Page 130 of Forgotten Prejudice

But if tonight had taught me something, it was that I had to come clean and tell Kai about the kiss. It was only fair to confess and admit that even though I kissed Soren back, it was in the heat of the moment, and I had no intention of ever doing it again. I’d already made up my mind about wanting to be with Kai, and I just had to tell him that.

Kai pulled the car in front of the house, and I unbuckled myself, ready to get out, when I noticed he hadn’t killed the engine.

“Are you not coming in?” I asked, anxiety already gnawing at me.

“I’m going home,” he said, voice cold, not even bothering to look at me.

“Kai—”

“Good night, Ash.” He sounded so angry.

Deciding not to make things worse, I exited the car and closed the door behind me. Kai didn’t waste time before driving away, and as he did, a sharp pain pierced my guts, forcing me to my knees. It was guilt—pure guilt mixed with fear that I’d just made a huge mistake.

Tears fell down my face, and I let out a choked sob, one I tried to hush. I felt so lonely and hated myself for making one mistake after another. I was nothing but a fuckup. First, it was Diesel, and now Kai. Who knew who’d be next?

A wet nose rubbed the side of my face, and I turned to see Pacha staring at me with sad eyes.

“Hey, boy.” I moved a hand along his dark coat, and he thanked me with a big lick. I chuckled, half choking on my snort, when Puma and Pooh also joined us. With the three dogs, I got back to my feet and walked into the house. It was dark and empty, and I hated it. I missed the sound of Jessie’s music carrying through the walls. Levi’s complaining that he wasn’t catching up with his homework or Andrei’s voice as he talked with Miles for hours over the phone. I mostly missed the sound of Diesel lighting up another cigarette on our back porch and even the arguments he’d pick with the others.

I have to fix it.

That was the same thought I’d had for months.

I’d have to fix it all because, without Diesel, this place would never feel like a home. And not just for me, but for all of us.

“Come,” I told the dogs. “Let’s go to bed.”

Ash

With my hands shoved in my pockets, I looked around the empty restaurant. It was early afternoon, meaning it would stay closed for at least a couple more hours. Yet, the staff was already in the kitchen, busy with preparation for rush hour. On most weekends, I joined Kai at the market to shop for his restaurant. Today wasn’t one of those times, and when I woke up to an empty bed this morning, sadness pierced my heart. That was why I decided to come here as soon as I could.

A few minutes had passed since I’d arrived, and finally, Kai stepped out of the kitchen, wearing his chef clothes. He was always so sexy dressed this way, and I was ashamed to admit that, more than once, we’d fucked in this kitchen.

“Hey,” I said, pushing back from the table I leaned against.

He stopped before me.

“Hey.”

I twisted my lips, feeling guilty over the black eye he was sporting, thanks to me. “Sorry about that.” I reached my hand and softly caressed the bruise.

He hissed at the touch, making me chuckle.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Like a motherfucker.”

I tried to pull my hand away, but he grabbed my wrist, keeping it close.

“But I totally deserved it,” he said with a crooked smile that was sinfully sexy.

“No, you didn’t.” I looked between us, biting my lips. “I shouldn’t have hit you so hard.”

“Well, I didn’t listen to you when you asked me to stop, and that’s an asshole thing to do.” He poked my chin, causing me to look up and meet his blue eyes.

His smile was contagious, and my lips immediately pulled up to match his.

“You mean it?”