Return to Normal (boy did I not miss this)

I probably should've noticed the red flags that had been waving in my face since Kay's phone call yesterday.

First, there was the phone call itself, of course. Why call to tell Kai that he must come to the birthday dinner instead of just inviting him over for dinner?

Then, when we arrived back at Kai's in the early afternoon, it was only to be met with an annoyed and hassled Mariah. Apparently, in our absence, Kay poached Romero, saddling Mariah with all the wedding planner duties. Her phone never stopped ringing, not even long enough for her to update us on what we'd missed that weekend. Mid-sentence, the offending object repeatedly vibrated, her eyes sharpening as she gripped it. She answered with a short hiss, "What now?"

I sucked in a breath and wince at her frustration. Trust me, it's not something I'd ever desire to be on the receiving end of.

Kai, rolling his eyes, weaved around her. Before going down the hall towards his side of the condo, he told me to be ready to leave by seven-thirty. My heart sank at the detached tone he spoke with. Ever since we left, the ocean disappearing in the rearview mirror, I could feel him withdrawing and shutting down. I couldn't decide if it was the idea of spending the evening with his family or just returning to the regular routine of his life. I'm leaning more towards the former as Spencer brings the car to a stop in line with the front entrance of the grand Hiwatari Estate.

The entire mansion is lit up, appearing more like a decorated palace than a home for a single, lonely old man.

We can hear the lively music from within the house. Even from this distance and through the thick windows of the luxury car. As cars line up behind us, I gasp with the sudden realization:

This is not a family dinner. This is a party. A full-scale birthday party.

Kai doesn't appear surprised at all, just bitter. He probably put the pieces together a while ago while I sat cluelessly imagining a dinner similar to my first visit. "I guess this explains why Kay needed Romero," I mumble, attempting to joke.

Receiving no response, I give Kai my full attention. He refuses to look out his window, choosing instead to glare at the headrest in front of him, his jaw noticeably locked. I put my hand on his shoulder. "Is there a problem?"

His frown deepens.

I want to leave. Not just because I can't stand the thought of spending the evening with this horrible group of people. More than that, I can't stand the idea of Kai having to endure the night when he so clearly doesn't want to. If I could only whisk him away, I would.

"What do you need me to do?" I ask.

He breathes out, his chest decompressing like it's being crushed by a massive weight.

Before, I would have been frustrated with the lack of communication. Now I see it as a form of trust. Kai doesn't have a specific direction because he knows I'll take care of my end of things.

"Guess I'll just be my normal, fabulous self." I laugh, dusting invisible lint from his shoulder.

Crickets.

When he's ready, we step out, Kai taking my hand so that I don't fall over the long skirt Olivier sent over – another red flag I ignored, I suppose. Had this been just a family dinner, something in my closet would have been sufficient. The family already knows what I look like. But when I went to put my things away in the guest room, a garment bag lay across the perfectly made bed. 'For tonight' was written on a pinned note in a delicate, curling script.

The dress Olivier provided is different than what he's given me before; a two-piece formal. The top has a high neckline but cuts off at my ribs, revealing a good portion of my midriff before the matching skirt starts. The lights of the house reflect off the golden fabric.

I laugh to myself. "I feel like a walking glass of champagne," I whisper to Kai, begging him to laugh.

To my delight, that gets him. Kai's lips lift in a slightly humored grin. His hand slips from mine, wrapping around my waist and pulling me to his side, leaving no space between us. I try not to focus on the feeling of his warm hand touching my bare skin, but suddenly it's hard to breathe as images flash through my mind.

His hands on my hips as he lifts me.

His eyes in shadows as he tilted my head back.

His fingers dancing up my leg with the chill of the fountain behind me.

The messy bed just over his shoulder as he said he'd invite me in if...

Kai, too, it seems, has a new suit, complimentary of Olivier. I can't tell if it's dark blue or black, but the tie is the same color as my dress. The fabric of the sleeve is smooth as velvet and cool against my heated skin.

Mentally, I ground myself by focusing on my breathing. I take even breaths as we walk side-by-side to the front door. It won't do to get distracted by Kai now. Still, my eyes drift up, taking in his side profile. I know what he's said about being attracted to me – and it's flattering to know, for sure – but he's always in control. I can't imagine he ever losses his focus. And certainly never because of me.

"So, how long do we have to stay? Any chance we can slip out after greeting your family?"

His look of bored disdain says all it needs to say. Realistically, I know the answer. I knew the answer before I asked the question.

"So, like an hour?" I continue, blinking in faux-cluelessness.

His eyes sharpen into a glare, and I grin in the face of his displeasure. He can be so easy to tease sometimes.

Before I can't catch my breath, we're at the front doors, which have two standing footmen this time. They open the doors for us immediately. We can't even take five steps before people descend, approaching from all sides to shake Kai's hand. I stand tall and patiently, all smiles and laughter at the appropriate cues, playing the role of supportive wife-to-be.

As we migrate from one group to the next, I try to get an idea of the event. New are they white flowers in large vases placed in even intervals through the main hall. They give off a fresh rain scent that doesn't overwhelm. Sometimes, when a guest's cologne or perfume is enough to make me lightheaded, I'll turn to clear my senses. To me, it's screams Romero. I'd have to ask him later if this was, in fact, his doing. And if he can do it for all future parties.

Getting deeper into the house, I see open rooms that were closed off during my first visit. One is completely red and gold, from the chairs to the floor to the art on the ceiling. And another dining room, more significant than the one we ate dinner in. This has two tables set next to each other, each long enough for twenty place settings. The smaller dining room used for my visit has been turned into a self-serve station, with finger foods spread across the table.

It's hard to keep track since people are constantly moving around. It feels as though there's at least fifty, possibly more, guests are in attendance, not including the staff roaming about with drink trays. It feels like an excessive amount of people for a birthday party of a man who's turning 30 and doesn't really seem to like anyone here. But this isn't really about Kai.

Auntie Kay finds us eventually despite our attempts to steer around her. I groan as she materializes out of the crowd before us.

"It's too early for her," I answer Kai's glance. "I'm not even tipsy yet."

He gives a quiet snort of agreement, both of us knowing it's a joke. Ignoring the barely sipped glass of wine in my hands, it would be a disaster to lose my focus in the present company.

No, I'm working. The glass is just a prop. Though it is a very good prop. I might have to steal a bottle before we leave, or at least get Romero to give me his connection.

Kay spends a good minute attempting to shame Kai for being late to his own party. I doubt he hears a word of it. His gaze flattens as she drones on and on. So opposite of how he was with Keiko. He listened with attentiveness as she shared stories from her classroom. It's incredible to see the difference in his attitude towards his two aunts in such a short time frame.

Sensing an opportunity to shine in my role, I lean my chin on his shoulder. The movement catches Kai's attention. His head tilts towards me the slightest bit, faking interest in what I have to say.

I place a delicate kiss where his ear meets his jaw, just barely a brush of my lips. My lips tingle as I pull away, and I hear a sharp exhale from his direction. I wait to see if he'll follow suit. A weaker man might take advantage of the opening I've given. He's admitted to wanting me; I'm giving him a clear indication I wouldn't mind if he were to kiss me right now.

He doesn't.

"Sorry," I tell Kay even though I'm still looking at Kai. She's paused in her speech to stare at us in revulsion, lips curled back in a sneer. "It's my fault we're late. I've enjoyed having him all to myself this weekend and wasn't ready to give him back just yet. You'll forgive me, right?"

Kay recovers quickly. That classic Hiwatari smug smirk curves her dark lips. "It's not my forgiveness you'll need to ask. My nephew hates public displays of affection." Her knowing eye travels to Kai. "But I do appreciate you're attending. It'll make the evening more entertaining."

"Excuse me?"

"Well, you know how my father feels about this," she waves her hand carelessly between us. "I'm afraid the chair next to Kai at the dinner table has been assigned to another."

Mathilda. Instinctively I know if I look around at this moment, I'll find her, as always, waiting in the wings. I refuse to look. Her presence means nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Tilting my chin up, I keep my gaze pinned to Kay and her proud face. In a family that's all about control, the only thing I can do is prove she had no control over me. "That's fine. I can make friends wherever I am."

"Is that so?"

"Besides," Kai leans down to whisper in my ear, though it's too loud to be a real secret. The first words he's says directly to me all night, and they're clearly a display for Kay. His nose brushes along my ear, and I have to fight to focus on what he's actually saying. "Who you sit next to tonight doesn't change who you're sleeping with later."

I fight the blush that blooms across my cheeks, rolling my lips to keep from smiling too big.

"Happy to hear," Kay says flatly as she turns away. "Best to the both of you."

"She's so weird," I whisper, shaking my head in confusion. "I thought she was going to be supportive of us."

"Supportive doesn't mean interested."

His voice is unexpectedly close. As I turn quickly to face him, my nose nearly sweeps his. His darkened eyes catch mine, and another heat spreads up my chest to my face. I don't know if it's leftover from the flirting or just my own feelings getting muddled, but I take a step back, claiming the need for food. His arm drops from its place around my waist, releasing me without much of a fight.

"Do you want me to bring you back something?" I ask, motioning to the dining room where a self-serve station of meats and cheeses is located.

Kai shakes his head, and as soon as I'm away, he's pulled into a conversation with men who appear twice his age. It looks serious, so I leave him to it. As they converse, Kai's expression lightens up, as much as it ever does. He's always so careful not to reveal what he thinks that it's only by the incline of his head that I know he's interested.

Taking a small plate, I pile it with cubes of cheese and rolls of thinly sliced meat and grapes, wondering when the real dinner will begin. It's past eight, and I haven't eaten since this morning, expecting another five-course meal. Once my plate holds as much as possible, I step towards the window facing the back patio. It's the only way I can escape the crowd for a moment of peace.

A blurred figure appears behind me in the reflection of the glass as I tip a cube past my lips.

"You must be the fiancée," a rough voice sneers. There's a blatant perusal of my body as he looks me up and down. "Leave it to that jackass to pull the plainest chicks and call them marriage material."

I turn, half in shock at the declaration and half ready to go to war. The first thing I notice is the dark red hair, almost burgundy. The memory of Yuriy stretched out in Kai's office chair comes to mind, wearing a similar look of displeasure.

Why is it always the redheads?

Unlike Yuriy's clear blues, violet eyes now stare down at me. This man knows he's rude. And he's begging for an enthusiastic response. His suit, while clean-cut, is wrinkled. He forwent a tie, even though this event has a clear dress code. He seems about the same age as Kai, maybe a little older, if at all. But mostly, I can't get past that cynical smirk – as if he expects me to be fearful of his very presence.

A myriad of retorts flies through my head, some violent and unquestionably criminal, but most are just loud and embarrassing. I glance over to where I know Kai is. As much as I would please me, I can't give the man in front of me what he wants without it reflecting poorly on the main reason for my being here; the man of the hour.

Instead, I hum. "Uh, I think you mean Mathilda. She should be around here somewhere."

As my words land, his smirk lessens, giving way to a more mischievous demeanor.

"Excuse me," I say, tipping my head, making to leave with my food and my drink.

He cackles as I take a step around him. "That's cold," he says. "And not too bad." He eyes me up and down once more as if deciding something. He sticks out his hand. "Johnny McGregor."

I look at the hand and then back at him, not impressed. I lift my hands to show they're full. Obviously. Though that's not why I'm refusing his greeting.

He takes the hand back with a chuckle. "Understandable, but I won't apologize for calling your boy-toy names. If the shoe fits, at all that."

"My mom always said if the shoe fits that perfectly, it's probably custom made," I answer. "Seems you have a pair of your own."

Johnny likes that. "I do," he nods, agreeing happily.

I look over to Kai to see if he's done with his conversation, and somehow his group has only expanded. Business, no doubt. I yearn to be over there and hear what they're talking about, but my presence wouldn't be tolerated.

Men.

I don't want to stay here with Johnny. However, there's really no one for me to seek out. I could try to find Mathilda. Ha! Wouldn't that start some rumors? I could see the tabloids headings now:

'Just what kind of relationship does the young Hiwatari have with his two fiancees?'

'Kai Hiwatari, quoted saying, "Why not both? Two is better than one!"'

Johnny leans in. "What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing," I mutter, stifling my smile. As an additional cover, I dropping a grape on my tongue. Why is he still here?

"Something lewd, no doubt. Why not share? Bet that's why the surly misanthrope even bothers with you."

I almost snort, shaking my head as my answer. He's close enough and yet so wrong. The article titles continue to roll in, each one funnier than the last. I make a mental note to share with Kenny the next time I get the chance. He'll appreciate my humor.

"Hilary, it's nice to see you again,"

No, not him.

Boris breaks from the crowd. My appetite immediately disappears as he approaches, the food in my stomach already revolting. I abandon my glass and plate on the edge of the table.

This is now an escape mission. All expendables must be left behind.

Johnny moves, giving me space as I try to leave what has suddenly become too crowded of a corner.

Boris gets in my way, preventing me from taking another step. I cross my arms over my chest and retreat a few paces back. Johnny is still behind me, and I nearly trip over him. His gaze travels between Boris and me, watching our reactions. He looks upset at the interruption. Or just angry at Boris.

At least I'm not alone.

"What are you doing here?" I demand once I'm as far as I can go without causing a scene.

"Friend of the family. I thought Kai would have told you that by now."

He did say that I remember. So, of course, Soichiro would be sure to include him on the invite. He was also at our engagement party, though I was lucky enough not to have to deal with him. I bite my cheek, angry that I didn't prepare for this. Under his greedy gaze, I suddenly feel exposed and drop my arms from my chest to cover my bare midriff.

I look away, begging for Kai to intervene. "He may have mentioned something. We don't typically talk about things we mutually despise, though."

Boris ignores the dig. "You seem to have adjusted into your new life quickly enough. Taking weekend vacations already?"

"I'll admit to enjoying that we're finally out in the open. It was difficult to hide our hot intimacy." My words are sarcastic to cover up my disgust. Let him try to figure out where the lie is.

In the back of my head, his words echo. He never believed in me; he never intended to promote me. All he thinks of me is a gold digger who will settle being cheated on in exchange for money and fame. I treat him with the same contempt.

"And you better enjoy it while it lasts," Boris agrees. "Pretty soon, you'll be out on the streets again, no money, no job, no husband. Here, take my card and give me a call when that happens. I think Ryu can use an assistant on the janitorial staff. You always did like late nights." He holds out a small card between two fingers, the edge of the card even with my nose so that I have to acknowledge it.

A hand settles on my waist, pushing me from the corner I'd been stuck in, past Boris. His touch is warm and firm but so unfamiliar that I nearly stumble at the suddenness of it. Johnny leads me away, out of the dining room and around to a dark corner.

"Excuse me," I snap, pushing his hands away. My skin burns, but for all the wrong reasons. "You can't just shove me. We don't even know each other."

"I can't stand him. Neither can you. I wish he'd just die already." Johnny replies, looking over his shoulder, making sure Boris isn't following. "Luckily, you won't have to for much longer."

"No, I think he'll be around for a while. Kai's grandfather seems to like him." I huff, leaning against the wall. As much as I do not love Johnny's company, he doesn't seem to be a threat, so I relax my guard a little.

Violet eyes meet mine, that roguish charade back. "I meant because you won't be around."

I roll my eyes. "Ah, I assume you doubt our relationship as well. Tell me, what other conspiracy theories do you believe in? Aliens built the pyramids?"

"No theories," Johnny shakes his head, "just facts. Your timeline doesn't match up, sweetheart. I have it from a reliable source that this thing between you two isn't real."

Reliable source? "Kai and I kept our relationship a secret for a while. That's why it appears that this is happening so quickly." I recite. My eyes watch Johnny closely. Unlike others, it doesn't look like he's digging for information. He fully believes what he's talking about.

Johnny steps closer, leaning in to whisper in my ear. "You didn't do a very good job covering your tracks, especially when your cousins are so easily paid off."

Normally, I would suspect Emily first, but this reeks of King and Queen. I tip my head up to meet his gaze. I need to see how he reacts to my words.

"I hate to break it to you, but my cousins have no problem lying for profit." His arrogance remains. He doesn't believe me. "And they don't know anything about me, much less my relationship with Kai."

That much is true, at least.

Johnny likes the challenge. Our gazes lock, holding out for the other one to break. I need to let Kai know we have an issue, but I can't be the first one to back down; it'd be like admitting defeat.

A hand overcomes Johnny's shoulder, tearing Johnny's attention away as he's spun around. My eyes widen as Kai pushes him back. The realization of how this looks dawns on me even before I notice the many people standing behind Kai, watching us. Whispering about us.

I, his fiancée, am standing in a dark corner with another man at his party. A man Kai obviously doesn't like.

This is not good.

At the same time, a thrill shoots through me at how Kai puts himself between Johnny and me.

"Ah, the jackass in question. How have you been, you glorious recluse?" Johnny says sarcastically, loud enough for everyone to hear. There's little height difference between them, but something about Kai feels large and looming. He towers over Johnny.

"Go find your keeper," Kai says.

Still smiling, Johnny puts fingers to his head and tips them in a farewell. "Take care, sweetheart. Think about what I said."

He disappears into the crowd, and Kai turns to me, eyes on fire. Panic sets in, compelling me to grab his arm and drag him away. We can't have this conversation out in the open. We need to find somewhere – anywhere – private before he blows up on me.

Every room we come to has someone in it, even the two-piece bathroom. I get confused and turned around in the overly large house, cursing the extent of it. Who needs this much empty space when they live alone? I reach the end of a hall, finding the kitchen of all places. It's crawling with the catering staff, and I groan in frustration, attempting to leave. There was another hall just a few yards back that we can try. Kai remains solid as stone. I yank, but he's a statue.

"Everyone out." His voice is low and clipped but is somehow still heard over the noise of the busy kitchen. They quickly disperse like ants at his command. The man, who I assume to be the head chef, puts up a little bit of a fight but is quickly shut down at Kai's glare.

A room that felt small moments ago, crowded with twenty or so people, is now empty except for us two. The large marble island sits center stage, overflowing with the dinners for the party. The staff was obviously getting the first portions ready, which means we were about to be seated. Which means everyone is waiting on us. Which means his grandfather is going to know in a matter of minutes.

"Kai, we shouldn't do this here," I mutter.

His dark gaze doesn't lift. "What were you doing with him?"

"We were just talking," I shake my head. "Kai, he knows."

"Knows?"

My eyes leap around the empty space. I assume someone is always listening in this house, and I don't want to come out and say it. "About us," I mouth, pointing between him and myself.

Kai steps closer. "Johnny is playing you because you're close to me. This is what he always does."

"Kai, I don't think he was playing." I back up, that looming energy forcing me to retreat. "I think he was attempting to threaten us. Maybe blackmail?"

My back hits the island counter. The cold stone bites into my unprotected skin, sending a chill up my spine and over my shoulders. I grip the edge for support.

"Blackmail? Why would McGregor need to blackmail anyone? No. He thinks your mine, so he wants you if only to get at me." Eyes dip low, a finger trailing my shoulder from where the dress sits at my neck, down the slope of my arm. The light graze sets fire to my nerves.

I sputter at the thought, attempting to ignore his touch. "Kai, I really don't think he was hitting on me. You're way off base here."

"Really? And how long have you known him? Five minutes and you're such close friends, you can tell his true motives. You can stand in dark corners with him."

"I know what he said," I argue, put off at his combative reaction. "And I know what it's like to be hit on. Strange as it may sound, it's happened before. I know Johnny was not hitting on me."

We stare at each other, eyes flickering back and forth for what feels like hours. I'm always the one to break first but not this time. I know what I heard, and I'm not letting Kai turn this into something its not because he's got some weird rivalry with the guy.

Soft clips echo down the tiled hall – the rhythm of a quick walk. They stop just before the entry to the kitchen. Kai and I come to the same conclusion:

Someone is listening in.

I try to imagine what they'll see if they peek around the corner. Kai standing over me, my back at the counter, hands braced on either side of my hips.

"What count are we at?" Kai whispers, somehow stepping closer yet maintaining space between us still.

"What?"

"Four, or was it five?"

He must be talking about the kisses.

Oh!

Wait, that's his plan?

"Four." Why is my voice so breathy?

It's acting. I'm acting. I'm not actually waiting in breathless anticipation for Kai to kiss me.

My eyes drop to his lips. Gah! No, don't do that.

"So, actually five."

"No. Four."

He gets a wicked little smile that turns my stomach upside down and inside out. His hands settle over mine, encasing them against the counter. I hate how distracted I am and force myself to look him in the eyes.

"Who makes the rules here?"

"Surely, you can count," I reply, "being a master of industry and all."

I can't tell what his game plan is. Banter flirtatiously until the eavesdropper leaves? But then why is he getting closer? It doesn't make sense to use one of the kisses while we're alone and no one can see. Those are meant for the public eye, to prove our "love." A kiss now would be pointless. A waste...

Kai leans in until he's the only thing I can see. I feel his breath skim lightly across my lips, and I close my eyes, preparing to meet him, determined to match whatever energy he brings. I feel him move over me, settling against me as I'm held up by the island.

Kai's cheek brushes mine. His breath meets the shell of my ear rather than my waiting lips. "We should finish this later," he says. "Romero is waiting."

Achem. Hello. How is everyone?

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back. Nothing was wrong (or really bad). Bascially, was looking for a place to move, I moved, and then it just took me a while to get back into a routine of writing/editing again. The routine itself will take a while to establish, but I'm hoping we're on a good track. In the meantime, everyone has been so supportive and patient. I really can't thank you enough. I hope you all are doing well and that you like the chapter. I'd love to know your thoughts if you up for sharing. Take care!