48. CHAPTER 48

48

KAI

Today is the day I finally get to leave the hospital. Two weeks with no privacy, constantly being prodded and questioned, and being persistently horny, has me all excited to go home. I’m still a little tender from where I was stabbed, but the scar is healing nicely, according to doctors, and I’m off the pain meds. The nurses were a little alarmed when they saw the sudden array of bruising on my neck and thighs, thinking something was wrong. Jules not so subtly explained what they were and I haven’t been able to stop blushing since. Mom hasn’t tried visiting, but has texted me daily to see how I am. She won’t come near me if Jules is here, and that’s her choice. I’m never pushing him away again. He’s my heart and lungs. My life. I don’t want to live if it’s not with him. Unhealthy? Hell fucking yes. But I don’t care. As long as I have him around me I don’t need anyone or anything else. For the first time in years, I’m strong, I believe in who I am and what I want. I’m not ashamed of us or what we are. To have the ability to finally do what makes me happy and not to worry about the other shit is so damn liberating, and I can’t wait to start life with Jules properly.

“Ready to go?”

I look over at Jules, and fuck, it takes all my energy not to pounce on him. He’s looking extra damn hot today. Dressed all in black. Black jeans, black sweater, all finished off with the dick melting leather jacket.

“Stop looking at me like that, unless you want me to fuck you in front of the nurses.”

“I can’t help it. I’m horny.”

Jules grabs me and pulls me into his body. My cock has been hard nearly all day every day with him around, so I don’t try to hide it anymore.

“Hmm, sounds like my pretty little whore is back and looking for a good fucking. Is that what you want, to lay back while I make you feel good?” he growls into my ear and I can’t stop the whine that leaves my mouth.

“Please don’t call me that in public.”

Jules chuckles and kisses down my neck, sucking gently over the bruise that already decorates my skin, making the throb from the soreness travel down to my cock.

“Why? That’s what you are, my pretty pillow whore.”

“Stop! It makes me all fuzzy when you call me that and I don’t want anyone knowing that part of me. Only you.”

“As you wish. Let’s get your gorgeous ass home. Aaron and Seb are getting on my nerves with all the texting asking when you’re getting home.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I encourage you to spend more time with Seb, I don’t want you morphing into a stabby version of Aaron.”

I laugh at that. The boys have been great, they’ve both texted me every day and it’s a nice feeling. That someone gives a shit and is excited to see me again.

“What about Dima?”

‘Don’t worry about him. He told me to bring you back. I’m sure it’s all gonna be fine, and if not, we’ll leave.”

And boy does that send a wave of contentment over me. He’s with me in everything.

“You’re right. Let’s get out of here.”

In the new clothes Jules has bought me because he decided to leave my other stuff at my mom’s, we don’t have anything to carry. A huge gust of cold air hits my face as we walk out of the hospital, and I inhale the air until it chills my lungs, because let’s face it, I’m lucky I’m walking out of here alive, and I plan to enjoy every second life gives me.

“Kai!” my mom’s voice shouts out as she runs over to us. This is the first time in my life I don’t know how to act with her. She’s my mom, but not the mom I thought she was. The decision of what to do is taken out of my hands as she ignores Jules and hugs me tightly.

“I was hoping to see you. Can we talk? Alone?”

Jules snorts behind me but says nothing.

“You can say whatever you want to say in front of Jules, I want him here.”

“It isn’t a lot to ask to have a private conversation. Surely you can bear to be apart, unless he won’t let you.”

“Mom. Stop it.”

“I’ve got your room ready. You can come home and I’ll take care of you. Tim said he can help find you a job, a fresh start.”

“I have a job. And a partner.”

“You’re being stubborn and childish, Kai.”

“Childish? You’re the one who is ignoring Jules like he isn’t here, and refusing to listen because you’re not getting your own way. You wanted me to leave and start a new life, and I did.”

“He’s manipulated you, Kai. How can you not see how immoral and perverted this all is? And don’t tell me you’re safe in that job. Tim said you’re working with criminals. How can I let my son live that life? How can you let ‘him’ convince you that’s a good life?”

“For the hundredth time. I’m. An. Adult!”

“Did he tell you how they threatened us at my home? How his boss threatened to hurt Tim’s daughter?”

No he didn’t. I look over my shoulder at Jules and he just shrugs.

“That’s just how Lev is,” I say. Which is true, as I doubt it was unprovoked.

“I don’t believe this. What’s happened to you, Kai?”

“I’m awake. I’m alive and see things for what they are. I doubt Lev did that without something to provoke him, which we all know Tim has done since I got hurt.”

“Tim is a good man.”

“I’m sure he is, Mom, and I will always appreciate how he’s helped me, and I hope he makes you happy, whether you’re friends or more. But I’m happy with Jules and I’m finished having this discussion. I don’t want to lose you, Mom,” I say, and I genuinely mean it. I can accept that she doesn’t agree with me and Jules, but she doesn’t have to cut me from her life because of it.

Mom moves until she stands in front of Jules. Disdain and repulsion masks her face. I feel guilty that I’ve come between them, but I’m too selfish to dwell on it. I want him for myself.

“You got what you wanted, as always. No different from the spoiled little shit who could do no wrong.”

“Shut the fuck up, Jenny. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I? I bet you had it made when I was tossed on the street, pregnant and scared.”

Jules pushes his face into Jenny’s and grabs her by the wrist.

“You know nothing. They hardly bothered with me after they kicked you out. I couldn’t look at them with how they treated you. I was abandoned by the parents I lived with and lost my big sister. You have a large ego for someone who lives under the guise of being oppressed. I was on the streets, dealing at seventeen to look after myself before my bosses offered me a home and a job, only to then have to bury both your dad and my mom without any help from you. Take your pity story and choke on it. Stop punishing your son and get over it. But you and me? We’re done.”

I’m dumbfounded. That’s the most vulnerable and open I’ve ever seen Jules. Mom never explained too much about life before me and I never asked. Jules lets go of my mom and moves to my other side and holds my hand in his. My mom follows the move and looks between us. I think she was as astounded by that declaration than I was.

“You know where I am, Kai, if you need me and when this falls apart. Love you honey,” she says, and pecks me on the cheek before walking away.

“Jules,” I start to say, but he stops me.

“No more talk about it. That chapter of my life is done and I said what needed to be said. Let’s go home.”