His protector

Chapter 16- Mila

I stirred as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. I blinked still sleepy but immediately became aware of the warmth pressing against me. My lips curved into a small smile as I tilted my head down to see Kai's face nestled in the crook of my neck, his hair slightly tousled from sleep.

I was still for a moment, soaking in the quiet peace of the moment.

I shifted slightly to grab my phone, trying not to wake him but Kai murmured something incoherent and smuggled closer. I chuckled softly as I turned on my phone to text Rhys. Mission aborted. I'm not going anywhere. Shortly after I received his message.

Rhys: What? Why?? Did something happen?

Me:I'll come by today to talk. Everything is fine, don't worry.

Rhys: If it's because of that kid I'm going to blow his head.

Me: ...

Rhys:  MILA PETROVA!

I ignored Rhys and threw my phone away. It was already nine and I really had to leave before I bump into Lonzo and kill me on sight.

Running my fingers through his hair, savoring the softness, I tried to wake him so I could move.

Kai eventually came to his senses, lifting his head. His eyes blinked open, still clouded with sleep and for a moment confusion crossed his face before it melted into a soft, lazy smile when he saw me watching him. " Morning " his voice was thick with sleep.

"Morning," I whispered back, my smile matching his.

"How long have you been awake for?"

"Not long. But I do have to leave." He frowned but then realization came through.

"You're going back to Russia?" He asked, getting off me, wincing slightly so we could have some space.

I shook my head. "No. I'm staying at a hotel with Rhys for now. I can't stay here anymore." Kai fidgeted with his fingers.

"Do you really have to stay with him?" Was that jealousy I heard in his voice?

"I've lived with him before. I'll survive for a few days," I chuckle. " What about you? Will you be okay to stay here?" With your father

His jaw tensed. "Yeah, I'll be fine." He gave me a tight smile. "I don't have anywhere else to go anyway."

"You could come with me." I offered.

"To stay with Rhys? No way." He scoffed.

"No. I meant to Russia. To my home. With me." I couldn't believe I managed to get those words out of my mouth. His eyes widened.

"Mila... I can't." He said, voice laced with sadness.

"Why not? You don't have to leave like this if you don't want to." I argued. What would happened if he stayed here and Lonzo would try something similar again?

He looked at me with pain that ran deeper than any physical wound. "It's not like that. I can't just walk away from someone like him." I knew what he was referring to. Lonzo was a powerful man with lots of connections but I also knew that if he kept letting Lonzo tear him down like this, there would be nothing left of the person he really was.

"You're stronger than he wants you to believe," I said quietly. " And if you want to get out...I can help you. I'm sure Rhys will help too." Kai stared at me as if searching my face for something, hope or the strength he couldn't find in himself.

"Thank you, angel. It means a lot to me, and I'll think about it, yeah?" He gave me a tight smile. "When are you leaving back home?" When you are coming with me.

"In a while." I answered instead. He nodded. "I should get going," I said clearing my throat and getting off the bed.

"Yeah, if course," he looked better than yesterday but he still needed rest. 

After taking my luggage, he walked me out and as we reached the door, I stopped and turned to him. I took a step closer and getting on my tip toes I gave him a kiss on the cheek. He pressed his hand against the same spot, his mouth was slightly opened as he looked at me, a faint pink reaching his ears. "Call me if you need anything." And with that I got into the Uber I called a few months and headed towards the hotel.

As the car drove off I couldn't help but look in the rear view mirror and see Kai smiling as he stared off into the distance as my own smile bloomed on my face.

••••

I stepped into the lobby of the hotel Rhys has been staying at while staying in New York. The air smelled faintly of citrus and freshly cleaned floors, the soft murmur of distant conversations and the sound of the elevators filled into the background.

I headed toward the reception desk and got the room Rhys is staying at.

The elevator door opened with a soft ding as I stepped inside, my finger hovering over the button with Rhys's floor. As the doors closed I leaned back into the cool metal wall, letting out a breath I didn't realize I've been holding.

As soon as I was standing Infront of Rhys's door, I knocked twice and the door immediately swung opened. Rhys didn't looked very pleased as he let me in. "Well, hello friend!" I said as I placed my luggage on the floor.

He crossed his arms at his chest, raising a brow "Well look who finally decided to escape the lion's den."

I rolled my eyes. "Stop being a jerk, Rhys."

"Me? What about you, then? How come you changed your mind? You don't even have where to live in this city!"

"It's complicated," I sighed. "And I stay with you, so I do have where to live. " I tease but he wasn't having it. "Fine. Let's seat down, it's a long story."

I've sat with Rhys, telling everything that's happened and he truly looked sorry for Kai even though he didn't want to show it. " So what are we supposed to do? Just wait?"

I rubbed my eyes " I don't know. But I know I can't just leave him with his father. And I also think...I kind of like him." Only thinking about the little kiss on the cheek that I gave him made me have heart eyes. I didn't even realize when he grew this much on me.

Rhys rolled his eyes. "Discovery of the century, of course you like him! Otherwise your ass would have been to Russia. And I can't even leave because of you." It's my turn to smirk.

"Why, do you miss your little author girly?" His eyes snapped to me and I burst out laughing.

"First of all, her name is Katerina and she's not mine yet. I've met with her a second time though and I've heard she has a stalker. I want to help her out when I return." He said. Look who had the heart eyes now.

"Well, I hope she'll resist your unexistent charms." I said with a nod.

"Rude!" He gasped.

"You were rude first! Since last week actually!" I defended myself. His face softened as he reached to pull me in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry, M. I just want you to be safe and sound. " He said.

"Being safe doesn't mean I'm also happy." He sighed.

"If by the end of the week your boy doesn't come with us I'm kidnapping him." He declared and I was honestly not against the idea.