Chapter 9 Nine

Kai

I woke up on the couch with a stiff neck and sore knuckles from the night before. The warehouse, the blood, the drunk asshole at the party — it all played on repeat in my head. I sat up slowly and glanced at the bed.

She was still asleep. Long dark hair spread across my black pillow, breathing soft and steady. She looked peaceful now, completely different from the terrified girl I pulled from that creep last night.

I got up quietly and went to the kitchenette. I turned on the stove and started cooking bacon. The sizzling sound and the smell of coffee soon filled the room. I figured I’d make enough for two in case she woke up hungry.

A few minutes later, a sharp gasp came from the bed, followed by a loud scream.

I turned around fast. She was sitting up, eyes wide with pure panic, staring at me.

“Whoa, you’re up,” I said, setting the spatula down and keeping my voice calm.

She scrambled backward on the bed, pulling the blanket tight to her chest. “Stay away from me! Don’t come near me!”

I raised my hands slowly. “Calm down, calm down. I’m not going to hurt you. You fainted last night and I brought you here so you’d be safe.”

She wasn’t listening. Her breathing was fast. Suddenly she launched herself off the bed and bolted for the door. I moved to stop her from tripping, but she swung her leg hard and kicked me right between the legs.

“Fuck—!” Pain exploded through me. I doubled over, crouching down with a grunt. “Shit…”

She yanked the door open and ran out, slamming it hard behind her.

“I’m not trying to hurt you!” I called after her, voice strained as I tried to straighten up.

The door slammed shut. She was gone.

I stayed crouched for a long moment, breathing through the throbbing pain. “Jesus Christ…” I muttered, slowly standing up and wincing. That kick was no joke.

I turned off the stove, the bacon burnt now. I cleaned up the kitchenette slowly, mind racing. Who the hell was she? The girl from last night. The one who had been attacked. I had no idea what her name was. I just knew I couldn’t leave her passed out after what happened.

I grabbed my phone and texted Marc and Theo.

Kai: She woke up. Full panic. Screamed, kicked me in the balls, and bolted. Meet me at the cafeteria in 20.

Marc replied instantly.

Marc: LMAOOOO you got kicked by the damsel?! This is the best thing I’ve heard all year.

Theo: You okay? We’ll be there.

I showered quickly, changed, and headed to the cafeteria. Marc and Theo were already at our usual table, grinning like idiots when they saw me.

“Bro,” Marc said as soon as I sat down, laughing. “Tell us everything. Did she really kick you? Full force?”

I winced as I sat, still sore. “Full force. I tried to calm her down, told her she fainted and I brought her to my room to be safe. Next thing I know, she’s running and my balls are in my throat.”

Theo chuckled but looked concerned. “She okay? Did she say anything before she ran?”

“She screamed a lot,” I said, rubbing my face. “Pure panic. I don’t even know her name. She just bolted across the hall somewhere. I called after her that I wasn’t trying to hurt her, but she was gone.”

Marc was dying laughing. “The hero gets kicked in the balls the next morning. Legendary. You, the big bad mafia heir, taken down by a freshman girl. I need this story at every party from now on.”

“Shut up,” I said, but I couldn’t help smirking. “She was terrified. After what that drunk asshole did to her, I don’t blame her for panicking when she woke up in a stranger’s room.”

Theo leaned in. “You did the right thing bringing her back. Most guys would’ve left her there. But be careful, man. Your dad finds out you’re playing savior for random girls…”

“I know,” I said, lowering my voice. “That’s why I keep this separate. Campus is supposed to be my escape.”

We talked for a long time over breakfast. Marc kept teasing me relentlessly about the kick, mimicking my pained grunt. Theo asked more details about the party fight and the warehouse from the night before. The conversation flowed easily — the only people who knew both sides of my life.

My phone rang while we were finishing up. Dad.

“I have to take this,” I said, standing up. “I’ll catch you guys later.”

I answered as I walked out. “Yeah?”

“Kai.” His voice was cold. “I need you home tonight. Be here by 7. Your mother is cooking dinner. We have important matters to discuss.”

I sighed. “I just handled the warehouse last night. Can it wait?”

“No. Don’t be late.” He hung up.

I drove home in the evening, dreading the conversation. Mom greeted me with a warm hug. “Kai, sweetheart. I missed you.”

“Missed you too, Mom,” I said, hugging her tight.

Dinner started quietly. Then Dad spoke.

“You’re 23, Kai. It’s time to settle down. We’ve discussed suitable matches. The Rossi girl would be perfect for alliances.”

I put my fork down. “I’m not ready for marriage. I’m still in school.”

Dad’s eyes darkened. “School is a cover. Stop wasting time with campus girls. You will marry who benefits the family.”

Mom tried to calm things. “Dear, not at dinner…”

The argument heated up. Dad slammed the table. “You will do what’s best for this family!”

I finally said it to shut it down. “Actually… I’m seeing someone.”

The table went silent. Mom looked hopeful. Dad looked suspicious, waiting for more.

I didn’t say anything else. I let the words hang there, creating heavy suspense in the air.

I had no idea what the hell I was doing.

But those words felt like the only card I had left to play.