Chapter Three
Jack strolled through the nightclub with a drink in his hand, watching people bump and grind against each other to Hip Hop music. The DJ was up flying in the air in a globe looking gadget with lights streaming from the bottom. The crowd was a mixture of tourists and residents. all dressed to impress mingling together. The extravagant club was an explosion of glamour and extravagance with low hanging chandeliers. It was located on the last floor of the hotel with three designated areas: the main room for dancing, the silk room for VIP guests and the terrace for an exclusive outdoor experience. The famous DJs, flashing lights, sprouting confetti and beats ensured the club was packed each night.
He missed Kayla like crazy. He tried calling her back, but she didn’t answer. They were playing phone tag since she’d decided to spend the holidays with her family.
Jack and Rabbo were out and about, because he didn’t like to be in the penthouse by himself. Rabbo was all up on one of the waitress. Jack shook his head. His friend was a lady’s man. Rabbo had a different woman in his bed every night of the week, he even managed to get Tammy involved in his games. He resembled Omar Borkan Al Gala, and he needed to get deported for breaking hearts. That was one of the reasons Kayla said Tammy decided to leave Dubai.
Now, Big Poppa by The Notorious B.I.G began playing, reminding him of the day he woke up with all his senses.
~~~
Two years and nine months ago…
Jack’s eyes had fluttered open and he stared up at the cracked ceiling. Where was he? He’d asked himself over and over. He’d been in and out since those two black women hid him away in a cargo plane. His throat hurt as he swallowed his own saliva, he needed water, he felt thirsty as hell. He turned his head to the side when he heard someone singing to an old hip-hop song, he thought maybe it was Big Poppa or something like that.
She swayed her body to the music as she washed dishes in the sink. He couldn’t see her face, just the back of her body. Her hair was wrapped in a silky purple scarf. Jack watched as the black woman danced to the popular song. He tried to push himself up on his elbows, but was unsuccessful, still too weak. He extended his arm trying to reach the bottle of water off the small table. When he’d managed to touch it with his fingers, it fell to the ground making her turn around.
When their eyes met, he felt a jolt of electricity run through his body.
It was the same woman who’d risked her life to save his. She turned off the radio. “Well, well, well.” She placed her hand on her hips. “Good morning Moses.”
“Moses?” he muttered. “Who’s Moses?”
“That’s what I called you, since I didn’t know you’re name or anything about you,” she indicated staring at him. “You kinda looked like Jesus, but it would be disrespectful to call you that, so I chose Moses.” The sweet lady picked up the water bottle from the ground. “You’ve been in and out for weeks now. My name is Kayla. And this will be the fiftieth time I’ve told you.”
“Kayla,” Jack whispered remembering her name. Her familiar voice became his medicine these past weeks. She kept him informed of the date and spoke to him about her favorite shows, music, her childhood. He stared at her, Jack knew so much about her without really knowing her.
“Yep that’s me,” she joked. “You don’t look like a Jack…Jack.” Kayla chuckled and then stepped forward, she leaned in placing her hand under his back and helped him sit up on the small mattress. “Here.” She placed the bottle to his lips.
He took a few gulps. His throat hurt as he swallowed. How did she know his name? He didn’t recall telling her. Jack had kept his name a secret for years. To the men that took him, his name was Peter Pan.
“There’s more where this came from.” She sat next to him. “You look much better today and your wounds are completely healed. The doctor said you would be well after your body had enough rest, but dang that was a long time.”
Jack swallowed again, looking around the small house. “How long?”
“A few weeks.” Kayla positioned her legs under her butt watching him. “Jack, you’ve been through so much. You were a POW, an American warrior.”
Jack was getting hypnotized as he stared into her brown eyes.
She resembled the actress Regina Hall just thicker, she had a small mole right below her lips. “I know all this because you shared things with me.”
He felt confused because didn’t she say he was out most days?
“Don’t look at me like that. I spoke to you even when you didn’t talk back and when you did, you thought I was Cindy.”
“My wife…” he mentioned thinking of his wife and daughter.
Kayla continued looking at him, causing him to start having heart palpitations. Her voice was soothing to his soul, maybe because she was the only voice he heard for weeks.
“I tried several times to get you help, but when I went to the embassy, they started asking too many questions. Questions, I couldn’t answer. I was afraid that they were going to lock me or you up. I didn’t know if you were a traitor.”
“I’m not… a traitor.” He sternly said. “I would never betray my country.”
“I know.” She touched his arm. “I tried finding out anything I could about you. Especially after you told me you were in the Army. I searched through all the photos of the POW list, and nothing.” She hugged herself.
Jack squinted looking at her. What did she mean he wasn’t on the POW list?
“My friend Tammy…” Kayla fiddled with her fingers. “Do you remember her? She helped me get you here. Well, she found some underground criminal jerk to help us.”
“Who?” Jack’s heart pounded against his chest. He didn’t trust anyone at the moment, not even the woman beside him.
“An asshole, named Rabbo.” Kayla rolled her eyes. “She trusts him. I wanted to wait until you were strong enough.” She sighed. “What he found shocked us.”
“What?” Jack’s chest tightened.
“Everyone you know, believes you’re dead.”
Jack eyes widened. “Why are you lying to me?” He raised his voice causing Kayla to move away from him. “That’s not fucking true!”
“I don’t have a reason to lie to you,” she spat jumping off the bed. “You’re in shock at this revelation, I understand that, but I could be back at home living my life, making money. But instead I’ve placed my life on hold to help a complete stranger and you dare accuse me of lying.”
Jack’s chest heaved. Why would his family think he was dead? He hung on this long because of them and why would this woman help him? “What do you want… from me?” Jack didn’t have anything to give. “I have nothing.” People didn’t do anything, without expecting something in return.
“I don’t want shit from you.” She raised her voice offended. “I have asked myself so many times, why did I help you, why did I stay, why didn’t I just turn you in, why can’t I seem to walk away? And I still don’t have answers. I haven’t seen my loved ones in weeks because of you.” She pointed at him. “I’ve been called a thrill seeker, but this time I took my craziness to another level, staying in a foreign country for an ungrateful fool.” She then stormed into the tiny kitchen, opened a drawer, and walked back to him waving a paper in her hand. “Here.” She placed it in front of his face. “It’s right here in black and white. Your obituary.”
Jack grabbed the piece of paper with his picture, and read it in shock. According to the obituary, he died five years ago. He balled it up, crushing the paper in his hand, and threw it as far as he could. This couldn’t be true, somebody was playing tricks on him. “Do you…have a phone or computer?”
“You still don’t believe me?” Kayla strolled out of the room then came back with a laptop and cell phone. “Knock yourself out.” She dropped both gadgets on the bed. “You need some time by yourself, and I need some fresh air.” She picked up her purse and rushed to the door. “You’re strong enough to fend for yourself now. I think it’s time for me to go back home.” She went out.
Jack positioned his feet on the ground and grabbed the cell phone. He still remembered his parent’s number. He dialed, but the call didn’t go through. What the hell was the code to call out from Dubai to the states?
The door opened as Kayla walked back in with the scarf in her hand and threw it on the plastic chair. “The code to call out is 00-1 area code, and the rest,” she disclosed combing her hair out with her fingers and grabbing a black cloth. She turned back around and left again.
He rapidly dialed and someone answered. “Hello…”
“Hi,” a little girl replied.
“Is Mr. and Mrs. Wood there?” Jack couldn’t wait to hear his parent’s voices. He wondered how Jeremy Carolyn and the kids were doing. Alanie, Tomas and Blake, he imagined how big they were, and his little girl. She was one when he left, and now she was six-years old.
“Which one?” She giggled. “I’m a little Ms. Wood.”
“Jim and Carol Wood.” Whoever this was didn’t recognized his voice. “Who am I speaking to?”
“Melissa,” she revealed.
Jack’s breath hitched and then quickened. It was his little girl. “Melissa…” he muttered. “Melissa this is daddy…” Jack rushed his words. “I’ve missed you…” His voice cracked getting overwhelmed with emotions. “You were a baby when I left.” He hoped he didn’t overstep, but he couldn’t contain himself. “I love you, princess.” He dreamt and waited for this day. “I love you…” He chanted as his lips curled up in a grin, Jack hadn’t had a reason to smile in years.
“You’re not my daddy.” Melissa raised her voice. “My daddy is in the other room. Daddy!” she yelled. “Who is this?”
It felt like someone had punched him in the gut. “Princess…”
He heard a man answer her, “Yes, sweetheart. I’m coming.”
Jack’s body started to ache, it was difficult for him to breathe. Who? Who was she calling daddy?
“Melissa,” he heard his mother’s voice. “Who are you talking to?”
“A man,” she sang. “He says, he’s my daddy and he loves me...”
“What?” his mom yelled. “Give me that phone. Hello!”
“Sorry…” was the only word he could manage to say. Jack placed his hand over his heart, at the moment he couldn’t believe his family replaced him, after being gone so long. They must have known he was still alive, awaiting to be rescued. Jack couldn’t comprehend what was happening. “Please listen…”
“No! I don’t know who you are and I don’t care. How dare you play with my granddaughter’s emotions? My son has been dead for years.” Her feelings were clear in her voice. “Don’t you ever call this house again. Do you hear me!” She hung up.
Tears ran down his cheeks as he dropped the cell, and picked up the laptop. Kayla was telling him the truth. He searched his family and every time he saw pictures and read posts, a piece of him would die and then he found a post about his death. Jack’s heart pounded so hard against his chest while inflicting more physical pain, he didn’t even hear when Kayla walked back into the house.
“I’m so sorry…” Kayla sat on the bed next to him and her soft hands caressed his back. “We will find a way to get you back home.” She leaned her head on his shoulders. “You are a hero and they need to know…”
Jack didn’t feel like a hero, at that moment he felt like a failure. He’d failed his family and country by getting caught.
She cupped his face and wiped at his fallen tears. “You may not see it now, but you are an American hero, and your family would be so proud of you. I am, and I don’t even really know you,” Kayla continued to try and ease his pain. “You made it this far and you have a long way to go.”
“Why, did you help me?” He stared at her through blurry eyes.
“I don’t know.” She shrugged her shoulders, smiling. “Maybe because I needed a reason to live too… God works in mysterious ways.”
“Does he?” Jack inched back on the bed. Where was God when he was being mistreated?
“I believe so. If it wasn’t for me being on a missionary mission, I wouldn’t have found you.” Kayla took his hand in hers. “Jack, after all you’ve been through you are blessed. Some soldiers don’t make it home, you will.”
That day was the beginning of Jack’s reformation….
***
Present Day…
His phone vibrated in his pocket bringing him back to the present, he placed his alcoholic drink on the bar counter to search his pocket and grabbed his cell. Jack glanced at the screen, it was Kayla. He rapidly answered, “Babe.” He placed his hand over his right ear so he could hear her over the music.
“Sorry, I missed your call earlier,” she replied. “I had a long, exhausting day.”
“Are you okay?” Jack could barely hear her. “Have you been taking your pills?”
“Yes, I just needed to hear your voice,” Kayla claimed and then paused. “Where are you?”
Yep she heard the commotion.
He let out a breath before walking out to one of the balconies and still, it was as noisy outside. “I haven’t been able to sleep well without you, so I decided to join Rabbo for a drink.” He didn’t like being alone for too long, it brought back a few bad memories of being isolated. Jack made sure he had sunlight or light and played music when he was alone. He liked loud noises.
“You decided to join Rabbo for a drink,” she sarcastically said taking a sharp breath.
“Babe, you have nothing to worry about.” Jack rolled his shoulders. “I’m not doing shit unless it’s with you. When are you coming home, or are you surprising me again?”
“Jack, I told you. I’m not coming anytime soon,” she mentioned agitated. Kayla’s emotions were all over the place.
“You better not cum without me.” He chuckled trying to lighten the conversation. “I love it when we cum together.”
“Funny,” Kayla said sternly. “I’m being serious, jackass. We need to talk.”
“I thought that’s what we’re doing, talking.” Jack was getting agitated now. He wanted his woman here with him, not fucking miles away. He wasn’t going to settle for anything else. “You want me to do something I’m not ready to do.”
“Fine Jack,” she added. “Go have fun with Rabbo.”
Jack raked his fingers through his hair. He didn’t want to argue with Kayla. “I’ll call you back in a few minutes.” The noise was getting louder and a woman started grinding her flat ass on him.
“You’re Rabbo’s friend.” She turned around touching his chin with her fake fingernails.
“Don’t bother,” she huffed. “Don’t stop having fun on my account.” Kayla hung up before he could respond. Kayla wasn’t the jealous type, he never gave her a reason to distrust him. What the fuck was going on with her?
Jack grabbed the woman’s finger and twisted it. “Did I give you fucking permission to touch me?” He didn’t like people in his personal space. He didn’t trust people he didn’t know and the woman in front of him had just caused him unnecessary drama.
“Ouch!” She pulled away from him and stormed back into the club. She spoke to one of the bouncers and then pointed at Jack. The man stared at Jack and she nodded her head yes.
Jack smirked, glaring at the big man approaching him. “What did she say?” he asked with a hint of annoyance. The woman must've assumed the bouncer was going to kick him out because she wore a smile on her face as she looked his way, but she was mistaken.
“You assaulted her,” the bouncer stated now with a smirk of his own.
This made Jack laugh out loud. The nerve of that bitch. “I want her escorted out of the club,” he demanded glaring at her. “She needs to learn to keep her hands to her fucking self.”
“Yes Moses.” The bouncer turned on his heels and ambled back to the young lady. He whispered something in her ear, and her lips thinned as her eyes narrowed back at Jack.
Jack picked up his drink and raised it in the air as a toast to her leaving. A lot had happened in three years, he went from being practically alone and homeless to living in a penthouse suite with a queen by his side. If only he could share his success with his family. “Maybe one day,” he mumbled drinking the rest of the brown liquid.
The large bouncer grabbed the woman by her upper arm, when she wouldn’t comply with his demands, escorting her out of the club.
“Damage control,” he said under his breath thinking of Kayla as he walked to the private elevator up to this penthouse. Jack loved the power that came with being the boss's right hand man. He helped him get the upper hand on the other competition. Jack would forever be thankful to Rabbo for helping him master his skills and introducing him to the underworld of cyberspace. His boss, Oliver Bowman was a very rich and dangerous man. He owed Jack for saving his life.
~~~
Two Years and A Half Ago…
Jack and Kayla were walking to a local market to get some fresh food. She’d received some money from Tammy. They were living on a tight budget, as living in Dubai wasn’t cheap. He needed to find a temporary job to help out with their living arrangement. They didn’t have much, making him wonder how she survived staying here with him. Jack hadn’t worked since he was sixteen, bagging at a local grocery store, and if he needed to find mediocre work, to help her he would put his pride on the side and do it.
Rabbo had been impressed with Jack, after he helped him take a laptop apart and build another one from scratch. He said he would help him find a job, but that had been weeks ago. Jack was suspicious of the Arabian for a while, but he'd come through for Kayla, Tammy and Jack. He showed up with food and electronics. They never asked questions.
“Did you take your medication today?” Jack asked.
“I forgot,” Kayla said out of breath. “Why didn’t you remind me?”
“Why don’t you take them first thing in the morning?” He stared at her concerned.
“They make me pee,” she divulged watching as people strolled by. Kayla shared that she was diagnosed with Hypertension at a young age. “I don’t think I need the pills anymore. I’ve controlled it.”
“You won’t know that until you go back home.” Jack worried about her. She was taking care of everyone, but herself. So, he had to make sure she took her medication as instructed.
“Whatever. Why did I even tell you.” Kayla skipped along the pathway like a little girl.
“What do you do for a living?” He needed to help her financially.
“I’m an entrepreneur. I work here and there.” She giggled. “I’ve been working since I was fifteen. My experiences are broad from fast food restaurants to HR advisor. Which is what my bachelor degree is in. That’s what I was doing in Dubai in the first place. The company I used to work for has businesses here and back home. While I was here, I had an opportunity to go on a missionary mission to help kids.”
“That’s how we met,” Jack added.
“Yep. I can be anything an employer wants me to be. My mission in life is to have fun, I only get to live once. Helping others and living my life the way I see fit, so…” She lingered on the word. “My mother invested money my father left me when I was very young after he passed away. Those investments paid off. I saved some funds to travel the world and help those in need, and it turns out that you happened to be in need, so that means I’ve done my good deed for life.”
Jack stared at her. “I owe you my life.”
“You owe me nothing,” Kayla rocked her hips side to side like she was power walking. “You can repay me by living your life to the fullest. Don’t let what happened to you keep you away from your loved ones. Don’t you want to see them?”
“Maybe one day.” Jack bowed his head as locals passed by them. He was having a hard time shaking off the feeling that they were against him.
“You had another nightmare last night,” Kayla disclosed. “You were calling your daughter’s name.”
“They’re not as bad as they used to be,” Jack commented placing his hands in his front pockets. They were vivid to say the least. Every time he woke up from one of his dreams, he actually thought he was back in the cage or well. The haunting memories were always going to be there, but he was learning how to control the visions. When he’d been held captive, he lived for his dreams of home and now those dreams haunted him too. Jack didn't want to go home, he would rather stay away until he got his shit together.
“I found an American psychologist, who is willing to see you,” Kayla mentioned. “It doesn't hurt to talk to someone that doesn't know shit about you. You are in control of what you tell him, you are protected by client, patient confidentiality.”
“I don’t have money to sit and talk about my feelings,” he pointed out. “And does that policy apply here?”
“Don’t worry about the money,” she said nonchalantly. “I’m going to clean his house in return for a couple of sessions.”
“What!” He raised his voice. “No, I’m not going to let you do that. I’ll be okay.”
“Let me.” Kayla chuckled. “I’m going to work whether you like it or not. What do you think has been getting us by?”
“Kayla…” Jack felt like shit. She shouldn’t be lifting a finger to take care of him. “Why?”
“Why, what?”
“You’re doing all this for me?” He wanted to know. “Would you do this for anyone else?”
“Probably not,” Kayla answered honestly. “There’s just something about you Jack. I don’t know what it is, but I can’t leave you unless I know you’re okay. Don’t worry about me, if and when I can no longer help you. You will know.” She winked at him. “Come on, I don’t want to be walking in the dark.”
Jack watched her walk away. Her ass swayed back and forth in the long black skirt. Kayla was an amazing woman, but there was more to her that he wanted to seek. “If you want me to go to therapy, then I will go,” He followed behind her.
She stopped and turned watching him with her hands on her hips. “It's not what I want. Don't you want to start the healing process before going back home?”
“Home.” He shook his head. “Where exactly is home?”
Kayla was about to answer when they heard, “Help!” a woman yelled. “He’s going to kill him.”
They searched the area looking for the woman screaming, and then Kayla pointed at a parking lot across the street. “Over there.” She headed there.
Jack grabbed her upper arm. “Stay here,” he demanded, not taking no for an answer.
“Why?” Kayla asked. “They need help.”
“I know, but I don't want you to get hurt,” he pleaded. “Please Kayla, don't move.” Jack ran across the road.
The woman stared at him with panic in her eyes. “Do you speak English?”
“Yes.” Jack watched the man holding a knife to another man’s throat. The man didn’t look like he was from Dubai. His attire and vehicle let him know he was on the wrong side of town.
“No trouble with you,” the man said in his broken English. “Go!”
Jack placed his hands in the air. “I can't.”
“He says my husband stole from him,” the older woman cried. “It’s not true. He wouldn't steal from anyone, let alone this poor man.”
Jack surveyed the area, the man’s hands were trembling as he pressed the knife against the tourist’s neck. He also noticed that the man with the weapon to his throat wasn't defending himself. He looked a little closer, it was the Australian businessman on the front of the morning newspaper.
“No! Don't do it!” Kayla yelled jumping up and down distracting the man with the weapon giving Jack an opportunity. “Now!”
Jack snuck up on him, snatched the knife out of his hand, and then punched him in the stomach making him clutch his midsection in pain.
The Australian man rapidly moved back and grabbed a gun from inside his car. As soon as the younger guy saw the weapon, he ran away before the man had the chance to aim it at him.
If Jack would’ve had a weapon there was no way this man could have run away, but then again, the man seemed to be an innocent person in the billionaire’s web of lies.
“Oliver?” His wife stepped in front of him and touched his swollen eye. “Are you okay?”
“I'm fine.” He removed her hand. “Get in the car.”
The woman obeyed him without question, and got in the fancy car.
“Thank you.” He touched his neck, and looked at his bloody fingers. “That was a close one,” he nonchalantly said like this wasn't the first time this happened. “What’s your name?”
“Moses,” Jack answered. “Moses Smith.”
The man extended his hand, “Mr. Oliver Bowman.”
Jack shook his hand.
“I owe you.” He released his hand, dug in his jacket pocket pulling out his wallet. He took out a few hundred dollar bills and handed them to Jack. “Here, this is a token.”
“I don’t need your money.” Jack regretted saying those words, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to take it.
Kayla walked up behind him. “He doesn’t need the money, but I do.” She took the cash and placed it in her front pocket. “Thank you.”
Jack gave her an incredulous look.
“What?” she asked. “He offered.”
“She’s right,” Mr. Bowman agreed. “And Americans shouldn’t be in this part of town.”
Jack shook his head. “You don’t look like you belong down here either.” He stared at his expensive tailor-made suit.
“You don’t either,” Mr. Bowman replied, now watching him closely.
Jack wore sweats and a hoodie, not the typical clothing of the locals. He only owned sweats, t-shirts and one hoodie, thanks to Rabbo.
“I’m looking for a bodyguard, would you be interested?”
“No, thank you.” Jack clutched Kayla’s wrist and walked away. “I’m a computer guy, not a fighter.”
“Wait!” Bowman yelled making them slow down as he met up with them. “By any chance are you an IT? I'm looking for someone to work in my security department.” He handed him a business card. “Call my assistant and come in for an interview on Monday.”
Now he had Jack’s attention. “I don't own a suit,” he disclosed.
“Come as you are.” Mr. Bowman strolled away to his car. “I want you for your brain, not your fashion. Fashion we can work on, but not intelligence and skills. Hope to see you in my office on Monday.” He got in his car.
“Do you know who that was?” Kayla asked.
“Yes.” Jack made sure to keep Kayla close to him, the guy might come back with reinforcements. He could tell Mr. Bowman was a crook, but he would make a deal with the devil to make things better for him and Kayla. She would be leaving him soon, she'd threatened to leave multiple times, but she was still here and this spoke volumes of the bond they'd created. “If the price is right, I don't care what he wants me to do. I'm getting us out of this place.”
“Don't do something you'll regret.” She squeezed his hand. “These people can be cut throat.”
“Me too, for the people I care about...” And Jack meant this. He didn't have a problem killing or threatening a person who threatened his, and right now Kayla was his only lifeline. “Let’s hurry, before night falls.”
Later in the night, Jack couldn't sleep looking out the window making sure no one followed them. He watched Kayla sleep, as he kept vigilant for any unexpected visitors. He built a small device that would alert him if anyone came within five feet of the door. He had a thing for building software and gadgets. “I will protect you...” He caressed her cheek. She’d crept into his heart. What started as thankfulness was turning into something deeper, he didn't want her to leave.
When she was gone, doing god knows what, which he’d learned was cleaning houses for the rich, he yearned for her and to hear her voice. Kayla wasn't your typical American girl, she was a go getter, never taking no for an answer. “Don't leave me...” He laid beside her, staring at the door until he eventually fell asleep.
Soon after, Jack learned that Bowman took from the poor to get richer, all while Jack and Rabbo were taking pennies back at the same time.
***
The Present…
Jack pressed his thumb against the tiny screen making the elevator slide open and he stepped in. He grabbed his phone from his pocket and scrolled through his contacts which consisted of four people. He sighed when her voicemail immediately picked up, “Babe, don’t be like this. What's going on with you? This isn’t like you, picking fights for no reason.” Jack pinched the bridge of his nose. “I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.” He pressed his forehead on the smoky glass wall looking out at the lights. “You're right, my family deserves to know that their son, brother, father is still alive.” The elevator bed slowly stopped, and then he walked out. “I will never be completely prepared, but I can't make that my excuse,” he continued blabbing on. “Anyways, I love you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.” He swiped his finger against the cell screen ending the call.
Christmas was two weeks away—the most depressing time of the year for him. He’d only gotten to celebrate one freaking holiday with his only child. Jack pressed his index finger on the doorknob and the little red light turned green. He walked in throwing his phone on the couch, and started stripping off his clothes as he continued to his bedroom, leaving pieces of his clothes in tow. He took his watch off and placed it on his dresser, glancing at the envelope he’d received from Kayla a few days ago, but she instructed him not to open it until Christmas eve. He wondered what was in it as he laid on the left side of the California king bed, picking up one of Kayla's pillow and sniffing it. Her scent was gradually fading away just like their relationship. He laughed thinking of all the crazy, goofy times they’d spent together, and all the reasons he’d fallen for her.
~~~
Two years ago…
Jack stared as Kayla laughed watching Sex and The City movie on the small TV. The scene where Samantha covered her naked body with sushi and her man didn’t show up. Kayla’s eyes crinkled on the sides and her dimples deepened with each chuckle. He hadn’t noticed how attractive she was.
Kayla didn’t wear makeup, and her brown eyes sparkled through extremely long lashes. She covered her plump lips trying to muffle her laughter. So unique in her own way.
Jack surveyed her body as she laid next to him on the small bed.
“That is some bullshit.” Kayla giggled. “What a waste of sushi.”
He gazed at Kayla. “Samantha should have told him what she was planning.” Jack couldn’t believe he was watching this shit. Cindy would always watch channels like Lifetime and then get mad at him after the movie was over. Now, Kayla watched nothing but girly movies on repeat.
Her head snapped in his direction. “She was trying to surprise him. Spice up their relationship.”
“I would like a surprise like that one day. I would eat more than her sushi.” Jack shook his head, as he hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
Kayla’s cheeks turned a hue darker as she looked away from him continuing to watch her movie.
They were laying laid in bed together and he was too damn close to her. It was time for Jack to get his own place. They’d shared the bed for some time now, which meant every now and then, they woke up in each other’s arms. At first, he felt guilty laying in a bed with another woman, who wasn’t his wife, but they had no other choice. The tiny house was really a three-hundred foot studio. He’d ogled her breasts as they jiggled and then down her waist. Damn, she had impressive curves. For the first time in years, Jack’s dick jerked at the sight of a woman.
“Men are so clueless,” she mumbled moving around and bumping his leg with her ass.
He couldn’t control himself any longer, it soon turned into a massive erection. He rapidly turned and jumped off the bed. He grabbed a towel off the chair and rushed to the bathroom. Being around a woman like Kayla was starting to make him crazy. Jack hadn’t been with a woman in years, his balls were beyond blue. Kayla’s scent, her radiant skin, everything about her was starting to get to his male senses. He slipped his hand into his shorts and began slowly stroking his erection imagining Kayla’s luscious lips on him.
“Jack?” Kayla knocked on the door. “I have to pee.”
He hurriedly took his hand out of his pants. “Just a minute.” He tried fixing his manhood, but it wasn’t working.
“Jack!”
He positioned his dick in between his thighs and squeezed. Jack opened the squeaky door, and slowly walked out of the bathroom like a fucking penguin.
Kayla’s eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. “Why are you walking like that?”
“Like what?” He sat on the bed. “I thought you had to pee?”
“I do.” She closed the door.
He laid down covering his face with his hands. Jack couldn't stop thinking of Kayla laying on top of the table just like the scene in the movie. He would eat every inch of her body until she was crying and shaking in pleasure. He heard a gasp and uncovered his eyes.
Kayla stood with her mouth agape watching his tented shorts. “Jack...” she whispered now staring at him through hooded brown eyes. “Really.” She blushed. “What are you doing?”
“That's what you get for watching perverted movies around a man that hasn’t had sex in years.” Jack sat up grabbing a pillow to cover his bulge. “It's not like you haven't seen my dick before.”
She cocked her eyebrow.
“Someone gave me a sponge bath.” Jack smirked watching her cheeks turn a hue of red velvet. “And I’m assuming that person is you, because I don’t remember Tammy’s voice. I hope I didn’t disappoint.”
“I didn’t linger on that part of your body.” Kayla looked away from him. “That movie didn’t even qualify as soft porn. You could barely see anything.”
“My imagination took over.” He moved over patting on the mattress. “Time for bed. We both have to work tomorrow. I promise I won't bite.” Turning, he faced the wall. His mind wasn't cooperating, because now he was imagining Kayla naked and her pressing herself against his body. His dick was rock hard. Maybe he should go in the bathroom and continue to jerk off. Jack was about to get up when he felt her get in the bed and under the covers. She turned her back to him, scooting as far away from him as she could. She was practically on the edge of the mattress, but he could feel her ass touching his. Tonight, is going to be a long night, he thought. Something changed in the way he felt about Kayla. At first, they were strangers, then friends and now he couldn’t stop thinking of her in a non-friendly way.
~~~
A Few Weeks Later…
“Do you have someone special waiting on you back home?” Jack asked out of the blue while playing a video game, she'd purchased for them to pass the time since they were still keeping out of sight when they weren’t at work. He still wasn’t sure if he was safe.
“What do you mean someone special?” Kayla continued cooking on a skillet her mother had sent her. She sprayed butter and then added a few slices of bread to the hot surface, topping it off with cheese and another slice on top.
Jack placed the game controller down. “You know a man.”
“A man, why not a woman?” she said nonchalantly.
He stared at her a little confused and then thought of Tammy. “Oh,” he blurted out. “You and Tammy, makes sense.”
“What makes sense?” Kayla's head turned in his direction, and she burst out laughing at his words.
“What?”
“Are you insane?” She covered her mouth. “I was kidding with you. I don’t have anyone special in my life or else I wouldn’t be living here with you.” Kayla picked up the spatula and turned the sandwiches.
“Why?” He leaned back in the plastic chair giving her his full attention.
“Stop asking questions, and play your game.” She turned off the skillet.
“I beat all the levels.” Jack winked. “I'm bored.”
“Already!” Kayla had just purchased the game a couple days ago.
“Yes, and I fixed your computer too. I added a few programs to make your computer run faster.” Jack had actually taken her laptop apart and fixed it like new. He enjoyed taking electronics apart and fixing them. As a child that’s what he did to all his gadgets and toys, he took them apart wanting to know how and what made them work. “I've been thinking of things to ask you.” He stood and strolled through the small house standing next to her. “I mean, we’ve been stuck in this house for a while now, and we know a lot about each other, but I want to know more.”
She turned almost touching him. “I don’t have a significant other because I'm a free spirit.”
Jack stared at her in confusion.
“I like adventures. Some men, not all, want an independent woman to a certain level, and my level of freedom is over the top for some. I'm not the stay at home type of woman. I’m not the kind of girl to stay home with kids all day, it’s just not me, and I’m not changing who I am for no one.”
“You don't want kids?”
“Yes, having a child shouldn’t prevent me from continuing my goals and dreams. I can have a baby and still explore my quests. I just have to choose my ventures wisely.”
Jack chuckled softly while shaking his head. “You'll take your baby with you?”
“Why not?” Kayla started setting the food on plates. “When I become a mommy, my adventures will not be dangerous. Like the one I was on when I met you.”
“I’m thankful you were,” he admitted grabbing the plates.
“I want to see the world, there's nothing wrong with me wanting the same for my child, at least until he or she starts school.”
“Interesting.” He enjoyed their conversations. Jack loved asking her questions and listening to her answers. There was something about her free spirit that called to him. He didn’t have any hesitations in sharing his past life with her, sometimes they spoke until early in the morning about their childhoods and even about his wife at times, it made missing home a little less painful. It brought him joy to remember and share those memories. Kayla once said it was like watching a movie through his words.
They sat down and ate on the small dinette table right in the kitchen. “This grilled cheese…” He chewed on the sandwich. “…is off the chain.”
Kayla took a sip of her drink. “Well, thank you...” She sliced a piece of chocolate cake and began to eat it. Her plump lips wrapped around the fork as her eyes closed in pleasure. “This tastes like heaven...” she mouthed savoring the dessert.
Her moaning and her expression had his manhood coming to life again. “Shit...” Jack whispered hypnotized watching her eat the piece of cake. Did she taste like heaven too?
“What's wrong?” She rapidly opened her eyes, covering her mouth.
“Nothing,” he groaned. “You enjoyed that cake.”
“My guilty pleasure.” Kayla took another bite. “Yum…”
She needed to stop making that noise and those faces while she ate that damn cake. Jack stared at her. “Is that your favorite dessert?”
“Yes, chocolate fudge cake.” She took another piece on her fork. “Want to taste?” She extended her arm placing her fork near his mouth.
He leaned forward and captured the cake in his mouth. Jack was having sinful thoughts of the woman sitting across from him. Cindy was happy with another man, he shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to have a piece of the milk chocolate woman sitting in front of him. “Strawberry ice cream used to be my favorite, but I'm starting to really enjoy chocolate.” He dipped his index finger into the dark chocolate frosting and licked it. “I didn’t know chocolate could taste so fucking sweet.”
Kayla gazed into his eyes and her cheeks blushed making him smirk. She'd been blushing a lot lately. She had given him so much, and he hadn’t been able to give back much until recently. He was climbing the ladder at work little by little. He’d started in the security room and now, he was the head of the security. Jack enjoyed being behind the scenes, hidden but feared. “Do you enjoy vanilla?” Jack finished his food. Did she get what he meant?
“My favorite flavor of sorbet is rainbow.” She gave him a naughty grin.
“Good to know.” He held her gaze. Damn, she was making his heart flutter, when he shouldn’t even allow that.
“What attracted you to your wife?”
The question caught him off guard. They were just talking about dessert, but any question she asked, he would answer. “Her blue eyes.”
“Oh.” She continued eating.
“We met in basic training. I saw her across the chow hall and the first thing that captivated me were her eyes, she had the sweetest smile. I needed to meet her.” He pushed back his seat. “Like you, I strive for adventure, and I didn’t follow rules too well. I snuck out of the barracks one night, entered the female’s spaces and found her. We talked until the person on watch caught us. I got in a little trouble, but it was worth it at the time. Cindy was flattered that I went through all that just to meet her. We started talking, whenever we could and I fell for her in seven weeks.”
“Seven weeks?”
“Yeah.” He sighed. “We married after three months of knowing each other. Honestly, we were too young and married too fast, but I wouldn’t change it. Our relationship began with me being away, right after basic, I went to school for my MOS for a very long time. She finished her two years and decided not to reenlist. Cindy didn’t want to be a Soldier and mother, and I respected her decision to get out.”
“She’s everything, I’m not.” Kayla pushed back her seat and stood taking their plates to the sink.
“No, she’s not,” he replied. “You’re unique.”
“Hopefully that’s a good thing.” She began washing the dishes.
“It is.” Jack walked up behind her, and caged her in with is arms gripping the sink. “I like that you’re different and crazy…” He leaned closer, grabbing the sponge out of her hand. “Because if you weren’t who you are, I would be dead right now. Thank you for everything you’ve done and sacrificed for me…” Jack bent his head and kissed her neck, making her gasp. His lips lingered on her sensitive skin. Her scent was intoxicating. “One day, I’m going to repay you.” He nipped at her earlobe.
“No need, you already have,” she whispered closing her eyes. “I have to take a shower.” Kayla moved away from him and rushed to the bathroom making him chuckle as he finished washing the dishes.
~~~
The day he decided to claim Kayla as his...
Jack held on to Kayla's waist as they danced to Are You Still Down by Jon B. Her ass bumped against his erection and then she rocked her hips to the beat. It was getting painfully hard for him to keep his hands to himself, especially sleeping in the same damn bed every night. She turned around and started dancing with another guy on the dance floor, making Jack step back. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and strolled off to the bar to order a drink.
He turned around leaning his elbow on the counter watching Kayla have fun for once. He enjoyed seeing her laugh. She wore a black suit with nothing but a red bra underneath. She was driving him crazy, but watching her dance with another man made him feel possessive. He decided to walk off before acting like a fool. In the last couple of months, they’d started going out more and mingling with the locals after he began working with Mr. Bowman. Jack signed a year contract with the crook, making his own demands which included Rabbo and some perks for Kayla like a penthouse upstairs. He was given top of the line electronics to work with. The technology in the building was the best of the best, it took some time, but he’d built some software for his boss and for himself. Jack finally hacked into his family's alarm system, spying on them in and out of their homes.
Jack wanted to live a normal life as much as possible. Kayla swayed her body to the music as the jerk touched her ass, and before he could move, she forcefully pushed him away. In a sudden move, she rushed through the crowd to the patio outside holding her chest. Jack slammed the glass on the counter and moved in fast behind her. He stormed through the crowd dancing and was about to pass by the guy that dared touched Kayla, then without second guessing himself, Jack threw a punch landing on the guy’s jaw.
The guy held his jaw confused, and was about to charge him when two bouncers appeared out of nowhere.
“Get him out.” Jack pointed at the exit as the veins in his neck throbbed. He continued out the door and caught up to her.
“Breathe...” Rabbo had his hand on Kayla's back as she gasped for air.
“I can't breathe...” Kayla breaths were short as she continued to clutch her chest.
Was she having a panic attack? Jack couldn't think straight watching her struggle to breathe. Kayla was more than his friend, she was the woman that inched herself into his heart little by little in the middle of his tragedy.
“Where's Jack? I need—Jack…”
If something happened to her on his watch, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. Jack rushed over. “Kayla, what’s wrong?”
“She’s having problem breathing,” Rabbo responded. “We need to get her to a hospital.”
“I'm taking her...” Jack walked up behind Kayla, placing his arms under her ass and picked her up. “I got you...”
Kayla wrapped her hands around his neck.
Rabbo followed him toward the elevator.
“My head is pounding.” Kayla rested her forehead on his shoulder. “It hurts.”
He kissed her forehead as he rushed to the elevator. “Have you been taking your blood pressure pills?”
She shook her head.
“Really, Kayla...” The elevator opened and he walked in. Her eyes rolled back and she passed out. “Baby, open your eyes.”
“What’s wrong with her?” Rabbo asked concerned as he pressed the lobby button.
“She's not taking care of herself,” Jack revealed. “But that changes tonight.”
Rabbo then grabbed his cell phone calling the valet counter. “This is Rabbo, have a car waiting for me in two minutes.” He hung up.
As soon as the elevator slid open, Jack jogged to the car waiting for them.
“Take them to the hospital.” Rabbo bent down telling the driver, and closed the door. “Call me.” He looked at jack as he stood away, then the car drove off.
After fifteen minutes, they arrived at the hospital. She was barely breathing when they arrived. The nurses took Kayla behind the curtains, and he had to stay put. Jack combed his fingers through his hair pacing from side to side.
Jack called Tammy and told her what happened. The doctor was asking questions he didn’t know. Her friend knew her medical history more than he did. “She passed out.”
“She’s too young to have a heart attack or a stroke,” Tammy said. “Her mother will kill me if anything happens to her daughter. She’s supposed to be going home next week.”
Jack shook his head, not wanting to think the worst. “She’s not too young.”
“Shut up!” Tammy raised her voice. “Kayla is as healthy as a cow.”
“Not if she’s skipping taking her damn pills!” Jack snapped walking away. “Don’t tell her mom anything until I call you back.” He swiped his finger against the screen, and when no one was looking, he sneaked into the area Kayla was at.
“Hey…” Kayla lifted her hand waving. “I’m so happy to see you.” She was hooked up to an IV.
Jack had no choice but to trust the medical staff to do their best. He stepped closer to the bed and took her hand in his. “How you feeling?”
“My head still hurts, but I can breathe.” She smiled taking off the oxygen mask. Kayla pressed her hand over her chest exposing her breast. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He bent his head, kissing her left cheek. “Babe, you need to take better care of yourself. If something happens to you—”
“I’m fine.” She entwined her fingers with his. “I have an appointment with my doctor next week, when I get back home.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t go home next week,” Jack mentioned pressing his lips against her knuckles. He didn’t want her to leave. He was so used to her, this would be the third time she’d left him since they found each other. “Until I’m sure you’re okay to travel.”
“I’m going home,” she said watching him. “You should be happy, time away from me.”
“I don’t want time away from you.” He gazed at her. “I go crazy when you’re not here.”
“Find yourself a girlfriend.” She winked giving him a fake smile.
“I already have a girlfriend.” Jack placed the oxygen mask back over her nose. “She’s being very difficult at the moment.”
“Who?”
Jack gave her a naughty grin. “Rest, and when you come back from your trip. I’ll introduce you to her.” He had a lot of plans for them which included moving from the house on the bad side of town to giving Kayla the world. He made a deal with the devil, Mr. Bowman. Jack made him richer, hacking into his competitor’s systems, thereby giving him a head start ahead of competitors before they even knew what was coming.