Chapter 28: Call Ayesha

Ren’s POV

Waking up to an empty bed after Kai left for his trip felt wrong in a way I couldn’t quite name. The sheets still carried his scent, warm and familiar, and the space where his body had been pressed against mine all night was already cold. I hated it. Goodness, I craved this man more than I was ready to admit. Even as he was preparing to leave, he still made it a point to make me smile… and leave me a little horny, just to remember him by. The hickey I’d left on his neck and the way he’d called me his good little whore still lingered in my mind, making my stomach flutter.

Still, I couldn’t sit around moping all day. Kai had suggested I visit Ayesha, and the idea of seeing her again after everything that had happened felt like the perfect distraction. It was still early—too early for most people—but I loved getting under her skin. Smiling to myself, I stumbled back upstairs with the sheets still wrapped around my naked body, climbed into the middle of the bed, and grabbed my phone from the nightstand.

I dialed her number. On the third ring, she picked up.

“See who crawled out of his married hole,” she taunted the second the call connected.

I giggled, the sound softer than usual. “Ayesha darling.”

“Oh, don’t you dare ‘darling’ me, you deserter. You got yourself a hunk and a walking sex god, then you abandon the one who’s been with you the longest. Do you know how I had to restrict myself from bombarding you with calls cause I wasn't sure if your husband would like it? How many times I almost had my Dad find out where your husband had taken you just to drag your ass out?”

“Ayeshaaaaaa,” I dragged her name out, half-laughing, half-guilty. “It wasn’t like that. A lot happened, okay? Things moved fast. But I’m sorry. Really. And… I wanted to know if you could come by my old apartment and spend, say, two days with me? I’ll be coming today.”

There was a short silence, then she squealed so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear. “Anyway, I guess I can forgive you. Just this once. But you’re coming with my favorite chocolate, ice cream, and a little bit of everything. Don’t even think about showing up empty-handed.”

“Got it. I will,” I promised, already making a mental list.

We stayed on the phone longer than either of us planned. Ayesha always talked a lot when she was excited, and right now she was overflowing with stories. She told me in vivid detail how people had reacted when Kai practically swept me away that night. The shock, the whispers, the pure chaos that followed. Lila and Haru had apparently been furious—especially after someone leaked photos of them kissing and dancing too close in clubs. The media had eaten it up. They could no longer deny what everyone had already started to suspect.

I listened quietly, fingers absently tracing the edge of the duvet. A part of me felt strangely distant from all of it now, like that world belonged to a different version of me. Still, I couldn’t help wondering if Kai had anything to do with those photos leaking. It felt like something he would do—quiet, calculated, protective in his own ruthless way.

“Ren, you there?” Ayesha’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Yes, yes. I’m here.”

“You know my dad doesn’t approve of the man you married?” she said suddenly, her tone shifting.

I blinked. “Really? Your dad never had issues with anyone.”

“Yeah. He said you could’ve married anyone but Mr. Moreau. I still don’t know the full details, but I’ll ask him for clarity. Just… hope he’s treating you right.”

A soft, dreamy sigh escaped me before I could stop it. “Oh, pookie, he’s the absolute best. He cares. He pampers me. He even let me get ice cream when I asked. And the way he caresses my body—”

“Ren Elias Banks,” she cut in sharply, “don’t you dare spill hot gists over the phone. Get your ass to the apartment. We’ll meet in two hours. I want every filthy detail in person.”

I laughed, the sound lighter than it had been all morning. “Okay, madam. Two hours. Don’t be late.”

“I never am. And Ren?” Her voice softened just a little. “I’m glad you’re happy. Even if I still want to punch that man for stealing you.”

“I know,” I murmured. “See you soon.”

I hung up and sat there for a moment, phone resting against my chest. The apartment already felt quieter without voices Kai and his friends in a meeting or eating in the kitchen. The silence pressed in around me, reminding me how quickly I had gotten used to his presence—his voice, his hands, the way he always seemed to know when I needed him close.

Still, Ayesha was waiting. And maybe two days with my best friend would help the time pass faster until Kai came back.

I threw the sheets aside and headed for the shower, already planning what snacks to buy on the way. He also mentioned that Reya would be here with breakfast, couldn't keep that woman waiting or goodness knows what she'll do.

Couldn't keep my feisty friend waiting or she'll chop off my head with her mouth. I shuddered thinking about all the times she scolded me, my fragile heart couldn't take anymore. Surely she'll get along well with Reya.