Page 143 of Spark

From what I could tell, they reminisced about old times. Apparently, they had been friends since they were kids. They discussed sports, Daniel’s upcoming firstborn, and a recent hunting trip Matt went on. That was it; nothing really worthy of me listening to, and I had a feeling Darren had previously discussed appropriate dinner conversations while I was present. Not a word of business. Clever motherfucker.

And then, I suddenly felt it. The small pressure in my sinuses that threatened to make an entrance in a room that was unwelcomed.

I had to sneeze.

I held it back as best I could, fighting the tickle with every ounce of strength I possessed, but eventually, it came out. With more control than I thought possible, I somehow managed to make it sound like the cutest sneeze anyone on the planet had ever made.

The conversation went quiet after my sneeze, and I shrank into myself, hoping I had not drawn too much attention. I dared an apologetic look up at Darren, and to my surprise, he gave me the most tender smile as if that was the most adorable thing he had ever heard. Thank God.

He reached his hand down to the side of my face and drew my head to rest on his thigh, petting my hair before returning to his conversation. It actually felt nice to rest on something, so I just relaxed against him.

I also found it difficult not to squirm on the floor as the pressure in my legs was becoming unbearable. I was not used to sitting like this for such a long period of time while Kayla, on the other hand, was perfectly still, almost seeming comfortable. I felt awful that she was obviously used to this. Bastard.

Once dinner was over, Darren helped me to my feet, and Matt did the same with Kayla. The four of us walked into a parlor across from the dining room, and Darren and Matt sat down on a long couch, while Kayla sat on her heels at Matt’s feet. Darren pulled me to sit between his legs where he began to play with my hair.

“What are you drinking tonight?” Matt asked as he stepped toward the bar.

“Scotch,” Darren answered.

Matt began to pour the drink into a glass when he suddenly stopped and looked up.

“Ya know what? I have an idea,” he said. “Let’s let the ladies enjoy the fresh air in the backyard. We’ll be able to watch them from the window there, and we can talk business.”

Darren’s hand then wrapped around my hair and gave it a slight slow tug. “Sure, why not,” he finally said and released me.

“Kayla.” Matt nodded to her. She gracefully rose to her feet and stood just ahead of where I was still sitting, waiting for me.

“Go,” Darren said, nudging me upward. I stood and took a single step before Darren stopped me. He pulled out his phone, pressed some buttons, and then put it away. “Okay, a hundred feet, Jaden. Understand?”

“Yes, Darren,” I said and headed off with Kayla, excitement jittering in my nerves with every step, even as Clive and Owen moved to follow us.

When we were finally out the door and partially sheltered from Darren and Matt’s eyes, Kayla and I embraced each other in a long tight hug, tears coming down our faces like a much-needed rainstorm. My heart felt like it was going to explode with relief, knowing she was right there in front of me, breathing and whole, and that I hadn’t lost her. A small piece of hope found its way into the crevices of my cracked heart.

“I thought I’d never see you again,” Kayla mumbled, her voice strained as she rested her chin against my shoulder, her arms still wrapped tightly around me.

“I told you I’d find you, didn’t I?” I said, my voice becoming optimistic.

We pulled away to examine the other, our eyes both searching for signs of distress or physical harm.

“Are you okay? Has he hurt you?” I asked her.

Kayla responded with another sad smile. “I’m… I’m okay,” she said hesitantly. “I’m just so glad you’re here.”

“Me too. I pushed Darren for your whereabouts months ago, but he refused to share anything.”

She shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m not surprised. I am surprised either of them allowed this, though,” she said, gesturing between the two of us.

“Well, we should make the best of it while we still can,” I said, slinging my arm over her shoulder and ushering her to the edge of the wooden porch and away from the listening ears of my bodyguards. We sat down on the steps of the porch and huddled close, leaning against the other for more than just physical support.

“How are you? Really?” I asked her.

“I’m… I’m fine. Really. I just try to take things one day at a time, try to keep him as happy as I can.”

“So he does hurt you…” I accused.

She pursed her lips together and turned away. “Only if I don’t listen to him. But… I’m getting better at it. I’m just glad to be alive.”

“Me too,” I said, pressing my lips together and turning my eyes to the sky. The sun was beginning to set, spreading warm neon colors across the clouds.

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