Revenge (Love in London #3)

Eight

Ava

When I came down to breakfast earlier that morning, I had been met by Nico Rossi.

Nico was a friend of Kai’s from his school days and now worked for the organisation. He was good-looking, with dark Italian looks and was, unfortunately for the females of this world, one hundred percent, gay.

I had found him so much easier to talk to than my other male friends as the attraction thing never got in the way. But he’d still treated me like a woman and with respect, a vast improvement from Kai’s indifference and contempt.

It was good to see a friendly face, a man less grumpy, with an easy charm and a quick wit. He was the only man I had met who worked for Kai and wasn’t afraid of him; until Cillian Connors of course, who also didn’t seem the type to scare easily.

Nico explained that Kai was away for the day. I was annoyed as things still needed to be discussed and his disappearing act only prolonged my torture; like a cruel postponement of the inevitable.

I needed to know what Kai’s intentions were.

My mother came to find me in my room whilst I was fighting the temptation to try Anton again on the burner phone. There were still no further messages or missed calls. I knew Anton would be worried and that he wouldn’t be able to contact the police. He knew I was laying low and doing something like that could have leaked my location to those I was hiding from. Those being anyone connected to the Kinlan family. How ironic, considering my current predicament.

After being badgered by Suki, who explained that Kai had arranged for us to have some mother-daughter time, I gave in. At least it would distract me from worrying about Anton and what Kai had planned for me.

Therefore, I had spent the day with my mother, doing pointless things and being pampered. We had facials, and we sweet-talked Nico into having one too. We also watched TV together in the cinema room. Kai had set up Sex and the City on Netflix, and while part of me was pleased he had remembered what I liked to watch, my cynical side suspected he had a hidden agenda.

Yes, I had enjoyed that semblance of normality, but it didn’t stop me from trying to find a way to get out of the house. I kept my wits about me, watching the security men and the rotation of their duties. Nico seemed to be idling around every corner, always with his phone in his hand; our guard dog for the day. I didn’t see the man from Milan, Hamish whatever and when asked, Nico said he was working in Kai’s casino that day. I was relieved as the guy gave me the creeps.

Over the day I had familiarised myself with the house. There were three floors and a cellar (which contained only wine and no torture devices as Kai had said). On the ground floor, there was the hallway where the main front doors were and the stairs. Leading off to the left was the dining room where I had eaten dinner the previous night and the kitchens. Down one corridor on that side of the house were several doors, all being locked (one which I assumed would be Kai’s office). On the opposite side of the hallway was an archway into a living room which ran from front to back. Looking out of the front windows, I saw a driveway which resembled a prison yard and two parked SUVs. At the end of the drive were electric gates and high walls which I revealed after further scrutiny, surrounded the entire estate. There would be no easy way of scaling any of those barriers. I would have to grow wings and fucking fly out. I found it odd that there didn’t appear to be any men outside but I did notice several security cameras.

The next floor contained the bedrooms and main bathroom. I counted six bedrooms, including the room I was using, all with ensuites. I peeked into a few rooms that didn’t appear to be in use and walked past the one my mother pointed out earlier as her room. Across the landing on the opposite side of the house was the master bedroom, where Kai slept.

I was surprised it wasn’t locked and glanced inside, curiosity getting the better of me. My heart was thumping in my chest the entire time. Especially when my eyes fell on his huge king-size bed and those dark grey silk sheets. As I’d closed the door and walked away, I wondered how many women had shared that space with him.

After a day of not achieving much, I needed to do something active. My mother had gone for a shower to prepare herself for when the men returned, and I went up to the third-floor loft area where the gym was.

Stretching my limbs, I felt energised. I enjoyed working out and pushing my body to the limits.

Back in Italy, after months of feeling agitated by having to watch my back, I enrolled on a self-defence course. It was during those lessons I realised that I enjoyed challenging myself physically.

Having never had to count calories and watch my weight, I’d been lazy during my earlier teens. At school, I was useless at sports and was always picked last for team matches. It had affected my confidence in partaking in anything overly physical.

After a gang of youths had attempted to snatch my handbag on a backstreet in Milan, I had decided enough was enough. I needed to learn how to protect myself, I was now alone, with no boyfriend or bodyguards. I no longer lived in that secure bubble that came with being part of a mafia family.

If I intended to fight for my independence, I needed to be ready to live safely when the time came. Having bodyguards made you sloppy as you relied on them to protect you. Once I was free, I would be responsible for myself.

If you ever get your freedom!

Kai’s gym was impressive and filled with various fitness machines such as a treadmill, a rowing machine, and an exercise bike. A multi-gym with an entire set of weights sat at one end of the room and in the centre was a matted area. On the other side of the space were a couple of punching bags suspended from the ceiling and mirrors ran down one length of the wall from floor to ceiling.

I eyed the weights, imagining Kai using them, the strong muscles on his body flexing as he worked out. Considering I was supposed to hate him, the man was on my mind most of the day. I wondered where he had gone and what he was doing.

The gym had everything you needed, even a kick-arse sound system. After eventually figuring out how it worked, I found a selection of heavy metal songs. Angry music was great to get the blood pumping.

After a stint on the treadmill, I put boxing tape on my hands and started on the punching bag. It was a great way to let off steam. A fine sheen of sweat coated my skin and I welcomed that. Luckily, whoever had stocked my wardrobe had been smart enough to provide workout gear. The shorts were black and tight, and I wore a pink Lycra bra top and my hair was secured high in a ponytail.

As I hit the bag a couple more times I felt a disturbance in the air around me, like I wasn’t alone and the music went off.

“I hope you’re not imagining that’s me,” came a voice behind me, causing me to jump and spin around.

And there he was, in all his manly glory.

Kai.

It was hard to keep my eyes from greedily scanning his gorgeous face before dropping to that bare-muscled chest.

Bare!

He was leaning against the gym doorframe, and the first thing I noticed was that he was shirtless. Kai stood tall and broad without apology, wearing grey sweatpants that sat low on his hips. He was also barefooted. The casual attire massively amplified his attractiveness.

And OMG. I sure hoped that my mouth wasn’t hanging open. He looked downright sinful. I willed myself not to stare at him like a simpering schoolgirl in the throes of her first crush. Just, like I used to.

Breathe , I ordered myself.

Kai’s arms were folded which bunched up his inked biceps. They were huge and perfectly sculptured. His chest was broad and strong, and I could see a male nipple poking out between his crossed arms and the light smattering of hair there. Kai’s six-packed abs were well-pronounced, and I felt the urge to trail my fingers across the muscles there. The vee that led down into his joggers was almost like an arrow pointing towards his crotch.

Oh, my days.

The silver scar which sat towards his hip was a reminder of everything that was twisted between us. It was from a bullet wound, one that I had put there.

You hate this man. He is stealing your life from you! I reminded myself.

I felt hypnotised by the fierceness of Kai’s shimmering gaze as he stood there in silence, watching me. My throat felt dry as I drew in a jiggered breath. I fell mute and struggled to find my voice. His expression was unlike anything I had ever seen directed at me; almost like he was seeing me for the first time.

Kai saw where I was looking and he glanced down, “Admiring your handy work?”

Swallowing, I shook my head and tugged my eyes upwards, “Not at all.”

I returned to perving over the masculine picture he presented.

“Take a picture, it will last longer,” Kai said with a sexy smirk. That look was a weapon and hit you smack between the thighs. I gave him a brave look and washed a hand across my face remembering his first question.

“To answer your first question, I was actually,” I replied, ignoring him outing me for ogling him. He looked as fit as fuck. You’d have to be dead not to.

“Was what?” Kai shot back, lowering his arms, and pushing off the doorframe. I watched his long legs as he paced towards me, and a frisson of heat danced up my spine. I realised in that moment that I had missed this interaction with him, the push and pull between us.

“Imagining the bag was you,” I pointed out as he came to stand before me. His nearness made my breath choppy. I had never been so aware of my body before. This was only the second time I had seen him without a top; the first time was when we went swimming years ago and he hadn’t been half as ripped.

I told myself to get a grip as I raised my chin and looked him in the eye.

Do not allow this man to tie you in knots again, it will not end well.

As Kai stared down his perfect nose at me like a bronzed gladiator, I felt very aware of what I was wearing. My outfit was as tight as a swimsuit would have been except this time, my midriff was showing.

“Why don’t we make it a reality?” Kai husked, his expression switching, almost like he was sizing me up.

My brow threaded, “What do you mean? You want me to hit you?” Part of me wanted to bolt at that point but the other was intrigued by his suggestion. I needed to remind myself that Kai was a ruthless killer and that the mafia lived inside of him; untamed and unconquerable. I hated mafia life, and this man was the epitome of that but I couldn’t draw away.

Something flickered behind his fierce gaze, “No, I want you to try ,” he said with a cocksure expression; emphasis on the try. The thought of landing at least one blow on that too-perfect-for-his-own-good face was too enticing.

“OK. You’re on,” I agreed, flexing my arms, and walking backwards onto the matted area.

“But first we need to set the stakes,” he purred.

Raising an eyebrow, I questioned, “What do you mean?”

“What does the winner get?” Kai translated thoughtfully with a grin; his expression now wicked.

“How about my freedom?” My words reminded me that Kai was not a good man. I was impressed by my strength as I managed to stand before him without shrinking before his large, semi-naked body.

“No can do, I’m afraid.” Kai’s strong torso was warm near my own and I suddenly felt like a bonfire. “Try again.”

“OK. You ask that creep Cillian to stay away from my mother.”

Kai frowned at that one, “Why would I do that?”

I tilted my chin, feeling unimpressed, “He’s putting thoughts of forever afters in her head and that’s never a good sign,” I pointed out tartly.

Kai shrugged, “It’s not my business, but I’ll put a word in.”

“Good,” I replied with a roll of my shoulders. I cricked my neck from side to side, preparing for battle.

That taunt atmosphere between us before tightened as did my chest as Kai drawled, “And if I win?”

I raised my eyebrows, “What do you want?”

Kai swallowed, pulling my gaze to his Adam’s apple.

There was a short pause before his expression turned wolfish, “Now that’s a loaded question.”

My pulse twitched at his flirty tone. I’d heard him use it before but never with me. Christ.

Crossing my arms, I shot him my best glare, “I’m not sleeping with you.”

Kai chuckled, “I wasn’t asking you to.” He paused for thought, rolling his tongue over his perfect teeth before he added, “How about a kiss?”

What the actual hell?

“Don’t you think we should, after all this time?”

I was confused, “What do you mean?”

“Kiss and make up. Apologise for past sins.”

The way those words rumbled from his chest was already erotic without even translating their meaning. And I realised that they meant the same as they would have done when I was sixteen; everything to me .

I was surprised my heart didn’t fucking stop on the spot, “A kiss? Really?” I croaked, still in shock.

A silence stretched. And it was at that point that a switch was flicked. This was Kai, my step-monster, the man I had lived with during my teens. And that was the point right there. I was no longer a teenager. I was a woman and he was a man. One I used to lust after and still did it appeared.

Kai’s smile grew, becoming dangerous to my resolve, “Why not?” His entire body oozed the challenge; an I double-dare-you moment.

Attempting to appear unfazed I stuck my chin in the air stating, “How about because I hate you?” The lie slipped out easily, but Kai wasn’t buying it.

“No, you don’t, Ava. Once upon a time, I’d say you felt the very opposite.”

With a snort, I volleyed back, “Rubbish. I was a silly foolish girl, infatuated. It didn’t mean anything.”

Please don’t bring up the night of my birthday!

I swallowed as Kai stepped into my space and tucked a loose hair behind my ear. His gaze was hooded, “You used to look at me like I hung the moon.”

“Really?” I snarked with false sarcasm.

He nodded slowly, his lips curling slightly at one side, “Yes, really. And then I fucked that up by pushing you away and being a complete dick.”

I dashed a hand down my face. Our conversation was getting more surreal by the minute. “Are you saying you regret how you treated me?”

Kai tilted his head to one side, retaining eye contact, “Maybe. Does it score me any points if I said yes?”

FFS! “Do you ever give a straight answer to a question?”

Straightening his head he replied, “Of course not. You need to be careful in my line of work. It’s always better to delay for time or deflect when questioned.”

My entire body felt like it was on fire, “I’ll remember that for the future.”

As Kai took another step forward, I retreated slightly. “So, do you agree on the terms?”

We started moving around the space, I was walking backwards and Kai followed before I stopped and raised my hand, “Fine.” My nerves were already shot without being the mouse to his cat.

Kai ceased prowling.

“Let’s go then,” he said before leaning down and whispering, “Be gentle with me.”

I placed my hand flat against his chest and pushed him back slightly. His skin was warm and the action sent a tingle up my arm.

With a flip of my head, I motioned towards the assorted sports tape and gloves on the cabinet by the wall. “Don’t you need gloves? Or tape?”

Pursing his lips, he glanced to where I had motioned before slowly shaking his head, “No. Why?”

“From the looks of it, you’re already injured,” I said, noticing his knuckles were scraped.

“It’s nothing,” he batted off.

I raised my eyebrows and flexed my already taped hands, “So you have indestructible skin?”

My stomach flipped as Kai started circling me, no doubt weighing up the competition. “I don’t need tape or boxing gloves. I will defend and you attack. Let’s see what you’ve got.” As if there was any competition. I knew I was about to get my arse kicked.

“Don’t do me any favours. I want a fair fight. And will you stop that, you’re starting to make me dizzy.”

Kai came to stop in front of me again, a new smile on his face. One that made me feel like he was patronising me. “A fair fight? Nothing is fair between us or ever has been, Ava. You know that.”

Sniffing, I started to check the tape on my hands, “What do you mean?” Kai was standing so close to me that it messed with my mind.

He slipped a hand under my chin, lifting my gaze and inspecting my face with interest, “I’m not going to hit you. I’m twice your size, what do you take me for?”

“A criminal?” I said with a syrupy smile. His smirk told me he knew what I was doing.

He grinned, “Point taken. But not that kind, never that. I don’t hit girls,” he replied, releasing me.

“I suppose I should be thankful for that.”

My entire body started to react, readying itself for the inevitable. I would not pull my punches. My instructor told me I had taken to my classes like a duck to water but there was no way I would beat Kai.

If, I managed to make contact once it would make me happy. Not to maim just to shock. Kai had underestimated me in the past and had regretted it. Maybe he would again?

“Maybe I don’t want to hurt you?” I said, stalling to allow my headspace to understand what we were about to do.

“Then imagine I am my father.” There was a coldness in his eyes as he said those words, it was only fleeting but I saw it.

It reminded me of what Gerard had done to me and how Kai hadn’t listened. That thought, fed fuel to my fire. A pulse of awareness reverberated down my spine.

“Go stand in the centre,” Kai instructed briskly. I was very aware of him behind me as I walked over.

As I turned and flexed my hands, raising my fists I watched him, wary of his every move. Kai moved like liquid; ruthless and sure in his fighting stance as he rolled his shoulders and raised his hands.

“Do I need to pat you down first?”

“What do you mean?” I frowned.

“Do you have any weapons on you? Apart from the two pressing against your top?”

The way his eyes dropped to my breasts and his flirty comment sent a fizz across my skin.

“Cute, but no,” I admitted with a grin.

“Then bring it?” Kai said with a smile, beckoning me towards him with a curl of his fingers. A mixture of sexual allure and danger clung to him like a shadow.

Over the next few minutes, I threw a series of jabs which Kai easily evaded. He was so quick-footed, jumping from one leg to the next.

I almost fell forward after one particularly frustrating punch grazed his shoulder, Kai raised his hands and instructed me to aim my blows against them.

I did so and he caught a few, telling me how high or low I should aim.

“That’s it, eyes on me. Put your shoulder into it.”

My initial intention to attack turned more into a training session but my nostrils still burned with every breath I exhaled.

I followed his lead, pursuing him around the space, jabbing right and left, each time, the blows landing against his palms.

“Concentrate, keep your hands up. Prepare to defend yourself,” Kai husked.

My breath left my body rapidly as I followed him around the mat. I jolted as Kai’s fingers flicked against my stomach a couple of times; just a light slap.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t hit me,” I panted and he grinned.

“Never trust your opponent, Ava.” My entire body jerked as Kai lunged forward again and caught my backside. It didn’t hurt, it was gentle, but it surprised me. It was intended to prove he could have got to me had he wanted to.

After I threw a couple more punches, I cried out as Kai caught my wrist midair, tugged, and spun me around. Both his arms then caged me with my back against his chest.

I was panting heavily, his hard body against mine, his breath against my neck.

My torso was slick with sweat as Kai secured both my arms, tucking them under my breasts. He ran his nose across my shoulder and into my neck, inhaling my scent.

I knew I should struggle even though I had no way of matching his strength but I couldn’t do it. Being in his arms was doing crazy things to my insides. There were butterflies in my tummy, a whole zoo of them.

And then I relaxed, pushing myself back into this manly heat. As I submitted, I felt his breath hitch and the arms that bound me to him relaxed.

This allowed me to turn in his embrace. Looking up into his face, I could see he was aroused. Kai had enjoyed getting physical with me.

His hands dropped to my hips. Everything around us seemed to disappear; who we were, our past and a possible future. I was lost in the moment as I stared into his eyes before my gaze dipped to his lips. They were parted and his breath was heavy, his expression glazed.

My fingers were placed against his hard, naked chest.

Every fibre in my body cried out to be touched by this man, pulled closer still.

And my restraint snapped.

Pushing up onto my toes, I fused my mouth against Kai’s. My breasts were flatted against his torso and as our lips met, his hands gripped me tightly. Just as I thought he would push me away he pulled, dragging me further against him before he took control.

It was like two broken souls coming together. As our lips locked, it felt like I had finally found home.

Kai groaned and exerted more pressure and my mouth parted as his tongue pushed hungrily through my lips.

I was in heaven. Kai’s kiss was everything I had dreamed it would be. That electric thing which had arched between us as we had fought blasted through me like lightning. I opened my mouth, allowing him to deepen the kiss as he angled his head so he could find the perfect fit as he devoured me.

My arms slid up his chest and into his hair, tugging on the strands as I pulled him closer. Our entire bodies were flush and I could feel the steel length of his cock against my stomach.

Lust crashed through my pelvis as I rubbed my body against him and he thrust himself towards that friction. The heat between my legs turned my underwear damp as sexual excitement like I had never experienced with anyone else throbbed through my sex.

Our breath mingled as need, pure and greedy pumped through me. Kai kissed me like he did everything else, with ruthlessness and skill.

As our mouths moved together, Kai’s hands slid to my backside, roughly jerking my pelvis further against his raging hard-on.

I couldn’t get enough and I moaned into his mouth as his kiss became borderline aggressive. I met every thrust of his tongue, each kiss like a drug I couldn’t get enough of. I hadn’t realised he was walking me backwards until I hit the wall.

My nipples were hard and almost painful in the sports bra as they pushed against his body and I wanted him to touch me there.

Almost like he had read my mind, one of Kai’s hands moved from my arse and slid up to touch my breast through the material of my top. His thumb brushed over that taunt peak.

I cried out against his mouth and he lifted his head and slid his nose down my neck before gently biting the skin there. My hands held him against my throat by the back of his head.

“What are you doing to me,” Kai whispered against my skin.

“Please, don’t stop,” I panted.

“What do you want, Ava?” Kai husked.

“You, I want you, Kai.” I was almost speechless with pleasure, my orgasm building just from him touching my breasts.

“Are you wet for me?” Kai whispered, tracing my collarbone with his tongue, his fingers pinching my nipple.

And I was. Soaking for him.

“Yes.”

“Say it, Ava. Tell me who you want.”

Kai’s voice was heavy and thick with lust as his mouth moved to mine again, his next kiss even more devasting than the first.

I gripped his hair and drew back, nodding frantically, “You, Kai. I need you inside me,” I husked. It felt like I was caught in a storm which I didn’t want to escape from.

Kai then kissed me again before pulling back and grabbing one of my wrists.

Feeling brazen and alive for the first time in months, I allowed him to draw my hand down to his rock-hard cock. It felt huge and throbbed against my palm. Closing my fingers around his girth, more heat flooded between my thighs.

“That’s it, feel what you do to me,” Kai husked against my mouth.

And then it was over. The cough, although quiet over the noise of my raging hormones, was a passion killer.

Someone had entered the room.

Kai drew back, releasing me like a hot rock and he turned away, clearly wanting to hide his arousal which was tenting his sweatpants.

My legs shook as I glanced over to see Nico standing inside the doorway, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement. I was mortified but it could have been worse. If things had gone on for much longer, I was sure our position would have been much more compromising. An image of Kai taking me hard against the wall stirred my senses.

“What is it?” Kai barked, clearly annoyed as he kept his back turned. I saw him adjust himself in his joggers, his broad shoulders flexing.

“Cillian said you needed me, but I can come back?” Nico said.

“No, we’re done.”

Kai then surprised me as he didn’t usually explain himself to anyone. “We were just sparring; I was taking Ava through her paces.”

My brow scrunched as I dashed a hand into my hair, feeling aware that I probably looked like I’d been ravished.

“I can see that,” Nico replied with a twist to his mouth.

“Nic, take Ava to her room and help her remove the sports tape from her hands,” Kai instructed as he turned around and walked over to where a towel was draped over the weights.

He wiped his face and neck, the muscles of his arms bunching. Once he had dried off some moisture, Kai lifted his chin. His expression was curious and his eyes drilled into mine.

“Looks like you guys had quite the workout,” Nico cut in.

Kai’s entire expression changed. He dragged his gaze away from me and he pinned Nico with it. The other man held his hands up, almost like a gesture of surrender.

“Apologies for the intrusion but Hamish messaged to say our guest is asking for you,” he said, excusing himself for who knew what? Interrupting his boss from screwing me in the fucking gym, that’s what.

And then regret kicked in. What the hell had I just done?

I started to take the tape off my hands, my movements, shaky.

“Stop, Ava,” Kai put in, moving towards me, and placing his hands over mine.

“You’ll mark your skin if you rip at it like that. You need to soak your hands in warm water. Then you can pull it off.”

As I raised my eyes, I saw regret in Kai’s expression. But what for? For kissing me or for being interrupted.

In the scheme of things, Nico’s appearance was probably a godsend.

Shoving that thought away, I replayed Nico’s words before asking, “Who is he talking about, Kai? What guest?”

A cocktail of emotions crossed his features and he glanced at my lips. I could feel they were swollen from his kisses.

“It’s nothing. Just business.” Of course, I was a woman. It was a need-to-know basis and my sex didn’t need to know.

Kai then released my hands, a heavy sadness in his frame as he turned and walked away. My heart almost left with him.

“See that she soaks her hands,” he instructed Nico in a cold voice as he walked past.

As Nico paced towards me and placed a hand around my shoulders, I felt that empty void I lived with daily widen.

Kai had always been my world and my curse welded into one and at that moment I knew he still owned every scar across my heart.