Previous: Kai and Hilary have dinner. Kai's grandfather surprises Hilary in her home.

Memory Unlocked

I fully expect an explanation for what happened Saturday. I get in Spencer's car, eager to hear Kai's plan of action. However, Kai acts as though there's nothing to be concerned about.

Well, actually he is acting as though it's a hassle to accompany me to the meeting with his accountant. Like any of this was my idea. But absolutely nothing about his grandfather breaking into my apartment and threatening my family. He just sits quietly, scrolling through his phone while I stared at him, waiting for a single word.

His sole acknowledgment was a lift of his eyebrow and a hefty side-eye, which I interpret as a silent, "Can I help you?"

Turning to my passenger window, go back to stewing in my thoughts. They're circling with all the rumors surround him and his crazy family, trying to piece information together to form a picture. It's all I've been doing every waking minute for the past two days and I have to say, I don't feel any closer to having all the pieces.

We arrive at our destination just after eight. Stepping onto the sidewalk, it feels weird to be back downtown, with the hustle of business around me. Everyone is darting by without sparing a second glance, unwavering in their pursuit of something more. Leaving Spencer and Rick, I follow Kai into the tall building, keeping close at his heels.

My hands shake from nerves I shouldn't have at this point as the elevator ascends to his accountant's office. Thankfully, Kai doesn't seem to notice and if he does, he doesn't care enough to say anything.

He bypasses the receptionist desk, walking straight past them toward his destination. I trail behind, bowing an apology for his rudeness. I'd say something to admonish Kai if I could find the right words. However, my biggest fear at the moment is that I'll open my mouth and something like "Is your grandfather morally okay with murder, by any chance" will come flying out and this just isn't the right time to cover all that.

The door for the accountant is closed when we get there. I'm irritated but not surprised when Kai marches in unannounced. I shut the door behind us, this time ready to snap at him. As I turn, my words evaporate off my tongue.

Kai's accountant slowly rises from his chair behind his desk. The morning light from the massive windows cast a bright halo around him, but I'm sure that's just in my mind's eye. The blue suit jacket is wrapped around the back of his chair matches the vest reigning in his green tie. Round, black glasses give him an air maturity beyond his years, and yet, I'd recognize that baby face anywhere.

"Hilary," he smiles, arms open in a welcoming gesture as he walks around the desk.

Without thought, I return the action, ready for the embrace that follows. "Kenny?"

He's so much larger than I remember, though still small-waisted and lean. He's tall too. So tall my chin doesn't even reach his shoulder. Memories flash through my mind of when we were teased because I was at least a foot taller than him even when I wore flats.

He pulls back from the hug, his arms remaining wrapped around me. "You look good,"

"I – I-" I stumbled, still so blindsided by his sudden appearance. "I'm speechless."

"That's a first,"

"Shut up." I can feel how big my smile is. I haven't smiled like this in so long, I fear my lips are about to break from the pressure of holding up my cheeks. I dive back in for another hug. Years have passed, and yet he's still so familiar. "I can't believe your here."

"So, this is why you wanted to meet in person?"

I've completely forgotten about Kai. He stands, staring at us. His stony, revealing little of what he's thinking. He slips his phone into his suit pocket, giving the room his full attention for once.

"You both already know each other," Kai states. He's not asking. It's the only obvious reason for our reaction. But he's upset over it.

I pull out of Kenny's arms. "We went to high school together," I clarify, smiling to put Kai at ease. "We were in the student body together. I was class president and Kenny was treasurer."

Despite speaking to Kai, my eyes keep drifting to Kenny. The way his deep brown hair is perfectly quaffed. His suit is clearly expensive and stylish but still slightly dorky. It's entirely him. He looks nothing like the boy I knew back then and exactly like him at the same time.

"So, friends."

I turn back to Kai. Larger than life Kai. The energy emitting from him is dark and bitter. It begins to take over the entire room as he stands alone, eyes focused on me. I don't know what's upset him. The longer he stays quiet, the more I feel the need to talk. It's like I can feel him trying to pull the information out of me. If I explain, he'll be fine. The problem will be solved, conflict avoided.

Internally, I battle with this. Why should I have to lay my life bare while he gets to keep his secrets?

"You did say you had nothing to hide," Kai reminds me, his chin lifting to challenge this notion.

Fine, then. "We were more than friends."

"You dated?"

"Shortly," Kenny laughs awkwardly. Fortunately for him, Kai's dark eyes stay put on me.

"For two years," I clarify, "in high school."

Now, Kai's heavy gaze shifts to him and Kenny clears his throat, throwing a worried glance in my direction. With neither of us saying anything more, Kenny sighs.

He offers me one of the office chairs as he goes around the desk to take his seat. "Kai, it was a long time ago. I wasn't keeping it from you."

While I take the seat, Kai remains standing. "Then why didn't you mention something earlier?"

"Like what? What would you have me say, Kai? 'Hey, the girl you suddenly brought out of nowhere to marry is my high school girlfriend. Ha, small world, right?' Like that wouldn't have sent you spiraling and overthinking for days."

I smile. Kenny's always had a sarcastic streak. When we were younger, he kept to himself. The ability to cut with words is more of a liability when you can be easily tossed into a trashcan. To see Kenny be so bold, mouthing off to Kai Hiwatari of all people, leaves me in awe of how far he's come.

Serious, Kenny continues, "I did what I could to ease you into the idea. I insisted you be here so that it wasn't like we're meeting behind your back." Now that he's said his piece with Kai, he gives me his full attention again. "How are you? Kai said you quit your job. I'll be honest, I thought a team of kidnappers couldn't get you to leave,"

I send Kai a sharp look. He is willing to talk to everyone about me, but just not with me? Especially about something so embarrassing. "It's getting better. Today is officially one week, so it doesn't hurt as much. My ego is still bruised a little."

"You have nothing to be ashamed of," Kenny assures me. "I know firsthand your tenacity."

"Thanks." I would hate to think I'm blushing because of his wholesome gaze. Everything about my impression of Kenny is wholesome. I lost track of him sometime in college, having gone our separate directions. Whenever we did make contact, we were too busy and agreed to make plans for a later time. But chasing goals and dreams didn't leave either of us with much time to socialize and those plans never happened. "I'm done talking about me. Look at you! Look at this office."

He has a bright corner office, with plenty of room and windows. Unlike Kai's impersonal spaces, all of the accessories here speak to Kenny's personality. The simple wood desk, cluttered with portfolios from his many clients. Pictures of his friends hang on the wall among his various diplomas, some even from our time in high school.

Kenny raises his hand, using a knuckle to adjust his glasses, sending me on another trip down memory lane. "You still do that," I mutter.

Kai clears his throat. We both look at him; Kenny with curiosity but me with impatience. Is he just not used to the lack of attention? "We have a lunch later and I have to get back to work eventually," Kai says, "so, can we speed this up?"

"Lunch isn't until noon," I say. "It's barely eight-thirty. And I thought you weren't coming to the lunch. It would just be me and Romero?"

Kai doesn't answer. He finally takes the seat next to me. He refuses to return to my stare.

Kenny laughs. "Sure, Kai. I just have some forms for you two to sign, and then her card will be mailed out in a few days. You'll have a temporary card in the meantime, but everything is ready to go."

Silently, Kai signs the documents. The firm scratch of the pen is the only sound in the office as Kenny and I share a look. It's clear from his tense shoulders that Kai is not happy with either of us. Unfortunately, it only reminds me of the times we got in trouble for whispering in the library and the teacher had to separate us. We struggled to contain our giggles then too.

Kai passes the papers to me, tossing the pen down on top of them. He leans on the arm of the chair farthest away from me. Once I'm done, I give the papers back to Kenny who takes and organizes them.

"Are we done?" Kai asks, standing up again and turning for the door. His tone his cold, removed from the situation at hand. Kenny sends me a sympathetic look as he arranges the documents in a folder.

I feel like a child who's being punished. It's not the first time Kai's made me feel this way. However, it is the first time it's not because of a mistake on my part.

"Actually, no. We're not." I stay firmly seated in front of Kenny's desk. My heart races.

"I have somewhere to be,"

"That's fine. You can go. Kenny and I have some more catching up to do."

Kenny sends me a warning glance, shaking his head the tiniest bit. His eyes scream, 'don't drag me into this.'

"I'm sure Kenny has real work to get to, same as I. See, we actually still have jobs."

Silence follows his words. A cold front washes over me like I've been doused with ice water. Kenny's eyes, going from a warning to worry, focus behind me. Everything stops.

I take a minute to control my breath. Finally, I smile. "Kenny, would you mind?"

Kenny, catching on quickly, picks up his coffee mug. I can still see the dark liquid close to the rim but Kenny dumps it in one of the potted plants in his office. "Oh look, I need a refill. I'll be right back. Either of you wants anything?" He's gone before we can answer, firmly closing the door behind him.

"Hilary, I don't have time -"

"No, you stop and listen." I stand to face him. I hate disagreements, especially when I'm at the center of them. Though this anger feels like it's coming out of nowhere, I know I have a right to it. I've been so compliant lately, so thankful for all of his help. However, he's gone too far today. "I don't know what your problem is, but I'm allowed to have friends."

"I don't like surprises."

I almost break then. The audacity of this man! Managing to hold it together, I keep my tone calm. "You don't like surprises? You certainly don't mind dealing them out. 'Hilary, we're getting married.' 'Hilary, you're moving.' 'Hilary, quit your job.' 'Hilary, we're getting dessert.' 'Hilary, don't mind my grandfather breaking into your home and threatening your family.' Just to name a few."

Okay, that last part wasn't as calm as I would have liked. I regain control before continuing.

"My life has been nothing but big surprises, one after the other, for a week straight. And now you think you have the right to stand in front of me and say you don't like surprises?"

"If you keep bringing that up -"

"I'm going to! For the next six months, I will bring it up whenever I feel like it. Because you never say anything!"

I really hope Kenny's office is soundproof because I know my voice carries. I guess I should be lucky that Kai isn't yelling back yet. I haven't heard him get loud yet, but I'm sure he's got some volume.

Kai looks away. "You could have told me about Kenny so that I wasn't blindsided walking in here."

I snort. "I didn't know Kenny was going to be here. But it wasn't a secret, Kai. Unlike you, I'm fine sharing my history. At dinner with your family, I said I had two ex-boyfriends. Kenny is one of them. I asked you what you want to know about me. You inquired about my cousins. I know it's because you were looking for information you can use, but that was your choice."

Kai stays silent. His jaw ticks, clenching and then releasing. I know he's not going to ask now, probably because of the pride he carries. Too much, if you ask me.

"Fine," I give in. Still, I'm rejoicing. I have to believe he's silent because he knows he's wrong. He's trying to find a way to turn it around. But I'm not like the people he's used to, and I'm not so cruel to make him beg for the information he wants. "Kenny and I dated in high school, for two years. It was fun and comfortable. We broke up before we left for college because we were heading in different directions. I think mostly, we used each other not to stand out too much. We were always better as friends. But we were really good friends."

"How good?" His look is dark and sharp. I feel pinned in place.

"Are you asking if we..." I trail off, not entirely sure I'm following Kai.

"Have you slept together?"

I was right, and yet I'm still caught off guard. "Wow," I sigh.

"If those vultures find out that we're working with one of your ex-boyfriends, it's going to cause problems, especially if you have a history with him."

I'm not sure who the vultures are – his family or the media. Probably both. "No. Not Kenny."

He waits, staring at me, his glare unrelenting.

"What?"

Does he want more? Going off his penetrating stare, that's exactly what he wants. I swear under my breath.

"I had a boyfriend in college. He was the bad boy type that every girl seems to go for at some point. I slept with him, he dumped me. I had few short-term flings with some more people and realized I'm the type that likes commitment and exclusivity. I focused on work until I could find someone."

"You're mad," Kai says. "You shouldn't be. I need to know those things so that I can prepare for them."

"Why is it only about what you need to know? What about me?"

"What about you?"

I shouldn't have to spell it out like this. "What are you going to do about your grandfather?"

"My grandfather?" Kai steps closer to me. "I told you I would take care of you. Don't you believe me?"

I stay silent, unable to say anything as my anger and frustration get stuck in my throat. Kai continues towards me until he's standing in front of me, looking down. I refuse to break away, allowing him to see the trouble he created.

"If you need to know, went to my grandfather that night. I was on my way before he left you. I surprised him in his office, his sanctuary. And I promise you, he hid it well, but he was disturbed to see me."

I process that image, along with the dark humor under Kai's words, finding a little joy in the revenge.

"I told him if wants to go after your family, he can. It won't get him anywhere. He'll waste his time and energy fighting a battle he'll lose. Whatever he does, I'm prepared to undo. He wants to ruin your father's business, I've already got a plan for that. He tries to take your family assets, I'm prepared for that. I am prepared to do anything to keep your family safe from him."

"You said that?"

"Soichiro has been sidelined," he replies. Shrugging, he adds, "For now. I don't expect it to last long."

"You should have told me,"

"I didn't think I needed to,"

"Well, you do," I say with all the seriousness I can muster. "So that I don't have to drag it out you in your accountant's office because you got jealous."

Kai shakes his head, stepping away from me. "I wasn't jealous." Though the is moment lighter than seconds earlier, his movements remain tense.

I don't call him out on the lie. It's not that I think he wants what Kenny and I had. I can see now that he's just upset Kenny and I knew something he didn't. "Well, now we both know everything."

"Not everything," he says, pulling out his phone again. "What's the college boy's name?"

"Oh no, that's not happening," I rush up, in a failing attempt to swipe his phone. He holds it above him, out of my reach. I shake my head. "I don't talk to him. I haven't thought about him in years."

He stares down at me. The last time we were this close, face to face, we were about to kiss. Even the memory of that isn't enough to smooth over my irritation.

Finally, Kai blinks. His anger vanishes in a moment, put away somewhere I can't see. "I'm going to say this once, so listen closely." His voice is softer than I've heard in a while. Alarm at what it could mean courses through me and I have to step away. "I'm sorry."

Wait, what?

"About not telling you about my plan, I mean. I could have taken five minutes to tell you what was going on, instead of ambushing you with Gian and betting that you'd be too compliant to say no."

Oh. Oh my, god. He's being sincere.

He's waiting for me to react, to say something. "I thought you said you hated surprises," I finally say.

"I do,"

"Then stop surprising me!"

He smiles. Not his usual, small grin or tight smirk, but a rare tilt of the lips that reveals a few teeth. Gosh, I almost become used to how gorgeous he is and then he goes and does that.

There's a knock at the door. "Are you done yet? It's been fifteen minutes and I can't stay in the break room any longer."

Kai opens the door, allowing Kenny back into his office. Kenny gives Kai a once-over. "I see you're still in one piece," he says before taking a sip from his cup.

"Me?"

"Yeah, I saw that look on Hilary's face." He stands with one hand in his pocket, the other lifting the cup in my direction. "She was going for blood."

"Thanks for letting us use the office," I say, giving Kenny a quick hug. There's a pull to check Kai's reaction, but I stay focused on my friend. I cup his face, amazed by the transformation. Again, I'm taken by how much Kenny has grown. Even though it's been years, that same love that I've always had for him is still there. Bringing him down, I kiss him on the cheek.

"I've really missed you,"

"We'll see each other again," Kenny promises, using his knuckle to push up his glasses.

After an almost tearful goodbye – on my part, not Kenny's and certainly not Kai's – we're heading back down the elevator.

"There's still a few hours before we meet Romero for lunch," I say to Kai, "that is if you're no longer jealous and are still joining us."

"I wasn't jealous."

"Whatever you say,"

"I'll be joining you."

"So, what are we doing until then?"

"I just figured I drop you off at the shops," he says as the elevator doors open to let us out.

"To do what?"

"What else? Shop."

"For what?"

He rolls his eyes. "I don't know, Hilary. Pick up a hobby you never had time for. Learn watercolors or join an exercise class. I don't care, just find something to fill your time so I can focus on more important things."

He keeps walking while I stand frozen in the lobby of the office building, people eyeing our interaction with invasive eyes. Picking up the pace, I rush after him and catch up just as Spencer is opening the car door for him. I go in first and scoot across for Kai to follow.

I thought we had made progress in our communication and yet, we're right back where we began. Kai gives instructions to Spencer and he merges with the busy traffic, heading towards the shopping district.

"I can go into the office with you. I think I've proven I'm not completely useless. And didn't you say that you wanted me to work there when this is over, so why not start me now?"

"Because right now I need you focused on this and not on business."

"I can multitask,"

"Trust me on this. We'll get you trained soon enough. Now isn't the time."

Rick and Spencer sit in the front seat, and while they're usually quiet when working, this is different. The air is strained. They're not just quiet, they're pretending they don't hear us.

"Okay," I say, recognized the familiar streets of high-end shops outside the car window. "I'll find something to do. Meet you at the restaurant at noon."

Spencer doesn't even have his seatbelt off before I open the door and slam it shut. The loud noise earns me few looks from those passing by. Without saying another word, I merge with the flow of the light crowd. Eventually, Kai's car pulls away and turns a corner ahead. I watch until it disappears before I stop, my shoulders slumping.

I don't want to buy anything. I don't want to window shop. I don't want to join an art class or exercise group or book club.

I want to work. Real work.

"It's only for six months," I tell myself.

"Be careful of saying that out loud," a voice says from behind me. "You're going to get him into trouble."

Rick stands just over my shoulder. At seeing him, I groan. Tall and broad, he still stands out in his black nondescript suit. Mostly because the jacket does nothing to hide his thick muscles. "He couldn't leave Spencer?"

"Aw, you've hurt my feelings," he says dryly. "Though I'm not surprised you prefer the soft gangster to me."

"I don't know what that means,"

"It means you like someone to coddle you and tell you everything's going to be okay like this is some traumatic experience you're having. News flash, it's not that bad. It certainly could be worse."

We stand as an obstacle in the middle of the sidewalk, people having to navigate around us, ignoring us while we ignore each other. It's ridiculous, I know, but I can't help myself. I was already in a bad mood because of Kai and now I have to deal with this guy. Can't I catch a break?

"Well, I don't need anything. Do you need something?" I ask after a few minutes of standing here.

"Do I look like I need anything?" Rick snaps back.

Alright, I've had enough of this. Turning on my heel, I march off. Rick follows closely behind. "I don't get how Kai stands you,"

"Watch it, sweetheart. Kai needs me more than he needs you."

"Oh, so you want to pretend -" Rick cuts me off with a glare and I snap my mouth shut. He has at least one point; I do need to watch my mouth. "I didn't realize you wanted the promotion from bodyguard to spouse. Next time, you should audition." I scan him up and down, smirking, "Though I don't know if your Kai's type."

Rick gives me a sickeningly sweet smile – so sweet, it's mocking. "You know nothing about Kai's type,"

I stop, turning to face him. "Why do you care? You're so sure Kai won't get rid of you, so why do you care if his reputation is ruined."

"Not that it's any of your business," Rick says, crossing his arms, "but I like him."

Add that to the list of things that have surprised me. I wait for him to continue, afraid that if I say something, I'll mess up this moment of honesty.

But Rick doesn't continue.

"That's it? You like him?"

Rick shrugs. "I don't have to explain myself beyond that."

We've gotten nowhere, both in a physical sense and conversation-wise. The shops are starting to get busier now that it's after opening time. I wasn't lying when I said I didn't need anything and while Kenny did give me a temporary card for the account Kai set up for me, I'm not itching to spend his money like that.

"Do you drink coffee?" I motion to the café across the street. Maybe we could kill a few hours in there.

Rick shakes his head. I feel like Kai left me with a large dog that only listens to his commands.

"Would you prefer something healthier? A juice bar? Smoothies?"

"Go where you want,"

I give up. There's no reasoning with him. Pressing the button to cross the street, I set my sights on the coffee shop. If he wants to suffer, let him. Just as the light to walk comes on and I'm about to take my first step, a hand drags me back. I recognize the large russet hand, and at least know I'm not being kidnapped. Rick is guiding me, not caring to be gentle, away from the crosswalk and down the opposite street.

"What are you doing?" I whisper, trying to rip my arm away from his grasp.

Rick ducks us into an entrance to a shop, waving away the attendant that was coming to welcome the new customers in. "You must not have eyes. Look."

Glaring at him, I peek around the corner and immediately duck back in. Doctor Kay is standing at the corner I was just at. Her long black hair falls in shiny waves down her back. She stands with an older gentleman. Certainly not her husband, as this man is balding considerably. He's also hunched over slightly and saggy with wrinkles.

"What is she doing here?"

"Probably making a problem of herself," Rick mutters. He gives me a pointed look. Irritated as I am, I'm grateful he didn't leave me to her mercy either.

"Doesn't she have a job? She is a doctor, right?" She's not dressed for work. The bright red pant jumpsuit looks like it's straight off the runway.

"Salima's her job."

The phrasing strikes a note with me, bring to mind one of the rabbit holes I fell into while doing my research. There were rumors of the circumstances surrounding Salima's birth, but nothing was confirmed by the family. I wonder if Rick is around enough to know. All things, considered, he should if Kai's been keeping him that close.

She crosses the street with her companion, heading straight into the cafe I was just about to enter. Well, that decides that.

We dip out of the entrance and continue walking away from what is most certainly a bomb of trouble. The sidewalk is fully crowded now, enough to cover us even if she does look out the window.

"Thanks for saving me,"

Rick keeps walking.

I rush to keep up with his long legs, pulling his arm to get his attention. "No, really. I don't know if Kai's told you, but I sort of royally messed up the last time she was around me."

"I heard,"

I laugh. "Look, I don't want to be your enemy. I'm just trying to make it up to Kai for the trouble I caused before with my family and the picture."

Rick keeps his eyes constantly drifting through our environment, not really looking at me. Perhaps a different approach will work. "Do you see me as a threat to Kai?"

As a bodyguard, it's his job to keep track of potential threats. The thought occurred to me a while ago, as I was trying to process everything that had happened. At first, I thought Rick just didn't like me because of our first encounter (which, admittedly, was not my best moment). However, mulling over it, I don't think that's it. I think It's more serious for him.

Finally, Rick's eyes stop on me. He takes a moment for deliberation before answering. "As long as I've known him, Kai's never shied away from dangerous situations. I think he enjoys risky behavior, especially if he can disguise it as something else. This is a very delicate situation that he's in, and if it's handled the wrong way, it can be disastrous for him. And honestly, you don't have the best way of handling things."

"I agree," I nod. "He certainly could have found someone better."

"But I don't think you want to hurt him."

"I don't."

"That's good. Because I'd have to do something about it, then."

There's a vague, light-hearted threat there. I laugh at how ridiculous it all is. Rick gives me a judging look, but I feel like we've made some progress at least.

Rick and I spend the next two hours wandering around the busier avenues. Don't get the wrong idea. We don't press our faces up to the windows or find cute outfits for each other. There's no clothing haul montage. We don't even really talk to each other. Rick keeps his head on a swivel, making sure that Kay isn't around, and I do my best not to annoy him. Nonetheless, it's a comfortable walk.

Well, other than a weird moment when a woman twice our age hands him a slip of paper with a wink, telling him to call her when he's ready for a real woman.

It's difficult to tell with his darker complexion but I think I saw a rosy tint to his cheeks as he threw the paper away.

"Happen a lot?" I ask, coming to his side. There's no way he's getting out of this without a bit of teasing.

"Not as often when I'm with Kai."

"Because they think you're dating?" I giggle at the image of Rick and Kai holding hands. I wonder how that dynamic would work.

"Because he's getting all the numbers,"

My daydream is ruined. Shattered. I feel my smile fall as I look past Rick, staring at nothing in particular.

"So, watch out for that because some of these people don't care that's he's married. In fact, for some, that's the thrill."

I shake my head, losing the thought. "Doesn't concern me. Kai can do what he wants."

At a quarter to noon, we enter the restaurant Kai told me earlier. I expect that I'll be the first one there so I plan on waiting with Rick until Kai shows up, but the hostess tells me a member of the party has already been seated.

I turn to tell Rick, but he's already disappeared outside, phone to his ear. Do I wait for him? It feels rude not to invite him to lunch since he's accompanied me all day. I follow the hostess through the winding tables as I take in the scene.

This place is bigger and brighter than the dinner Kai took me to the other day. Tall windows let it a white, airy light. The tables are covered in stark white and ironed table cloths and set with fresh flowers. All of the staff wear black and white uniforms and serve small meals on large trays.

She stops at a table and holds out her hand, welcoming me to sit. The man that's there stands and pulls out the chair next to him. The hostess leaves the menu next to me and then leaves us alone. I look around for Rick. Nowhere. I guess I'm on my own for now.

"Romero?" I ask, turning back to my guest.

He's a tall, slim man, with a narrow face and thick, wavy hair pulled into a ponytail. To most, I guess it would be considered handsome. Not the type to be found on the cover of a steamy romance novel, but he probably wouldn't do too bad in modeling. If he's a house manager for a noble family, I expect he'll be rather like Spencer or Rick. That is, serious and devoted to his task

Romero grabs my hand from the table and kisses the back of it. And then fails to let it go, despite my attempts to pull it away. "And you must be the belle of the ball; the one causing so much controversy among my sweet little hens."

"Let go of my hand,"

He only grasps it with his other hand. "I had worried those kids had become boring old adults. And then you appeared, like a beacon of light and drama. They haven't enjoyed anything this much since they graduated."

"Shut up and give me my hand."

"Though, to say it's a surprise to find Kai at the center of all this drama, that would an understatement. Who knew that kid had it in him. This is the last time I ever call him boring. I guess my Raul really is the most common."

I really have no idea what he's talking about. He's entered a level of conversation where he doesn't need a companion to keep going.

"Romero," Kai appears, taking the seat next to me and the menu from the hostess's hands. Though she's no longer needed, she stays a moment to ask if there's anything she can do, and while she asks that to the table, she's looking only at Kai.

Suddenly distracted, Romero leans towards her. "Actually, I could do with a cup of -"

Kai interrupts. "No, we're fine, thank you." His voice is monotoned and bored. I take a sick joy that he doesn't even look at the girl as she schleps away. Right after, though, my thoughts return to Kai. I don't have a second to sort out my feelings from this morning before the conversation carries on.

"That was rude," Romero sniffs. "Oh, how the mighty forget those who helped them on the way."

Kai leans forward. "You were going to ask for an espresso, weren't you?"

"I think deserve one, hauling myself all the way here just for you."

"Both Raul and Julia texted me this morning with strict orders that you're supposed to be watching your caffeine intake."

"One cup is not going to -"

"And how many cups did you have before Hilary arrived? Judging by the way you were babbling on, simpering over my fiancée's hands, it was more than two."

As my eyes bounce back and forth between them during their interchange, I become more invested in the unfolding story. At Kai's words, my eyes jump to Romero, waiting for his reply. Is it true? Is he trying to sneak the third cup?

And why do I care?

At first, Romero is aghast; eyes wide, mouth dropped open as if he's mortified that Kai would even suggest such a thing. And then he laughs, his mouth curving into a charming smile and eyes softening.

"Fine. For those little twerps, I'll hold off for now. Kai, after so long, how do you still know me so well. How are you, my friend?"

I do get from their conversation that they've known each other for a while, but because of the age difference, I can't narrow down how. It is curious and nice, to see someone call Kai 'friend' outright.

Kai sighs. "As you can probably tell, things are stressful."

"Yes," Romero's eyes drift to me, "but at least you have something nice to look at."

"That's not all that's nice about her."

Our gazes snap to Kai, wondering if he understands how his wording comes across. He stares, clueless before closes his eyes.

"I meant that you're helping. It's nice that you've agreed to do this."

Romero leans in close to me and I get a heavy dose of his cologne; rose-like followed by something heady and warm. "Sure, we'll go with that."

"That's what I meant," Kai insists.

"Right. Yes. Exactly." Romero nods. Kai groans at the mocking.

Their easy conversations (easy for Romero, as Kai is clearly suffering) takes us through most of lunch. Again, there's not much for me to contribute. It feels like these two are catching up after a long time apart, which makes sense. Romero is the house manager for the Fernandez family, two of which are Julia and Raul. Through their conversation, I gather Kai has been close with them for a while, possibly even longer than with Rei, Rick, or Spencer. That would take their friendship at least back to Kai's school days.

This makes more sense, as it adds this to the pieces of information in my collection. It fits perfectly with what Kai told me the other night; his grandfather went to their family to see if they were agreeable for a union between him and Julia.

Fitting Romero into this mystery puzzle I'm working on gives me a shock of joy. It does however leave the question of why Kai and Julia aren't interested in marriage if they are longtime friends and the same age. Kai said his concern was finding someone he can trust. He also said that he trusts the Fernandez family.

So, what's the real issue here?

I stare long and hard at Kai, lost in my thoughts as they talk. If I can just get some more information out of him, I'm sure I can put all the pieces together and have a clear image of who Kai is, other than President of Hiwatari Enterprise and a part-time hermit crab.

Somehow, Kai always knows when I'm looking at him. I get the same feeling I got in the lobby that one night when he turns to look at me – like my stomach is about to drop from my body. Though Romero is monologuing about something that happened in Spain before he came over, Kai's eyes zero in on me.

His gaze is sharp, the feeling of steel cutting through all the nonsense that I surround myself with. The calm, happy to help, happy to lead, girl I've been cultivating for the past ten years. I'm convinced he sees everything beyond that.

"So, let's get down to business," Romero says, tipping his tiny cup of espresso back. I'm not sure how he got it or when it appeared, but he's finished it now. "How far are you willing to take this?"

Thank you for all the readers and reviewers! You guys make my day. I know this chapter is long, but I really wanted to get thorugh to introducing Romero. Please forgive me. Feel free to leave any thoughts! I'm always interested in what you have to say.

Please take care of yourselves until next week - Konix.