He knew as soon as she opened the door that she was ready for a fight. He was prepared for it.

With complete disregard, she threw her purse on the ground while marching up to him, vicious words already flying from her mouth. There was nothing he could say to taper her anger so he stayed quiet. He couldn't recall the last time he'd seen her so angry. Probably with Tyson or Diachi. It had certainly been a while since she directed any of her anger at him.

They'd both matured over the years and had found different ways to express their disagreement. Still, he had to admit that deep inside, a part of him had missed the hot-temper of the girl he knew long ago.

He would only stand for some time, however, and when her hand raised high, poised to strike, he intervened.

Moments later, he had her pinned against the desk in a familiar position. He could see the anger in her eyes. He leaned in, pressing a feathery kiss against her cheek.

"I should have known you wouldn't fight fair," she struggled against him.

Kai held her close, one arm wrapped around her waist while the other held the hand that was raised to smack him. "Hmm?"

"You never fight fair,"

He pushed closer to her. "Do you remember the last time I had you here?" he whispered in her ear. His teeth pulled on the small earring she wore. She shuddered under him.

"Different desk," she replied.

His teeth scraped down the shell of her ear, landing an open mouth kiss at the point where her jaw met her neck. "True,"

He threaded his fingers through hers. She gripped his hand tightly. Her other hand braced herself against the desk. "I'm still mad,"

"I know," he trailed down her neck.

"And I'll be mad when you're done,"

He turned his attention to her collar bone, intent on distracting her. "We'll see,"

She gasped as he moved up the column of her throat. He felt the vibration of her breath through his lips.

When he made it to her chin, he took a moment to admire his work. The last time she'd been in the office at the Hiwatari Estate, the circumstances were all wrong.

She opened her eyes and he licked his lips at the lazy look she gave him. Lost in the moment, he loosened his grip.

A switch of her expression told him she found her opening, but it was too late. Her hand landed solidly on his cheek, the force pushing his head to the side, and the quick snap of his neck.

Turning back to her, she looked satisfied. "I can't believe you told Ray,"

"I can't believe you just slapped me,"

Hilary rolled her eyes. "Are you hurt?"

"That's not the point, Hilary, and you know it."

Kai, more than most, could understand wanting to hit something but at this point in his life, he knew he'd never want to hurt something he cared about. He could handle her slap - he'd had worse. He could handle her sarcasm - he'd be a hypocrite to complain about that. What bothered him was her look of vindication as if she'd won a fight in which she was the victim.

She held strong under his bold stare. "You shouldn't have kissed me when I was mad. It's not fair or right to mix the two."

"You shouldn't have tried to hit me even though you're mad."

Hilary shrugged defiantly.

"Are you really so furious that Ray knows that you would come in here, intent on causing me pain?"

At those words, she stilled. He could see her mind working. He waited, his patience wearing thin as she thought through her actions.

She deflated. "I just surprised when Mariah called, I didn't know what to say. I was caught off guard and didn't like it."

"Well, now you know how I felt when Ray mentioned it offhandedly like it was old news."

"Wait," Hilary said, her mouth open in shock, "so you didn't tell Ray? He just knew?"

Kai chuckled. "He's a lot more observant than people give him credit for,"

He watched as her eyes shifted back and forth, piecing the information together. He knew she was scared, though he struggled to understand why. He could only hope that through his persistence, she'd come to see that he was on her side.

Without warning, Hilary wrapped her arms around him, taking him by surprise. She buried her face in his chest and held him tightly. Once the moment passed and he was able to process that she was only hugging him, he laughed and slowly wrapped his arms around her, enjoying the simple fact of having her close.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

He smiled, bending to kiss the top of her head. "It's okay,"

These two have a lot to work out, but don't worry, they'll get there. Eventually. And hopefully you'll find all this worth it when they do.

Thanks to all those who have stuck it out. You're a huge encouragement. Any thoughts are welcomed.

Take care and stay safe,

Konix