Page 36 of The Perfect Escape
It was hard to believe that less than a week ago, her face was covered in blood and she could barely see out of one eye. There was only a small trace of what Salko had done to her. I was sure her memories, just like Reyna’s, would forever haunt her. Just as I was about to answer, Mika stepped up behind me. “Davi loves meatloaf. It is one of his favorite dishes.”
I thought Mika would have been put off with another woman in the kitchen, but instead, she stepped past me and opened the cupboard where the plates were located. Shooting me a haughty look, she gave a slight turn of her head.
~26~
Reyna
Taking a sip of my wine, I turned to Davian. There were so many things left up in the air that I needed to ask, and even though friends surrounded me, there was no time like the present. “I’d like to resume my college studies.”
When Davian looked at me, his expression showed he was less than happy about my declaration. “I don’t think this is the time or the place to discuss this.”
In my opinion, it was the perfect time to discuss my future. I wasn’t a child who needed his approval to go back to school. “I think this is the perfect time to discuss my future. I am twenty-one, of legal age, and perfectly capable of making my own decisions.”
As the words left my mouth, I reminded myself that Rui took me a week before my birthday, and Davian might not remember that I was now twenty-one. I never brought it up to him, not until now.
Moving to where I sat, Davian placed his hand on my cheek and smoothed his finger along my chin. “I’m such an idiot. I promise I will make it up to you.”
When he placed his lips on mine, it didn’t matter that we weren’t alone. My body reacted the way it always did. If it hadn’t been for the fact that we weren’t alone, I would have allowed him to take our kiss further. Ending our connection, I licked my lips. “It isn’t your fault. I will have another birthday.”
Pulling us from our intimate thoughts, or at least mine, Helga rounded the glass wall and said, “Dinner is ready.”
When we reached the large table set for ten, Davian took a seat at the head of the table. It reminded me of the family gatherings shown on television during the holiday season. With all the excitement of seeing Kenzi and Helga, I didn’t realize until now how much I missed my mom and dad and wished they were here as well. Looking over to Davian, I knew it was probably not the time or the place to ask, but I missed them too. “Do you think, after dinner, you could take me to see my mom and dad?”
It was a simple question, but I felt like I was asking for something unattainable the way Davian looked at me. It wasn’t like I was asking for the moon or world peace. They were my parents, and I should be able to see them. “I think it has been a long day. How about we discuss this tomorrow?”
It wasn’t a ‘no,’ but it wasn’t a ‘yes’ either, but I let it go for the moment. Once dinner was over and we were alone, I wouldn’t stop until he agreed to let me see them.
The conversation was flowing as we ate our dinner. Patton brought up that he and Davian were going to Suches in the morning to follow up on a lead they found during their research. I wasn’t sure what that lead was, but it must have been important for them to check it out. When I asked about it, Davian assured me it wasn’t anything for me to worry about. Kenzi rolled her eyes in annoyance, like she always did, at the alpha male egos surrounding the table. God, I missed her.
I don’t know what came over me, but I gave Kenzi a mischievous look and let my inner diva come out. “I would like to make the trip with you and Patton.”
One thing was certain. I got their attention when Patton and Davian said, “No,” in unison.
“There is no reason for you to go with us. It will be a short trip, there and back.” Davian said, his hand fell to mine with a soft squeeze. “Besides, I think Kenzi would like to spend more time catching up with you. You two could work out the details of your classes.”
“Are you saying what I think you are?” My stomach was doing somersaults, knowing that I would back in college.
“I’ve given it some thought. I don’t see any reason you can’t take an online class at GSU.” Davian gave me a wink and a sincere smile.
I could have jumped across the table and given Davian a big kiss. Since we arrived back in Atlanta, bringing up the subject of going back to school had been like a bad toothache. But, now, the painful thought of never returning to school was gone. I owed Davian my life. He saved me. I finally understood how important it was for him to keep me safe. Having spent time with Rui Salko, I’d be stupid not to listen to him. Taking online classes was better than not going to classes at all.
Dinner ended on a great note. The guys headed back down the stairs while Kenzi, Mika, and I helped Helga with the dishes. I said nothing more about my parents, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t bring it up again once Davian and I were alone. I was buzzing with excitement and wanted to get the dishes done so Kenzi and I could begin looking at the GSU website to find out what was necessary to take the online classes I needed to graduate. I was behind on my studies, and with everything that happened, I needed to work extra hard to get caught up. Kenzi decided when I disappeared to take the semester away from school. Now that I was back, there was no reason for her not to go back. I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for her. I was sure she was going crazy with worry.
Once the dishes were cleaned and put away, we relaxed in the living room. The guys were still downstairs doing whatever they did. It was nice hanging out with the girls, which I hadn’t done in a long time.
Doing what girls do, which is mostly gossip. Kenzi surprised me when she blurted out, “I think we should have a party for you.”
With her eyes directed at me, it was obvious I was the “you” she was referring to. “A party. What kind of party?”
“For your birthday. You turned twenty-one over two weeks ago and deserve to have a party.”
“I think that is a great idea,” Helga said, adjusting her position on the couch so she could see all of our faces.
“Me too.” Mika proudly stood, her hands coming to her chest.
“I think all of you are nuts. Besides, Davian would never go for a party. My safety is his top concern.” I looked between them, and we all giggled together as I tried to impersonate his manly voice on the last statement.
The room grew silent after all the laughter stopped. The realization of having a party was out of reach until Mika said, “Let me talk to Davi. I can change his mind. He loves you, Reyna, and I’m pretty sure he would do anything for you.”
