KAI’S POVMy hand shot up, catching Kelvin’s wrist mid-air, twisting it hard until he grunted, his body lurching forward, pain flashing across his face. The training room gasped, the air thick with tension, every eye locked on us, waiting for blood. My heart pounded, not with fear but with a cold, calculated fury that burned through my veins. I leaned in close, my voice a low growl, my breath hot against his ear. “Don’t test me, Kelvin. You won’t like what happens.”I shoved him back, hard, and he stumbled, his eyes wide with shock. I turned to the treadmill, my hands shaking with restrained anger, my fingers gripping the handles like they could anchor me. The crowd whispered, their stares heavy, but I didn’t care. Kelvin wanted to play leader? With me? Fine, let him try. But I wasn’t here for his games—or Pedro’s.A sudden grunt and shuffle behind me snapped my focus, and thanks to my instincts, I spun around, my pulse spiking, and saw Kelvin charging, a penknife glinting in h
KAI’S POV 5 AM The cold bit at my skin as I rolled out of bed at 5 AM, my body stiff from the chilly night. Pedro’s penthouse sat on the outskirts of town, surrounded by woods—trees and grass stretching into the dark countryside, making the air sharp and unforgiving. I shivered, my feet hitting the icy floor, and forced myself to stand, my breath visible in the dim room. I needed to shake off the cold, shake off the weight of yesterday—Ethan’s tears, Pedro’s games, the camera in my room. My heart thudded, heavy with frustration, as I shuffled to the wardrobe. I yanked it open, the hinges creaking softly, revealing a dusty, barren space. My old bag was there, stuffed with clothes that smelled muddy, untouched for years. I pulled on a sweatshirt and sweatpants, the fabric rough but warm, and stepped out, my boots quiet on the floor. My mind was already racing, itching for something to ground me. I headed down the hallway toward the training ground, craving a solo workout to cl
CHAPTER 46 KAI’S POV “Fine then…” I trailed off, my voice low and edged with suspicion as I walked back to Pedro, my boots heavy on the floor. My heart pounded, a mix of anger and wariness twisting in my chest. “How can I trust you?” I asked, my eyes locking onto his, searching for the lie I knew was there. His face fell for a split second, hurt flashing in his eyes, but he covered it fast with a smirk. “I’m still your father figure, Kai. How can you not trust me?” he asked, his tone smooth but laced with offense, like I’d slapped him. I chuckled, a silent, bitter sound that rumbled in my throat, my lips curling in disbelief. “Then that means I’m taking my hands off this deal,” I announced, my voice firm, my fists clenching at my sides. “How so, Kai?” he pressed, leaning forward, his eyes narrowing. “Draft a legal contract, very detailed, before tomorrow. Then I can think about it,” I said, turning sharply toward the door, my coat brushing against my legs. “I’ll be staying in my
KAI’S POV I stood before the towering gates of Pedro’s penthouse, my eyes narrowing at the iron bars stretching into the evening sky. My chest tightened, a familiar mix of dread and resolve settling in my bones. The security guard must’ve known I was coming—he swung the smaller gate open without a word, his face blank. I ignored his half-hearted greeting, brushing past him with quick, heavy steps, my boots crunching on the gravel. I didn’t have time for pleasantries, not with my mind still spinning from Ethan’s tear-streaked face and the weight of my own lies. I reached the main house, my hand pausing on the door handle, fingers gripping the cool metal. Laughter and clattering voices spilled out from inside, loud and carefree, but I knew the second I walked in, it’d all stop. My presence had that effect—like a storm rolling in. I pushed the door open, stepping into the living room, and the air froze. Every head turned, eyes locking onto me, some with curiosity, others with silent
ETHAN’S POV“How about you answer me first?” I said, my voice shaking but pushing through, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. “Do you have someone else?”Professor Kai stared at me, a small smile on his lips that didn’t reach his eyes, and said, “Yes, Ethan. I have someone else.” The words hit me like a slap, cold and final, shattering something inside me. Tears fell from my eyes, hot and fast, even dripping from my nose, my body trembling as sobs built up in my chest. I felt broken, small, like everything I’d hoped for was a lie.He stepped forward, his hand reaching for my face, and rage exploded in me—I didn’t think, I just swung my arm, hitting his hand away with all the force I had. His phone flew out, crashing to the ground with a loud crack, the screen breaking into pieces. My breath caught, shock freezing me as I stared at it, my hands shaking at my sides.Kai bent down slowly, picking up the phone, dusting it off, and gave me one last look—cold, distant—before walking awa
KAI’S POV“Will you listen to me if I tell you how I feel about you?” Ethan’s words hung in the air, cold and sharp, piercing straight through my skin like a blade. My heart twisted, a mix of annoyance and something softer I didn’t want to name. I took two steps closer, my body moving on its own, and my hand reached out, caressing his soft, plump cheek. His skin was warm under my fingers, clenching slightly as it flushed pink. I felt a jolt, my pulse quickening, but I pulled back, forcing my voice casual. “You care for coffee?” I asked, stepping away, my hand dropping to my side like it burned.“There’s a coffee shop down there,” I added quickly, pointing in a direction, across the streets.He swallowed hard, his breathing shallow and uneven, and I saw his chest rising and falling too fast. “Are you going to take me with you after the coffee?” he dropped like a bombshell, and I halted on the spot, my body freezing, turning back to face him with wide eyes.“You’re gonna act like you d