Azeira
“Lillian, can I ask you something?” I stopped sweeping the floor.
“What child?” she questioned, not bothering to stop what she was doing.
“How long have you known Kairus?” That time she paused.
“Since he was a young boy. I worked for his parents.”
I licked my lips and brought my bottom lip into my mouth. “And as a kid? Was he..?” I let my words trail.
Lillian turned to face me. “You need to worry about cleaning and not digging into matters you have no business worrying about.”
Maybe she was right, but I couldn’t leave it alone. I wanted to know more about Kairus, but I was sure it wouldn’t be from him. He was a twisted, cruel man. But I doubted it was because he was born like that.
“The scars on his face….”
“Let sleeping dogs lie, child! Mr. Navarro brought you here to clean and do what he tells you, not to ask questions that have nothing to do with you. If Mr. Navarro heard your questioning he wouldn’t be happy about it and we both know you don’t want to be on the receiving end of his wrath. Finish your sweeping then leave me to my cooking.” She dismissed me without another word.
I bit the inside of my cheek and looked down at the pile of dirt. I knew asking Lillian about Kairus was a long shot. She wasn’t my biggest fan to begin with, but she had made it clear she was loyal to him.
I quickly finished my sweeping and left the kitchen. I looked behind me and turned to go to the hall that led to the library. Kairus was locked in his office. Since he learned of me sneaking out he’d been working from home a lot more, barely allowing me out his sight. Oddly enough, he hadn’t taken my phone away or he hadn’t realized I had it.
Once in the library, I went across the room to the small nook and took a seat on the large plush chair.
Pulling my web browser up, I entered Kairus’s name. I knew there was a lot of speculation about him and his last name. From what I heard, he didn’t have any family left. I scrolled the articles talking about him being tied to organized crime leaders and about his financial business. What caught my eyes was the one about a murder-suicide.
Clicking it, I scanned the page and my heart fell and my stomach twisted as I read the words. Pressure built behind my eyes as I blinked back tears.
According to the article, Kairus’s mom had stabbed his dad in his sleep twenty-seven times before slicing his throat, then slit her own throat. That part was awful and sick, but that wasn’t the worst part. The part that made my chest tighten and fill with sorrow was that seventeen-year-old Kairus was the one to find them.
Bile built in the back of my throat just picturing the scene. I bit into my trembling bottom lip. It was no wonder Kairus was so cold and mean to everyone. Going through something like that so young would affect anyone. I continued scrolling the page, but it didn’t give any more information than that.
The rumors surrounding Kairus’s dad were just as bad, if not worse, as the ones about him. They said he had no heart, that everyone knew not to cross him. After reading the article and knowing that, it made me wonder even more about exactly how Kairus grew up and what he went through.
I jumped up from my sleep after hearing Kairus yelling. I looked around confused until I remembered I was in the library. The book I was reading rested on my lap. I yawned and rubbed my eyes, not even remembering falling asleep.
“Where is she?!” I heard Kairus shout.
“Shit.” I hurried up. I laid the book face down on the table near the chair I was sitting in to save my page and hurried out the room. I gently closed the door behind me and rushed down the hall only to find him in front of the front door.
“Kairus!” I called out. He spun around. His dark eyes peered into me and his lips pressed together tightly.
Stalking toward me, he grabbed the front of my shirt, yanking me into him. “Where were you? Never mind.” He gave me a once over. “We have somewhere to go. Go shower and get dressed. Put the dress on your bed on and meet me in the foyer in two hours.” He released me.
“Where are we going?” I called out after him as he started for the steps.
“Don’t worry about it, just do as I said. You wanted to leave the house so bad, here’s your chance.”
“What if I don’t want to leave anymore?”
“The fact that you think you have a choice is comical.” He paused and looked over his shoulder. “Oh and you better be as behaved as you are for the muthafuckas that pay you for dates.”
My eyes widened hearing him reveal my secret. I wasn’t sure how he knew I worked for Elite, but a man like Kairus had ways to get answers.
Kairus started up the steps and I tugged on my bottom lip. Even though I wasn’t sure where he was taking me, I was excited to finally be able to leave this house willingly.
I stared at myself in awe as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. The dress Kairus had delivered to me was a one-shoulder cut with metallic fabric that hugged my body securely. The top of my back was open. It stopped mid-thigh and the champagne color shimmered under the light. It was beautiful and the gold heels and accessories complemented it well.
I’d grabbed my flat iron from my house so I straightened my hair for the first time in forever. My honey blond tresses went to the middle of my bra strap and I finished it with a side part.
Turning around, I glanced over my shoulder with a smile on my face. The only time I dressed up was when I was working and that didn’t count because I was putting on an illusion as Belle . Tonight, where we were going, I was . That made my stomach flutter as if a bunch of butterflies hatched from cocoons and invaded my insides. The last thing I expected was for Kairus to invite me somewhere. Maybe I was getting ahead of myself but seeing myself all dolled up made me feel special. The last time I was this dressed up for something other than work was prom.
Once I was satisfied with how I looked, I walked out of the bathroom and bedroom, heading down the hall to Kairus’s room. My heels clicked on the hardwood floor. I had never been inside, since it was one room that was supposed to be off limits. I nibbled on the corner of my freshly glossed lips and knocked. I waited, seeing if he would respond. When I heard nothing I grabbed the doorknob and made the choice myself.
Pushing it open I stepped inside and paused for a second, taking the room in. It was decorated in black and gray, I wasn’t surprised. Kairus didn’t have the most colorful personality so it didn’t shock me that his room matched. It was as minimalistic as everything else in the house. A king-sized bed, dresser, and bench at the end of bed.
“Who told you to enter my room?” My head whipped to the side, seeing him standing at the threshold of the bathroom.
I swallowed hard, taking him in. This was the first time I had seen him shirtless. The top half of his body was sculpted as if it was carved by hand—broad chest, bulging muscular arms, bulky build, yet I could count each individual ab easily. What really caught me off guard was the burned skin that ran down his left side. It matched the marks on his face. It started from his neck and shoulder, running down to his hand.
Flicking my eyes up to meet his hard stare, my nerves trembled.
The way he stood there devouring me with his eyes made my insides explode like fireworks. I never had someone watch me as intensely and hungrily as Kairus. My blood rushed through my veins, heating my body, and making my heart pulsate in an uncomfortable beat. For a second I stood there unable to move or speak, attempting to get my bearings.
“I just…” My words trailed off. Honestly, I didn’t know why I came into his room besides being curious about what it looked like. I walked to the bathroom door and he watched me like a predator stalking his prey. I thought he might have told me to get out, but instead he clenched his jaw then turned and walked back into the bathroom. I stood there watching him as he wet his lower jaw and grabbed the shaving cream.
I stepped forward without even realizing and he watched me cautiously in the mirror. “Let me,” I stated, reaching around for the razor.
“My face is fucked up enough, I don’t need you to add to it.” His words caused my chest to ache and tighten.
Making sure I locked eyes with him in the mirror, I shook my head. “I think your face is perfect,” I expressed in a whisper. It wasn’t a lie. Yes, he had scars and imperfections, but that didn’t take away from how handsome he was.
His eyes were vacant and so cold I was surprised I didn’t get frostbite. He turned and scowled down at me.
Swallowing that lump in my throat, I gave him a small smile and reached behind him, getting the blade wet before taking it to his face. He kept a watchful eye on me, his eyes never lightening.
“How do you know how to do this?” he questioned after a while.
I grinned and dipped the blade into the water again. “An ex-boyfriend taught me.” His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. It made my blood rush with adrenaline and my heart threatened to leap out of my chest. Before meeting Kairus I never had a man so possessive over me. To most it would be a red flag. I should be cowering and running for cover, but instead it made my logic fade and caused a fullness in my chest and a hot and burning fire to grow in my stomach.
Kairus was so cold and closed off to everyone, yet as soon as another man showed me any type of attention he became like a caveman having to protect the last of his hunt. While I knew I should be scared of Kairus, I couldn’t deny there was something about him that made me feel alluring. I was used to gentlemen and he was anything but that.
I finished up, being mindful of where the healed scars from burns were. I was curious about what had happened to him, especially seeing the markings scattered down his top half, but I was sure if I asked Kairus would shut it down.
“All done,” I said and lowered the blade on the sink, stepping back from him. He still watched me with sharp eyes. A few seconds later he turned and examined himself in the mirror.
“Not bad, huh?” I bragged, gaining me a grunt.
Kairus didn’t show his emotions, not unless he was going caveman over me. Besides that, he was always calm with a dangerous aura surrounding him. I slid my eyes down his muscled back, noting the healed scars on it as well, but not from burns. I squinted and leaned closer, studying them intensely. It looked like he had been whipped or something.
Without thinking, I reached and traced one, causing his body to tense. I jumped back when he spun around and glared at me.
“Sorry!” I blurted out with wide eyes.
The rage that filled his eyes that quickly caused my heart to pound wildly.
“I’ma go wait downstairs,” I said slowly. His stance never changed. Obviously the markings on his back were just as triggering as the ones on his front.
Quickly I left the bathroom. I needed to stay on Kairus’s good side so I could try to convince him to let me go to my parents’ house to see my mom once she had surgery.
Kairus surprised me when we stepped into the ballroom of a local hotel. Everyone was dressed elegantly in suits and gowns or tasteful cocktail dresses.
I looked around the ballroom and it looked like we were at some kind of gala. The room was filled with important looking people, talking amongst themselves with drinks in their hands. Some standing, some sitting at the round tables. I noticed the mayor in the mix. She was speaking with some older Black man and the two seemed to be in a heated discussion.
“I wouldn’t expect you to come to something like this,” I commented, looking up at Kairus. He was silent, his eyes scanning the room.
“Well can we at least go to the bar? I want a lemon drop.” This time he glanced down at me, giving a subtle nod.
My eyes shot down when he grabbed my hand and held it securely in his. Shock shot up my arms up to my head, causing my scalp to prickle. He continued to face forward, but started walking, prompting me to follow him.
I could feel eyes on us as we walked through the crowd and the whispers. I wasn’t sure if it was because Kairus was in the audience or because he had someone with him. Either way it made my stomach clench.
We got to the bar and Kairus turned to me. “Stay here and don’t move.” My mouth dropped as he commanded me as if I was a dog. He didn’t give me a chance to respond before he turned and walked off.
“What can I get you, huh?” I watched Kairus a second longer. He was stopped by two men I wasn’t familiar with. He seemed annoyed as soon as they approached him.
Spinning around, I faced the woman. She was smiling as she waited patiently for me. “Can I get a lemon drop?” I shifted the thin purse strap on my arm.
“Gotcha, hun.” She moved to make my drink. I tapped my knuckles on the bar and glanced over my shoulder, noticing Kairus was no longer in sight. My eyes narrowed as I broadened my search.
“!” Hearing my name called made me spin around.
“Jatavia?” My eyes widened as she rushed me.
“What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were a prisoner?” She whispered the last part, making me snicker.
“Here you go. Can I get you something, miss?” the bartender asked. I turned to grab my drink.
“Let me get the same as her, please,” Jatavia said. “Now what are you doing here? Did you sneak out again?” Jatavia wagged her brows.
I brought my glass to my mouth and took a small sip. “No. I’m actually here with Kairus.” I went into my purse to grab a few spare bills so I could tip the bartender.
A shocked expression passed over her face. “Really?” I nodded. “What about you?”
“Oh I’m here on a job. Here to look pretty and be quiet,” she said sarcastically with a smug grin, making me laugh.
“Thanks.” Jatavia reached for the drink.
“Let me know if you need anything else.” The bartender moved down the bar to someone else.
“Who are you here with? Someone new or someone you’ve worked with before?”
“Nope, someone new. He’s some city official or something.” She shrugged.
I nodded, scanning the room one last time. “Enough about me though, what about you? Are you okay? I was worried about you.”
“I told you I was fine.” Since Kairus hadn’t noticed my phone was missing I’d been using it to keep in contact with Jatavia. She texted me every day making sure I was “still alive and well” as she stated. I kept assuring her I was fine, but she always wanted a picture confirming it was me texting her.
Sighing, my friend ran her hand through her curly hair. “I just worry about you. I’ve heard about this man and how he could be. I don’t like that you’re stuck alone with him.”
“It’s not that bad.” I chewed the inside of my cheek and averted my eyes.
“Are you kidding me?! He kidnapped you and is blackmailing you to be his slave!” My eyes bucked and bounced around the room.
“Can you please not blurt that out?” I hissed, my eyes locked on Kairus who was making his way back to where I was at the bar.
Her eyes cut into slits and she followed my stare.
“Is that him?”
I nodded without removing my eyes from him. “Mhm. I guess if you can look past the scars he is cute. He looks scary though.”
This time it was me cutting my eyes to her.
“Who is this?” Kairus asked as he approached us. His body pressed against mine, making me inhale a sharp breath.
“Who are you?” Jatavia shot back, glaring at him.
I shot her a look. “Kairus, my best friend, Jatavia. Jatavia, Kairus.”
“Who are you here with?” Kairus asked.
Before she could answer, a man approached us and wrapped his arm around Jatavia protectively.
“Kairus,” the man said, not bothering to hide his disdain.
Tilting my head up, I checked Kairus out. He had a smug grin on his face but his eyes were daring and unwelcoming.
Instead of addressing the man, Kairus looked down at me. “Come, I need you.”
I need you. Those three words made my stomach flip.
Nodding, I finished my drink and looked toward my friend. She was watching Kairus cautiously.
“I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded and smiled softly. “I’m sure.”
Kairus grabbed my arm and pulled me away. “Your friend should be mindful of the company she keeps,” I heard the man tell Jatavia.
I knew Kairus had to have heard it too, but he kept walking, not even acknowledging it.
“Who was that man?” I questioned.
“No one of importance,” he stated.
The night continued and I learned I was here to be more of a prop than anything. Kairus had might as well as hired me through Elite. He spoke with a few people throughout the night. When it came time to introduce me, he kept it brief. I ended up sitting with Jatavia for some of the night when he disappeared and again demanded me to “stay put.” I didn’t mind though. The guests here were stuffy and most of them stuck up. I learned most of them held important roles around the city.
Halfway through the night, I was at the bar again. Jatavia was somewhere with the guy she was here with, who I learned was named Winston and he worked at City Hall.
“Excuse me if I’m being forward, but you are beautiful,” a deep voice stated next to me. Setting the tip on the bar and grabbing my lemon drop, I turned to face the man. He was handsome, tall, not taller than Kairus, but still towering over me.
“Thank you.” I gave him a polite smile. My eyes skated around the room. I had learned Kairus by now and he wasn’t fond of other men showing me attention. The last thing I wanted was a scene.
“James.” He held his hand out. Hesitantly, I reached for it.
“.”
“Such a pretty name for a pretty lady.” He lifted my hand and brought the back of it to his lips.
The hairs on the back of my neck rose along with heat up my spine. I could feel he was behind me before he even spoke.
“Unless you want me to cut those lips off and feed them to you, I advise you to release her hand.” My eyes bucked and I snatched my hands away.
Terror passed over the man’s face as he laid eyes on Kairus. He stumbled back. “Oh, Mr. Navarro, I wasn’t aware she was with you. My apologies.” He didn’t offer me a second glance as he turned and rushed away.
“You know it’s not normal to threaten people like that, right?” I said as I spun in his direction.
Kairus looked at me with disinterest. He stepped into me and wrapped his arm around my waist when I stumbled, steadying me.
“The only man’s lips who will touch this body from now on are mine. Anyone else who dares will be taught a lesson.”
His words should have sent me running, damn the consequences, but instead the fear rushed through me like my nerves were shot with Adderall. Heat flushed through me, pooling inside my stomach.
“Do you understand me?” It felt like the two of us were the only ones in the room at the moment. My breathing skated. My heart felt trapped inside my throat as I attempted to swallow around it.
Absently, I nodded.
“Good, now come. I’m ready to finish up here so we can leave.” He reached for my drink, removing it from my hand. Like my body was possessed, I opened my mouth when he brought the glass to it and tilted it.
I was convinced something was wrong with me. Again, this kind of behavior wasn’t normal. It shouldn’t cause an aching desire deep inside my core or my soul to tremble with passion.
Once the drink was finished, Kairus tucked me into his side, as if he was daring someone to look my way too long, hiding me from anyone else who dared approach me. Again I could feel eyes on us, but this time I couldn’t find it within myself to care.