Chapter 15
Kaz
One month later
I’m in the back of the Uber heading to the office, scrolling through my phone when a text from Riley comes through.
How are things in the office? I need to figure out how to get past all this. I’m going stir crazy.
I smile before shooting off my response.
I’m sure Sebastian is keeping you plenty busy. (Winking emoji)
Last month Riley was kidnapped by her psycho husband, Nate. They aren’t divorced yet but she has definitely left him. I never liked the guy anyway. He is a total loser and didn’t deserve someone as nice and as caring as Riley. She’s been staying with my boss Sebastian who is completely head over heels for her. It’s so funny to think of that man caring about anyone other than himself. I never thought I would see the day. The men of Bolt Corporation have never been the type to settle down but it seems that trend might be starting to take a turn. I think of Jonathan and the multiple texts I receive from him daily. I was starting to think he really did care until Jamison sent me that video last month with some skeezy bimbo on his lap. I was so pissed off I didn’t speak to him for days. The funny part is, he didn’t even bother lying to me about it once I finally decided to speak to him again. He fully admitted to fucking her…with Jamison. That was what really sent me over the edge. Jamison sent me that picture to fuck with my head. I hate him. I hate how calculated he is. I hate how god damn good looking he is even when his deep blue eyes scream psychopath. But most of all…I hate how turned on I was at the thought of me being between him and Jonathan instead of that girl. What is wrong with me? Maybe I am the slut he wants me to be. My phone vibrates pulling me from my thoughts and I look down to see it’s Riley again.
You have no idea! But really, let’s get together for lunch soon okay? And have the guys send me something to do before I go insane!
I respond back letting her know I will do my best to get her some work and of course we can figure out lunch just as my ride puls up out front of the office building. I wave bye to my driver and turn to walk up when I’m greeted by the most delicious sight of Jonathan getting off his sleek black motorcycle. He whips his helmet off causing his waves to fall forward. That messy hair combined with his unbuttoned suit and lack of tie give him the perfect ‘I don’t give a fuck’ bad boy vibe. Why does he make looking good so damn easy? He turns towards me with his dazzling smile and bright blue eyes and I immediately school my features. I can’t let him see me drooling dammit.
“Hey, Pretty Girl," he whispers as he walks up next to me casually and we both enter the doors to the building.
“Morning, Jonathan,” I state in the most normal voice I can muster even though my insides are squirming at hearing him call me Pretty Girl.
He groans next to me and I look at him quickly before looking around. He’s staring at me like I’m dessert. My cheeks go red.
“Fuck, you look so sexy in that outfit. What I wouldn’t give to see what’s under it.”
I smirk at him as we enter the elevator and the doors begin to close.
“Nothing,” I whisper.
His eyes go wide. “Fuck, Kaz I’m going to be hard all day now knowing you’re commando. Please say you will meet me….”
His words are cut off by a hand halting the doors to the elevator. We both stare as Jamison steps on facing us both.
“Brother," he says, greeting Jonathan before turning towards me with a smirk. “Kaz.”
I turn my head completely straight forward and don’t acknowledge he is there. That pisses him off. I can practically feel the steam filling the elevator as the doors close and we descend. Shit, no one pressed the button and now we are heading to the basement.
I don't have time to think about stopping the elevator before Jamison growls out, “You can acknowledge my brother but not me? You did not seem to mind looking at me when my cock was down your throat though, did you, Kitten?”
My face goes beat red and I whip my eyes toward him, prepared to lay into him but Jonathan is faster. Suddenly, he has Jamison pushed up against the elevator wall, his hands gripping the collar of his perfectly pressed suit.
“Don’t fucking talk to her like that," he grits out.
Jamison’s eyes narrow on him before replying back. “I think she likes it when I speak to her that way. Her panties are probably drenched. She’s just waiting for me to remind her of what a little slut she is.”
And fuck if he’s not right. I’m wet alright, but there isn’t any underwear to catch the moisture collecting between my thighs. I’m vaguely aware of the elevator halting before ascending back up as I step up close and attempt to push them apart.
“You guys need to both calm down. We can’t do this here at work.”
They both look at me before each other and then Jonathan smirks and I already know his brother won’t like his next words.
“Oh I know exactly how wet she gets, brother. I had her coming all over my face just last week.”
The elevator goes silent and I close my eyes praying a black hole will come and swallow me up. Did I hook up with Jonathan last week after having far too many drinks when out with a few friends? I sure did. Am I still mad at him for screwing that bimbo? Yes, and no. We have never discussed being exclusive and had it been brought up, I would have said no anyway. I can’t risk my job but most of all, I can’t risk him finding out what kind of life I really come from. He wouldn’t think twice about me if he knew my background. Suddenly the elevator door dings and we all turn towards it as it opens, revealing none other than Sebastian Bolt. He stands there staring at the three of us with his eyes narrowed. I remove my hands from both twins’ chests before backing away guiltily. Jonathan and Jamison both step away from each other and face Sebastian.
“Everything okay here?” Sebastian asks, looking directly at me. I nod at him, unable to form a sentence. I’m scared shitless right now.
“Fine,” I hear Jonathan mutter while I stare at the ground.
“Better than how it looks out there,” Jamison says to Sebastian. I can hear the amusement in his voice and can only imagine he is giving him shit right now about his flustered appearance.
“Fuck off,” Sebastian replies.
I close my eyes hoping to get to my floor as quickly as possible so I can get out of the awkward situation but Jamison is clearly on a mission which is completely unlike his normal stoic demeanor.
“Long night, boss?” he asks Sebastian, that hint of amusement still on the edge of his words.
My phone rings loudly cutting them off and I answer quickly seeing that it’s Riley. Fuck yes, saved at last.
“Riley!” I say far too enthusiastically. “What are your plans today? Hang on, let me get to my desk.” Never mind that we were just texting each other not more than fifteen minutes ago. The guys don’t need to know those minor details. I step off the elevator and walk away quickly while she laughs on the other end of the line. I make my way to my office before setting up lunch plans with her for a few hours later.
It’s about noon when I walk into the cozy little bodega to meet Riley and stop dead in my tracks. Riley and Sasha, Sebastian’s most recent assistant, are both standing there looking to be in a very serious conversation. They must have been loud because other guests are starting to look in their direction. I usher them both over to some seats.
“Sasha,” I say. “So lovely to see you again. I’ve been trying to track you down.”
“Listen,” Sasha starts, “I can’t help you guys with my uncle. I can’t tell you anything. It’s dangerous just talking to you.” She looks at Riley and I swear she does look remorseful. “About Nate…he’d made it seem like you guys were splitting up, Riley. And I just thought it would be fun.”
Oof, I think to myself. Wrong thing to say, Sasha.
Riley glares at her. “Fun. Fucking someone’s husband?”
“I made a mistake. But listen,” Sasha’s voice lowers and she continues, “I’m scared.”
This makes me laugh out loud, causing both Riley and Sasha to look at me. This bitch is certifiable if she thinks we are going to believe anything she says.“You’re scared?! Riley was fucking kidnapped and raped. By Nate!”
Riley sinks into her chair, looking defeated. My heart hurts for her. “Sasha, is Nate hurting you?” she asks.
“You need to leave, Riley. You need to leave the city,” Sasha says, looking around like she’s afraid we are being watched. Riley jumps up suddenly, causing me to jolt backwards.
“Fuck this,” she says and storms towards the restroom.
I turn to Sasha and glare. “You have some fucking nerve.”
“You don’t understand, Kaz. You never will. You have people that care about you.”
“You could have that too, Sasha, if you weren’t such a conniving bitch,” I grit out.
She stands up and places both hands on the table, glaring at me.
“You may have escaped your old life, but it won’t ever work out so well for me.”
My eyes widen and she looks at me determined. “That’s right, my uncle knows about you, Little Devil. You better hope he doesn’t start taking a liking to you or you and I will be in the same boat.” Her eyes soften a little bit before she continues. “You and I might never have been best friends, but I wouldn’t wish this life on anyone. Please, be careful.” Before I can get the chance to respond, she has already made her way out the door. Not five minutes later, Riley runs up to me and grabs me by the arm, pulling me outside.
“Let’s go, Kaz. Now!” she yells.
“Riley? What the hell? I just ordered lunch! I thought Sasha was having a nervous breakdown, then she just up and disappeared. I was about to give her a piece of my mind...”
I’m so flustered by what just happened that the lies just spew from my mouth like a volcano. Luckily, Riley seems just as flustered and doesn’t question me as we make it about a block down the street and she hails a cab. We both get in and she turns to me.
“Kaz, Nate was in the bathroom. He’s after me. We need to call Sebastian.”
I feel like I’m in a movie right now and it takes a good minute to register what has just happened.
“Oh my god, Riley! Are you okay?? Did he touch you?”
“I’m okay," she replies.”But I don't have my phone. Can you call him for me?”
The cab driver glances in the rearview mirror at her but says nothing as I dial Sebastian.
“Where the fuck is Riley?” Sebastian’s voice cuts through the phone.
“I’m okay, Sebastian, thanks for asking. Here’s Riley,” I reply sarcastically before handing the phone over. I completely zone out while they speak, mulling over Sasha’s words. She called me Little Devil. I haven’t heard that name since I left home. Since I stopped fighting. My best friend's face flashes in my head and I close my eyes to keep from having a complete meltdown. They never found him. They never found a body and I’ve just been here living my life pretending my past doesn’t exist. My fingers trail the length of my skirt and pass over a spot on my thigh. The familiar itch for the cold metal against my skin hits me. I’ve become too complacent. I’ve gotten too used to this lifestyle, thinking I was safe. I’m not safe. Lockhart knows who I am, and if he knows, that means other people know.
We make it to the apartment, both of us quiet, as we head up. I think we both must be in shock as we sit on the couch and wait. I’m unsure how much time passes before the door swings open and the guys all rush in. Both Jamison and Jonathan head over to me looking worried. Jamison looks worried? I’m so confused by that while Jonathan offers to check me for injuries. I laugh internally, even though I can’t seem to muster up an emotion on the outside. This man has no idea how well I can actually take care of myself. Had I seen Nate at the restaurant, he certainly wouldn’t have been leaving so easily. The guys must both notice how out of it I am as they lead me out the door and offer to take me home.
They walk me up, even though I tell them no, and I can see by the look on both of their faces, they are questioning if I’m really okay. Am I? I’m not really sure but I can’t look at either of them right now. I can’t look at both of them while they treat me like I’m some delicate flower when I know damn well I’m not. When I know I’ve been hiding this part of me for so damn long, I'm sure it's about to burst free. So I close the door on both of their faces and I pull the little shoebox out that’s been stuffed in the back of my closet for years. My fingers run over the thin bands of the thigh strap before gliding over the edge of the small dagger. I smile as I look her over, noting the etching in the side. ‘ Little Devil’ it reads.
I sure missed you baby.