time. This time, he throws the belt to the side and a part of me is a little disappointed.

He unbuttons and unzips his pants lowering them so he can step out of them leaving him in his underwear. His erection is barely being held in. I gulp as he strips completely naked and I eye him for the first time.

I'm so turned on. Holy. I can feel my breath becoming shallow at the thought of how good he makes me feel and how much better it could get. It's a sin on its own to even be remotely attracted to a man of his reputation but to lust over him has to be worse.

I can feel the heat rising in my body. I watch as his muscles twitch and he's readying himself to close the distance between us. Before he can, I hold my palm up stopping him. His eyebrows scrunch, confusion and frustration combined.

"I'm helping you shower like you helped me," I say reaching for the bottle of soap and the loofah. If it weren't for the shower, I'm sure my cheeks would be bright red.

For the first time in a while, I'm left utterly confused. My body is highly attracted to Kai and I'm not sure why. I know I shouldn't be, but I am and I'm not sure how to act. I know the things he's done and who he is but apparently it doesn't matter.

I've also never lusted over someone before. With Nick, I began pretending as if I started to enjoy him and his company, but I never did. Sex hurt every time. Kissing him felt like my lips were being lit on fire in the worst way. Even though I rebuilt my aura to be as dominating as his, it always faltered at his presence. While I was able to convince him otherwise and play the game just right, I was only able to do that because there was a barrier between us.

I've enjoyed Kai every time we've been intimate. His lustful gaze sends goosebumps around my entire body preparing to let him do whatever it is he wants to. That's a feeling I've never felt before. It's dangerous how my body craves his attention. How it's ready just at his mere gaze.

I gulp releasing the thoughts in my mind. He watches me as I get soap on the loofah before putting the bottle away. I close the distance between us and lather his chest as he stands there extremely tense. His hands fisted at either side makes me smile.

"You said you missed playing house," Kai states. I look up at him as he hovers over me with at least half a foot.

"I did," I lull.

"Then?"

"We are playing house. Showering together... saving water."

"Right," he scoffs.

"You sound disappointed," I tease.

"You're playing games."

"Nick loved my games," I respond. I sneak a peak to see if there's any look on his face to decipher his feelings at the mention of his brother, but he remains stoic.

"He loves games in general," Kai says not seeming to invested in the conversation.

"Maybe," I admit. I continue to scrub his chest, arms and stomach. I won't push the conversation towards Nick too much because clearly not something Kai is willing to discuss especially at this moment.

So I clear my head of everything else and take my time savouring every indent in his body my hand travels over. When I look up at the hard look on his face, I'm quite entertained. I can tell it's taking a lot for him to restrain himself.

"Are you not having fun? You wanted to be an audience to my shower."

"You told me to participate."

"And I'm returning the favour. Turn around." Annoyance is clear on his face but he does as he's told. With his back turned, I feel more at ease allowing myself to admire his body shamelessly.

Each indent in his back is perfection and it's obvious he works hard to maintain his physique. When I get lower to his butt, I admire how round it is and how it suits his body perfectly.

I squat lathering his legs and I feel him tense as I go between his legs. It's the small wins that can add up in the long run. His body reacts the same way my body reacts to him.

I get on my knees and take a deep breath watching as the water washes the soap away. I drop the loofah to the side and grab his torso getting him to turn around. I eye his erection, the veins on his dick pulsating. I look up at Kai through my lashes, a mischievous grin on my face. His jaw is tight as ever and I can tell he wants to say something, his body twitching to do something, anything.

"Are you enjoying the view?" I ask him teasingly.

"Are you?" He smirks and I laugh examining his impressive length.

"Maybe," I wink.

"Summer-" he goes to take a step back but I grab his thighs holding him in place.

"Wait," I order. It wasn't until this exact moment where I realize I've not only been contemplating wanting to do more, but I'm heavily leaning towards it.

"You don't have to do anything Summer, it's fine," Kai explains with a clear strain in his tone.

"I know but for some reason, I... want to," I breathe. He raises his eyebrow curiously. "I just haven't done it before willingly and in a long time." I'm speaking more to myself than him at this point.

I take a gulp and decide that it's now or never. I reach up grabbing him and squeeze with light pressure. I use my other hand to hold myself still as I open my mouth, stick out my tongue and lick his tip. A rumble leaves his chest making my lips stretch into a small smile.

I stick out my tongue and this time start at the bottom and slide it up to the tip before I take it into my mouth in its entirety. I hear him huff and sneak a peak through my lashes catching the look of bliss on his face.

I take him as deep as I can and I can feel my heart racing as I feel a rush of PTSD coming through. I bring my head back and go slow trying to ease myself into a rhythm. I think Kai notices and patiently lets me do my thing.

"Your mouth feels so good," he groans. He leans over putting a hand on the wall to hold himself still. I moan, swirling my tongue around his dick in my mouth as I get used to him. I clow my thighwith my nails trying to keep myself grounded through the trauma that's threatening to resurface.

I hear him groan as I feel him in the back of my throat and hold him there until I can't anymore gagging. I bring my mouth off him and lick his shaft down to his balls taking each in my mouth and sucking.

"Fuck, Summer," he moans. He looks down at me, the darkness in his eyes is captivating. A part of me feels insecure under the intensity. "Let me fuck your mouth."

I wipe my mouth and sit back on my calves staring up at him. I was still going slow and at my pace. I had to try my best to keep any other thoughts at bay and if I'm not in control, I don't know how that's going to pan out. I can only find out if we give it a try. I catch my breath and nod. An excited smile stretches on his lips and I open my mouth letting him enter.

His hips roll, pushing himself deeper until he his the back of my throat and I hold my reflexes from gagging. My eyes close as they water at the uncomfortable sensation. It feels like forever before he rolls his hips back allowing me to breathe. I push myself off him completely, coughing and unable to catch my breath this time. Kai senses my distress and takes a step back allowing me to turn away from him as I gather myself.

My heart is racing way faster than usual and I can feel myself starting to get light headed. I pat my chest gently trying to regain my breath.

All that runs through my mind is the times that Nick or one of the other men he let hav turns with me, suffocate me over and over and over again with their dïcks. I swear I would go in and out of consciousness then too, but it never stopped them from doing what they wanted to me.

"Summer," the concern in Kai's tone is evident. I feel his hand on my back and I flinch making him snatch his hand back.

"Please don't touch me," my voice is small, but I'm able to keep it from shaking. I take a few deep breaths and stand under the water calming my nerves. I can feel him staring at me but I let it not bother me. I'm embarrassed but I don't care at the same time. I clearly went in for something that I wasn't ready for and while this may be the most vulnerable I've been in front of him, it's not weakness. It's just where I'm at.

A couple minutes under the water relieve my nerves. I open my eyes and wipe the water from my face taking a step away from the water.

"Thanks for letting me use your shower," I say turning to look at him. His eyes are a lighter shade of grey as they take my body in one last time. He takes a step forward and I watch him as he curls an arm behind my back closing our naked bodies together.

"Thanks for letting me help you shower," he says before landing a kiss on my forehead. Swiftly, he drops his arm and takes a step back giving me space to take my leave. The smile on his face is gentle but full of triumph.

I decide to be a good support and flash him a small smile. I let out a small laugh as I head out the shower doors grabbing a towel on the way out and wrapping it around myself.

...♛...

"Don't you ever get bored of these company events?" I ask Alec. I pat down my emerald green dress as we stand at the entrance to take in the scene of this party.

After the whole shower situation with Kai, I spent most of the day at home. Alec and Cole were out on a mission while Kai was in the office all day. It was nice to be able to do nothing for once, but I won't get too comfortable.

I ended up taking a nap, but woke up in a panic once the nightmares started. I had to use extra concealer today just to cover up the dark circles that are threatening to reveal exactly what I've been up to in secrecy for the last few days.

"Nope, it's something new every time," he says. I can see the mesmerization in his eyes supporting his statement.

"Seems like the same old shit to me."

"That's because you don't love it like we do."

"You like small talk with fake people?" I ask as we walk in smiling at some familiar and some new faces.

"Networking with powerful people, it's all about perspective."

"Right," I say rolling my eyes.

"Stick with me, I have some people I'd like to introduce you to today."

"Haven't I met all these people at some point."

"No, you haven't met these people in particular and I have feeling you'll want to," be explains piquing my interest. I wonder who he wants to introduce me to?

"If you say so," I shrug not showing my interest. I interlock my arm with his and we spend the next half an hour making our way around the room.

"Rum and coke for me, a double for the lady," Alec orders once we make it to the bar. I raise my eyebrow questioning his order. "I've noticed some of the bottles from the cellar missing. How has a drunken excuse for sleep treating you?"

"You're such a hater," I huff rolling my eyes. Of course he found out. "What gave it away?"

"Besides the bottles going missing daily, the under eye bags really don't suit you. Also, the car hasn't been home in a couple days."

"What a charmer," I state sipping from my drink. I'm clearly not willing to participate in this conversation, but that doesn't deter Alec from continuing.

"I wasn't gonna say anything but it's been a week."

"Does Kai know?"

"I haven't said anything."

"Will you?"

"If you don't stop, I will have to." The threat is clear.

"Do you think it has affected my training?"

"A bit, yes and alcohol isn't the solution if it's sleep you're looking for."

"Well, if you haven't noticed I don't have time for therapy so I chose the next best option. You're not any better ordering me a double so you're a part of the problem." When I notice Alec reach out to take my glass, I turn around and chug it. "Oh my god-ugh," I clear my throat as I feel the brain freeze coming on.

"Slamming drinks, I like her already," a woman with a short bob and a silk body con dress says as she approaches us. "Hi babe," he says as she fits right into Alec's arms and they give each other a kiss. I watch as Alec's eyes brighten soaking in every inch of this woman. "I'm Dakota Hale."

"You must be his girl friend, nice to finally meet you," I smile. The black dress makes her red highlights pop even more.

"No, I'm his sister," she says with a straight face. I fall for her lie for a brief second before she bursts out in laughter.

"I just had to, the look on your face was priceless."

"I like the sense of humour," I comment as I turn to the bar and order another double.

"Hey, this your last drink," Alec states making sure the bartender hears him. I roll my eyes in response knowing I can't fight him here. I also don't have the energy to fight him.

"This and six shots of tequila please," Dakota orders. She gives me a quick wink with her back turned to Alec making me grin.

"I like her better than you already," I state cheekily. We wait as the bartender pours the shots and I get excited at the thought of double fisting the shots. However my excitement is short lived when Kai, Cole and I'm assuming Amelia, Alec's sister, join our circle and Dakota starts handing out the shots to them.

"To having the team back together again, plus Summer," Amelia cheers. I take the shot and shake my head to let the comment slide. Way to make it clear that I'm the outsider.

"You girls spend some time together, we have people to meet with," Kai says. "She's cut off," he adds as he turns to leave with Cole and Alec behind him. I can feel the buzz starting to take over.

"What a party pooper," Amelia snorts. The dark brown dress contrasts her olive skin and makes her hazel eyes pop. While Amelia may be shorter than Alec, they have similar facial features and very defined bone structures. Her boxed braids fall all the way down to her lower back and I can't help but admire just how beautiful both her and Alec are. "I'm Amelia by the way, Alec's sister."

"I assumed as much," I give her a forced smile. Her comment from earlier has left a bad taste in my mouth so I make it clear that I'm not up to be more friendly than I need to be. That, and I don't like women mostly because I've never really been around them.

"Not much of a talker?" Dakota questions. I turn my body around and watch the crowd with by back leaning against the bar.

"I prefer to listen." I watch as people mingle. People watching might be a habit I built to be better in the field, but it's something I truly enjoy. It's the reason why I became a bartender too.

"That's kind of boring," Amelia says.

"Yes, just like this conversation." Dakota snorts at my response. My eyes fall on a random man with grey hair dressed in a fine Italian suit. I can tell how expensive his suit is from the quality of the fabric and how it reflects the light. He's quite handsome with minimal wrinkles, just a few around his eyes and smile telling me that he may be old but has lived a life with minimal stress

"Someone isn't in a good mood."

"You'll find that to be a commonality here," I say still keeping my eyes on the same man. He's talking to a few other men, but their backs are turned to me. After a few seconds, he pulls out a cigar from his jacket's pocket and lights it.

He's single. The way he expresses himself to the other men, the way his shoulders are broad and the glint of playfulness in his eyes. He might be old, but he still has that playboy in him.

"I could see why," Amelia says a few seconds later. My shoulders drop with irritation. I thought they would get the hint and leave by now.

"Why what?" I turn to face them.

"Why you wouldn't be in a good mood." Dakota answers. I feel like a psychology project between the two of them. That and I know they work for Kai. They have an agenda here. I'm not sure what it is and frankly I just don't care enough to find out right at this moment.

"Don't tell me you're a psych major."

"No, I just like reading people," Amelia shares.

"Well, save that for one of your victims," I say making it clear I'm not willing to be more friendly with them than I have to be. I avert my gaze back to the crowd. When I spot a pack of cigarettes in a random man's pocket, a familiar desire takes over.

"Do you like shopping?"

"No, not really," I respond. My teeth grind against each other knowing what's coming next. The three men were enough to handle, why the fuck did they have to bring these two into the picture too? The more they keeping yapping in my ears, the more I fiend for a release through alcohol or a cigarette.

"Well, we do and we're going tomorrow. You'll join us."

"I can't, I have training," I answer dismissively. I calculate the best path I could take through the crowd. There's multiple servers that I can grab a few shots from and if I walk right by the man I was observing earlier, I can grab the cigarette pack out of his friends pocket and a lighter out of his other friend's pocket.

"They'll let you skip," Dakota says making my attention snap to her. The certainty on her face prevents me from arguing the point.

"How long are you guys here for?"

"A while," Amelia responds with amusement in her tone and eyes. I like Alec, but her, she's starting to annoy me.

"Fun. And you're staying with us?"

"Mm-hm."

"Even better," I look away rolling my eyes. "Look, it was great meeting you guys, but I'm gonna get some fresh air and alone time." Before they can say anything, I take my leave through the crowd. On the way, I stop a waiter and take four shots back to back. There's people blocking the girls' view so I'm good there. I don't care to check if Kai, Alec or Cole are around. If they see me, they see me. I'll deal with them if I have to.

I just need a fix right now because I feel overstimulated. Too much is happening all the time. There's too many people. I haven't had the time or energy to comprehend any of it.

I dismiss the waiter once I'm done taking the shots and get on route towards the balcony. I grab a packet of cigarettes out of a man's pocket and a lighter out of another's just as I had planned. They don't notice and I'm able to make it out on the terrace just before I feel my body temperature beginning to rise.

As soon as I push open the doors, the cold airlifts my hair and sends chills throughout my body. The alcohol in my body keeps me warm as I start to feel things slowing down. I make my way over to the railing before pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. There's a few people around but the terrace is big enough to pretend as if I'm the only one here.

My elbows rest on the cold railing as I look over the rush of traffic on the road beneath before taking a puff. The head rush instantly eases my body and I feel at peace for the first time tonight. The alcohol and tobacco combined is a sensation I could get used to.

"I came out here to be alone," I state the second I feel Kai's presence behind me. He reveals himself standing next to me. Irritation floods what was peace for a brief moment.

"You shouldn't be smoking."

"It doesn't taint my ability to do anything," I say just to then take another hit.

"It could."

"I will deal with it if it happens," I say staring at the stick in my finger. I roll it between my thumb and index finger as I feel a rush of emotions trying to escape. The barrier between calculative control over my emotions and reality becomes thin under the influence.

"We won't have to if you simply stop."

Frustration takes over as I release a rigid breath.

"You're literally a buzz kill. If you have business with me, speak otherwise leave me alone," I demand stepping back from the railing to face him. The buzz from the alcohol, the fatigue, the constant controlling, it's all too much for me.

"Watch how speak to me, Summer," Kai moves to face me. I take another hit of the cigarette as my vision blurs.

"Or what?" I breathe the smoke out on him exactly like I did the first time we met. The hard look on his face tells me he is not impressed. His eyes scan the premise taking in the few people around us as he takes a daunting step forward.

"There's no need to cause a scene here and I know you're smart enough to know that," he says keeping his voice at an even decibel. "You wreak of alcohol and tobacco."

"Not the smell you prefer on your women?" We're close enough to feel each other's body heat radiate off of one another.

"No, Summer. I do not find the smell of addiction on a woman attractive."

"Good thing I'm trying to repel you then," I let out a small laugh before I take another hit. Feeling like I just might lose the barrier completely if I continue smoking, I drop the stick on the ground and step on it with my heel to put it before returning my attention Kai.

"I know about the missing bottles and where you spend most of your alone time."

"I wasn't trying to keep it a secret."

"No?"

"I'm offended you think I'd be this incapable of keeping a secret."

"What's truly offensive is your complete disregard for my authority," there's warning underlying his tone.

"What are you gonna do about it?" I challenge.

"I know this life is not what you want and it's a difficult adjustment, but none of your skills are going to be sharp enough on the field if you're not healthy." His approach takes me by surprise. Someone's becoming soft.

"I'm healthy enough."

"Enough isn't acceptable. Amelia and Dakota will be here for a while, talk to them. They've made a life out of this and so could you," he urges. I laugh at his proposition.

"I'm not trying to make a life out of this," I say looking at the crowd of people inside. People who know nothing more than how to lie, deceit and cheat people all for money. Even kill. They might look good doing it, but it's not the life I want even if I was born into it.

"For now, this is your life. Accept it."

"I have!" I exasperate. "For fucks sake if this is because you had to take a cold shower this morning, this is pathetic."

"This is business."

"So is that. For me at least," I shrug. Kai raises his eyebrow curiously at my words.

"So how much?" he says. I watch as he pulls his jacket by the lapel and reaches inside.

"Excuse me?" My eyebrows scrunch with confusion. I watch as he pulls out his wallet and opens it.

"How much? You said it was business. How much for a two second blow job?" I watch as he takes out a hundred dollar bills and holds it between his index and middle fingers. "No? Two? Three? Five is a bit of stretch but reasonable."

"You're despicable," I breathe not being able to process the disrespect.

"And you're weak," he taunts. I watch as he tucks his wallet into his pants pocket before the tips of his finger brush my chest. For some reason, I can't move. His fingers curl under the thin fabric pulling it from my skin just to insert the cash underneath. "If you were even half a bit of the assassin you used to be, nothing would matter."

He takes a step back pulling his coat. "Keep the cash. You could use it to pay off the tab you've been running up at that bar, or is Killian serving it up for free?"

"Go to hell, Kai Black." My jaw clenches. I pull the cash out from under my dresses' strap and it crumples in my fist.

"I'll take your frustration as compliance then." He says as he straightens his back. He turns to leave and as he walks, he announces over his shoulder, "By the way, there's gonna be no water in the house for a week except for my bathroom."

"Wh-"

"The pool was drained, it needs to be cleaned," Kai cuts me off. "So if you still wanna earn some cash, you have a week."

"You're a fucking dog," I spit under frustration.

"Ask Cole or Alec if they're interested, hell ask Amelia too," he taunts.

"Oh my god," I exasperate as I feel multiple stares. I feel my face starting to heat up from the embarrassment and turn around trying to hide it. The alcohol is making this even more difficult.

"Tell Amelia what?" Amelia comes out onto the terrace just as Kai exits.

"Ah! What the actual fuck!" I squat holding the railing before pulling myself back up again. "All of you are like fucking leeches! Ugh!" I drop the cash at Amelia's feet before stomping back inside towards the bathroom. Luckily the whole bathroom is empty so I lock it behind me making sure no one can come in.

I lean over the sink gripping the counter until my knuckles turn white. Heart racing, my palms start to get sweaty. My toes tapping the ground beneath me, I can hear loud drumming in my ears. The second I look up, my hand comes off the counter turning into a fist midair as it meets the mirror in front of me.

The shriek of glass breaking echoes through the empty walls. Dozens of pairs of eyes look back at me as a single tear sheds from my left eye. As the pain stimulates my mind, I bring my arm back examining the damage. There are a few pieces of glass embedded in my fingers. I dig a few out but I leave a few that I would need tweezers for. The knuckles are already turning purple and a few cuts are actively bleeding. I stretch out my fingers but it's too painful. I might need a few stitches. Fuck.

I take a paper towel and dry my eyes. Then quickly, I wrap a few paper towels around my hand to keep the blood from dripping before I head out to find anyone at this point.

I look around the room and spot Kai and Cole. I take two shots before I start to make my way over. On my way, I can feel people looking at my hand from
The corner of my eyes but I keep my attention towards my target.

"Ow, Alec what the fuck," I huff as he intercepts me and grabs my forearm.

"What happened?" he questions eyeing my hand. The wrinkles on his forehead are a clear sign of his anger.

"I need to go home." He lifts the napkins and his eye's widen ever so slightly.

"No shit. Summer, what the fuck did you do?" he whisper yells. I've never seen Alec like this before.

"Nothing. It was just a mirror," I explain before he thinks there's another body. Everything is so slow. Maybe the two extra shots weren't such a good idea.

"Why did you punch the mirror?"

"I..." it feels so hard to breathe "-couldn't punch him." I say as Kai and Cole both approach us. Their eyebrows rise curiously when they sense the tension. As if on cue, Kai spots the makeshift wrap on my hand and immediately has to distort the anger trying to creep onto his face. Why do I see multiple Kai's? Not sure.

"She punched the mirror because she couldn't punch your face," Alec summarizes.

"Are you a fucking child?" Kai speaks through gritted teeth.

"Woah there, daddy. Forget the soft approach already?" I instigate him.

"Not here," Alec steps in between Kai and I before Kai can do anything. He turns around and gives me the deathliest glare I've ever seen from him.

"Summer, this isn't a joke. You need an x-ray."

"I'll take her to the hospital there's too many photographers and media outside," Kai explains. Once Alec is sure there won't be conflict, he moves to the side.

"I'll get in touch with our rep," Cole says as he pulls out his phone.

"I'm not going to the hospital," I draw out. Kai's eyes darken at my defiance.

"This is not a debate neither a negotiation." I go to speak but he cuts me off taking a step closer. "You can save your breath because nothing, and I mean nothing, will change my mind. Actually, you're lucky that I'm not dragging you by that same hand back in front of that mirror and make you watch me fuck an apology out of you and give the mirror a real reason to break."

My blood boils at his threat and for some reason, my thighs tighten. I'm sure the colour has completely drained from my face. I'm too drunk for all of this.

"Now you're going to hold my hand as I help you through the crowd and out towards our car, and you're going to make it very clear that the broken hand has nothing to do with us and our relationship."

I clench my jaw lowering my gaze in defeat. I hate this but before I can fully process anything, Kai takes my hand in his and we're off. He's swift and people make room for him like they can feel his daunting energy.

We stop in the lobby as Kai hands the usher our tag and retrieves our car. Kai's heated stare at my makeshift wrap makes me fidget.

"What?" it's as if my gaze breaks him from trance. He then takes his jacket off and I watch as he drapes it over my shoulders getting it to cover the injured hand.

"He's here," he says and we nod at each other before heading out. The heap of photographers quickly start taking pictures as they notice us exiting. We move swiftly through the blinding flashes and Kai opens the gate passenger door as we approach the car.

I take my seat and buckle my belt as Kai makes his way over to the driver's side and does the same. He pulls into the main road leaving the flashes behind us. I swear the flashes made me feel even more drunk than I am.

"I suggest you not speak a single word until all of this is over and then I recommend that you keep away from me for the next week because the second you appear in front of my eyes, I am going to bend you over my knees and spank you until your ass is so red and raw that you can't sit or lay on your back for at least a week. And, this isn't a warning, it's a promise."

"There's a lot of creative threats coming from you lately," I state disinterested. I stare out the window watching everything pass in a blur.

"You have to become creative to tame chaos."

"How's that going for you?" I let out a small laugh.

"Do you wanna leave? Move to Europe and find yourself another bar tending gig. Eventually find yourself someone to play house with? Is that the mediocre life you want for yourself?

You were twenty-three without a single university credit or goal in sight before I found you. Let's not act like I ripped you away from the potential of becoming something or anyone relevant.

You didn't punch that mirror because you couldn't punch me, you were angry with yourself because you're tired of being this pathetic excuse of a human."

"I enjoyed every part of the life I lived because I was irrelevant. Being someone or something didn't matter because I was loved by people that I got to call family. Those people loved me for nothing other than who I was and not for what I could be or could do for them."

"You have a real family."

"Nick is your family."

"Should've just let someone else take you. This is a PR disaster already," Kai huffs as he pulls out his phone and I watch him call someone.

"Alec," he answers the calls.

"Meet me at the hospital, I'm gonna drop her off."

"Sick of me already?" I state earning myself a nasty side eye.

"It'll take me thirty to get there," Alec says.

"That's fine, we need to make a pit stop anyway," Kai shares.

"Okay," Alec says ending the call.

"Where else are we going?"

"To play a game," he says as he abruptly takes an exit. He drives for about ten minutes before pulling into the side of a dark and dead street.

He hops out of the car and walks to my side. Opening the door, he ushers me to step out. I don't retaliate. Instead, I undo my seat belt and step outside. He slams the door shut and takes a few steps, facing away from me as he gathers himself.

"I'm going to make this as clear as possible because when I'm forced to do everything I warn you about, do not look to me for sympathy.

Killian will die. Either at my hands out of mercy, or out of someone else's who wants revenge from you. If I get to do it, you will watch even if I have to force you to. While it might be a mercy killing, there will be nothing merciful about it.

Connections with people in this industry, who can't defend themselves, are collateral damage, always. You know this better than anyone because you've been on both ends of it countless times now."

"You're gonna do what you want regardless so there's no need to announce it and I'll do what I think is necessary for survival. That's the difference between you and me. You do things because you want to, and I do things because I need to. You want revenge on Nick, I need revenge and that'll take me further than whatever the fuck you're doing."

"What kind of revenge are you trying to get while drunk with a broken hand?" I've never seen Kai so frustrated before. He's usually so good at keeping his demeanour. It's nice to know that I can get under his skin.

"I can't sleep! For God's sake!" I admit. I feel like I've been going back and forth today with him and Alec about the same fucking thing.

"Then we'll put you on sleeping medication," he suggests. I let out a deep breath feeling the headache taking over. I'm so fucking tired, I literally just want to sleep.

"I heard you, I have a problem. I'll fix it. I'm just gonna need time," I breathe. I can feel my defences starting to fade.

"You have a week."

"Fine. Anything else?"

"I brought Amelia and Dakota back from their mission for you. Give them a chance."

"So I'm their mission now?"

"No. Alec, Cole, Amelia and Dakota are my family."

"It's bold of you to tell me that."

"They can defend themselves."

"Against me?"

"You're not a threat to me, Summer."

"Okay," I shrug. "I'll hangout with your family. Can we get out of here now? I'm not feeling the best." I say as I fiddle in my spot. The heels on my feet become grossly apparent and I bend over to unclip the straps before stepping out of them and stepping on the cold pavement.

"Come on," Kai says as he opens my door for me. I take my heels and chuck them on the backseat before taking my seat.

"Thanks." He nods in response before closing the door. I rest my head on the side of the car and close my eyes trying to get rid of the pressure building up in my head.

I get a good few seconds before the roaring engine of a car takes over the silent night. My eyes open spotting the fast approaching headlights in the distance. It sets off alarms in my head and when I see Kai staring at the headlights approaching with his hand on his gun, I know he has the same feeling.

"Middle compartment, there's a hand gun," Kai makes it known.

When I spot the barrel of a gun on the passenger of the car approaching, I duck. Shots are fired immediately. The windshield cracks under the pressure but they don't pierce through. There's loud bangs next to me and the inside of the door distorts with each impact of a bullet. I block my ears with my forearms making sure my eardrums don't get popped.

Kai has moved, squatting behind the passenger door. The shots come to a stop after a few seconds but when we hear the loud tires skirting, I jump over to the drivers side quickly grabbing the hand gun in the process before Kai grabs my hand and we run into the dark woods. Behind us we hear a loud bang as they crash their car into ours.

"Back up will be here in two. Alec got a tip as he was leaving," Kai explains as we run into nothingness.

"How many rounds do you have left?" I ask as we come to a stop behind a large tree.

"Two," he says checking.

"I feel sick."

"This is exactly what I was talking about."

"Give me a fucking break."

"Ask them for one!" Kai yells while maintaining a low voice.

"Fuck yo-!" Before I can finish my insult, Kai covers my mouth with his hand and presses my back to his front as he hides behind the tree.

"Shh," he breathes into my ear. I nod as I listen to the rustling just a little further back from us. My grip on the gun becomes tighter. The adrenaline helps me forget the pain in my hand.

"They can't be too far," we hear a male voice.

"We need to get this done now."

"Yeah man, I'm tired of tailing them."

"This way," one of them says and we wait. Luckily, the sound gets further away from us.

"Finally," I say as I take a step away from Kai. "Is Alec almost here?"

"I don't have reception here."

"Great, let's go back to the car."

"Of course, why don't you lead the way."

I look behind him at the direction we came from and then around us at the creepy woods. The eerie feeling takes over my entire body and shiver as goosebumps arise.

"I'm good, boss."

"Boss?"

"Yes, so use your status, privilege and toxic masculinity to find a way out for us."

"You're insufferable," Kai shakes his head.

"I'm glad I'm accomplishing my goal," I say and almost eat shit as I fall over from a sudden dizzy spell.

"Easy there," Kai coos as he catches me. There's police sirens in the distance. I hold Kai's hand for support trying to regain some sense of awareness. "Can you walk?"

I take a few seconds to see if I can but I feel weaker than before. I shake my head. Without another word, Kai adjusts himself around me and then picks me up bridal style. I rest my head against his chest and close my eyes.

"Don't fall asleep," Kai whispers. The sirens get louder the longer he walks.

"I don't have a head injury."

"You might have to fight if we get attacked again."

"We have you." He chuckles at my response. I smile feeling the rumble in his chest. It almost feels a little too intimate like I shouldn't know how his chest vibrates when he laughs.

"You won't always have me."

"Good," I smile becoming drowsier.

"This is Chicago PD, please do not move!" The flashes of red, blue and white make me since tucking my face further into Kai's chest.

"I need an ambulance!" Kai roars.

"It's Kai!" I can hear Alec's voice through the loud sirens. "Ambulance!"

"Are you shot?" Alec questions.

"No, I'm fine."

"Is she?"

Knowing we're safe for now, I allow my mind and body to rest and let the darkness take over.

A/N:

Hiii, I know it's been a while but I hope you guys enjoyed this long chapter as much as I enjoyed finishing it over the last year😭

I wasn't able to write because of life and things going on but I promise writing was always something I missed. I'm slowly getting back into it and I love it just as much as I used to.

I'm going to try and finish this book as soon as possible which may still be a few months, but that's better than not finishing it at all.

Besides that, how are you? What have you guys been up to? What did you guys think of this chapter? So much of Kai and Summer together! Amelia and Dakota have finally made an appearance.

Any good book recommendations? Particularly mafia romances. I finished reading the dark hearts series by Jagger Cole this summer and been looking for something similar. Every book in that series was sooo good!!