Page 29 of These Sinful Kingdoms

“I’ll go sort out the caffeine for our queen and see if they are awake.” Luca said, kissing her shoulder before pulling on a pair of sweatpants.

I watched him walk out, feeling a different kind of relationship blooming between him that had me questioning things about myself I never thought I would.

“Come on, princess. Let’s clean you up.”

Aurora

SittingacrossfromKenji,I watched his enthusiasm as he finished off the breakfast Luca made before taking Fabian to school.

He had quietly mentioned that Fabian had told him what had happened yesterday that had made him so upset, and I desperately wanted to know.

“That was so good. I haven’t had bacon cooked like that in ages. I love my grandma, but she is a bit of a health nut at times.” he said with a sigh as he sat back in the chair.

“You have told her that you are here, haven’t you?” It had been something on my mind since last night and I was a little worried that he had skipped out and left the poor woman worried as all hell.

“Ohhh. No, not yet. I knew she would try and stop me so I just kind of left. I promise I’ll tell her today.” He glanced at Kingston who sat down with his cup of tea. I still found it amusing that the guy preferred tea over coffee, he always said it was a remnant from his days spent with his English grandmother.

“You are okay with me staying right? I can help out. I don’t mind doing chores and such. I am really good at cooking and cleaning. I’ll clean the shit out of the house for you.” He said with determination, and I had to take a breath to stop myself from laughing.

“Sure. You can stay but we will have to figure out something better than the sleeping arrangements we have now.” He nodded, whipping out his phone.

“I’ll order an air mattress. I can sleep on that with no problems. This is so amazing. Who would have thought I would be living in Aurora Moretti’s place after never being able to leave my own house? It just feels right, you know? Like I don’t feel worried here.” I glanced at Kingston who was also smiling behind his cup.

Kenji’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I liked the guy. I sort of wanted to see what he was capable of without being clouded in fear and if Fabian felt comfortable talking to him, that was an added bonus.

“So, you mentioned Fabian spoke to you about what happened yesterday. Can you tell me about that?” I asked as he sat up straighter, a serious look on his face.

“Yeah. Do you know someone called Jasper?” He said and I felt all the blood run from my face, ice coating my spine at the mention of that name.

“Yes. Why did he mention Jasper?” My voice was barely a whisper as Kingston reached out to squeeze my arm, concern in his eyes. I had never told him about Jasper, but I wouldn’t put it past him to know who he was and right now, I was glad Luca wasn’t here to hear this bit.

“He said this guy Jasper paid him a visit right as school finished, just before you arrived to pick him up. Something about him saying that he was back to take over. He didn’t want to say more than that.” Kenji looked between us and frowned.

“Who is this guy?” He asked and I let out a breath, trying to remind myself that Jasper didn’t have the power he thought he had.

“He is Fabian’s biological father. He has been in prison for a long time. He was a bad mistake I made when I was eighteen. He is a known associate of the Forsaken gang.” I looked at Kingston, a feeling of fear I hadn’t experienced in a long time taking over.

“If he knows where Fabian is, someone told him. He never had an interest in him before, I can’t help but feel like this has something to do with Nicolo.” Kingston nodded.

“Let me make some calls. A buddy of mine works over at the Sinclair prison. He can tell me more. Then I’ll make a call to Liam.” Kenji smiled sadly.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do in this situation but…” His words were cut off as the door slammed open, I spun around, standing quickly as my heart thumped in my chest, and found myself face to face with a gun.

“Don’t move, Aurora.” The man said softly, and I looked at him, the tattoos that lined his arms and hands, the muscles in his forearms where the business shirt was rolled up.

He was clearly of Asian descent and my heart dropped as I realized who this was. Kaito Kobayashi. He was in my home with a gun to my head.

I heard the click of Kingston’s gun from behind me as Kenji gasped softly.

“Put down your weapon, Kingston. I can assure you I am far quicker to the trigger than you are, and I will shoot her before you can even blink.” Kaito said, his voice calm and with a slight accent that would have been charming under different circumstances.

“Dad. Don’t do this.” Kenji whispered, slowly walking around the table towards me. Kaito tracked his every movement, still like a big cat watching its prey.

“Do you have any idea how much worry you put me and your grandmother through?” Kaito said, his voice breaking just a little, giving the first hint of some kind of emotion behind his cool façade.

“I know. I couldn’t take the risk of her stopping me. I can’t stand by and let you do this, Dad. This is no different from what happened to Mom.” Kenji said, his voice barely a whisper. He stepped towards Kaito, angling his body in front of mine slightly.

“Please. She doesn’t deserve to die. Her son doesn’t deserve to lose his mother. I know that you don’t really want to do this. For once in your life, stand up to them.” Kenji said as his hand rested on Kaito’s arm.

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