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

she wouldn’t have a far to walk home.
     
     
     
    Kai
    He let her walk away. He didn’t have a choice. He raced to his car and followed her though, pulling alongside of her when he finally got the nerve. “Doll, get in,” he demanded gently.
    “Go away,” she said, not looking his way.
    “Come on, Gloria,” he begged.
    “Fine.” She huffed. He stopped the car and she climbed in. “So...” she pressed.
    “Look, things are complicated,” he resigned.
    She crossed her arms, “I don’t want to be a pawn, Lukas.”
    He took her hand, “You aren’t, doll, I promise.” She just nodded. He said no more instead drove her home. “Talk to you, later?” he said in a pleading tone.
    “Yeah, okay, Lukas.” She smiled kissing his cheek before climbing out of his car.

A Few Weeks Later
    Gloria
    Her phone was ringing, luckily she had a minute to answer it. The diner had been crazy busy today and she was ready to head to Kai’s. “Hello, Lukas,” she answered.
    “Hey, doll.” His tone was serious. Was everything okay? Was he canceling their evening?
    “Everything okay?” she questioned.
    “Yeah, a meeting just came up. Can you come over at midnight instead?” He sounded flustered and annoyed by this turn of events, but she was relieved he still wanted her to come.
    “Sure. No problem, Lukas,” she chirped.
    “Great. I got to go,” he replied.
    “Of course, me too.” With that he hung up. She stared at the phone wondering if she’d ever get answers from him. He was sweet at times, but other times he was an ass. She wasn’t much better though, she put her phone back in her pocket and returned to work.
     
    Kai
    Kai was tapping his foot, Roy was an hour late. If he didn’t get here soon then Gloria was going to be at risk. “Evening Lukas clan.” Kai turned Roy’s way
    “You’re late,” he snapped.
    “Whoa, watch it there, son. One would think you had a date or something.” The look Roy gave Kai sent an uneasy flood of emotions through him. Did he know about Gloria?
    “Maybe I do,” Kai snapped back.
    “Well, when you see this you’ll want to cancel it.” He said handing over the document in his hand. Kai’s father reached for it first.
    “Oh Roy, this is brilliant.” Kai shifted his gaze between the two men.
    “He promised her she wouldn’t have to change. Tom let that slip.” Roy said amused. Kai took the paper but didn’t look at it.
    “Are we done?” he asked forcefully.
    “Aren’t you going to read it, son?” his father asked.
    “Later. I have an appointment,” Kai said dismissing himself with the document in hand. Was he curious? Sure he was, but she would be there in less than an hour and that was all he could see right then.
     
    Gloria
    The room was dark as she climbed into the window. “Lukas?” she whispered.
    “I’m right here, doll.” His voice came from the foot of the bed.
    “What’s with the darkness?” She chuckled crawling on the bed towards him.
    “It helps me think,” he answered, turning to her and placing a long hot kiss on her mouth
    “Wow. Happy to see me?” she asked when he broke the kiss.
    “Hell yeah! Let me show you how much,” He spoke pulling her shirt over her head.
    Gloria let him lead. He was strong, but gentle. It was like their love making had become full circle. It was still hard, but now gentle, passionate. It wasn’t just sex anymore, of this she was sure. When he finished he pulled her close and Gloria decided to play her hand, hoping the freedom from the darkness would be found in Kai Lukas.
    “I love you,” she spoke. He tensed up and said nothing instead he just kissed her forehead. Gloria cried silent tears.
     
    Kai
    “I love you.” That’s what she had said. Kai heard her and tensed up. Things were still so complicated. Did he love her? Yes, no, maybe. Everything in his world was so messed up. She didn’t even truly know who he was. How could she love him?
    Kai went to the desk where he had dropped the