Those people … I was watching them and seeing a commotion starting. I leaned forward.
What was happening?
A large crowd had started to form, moving from down the driveway and going slowly toward the lodge, then behind it. People were running to the other side, catching up with the crowd, until a car was breaking free from the group.
It was coming toward me.
I stood, knowing, feeling, not daring to hope, and went to the edge of the banister so I could see better.
Unlike when Matt and I waited to pull in and everyone had to empty the barn so we could get out in private, Kash folded out of his car. He tossed the keys to one of the guards, his eyes lifting and finding mine. Hands in his pockets, he ducked his head down, ignoring a few guys who had tried to call out to him. Some of the stable staff lingered outside the barn, confused as to who Kash was, and then I heard him coming up the stairs.
Well, I didn’t hear him. One didn’t hear Kash. But I felt him.
I knew he was coming.
One of the guards went to the door, opened it before Kash got there, and in he strolled. His gaze locked on me and was not moving away.
He wasn’t moving away. He was coming right at me, no pause, no slowing down. It seemed like it took three steps for him to be across the room, and then he grabbed my arm and was pulling me with him down the hallway. He didn’t spare anyone a glance, just pushed open the back bedroom door, dragged me in, and closed the door. He locked it before he turned.
His gaze pinned me in place, narrowing, and he leaned back against the door.
He drawled one word. “Explain.”
And I gulped.
THIRTY-EIGHT
God.
I was itching to feel him, but he was staring at me, angry.
His voice was seemingly laid back, but he wasn’t. He so wasn’t. His body was tense. His eyes stormy. His hair was messed a little, sexily messed up. His jaw was clenching every few seconds as he waited for me to answer, and the air was electrified. I felt the pull to go to him, hard, and it was taking everything in me to remember he wanted me to say something to him.
Explain.
I frowned. “Explain what?”
He pushed off from the door, stalking toward me. My body veered backward, but my legs stayed and I was captivated by him.
He dropped his voice low, sending a sensual tingle straight between my legs. “Explain what? Explain why you’re here. Explain why you’re alone. Explain where the fuck Matt is. Explain, Bailey. Explain so I don’t leave here and rip the head off someone I consider like a brother.” He stopped, breathing down on me, inches from me. I felt his heat, warm and intoxicating, and I was having a hard time circulating my own air.
I wanted his.
“Oh.” I reached out, my hand touching his stomach, and holy God, he was tense. He was tight, and I could feel the control it was taking for him to restrain himself. It was rolling around in him, his stomach muscles vibrating, and it only got worse under my touch. His eyes were closed. His face bent down toward mine.
I said it softly, not knowing it was coming out. “I missed you.” Three long nights.
His eyes opened, anguish and need and frustration and torment all looked back at me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. My heart paused, literally paused.
He wrapped a hand around my nape, tugging me to him and closing the distance. As soon as we touched, I felt centered. Settled.
The world made sense, just for a moment, if only for that moment. Everything going around and around. Everything making me confused. Family. Years of loneliness. Love. Yearning. Wanting a father, now wanting my mother. Not knowing where I came from, as if I didn’t know where my roots anchored me to the ground.
All of that. Gone. One touch from Kash and I felt right.
“Fuck,” he whispered. His hand slid to cup the side of my face. “You’re not supposed to be here. Not without me. Never without me. And I got the call where Matt took you, and I am trying not to kill him right now.” His hand was gentle, his thumb starting to rub over my cheek. He did this. He cradled me in the palm of his hand, and every time, I fell a little bit more.
I didn’t even stop myself this time. I let myself go, because it was so good to see him, hear him, feel him.
“He apologized for the party, then brought me here because Victoria’s at the house. Her and the guy giving Cyclone tutoring lessons. Matt said Quinn was going to have lunch with them, and Cyclone and Seraphina would’ve begged me to sit there.”
Kash didn’t move.
Not an inch. But his arm did. His bicep muscle bulged up a full second, held, then relaxed. He expelled more air. “Shit. He was right, but wrong. Victoria is here. She texted, asking me to meet her here. But he was right about Quinn. Her and Victoria together would’ve been a nightmare.”
Victoria was here?
My pulse jumped. I didn’t like that.
“Kash.” I slid my hand down his chest, lingering over his stomach. He went still under my touch, not even breathing. “You said you would explain things.” I looked back up. “It’s time you did that.”
“I know.” He sighed, but his arms slid around me, and he hugged me to him. He said into my neck, “I will. I promise. It’s a lot for you to know.” He lifted his head again, his eyes flashing dark and sensual promises. “I’ll beat up Matt, then you and I, we’ll go to my place. I’m back for a while now. I can explain everything.”
Call me weak, but I was stupid happy he was back.
I nodded. “Okay.”
His eyes paused on my lips, hunger showing, and he groaned. His hand came up. His thumb touched my bottom lip. He liked to do that. Then he forced himself away. Catching my hand in his, he entwined our fingers and said roughly, “Let’s go.”
I felt the bartender’s eyes as Kash led me back out to the main room.
Kash stopped, telling our security the plan, and then we were off. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but we were moving at a fast pace. Down the stairs, out from the barn. We were heading back across the yard, and people were noticing. All the guards, except the three that went with Matt, were with us. They fanned out, surrounding us.
Kash moved a little behind me, a hand on my nape as we walked forward.
“Colello!” A guy was cutting over, running to us.
Running? Really?
He had a hand in the air. “Colello! What’s the word on you taking your father’s place with Phoenix Tech after all these years?”
Kash’s hand tightened on my neck, just a smidgen. He ignored the guy.
Another guy joined him, and soon more and more people. They were press, along with the regular partygoers who’d come to enjoy the tournament. One woman yelled, “Kash! We partied together at Noi. Do you still have my number?”
Another: “Who’s the girl?”
Still another: “Your grandfather’s made it known he wants you back in the family. What’s your response to that?”
“Kash! There are rumors you were helping the government in trying to go after your grandfather. Is there any truth to that?”
“Should we expect regular appearances on the nightclub scene?”
We were almost to the main lodge. A staff member came out to meet us. She was held off by the guards, but she waved her badge. “We sectioned off a room for Mr. Colello and his guest.”