Page 35 of Riot

“The worst kind,” I whisper. “Ones I’ve tried to forget.”

“People only bury something when they’ve done something bad,” he whispers slowly.

“We bury what we fear,” I whisper, my voice soft and shaky.

“And what do you fear, sweetheart? Tell me and I’ll take care of it. You’ll never be scared again,” he murmurs.

“You can’t take care of my past, Kage. Nobody can.” I relax into his grip but look away, feeling too vulnerable.

“Don’t ever be ashamed of your past with me. When you’re ready, I will be right here, willing to hear it. I promise.” He kisses my forehead and wraps himself around me more solidly. “Want me to distract you?”

“Please,” I whisper.

“Hmm, well, I told you we were poor when I was growing up, and we really were. I grew up in Section 8 housing, going to a school that had bars on the windows. My dad worked two jobs, my mom three, and I have two siblings, but we aren’t really that close. I think it’s because we all knew we wanted to get out of there, and when we had the chance, we did. I check on them now and again, and I made sure my parents don’t struggle anymore, but they don’t understand this life, and I don’t need them to. I’m thankful for everything they did to raise us, but now it’s my turn to carve my path.”

Turning in his arms, I meet his eyes. “Some—no, most people would be terrified of the real you, Kage.”

“I don’t care about them. I only care about you. Are you scared of me?” he asks, his hands sliding over my body.

“No,” I admit. “Not even a little.”

He kisses me softly. “Good girl. I’d rip out my own heart before I would ever hurt you.”

Surprisingly enough, I believe him.

FOURTEEN

Despite her original protests, Fallon disembarks her jet wearing my hoodie. I spy the cameras from a distance and smile, knowing they will capture it. After all, they got me coming out of the hotel wearing it. Soon, the whole world will know I’m Fallon’s, and I couldn’t be happier.

“Don’t tell me you need a ride too,” she calls as she heads to her car that’s idling a few feet away.

“Well, we do live next door to each other.” I hurry over and open her door before the driver can. She rolls her eyes but gets in, and I slide in next to her, taking her hand. She doesn’t even fight me, and I consider that a win. Things have started to change between us. She’s opening up and letting me in. Fallon still has so many secrets and layers, but I can’t wait to peel each one back.

Like tonight on the plane, I realized there is something in Fallon’s past, something that haunts her, and I won’t stop until I free her of that ghost.

Besides, she wanted to get to know me earlier. No matter how she rationalizes it, she wanted to get to know me, and that’s a good sign. Honestly, I would wait forever for Fallon, but knowing she’s softening toward me makes me feel like a superhero.

“What are you going to do with your new hotel?” she asks as we drive into the city.

“Eh, it’s a good investment. In fact, I’m considering buying one in every city around the world so when you travel, you have a safe place to stay.”

She turns and gapes at me. “Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not,” she responds.

“I’m deadly serious.” I frown. Does she think I wouldn’t? I’d do much, much more for my girl. “Where do you go often? I’ll start there first.” When she just stares, I smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll get a list from your management.”

“They won’t give it to you,” she mumbles.

“Sure, sweetheart,” I scoff. My phone buzzes, and I pull it out with one hand, refusing to lose the hold I have on her.

Elijah: I think I found it. Want me to proceed?

Kage: Give them anything they want and have it shipped to my girl’s address.

Elijah: Understood. Are you back now? The label is mad you canceled those interviews.

Kage: Then schedule more to make up for it.

“Problem?” Fallon asks.

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