Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
The next morning, they rose early and left for the airport. Neither of them spoke of the kiss or anything that had occurred in that little motel room. It was as if the night had never happened, which suited Kai just fine. They dropped off the rental car and boarded a short flight to San Francisco.
He didn’t bother with a rental car when they landed. He hated driving in this city. Taxis were more efficient for his brief time there.
However, he did book them into a nice hotel downtown that provided a wonderful view of the city. He was only slightly sorry he couldn’t allow Devlin his own room, but he wasn’t letting the man out of his sight until this killer was eliminated completely.
After checking in, Dev enjoyed a lengthy phone call with Justin, who was apparently updating Dev on all the things he’d seen Jake doing at camp. From the rolling laughter that filled the elegant room, it seemed a safe guess that Jake was having a good time.
The sound of Dev’s laugh went a long way to settling some of Kai’s ragged nerves. He didn’t like being in this city. Since he’d left years ago, he’d sworn he wouldn’t return and had easily kept that promise. But he’d come back in the name of keeping Devlin safe, and he couldn’t find it in himself to regret the decision.
While Dev was on the phone, he sent out the necessary messages to request meetings. He didn’t know if anything would come of those messages, but he was at least going through the proper channels. No matter what happened, he planned for him and Dev to be out of the city by tomorrow morning, heading to Washington.
Kai glanced up from where he was working on his laptop when Dev fell silent. The man was smiling to himself as he stared out the large windows facing the city. An expression of peace relaxed his handsome features.
“Jake is doing well?” Kai inquired.
Dev turned his head toward him and nodded. “Apparently he’s having a blast. Justin said he’s become the leader of his own little gang. The cool kid of the camp.” Dev laughed softly and shook his head. “He does not get that from me. He’s naturally charismatic. He’s never had much trouble making friends in school. His teachers call him a social butterfly. Always the first to welcome the new kid.”
“People are drawn to his warmth and kindness.” Kai wanted to say that Jake was very much like his father, but he held the words back.
“True. I was always such an awkward dork growing up.” He paused and made a scoffing sound. “I’m still a dork.”
“Maybe, but you’re a dork who is trying to save the world.”
Dev narrowed his gaze on Kai. “I honestly don’t know if that’s a compliment or not.”
Before he could catch himself, Kai found himself saying, “I’ve always had a fondness for dorks.”
Dev blushed, but his smile returned brighter than ever.
Kai looked away, quickly closing his computer and returning it to his bag. “I was thinking, while I’m waiting for a response to my messages, that we could go out to a late lunch or early dinner. I know of a couple of places. Nothing too fancy, but the food is very good.”
“Sounds great.” Dev shoved to his feet. “Let me just freshen up and we can go. I’m starving.”
A few minutes later, they were strolling on the sidewalk to a little French restaurant he’d heard great things about but had never been able to try. When he’d last been in the city, he barely had enough money to buy a loaf of bread. Now, he had millions in his bank account and control of his own life. Things were different. He just wished he could claim the man at his side as his own.
As they walked, he kept his eyes constantly sweeping over his surroundings. He didn’t think they’d found him yet, but it was only a matter of time. For now, he wanted to give Dev a quiet, enjoyable evening. A respite from the chaos he’d forced into his life.
“Have you eaten here before?” Dev asked, excitement filling in his voice after they were seated and the hostess left them with menus to peruse.
“No, but I’ve always wanted to try it. I hope you enjoy it,” Kai said. He took the time to scan the restaurant once again, then lowered his gaze to the menu in his hands. Devlin hadn’t said anything when he’d chosen the seat with his back to the wall. The hostess had been kind enough to give them a table at the rear of the restaurant that was partially hidden from the rest of the diners. It created a secluded, private feeling, but also helped to give them some much-needed protection—which Kai needed if he was going to relax even a little during dinner.