Six

Katherine’s POV

Morning came with sun rays filtering into my room and I had barely slept and when I finally did, I dreamt of Kendrick, and me begging him to do things to me. Things I don’t think you would want to know about.

It was the weekend. When I was still with Lester we used to go on fancy dates at highly expensive places. I preferred the romantic lure of a cinema but Lester said that entertainment was a waste of resources and only unreasonable people went to watch movies.

When our marriage became estranged, he started ditching me for golf with so called business partners. Business partners that probably never existed.

Since I reunited with my brothers, we usually have brunch at Nolan’s place with Derrick doing the cooking. Fredrick had already texted me a remainder to come over to Nolan’s place.

I took a bath and dressed in cozy clothes. There was no need for formality and I loved the warmness my brothers had towards me. I felt free and safe around them and they were so protective of me and treated me like a princess. It was a far cry from the way I had been treated by my adoptive parents and Lester and his mother. 

I drove my car unto the in road turning on the radio and tuning to a music station. Music washed over me and I felt more relaxed than I have in years.

I was halfway along when I noticed a car trailing me. I had switched on to a road with no cars and trees lining the sides. Nolan lived on the opposite side of the city filled with quietness and trees in contrast with the bustle and suffocating towering buildings in the city. People did not move as much here or live here.

Trying to lose the car would not be easy, not when it’s just us with no other vehicles coming or going on either side. Putting my foot on the gas, I pumped the car into full speed. Appreciating the speed of the Hellcat, I pushed forward adrenaline rushing through my blood. I knew I should be scared but I wasn’t, surprisingly.

We play cat and rat across a labriynth of unknown streets until finally... The car gained speed on me, I waited a fraction before turning swiftly and ramming into the car. The car was no match for my Hellcat and skidded abruptly to the side. I went for it again slamming it barely as it swerves out of the way into the opposite direction and disappears.

Bringing my car to a stop, I rested my head on the sterling wheel. My breath coming out in large puffs like I had just ran a marathon. There was hardly a doubt that they were Lester’s goons. So this is how he wanted to play. If he thought he was going to scare me into hiding, he was playing. I was not going to back down not until I had gotten revenge.

I pulled out my phone and for some unknown reason saw myself texting Kendrick to tell him what happened.

He replied immediately. “ Are you okay? “

Then called even before I could reply.

“ Hey, “

“ Hey, “ I replied breathlessly. My pulse racing at the sound of his voice.

“ Should I come get you? “

“ No, I’m fine. I’m heading to Nolan’s now. “

“ Do they know about it? Your brothers? “

“ No, I don’t want them to know. I can handle it. “

“ Katherine… “ he breathed his voice low. “ Don’t do anything that would put you in harm’s way. Your brothers are powerful, they can protect you. “

“ I know… I have to go now. “

— -

I arrived some thirty minutes late at Nolan’s mansion parking in front of one of the modern-inspired building with its three balconies, four garages and heavy wooden front door. Nolan’s men were nowhere to be found. It always astonished me everytime how easily they seemed to blend into the background and appeared quickly when summoned.

I walked up the driveway to the front door about to know when the door opened. Nolan stood there searching my face. “ We were getting worried. “ 

“ Thank God. I got here before you sent out a search party, “ I laughed nervously trying hard not to squirm under his scrutinizing gaze. His face grew serious. “ Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I was crying then fell asleep in the bathtub, “ I lie. “ You know, getting over my ex husband and all. “ I shrugged believeably. He nodded with understanding laced with a bit of doubt.

 “ Anyways would you let me in? “ I gestured to the doorway he was blocking with his body. “ Sorry, “ he shifted and made way for me to pass, coming up behind me.

“ Here comes my favourite sister, “ Derrick said rushing over to engulf her in a hug. After being the last child for so many years, he was elated to have someone to dote upon. 

“ I thought I was your only sister, “ she asked smiling as she wrapped her arms around him.

“ One and only. They all mean the same, “ he replied.

“ Forgive his daftness. There’s one time I dropped him on the head when he was a baby, “ a voice said from the hallway. She turned to see Fredrick standing there, all casual in his loose pants and T-shirt. A sharp contrast from his suits and buttoned up white shirts. Derrick shot him a glare then stuck out his tongue.

“ Childish… Do I smell burning roast? “ Fredrick said sniffing the air. “ Holy crap, “ Derrick cursed and rushed out of the room.

It was just the two of them, she realized. Fredrick was the cool, calm one but he was reserved and kind of guarded around her. Right now he unnerved her with that calm look. 

“ Amazing driving skills. Just when I was about to save you, you saved yourself. “

She gulped looking around in case her other brothers were here.

“ I… “ she stammered.

“ I understand you don’t fully trust us and you are used to fighting your own battles. But that was foolish. We have spent many years searching for you. Don’t make us lose you. “

He walked past her into the adjorning room. She felt his disappointment like a bitter pill in her mouth.

She turned and followed him. 

The food had been arranged on the dining table with cutlery and wine glasses. Nolan stepped in with the wine bottles and they set to eating. Soon she forgot about Lester and his goons and the food stopped tasting like cardboard. Derrick was a good chef and he had them all near licking their plates.

After the food, they played cards, watched a movie and ordered a pizza. Katherine felt like she was a part of something and finally felt a sense of belonging.