Jerks Like Us Book Three Read online

  “Yes, I know. Didn’t you just listen to anything I said?” Kao snorted and pushed his hand through his hair. “I broke up one of the biggest bands in South Korea outside of BTS. They can’t handle it and they wanna threaten me, but fucking newslflash for them. I’m not gonna let ‘em win.”

  “Kao! Language!” Kao’s Mom shouted.

  “Sorry, Mom.” Kao bowed in her direction, then straightened. “Look, I’m sorry. Maybe I’m being a little rough on you, but I’m so sick of this crap. I was tired when I was in the middle of it and I’m even more exhausted now. The online bullying is ruthless, and being a KPOP star, you can’t speak out. If you do, you’re seen as obstinate or even weak. You should be able to take it no matter what. It’s another reason I went out on my own. I couldn’t hold in all those bad feelings just to save someone else’s. Do you know how liberating it is to swear in public? To not be under WRL entertainment’s freaking microscope? To not be told when and who I can date.” Kao snickered and pushed his hands in his pockets. “My solo career means everything to me, Brody. The freedom I have will not be stolen from me because these crazy people that can’t deal.”

  “Okay. I get it, but, you also gotta understand, we do have to take precautions. It’s kind of like getting into a car with a seat belt. You know to put it on as soon as you sit in the driver’s seat. Think of me as that seat belt. You know not to leave the premises without me in front of you. You’re not gonna go off to weird places without me being in attendance.”

  “Define weird.” Kao crossed his arms.

  “Anywhere that isn’t an event involving your career. Until we find out who is targeting you, you’ll have to stay inside.”

  “Pfft. I’m already in, but if the mood strikes, I’d like to get some fresh air.”

  “Yeah, but maybe the air you get will have to be here with your parents.” Brody continued to eye Kao with a serious expression.

  “Nope. I won’t stay here and put them in danger. They won’t become part of a target at my condo.”

  “We will be fine, son. I want you safe.” Kao’s Mom interjected.

  “I will be. I got Mr. Brody here for my protection. I’ll stay at my home, but when I venture out, he’ll be right there with me.”

  “Go out for appearances, sure. Nowhere else.” Brody finished for Kao.

  “I’m not the clubbing type, but what if I’m invited somewhere as an opportunity?” Kao thought about a couple of messages from big time people in California. “People want me at their parties, Brody. I’ve been asked to sing at a big time hip-hopper’s birthday party.”

  “Really?” Both Gaia and Lawrence said in unison.

  Kao nodded towards them. “Yeah. That could be something that helps me in the future. I’m not turning him down.”

  Brody sighed aloud. “And when is this party?”

  “Three weeks from now.”

  “Then I’m going with you.” Brody said without hesitation.

  “Fine. You’ll be my date.” Kao smirked.

  “I’ll be your bodyguard.” Brody sat down on the opposite couch and crossed his legs.

  “Well, that was easy.” Lawrence clapped his hands. “When were you gonna tell us about this?”

  Kao was about to answer, then his father walked in.

  Kao’s dad bowed his head slightly at him and his mother. Then turned his attention to Brody. “You’re the bodyguard I take it?”

  “Yes. Brody Macguire.” He rose and shook Kao’s father’s hand.

  “Kim Jung-Sik. Kao’s father. I left work to meet you and inform you, how glad I am that you’ve taken this job. But also.” Kao’s father walked to his recliner and sat. “Please remind him how serious this is. How all of us are worried about his safety.”

  “Believe me, we’ve been trying, but… he’s a tough cookie.” Brody’s stern gaze met Kao’s again.

  Hot damn.

  Kao moistened his lips and slid one of his hands over the front of his shirt. He tugged, giving himself some air. Heat crept up the back of his neck, making him sweat and tingle. With someone so gorgeous guarding him, there wouldn’t be a need to go anywhere.

  “He is.” Kao’s father broke the silence. “And while I’m proud of him for that, I want him to start thinking sensibly. Whoever this is trying to hurt him isn’t someone to be taken lightly.”

  “I get that, but again…”

  “We know,” Brody cut him off and held up his hand. “As long as you’re not being unreasonable, I’ll work with you.”

  Kao wanted to say something else, but surely his parents, Gaia, and Lawrence were bored by this back and forth between them.

  Bottom line, Kao would get what he wanted because Brody was his employee. Even if they crossed that professional line, Kao would remain the one in charge of his life and his career.

  * * * *

  Taking care of Kao would be his toughest job yet, but Brody was up for the challenge. He’d seen Kao’s kind before, just not anyone from another country.

  Apparently, Kao Jung-Sik was a diva with a bite. Brody liked that in him but wouldn’t let that interfere with keeping the young man safe.

  To alleviate the tension in the room, Brody offered to walk with Kao. Despite letting his feelings known, Brody sensed Kao was holding back his frustrations in front of his parents, Lawrence, and Gaia. Perhaps they could get a better understanding without the audience.

  Looking at the grounds behind Kao’s folks mansion, he couldn’t understand why the man would want to leave. The well-manicured grass, at least an acre of greenery, a garden pool, and tennis court off to the left. Their closest neighbor looked to be about half a mile away, meaning plenty of privacy.

  Although Brody wasn’t into large homes, he could see himself here for a short term stay.

  When it came to this house, luxurious estate was an understatement.

  “I know what you’re thinking.” Kao said. Other than birds calling and water running into a nearby fountain, there was silence.

  “Okay. Tell me.”

  “I should make my parents happy and stay here.”

  “Yep. They’re worried about you.”

  “It’s true, but you tell me what kind of social life I can have living under momma and daddy’s roof?”

  “Hey, I get that, but—”

  “I need to fuck, Brody.” Kao said matter-of-factly.

  Brody froze, not moving his gaze from the ground under his feet. He bit his bottom lip, enjoying the way those words so easily slipped from his tongue.

  Shit.

  Brody had to get a grip or there would be hell to pay.

  “Sorry to be so blunt.”

  “Nah, no problem. You got needs, but there are ways around it.”

  “Oh yeah? Other than sneaking a man in here in the middle of the night, I’m not sure how. Perhaps a rendezvous in the pool house under the moonlight, but then again, my dad likes to go for a nightly swim.”

  Brody finally eyed him.

  Kao raised a corner of his mouth, then put on a full on smile. “Not only do my folks stay up late, they get up insanely early. Sometimes momma wakes at five to cook a meal or have her morning coffee. Then she comes out here to work on her garden for hours. After that, she might sunbathe and take a dip in the pool. Eventually she’ll go back inside where she spends a lot of time calling family back at home or bothering me about what I want to eat.”

  Brody snorted. “Okay, so I see there isn’t much opportunity to sneak anything past them.”

  “Fort Knox is easier.” Kao laughed and forced his hands into his pockets.

  “Sounds like it.” Brody couldn’t help but look down at Kao’s jeans that appeared to be painted on. Distressed and faded with holes in his upper thighs and knees. The rainbow tie-dye shirt unbuttoned to the center of his chest.

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “You’re wondering where I got my shirt from?”

  Brody chuckled and spun on his heel. “It’s nice, but no. Anyway, uh, since you’re not
gonna listen to your parents, we’re gonna have to lay some ground rules. You go nowhere without me. I’ll be at your condo to watch you move in. I need the names and numbers of anyone you might come in contact with over the next two to three months to make sure they all check out. Other than your parents, Gaia, and Lawrence, is there anyone else that you’ll see here regularly?”

  “No. Not unless I find a man.” A smile came through Kao’s voice.

  “Yeah. Well, if you go on any dates, I’ll have to accompany you.”

  “No, no. That’s where we draw the line. I won’t have you tagging along while I bang some dude.”

  Brody turned back around to face him. “Yeah I will. It’s what you guys are paying me for.”

  “At events, like you said, but my private life is mine. I already had chaperones as part of SK4. I’m not doing that shit now.” Kao snarled.

  Brody pushes his hand through his hair. “What the fuck don’t you get, Kao? You’re being targeted.”

  “Yep, but I’m not runnin’ like a little bitch with my tail between my legs. You don’t understand, I’ve been looking forward to having a real life for years.”

  “Maybe not, but I get a portion of what you’re saying. You gotta be extra careful that’s all. If you wanna have a man over, fine, but I’ll be on the premises to make sure he won’t harm you.”

  “Ugh!” Kao growled and turned away, speaking in what Brody supposed was his native language. He spun again. Deep chocolate pools framed by black eyelashes, stared daggers into Brody’s soul. His pouty pink lips pursed. “I need privacy.”

  “You’ll have it. I won’t be in the same room while you’re fucking.” Brody snickered.

  “Damn right you won’t, unless you’re gonna be on the receiving end.” Kao stepped closer.

  Brody blinked and laughed nervously while putting a little space between them. “I work for you.”

  “That didn’t stop you from staring at me like you wanted to rip my clothes off.”

  Brody held up his hands. “Okay, you got me, but I gotta admit, you’re an attractive man.”

  Kao smiled wide, showing pearly white teeth. Brody had never seen a picture perfect grin like Kao’s. “Thank you. You’re not bad yourself.” He swiped his tongue over his bottom lip, narrowing his eyes. His flawless eyebrows met in the center of his head. When he bit down on his lip, Brody sensed his heart speed up.

  Damn.

  Never in Brody’s life had he ever been into men who wore makeup, but for Kao Jung-Sik, he would gladly make the exception.

  If he wasn’t my employer.

  Brody would have to regularly remind himself of that, or he’d fall prey to the man’s charms, thus putting him in danger.

  After a long day, Brody figured to stop for a meal. He wasn’t much of a chef, only the essentials, since constantly ordering fatty foods wasn’t good. For a bigger man, Brody didn’t eat a lot. Occasionally he might splurge on a burger, but Brody settled for meat, veggies, or seafood, which was plenty for him.

  Brody chose sushi and headed to his apartment. Although paid well, he stayed in an apartment near Venice Beach. He figured why buy a house since he lived alone? Besides, he easily afforded the place without much to do other than keeping up his own space.

  Once he parked the car, he ran up the backstairs to his apartment. Thankfully, his building was mostly single people with fur babies and no children. Not that Brody hated them, but he was glad to live where he wouldn’t have his sleep interrupted by kids.

  Brody closed the door behind him, flicking the lights on as he went. He walked to the kitchen and set his dinner along with the mail on the counter.

  One his way to the bedroom, Brody loosened his tie, wondering should he invite company over for the evening. The other night was satisfying, but it wasn’t enough to totally quell his hunger for sex.

  Just as Brody kicked off his shoes, his phone rang. His best friend, Kade was calling. “Yo.” Brody yanked his necktie off.

  “Hey man. How you been?”

  “Good. Tired as hell. Trying to make up my mind about tonight’s plans.”

  “Oh yeah? You should come out with us. We’re heading to Bravo for dinner and drinks, then dancing. You game?”

  “Nah. I’m good. I grabbed sushi for dinner and I’m out of my shoes.”

  “Geez, Brody. Why are you part of the NFL?” Kade griped.

  Brody snorted. “The NFL?”

  “The no fun league.” Kade laughed. “You’re not that old, you know.”

  “Yeah, but like I said, I’ve been on my feet all day babysitting Hollywood starlets. I’m gonna eat, shower, then thumb through my contacts to find someone to warm my bed.”

  “Ugh, all right fine. I’ll leave you to it. You should come out with us more often though. You’re not a cop anymore so you have more time.”

  Brody nodded. “While that’s true, I’m still kind of busy. Anyway, you guys have fun. Keep me in mind for the next go ‘round and I’ll make room on my social calendar.”

  “Okay. Later, dude.”

  “Later.”

  Brody disconnected and tossed his phone on the bed. Although he loved hanging with Kade, he was way past his clubbing days. Besides, Brody was over searching for the next lay. He wished for something more, something long lasting.

  That’s why Brody kept the old standbys and exes on rotation just to fill the void. At least the physical one, anyway, because even after a good night of hot sex, Brody still felt empty.

  Chapter Five

  Moving day had finally arrived.

  Kao got his things out of storage, bringing it all to the condominium. Though he hadn’t amassed a lot, he still had awards and musical equipment he’d collected over the years. Good thing there was an office for him to set up. Eventually, he’d have to make room for an at home studio, but he wouldn’t worry about that until after the tour.

  Although his parents weren’t happy, they wished him well. They reminded him any time he didn’t feel safe, not to hesitate to return home. Despite telling them he would, there was no way he would run to their house. He had to stay tough to show these bullies he wouldn’t be taken down by their attempts or online tirades.

  Kao placed his hands on his hips, perusing his surroundings. “Finally, a place all my own.”

  “There’s no more stuff, right? You accounted for everything?” Brody’s voice sounded from the foyer.

  “Yeah. It’s all here. Thanks for helping me. That Lawrence is gonna get a piece of my mind for chickening out.”

  Brody chuckled and wiped the sheen of sweat from his forehead. “No big. Between the four of us, we got everything in here easily. Oh yeah, here.” Brody handed Kao his keys.

  When Kao’s hand brushed against Brody’s he bit back a moan. His blue eyes met Kao’s gaze, holding him in place. Kao would love to look into those gorgeous irises while pummeling Brody.

  Something told Kao Brody enjoyed being told what to do, or at least switch. Kao took pleasure in that too, but most of the time he wanted to call the shots.

  “Thanks.” Kao accepted the key ring and tilted his head. He eyed Brody up and down, liking the man in shorts, t-shirt, and gym shoes. He couldn’t help but stare at him when those muscles flexed while he lifted furniture and boxes.

  Get a grip!

  Brody was his bodyguard, but dammit if he wouldn’t like to get to know the man a little more intimately.

  “Uh, yeah, so… I’m gonna go.” Brody didn’t look away but pointed in the door’s direction. He started to shuffle his feet.

  “No. Stay, for lunch. That’s the least I can do since you gave up a day off to help me.” Kao bit the inside of his jaw, following that up with a tongue swipe. He wanted to make sure Brody noticed the mouth action.

  “It’s not a problem. Part of the job.”

  “Moving isn’t in your job description.” Kao clicked his teeth. “C’mon, Brody. I know you gotta be hungry and exhausted. Take a load off and have lunch on me. Pizza? Chinese? Italia
n? There’s a little of everything I can order with just a push of a button.”

  “Fine. I’ll stay. I gotta wash up a little though.” Brody turned his head, appearing to be sniffing himself.

  “We both reek, dude. No biggie. We’ll eat at the counter, so we won’t leave that funk on my couch.” Kao plucked his phone from his pocket and pressed the browser on his screen.

  “Kay. Can I use your bathroom?”

  “Sure. Be my guest. Look um… if you wanna shower, you can throw your clothes in my washer.” Kao knew it was a stretch, but he thought maybe the man would be more comfortable in a robe.

  Who was he shitting? Kao wanted to see the man as close to naked as possible.

  Brody grinned and pushed his fingers through his wavy red hair. “You’re pushing it.”

  “What?” Kao spread his arms wide, eyes widening. “I just offered it. If you don’t wanna take advantage that’s on you.” Kao eyed his screen again.

  “I’ll think about it.” Brody left the room, scurrying away as if he was running from something.

  Kao laughed, then went through the restaurants in the area. All of them top of the line, heralded throughout California. It was only a matter of which one he’d like to try in his first delivered meal.

  Just as Kao was about to tap the Italian place, his phone pinged, telling him he had a message. It was another unknown number. Though his initial thought was to ignore it, curiosity got the best of him.

  “MOVING WON’T DO YOU ANY GOOD! WE WILL FIND YOU AND END YOU!”

  “Assholes.” Kao deleted the message and blocked them. He took a deep breath, wishing he knew who had been contacting him. That had been the fourth since he moved to the states. Unfortunately, he’d have to change his number. He’d had it for years, but it was time for an American one anyway.

  Obviously, these jerks had it in their speed dial or had memorized the thing.

  As much as he wished to keep it, Kao knew if he wanted to stop receiving these messages, he had to start anew.

  Eventually Brody relented and agreed to wash his clothes. After he quickly showered, he agreed to wait on the food while Kao followed suit. Though Kao wished for Brody to join him, he was already skating on thin ice. They hadn’t even known each other a week and the professional lines had already been blurred.