Page 79 of The Scars of Us

When she walked away, Kaiya asked, “Do you have a busy day today?”

“I have a few classes and personal training sessions. They should keep me busy.”

Kaiya swallowed nervously before saying, “Speaking of classes, I don’t know if I should go to self-defense anymore.”

“What? Why?” My face scrunched in confusion.

Sighing, she looked away at the wall. “I totally embarrassed myself last night. How am I going to be able to look those people in the eye after they saw me freak out like that?”

“Hey, look at me.” I grabbed her hand across the table and rubbed it until she met my eyes. “No one will judge you. Hell, some of them have been in abusive relationships, and probably can relate to feeling out of control. Don’t worry about what everyone else will think.”

She exhaled a breath. “Can’t you just give me private lessons?”

“Although I would love to,” I paused, smirking as I thought about all the things we could do if I gave her private lessons. I put the thoughts to the side, saving them to act out later. “I’m not going to. I know you can do this, Ky.”

Pouting, she reluctantly gave in. “Fine. I’ll keep going.”

“That’s my girl,” I stated proudly as I squeezed her hand. She was used to running when things made her scared or uncomfortable, but she had become much stronger than she was when we first met, even if she didn’t believe it. I knew she could do anything she set her mind to as long as she fought her fear.

After we finished our lunch, I took Kaiya back to her office, then went back to my apartment to get ready for work.

As I drove to the gym, I thought about the conversation Kaiya and I had at lunch, about how much Kaiya and I had changed since that first day we met. I was glad I had decided to go after her, even though she fought me and made me work to finally have her. She was so worth it, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her now.Things would be so different.

I headed straight for my office when I entered the gym, needing to look over my schedule one more time to make sure I was prepared for all my sessions and classes.

The day went by pretty quickly, and it seemed like only a couple of hours had passed when Kaiya and Kamden arrived at their usual time. Both of their faces were lit up in smiles when they walked in.I wonder what’s going on.

I had to wait until I finished with a client before I was able to talk to Kaiya. Dragging me into my office, she shut the door, threw herself into my arms, and kissed me.

“Well, hello to you, too,” I mumbled against her lips.

“I have great news. Kaleb’s release was denied!” she exclaimed excitedly after pulling back from me.

“That’s amazing, baby!” I hugged her and gave her another kiss.

“I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off me. I still can’t believe it.” Her eyes were bright with happiness and a huge smile spread from ear to ear.

I loved seeing her so happy. Maybe she would be able to get rid of all the negativity dragging her down since Kaleb wasn’t getting out now.

“We need to celebrate. Anything you want to do this weekend, consider it done.”

Squealing giddily, she bounced up and down. “I can’t wait. Thank you for being so wonderful throughout this whole mess. Most guys would have turned and run once they got a glimpse at my issues.”

I wouldn’t have been able to stay away from her—I had tried and failed miserably. Kaiya had captivated me from the very beginning, and although we had some rough times, she brought so much good into my life, changing me for the better.

“I’m not most guys. You know I like the challenges you give me,” I said with a playful wink. Pausing, I debated saying more, wary of going deeper into how I felt about her. I wasn’t ready to tell her everything, but I wanted her to know that she meant something to me. “My life wouldn’t have been the same without you, Ky.”

Giving me a sweet smile, she laughed lightly. “I know that I wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have you, but I doubt it goes both ways.”

“Oh, it does, Warrior. I definitely wouldn’t be this… alive if you didn’t come fighting into my life,” I replied sincerely as I cupped her cheek, grazing over it with my thumb.

Standing on her tiptoes, Kaiya pressed her lips to mine and slipped her tongue in my mouth.

Suppressing a groan, I snaked my hand around to the back of her head, cradling it as I deepened the kiss, my fingers tangling in her soft hair. Her hands traveled up my chest to around my neck as she pulled herself against me, moaning softly in my mouth.Fuck, I don’t think anyone will ever taste as good as she does.

Pushing her back against my desk, I propped her up on it as her legs wrapped around my waist. Our hands roamed over each other’s bodies, eagerly exploring as they sought more.

A knock on the door jarred us apart, leaving us both panting for air. Kaiya slid off the desk, keeping her distance from me as she stared at the door.

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