Page 27 of Kaid's Empire

“I don’t hate you,” I blurt.

He smiles and reaches over, cupping my face. He leans in close, his breath dancing across my lips. “Finally,” is all he says before kissing me.

I’m led by the pool, sunbathing and reading a book. Kaid is busy dealing with something to do with work, so I decided to soak up the sun and read.

“Kroschka,” Kaid calls as he approaches. I look up from my book and smile, watching him walk towards me. His crisp white shirt is rolled up to his elbows, exposing his tanned forearms, and his fitted black suit trousers hug his perfect firm arse.

I place my book down and sit up as he perches on the sun lounger next to me. “Here, Kroschka.” He hands me a phone.

My jaw drops. “You're giving me a phone?” I ask in disbelief.

“Ring your mother,” he orders before kissing my head. He stands and turns to leave.

“Wait… don’t you want to listen to the call?” I question. I could tell my mum everything, or I could not call my mum at all, I could call the police.

He smiles. “No, I trust you,” is all he says before walking off.

“Well, fuck,” I breathe.

I call my mum and she answers after two rings. “Hello?”

“Mum.” I sniff.

“Oh, my girl, thank God! I have been worried out of my mind; the texts are not enough to ease my mind. I don’t care what you’ve been up to, you don’t just get to text your own mother that you’ve met someone and you're not coming home yet,” she rants.

I pause. He's been texting my mum, telling her I'm okay… that I've met someone… I don’t know whether to be pissed or thankful that he has been reassuring my mum rather than letting her worry.

“Um, sorry, Mum, it’s just been a whirlwind,” I apologise.

“Oh, I can imagine… I spoke to your fancy man, and boy what an accent! He––”

“Wait, you spoke with Kaid?” I ask.

“Yes, he rang me and text me, letting me know that you were okay. I mean, when he first text me, I was––of course––sceptical. I thought, what if he kidnapped you and he is just trying to stop me from calling the police?” she points out.

I sigh. “You have no idea, Mum.”

“Oh, I know he sent me pictures showing that you were fine and just enjoying yourself, and that you're on a yacht! That’s fancy––means he probably has some money in the bank,” she rambles on.

“What pictures did he send you?” I ask.

“Oh, there was a lovely one of you laughing, looked like you were having dinner somewhere. Then there is the one of you sleeping, you look so beautiful and peaceful. I think he should have that one framed. He is obviously smitten by you. I mean, of course he would be, you're a beautiful woman,” she rants on.

“Mum, stop. You need to calm down a little. It’s just a fling, he shouldn't have rang or messaged you,” I point out.

“Well, he didn’t want me to worry. It is sweet, really.” She sighs.

Jesus Christ, he's won my mother over just by a few texts and phone calls. “What happened to all men are predators and that I should be careful and trust no one?” I question.

“Well, my girl, that still applies, but you can make an exception when you find the right man.” She laughs.

“Are you high?”

“No I am not bloody high,” she snaps.

“Mum, seriously, it’s so much more than you realise. He is bossy, controlling and intense. So intense, and there is so much I don’t know about him,” I admit. I have always been fairly open about things with my mum, but this time, I can’t reveal the whole truth.

“Oh, honey, I can see that. The way he spoke about you, I could tell that he is intense. Do you push back when he becomes controlling and bossy?” she asks.

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