A/N: Thanks for the reviews last time guys hope you enjoy this chapter as well

:Since you been Gone:

chapter 2

"Awesome as always Hilary! Leave it to you to throw the best barbeques."

Letting a smile crease her features, she glanced affectionately over at Max and his now empty plate. "Thanks Maxy."

"I always knew there was a reason I missed being in Japan." Ray laughed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, "It's great to back, just like old times, eh Hils?" He glanced over at Kai and Tyson who was begrudgingly battling Kai, despite his constant whining about wanting to eat before Daichi ate all the food.

"After I beat you Kai, we are stopping so I can eat!" Tyson yelled angrily, watching as their two familiar blades circled the dish.

"Always thinking about your damn stomach as usual, Tyson." Kai let out a sly smirk as he silently ordered Dranzer out of Dragoon's attacking range.

Hilary glanced at the shorter redhead sitting beside Kenny who was scarfing down as much food as he could shove into his large mouth. "Daichi will you please pace yourself! You're gunna choke if you keep going at it like that!"

Daichi just grunted as he reached for another barbequed chicken leg.

"Same as always." Ray laughed.

She couldn't help but smile, despite her resentment on having to serve her boys, like Tyson practically ordered her to. But that was just it; they were her boys. And she had always held a certain point of authority over them, like it was her job to take care of them. Though no one ever asked her to, she had silently come up with that idea nearly six years ago when the Blade Breakers almost split before the second world tournament.

Sighing heavily as she glanced to Kai, pain seared through her chest as she watched him battle relentlessly with Tyson like the good-old-days. She had avoided talking to him unless it was necessary all morning. And it took every fibre of her being to prevent herself from blushing constantly in his presence.

Kai had always been the one who kept everyone else in line, the one who let Hilary into the Blade Breakers life. Without his say-so, she could have been told to get loss permanently plenty a time. But he allowed her to stay, much like Kenny, and take up an undeviating place on the team.

She owed him… owed him much more than probably anyone besides herself realised. Kai gave her friends, family, a home… he gave her life back several times, saving her from near death experiences. Dear god, did she owe him big.

Yet she couldn't help but feel anger towards him. Four years. It was his fault! If he would have stayed, she wouldn't have agreed to date Tyson. She could willingly kiss him like he did last night.

But it was his fault!

He left her; left her a mess to clean up after he left. He left her a broken team and family. When he left, the Blade Breakers fell apart.

Max had returned to America upon seeing his team slowly fall apart. He argued with Tyson more than usual. His happy-go-lucky nature slowly faded, and he could do nothing but return home to Judy, Emily, Michael and the rest of his former team.

And then there was Ray; the usually stable one of the team. The one who always seemed to have the answer to make things right, he seemed at a loss when Kai left. The two of them had been very close, in the way Max and Tyson had been best friends; she assumed it applied the same for Kai and Ray. So naturally when Kai left, Ray was pissed and decided to return to his homeland in China.

That left her, Tyson, Kenny, and Daichi to deal as a team once again. Hiro didn't seem to mind that Kai, Ray and Max decided to leave again. But Kenny and Daichi seemed at a loss as well when dealing with Tyson's anger again. It was bad enough when the team split apart for the first time during the Third World Championships. But when Kai disappeared for good, Hilary had never seen Tyson so frustrated, it even affected his blading.

Hilary had a large mess to clean up. She couldn't be any help to Ray and Max who had run away from the situation. Maybe that's why she agreed to Tyson's dating proposal. She felt like it was her duty to her team and to her family to save Tyson. Because after they started dating, his beyblading skills improved again.

And it was all Kai's fault… for leaving… leaving them… leaving her.

But seeing her 6 boys together again… she had never felt more at home… never felt happier… never felt more relieved in her life. This was how it should have been… this was how it should be. And this, she thought, rather disdainfully, will be over once the sun set. She stared at the beef patties on the BBQ, noticing vaguely that they were burning.

"I beat you." Kai told Tyson matter-of-factly as his blade shot back into his hand. Though he might try to hide it, he was quietly amused at his former team mate's reaction. He seemed almost relieved.

"Well, good game." The darker coloured bluenette nodded, and then turned away with a gleeful smile, "Food!" He squealed, bounding over to the barbeque. Hilary forced a smile, and turned to go back inside.

She still had to clean the kitchen before anyone could be allowed in, and god – she glanced down at her apron, covered with grime and flyaway bits of food. Disgusting. She'd have to wash that too before going back inside. But for now … she sighed, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed onto the couch. Who knew housework was so fucking hard?

"Lunch was horrible."

Hilary froze, her head barely touching the sofa's armrest. She remained there as Kai sat down by her feet, and turned to face her, a small smirk on his lips.

"Whoever taught you to cook? So much ash can't be healthy." He teased her, resting his arms on her legs.

Quickly recovering, Hilary kicked him, "Shut up. No one asked for your opinion."

"No, but you were in dire need of it"

She scoffed, "Like you could do any better. It's hardly my fault Tyson wants me to play mother for the day." She picked up one of the cushions from behind her and squeezed it against her chest. Tightly. Stupid Tyson. "I mean, who does he think he is, anyway? He's not the boss of me!"

Kai snickered, lifting up her legs and placing them across his lap, "You sound like a child."

The brunette glared at him. "What're you doing here, anyway? You know that we can't …" She blushed, turning away, "You know."

"Know what?" He asked, beginning to trace circles on the soft pink soles of her feet. She squirmed uncomfortably.

"That tickles."

"Really?" He didn't stop.

She chose to ignore him. "You know what I mean. Last night won't ever happen again." She sat up somewhat, propping herself up with her elbows, and stared hard at him, as if to emphasise the point.

Kai's hand began to move up her bare leg, "I don't see why not." She had decided to wear a light, summer dress today, perhaps to impress the fact she could be womanly onto Tyson, though it could hardly be said that he noticed. Kai, on the other hand, was enjoying the accessibility it promised, as opposed to the tight fitting jeans she had worn last night. They had hardly been any fun.

"Are you an idiot?" She hissed, careful not to alert Tyson to them, "Didn't you understand what I was saying last night? I'm with Tyson now, it's not going to change, and you know what?" She frowned, slapping his hand away as it got too high for comfort, "It's all your fault."

Kai rolled his eyes, "You'd rather be with me." He stated simply, glancing at her to gauge her reaction.

She growled at him, "You're such an arrogant ass! What is so good about you, huh?" She went to stand up, instinctively wanting to be taller than him. To intimidate him. But as she towered over him, annoyed as hell, he didn't seem fazed by it at all. "You think you're so much more attractive? So much more intelligent! So much more freakin … perfect! So fucking superior! Why would I even want a piece of that, Kai?"

Kai yawned, "Why wouldn't you?"

Hilary screamed. "You're so…. Frustrating!" Her voice was shrill as she turned to storm away, beyond words. Who did he think he was? She kicked a cushion that had fallen onto the timber floors, sending it flying into the wall.

"Where are you going?"

"Where do you think? Outside," Then, a pause, "With Tyson."

Kai stood up then. With Tyson? Had he pushed her too far this time? After all that's what he had been doing ever since he got back, hadn't he? Been pushing her limits, to see how far she could go without snapping, to see how far he could push, to see if there was anyway around the 'Tyson-factor'. As he suspected, Hilary was still stubborn and still loyal. But he would break that. He wasn't stupid. He knew she didn't love Tyson- he couldn't even detect the attraction between them, and Kai had been at the dojo all morning.

Even while they were younger, Kai recalled, there was never any attraction, just one big superiority complex with each other. That was about it.

"You know, you still haven't answered my question yet."

Hilary stopped in mid-step as she approached the kitchen. Kai was just trying to lure her back to him. Don't fall for it! Hilary frowned. What question? What was that arrogant ass talking about?

She took the bait.

"What question?" She snapped, glancing over her right shoulder at him to find Kai standing with his arms folded over his chest.

"Do you love him?"

Hook, Line, and Sinker. Time to real her in. Hilary screwed up her face, biting down hard on her tongue.

How could he ask her that and keep a straight face? He looked so damn serious. Was he? Why did he want to know so badly? She clenched her fists till her knuckles turned white. What did it matter? It was too late for him anyway. This was his own fault!

"I told you already," She said slowly, keeping her voice firm. "He makes me happy."

She gasped loudly as she felt a hand wrap around her wrist, and she could do nothing but uncurl her fist when he tugged her to face him. "That's not the proper answer, and you know it." His voice was calmer than before, less tense. But his gaze was focused on her previously clenched fist.

Slowly he trailed his fingers over her hand with his free one, as he continued to hold her wrist tight, to make sure she wouldn't pull away. He let his fingers trace over hers, in soft, fluid and circular like patterns, with a gentleness she wasn't used to seeing from Kai.

"Kai, what are you-?" Her breath hitched as he brought the palm of her hand to his lips, and gently pressed his warm lips upon her skin. Kissing her. Such a sensual action got Hilary's heart pumping loudly in her ears, as she watched in fascination as Kai placed butterfly kisses up her wrist.

"I'm not stupid Hilary." He said in a low voice, his auburn eyes finally catching with hers- damn, that made breathing all the more harder. "I know you don't love him." It was a stern, confirmation, and that cocky bastard didn't even need her voiced approval to know he was right.

"I-" Hilary was unsure of what to do now. Kai wasn't supposed to have this much control of her! She was with Tyson. But Kai knew how to control her in ways Tyson could only dream of. She was angry… but how could she stay mad when under his intense gaze.

"You can't lie to me, Hil's." He smirked slowly, "You never could." And as she parted her lips, about to answer, he leant forward and captured them with his own, running his lips over them. Savouring the taste. He didn't require any confirmation. He was always right. And really, hadn't there already been enough talking for today? Hadn't she already exhausted –

"Hilary? Kai?"

The couple broke away fiercely, Hilary stumbling a little without his support. Her eyes darted wildly between Kai and the intruder – Ray. The Chinese boy, now turned man, was shaking his head, as if to rid his mind of the images he'd just seen before him. "Wha… What …"

Kai, for the first time, looked at a loss. He wanted Hilary, of course, as he knew she wanted him … but was she ready to give into it yet? And so crudely? Not to mention what Tyson's reaction would be … not only had he lost his friend for the past four years, but if Kai and Hilary even hinted at some sort of bizarre attraction to each other now … he would also loose his girlfriend. His girlfriend of three years. And Hilary would hate Kai for jerking her out of her perfectly settled life so suddenly, without giving her time to think or prepare.

Taking advantage of Ray's shock, Kai turned to Hilary and hissed, "Slap me."

She stared blankly at him.

"Slap me god damn it or that -"

SLAP

Second time in 24 hours, but the feeling wasn't as good as she thought it might be. The first time had been out of anger, and fuck that boy if he thought she had forgotten the fact he'd left. She'd just, you know, momentarily forgotten. Momentarily allowed him to get his filthy paws all over her. For her own benefit, of course….

Who was she kidding? She didn't want to slap him now! She wanted to fuck him in the bathroom, with Tyson innocently waiting outside for her, oblivious to everything but his hot dog.

"What-! Bitch!" Hilary blinked, suddenly remembering her situation.

"Bitch!" She yelled at him, "Who're you calling a bitch, you rapist!"

"Rapist? You've been wanting me ever since I got here!" And with a dirty, sneaky smile, he stepped a little closer to her, closing the gap between them yet again.

But only for a few moments. Hilary screamed, jumping back, sending frantic looks to Ray, who was still looking slightly confused. Hadn't they been kissing a moment ago? Hadn't it taken Hilary awfully long to protest? "You bastard! Get away from me!" I think I deserve an Oscar for this performance.

"Why," Kai growled, following her in long, stalking movements. "You little frigid cu-"

"Kai, stop right there!" And suddenly Ray was at her side, as protective and righteous as ever. "What has gotten into you, man?" He said disgustedly, once he was sure Kai had stopped trying to harass poor, young, innocent Hilary. "She's with Tyson, you know that." He held Hilary by her shoulders, looking straight into her slightly tear stained eyes.

"Are you ok, Hil'?"

Hilary managed a slight tremble in her voice as she whispered, "I… I think so …"

Ray sighed, "Tyson is going to hate you for this, Kai. You really blew it this time, you know that?"

Kai nodded, silently, still eyeing Hilary.

"Stop looking at her! Man!" As if he thought it would help the situation, he stepped in front of the girl, shielding her from view. "You're never going to be allowed in this house again! Shit! Don't you get it! Kai! Look at me!"

Begrudgingly so, Kai lifted his gaze to Ray. He'd gladly take the blame for this; Hilary would only hate him if she was suddenly at fault.

There was sudden cold chill that coursed though Hilary's body as she watched Kai's icy glare sear into Ray. But the neko boy seemed unaffected, like he was used to this kind of look from Kai. But Hilary wasn't. Kai never got like this when she was around.

"I'll fucking look at her if I damn well want to." Kai's voice was raised up a notch, as if to intimidate his former team mate. But Ray knew how to deal with Kai, and backing down never got a point across to the phoenix prince.

"No Kai! That's the point! You can't look at her like that! She belongs to Tyson!" Ray shouted back.

"I don't belong to anyone!" She couldn't help it. Hilary had to state this. She wasn't Tyson's, she wasn't Kai's. She belonged to no one but herself, she wasn't a fucking inanimate object that could be fucking owned!

Suddenly the yelling stopped, Hilary stared at both Ray and Kai who had become uneasily still, and was staring at someone behind her. "What's all the yelling about? Hilary I thought I told you to be a housewife just for today? Don't tell me you are demanding Ray and Kai to help you with dishes?"

Her sudden fear upon first hearing Tyson's voice vanished into anger as she spun on her heel to yell at her boyfriend.

"She's not your fucking maid Tyson. You should be doing the damn dishes. She cooked." Instead Kai voiced her own words for her, though anger was quite evident in his voice.

Hilary's eyes widened at this. Kai really wouldn't do this to me…

"Not maid per say, Kai. Man why do I feel déjà vu all of a sudden?" Tyson scratched the back of his head, but shrugged it off. "Anyway hurry up with the dishes Hil's, we'll be out back practicing. Coming Ray?" He didn't even wait for his friend's response before Tyson was gone again.

Ray's gaze stayed fixed on where Tyson used to be, before he glanced over at Kai as suddenly seemed torn as he came into realization of something, "Damnit Kai, you just had to wait four fucking years didn't you?" He hissed through his teeth, running a shaky hand through his hair.

Hilary frowned. What was Ray talking about?

Kai grunted and looked away, now refusing to look at either of them when he realized what Ray was talking about. It wasn't the nekojin's business anymore. It had been a long four years since they last had an in-dept conversation, but it seemed Ray was still remembering a significant one.

"You know, it wouldn't have been so bad if Hilary wasn't dating Tyson, Kai. But you don't get it! You don't realize what you just did-"

Kai's familiar cold glare snapped back at Ray. Oh that was a look Hilary remembered. It usually meant 'back off'. "No Ray, I know what I just did." He moved passed Ray, and checked him in his shoulder as he did so. "Let's just leave it at that."

And with that Kai left, slamming the front door behind him, leaving Hilary alone and confused with Ray. "Ray, what-?"

Ray turned back to face Hilary, who had forgotten about her Oscar winning performance and was staring hard at the cat boy. "Kai used to… no, apparently he still does, like you. Before he left, you were the topic of one of our conversations."

"Wha-what?"

Hilary stared wide-eyed at her friend. Wasn't Kai's new found infatuation with her just a result of her growing up? Or was it something more than that… something that was always there…? Like how she used to feel when Kai was still apart of the Blade Breakers.

"But it's okay now. I'll talk to Kai more efficiently later. He knows you're with Tyson, so I don't know what's gotten into him. But stick close to Tyson if you're scared." Ray said softly. God he was still oblivious to her attraction towards Kai… but that was good wasn't it? She couldn't have Tyson learning about this… she already felt bad as it was letting Kai kiss her once, and now twice!

"I'm not scared of Kai!" She hissed. "I can take care of myself. Besides, I know how to handle Kai." She scoffed, watching Ray smile sheepishly. He seemed to have forgotten her stubborn streak.

He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as he usually did to comfort her, which calmed her only slightly. "You sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine." She muttered glancing away from Ray, as she waved him off in dismissal as he finally left her alone in the living room. She let out a shaky breath she didn't realize she was holding. "I'm fine." She repeated this time to herself, stumbling backwards before falling back onto the couch, staring blankly up at the ceiling.

She was no where near bloody fine! And Hilary knew it.

Of course she didn't love Tyson! How could she! She was practically guilt-tripped into the proposal in the first place! He was always like a brother to her, annoying, always there, always in her face, always getting in her way and vice versa. Sure she loved him, but she wasn't in love with him. She loved all of her boys! Kai was stupid to ask such a question! She wanted to strangle him! Why did such a question even leave his mouth?

Oh god his mouth…

And he kissed her! Twice! TWICE! Why? Why did she let it happen? She slapped her hand over her face, groaning loudly. And she fucking kissed him back! Bad Hilary, bad!

And the way he touched her… Kai must have been doing something differently than Tyson, because she could nearly breathe when she was in his touch. That couldn't be a good sign, could it? Tilting her head back on such an angle so she could see the front door, she furrowed her brows together in a deep frown.

Oh she was going to regret this.

In one swift movement, Hilary had gotten up from the couch and moved to the front door, slipping on a fair of sandals, before racing out after Kai; slamming the door behind her.

Like many times before, as she had done countless times when she was younger, Hilary went searching for Kai. After all, when it came to finding Kai it was usually herself who went looking for him and always found him. None of the other boys ever bothered or cared, always assuming Kai could handle himself, and he was distant for a reason. But Hilary knew Kai liked being found, despite his fondness of solitary, he had always tolerated her company when she found him.

Always in the same place. The Beach.

She raced down a hill and caught sight of him; standing alone, as usual. In silence as he stared out over the water. Drawing in a deep breath as her steps slowed. Yup, she was really going to regret this.

"Kai!"

His head turned, slowly. Surprisingly, he didn't appear to be angry or frustrated, as Hilary expected he might be. The slight tweak at the edge of his lips assured her of that. Encouraged by this, she continued jogging down towards him stopping by his side. She flicked a little bit of sand at him with her toe.

"So predictable." She smiled up at him, still a little unsure but willing to take a chance. "You always used to come here."

"And you always used to find me." He added, not missing a beat. Still staring out at the ocean waves rolling in and crashing onto the smooth golden sand. "You didn't have to, you know."

"I know." She glanced down at her hand, then his. "But I wanted to."

"But now Tyson will know."

"Not necessarily. He believes what he wants to – he's always been stubborn like that. This is far from over." Then, deciding she wanted to change the sombre mood of it all, Hilary lunged for his hand, and began dragging him into the surf. "You know," She called behind her, as the cold waves began to lap against her legs, causing them to erupt in tiny goosebumps. "We've been to the beach so many times together, but we never actually went into the water!"

Kai narrowed his eyes at her, more concerned about his clothes than anything else. "I think there was a reason for that."

"Oh?" She turned, knee high in water, and grabbed his other hand as well. A wicked grin curled at her salty lips, "Shark boy doesn't like the water?"

"Shark boy?" He rose his eyebrow as she began to walk backwards further into the water, all the while maintaining eye contact with him. "What do you mean by that?"

She laughed, her dress half soaked and clinging to her skin. "You know … those markings of yours."

"They're triangles." He told her curtly. "Not shark fins. Baka."

"Well sorry." She rolled her eyes, the water beyond waist height now.

"How far do you intend on going in?" The Russian boy was looking edgy now, and his grip on her hands had tightened considerably. He was so cute, Hilary thought to herself secretly. It was obvious he wasn't enjoying it, but he didn't make any move to back out.

"This will do." Then, without another word, she used the weightlessness the water promised to her advantage and propelled herself upward so her arms rested around his neck. She grinned, "Stop worrying so much, a little water never killed anyone." Then, as he was about to protest, she pressed her lips to his in a hard kiss. She could have laughed out loud as she watched his eyes widen in shock. He almost started to respond when he realised the importance of it and tore his lips away.

"This is the first time," He breathed, his hands clutching her slim waist, "That you've kissed me."

Hilary frowned, "I've kissed you twice before."

Kai made an impatient noise, "That's not what I meant. It's the first time you … you know…"

"The first I started it?"

"Yeah." He nodded, pulling her closer to him, feeling every curve. Once again he was reminded of why he liked flimsy dresses on women so damn much. His hand firmly settled just above her hips on the curve of her body, enjoying how she shivered beneath his touch- or was it just the ocean's cool temperature. Kai preferred to believe it was his doing.

Hilary tilted her head, as if contemplating over the matter. "Is there something wrong with that?" She asked, blinking her ruby red eyes in mock confusion. Toying with him. Flirting even. Something he wasn't quite accustomed to, well at least not from Hilary.

It was the fan girls that usually flirted with him. Tried relentlessly and always failed to seduce him. None of the other girls ever seemed as appealing as Hilary was. Always there and always making sure he was okay.

He knew she wasn't like the other girls. The other girls, that only wanted to get close to him because of his good looks and because he was a former Blader Breaker; a celebrity. No the damn girl hated Beyblading in the beginning. She even told Tyson to stop acting like a big shot just because he was world champ, because he was still an idiot.

No, Hilary wasn't like the fans; she loved him and the other boys because they were there for her, because they were family, not celebrities.

Kai decided to play her game for now. "What if there is? What would you do if I told you I don't like that?" And he said it with such a straight face, he felt her tense beneath his fingers.

"Typical." She muttered darkly, not taking the hint. "So typical of you Hiwatari to lead me on like this- I'm beginning to remember why I regretted falling for you in the first place!" She hissed, struggling in his hold in an attempt to get away from him.

"Fall for me?" Kai ignored her sudden burst of anger and stared down at her, keeping his hold on her firm.

"What do you take me for Kai?" She yelled suddenly, pushing against his chest. "You really think I would even consider cheating on Tyson with just anyone! Do you really think I'm that easy of a slut? Like all the other typical fangirls? News flash Hiwatari, I never have been a fucking fangirl! I-"

"You are so much better than that." Kai finished for her, drawing her in closer- his lips mere inches from her ear. "Baka. I've never once thought that of you. I was teasing. You kissing me is never a problem, it's a turn on." He smirked against her skin.

The sun was setting now, blushing brightly sending a hue of reds and oranges across the waters surface. It was getting late. Hilary didn't realize until then how long she had been playing this game with Kai until now.

"You know I would never look down on you Hilary." He whispered, pressing his warm lips on the sensitive skin below her ear low, trailing kisses down her throat.

Damn him and his seductive tactics! She moaned out loud when Kai nipped at her collarbone. "Kai… what if Ray comes looking for us."

"You were the one who kissed me." He said quietly, as if to justify his actions.

"But…" Hilary trailed off when his lips found hers.

Why did he always do this to her? Always kiss her and leave her wanting more? But she kissed him this time to prove a point, and that point was leaving her vulnerable, out in the open, vulnerable to being hurt by him. Again.

She wanted him to know how she felt. Was that enough to keep him here in Japan? Or would he disappear for another 4 years?

And this kiss seemed to slowly suck every damn reasonable thought out of her head. In fact, it seemed to suck the very breath out of her as she succumbed herself to what she had been longing for, for so long. Tyson never left her feeling like this! Was it so wrong to compare the two? Maybe… because she knew Tyson could never compare to Kai.

The contrast of cold water and a hot body pressed up against her sent her body into overdrive. She couldn't handle this. This was so intense… almost intimate. But they weren't even together. She was supposed to be with Tyson, and yet she wanted Kai. Every part of her wanted Kai; her body, her heart, even her fucking mind couldn't deny that he was still what she wanted.

She broke her mouth away from his, leaving her dazed and him confused. "Kai…" She let out a breathy moan, trying to concentrate on her breathing rather than his explorative hands.

He seemed to be getting frustrated as he trailed a hand slowly from her elbow to her wrist, sending more goosebumps up to her skin. "You don't love him Hilary." He growled in a low husky voice, "We aren't doing anything wrong." He seemed so sure of himself. How could he be so sure!

"No I don't." For the first time Hilary voiced her agreement, Kai's gaze snapped to hers. So intense… So intimate. Looking away briskly she continued, "But-"

"You want me! You don't love him." He hissed leaning forward as he grabbed her hand and brought it back up to his lips as he did once before. So sensual. She shivered as he kissed the insides of her wrists. "It's simple as that." He whispered.

"I wish it was…" She brought her voice down to a whisper as twilight approached, trying to hold back the pain in her chest. But nothing was ever that simplistic. Nothing.

"It is! Damn it Hilary!" Kai growled and pulled her hand and placed it over his heart. "Can't you feel what you fucking do to me? That's all there is to this picture Hilary. And Tyson isn't in it!"

Hilary blushed deeply, feeling his pounding heartbeat beneath her palm that he had just kissed. How could he be so sure of himself? So confident? Even though he knew she was with Tyson. How!

They didn't seem to notice that the tide was going out, and the water was now swelling at their calves in the time they had spent in the water.

"But that's just it…" She whispered, placing more pressure where her palm met his heart. "Tyson is in the picture… You were too late. You left me and the boys. What was I supposed to do Kai?" She asked now getting slightly angry, remembering now that he was the reason she was even with Tyson.

"You were supposed to wait for me…"

Her response to this new challenge was to roughly push him away. She snapped her hand back out of his hold as if burned by the words. It had been worse than if he had slapped her. Hilary didn't know what she had expected him to say, but something more loyal to her or responsive to this weakening in her loyal calibre towards Tyson than what he had just whispered.

"Wait for you?" She hissed in a low mocking voice. "I didn't know if you would ever come back! I didn't even know that you harboured any mutual feelings that I held for you!" She wanted to cry and scream at him. How could he suddenly turn this around on her? Blame her for this entire mess!

"I was an idiot."

His low voice made her eyes widen at his confession.