“It was always my dream to live by the ocean. To go to sleep hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the sand and the utter peace that the ocean brings. So, once I started to really make money and climb the ranks, I bought a house. My dream house. I don’t stay there much because of work, but I have it. I thought staying there would be the best and safest choice.”
“The ocean is your happy place, huh? Does that mean you surf? You look more like a biker than a surfer, although it would explain the hair.”
“I love my hair. And you can’t tell me that you don’t find it sexy. Everyone does.” He smirked at me again and I couldn’t help but get lost in the way his dimple showed when he did that. His eyes were sparkling with happiness and I felt myself smile back as much as I could through the bruises.
“Yes, the ocean is where I want to be. It’s part of the reason why I never moved very far from home. The other being the obvious family business assumption. Surfing is one of my hobbies, but I never seem to have any time anymore.”
“I’ve never been.”
“Ever?”
“Nope.” I said, popping the p.
“Wow, Talia. You have to go. At least once. It’s peaceful and makes you feel powerful. Like having an engine between your thighs and going over 100 miles an hour. You feel free. Completely and totally free.”
“Is the beach house where we are going?” I asked. Just because he had a beach house didn’t mean he wanted to sully the place with me.
“Eventually. I need to take you to my father first.” He said. He was trying to look confident and nonchalant, but I could see the nerves under his expression. Kieron, for some reason, was nervous about it. Me meeting his dad.
Granted, I couldn’t blame him, he seemed to be skipping a few relationship steps.
Not that I thought we were in a relationship.
That’s embarrassing. I could feel my cheeks start to heat up.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because I more than likely started a war by taking you away from here. And I need alliances. My dad, Trent and I have already discussed and have a plan, however, he wants to meet you.”
“Should I be scared?”
“I mean, not to make you more anxious, but you are going to be meeting the Skipper of one of the most powerful, prominent, and influential Mafia clans in the in the region. You and I have a history, but don’t forget that I’m dangerous. And my father even more so. It would be in our best interest to have him on our side.”
“Oh god,” I whispered, the nerves and anxiety growing in my stomach. I started wringing my hand together to try and dispel some of the nerves and then his large, warm hand enveloped both of mine.
“It will be okay. I am doing this to protect you and my father knows that. So don’t worry too much.”
I held onto his hand and was too worried to wonder if he minded. His hands felt so comforting and strong in mine and I held onto it like a lifeline.
“Are you in any pain? Do you need some pain meds? I’m sorry, I should have asked sooner.” Kieron looked to me with concern in his eyes and I felt my heart soar.
“Can I?” I asked him softly.
“Can you? Have pain medicine?”
“Yes. Is that okay?”
“Of course, it is. Here,” He said incredulously and let go of my hand to rifle through the glovebox and pulled out a small bottle of pills. I held it up and slowly opened the bottle. I hadn’t been able to freely take any medication for anything. I took two pills out and dry swallowed them.
“Where you…Is it…Can you…” Kieron started to say something but never really got the words out.
“What?”
“Never mind.” He said softly. I knew he wanted to ask about what happened, why I reacted that way and asked for permission even though Kieron offered. I could see his question in his eyes, but honestly, I wasn’t ready to tell him everything.
He put the medication back and then, thankfully and without any prompting, he put his hand back in mine.
The rest of the car ride was quiet as Kieron drove us quickly through the city and pulled into the underground parking of a nondescript, mirrored skyscraper.
