Page 51 of Ink & Stardust

“Growing up with Kai, I’ve seen a lot of shit, but I’ve never seen him do what he did tonight. I’ve never even seen him act like he likes a girl, let alone enough to ward off any other man who may try to make a move on her.”

My heart kicks against my ribs, but I try my best to keep her in check. The last thing I want to do is get ahead of myself.

“Really?” I croak, trying to fight the excitement that courses through my veins like river rapids. “What do you think that means?”

“With Kai, it’s hard to say.”

My elation dwindles slightly.

“Yeah, he’s a bit of a conundrum.”

“Listen, as happy as I am for you, because clearly the sex was good.” She gestures to, well, all of me, and I can’t help but wonder what she sees that makes her so sure. “I do, however, want you to be careful. Kai is... complicated. And I’m not just referring to the way he goes through women.”

“Complicated how?” I arch a brow in question.

“His childhood was pretty... traumatic, to say the least. He carries scars, and I’m not just talking about the ones he tries to hide with tattoos.”

So it was scars I felt on his left arm and shoulder.

“How did he get them?”

“I’m not sure I should say.” She gives me an apologetic look. “I’m not really even supposed to know. Jackson told me one day after I asked about the scars on Kai’s arm. This was before the tattoos, of course.”

“I won’t say anything to him. You have my word,” I reassure, feeling a little guilty for prying but also so curious that I can’t help to do just that.

“I don’t really know all the specifics of what happened but his apartment building burned down when he was a kid, and he got hurt. I do know that he came to live with his grandma down the street from us shortly after that, but he never really talked about it from what I could tell.”

“Who did he live with when the apartment burned down?” I don’t miss the way she intentionally skips over that very important detail.

“His mom.” She lets out a slow puff of air. “She was killed in that fire.”

I suck in a ragged breath, disbelief and sorrow washing over me in an instant.

“His mom died.” Tears prick the backs of my eyes. “How old was he?”

“Six, I think.”

“Six...”

I can’t imagine something happening to my mom. Jesus, even the thought has me wanting to curl into a ball and sob. And for him to be just six years old when it happened. I just can’t...

“It was a long time ago, and like I said, he doesn’t talk about it. So you can’t say anything.”

“Of course I won’t.” I shake my head, trying desperately to compartmentalize my feelings.

“And you can’t act sad or different around him because if you do, he’ll know something is up.”

“I promise, I won’t say anything, and I won’t let on like I know.” I shake my head softly, sliding pieces of the puzzle that is Kai Elliot into place. “Thank you for telling me.”

“If you’re going to be involved with him, I suppose it’s best that you know. Just...” She trails off.

“Just what?”

“Keep your guard up with him. I’ve seen firsthand what he’s capable of doing with a heart that someone is foolish enough to give to him. I’d hate to see you get hurt.”

“Don’t worry, I’m at no risk of falling for Kai Elliot.” I snort to cover the truth I pray she doesn’t see, which is that I already am. “It’s just sex.”

“Evenjustsex can get messy when feelings get involved. I should know.” She gives me a sad smile.

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