Page 21 of Redeemed (Redeemed #1)

Chapter Eighteen

Kennedy

A lexander cooking breakfast is not a sight I’m willing to miss, so I make it my business to become presentable as quickly as possible.

The promise of spending more time with him before returning to life as I know it is too appealing to rush home.

Besides, when I leave here, away from Alex’s ability to make me feel like I can do anything, I’ll need to think through what we’re actually committing to.

I will forever be grateful for how stocked Tori’s bathroom is.

Last night, I found a silk scarf to protect my curls.

That bit of hair protection while sleeping makes scooping my curls into a cute curly ponytail manageable.

I quickly find something to wear, even though it’s much more uncomfortable this morning since Tori is here and will see me wearing her clothes.

I opt for black yoga pants and a black fitted tee, subconsciously returning to my colorless life.

Checking my phone before going downstairs, I find plenty of missed calls and text messages from Nathan, no doubt freaking out.

I’m pissed, though, because I know Nathan told my father about the Garcia assignment, and I’m not ready for Nathan to ruin what time I have left here.

I opt to send a text, letting him know that I’m alive and will be home within the next couple of hours.

My movements are silent as I navigate through the house. I’m halfway down the stairs when I hear Tori teasing Alex and doing a great job getting him riled up.

“I mean, Alex, what will other VIPs say when they find out it’s just a front for you to pick up dates?”

Alexander’s back is turned as he mixes up our breakfast, but Tori sees me coming down the stairs and winks.

“Tori, please shut up before Kennedy hears you and thinks you’re serious.”

This is the prime payback opportunity for him lying about my sleeping habits. “Don’t worry, Tori. Alex made me sign an NDA, so we’re all clear to use the sex dungeon. I know what I’m getting myself into. His secret is safe with me.”

Tori screams with laughter and Alex turns around with a face of pure bewilderment.

“Dear God, you two are going to be the death of me.”

I’m laughing as Tori wraps her arms around me, embracing me like an old friend.

“How are you, Kennedy? You look amazing! Happy to know that my clothes here are being put to good use.”

She snickers at that last bit, no doubt to tease her brother, but also making me blush.

“I can’t complain. How’re you?”

Alex turns around, our eyes connecting as we share a smile. It’s like a gravitational pull takes over as I move to be closer to him. He opens his arms, and I move right in for the hug. He drops a kiss on the top of my head, and I turn back to Tori’s smiling face.

“Things are good. Looking even better now that I have someone on my team to help harass Alex with me.”

“Good morning, everyone.”

Tori stiffens at the sound of Patrick’s voice as a slight blush creeps up her neck.

“Morning, Pat. Tori, can you set the table, please?”

Alex moves around the kitchen, the familiarity he has in this space on display. He looks perfectly content and at peace with a slight tilt to his lips. I look over at Patrick only to find him watching me.

“Good morning, Patrick. Did you find out more about the car that was tailing us last night?”

The sound of silverware dropping to the table has us all looking toward Tori. She looks pale as her eyes bounce between Alexander and Patrick before she seems to collect herself and returns to setting the table. Such a weird reaction.

“We didn’t. I have some people working on it. Once we find out more, I’ll be sure to fill you in.”

“I appreciate it. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”

His eyes widen slightly in surprise, but I just smile before turning to Tori and helping her finish setting the table.

A comfortable silence falls over the room as Alexander brings food over to the table.

He sets a plate full of golden-brown blueberry muffins in the center, and I’m frozen in time.

The smell brings me back to a memory of baking on Saturday mornings with my mom before we would plop down in front of the TV to watch the cartoon lineup.

Tears fill my eyes as I think back to a time that was so simple and how this moment feels the same.

I can’t recall the last time I haven’t had to put on a persona and could just be me.

“Kennedy?” Alexander calls my name softly.

It feels like time is moving again when I look up to see everyone staring at me with different expressions of concern etched on their faces.

“Sorry, I’m okay. Everything’s fine.” I plaster on a smile before dabbing my eyes, grabbing a plate and filling it with food.

Alexander doesn’t look like he wants to drop the issue, but I’m thankful he does, at least for the moment.

Maybe I’m still wearing a mask, but at least it’s one that’s a little closer to my true self.

As we dig into the most delicious breakfast of muffins, bacon, scrambled eggs, and fruit, there’s hardly any conversation until plates start looking clean.

I look over to Alex, earlier emotions in check, before I tell him, “It’s dangerous for me to know you cook this well.”

He leans into me. “Come over and I will cook whenever you want.” He kisses the corner of my mouth and I bite my lip, still fighting the smiles that seem to never wane in his presence.

Tori makes a gagging noise. “Save the dirty talk for when you two are alone.”

I laugh as Alex throws a grape at Tori’s head, which causes a deep chuckle from Patrick. Tori whips her head in his direction, shooting daggers. That’s definitely a different reaction than when he initially walked into the room.

Alex takes my hand, turning my attention back to him. “How long can you spend with me today?”

“Unfortunately, we should probably head out soon. Let me help with clean-up.”

Tori gives a groan as she stretches, and I don’t miss the way Patrick takes her in. “I should probably head out soon too. I need to grab some things for the office today.”

“Make sure you take the team with you.” Patrick’s voice is low and direct.

“You aren’t the boss of me.” Tori stands, flicks her hair over her shoulder and starts piling dishes to take back to the kitchen.

There’s definitely something there.

We all do our part to clear the dining area with the light jazz music playing in the background, and Alexander and I seem to find ways to brush against each other every chance we get.

Tori and Patrick have gone their separate ways when Alex grabs me, pressing me to the kitchen counter.

“Want to fill me in on that spaced-out moment you had at the table?”

If I can count on anything, it’s that this man is going to get straight to the point. Whether it’s telling me what he thinks, or picking my brain, he doesn’t hold back.

“I should’ve known you wouldn’t let that go.”

His hand cups my cheek, as his thumb strokes my skin. “Kitten, I don’t like seeing anything other than a smile on your face. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“The blueberry muffins triggered a very specific memory—a memory of my mom that I hadn’t allowed myself to think of in quite some time. With the present company, the memory didn’t hurt as much.”

He leans down to touch his forehead to mine. “Are you sure I can’t keep you here longer?” The puppy dog eyes he gives me makes me want to cave to his simple request.

“Believe me, I don’t want to go back, but duty calls.”

My arms wrap around his neck, and fingers play in his hair. I tilt my head up, giving him full access to my mouth as he leans in for a kiss that ends too soon.

“When can I see you again?”

“As soon as both of our schedules align.”

“You tell me when you’re free and I’ll move things around to make it happen.” He must register the surprise on my face because he continues. “I didn’t get nearly as much time with you to myself last night.”

I smirk at the lust coating his voice. “I’ll let you know what my week looks like.”

He releases me to go grab my things with a smack to my butt.

I quickly gather my items, savoring my last few moments of normalcy.

Alex is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, engrossed in something on his phone.

When I reach him, he grabs my hand, leading us outside and away from our magic bubble of peace.

I step through the front door and stop in my tracks. I’m barely aware of Alex stumbling to keep from running into the back of me.

“Is that a black-on-black SF90 Spider?” My voice comes out in an awed whisper at the beautiful vehicle parked in his driveway. I’ve wanted one for quite some time but was told that it was too flashy for someone made to move in the shadows.

His arms wrap around me from behind, lips at my ear. “Sure is.”

“Can I drive, please? I’m not above begging.” I should be ashamed of the desperation in my voice, but it’s a Spider.

“If you’re a good Kitten, maybe I will let you drive her one day.”

I snort and lightly jab him in the ribs.

“Come on. I’m driving my girl home today.” He opens the door, helping me into the car. He pauses when he sees that I only have socks on my feet. “Tori didn’t have any shoes that would fit?”

“Possibly, but I wouldn’t dare take another woman’s shoes.”

Alexander just chuckles and shakes his head, looking as delicious as ever wearing a white fitted T-shirt and grey sweats.

I look over to the entrance of Alex’s beautiful home and wonder when or if I will make it back to this sanctuary again.

My only want is to bask in the warm, fuzzy feelings that he gives me.

The pleasure he wrung from my body last night, and the comfort I felt in his presence afterwards comes back to the front of my mind.

Will I ever be at a place in life that allows me to just exist without looking over my shoulder, or pretending to be something I’m not?