Chapter 24

TWENTY-FOUR

" K age?" I call as I kick off my shoes. It's been a long day. I had a meeting with my label to discuss my plan of action, and then we were running through my new album. I still have some things I want to add, but it's getting there. I don't know why I didn't just go home, but it's become a habit to go to his. I tell myself it's only because we are working together, no other reason.

After yesterday's interview, my phone hasn't stopped blowing up. There were so many questions about my lip, but I refused to answer. Besides, my message wasn't for them, it was for Terrie. Instead, we spoke about music and life, and I showed everyone I'm working against the type of power I have.

There's a sudden meow that shocks me, and my eyes widen as a gray ball of fur shoots my way and winds around my feet. Crouching in confusion, I pet the cat, noticing the collar as I pick it up.

Ice.

Looking around, I notice the ladders and shelves leading up the walls for the cat to climb as well as a cat tree.

"Oh, you met her. That's Ice." Kage grins as he heads my way and hands me a mug. "I'm glad you're back." He leans in and kisses me, and I get distracted for a moment.

"You got a cat?" I eventually ask after much staring.

"We got a cat." He grins. "Our first child together."

I don't even know what to say to that. "Why a cat?"

"It reminded me of you, and when I'm not here to cuddle you to sleep, you still have our baby." He drapes his arm around my shoulders, and with his other, he reaches down and picks up the cat, dropping a kiss on its head. "Let's get your mommy some food. She had a busy day."

What is it about a hot man and a cat that makes me weak?

I let them lead me to the kitchen, where he pushes me into a chair and places Ice on my lap before moving to the fridge. I'm helpless to do anything but cuddle the purring machine as he cooks for me.

After eating, I know I should go home, but I let him lead me up to his bedroom where clothes are already waiting for me. I shower, dress, and slip into bed and his arms with ease, like it's normal. Ice curls up between our legs, purring happily as Kage turns on the TV.

How many nights did I sit alone, listening to my husband snore after I got back late?

How many nights did I wish he would turn over and hold me?

Here is Kage, someone I'm not even dating, and he's doing everything he can to look after me, to make me happy and comfortable, and it's driving me wild. All those worries and desires flee, however, as the news replays an interview. I stop Kage from switching the channel as I sit up, shock filling me.

On the screen, calling from his home, is Yuri, Terrie's husband and my father's bandmate. "I think Fallon's comments were coming from a place of love, but they are from a na?ve child. She was young when her father died. She doesn't know much about his life since we protected her from a lot of it. He would be disappointed in her and her response to this docuseries. I don't want to discredit her pain or relationship with her father, since we all know she had a bad year after her husband cheated on her, but I feel like she is taking her anger out on us and his legacy, and that's distressing. I wish her nothing but the best, and I hope she can support us."

Kage turns off the TV, but I stare at the darkened screen in horror and growing anger. "He basically called me an emotional bitch." I laugh, startling Ice. "I knew they would fight back, but I guess I didn't expect it so soon."

"They are just trying to protect themselves. They are scared," he murmurs. "It was a threat."

"I know. He's trying to silence me, just like he did back then." I look at him. "It won't work. I won't let them win."

"I know, sweetheart." Wrapping his arms around me, he slides us down the bed. "Ignore him, ignore them all. The only person who matters is you. They can't touch you. I'll make sure of it."

Nodding, I move closer, breathing in his calming scent. I knew they wouldn't lie down and accept it, but it seems the games are starting early. They will all underestimate me. I might have taken it easy on some of them, but now I won't.

Not anymore.

The game is on.

I fall asleep in Kage's arms, letting him comfort me, all while revenge fills my heart.