Page 52 of Serena
“Most of them. I added the more modern designs. He preferred handcrafted ones, like the one I gave you.” He walks over and opens the case, picking up a smaller knife with a silver handle. He puts it into my hand; it weighs a bit more because it’s metal. It’s silver with detailed vines on the handle, along with the engraved initialsIGK. “This was his favorite. My grandmother gave it to him as an anniversary gift. They didn’t have a lot of money, so she worked extra hours at the bakery and saved up.”
“What do the initials stand for?”
“My grandfather's name was Ian Gabriel Kayde. We’re named after him.”
“Ian, it’s stunning. It’s hard to believe something that looks this beautiful can do so much damage.”
“Most lethal things are.” He caresses my cheeks with the back of his hand. I feel the heat of his touch.
He walks to a different section of the closet, and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. In front of me is an entire wardrobe: shoes, jeans, dresses, and they’re all in my size. I turn to him. “Ian, what is this?”
“This is for you. I want you to have clothes here. My plan is for you to move in, but for now, you come and go as you please. The bathroom is full of your favorite makeup brands and other essentials.”
“Ian, this is crazy. I’m not moving in.”
“Yes, you will eventually, even if I have to lock you up here.”
“No, I’m not, and I don’t need you to buy me anything. I can afford these things myself.” I know I’m being stubborn, but I don’t want to give him the idea that I need him for his money.
“Baby, I know you don’t need me. Making money is your career, but I want to treat you.”
“You’re impossible.” I sigh in frustration.
“I’m glad you’re finally realizing it.” He leans in and kisses my lips. It’s playful.
“Now, put some clothes on and let's go outside. The firepit is waiting.”
My penthouse doesn’t feel like a home. I didn’t put any effort into making it feel welcoming because it’s only me living here. I get up, go to work, come to the penthouse, do some more work, eat, sleep, work out, and repeat. I know that having Serena here will change that. There are a couple of things that were a must when I moved in: my art pieces that are hanging around, mostly in my bedroom, and the fire pit that I recently purchased and had installed, along with the comfortable couch.
“I can’t believe you flew Ruby and the guitarist in for our date,” Serena says with a smile, and she lies on my chest, tracing the ink on my arms. I don’t think she realizes that her body naturally gravitates toward mine. She says she’s so opposed to cuddling but doesn’t realize she just does it.
“I knew you’d be happy to see your favorite bartender. Plus, I wasn’t kidding when I said she should work at my cousin's bar."
“You have more than one cousin?”
“Yes, Caleb has a brother, Damon. They own a couple of bars together. Caleb is older and thinks he knows best, and Damon, well, let’s just say he’s quick to prove big brother wrong.”
“I hope she gets the job. It would be nice to have another friend.”
If that’s what my girl wants, it's what she will get, but I have no doubt that Caleb will hire Ruby. I’m sure he’ll try to fuck her first, but I won’t tell Serena that.
“Why don’t you want to stay over?” The question just slips out. I’ve seen the locks at her apartment.
“My apartment is my safe space. I, uh, well, I know where everything is. The surroundings are familiar. I feel comfortable when people come over. I can control what happens.”
I hate that she was with other men, but I won’t judge her for her past.
“Just give me time, please,” she whispers.
“Luckily for you, we have eternity together.” I feel the moment her body tenses, but I don’t acknowledge it. If I do, it will fuel her insecurity about us. I don’t know how much longer I can let her live apart from me.
“I think it’s time to take you to your apartment.” If she doesn’t stay here with me, then I’ll stay with her.
The rest of the night is spent at hers with me between her legs, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect date. I need her to remember who she belongs to.
The next weekflies by in a blur. I’m on a business trip with my cousins and uncle, who needed help finalizing a business deal. Should the situation take an unexpected turn, my methods of persuasion may be needed.
My uncle Isaac is a great man who loves his wife and sons. He legally adopted Caleb as a child, and in his eyes, they are blood, so he’ll inherit the empire. Damon wants no part of it. He tries to break the shackles of expectation, but unfortunately, he is so ingrained in this life that no amount of running will help him escape.
