Chapter 51 Chapter 51
Kai
“You’ve been busy and haven’t made dinner for me in a while,” I said. I heard the sigh she let out.
“I’ll make lunch for you tomorrow; now let me sleep, please,” she said quietly.
The past week my life did a complete 360; I wanted to be with her, even in the dark I needed to be next to her, and I didn't understand it. I made sure I saw her once a day and needed to sleep beside her. I was never worried about her waking up. She sleeps through the night. I lay holding her close. I knew when she fell asleep; I heard the sigh she let out. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
My eyes opened like clockwork; I checked my phone, and it was six in the morning. She hadn’t moved all night; she was still curled up against me. I pulled my hands away gently, and she rolled over. I kissed her forehead and made my way out quietly.
The sky was gray; I walked down the steps just as Jax pulled up. I got into the car and leaned my head back into the seat. I always felt relaxed when I slept next to her.
“Boss, We have an update, the wife. Shania Rusland filed a missing persons report for Alex Rusland and is asking police to investigate her husband’s disappearance, also saying that her husband won’t just leave, and she named Tessa and her father.”
My eyes snapped open. “Have Rob find what the police are doing and also watch her father; she hasn’t visited him in years, so he won’t know anything. Also make sure they contact her; I know.”
“Yes, boss.”
When I got to my place, I headed in and got dressed for the day. Jax was on her; Rob was dealing with recon. I had another security detail with me. When I walked into the building, everyone avoided eye contact. My morning was going fine until round eleven, when my phone vibrated. I smiled when I saw the name, and I answered.
“Yes, beauty?”
“Come get your lunch or send Jax or Rob,” she said.
“Jax will be there soon; Rob is away.”
“Sure,” she said.
“Thank you, Beauty.”
“Yea sure,” she said, ending the call.
Tessa
I was boxing the food, and I decided to make a box for Jax also. I was just closing the bag when I heard the knock. When I opened the door, Jax was standing there in casual clothes, not the black suit I had become accustomed to seeing him in.
“Come in,” I said, walking back to the kitchen.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m okay,” I said, grabbing the bags. I handed them to him. “The white one is for your boss; this one is for you,” I said, holding it out to him.
“You didn't have to,” he said. I just waved him off. “It’s fine. I need to hurry up; I have to go to the funeral.”
“Okay, I won’t keep you. Thank you,” he said before walking out.
I hurriedly cleaned up and got dressed and headed to the church.
The funeral was somber; I offered my condolences to Anthony. His sister couldn't make it. It was past time, and I couldn't make it to the reception, and I told Anthony I would visit him soon.
For the last two months my life and my routine hadn't changed. It was the same. I went to work. On weekends I went out with the girls from the restaurant, and the guys too; they've become really good friends. Zaiel was still an asshole; every time he showed up, he would call me that stupid nickname. Everyone just accepted it and moved on; some customers were surprised, but beyond that he didn't cause a disruption.
Kai, on the other hand, was a damn nuisance; he showed up like clockwork almost every night. I would be in bed almost asleep when the bed would dip and he’d just hold me and sleep. Three times a week I had to make lunch for him; I made it for Jax and Rob also. It didn't bother me, but it bothered the hell out of him, and I threatened him that if he said shit to Jax or Rob, then he could get someone else to cook food for him, and that shut him up.
I was relaxing in the living room; it was Saturday night, and I was home. Julian called to tell me there was a private event tonight and we weren't needed. I had the night free. I was binge-watching a new show around seven when my phone rang. I saw it was Julian.
“Hello? Julian, is something wrong?” I asked.
“Tessa, no. I just realized I didn't give you your paycheck for this week. Can you swing by and pick it up?” he asked.
“Yea sure, I can be there in twenty,” I said, jumping off the couch.
“Okay, great, just come to the office,” he said before ending the call. I hurriedly dressed and headed out and drove over to Manhattan.
When I got there, I parked and made my way over. I walked straight in; I passed the dining room. All the tables were gone, and just one long table was there, and men in suits were there. I made my way straight to the office and met Julian. I grabbed the check and headed back out; as I was passing, Daniel stopped me and made a face.
“The big wigs of Manhattan,” he said, nodding towards the dining room. I looked into the room; a man was standing.
“Tonight is a very special night; tonight is dedicated to the businessman of the year, the man who has taken Rhyland Global and all of us to newer heights.
“A toast to Zaiel Kai Rhyland,” the man said, and I felt the world drop out from under me; all the blood drained from my face.
“What did he just say?” I asked in a whisper.
“Businessman of the year, Zaiel Kai Rhyland,” Daniel whispered.
My ears were ringing, and my vision became blurry, but I was focused on the man that was standing up. I don't know how, but his head snapped to the right, and I saw when he realized I was standing there. I guess he saw the look on my face, and he made an attempt to move.
“Well, to each his own. See you tomorrow, Daniel,” I said, waving the envelope at him, making sure my voice didn't crack. The minute I walked out, I walked to the corner and stood in the dark alleyway and sank to the ground.
Zaiel Kai Rhyland...the name was stuck in my head on repeat. He lied, he used me, he raped me, he pretended to be a friend, he... The money… the kiss… It was all lies, all lies…. I heard running, and I shrank back into the shadows. “Boss, the car is there.” That was Jax.
“Fuck. She’s on foot. Find her and bring her back; I’ll end this party and Jax,” he said.
"Boss?"
"Make sure she isnt hurt" he said.