The Freedom Search: Kai & Gloria's Story (Search Series Book 4) by Amanda Kay

love her, but said she was special. What did that really mean?
    “I’m happy for him. I’m looking forward to being Tai’s Maid of Honor.” Gloria felt her eyes widen as Bethany slid past her. Did Kai know this? Would this change things?
    ‘Raiden and Tai are engaged.’ She typed to him. She waited only briefly for a reply before returning to work with hundred questions in her mind.
     
     
     
    Kai
    He looked at her text. ‘Raiden and Tai are engaged.’ Did this mean things were over? Somehow Kai didn’t think it would be that easy. He walked through the door to find his father waiting.
    “Mind explaining what the hell is going on, son?” his father snapped.
    “I failed. Raiden and Tai are engaged. I have no more moves.” Kai said trying to walk past his father.
    “No! It’s not over. They’re not married yet. Roy will know what to do.”
    Kai shrugged, “Why are we doing this?” Kai asked. It was something he never fully questioned before.
    His father grabbed his shoulders and shook him hard, “REDEMPTION!” He shouted in his face before releasing him.
    “Yes sir,” he replied. “Call Roy. Whatever his plan is I’ll follow through.” Kai then turned to leave and his father let him.
    “I’m sorry, doll. I love you.” He whispered in his room. He collapsed on the bed and the memories of that night his life was decided for him flooded back to him. Something that often happened when his father took that approach with him.
    “Redemption. Redemption is key,” he whispered scrubbing his face with his hands.
     
    Gloria
    When she woke in his bed the next morning she kissed his cheek and began to dress. “Where are you going?” he groaned.
    She eyed him curiously, “Home, Lukas it’s the morning.”
    He shrugged, “Come out with me today.” It was more of a statement.
    “Okay, but can I go home first?” she questioned.
    He nodded climbing out of bed. Still naked, he crossed over to her. “Pick you up in an hour, doll.” She smiled and kissed his lips. When she pulled back there was a smile on his face she had never seen. Maybe there was hope for them after all.

    About two hours later they were strolling through the park arm-in-arm. She was about to ask him about Raiden and everything going on between them when she noticed him staring at someone. She followed his gaze and saw Raiden and Tai. He pulled them in their direction and she hoped he wanted to offer congratulations.
    “So, she agreed to marry you, punk ass.” Kai hissed. Gloria tugged on his hand, but got no reaction.
    “Yeah, she did, you lose.” You lose? What did that mean? She tugged on Kai’s arm this time with both her hands and still nothing.
    “We’ll see. My family will have redemption.” Gloria was confused by the encounter and completely lost when Tai spoke.
    “It’s nice to see you again, Gloria.”
    “Fine, thank you. Gloria replied not even aware Tai didn’t ask a question. She was too focused on Kai.
    “What are you doing, man?” Raiden asked, his nodding in her direction. Gloria looked back and forth between Raiden and Kai waiting for the answer.
    “Mind your own fucking business, Wyrick.” Kai snapped and that was it. She was done, this encounter was over.
    “Kai, let’s go.” It came out in a whine but she needed his attention and she was on the edge of tears from the encounter. Kai’s focus finally shifted back to her and he pulled her away from Tai and Raiden.
    Once they were alone, Kai spoke, “Sorry, he gets on my nerves.” He wasn’t looking at her so she stopped walking forcing him to stop abruptly. “Damn, doll.” He muttered.
    “We approached them, Lukas,” she reminded him.
    “The point?” he fired back.
    “The point is, we could’ve minded our own business.”
    “No chance,” he spat.
    “Why not? What’s really going on between you and Raiden?”
    “No questions,” he hissed.
    She pulled away from him. “Go fuck yourself, Lukas!” she fired at him, walking away grateful