Bounty Hunter

Chapter 10

Aside from the fact that Kai's disturbance has brought an onslaught of chaos into my life, there's a part of me that enjoys being around him. Gradually, Kai releases his tight grip and his pained expression unravels. His green eyes stare into space and when the silence continues I sit myself beside him. Gizmo returns to curl up beside Kai. "Are you doing anything tonight?" he asks casually. "Nothing in particular," I reply. "I'm picking you up tonight at seven. I'm going to make it up to you." "Make up for what?" "You know...accidentally putting you on someone's hit list," he answers innocently. "Oh yeah, and not to mention stealing my bed," I add. "I never said you couldn't join me," Kai jokes. "I don't cuddle with guys I just met." His broad chest shakes with amusement. A little shiver of longing travels through my body at the sight of his perfectly sculpted chest. "You just checked me out," he states grinning. "You can't prove that," I retort. "Its my sixth sense. I always know when someone's looking at me. Especially when it's a hot girl." My mouth is glued shut as my cheeks burn hot. He laughs a deep throaty laugh that cuts through my lungs. A gloved hand takes mine lightly intertwining our fingers. "What are you doing?" I ask skeptically.

"You have really tiny hands," he remarks. "And you have really big hands," I say. The moment is cut short by me sitting up and breaking apart our hands. His face appears perplexed by my sudden retreat. But he speedily recovers with a joke, "you know what they say about big hands," he says suggestively. "Yes I know and I really don't need to hear you say it aloud. I have to go," I say hurriedly. I hurry out the door but catch his voice as he calls out, "I'm still picking you up at seven!" I run away from the house putting some distance between myself and Kai. Once I've left the vicinity of his home I'm able to release the breath I've been holding in. I rub the hand he touched clutching it to my chest. The warmth of his gloved hand leaves behind a tingling sensation that flutters around in my stomach. I walk through the crowded beach feeling confident that I'm safe. I weave through the sandy beach and decide to make a quick stop at the fresh market. I take one of the miniature carts and roll it through the market. Rows upon rows of delicious looking cookies greet me temptingly. A debate courses through my mind as to whether I should buy the chocolate chip or the peanut butter.

While I'm debating I begin to feel the sensation of someone's prying eyes watching me. I shake off the feeling and dismiss it as paranoia. There's no way that Blue could attack me in public. Anxiously, I glance around the market which looks fairly empty. The cashier is absorbed in his own world staring blankly into space; the other shoppers are all occupied with their own shopping. If someone were to silently grab me, there's a possibility no one would notice. I continue shopping and push my car towards a more open space. "Hello," a deep voice greets. The face of an unfamiliar young man in an apron meets me. "Hi," I answer coolly. "I couldn't help but notice you're a very beautiful woman. How would you like to go on a date with me," he asks eagerly. Firmly, I shake my head. "No thank you," I say tersely. I look up to see him still standing in front of me. As I meet his intrusive gaze I jump back startled. My hand knocks over a pile of chocolates sending them flying. "Don't worry I've got it," he assures me calmly. My hands start to shake and I realize his eyes are familiar. "Blue," I whisper. I abandon my cart attempting to make a speedy getaway. But before I can leave a heavy hand grips my shoulder. No one notices except for the cashier who spares us a quick glance.

The flesh colored hand on my shoulder ripples before turning blue. "Get off of me," I command in a low voice. His eyes stare into mine unafraid. "I just want to talk," he replies. He leans into my ear and I shrink back repulsed. "Now why don't you tell me where little Kai Kai is," he snarls in my ear.