DAISY

"Oh my God, Riley." My eyes widen with terror. Why are people so cruel? "How? What happened? I mean, how are you?" I fumble over my words, clearly the reason for her smile.

"I'm good, Daisy. That night KC showed up, I didn't know him—hell, he didn't know me either. He was practically drunk and angry, which is probably why he went after them." She giggles and digs her silver fork into the salad before shoveling a bite into her mouth. "Seriously, he looked like he needed something to punch at the time, so he took it out on their faces."

I exhale, swallowing the lump in my throat.

I am relieved he'd help her avoid being violated by some high school criminals, but why did I feel this bitter liquid rising in my throat?

"Remember I told you KC saved me from falling into a dark hole?" She smiled and reminded me. I can only nod. My throat tightens. She has definitely written to me and emphasizes it in bold. I have no idea that's how they met or that my Kay was her savior. "If he hadn't shown up that night, I don't know what would have happened. I can't begin to imagine. I'm sure I'd be dead by now; I doubt I could live with myself being raped and violated." Her tone wobbles, making me weak. If I had known, I would have been there for her. "He was my savior."

Yes, the one she had talked about for three years. I feel a knot tighten in my stomach.

I am overwhelmed with emotions, unsure where to focus them. My downcast head feels like it might explode as I blinked back the tears welling in my eyes. "He was a good person," I breathed out, referring to what I knew of Kay.

"I can assure you he wasn't, but I want to believe he is now." She says just as her phone buzzes from her handbag, leaving me with my curiosity hanging. "A minute," she requests politely, slipping the phone to her ear and sliding off the seat to a corner that must lead to the bathrooms.

Leaving me adrift with what she meant by him not being good.

I have the intention to ask for more details when she returns, but she comes rushing back in a hurry.

"Let me drive you home; KC's mom wants to see me urgently." She pulls out her leather purse from her handbag before her eyes land on the paid bill, and she pauses. "Daisy, you didn't have to pay." She exhales, worried.

Trying to push aside thoughts of Riley and Mrs. Chandler bonding, I force myself to forget there was a time when Kaiser's mother had practically been my godmother. "I told you, I have savings for food," I argued.

I should be able to support myself; I shouldn't rely on her, especially with Kaiser's money. I want no trouble.

"And I told you, there's no worry about the kitchen. I can take care of it." She shot back as we headed for the car.

"You've been kind to me since I arrived; I can't be a burden more than I already am. Soon, I'll be looking for a job."

"Look, I have these credit cards that I have no idea how to use. Dating a billionaire's only child comes with its surprises. Daisy, the money is too much for my needs. Let's enjoy the blessings together; isn't that what we always wanted? A perfect lifestyle with everything we desire?" She stops at the driver's side and looks at me from across the car. She had no idea this wasn't the perfect life I had envisioned. With Kaiser here, playing Lucifer in the hell that's my new home, treating me like I had sinned, I haven't felt the happiness I dreamed of since I got admitted to SU.

"Besides, it doesn't make sense to work while studying medicine. That department needs focus. Working in some shops would only get you low grades."

I snort. "I love your logic, but I think I should earn my own money. I feel like I'm..."

"Tsk, tsk. Don't you dare finish that. I'm happy to have you here, and so is KC. He knows how much you mean to me. We're grateful you're here, so allow me to take care of you. As the law made me the eldest." She smirks and hops into the Mustang.

Rolling my eyes, I follow and fasten my seatbelt. "I think the law would disagree, considering you're only three weeks older."

"No, the law states that 'Riley is the eldest; she knows best, so Daisy should listen.'"

I laugh as she starts the car. "That's so not lawful."

Ten minutes later, we arrived back at Center Yorker. Since Riley had promised to meet Mrs. Chandler soon, we decided to unload our purchases when she returned.

With a wave goodbye, I head into the revolving door, flashing a smile at Hopper and Vance before taking the private elevator to the penthouse.

Hoping I'll be alone when I arrive, hoping he has left for the day. I didn't want to confront him again.

Instead, when the door slid open, something unexpectedly greeted me.

I want to believe it is Cuppy! The dark brown Rottweiler had grown into a huge, mature dog. His cute eyes stare back at me.

I couldn't resist the urge to kneel and pull him into a hug.

He twirls around me and tackles me down, his tongue wetting my face.

Yes, that's Cuppy! And he recognizes me.

But how did he get here? Why is he here?

It didn't take long before I connected the dots. Kay had kidnapped him.

I remember crying the entire flight to Hong Kong after I thought I had lost him. I remember pleading with my mom to take me back to our house from the airport, less than an hour before our flight. I remember searching the whole street for my one-year-old dog, even though I had to go through the cops who took over my home.

All those years I thought he was lost, Kay had kidnapped him. He had taken away the only friend I would have gone with.

"Get away from him."

My eyes involuntarily rose. They land on bold eyes piercing through me with disgust.

Unfortunately, Kay is nowhere but home. "What? Do you think you can stop me from taking something that's mine?" My voice trembles, though I am not sure why. He is absolutely intimidating with his stern expression and dark outfit. I can barely hold his stare.

He has a rigorous tone and hard eyes focused on me. "Was," he chastised.

"It doesn't matter; you stole him." I stand up and face him, trying to appear stern despite my fear.

"It does. Cuppy spent years without you because of your selfish decision. He had nothing to do with you, so let it stay that way." He blatantly commands.

Feeling tears itching behind my eyes, I swallow and ask what has been bothering me. "What's wrong with you? He wouldn't have been away if you hadn't taken him from me. Why did you do that?"

He stared at me leisurely, as if I wasn't on the verge of exploding with frustration, anger, and hurt. "Look, I have a friend here, so you'd better go stay in your room."

What's wrong with him? Why is he taking pleasure in hurting me since I arrived?

"Why are you acting this way? Why are you so cold to me?" I ask with a shaky voice.

"Disappear like you're good at. Go upstairs." He narrows his eyes, and if it wasn't for how attractive he looks, I'd be more focused on his cruelty.

No! Don't think that way. He's Riley's, and besides, he despises you.

"I did not disappear. I didn't have a choice. My parents had no..."

"Don't." He interrupts with a commanding tone and an enraged stare that startles me into silence.

But I attempt to speak even though my voice comes out whiny. "Kay, I can't understand if you don't..."

Before I can finish, he has me against the wall, his hand tight around my throat. "Don't call me that. Don't crowd me with your excuses and lies. Either you shut your fucking lying mouth or I'll help you shut it myself." He growls.

I felt my windpipe closing. Was it the proximity, or was he really taking away my breath? "Kay? You're hurting me, Kay. Please."

"I said don't call me that." He snarls, his rage blowing against my feverish cheeks. Those enticing emerald eyes were now dark with fury, glaring down at my lips.

Even on the verge of passing out, I will give him two things at this moment: his scent was the most delicious smell I have ever inhaled, and his warmth sparks illogical butterflies in my stomach, sending a weird feeling lower down.

My body could be so disappointing; when my mind was resolute, my body was not.

He's hurting you; have some dignity. I mentally yelled at myself.

My palms curl around his wrist, hoping to loosen his firm grip on my throat. Choking, I whisper, "Please. I can't breathe."

"Maybe you should just die then." He throws the words in my face.

Those words hit harder than a truck. If I weren't fighting for my life, I'd be completely shattered.

"KC?" Having less space to draw in air, I croak.

"You're no good here. If you know what's best, you'll stay away. Now get out of my sight." He spits and releases me.

I don't remember taking a deep breath, but I remember running up the stairs faster than I had ever done.

He shouldn't see what his words had done to me.