Page 45 of Jasha
“Do you know anything about our history?”
“Yes. He kidnapped you from your father because he didn’t pay up.”
“Yes, that’s what happened, but don’t call it kidnapping.” Jasha didn’t want to hear that word. It wasn’t really what happened. According to the law, however, it very well could be considered that in his situation.
“Why did you go with him?”
“It’s complicated and I don’t know if he told you everything that went on in the apartment.”
“He did. He put a gun to your father’s head. That’s more than I ever wanted to know about.” Adam’s tense posture and clenched fists revealed his stress.
Jasha closed his eyes, visualizing that moment he thought Daddy Kaleb would kill his father. “Yes, that’s all true.” The image he created in his mind left him feeling queasy, his stomach flipping upside down.
“Let me tell you something about Kaleb. He can be ruthless and has been. I know you saw that side of him in your apartment, but since you’ve been here, he’s not the same man. You’ve changed him. I don’t know what you did to him, but it’s clear he loves you and would do anything to make you happy.”
“He has been so good to me, always showing kindness and love. He’s got my back when I need him. I never expected any of this from him.”
“Let me ask you something. If Kaleb said you were free to leave him, would you leave?”
“Kaleb threatened me if I left him, but I don’t feel that threat anymore. I could have left. He didn’t handcuff me to a chair. But the truth is, I never wanted to. I love being with him.”
“I could tell you were into him as much as he is into you because at any point if you had wanted to leave, I would have helped you. The first day I had some doubts you guys would work out, but when you two were together after that first day, I could see everything was going to be okay.”
“It was tough sitting next to him on the plane for so long. I was in shock, not knowing what to do. I was so upset I couldn’t think. Then the next day he made me feel so welcome in his home. Everyone in the house treated me like family.”
“I know Miss Nadia loves you and doesn’t want you to leave us.”
“Did he tell you what he wanted to do with me when he took me away from my father?”
“Every time I drove him to your apartment, he talked about you. He said he wanted you to be his boy. So, I knew he was looking for an excuse to make that happen. He was hoping to win you over.”
“I used to dream about him after he showed up to collect money.”
“He’s a hot guy!”
Jasha nodded. “Can I ask you something personal?”
“Ask me anything?”
“I have a couple of questions.” Jasha laughed. “First, you look like Kaleb. Are you guys related in any way?”
“Yes, we’re distant cousins. We were always close as kids, and when my family heard I was gay, they kicked me out. Kaleb took me in. He wanted me to work with him and Arlo, but I can’t do what they do. So, he offered me the position of his limo driver and other side jobs. It’s worked out for us.”
“He was kind to help you.”
“Don’t tell Kaleb what I’m going to tell you. Promise?”
“Yes, I won’t tell him.”
“I was ready to walk after he took you. I didn’t enjoy being a part of that scene. I’m sorry I was.”
“It really had nothing to do with you. It was Kaleb’s decision.”
“I know, but as you know studying law, the driver for any crime is an accomplice. I was in some iffy territory with him that day. I knew what he planned to do. He told me he was going to take you if your father refused to pay. That’s called kidnapping. I should have said no.”
“I didn’t have to go, and he didn’t physically prevent me from leaving.”
“He used threats to take you, then used them to keep you. It stinks either way but thank God everything is turning out okay. I mean it feels like a Christmas miracle.”
