Jerks Like Us Book Three Read online

  “I get it, Kao, but I need you to stay strong, okay?”

  “Yeah. I… shit, Brody, please hold me, all right? I need your arms around me.”

  Brody didn’t hesitate to take him in, holding him tightly to his own body. He ran his hand through Kao’s burgundy locks, whispering comforting words in his ear.

  Damn these people for scaring Kao to the point of breaking down.

  Through this whole ordeal he’d been strong, but with this latest development, even Kao couldn’t keep from sobbing.

  * * * *

  The detectives stayed for an hour.

  Kao wished he could believe they were concerned about his safety, but he knew better. Apparently, they thought as the bodyguards did, that it was a media ploy to get attention. Only one of them seemed to generally be interested in catching these jerks. Too bad his fellow sleuths didn’t feel the same.

  In the end, Brody got the extra help he wanted.

  LAPD would send a cop car to patrol the area.

  In the meantime, Kao had to wrap his brain around not telling his manager or promo person that he was leaving early. Although it sounded simple, Kao hated lying to them, but it was necessary to keep these assholes off the trail.

  “So, when should we leave?” Kao bounced on the sofa next to Brody.

  Brody leaned back but didn’t look up. “As soon as possible. I’m glad you’re chartering a plane, because otherwise they might be able to get flight information.”

  “Ohh, no. I learned my lesson after being in SK4.” Kao chuckled. “I’ve gotta say thanks for the police escort too. Really, if you weren’t here explaining to them how important this is, I’m not sure they’d give a fuck.”

  “Well, it’s their job. Those pictures, the near kidnapping, and that woman jumping you should be enough to prove this isn’t a publicity stunt.”

  “Could you make sure the two other detectives working with Russo know that? They kept smiling and snickering while I talked. It made me mad. I wanted to whoop both of their asses!”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t notice. Maybe I can ask the chief to do something as per your request.” Brody finally looked up at him. “Don’t worry about it. We’re gonna find these lowlifes and bring them down. You gotta stop fighting me on things though. When we go to New York, we’ll have to stay out of the limelight. No calls, except to your parents, no social media, nothing. Got me?”

  While peering into Brody’s blue eyes, Kao almost lost his breath. He swallowed hard, thinking he’d do anything his bodyguard wanted. “Yessir. I… The pictures of us being followed was enough to jar me. No more thinking about freedom since my life is literally on the line.”

  Brody nodded. “Good that we understand each other. Now.” Brody rubbed his kneecap. “How about one drink, and then we go to bed.”

  “That would be great. I’m glad you noticed that I need something to calm my nerves.”

  Brody got up without a peep and walked to the wet bar. He grabbed two glasses and a shooter, then poured the contents in it.

  “Um, Brody. Can you…”

  “Hmm?” Brody stopped what he was doing and looked up.

  “I need you next to me. Not in the separate room either.”

  Brody closed his mouth quickly and put the bottle down. “Kao…”

  “Please? I promise I’ll be a good boy. I…” Kao lowered his gaze, toyed with his fingers, and sighed aloud. “I only want you to hold me. Nothing more. I just can’t be alone in that room, lying in bed alone. I might have to keep a light on too.”

  Brody put his hand back on the bottle. He appeared as if he was in deep thought. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Okay. This is such a bad idea for both of us, but I’ll take the risk so you can get some sleep.” Brody started pouring the whiskey again.

  Kao smiled sweetly. “Thank you. If I act bad, I promise I’ll let you spank me.”

  Brody shook his head and snickered. “I got a feeling spanking would only turn you on further.”

  Kao shrugged and leaned back. “Well, actually I like to be the one doing the spanking instead of receiving it.” He swiped his upper lip with his tongue.

  “I knew that you being a good boy was a total ruse.” Brody poured cola in the glasses, then dropped a couple of ice cubes in each.

  “I can be good… when I want to be.” Kao laughed and re-crossed his legs. “Besides, I said I’d be a good boy in bed, not before we go.”

  Brody strolled to the sofa with both glasses in hand. “You’re trouble, you know that?” He handed Kao one of the drinks.

  Kao accepted and mouthed a thank you. He held it up waiting for Brody to sit. “How about a toast?”

  Brody lowered himself onto the couch. “To what?”

  “To being happy. I’m not gonna let these assholes bring me down. I’m going on tour to do what I love. That’s what I live for.”

  “Here here.” Brody clanked his glass against Kao’s then sipped.

  Kao did the same. He tried his best not to stay fixated on Brody’s mouth action but that was easier said than done.

  The man was a walking porno without even trying.

  Sometimes Kao wondered if Brody knew how hot he was, even dressed in shorts and a t-shirt.

  Despite Brody admitting the feelings were there, Kao couldn’t help the desire to want to speed things along.

  Kao lay awake in bed.

  Even with Brody sleeping soundly next to him, he couldn’t seem to close his eyes long enough to rest. His mind raced a mile a minute, thinking of the tour, his safety, and Brody, not necessarily in that order. Honestly, there were times he feared for his life in SK4 but having someone follow you at what’s supposed to be a private location was enough to worry a person.

  While he lay awake, Kao thought to himself about the people who could be involved.

  Is BJ or any of the others in on this?

  As he told Brody, if he suspected anyone, BJ was definitely a candidate. Apparently, the youngest didn’t like being competed with when it came to the rapper of the band.

  Brody was being nice when he described Kao and BJ’s friendship or what was left of it. Hell, the way things ended between them, it might as well have been world war three.

  *

  Kao harrumphed as he made his way to the door. His mind raced as he walked, wondering if he was making the right decision.

  What if I fail? I’ll never be able to come back here again.

  Yes, it was a huge risk, but one he had to take to stay sane.

  “Kao, come on, you can’t leave us, dammit. There’s nothing wrong with you.”

  Kao snorted. “Yes, that would be one of the reasons I’m leaving. Everyone assumes everything is hunky dory.”

  “It is. You’re a millionaire, you’re still young, and hot.”

  “And alone. Money means nothing if you have no one to share it with.”

  “So, get married.” BJ shrugged.

  “Not that simple when you’re gay.” Kao added, with his hand on the doorknob. Was he making the biggest mistake of his life leaving a globally successful band behind.

  Don’t be like I-Juice!

  His subconscious answered the question quickly. It would take time for people to warm up to him. He might not be the overnight success as a solo artist, but again, he’d be doing it his way.

  “So, don’t be gay then. Marry a woman, have a couple of babies, then live happily.”

  Kao bit down hard on his lip until it almost bled. He pulled the door open and huffed out a breath. “I can’t stop being gay, BJ. It’s who I am.” Kao didn’t turn around.

  “Fine! Be who you are and fail, Kao. You’re going to regret leaving this band and this country.”

  Kao blew out more air and took another step. “No, I won’t BJ. I’m gonna make it and fall in love someday. You’ll see. Have a nice life!” Kao walked out. Passing through their deluxe apartment, leaving all the luxury of what SK4 and Executive Won had built behind.

  Despite the ne
rvousness and guilt for leaving a band of brothers, Kao knew he was making the correct decision.

  Leave this band and strike out on his own.

  No way would he allow this life to drive him to an early death!

  *

  Kao shook himself out of the daze.

  Thinking of those last tense moments with BJ on his heels were one of the reasons he couldn’t sleep. Hopefully, the South Korean authorities would take this seriously and look further into BJ or WRL entertainment.

  Until these fools were caught, Kao wouldn’t be able to do much of anything.

  For comfort, Kao had planted himself in the crook of Brody’s neck, while he lay one hand on his chest. Although Brody wore a shirt, Kao sensed the heat radiating off him in waves. The manly scent of his cologne or aftershave. The feeling of Brody’s strong chest underneath the fabric.

  Damn.

  With one arm curled around Kao’s waist and the other supporting his head, Brody was right there for the taking.

  If only Kao could uncover Brody’s body and touch him from head to toe. Follow those up with licks and kisses, Kao would be a happy man.

  Sighing, Kao dragged his fingers over Brody’s chest, tracing his taut muscles through the material. He’d seen Brody without a shirt, but this was the first time having him in close enough proximity to fully appreciate him. The few tattoos he had in several spots were vibrant, with different elements of pop culture from the past and present. Cartoon characters, old time movie actors, and one of Jason Vorhees’ mask. That one was a little frightening, but not enough to alarm Kao. All of it was detailed, making him think Brody had someone who regularly did them for him.

  While Kao continued, he watched Brody’s chest rise and fall in succession. He made slight movements, but was not disturbed enough to wake up. In a way, Kao wished he would so they could talk.

  Since Kao wouldn’t be busy, he thought they should get to know each other. Brody would most likely shoot that down, but Kao wished to convince him.

  Although Brody reassured Kao that he was interested, Kao was too impatient to wait for the tour to be over. Hell, he was dying right now just lying next to him.

  After all they’d shared, why not move full speed ahead?

  Other than their minor disagreements, everything pointed to Kao and Brody having something to build on for a possible future.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The charter plane to New York was swift.

  It had been a while since Brody had flown anywhere, but knowing he’d have to travel with Kao overseas and beyond, he had to get over his anxiety.

  Brody wasn’t afraid of heights. He was simply scared of the plane’s jerky moves during takeoff and landing. Then there was the turbulence that was just as terrifying. Really, if he weren’t on assignment, he would’ve taken a sleeping pill just to get through the flight.

  As promised, police escorted Kao and Brody to and from the airport. Brody made the reservations for Kao under an alias and they did a speed check in to limit his public exposure. Although Brody worried about being close to Kao, he reserved a room with double beds. Brody had a feeling that Kao would convince Brody to sleep with him again, but at least for now there was a chance for separation.

  Though the room was small, it nicer than any hotels Brody had ever been to. Modern décor, blue walls with white and blue furniture. The bathroom was massive with a shower big enough for a party of five with double vanities as well as a jacuzzi tub. Apparently, the room’s appearance justified the price.

  Thankfully, Brody and Kao wouldn’t be venturing outside. The temps in New York would be in the nineties, almost touching a hundred by the weekend. Brody was grateful for that since he absolutely abhorred heat. Just another reason why he moved close to the ocean in Los Angeles.

  “So, what did you tell your parents?” Brody called over his shoulder.

  “I told them I was safely out of Los Angeles. I don’t want my mom losing sleep over me.”

  “Good. It’s not a lie and doesn’t give too much information. Seems like these fools are tracking you so we have to be extra careful.”

  “Yeah. I’m not sure how, but they’re wasting a lot of their craftiness on me. The hatred is real I suppose.”

  “Or jealousy. Russo is contacting police in Seoul about your cousin and BJ. They’ll ask to look into WRL as a whole, because this could be a joint effort that includes all of them.” Brody folded two pairs of pants and tossed them on the bed.

  “True. Dammit, I just wish I knew for sure. Investigating my cousin will cause even bigger rifts within the family. My parents won’t be happy about that.”

  “I understand, but this needs to be done. Anyway, finish unpacking and get comfortable. I need to call my boss and fill him in on what’s happened.”

  “Okay. Don’t go far. We need to decide what we’re going to eat.” Kao asked while he grabbed another suitcase.

  Brody eyed the bag and cocked an eyebrow. “I meant to ask you what that other suitcase was for.”

  “Oh this? It’s my sheets.” Kao began taking the pillowcases off.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “It’s my extra sheets and towels.” Kao put his own up to his nose and exhaled. He grinned. “Nice and fresh. 500 count too.”

  Brody snorted. “So, you don’t sleep on the hotel sheets?”

  “Nope. Gotta have my own.”

  “But this is a nice hotel. If it were a rathole, I’d agree with you.”

  “Brody, what we see on the surface is a 5-star establishment, but even the best places have flaws. I’m more comfortable with my own sheets and towels. I’m less hot and homesick.” Kao stripped the bed and started pulling his own sheets apart.

  “So, you’ve always done this? Even when you were a part of SK4?”

  “Yep. In fact, I earned my own bed because of it.” Kao laughed while crawling over the mattress to straighten his sheets.

  Brody dropped his head and shook it, not believing this guy and his weird quirks. He had a lot of them, but this one took the cake. “Uh, okay. Maybe you should tell them to leave one bed unmade so you’re not wasting the maids hard work.”

  “Nah, I just tip the cleaning people extra. When I pass them in the hallway, I slip them extra bills. Anyway, what are we eating?” Kao continued dragging his hand over the sheets, making sure his bed was perfect. Once he pulled the extra blanket out, he whipped it out, tugging at the sides to make it covered every inch of his mattress. Unbelievable this guy went through such extremes, but as long as he was comfortable who was Brody to judge?

  “Uh, um, anything you want. Just let me know. Finish what’cha doing and I’ll be back.” Brody spun on his heel.

  “Okay, I should be done soon. I’ll put my things away, then we can choose something.”

  “All right. I’m going to check in with Arturo.” Brody left the room and closed the door behind him. He hadn’t spoken to him for about a week, so surely Arturo was chomping at the bit.

  Brody fell back on the couch and pushed speed dial three. He crossed his legs, waiting for Arturo to pick up. “Hey.”

  “Well, about damn time you decided to call, Macguire. Why such a long time for you to check in?”

  “Things have been happening. Had to leave LA for New York ‘cause these fools took pictures of Kao and I on the beach.”

  “Doing?”

  “Eating a meal at a restaurant. Nothing else.”

  “Oh damn. Well, seems the kid has rabid fans.”

  “He also has people who worked with him as well as possible family that wanna do him serious harm. This thing is a lot bigger than some crazy fans wanting an autograph.”

  “All right. Just remember your head through this whole thing. I know how easy it is for you to get attached with the people you’ve worked for.”

  Brody pushed his hand through his hair and blew out a breath. “Yes sir. I’m focused on keeping him safe then finding these assholes, nothing more.” He lied.

  “Good. Let’s keep
it that way. Although Lawrence seems to think otherwise —”

  “What? You’ve talked with him?”

  “Yeah, he called me saying you accused him of working with the would-be kidnappers.”

  Brody made a face and growled under his breath. If Lawrence were here now, he’d rip him a new asshole. “And I stand by that, regardless of the report coming back clear.”

  “Okay, just remember that he hired you. It’s fine to have suspicions, but let the cops do their job.”

  “I am, but that jerk needs to stay out the fucking way.” Brody sneered. “If you saw some of the things they’ve done as manager and PR, you’d suspect him too.”

  “I’m sure, but again, take care of Kao and don’t overstep. If I feel you’re getting out of hand, I can pull you off the assignment. I won’t have you giving this company a bad name because of a hunch.”

  Brody twisted his lips and sighed aloud. “Kay. Anything else?”

  “No. Just do what you’re paid for and keep the run-ins with Lawrence to a minimum. And remember you’re representing me and this company.”

  “Yes sir.” Brody gave a mock salute. “I’ll check in after a few days.”

  “Make sure you do. And not a week later. Enjoy New York.”

  “Right. Bye.” Brody pressed disconnect and tossed the phone to his side. Although he was mad that Lawrence called Arturo, he wasn’t the least bit surprised. The guy didn’t like that Kao was starting to see what Brody saw, which was a guy that could be guilty, but also someone who might not have had his best interest at heart.

  * * * *

  After Kao finished, he walked into the sitting area and took a seat across from Brody. “So, um… what’s for dinner?”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “I thought I was. I don’t think I can eat anything heavy because my fucking anxiety is through the roof.”

  Brody nodded, giving him a sorrowful look. “I know, but…”

  “Yes, I get it, I’m just so fucking angry about this whole thing. I’m stuck in this hotel room until the tour starts in three weeks. I’d been looking forward to going to Times Square, taking pictures, and walking through Central Park, you know? The touristy things I never got time to do before.”