“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 104

***Kai’s POV:***

Gracie cuddled next to me as we made our way home. My heart swelled, I was glad she was so comfortable with me. Still, I could tell she was still exhausted. I knew my family wanted to celebrate, but I wouldn’t let her stay up too long. She needed more rest, one night was clearly not enough.

As we pulled out of the parking lot, my phone began to buzz. Answering without checking to see who it was, I was unprepared for the loud voice on the other end.

*“Kaaaaai!!!!! I’m at your house!! Your mom said you’re on the way home with Graceland!!”*

Tyler.

Tyler Green and I had been friends since we were fourteen years old. We met in private school when my family returned to Phoenix from Conrad. After meeting Gracie, I realized I didn’t want to go back to a world where people were too scared to open up or befriend me. After the passing of Sammy, I was afraid I’d lost my one and only friend and that I would go back to being lonely. Then I met this remarkable girl, and she made me realize that even someone like me could make friends.

Tyler was the complete opposite of me in terms of mannerisms. As mature, refined, and reserved as I was, Tyler was as goofy, loud, and immature. Our difference in behavior is what kept us balanced. He would force me to open up and be youthful while I kept him grounded….well as grounded as he could be.

I rolled my eyes at the sound of his loud voice. I could feel Gracie chuckling. I wanted them to meet but I also dreaded it. Tyler was the type of friend that would expose everything I DIDN’T want her to know. Not to mention, he was a very energetic and lively person. Fun…would be the better term. Tyle had the ability to be familiar with just about anybody. I’m ashamed to admit I wasn’t excited about sharing Gracie with everyone. It was bad enough I had to share her with my family. Kayla was already starting to lay claim to her.

Still, I’d sent Tyler on a job, so I knew that was the primary reason he’d came back to Phoenix.

*“That’s correct. We’re actually on our way home now.”*

*“Uhhh….so I’ll get to meet the infamous Gracie soon…this should be fun.”*

I rolled my eyes; I hadn’t even seen him yet and I was already irritated.

*“Tyler you-”*

*“Relax! I’m going to be on my best behavior.”*

I believed none of what he’d just promised.

*“Fine. We’ll see you all shortly.”*

I hung up the phone with a grimace expression.

My peaceful bubble with Gracie would soon come to an end. I could feel her giggling on my chest. Immediately bringing me out my funk, I smiled down at her.

*“I love that sound.”*

Her eyes shot up at me. There was so much life in those beautiful brown eyes. She smiled lightly.

*“Your friend sounds like an interesting character.”*

*“Interesting is the polite term…he’s absolutely annoying. If he irritates you in any way let me know. I’ll waste no time sending him to an untimely death.”*

Gracie laughed aloud at my threat. That was it. I couldn’t hold myself back any longer. I could feel my hands gently pull her face closer to mine as I leaned in.

I kissed Gracie gently on the lips. Realizing what I’d done, immediately pulled back. Suddenly, Gracie grabbed my shirt. Her eyes were burning with something I couldn’t described.

*Desire?*

She gently pulled me back to her. I watched her eyes nervously close as she leaned in for another kiss. This time, I kissed her with more passion. I wanted to claim her; I needed her to know she belonged to me. That I cherish her. I wanted her to feel all of the loved I’d held in for over ten years in that kiss.

Our lips danced for what seemed like an eternity. Breathless, I slowly pulled away. Her eyes slowly opened. She looked at me with so much love and trust in her eyes. I wanted to earn every bit of her faith. I wanted her to know there would never be another person I loved more than her.

*“Gracie…I-”*

*“We’re here sir.”*

I was pulled out of my trance by the words of Cameron. It took me a minute to realize the car was no longer moving and the privacy window was now rolled down.

For the first since hiring him, I had a desire to fire Cameron.

Gracie sat up; I felt a pinch of sadness as she moved from my arms. As if she could read my mind, Gracie smiled and kissed me once more. In an instant, all my sadness evaporated. My head of security and main bodyguard Tomas Romane opened my door. I immediately stepped out of the car and made my way over to Gracie’s side. As my second bodyguard Court began to open her door, I held my hand up to stop him. I wanted to be the first to welcome her home.

Gracie smiled brightly as she placed her hand into mine and stepped out of the car.

“Welcome home Gracie.”

She beamed brightly and pulled me closer to her face; making our foreheads touch.

“Welcome home Kai.”

She had no idea the affect she had on me. Just as I was about to pull her in for another kiss, my loud and annoying sister came running out the house.

*“Yaayyyy!!!! They’re home!!!”*

She ran over to us as the rest of the family and Tyler came storming out of the house.

*“Welcome home!!!!”*

My grandparents shouted in unison. My parents made their over way to hug me and Gracie.

*“Welcome home my son.”*

My mother hugged me tightly; I could feel her tears wet my cheek. I kissed her other cheek and hugged her once more.

*“Thank you mom, I’m glad to be home.”*

My dad then walked over hugging me with tears in his eyes. You would have sworn I HADN’T just seen all of them yesterday. Still, I couldn’t imagine the heartbreak they must’ve felt all these months; so, I decided to let them have this moment.

After hugging all of my family, Tyler walked towards me. He had a goofy grin on his face, but I could tell by his eyes…he was beyond elated at my being back home.

We shook hands before he pulled me into a tight embrace.

*“Don’t ever scare me like that again brother. Next time I’m kicking your ass!”*

I laughed at my best friend of over nine years. Despite his annoying and often juvenile behavior, I was glad he was my friend and that he was here.

*“You got my word.”*

We nodded at each other; an unspoken vow made. Just then, his eyes darted over to Gracie who was laughing with Kayla. He turned back to me raising his eyebrow.

*“You know, for the longest time I thought she wasn’t real. Like you’d imagined her or something, but…yeah…I get it man. She’s breathtaking.”*

Before I could respond, Tyler made his way over to Gracie.

*“Ehte mm. Excuse my Kayla, I just want to introduce myself to this lovely angel.”*

*Shit. Dammit Tyler!*

I quickly made my way over to Gracie.

*“Ms. Gracie. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Tyler Green, Kai’s best friend.”*

I rolled my eyes with severe annoyance; Gracie smiled warmly.

*“It’s a pleasure to meet you Tyler. Thank you for taking care of Kai these past ten years until I could find him.”*

Gracie turned to me. Her eyes beamed with love and devotion, and just like that; all the annoyance I’d felt just a moment ago disappeared.