I was seated on a bench.Kaden stood in front of me expectantly with his arms across his chest.I couldn’t look up at him. My eyes were focused on my hands as I fiddled with my nails trying to get myself together enough to tell the story.I let out a breath.“I already told you my father wasn’t a good guy. But I didn’t tell you what he did.“I knew Kaden was listening attentively.“He had always been violent. He got drunk and angry and hit my mum for as long as I could remember. Even when she got sick.” I spoke swallowing hard feeling like I was taking in something bitter. “When she died, he started taking all his anger out on Drew.”I sucked in a breath feeling like I could still hear all the yelling and fighting and Drew telling me to go to my room. “One day, Drew fought back and gave my dad a black eye.” I spoke. “The thing about bullies is that they hate it when you stand up for yourself. My dad was so angry, he started threatening to report Drew and get him arrested. The next day
“Are you ready?”“No.”“Perfect.”I was wearing a brand new work out set comprised of black leggings and a matching shirt courtesy of the gorgeous Kelly woman who looked at Kaden wistfully and shot me ugly looks as she had left.My hair was tied up in a high ponytail and I was freaking nervous.Kaden stood patiently beside me, his eyes standing on my stance as I wobbled unsteadily in the position he had set me in. His hands found my waist and my nerves shifted as I became more aware of his touch. He adjusted my position.“Feet shoulder width apart, Mia," he reminded me gently. I nodded, trying to focus but it was hard to do with how close he was.He moved his hands up my body and wrapped them around my own, guiding me through the motion of a jab. “Elbow in, fist tight.” instructed, his voice surprisingly calm and encouraging.I threw a weak punch in the air and Kaden chuckled as he stepped back. “I get that you’re upset but don’t take it out on me.” He spoke, his voice playful. I
Kaden showed up within fifteen minutes and I quickly ducked into his car not wanting the guards to see me.“Hi.” He furrowed his brows in worry when he his eyes focused on my face clearly seeing something was wrong. “Are you okay?” He asked.That one question seemed to make everything came crushing down. I clenched my hands into hard fists trying to keep my emotions at bay.I felt like if I spoke, I would burst into tears.“Mia.” He placed his hand on my cheek. “What the hell happened? Did someone hurt you?”I swallowed hard but it still felt like something was lodged in my throat.“Can we just… go somewhere?” I asked, my voice small.Kaden pulled back, concern still etched on his face but he nodded firmly and started the engine and we drove away from the school in silence.***A few minutes later, we pulled up to a nondescript gray building with a sign that read ‘The R centre’.I looked out the window curiously.Kaden walked around to open the door for me, holding out his hand.“What
I fell into my bed with a goofy smile plastered on my face.Today felt like a dream and the butterflies going crazy in my stomach made me feel like I was having my first crush all over again.I was on cloud nine and my heart was doing back flips in my chest.Every time I remembered Kaden’s lips on mine, where he had touched me, I felt sparks of electricity.I sunk down to the floor whipping out my phone swiftly going to my gallery to stare at the photo Silver had sent me of Kaden and I.I fought the urge to squeal. How was this real? My life had gone from feeling like a trainwreck to something right out of a movie.I pulled up Kaden’s name and typed a quick message.Me: I had a really nice time today. Thank you for tonight.His response came almost immediately.Kaden: Told you I could be exactly what you needed.Kaden: Goodnight, beautiful.I let out another little squeal as I grabbed Mr Washington squeezing him to my chest.I knew I needed to get ready for bed, I had school tomorrow
Kaden furrowed his brows as he looked up at me. His eyes searched mine with a look I couldn’t quite put my finger on. “I remember the first time I saw you, down in the club… you looked so beautiful, like an angel. So out of place and… I knew from that moment I had to know you.”I looked at the ground feeling heat creep up my neck.“I don’t think anyone has ever paid attention to me like that. Not even my ex boyfriend.”“Your ex boyfriend was a tool who didn’t deserve you.” He spoke bluntly. His hand tipped my chin up making his look up at him. “You deserve to be seen, Mia.”I stared into his warm brown eyes as tingles travelled through my body. As if instinctively,I leaned forward just as he did. But before our lips could even touch;“Uh, Mr Reyes?”Kaden paused, his eye’s tightening in annoyance.“What is it, Ron?” He growled not even turning to look at him.“Could I speak to you for a moment? It’s urgent.
I stepped out of Kaden’s car onto the sidewalk where Kaden waited for me holding the door open.I stared up in wonder at the restaurant that stood behind him with its high windows and shiny black exterior. It looked like one of those really elegant and sophisticated places rich people went to. Never in my seventeen years would I have ever believed I’d be one of those people.“Do you like it?” Kaden asked bringing me out of my thoughts as he appeared beside me.“This is such a nice restaurant.” I spoke in awe. He smiled, his arm snaking around my waist. “Yes, and it’s ours for then evening.”“What?” I asked turning to him in shock.He simply grinned and took my hand leading me inside.The restaurant was as grand and beautiful on the inside as it had been on the outside. A large chandelier hang from the ceiling only adding to the glamour of the place.It felt like something straight out of a movie.“Mr Reyes.” A man in a suit approached us, his voice smooth and professional.He turned