Chapter 10 - The parents

Hannah?!

Before I can utter another word, Hannah throws her arms around my neck and screams my name over and over again

Kiara! You're alive?! Oh God, you are! You're here!

She sobs into my shoulders as I return a hug

Hi, Hannah

I've missed you so much! When you stopped responding, I was so scared... What happened? And why does everyone think you're dead?

An awkward silence ensues until my father speaks up

How about we take this conversation into the living room?

Your father's right. I can have the maids prepare some coffee...and maybe an early lunch? I'm sure you're both hungry!

Warren mouths the word "maids" to me with a questioning look, but I merely shrug with a sheepish smile

Some food would be nice, actually, We've been trying to keep a low profile, so we didn't end up stopping anywhere to eat on the way here

Are you two on the run? Is Eli coming here?

My mouth presses into a firm line as I contemplate how to answer her. I glance at Warren, and he shakes his head "no"

Hannah, we should give her some space. She only arrived here just a few minutes before you did

My father gestures towards the living room

Shall we?

When we sit down, I immediately turn to Hannah

So.. what are you doing at my parents' house?

When I heard the news that you'd been declared dead....I didn't want to be alone. I know you haven't spoken to your parents in forever, but I had a feeling they needed some support

we're so glad you came, Hannah. You've been such a big help

She has?

My parents both nod and give her grateful smiles

She brought over two casseroles and your father's favourite pie

She so caught us up to date on a few things

My father's tone is surprisingly sharp, and it causes my mother to place a firm hand on his arm

Not now, Richard

Umm.. What exactly did Hannah tell you?

I didn't tell them anything too personal. Only things about Eli that you and I both hated

Like his mistresses that you've apparently known about, or the way he treated you like a trophy wife instead of a partner! That's not how we raised you, Kiara

Richard, please! You'll drive her away again!

My father opens his mouth to continue, but my mother's words must have registered because he closes it quickly with an audible snap

I sigh

I'm sorry, Dad. I never should've left. it's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. Losing my relationship with you two hurt me so much. if it weren't for Hannah staying by my side, I would've been complaining isolated

we're so sorry for even making you choose in the first place. We're just so certain that you'd stay

You can't imagine how shocked we were when it completely backfired on us

I noticed my mom glancing at Warren, and right on cue, she smiled at me and changed the subject

But you're here now, that's all that matters. How about you tell us what happened?

20 minutes later....

After I tell my story, my parents are outraged....and worried. it takes Warren and me a while to convince them I've been perfectly safe with him. When Hannah speaks up, I realize she's been silent for the last half an hour

Do you think Eli has anything to do with what's been happening to you?

What do you mean?

Warren's head whips in Hannah's direction as he narrows his eyes

Come on, you haven't thought about it? The second I heard about the threats, I immediately thought he might have something to do with them

Why would Eli do that, though? It doesn't make sense

He's a lying, cheating piece of shit. Who knows why he does any of it?

As much as I dislike the man, I doubt he'd orchestrate all of this just to get rid of Kiara. All he has to do is divorce her

Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better about the situation

What about a mole

That's probably the most likely option

oh! What about tracking your phone?

At the mention of my cell phone, I let out an awkward cough. Hannah's eyes widen

Oh, God! I didn't put you in danger, did I?

Technically , she did, but it wasn't her fault

it wasn't your fault. I should've been more careful

I'm so sorry, Kiara! if I'd known, I never would've texted you in the first place! I was just so worried about you...

What's done is done. Warren got rid of it, anyway

How?

He may have....snapped it in two and then melted the pieces

Hannah gasps and turns to look at Warren

That's so hot

Hannah!

Can he do it to my phone, too?

What is wrong with you?

What? Do you know how strong he must be to have literally broken your phone in half?!

My mother, obviously trying to change the subject, politely clears her throat

Hannah, sweetie, what about that run-in you had with Eli just a few days ago?

Did you notice anyone following him around?

Did you speak to him?

Barely. he couldn't even give me the time of day. He was on a date with that chick from that annoying gossip TV show. Tess Meyers, I think? I might have ruined it for him

He spoke to you?

The minute he saw me,he bolted from the restaurant and skimped out on the bill. I'm not sure there's going to be a second date

My father ponders this for a second

This Tess is suspicious. She's everywhere. I think I might be able to do some digging into this situation. I can call up some of my friends in the police department and see if they have any valuable information about these threats. From what I'm seeing, it doesn't seem like Eli's done much to find out who's behind them

I agree

Hearing Warren's voice reminds me that he's still in the room. he's been so quiet throughout this entire conversation that I'd nearly forgotten he was here

I think that would be very helpful

Good, then consider it done. I'll give them a call right now

That reminds me, I need to cancel your memorial service

My what?!

Hello? You died, remember? What, did you expect me to do nothing to commemorate my best friend?

I guess the thought never occurred to me. What are you going to say when they ask why you're cancelling?

I'll just tell them your parents are still grieving and can't handle a service right now

While Hannah stands up, I follow suit and head over to Warren

Hey, mom? Do you mind if Warren and I drop off our things in one of your spare rooms?

My mother's eyes widen as she glances between the two of us

Are you sleeping together?

Yes

No

Warren and I answered at the same time, which seemed to confuse my mother more

So...are you sleeping in separate rooms then?

No

No

He sleeps on the floor while I sleep on the bed

oh?

Well, sometimes at least

Just sometimes?

it was unbearably cold last night, so we slept on the same bed together. oh, and there was that first night, too, because I didn't want to sleep alone in an unfamiliar place

My mom raises an eyebrow

um, so yeah. Which room?

Top floor, second door on the left

Thanks

Avoiding her giddy smile, I head back through the mudroom to grab my bag

This is going to be a long stay

You know , you really didn't have to follow us up here, Mom

Nonsense! What kind of a host would I be if I didn't give you a set of clean sheets for the bed?

You could've just told me where to get them. Although, it would've been nice to have a romantic with two beds

The king's bed in the middle of the room is making my mother's intentions glaringly obvious, though I'm hoping that Warren hasn't caught on

When did she become so embarrassing

I told you Kiara, all of the other rooms are under renovation

How convenient

Well, I'll leave you two to it then. If you need me, my cellphone number is written on the refrigerator

Where are you going?

I have to get groceries since Hannah accidentally dropped them all downstairs, and your father went down to the station. I'll be gone for an hour, but if you want more time than that, you can text me!

More time for what?

oh, you know

To my utter horror, my mother winks at me

You kids have fun

with that, my mother saunters out of the room and back down the stairs. Warren and I stand frozen in place, watching her departure

huh

Agreed

your family is....

I know

but they seem... nice.

That was incredibly uncomfortable. I don't remember her being so...forward

She was heavily implying something

I look around the room, trying to change the subject

so..do you want a tour of the house?

I wouldn't mind a tour

Follow me, then. so, this is my family's outdoor pool

it's huge

it honestly seemed even bigger when I was younger. I used to spend so much time in it. My parents actually tried putting a padlock on the door to keep me out whenever they weren't home. After the third time me breaking in, though, they finally gave up and hired a lifeguard

I laugh at the memory, and Warren chuckles beside me

I guess that makes sense

what does?

I thought you were only stubborn with me, but it looks like you've been stubborn all your life

I playfully nudge him

come on, I have more to show you. This is where we'd go to watch movies on family movie night

Warren looks around the room in awe, his eyes scanning every detail. When he spots the popcorn machine, his expression lights up

Do you have to make your popcorn, too? God, I would've killed for this when I was younger. I probably would've spent days in this room

I definitely did

how often did you have family night?

Once a month. They worked a lot, but they tried their best to find time to spend as a family. At the time, it annoyed me a bit that they were rarely home at night. it's nice to have all these material things, but after a while, it kind of gets lonely

You were lonely as a child?

I shrug as I meet his searching gaze

are you lonely now?

if you'd asked me that a few weeks ago, I would've told you yes. I've kept a lot of things to myself over the years, despite Hannah being around. it took a toll on me

His fingers tilt my chin up

.Are things different now?

I gave him a warm, teasing smile, and he returned it

Everything is different now

I take a step back to put some distance between us

There's one more room I'd like to show you. I think you're going to like it

Lead the way

My parents spa

Warren steps inside the room and looks around in wonder, his eyes glazing over the loungers and the pool

I've never been in one of these before

They're really relaxing

it looks that way

yeah, maybe we could try it at some point

That would be cool

I head back toward the hallway

come on. Let's go back to our room. I should change

I take a shower first, then let Warren occupy the bathroom while I study my wardrobe

My mother must have taken these to dry cleaning recently. I have to admit. I missed my Chanel dresses. But now is not the time to change up my style again

Just then, Warren walks out of the bathroom, and my eyes are drawn to waterdrops glistening on his toned body

I'm done

I can tell

he smirks and puts on a clean set of clothes, then he speaks up

I'm worried about Hannah

what about Hannah?

I just can't tell if trusting her is the right thing to do

wait, you don't trust her?

I don't know who to trust anymore

He stops and turns to face me

can you honestly say that you trust her one hundred per cent?

of course, I trust her! she's always been there for me and never once given me a reason to doubt her. can't you take my word for it?

Don't get mad at me when I'm only looking out for you. I feel like I'm three steps behind the person threatening you, and I don't like it. Telling your family already feels too risky. what if we've made a mistake by including your friend?

I appreciate your concern, bodyguard, but Kiara and I have known each other for years

Warren and I spin around to find Hannah standing in the doorway

I love her with everything in me. She's the only family I have. There wouldn't be anything to gain from her death except for grief and pain

What about her husband?

Hannah makes a disgusted face

What about him?

You could have been jealous of Kiara

Jealous that she is married to a cheating prick?

She told me about how you've pushed her to divorce him. Maybe you want her out of the picture so you can swoop in and take him for yourself

if that's the kind of friend you think I am, then you need a reality check

Warren stares at her, and she scowls back at him. An awkward silence settles around the room as I wait for one of them to finally speak. To my surprise, Warren is the one to break first

I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have accused you, but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't

I appreciate you putting her safety above everything else, but you have nothing to fear from me. I would never put her life in jeopardy

I believe you

you do?

Warren turns to face me but doesn't meet my gaze

I'm going to check the perimeter of the house. I'll be back soon if you need me

As Warren briskly walks out the door, Hannah comes to stand by my side

He really cares about you. I'm glad you two found each other

Wait, what? I thought you hated him!

call me crazy, but I can see how happy being around him makes you. There's a sparkle in your eyes that hasn't been there for a very long time. I've missed seeing you smile

she's right. He makes me happy

Before I can say anything, she warps her arms around me and pulls me into a short hug

I booked a flight home for tomorrow morning. I want to stay longer, but if I miss any more work, my boss is going to fire my ass

I hope you don't have to go, but we both know how badly you need this job

She puts a hand on her heart as if she's offended

Are you calling me poor?

No! But what would I do without all your ridiculous patient stories?

True. Which reminds me, remember Mrs. Larson

The hypochondriac?

we spent the afternoon laughing and catching up. A few hours later, my father finally came home. Hannah, Warren, my mother and I were all sitting in the living room when he burst in

you'll never believe what I found out!

What is it?

My buddies down at the station know one of the men who works in Eli's office, and they got in contact with him. The threatening letter continued to come to his office for two days after Kiara's disappearance...which I assume is when you went into hiding with Warren?

Yes... so what you're saying is that Eli didn't do it?

it certainly looks that way- however, he's a clever bastard. it's possible he's gone this far to plan things out

But that would mean he sent the letters to himself and continued to mail them just to cover his tracks...doesn't that make him an unlikely culprit?

Not necessarily

I still don't trust him. Something about this still doesn't feel right - like, why did he keep Kiara in the dark all this time?

she has a point. Although it's not really out of the ordinary for Eli to keep me out of the loop

Warren scans over the papers my father has put on the table

These are the threats?

Yes, we got them faxed over from the guy at Eli's office. Eli's secretary has been keeping them on her desk since this all started

The secretary he's banging?

Excuse me?

Layla, or whatever her name is, has been sleeping with my husband. I've walked in on them countless times

And you let him keep her as a secretary?

Richard...calm down

what's this here?

Warren hands a sheet of paper back to my father

oh, this was actually pretty interesting. it turns out none of the other senators have been getting threats like this. Whoever behind them must have it in for Eli

or me

Eli told me that it's normal for senators to receive threat letters, though

why would he lie about that?

he was trying to convince me to agree to a bodyguard

I glance at Warren

I wasn't keen on the idea at first

This information makes things more dangerous for you. Your father is right...They're specifically targeting Eli, and we have no way of knowing when they'll stop

Well, Eli does have a lot of enemies

Warren turned to my father, his expression serious

I promise you, sir, no matter what comes along... I'm going to protect Kiara. I swear on my life

My father rubs his chin

And why is that exactly?

Warren blinks several times

I don't understand the question

is it because it's your job to protect her? or because you're in love with my daughter?