Chapter 143

***MATEO***

I checked my bag to ensure I wasn't missing anything. I had a shoot with a client at my studio, and I was running late. But what would be more terrible was me showing up with incomplete work tools.

I was about to replace my camera in its case when I heard a knock at my door. It was still very early in the morning and I didn't remember asking anyone over.

Josh had told me he couldn't make it to the studio today perhaps he had reconsidered.

Or could it be Kara’s guest? She always got free deliveries so it could be one of her people. I zipped up the camera case, adjusted my shirt and went to answer the door.

My mind raced as I stood at the door, my hand still resting on the doorknob, my heart pounding in my chest like a drumbeat. I couldn't shake off the feeling of awe that washed over me as I took in the sight of the stranger standing before me. He was tall and strikingly handsome with eyes that seemed to hold galaxies within them. I wasn't gay but he was a beautiful man.

“Excuse me?” I said, still staring at him.

“Is this the residence of Mateo, the photographer?” he asked, carefully choosing his words.

I became conscious all at once. Why did he ask if it was my residence? It could be dangerous. Was I in some sort of trouble? Could he be an undercover cop? But even though, I was not a menace, so why should I

be scared? But what if it was an abduction?

“Sorry, who are you please?” I asked.

“My name’s Jaxon and I would love to have a word with the photographer and his model,” He said.

I could swear my heart somersaulted. Why was his name so familiar? I was sure I had heard this name somewhere but I couldn't remember vividly who always mentioned this name.

“Um, yes, I'm Mateo,” I finally managed to stammer out, my voice betraying my surprise. I couldn't help but feel a pang of nervousness coursing through me as I met the gaze of the man called Jaxon. There was something about him that exuded power and authority.

Jaxon’s lip curved into a faint smile as he extended his hand in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Mateo. I've heard a lot about you from Kara,” he said, his voice smooth and velvety like melted chocolate. “Your work is highly spoken of.”

My eyebrows shot up. I was surprised at the mention of Kara’s name and that was when it hit me. He was Jaxon! Kara’s friend. Time seemed to stand still as I took in everything. Kara had never lied when she spoke of him. It wasn't her alters.

Jaxon was a real person.

I swallowed. “Oh really?” I replied, trying to mask the hint of confusion in my tone. “I… I didn't realize she had mentioned me. My bad, give me a few minutes.”

I shut the door hastily and rushed into the parlor to take down Kara’s pictures and went to hide them in my bedroom. If Jaxon was real and was here, could he be here for Kara?

I rushed back to the door to let him.

“Thank you,” he whispered and sat comfortably on the sofa.

“So what brings you here?” I probed.

“Kara,” he said simply, his eyes flickering with emotions I couldn't quite decipher. “I've been trying to track Kara down for some time now. She seems to have disappeared without a trace.”

I felt a knot forming in my stomach at Jaxon’s words. I knew Kara had been acting strangely lately but I didn't understand her visitor. What did he mean about Kara disappearing?

“All roads lead to you. I heard you're her brother. Please, I need your help. If there's something you know about Kara then tell me. I miss her.”

“How are you related to Kara?” I asked.

“She’s my lover and the mother of my child,” Jaxon said and handed me a photograph.

I could swear my soul almost left my body as I started at the family picture. It was Kara except she looked a bit different from who she was now.

“Kara has a child?” I inquired.

“Yes, a son. His name is Riley and I'm the father. Kara is my family. Didn't she mention anything about it to you?” he asked.

I shook my head as the realization hit me. That time at the park when Kara talked about a child, it was also true. This was her person and yet I had thought her alters were making her believe she was someone else.

“But if Kara did have a family,” I started, staring into the stranger’s eyes, “she would've mentioned. She didn't say anything about you or the child. Perhaps it's someone else. My sister is still young and has no child nor does she have a boyfriend.”

Jaxon rubbed his head, worried lurking in his eyes, “Do you have any idea how I can reach out to her personally?”

“I'm sorry, I don't,” I lied. “I haven't seen her in a while also. She goes and comes as she pleases. I don't know where she goes when she's not here.”

Jaxon’s expression darkened at my words, a glimmer of frustration crossing his features. “I see,” he murmured, his gaze drifting to the ground for a moment before returning to meet my eyes. “Well, if you do happen to hear from her or see her again, could you please let her know that I'm looking for her? It's… it's important.”

I nodded solemnly, unease settling upon me as I prayed Kara didn't overhear us. She was in the room sleeping peacefully and I hoped she wouldn't wake up now. “I'll be sure to pass along your message if I hear anything,” I replied, forcing a smile onto my lips.

Jaxon offered a grateful smile before getting on his feet, “I should go now. Thank you for your time, Mr Mateo.”

“It's nothing,” I said and walked him to the door.

Jaxon turned to leave, his footsteps echoing softly against the pavement as he disappeared into the morning mist. I watched him go, my mind swirling with questions and uncertainties.

As I closed the door behind me, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my world was about to be turned upside down. Everything Kara had said was true. She was a mother and probably a wife and I had just met her lover. If Jaxon was around now, he would want to take Kara back and that would be the end of me. I wouldn't be wealthy anymore. No way would I let that happen. I couldn't let Kara know about his visit and there was a possibility he was going to lurk around because he didn't seem to trust me. I was suddenly alarmed.

I need to get Kara out of here.