Unexpected

Chapter Eighteen

KAI

Kai never thought that the type of happiness he experienced with Cinder could happen to him. He had fallen for her so hard that he wasn't sure if he would ever be able to pull himself up again. He prided himself on taking his feelings and putting them into actions—surprising her at work (as much as her boss would let him), sending her cards and notes to remind her how much he was thinking of her (particularly whenever he had to work late), buying her chocolates and flowers (and bagels), and doing his best to be sensitive to any of her worries about their new relationship. So far, things were going great. Cinder had really opened up to him, and he in turn had begun to share more with her about his past. He had really gotten lucky that night of the snowstorm when they'd met.

Things were finally looking up for him.

He was ecstatic.

Kesley surprised him by showing up at his office while he was working late one day. It was strange to see him in an office setting, and Kai hadn't known that he'd know where to go, considering that he'd never come by before. Kesley did not look happy to be there, evidenced by the grimace he wore on his face as Kai ushered him in.

"Scarlet made me come," he said as his way of greeting. Then he sighed as he sat down in Kai's chair. "Sometimes, the things you do for love..."

Kai walked to one of the loveseats in the corner of his office and had a seat himself. "Is everything okay with you and Scarlet?"

"Oh, we're great," said Kesley. "I'm here on strict orders because of you and Thorne."

Kai grimaced in turn. "Get out of here."

Kesley folded his arms. "Scarlet is worried about the two of you not talking. Frankly, I don't care that much about your little friendship problems, but when my woman is concerned about something, it gets dragged out until we find a solution. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Are you here to try to force me to be friends with Thorne again? Because I've tried contacting him and he refuses to acknowledge me."

"It's understandable," said Kesley, looking him square in the eye. "He's defending his girl."

Kai could feel the misery washing over his face. "His girl? They're in a relationship now?"

"Seems like it. Scarlet is pretty convinced that Thorne practically lives at her house."

"Well that's just perfect!" said Kai.

Kesley frowned. "Why don't you just try getting to know her? She's kind of adorable." He smiled, but Kai remained firm.

"I have my reasons."

Kesley stood up. "I'll be going, then."

"That's it?" asked Kai.

"Look, if Scarlet asks, I tried, okay? I'm about as excited to be having this conversation as you are."

He began to walk out and Kai sank lower into his loveseat. Thorne didn't have girlfriends. It was practically a rule. "Hey Kesley?" he asked, looking back up again.

Kesley turned.

"Do they seem good together?"

"Well, Thorne is less guarded around her. It's not like with the other girls we've met." Kesley let out a laugh. "I'm sure you've met more than I."

Kai nodded, already forming a long list in his mind.

"I've seen him with her on a few occasions. When Cress is around, Thorne practically ignores almost everyone else and spends the whole time making lovey-dovey eyes at her."