Jerks Like Us Book Three Page 9

  Kao did the same and allowed Brody to lead him to the sofa.

  After Kao plopped down, Brody did the same right next to him.

  Reluctantly, Brody took Kao’s hand inside his. “I got a deep scar too and it has everything to do with drinking.”

  Kao stayed silent, eyeing Brody through tired eyes. Though he looked sleepy, he guessed the man would stay awake for his story.

  “Drinking isn’t good for you, especially in the long term. I lost my dad to alcoholism so I should know.”

  “Shit, I’m sorry, Brody.”

  Brody nodded. “Thanks. That’s why I only have one drink, Kao. I do it for camaraderie, but when I’m alone, I don’t drink at all. I love my life too much to do that.” Brody pinched his nose with his freehand and shook his head.

  “I get it, but liquor relaxes me.”

  “That’s what dad said before he jumped behind the wheel and ran smack dab into a truck.” Brody lifted Kao’s hand to his forehead.

  “Oh God, Brody…” Kao’s mouth dropped open, eyes widening. “I’m so, sorry.”

  “Thanks, but that’s why I’m telling you this. I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret. It sounds so simple though, right? Have a drink to relax, but dammit, Kao, don’t get to the point where you’re making excuses to drink.”

  “I won’t but, what else do I have, Brody? I’ve got no one. I’m a prisoner in my own home.” Kao dropped his head and sniffed. “I don’t have another outlet.”

  Brody’s breath hitched. He stopped himself for blurting out what he actually had to say. He could very well be that outlet, but what about their working relationship? Once they proceeded into something else it would be blown to freaking smithereens. “I dunno. Play chess, take up kickboxing, but don’t make the bottle your regular habit.”

  Kao exhaled and leaned on his shoulder. “I hate chess and when I kickbox, I’m liable to kill someone, which would do nothing but increase my problems.”

  “You kickbox?”

  “Yes. I did a lot of it in the military, but since I’ve been released, not so much. The last time I jumped in the ring with someone I sent them to the hospital. He just assumed because I’m slight, I’m not strong. I got a blackbelt in Karate and I boxed for fun when I was part of SK4. I know how to fight for myself. If those jags who tried kidnapping me wouldn’t have jumped me, I would’ve snapped their necks.”

  Brody believed Kao wholeheartedly. Those thugs knew to drug him in a hurry, or else they’d have a fight on their hands.

  Even more reason to believe that someone Kao knew was probably targeting him.

  The question was, who?

  Chapter Ten

  Kao couldn’t get Brody out of his head.

  After their serious conversation, they drank coffee on the balcony and watched the moon shine on the water. They talked about sports, living in Korea, and even their coming out experiences.

  In their discussion, Kao discovered Brody had just as hard of a time with his mother as Kao himself had with being gay. He might not have had to put his career on the line as Kao did, but it didn’t make it any less hard. From that, they were able to bond, leaving Kao to feel there was something between them that could blossom. Though Brody didn’t speak it aloud, seemingly he thought the same thing.

  With a diminished schedule, Kao and Brody had quiet dinners, watched American and Korean baseball, as well as played video games. Kao wasn’t a fan until Brody went back to his place and grabbed his console. Even as a member of SK4, he ignored his fellow members and spent that time alone perfecting his craft.

  Nowadays, he found himself addicted to Call of Duty and Madden just like Brody was. Kao wasn’t good at it, but vowed he’d beat Brody eventually.

  After a light breakfast, Kao jumped in the shower. He hoped to convince Brody to allow him to go to the beach. Ever since Kao was jumped, Brody refused to let him out of his sight for even a minute. Hopefully, Brody would see that Kao was about to go stir crazy staying inside.

  Once he finished getting dressed, Kao checked both phones for messages. The “dummy” phone as he now called it had over fifteen notifications from the unknown numbers, while his personal phone he’d gotten only had two, one from Mom and the other from Lawrence. He dialed Mom first to check in since she contacted him every single morning.

  “Kao? What took you so long to call?”

  “Sorry, Mom. I slept in. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes. I just wanted to make sure you’re all right. You haven’t called in the evenings, so I worry more when I don’t hear from you.” She sounded concerned.

  Kao shook his head and leaned back against the headboard. “Mom, I’m fine. Remember, Brody is staying with me. The only times he isn’t is when I use the bathroom or sleep. Otherwise he doesn’t leave my side.”

  “Well that’s good…I… I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be a bother, but I hate that someone’s out there trying to ruin you. That’s all.”

  “I know, Mom, but I promise you, I’m all right.”

  “Okay. I’ll be even more worried when you go on tour in the next few weeks, but I’ll try to calm down. I’m just… oh goodness, I wish the police would find these people.”

  “They will, Ma. Don’t worry. Anyway, I’ll call you back in a bit, okay? I need to call Lawrence.”

  “Okay, son. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Say hi to Dad for me. Mhm, bye.” Kao let her hang up first then dropped his phone on the bed. Kao ran his hand through his hair and flipped it.

  Kao wished his mom wouldn’t worry herself over him. Bottom line, he was grown and until this recent turn of events he could take care of himself.

  “Kao?”

  At the sound of Brody’s voice, Kao straightened and tousled his hair. He’d put on the minimal amount of makeup in hopes of making Brody notice. “Yeah?”

  Brody peeked his head in. “You were so quiet I thought you’d left.”

  “Pssh. And have you curse me out? Nope. Buuutt… I was hoping you’d let me out for a while. I wanna go to the beach.”

  “Sure. What time are we going?” Brody stepped inside only wearing shorts and sandals. He crossed his arms over his muscled chest.

  Kao shut his mouth quickly to keep from drooling. He dropped his gaze. “Um, I was hoping you’d let me go alone.”

  “Alone?” Brody snickered and shook his head. He dragged his paw through his red hair. “Kao. Has being inside made you stupid?”

  Those words woke Kao out of his lust filled haze. He narrowed his eyes. “Not stupid, but fucking nuts. I need some air.”

  “That’s fine, but you can’t go it alone. I mean, are you that naïve enough to think these fools aren’t out there hiding? The moment they don’t see me without you, they’ll take advantage.”

  “You don’t know that for sure. It’s been three weeks.”

  “Long enough for them to regroup.”

  Kao let his head fall back. “Dammit Brody, I need to get outta here. If me being inside with you joined at my hip hasn’t deterred them, then I don’t know what will.”

  “I get it, man, but you gotta be smart. Anyway, yeah, we’ll go out. We can go for a walk, maybe I’ll spring for a meal since you’ve been pretty much footing the bill on everything.”

  Kao made a face. “As I should be. I’ve got plenty to take care of both of us, Brody. I don’t want you to pay for anything.”

  Brody held his hands up. “All right. You know I’m not one to turn down anything free, but I thought it would be a nice gesture.”

  “Proving what? That you might like me?” Kao went for broke with that statement. Yes, it was childish, but he didn’t care. He needed a gauge on how close the bodyguard was to giving in.

  Brody tensed, then looked away. “You already know how I feel about you.”

  “I remember what you said, but I wondered if anything had changed enough for us to…proceed.” Kao blew out a breath, waiting for the answer.

  “Kao…I…” B
rody didn’t meet his gaze. He dropped his hands at his sides.

  “Nope. If you’re gonna give me reasons why you won’t and shouldn’t, save it. While you get ready, I’ll make lunch reservations.” Kao couldn’t help the sting that took the wind out of his sails. Here he was thinking the more time spent together would convince the bodyguard to take a chance, but seemingly that wasn’t the case.

  Brody exhaled and bit his lip. Instead of responding, he spun on his heel and disappeared.

  “Shit.” Kao punched the mattress and stared at the ceiling. “Why the hell am I stuck in my apartment with a hot as fuck bodyguard and not able to take advantage?” Although Kao had thought waiting would be the best, he wondered if that had somehow backfired. Brody wasn’t trying to get close. He was pulling away. Kao was aware of the risks Brody faced, but wasn’t he worth it?

  Kao started to question his abilities.

  “Fuck.” Kao reached for his phone and thumbed through the contacts. Just as he started to dial the restaurant, Lawrence’s name popped up on the screen. He pressed connect. “Hey.”

  “Kao, baby. How’s it goin’?”

  “Good. A little stir crazy but…” Kao stopped himself. Despite the report coming back clear, Brody’s concern about Lawrence rang out in his head. “Um, I’ll be fine.”

  “That’s the spirit. Listen uh, just wanted to pass along a little word of advice. And please don’t take this the wrong way but, I hope you don’t get seriously involved with this guy.”

  Kao cocked an eyebrow. “Why? What does it matter? I’m a solo artist so I can date who I want.”

  “True, but it shouldn’t be someone that works for you. Remember we hired him to protect you.”

  “And I can’t find a better way for him to do that than hovering above me while riding my dick.” Kao said with a smirk. “Or me taking it, which, well, let’s be honest, I prefer to top.”

  “Kao I’m serious.”

  “I am too, and I know I hired him. That’s the professionalism, but dammit, he’s delicious, Lawrence. Gingers are my weakness.”

  “I get it, man, but you’ve got a reputation to protect.”

  “Who’s gonna know about me dating my bodyguard?”

  “Plenty of people have seen you with him. If he suddenly ends up on your arm romantically…”

  “Oh God, Lawrence, c’mon, okay? I’m no longer an idol. I’m a solo artist who can fuck whomever he wants. I don’t care if people feel that way. Celebs fall for people who work for them all the damn time. Might look tacky, but you tell me who can resist someone with red hair and a hot body. And he’s smart, cool, except for his musical tastes, he’s a catch.”

  “Ah, Kao, I guess Gaia and I are gonna have to do a lot of damage control with you.” Lawrence sounded concerned.

  “So be it. That’s why you’re my manager and she’s my PR. If people have got a problem with that, too bad. Right now, you guys don’t have to do a damn thing because he’s not falling for any of my charms, yet.”

  “Good. He’s smarter than I thought.”

  “Whatever. He’s worried about professionalism, I’m sure, but when the need is strong, all that will go out the window. I need to turn up the heat.”

  “No, you don’t. Listen, I’ll find you someone. I got plenty of friends that work at clubs in downtown LA and San Fran.”

  “Save it, Lawrence. I want Brody.” Kao got up from the bed and strolled to his full length mirror. Kao fluffed his hair and toyed with his collar. “And no matter what, I’m gonna do everything to get him into my bed.”

  * * * *

  Brody couldn’t shower in peace.

  Brody tried washing up without giving in to his carnal desires, but to no avail. Instead of getting out and drying off, he soaped up his cock and ended up coming hard enough to need a nap.

  All his thoughts drifted to Kao lying in bed, practically throwing himself at Brody. The anger and disappointment on his face and his tone which did nothing but turn Brody on. He got a small bit of satisfaction from making Kao suffer, but on the other hand this shit was torture.

  Brody’s want to stay professional was diminishing quickly. Only thing holding him together was Arturo’s constant reminders about décor and the unwritten rules about fraternization with clients. The moment he got too involved he’d be forced to take another assignment. That wouldn’t make Kao happy, but perhaps that would be for the best.

  For now, Brody’s control was intact. Walking away from Kao earlier was effective, and hopefully reminded Kao that Brody had to squash his advances before things got out of hand.

  Thankfully, the tour would happen, meaning Kao would have more to do with his time. Who knew what would occur after that, but at least if things stayed cordial between them, the assignment ending might open new doors for Kao and Brody.

  “Are you ready?”

  “Yeah.” Brody wasn’t. He’d just dried his hair and his towel was still wrapped around his waist. “Kao, do I need to wear something special?”

  “Nope. It’s hot outside. You might wanna dress down.”

  “Good.” Brody grabbed a pair of boxer briefs, his cargo shorts and a wife beater. After splashing on cologne, he threw on his clothes, slipped into his sandals then walked out to meet Kao in the living room. “Okay, ready.”

  Kao looked up from his magazine and slid his hands in his pockets. He’d changed into white pants and a light blue shirt. As per usual his hair and make-up was flawless.

  “Why did you change?”

  “It’s hotter than I thought. Plus, the place I wanted to go to doesn’t have any openings, so we’ll have to walk along the beach to find something.”

  “All right. Well, there’s plenty out there. The thing is grabbing a table away from the masses.”

  “That’s easier said than done. Anyway, let’s go. I need air.” Kao turned in the opposite direction, sprinting towards the front door.

  Brody shook his head and followed without a word. Clearly the interaction between them earlier bothered Kao. Perhaps he got Brody’s message about keeping things platonic. The unfortunate thing was Brody wished his body and heart would understand it too.

  The heat kept the crowds near the water instead of the boardwalks.

  Brody and Kao walked to the other end, talking about world issues, the weather, and baseball. They laughed at each other’s jokes like old friends, apparently avoiding the relationship conversation entirely. Brody was happy for that since his libido was already raging with little relief other than his hand in sight.

  After about two hours of walking, they settled on a small bar that served sandwiches and finger food. The hostess, bartender, and the older patrons appeared not to notice who Kao was, which made this even better. He asked for a table towards the back which didn’t allow for much ambience, but who cared when all they wanted to do was eat. The place had tiled floors with a bar that stretched from one end of the small building to the other. Photographs of old movie stars filled the walls, and the television sets appeared to be just as old as Kao and Brody.

  Despite all that, it was quaint. Kao didn’t seem to mind. Neither did Brody since the most important thing to them was eating and staying cool.

  “This place is…” Kao handed the menu to Brody after the waitress left.

  “Old?” Brody laughed and stuck the vinyl papers back in the spot behind the napkins.

  Kao snickered. “It is, but I like it. At least no one gives a fuck who I am in here.”

  “True. Anywhere else and you would’ve had a mob on your hands.” Brody wasn’t dressed to fend off a large group of people. He’d already shooed autograph seekers off while they walked along the beach. He hoped to get Kao back to his condo without incident, but given the crowds, that might’ve been a pipedream.

  “Well, I might as well get ready for that. I’m starting tour preparations next week, so.”

  “And you need to preserve energy for that, instead of fighting with girls who wanna tear your clothes off.”

>   “And guys. Don’t forget those.” Kao said with a smile.

  The waitress returned with their sodas, then left. Thankfully, Brody’s story about his dad seemed to affect Kao who hadn’t had any alcohol in a week.

  “Oh, how could I? That dude from earlier tried his damndest to convince me to let you talk to him alone.”

  Kao chuckled. “I told him he could talk to me with you right there, but he was too shy.”

  “Yeah well, his loss, but no way was I letting that happen. Then he tried to get your phone number.”

  “Well, I would’ve let him have the dummy phone.”

  “Hmph, eh, still, I didn’t trust him.”

  Kao took a sip. “Why? Other than being persistent, he seemed harmless.”

  “Yeah, that’s what bothered me. He was pushy as hell. I was ready to deck him.”

  “You were jealous?”

  Brody took a large sip then stopped. He didn’t look at Kao’s face. “Nope. You can date who you want, but they gotta be okay’d by me.”

  “Now how is that supposed to work? You’re my bodyguard, not my freaking father.” He sounded annoyed.

  “That’s true, but if their first impressions aren’t good to me, then I won’t allow them to get close to you. Plain and simple.” Brody glanced at Kao. His lips thinned into a straight line, brown eyes blazing. The sunlight bouncing off his irises made them mesmerizing.

  Damn.

  Brody reminded himself again of the risks, but again those words were starting to sound like white noise.

  “Oh God. I’m never gonna get laid, am I? You’ll find every excuse to keep guys away, while you won’t give in.”

  “Dammit, Kao.” Brody groused and folded his arms. “As you keep reminding me, you hired me as your bodyguard.”

  “Yes, and that’s fine, but part of that job isn’t to cockblock me.” Kao snapped.

  Brody heard gasps from the few patrons in the bar and looked around at their shocked faces. He sighed aloud. “Kao, calm down.”

  “No. You’re gonna have to loosen up the reins some, man. Either you give in or you let me date who I see fit. You can’t keep me to yourself and away from other guys. It’s not fair.”