Jerks Like Us Book Three Read online

  Brody whistled low. “Did you tell Kao about those?”

  “We will after today’s show. He’s used to the work, Brody, so I know he won’t take issue. Unlike his KPOP days, the most days he’ll be performing in a row is the end of September when he does four festivals in neighboring countries.”

  “All right. But yeah, to answer your question, my passport doesn’t expire until the year after next, so I’m good.”

  “Cool.” Lawrence nodded and clapped his hands. “He’s a hit, Brody. People from all over want him on their shows, at their parties. His social schedule is crazy, too. Hopefully, he’ll find a date at one of these places because there won’t be time for him to hang anywhere else.”

  Brody wanted to growl at that. “Yeah, well, he’s a handsome guy, I’m sure he’ll find a way.”

  “Yeah, for reals. I kind of like that he’ll be busy which means you’ll be around him more.” Lawrence gripped his shoulder.

  “True. And we did discuss that at his parents’, so it works out.” Brody looked off to the left. He didn’t want Kao’s manager to catch his expression of uneasiness.

  Being around Kao was a blessing and a curse.

  “Okay guys, I’m ready.”

  Kao’s voice sounded off in the distance. He strolled to where he and Lawrence stood.

  Jesus.

  Brody fought to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor. He quickly snapped his mouth shut, staring, feeling the electricity in the man’s gaze.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know I look good.” Kao brushed both shoulders and straightened his collar. “The question is, does Brody like the way I look?”

  Brody sighed aloud and smirked. “You already answered the question. Why are you asking me?”

  “Because, I want your opinion.”

  Lawrence and Gaia were snickering.

  “Okay, my opinion is, you look great.”

  Kao slightly bowed and pushed his hand through his hair. Another woman, who he assumed was the stylist came from the right, seemingly upset that he’d messed up his hairstyle.

  Brody snorted and walked away from them, to take his position. He’d be observing Kao from an angle to make sure what had happened at the last appearance wouldn’t occur again.

  After talking with the hosts, Kao exchanged his stool for a mic. He stared into the camera and belted out the beginning notes to what Brody thought was his sultriest tune, Long Way for Love. Obviously feeling the vibes, Kao swayed from side to side and closed his eyes, carrying the note longer than Brody heard in the recording. He slowly moved his hands, waving them from side to side, then clasping the mic stand with both. He slid his fingers down while continuing to sing, as if he were touching a lover in delicate places.

  Goddamn.

  Brody gulped hard and blinked. The spot in Brody’s slacks suddenly got uncomfortably tight. He pretended to clear his throat, but that didn’t bring him out of his own haze. Brody tried to stop but couldn’t tear his eyes away from Kao.

  When their eyes met, Brody licked his lips, fighting to keep his composure. Not that he’d make a fool of himself or Kao, but damn if he didn’t want to make a move on this man the moment they were alone.

  Kao smiled and slightly bowed his head. He finally turned away and closed his eyes again, still swaying. As a natural performer, he had skills that shouldn’t have been masked behind others that didn’t measure up.

  No wonder this man left his former band in the dust.

  Before Brody knew it, the performance was over, and the few claps erupted from everyone in the studio including the security who stood by the doors.

  Kao bowed and waved his hands, saying silent thanks. Then he met Brody’s gaze again and winked.

  Brody bit the inside of his jaw and returned the smile.

  Thank goodness this was his only appearance this week because Brody needed some alone time.

  Chapter Seven

  On the way back from the studio, Brody stayed silent. Kao wanted to ask him why, but he already knew.

  Shit. I need to get laid.

  Sooner or later Kao would have to find someone to occupy his bed or else he’d lose all control with this man.

  To distract himself, Kao glanced at his phone, thumbing through the comments on his social media. Many people asked when he’d drop a video, which was currently in the final stages of editing. Despite Lawrence wanting him to get it out before the record, Kao wanted the album to stand alone. Obviously with sales and downloads being as good as they were, that move worked like a charm.

  Though Kao was happy with all the positive feedback, the silence in the car niggled at him. He rubbed the back of his neck and put his phone down. “Sooo… did you enjoy the performance?”

  Brody didn’t look away from the window. “Yeah. You’re a natural talent.”

  Kao smiled and propped his elbows on his kneecaps. “Really? You were impressed?”

  “I was. R&B and hip-hop aren’t my thing, but I enjoy hearing you.”

  “Well thanks. Glad you liked it. Uh…” Kao clapped his hands and shook his hair because he didn’t know what else to say. Cornering Brody about what happened between them wouldn’t be a good idea either. “Look, I really appreciate you taking this job. I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful.”

  “I don’t think that at all. I just… well, I don’t think you fully understand the weight of the situation.”

  Kao cocked an eyebrow. “I get it. I told you —”

  Brody held his hand up. “Yeah, you’ve repeated it many times. You want your privacy, which I’ll give you. But between you, Gaia, and Lawrence, you guys are making my job harder.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Gaia and Lawrence gave you extra shows, putting you out there on display for more people to target you. I get you’ve got an album to promote, but there’s gotta be some time for you to stay out of the public eye.”

  Kao bit his bottom lip and nodded. “You’re right. Even though I appreciate all that Gaia and Lawrence did, I was a little pissed they added these other appearances.”

  “So why didn’t you tell them that?”

  “Because they’re already set.” Kao shrugged.

  “It’s months beforehand. Those things could’ve been postponed or changed.”

  “Yeah, but I didn’t wanna disappoint the fans.”

  “Yes, and in the meantime, you’re putting yourself out there for more rabid ones to come after you.”

  Kao made a face. “Look I didn’t ask for this shit, okay? I got a career to take care of.”

  Brody’s blue eyes met Kao’s. His lips were pinned in a thin line. “Yes, you do, but Lawrence is running it for you, which is contrary to what you’ve been saying this whole time. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that Lawrence and Gaia are purposely doing this. How do you know they’re not working with these fools to take you down?”

  Kao gasped. “Seriously? They’re good people, Brody.”

  “Yeah, but I wonder if these good people would stop being that for a price. I’m just saying, I find it real funny how much promotion they’re doing for you. I used to be a cop so I’m naturally suspicious.”

  Kao snorted. Eyes narrowing in Brody’s direction. “Well, you’re a security guard not a cop, so come off it! Don’t accuse them of wrongdoing when you don’t have the fucking facts to back it up.”

  “Oh, I’m just a guard now, huh?”

  “That’s what we fucking hired you for. Not to make accusations based on bullshit theories!”

  Brody cracked his knuckles. “Wow. I’m just calling it how I see it. Just because you can’t handle the shit staring you in the face isn’t my problem.”

  “You just said you’re naturally suspicious, as a former officer of whatever. Just because you were a cop doesn’t mean you know everything.”

  “I’m not saying I did, but I was a damn good cop. A lot of times my hunches were correct.”

  Kao harrumphed. “Oh yeah? Then why are you a guard?”
>
  “Better pay and I didn’t like being in constant danger. Anyway, that’s not the point.”

  “I know it isn’t, so don’t remind me how you were a cop because I don’t give a shit what your other job was. Just do the current one and don’t accuse my friends.”

  “Whatever, dude. I’m only giving you an observation.”

  “Yeah well, take your observation and shove it up your ass!” Kao spat. Still stewing, he slapped the intercom button on the door. “Driver? Am I almost to my place? I need some fucking fresh air!”

  Brody snickered.

  “Yes, sir. We should be coming up on the building in the next five minutes.”

  “Thank you.” Kao refused to look at Brody after the exchange they just had. He couldn’t believe this asshole was trying to tell him and his management/PR team how to run his career.

  “Look, man.”

  Kao put his hand up. “Save it. I don’t want to talk to you for the rest of our ride.”

  “Whoooa. Okay. Fair enough! Maybe you do need to get laid this weekend then since you’re so freaking sensitive.”

  “Fuck you! I don’t appreciate you making assumptions about the two people who matter most to me other than my parents.”

  “It was just a thought!”

  “Yeah, like I said, I don’t wanna hear your thoughts. Keep ‘em to your fucking self.”

  Just as Kao stopped speaking, the door opened. He climbed out, nodded at the driver, then walked towards his building. He’d meant to tell the driver to take him to the private entrance in the rear, but he was so riled up, he couldn’t think straight.

  I need to fuck!

  Kao wasn’t sure where that would come from, but he needed some action. Maybe one of those escort places? Perhaps Lawrence had some ideas. Either way, tonight he needed to pummel some hot guy’s ass to get out the frustration.

  Kao pulled his key out of his pocket and pushed it into the lock. When he opened it, he looked over at the desk, expecting to see Charles, but instead someone else was sitting there. Kao tilted his head. “Um, hi?”

  The man was dressed in all black, but his jacket didn’t have a seal like Charles’s. “Hello Mr. Jung-Sik. Did you have a good day?”

  “I did. Where’s Charles?”

  “Oh, he um… called in sick.” The guy smirked. “They asked me to take his place.”

  “I see.” Kao sighed aloud then shrugged. “All right, well, have a good evening.”

  “Yes, you do the same.” The man said without hesitation.

  Kao strolled a few steps and before he got on the elevator, someone tackled him from behind.

  “Grrmmppbbhhh.” Kao fought with the person, but they held him down. They went through his pockets, taking his wallet out and…

  Fuck! My phone is in the damn limo.

  Kao kicked his legs to get the person off him, but he was unable to scream because of the cloth they’d put over his mouth.

  “Grrbbhpphhh.” Kao grunted and tried to get away from whomever this was putting their full weight on him. When he continued to fail and found it hard to breathe, he figured he was losing consciousness.

  Shit, are they… did they drug me?

  Kao’s vision began to blur. His entire body was going numb. He could no longer move.

  After a few more moments, Kao lost all will to fight and everything went black.

  * * * *

  After Kao got out of the limo without a word, Brody ran to his car. He was so dumbfounded by what happened between them he couldn’t focus.

  Sure, what he said made Kao mad, but he knew the moment it left his mouth it would. Honestly, Brody thought his concerns were valid.

  Why had Gaia and Lawrence scheduled all these appearances without running it by Kao? And again, Kao wanted to take control so why was he allowing them to do so?

  All this additional crap was making it hard for Brody to keep up. Yes, Kao was a star and everyone wanted him, but he didn’t see Beyonce and Taylor Swift doing all this. Of course, Kao wasn’t the megastars they were, but he had a pretty big following where he didn’t need to be on every single show or at every party, especially when someone was trying to hurt him.

  Perhaps the couple of days away from each other would make Kao see things more clearly.

  Brody shook his head and turned the key. Just as he was about to put the car in drive, he heard a tap on his window.

  When he noticed the limo driver, Brody pressed the window button.

  “Hey. Mr. Kao left his phone in the backseat.”

  “Oh thanks.” Brody took it from him, then cut his engine. He got out and closed the door. “Have a good night man.”

  “You too.” The guy called over his shoulder as he walked away.

  Brody breathed in, then out.

  So much for giving him space.

  Brody pulled his copy of Kao’s key from his pocket and walked towards the building. After he unlocked the door, he walked in. Just when he was about to speak to Charles the doorman, he saw the desk was unmanned.

  “Hmm, that’s weird. Why…” Brody strolled to the side by the elevator, noticing three people standing over a body.

  “What the—” He stepped closer. The person lying on the floor had blueish purple hair like…

  Shit.

  “Hey!”

  The men cursed then left Kao there and ran out the back door. Only moments later, screeching tires sounded off in the distance.

  As much as Brody wanted to go after them, he had to make sure Kao was okay.

  “Fuck!” Brody put Kao’s phone down on the floor and checked his pulse. Thankfully, he was alive, but he surmised they’d probably drugged him. “Dammit. And this is why you don’t need to be seen.” Brody pulled out his phone and dialed 911. “Hello, I need an ambulance please.” He rattled off the address. “Yeah, my, um, employer has been drugged. I think someone tried to kidnap him.” The person on the other end asked for more details, but Brody didn’t have them.

  How did someone get his information?

  It had to be from Gaia or Lawrence.

  Other than his parents, they were the only ones to know where he lived.

  Seemingly, Brody’s suspicions about the people who worked for Kao might’ve been correct.

  The paramedics deemed Kao okay, saying there he didn’t need to visit the hospital. Good thing too since Brody didn’t want Kao to leave his residence.

  When the medics left, Brody called Lawrence and Kao’s parents. As much as he didn’t want to worry Kao’s folks, he had to inform them about the attempt on his life.

  Within about twenty minutes all of them were at Kao’s place.

  Brody discouraged all of them from disturbing him since the medics said it was best to let him sleep and allow the drug to wear off. It had been a little over two hours, so surely he’d wake up soon.

  Fortunately, the building security manager Charles was okay after the blow to the head. Once he came to, he showed Brody how to operate the equipment to view the recordings from the rear of the building. Although Brody was his bodyguard, he still wished to be in on helping the police. That evidence Charles uncovered would be key in finding the fools that jumped Kao.

  “I knew he should’ve stayed with us.” Mrs. Jung-Sik cried into her handkerchief. “I told him…”

  “We all did, Ming, but thank goodness Brody was here.” Mr. Jung-Sik pulled her in for a hug.

  “Yeah, I’m glad too. I wonder how these as… um, jerks got his address.” Lawrence said.

  Brody wanted to yell, you gave it to them, but he refrained. “Not sure, but the police are on their way to get some evidence from the rags and rope they tied his wrists with. What I wonder is, why they didn’t leave? The surveillance that Charles pulled shows the vehicle they were in. During the time I was in the car they easily could’ve taken him somewhere.”

  “Well, thank goodness they didn’t. Then you would’ve never found him.” Mr. Jung-Sik said.

  “Oh God, don’t say that!” His mot
her yelled.

  “There, there, dear.” Kao’s father continued to console his mother. “Our son is safe. He’s in good hands with Mr. Brody.”

  “Yeah, well, since they know where he is, we’re gonna have to make some changes to his schedule. Until we find these nutcases, he’s gotta lay low.”

  “Yes, I agree. I can reschedule some of his appearances over the next couple of weeks.”

  Although Lawrence’s comment was promising, it still didn’t prove that he wasn’t partially to blame.

  “What about the tour? Can we push that back?”

  “No.”

  All of them eyed Kao walking from his bedroom to the living area.

  “Kao, my baby!” His mother ran and hugged Kao. “Please move back with us, son! Please?”

  “No. I’m not moving back in with you to put you in danger and I’m not cancelling my tour. Appearances? Yeah, Gaia and Lawrence can move em’, but I’m going on tour. I won’t have these assholes ruin my life.”

  “Kao, language!” His father scolded him.

  “Sorry Father.” Kao said, then said something that sounded like the same in his native tongue. “I… I can’t cancel my shows. This is too important to me.”

  “Well, if someone has their way you won’t be around to play any concerts.” Brody griped.

  “Oh my gosh, Mr. Brody, please do not say such things!” Mrs. Jung-Sik said.

  “He’s right, Ming. Son?” Mr. Jung-Sik got up from the recliner and went to stand by Kao and his mother. “Please listen to Brody. He’s the expert here.”

  “Yeah, well, he might be a security expert, but he doesn’t know sh… crap about what’s good for my career.”

  Brody shook his head. “Kao, none of this is good for it, but guess what else isn’t good. You being maimed or dead.” Brody snapped. He was so done with this spoiled child. And to think he wanted to fuck him.

  “Mr. Brody!”

  “Mom, it’s okay. He’s just trying to scare me, but it won’t work. I’ll lay low. I’ll do interviews on social media, but I refuse to cancel the tour. I will not let these fools dictate what I do and don’t do. I can’t.”