Chapter 8

NYLA

“Who’s that?” I questioned but Kael didn’t answer.That alone unsettled me.

Kael was already on his feet, his body was relaxed. He always looked relaxed but at least his composure eased up the tense atmosphere.

Kael walked to the door and opened it without hesitation. The person who stepped inside, did so with the confidence of someone who had done this many times before.

As she fully entered the room, I stared at how stunning she looked. She was blonde. And beautiful in a sharp, polished way, she looked like a supermodel. The kind of woman who knew exactly how she looked and used it like a weapon. She walked in as if the house belonged to her, heels clicking softly against the floor.

Then her eyes landed on me and her steps halted. Something twisted in her face, but I didn't bother to read any meaning to it.

“Who is this.... woman?” the woman asked, turning to Kael slowly, disbelief creeping into her voice.

Kael’s jaw tightened. “Mia. You need to leave.”

Her name rolled off his tongue so casually.

“Leave?” Mia laughed, sharp and incredulous. “You open the door and that’s all you have to say?”

“There’s nothing to discuss,” Kael replied, voice cold and final. “It is not your place to ask such questions anymore.”

Mia’s gaze flicked back to me, slow and assessing, like I was an object she hadn’t expected to find. “You didn’t answer my question, who is she? Is she one of your playthings?”

Kael stepped slightly in front of me, the movement subtle but deliberate. “That’s not your concern.”

Mia’s expression twisted, disbelief melting into anger. “You can’t be serious. After everything—”

“Stop,” Kael cut in. “Whatever you thought existed between us was never real. It ended a long time ago.”

The words landed hard. Even for me, I felt embarrassed for her. No wonder she looked at me with contempt, she was jealous.

"I am sorry about the other night, he was just a friend. I promise to make it up to you," She moved slowly, trying to touch his face but he turned away. "I know you like it sucked and played with,"

"You disgust me, I am done with you for good. Get that into your skull." Kael spat out.

Mia took a step forward, reaching for Kael’s arm like muscle memory guiding her. “Kael, come on. You know that’s not true.”

Kael moved faster than I expected, catching her wrist mid-reach. The contact wasn’t gentle.

“Touch me again,” Kael said quietly, “and I’ll have you thrown out. Or I can call the police and explain how you broke in.”

Mia’s face flushed, she was humiliated. She slowly pulled her hand back. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would,” Kael said without blinking.

“Because of this low budget slut?” Mia pointed at me.

Kael moved closer to her, “Don't. You. Dare,”

For a moment, it looked like Mia might explode. Instead, she turned her attention fully to me, eyes narrowing.

“This isn’t over,” Mia said softly, venom lacing every word.

Mia grabbed her bag and stormed out, heels striking the floor with furious precision. The door slammed hard enough to echo.

Kael exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll be right back.”

Before I could respond, Kael left the room, footsteps retreating down the hall. And I was alone with my thoughts.

Why did watching her touch Kael make something ugly twist in my chest?

The feeling startled me. It wasn’t jealousy, that's for sure. I didn’t think so. I didn’t have the right to feel that. But it burned all the same.

My gaze drifted to the door Mia had exited through. An image flashed suddenly in my mind.

A different room in a different scenery. Laughter ringing out too loudly. A woman leaning close to me, whispering something meant for only my ears. My head throbbed violently.

I pressed my fingers to my temple as I breathed in sharply, as the memory tried to surface. The blonde woman looked similar to this memory. They weren't identical but close enough to send unease through my thoughts. Close enough for it to be able to jug back a memory.

It must be a friend. I had a close friend like that.

The realization hit hard, stealing my breath again.

The memory slipped away before I could grasp it, leaving behind a dull ache and frustration. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing it back, but my mind refused to cooperate.

I heard footsteps approaching my door. And the door pushed open a few seconds after.

Kael returned, his expression was tight with pure irritation. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

I looked up. “Who was she?”

Kael hesitated just long enough for it to be noticeable. “An ex. Mia and I ended things a while ago. I didn’t realize she still had access.”

“You didn’t realize?” I repeated quietly.

“That’s on me,” Kael admitted. “It won’t happen again.”

“So, you let girls into your house frequently huh?” I shot him a teasing look.

“An old habit.” He chuckled lightly. Concern flickered across Kael’s face as he saw my face unchanged. “I’m sorry.”

The apology felt insufficient, though I couldn’t explain why.

“That explains her outburst,” I rolled my eyes.

Kael straightened. “I crossed a boundary earlier. That won’t happen again. I promise.”

I didn’t respond. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling. But I didn't want to confront it immediately.

"Goodnight," Kael exited the room. Eventually, exhaustion won. I retreated to my bed and sleep came unevenly.

This time, the dream didn’t fade at the edges. It was clear, I had mistaken it to be reality.

I was standing somewhere high. The wind whipped around me, cold and biting. A voice echoed behind me, it startled me but I turned to meet the lady I had seen earlier in my thoughts, leaning close to me.

The woman stood there, smile twisted, eyes dark with intent. Soon after her hands shoved hard into my chest.

I fell.

The sensation was sickening, endless, my scream torn from me by the rushing air. Just before impact, a name flashed bright and undeniable in my mind, pulling me away from my sleep.

“Marisol.”