Chapter 87

***Kenya***.

"Well, if it isn't the latest P.A. How is work treating you, working for New York's most handsome CEO?" Andrea teased, coming to swat Rory playfully in the arm.

He feigned hurt, chuckling.

"Hey Ken." Rory smiled, coming to kiss me on the check. I admired his new look. He cleaned up nice, in a navy blue, three-piece suit and a silver tie.

"Wow, you look handsome Rory. Am sure the ladies in Levi's office will be drooling." I playfully quipped. Rory smiled bashfully, pulling one of the seats.

"No Ken. My boss has me so distracted I barely have time for a break. He sent me here to give you this." He pulled out a sealed envelope from his jacket, handing it to me. "That's the reason I am out here in the first place."

I took the cream colored envelope, with Levi's fleur-de-lis crest on it.

"Come on Rory, let's allow her privacy with her darling husband's mail." Andrea's tease broke my concentration as I tore open the envelope. Rory laughed, as he followed Andrea.

"Is Mike around?"

I heard Rory ask, as they left me alone in Andrea's office.

I unfolded the letter. Inhaling his scent.

"***Baby,***

***Sorry that I had to send this. Something came up and I have to fly out on a business trip. I'd be gone for a few hours. Would return as soon as I can. Rory would accompany you this evening to the movies.***

***See you when I return. Take care of yourself.***

***Levi."***

I stared hopelessly at the letter. Disappointed. It was like he was deliberately frustrating my efforts to get closer to him since that night he aggressively took me. That night I danced for him. *Was I wasting my time? Was he never going to love me?*

True, there had been a dark side to him, when he took me that night. An unrecognizable side that had frightened me. All his tenderness had evaporated. Replaced by a menacing Levi.

Instead of detesting and escaping him, my entire body had accepted him completely. My defenselessness against him was becoming a mild preoccupation.

My desire replaced by love.

*I was in love with my husband.*

"Wow. That movie was great. I always wanted to watch it on cinema, but since I started my new job, haven't had the time. Ken, you okay?" Rory nudged my elbow, jolting me. I stared blankly.

"Where's your mind. Don't tell me I wasn't good company. Your husband would flay me, if you complain," Rory teased.

I laughed.

We emerged the theater, entering the cool night air. I wanted to take a stroll around, but I was aware that Ryan would obstinately oppose. His new task was to ensure my safety at all cost.

Shifting a gaze to Rory, I said.

"Can we just go eat somewhere tonight."

It was 7pm, the streets alive. Luring me. Except for that note I had from Levi, there had been no other communication with him in six hours. His phone lines were out; even Blake's. I was worried.

Rory regarded me oddly, before he nodded.

We got in the car and the driver took us to a Mexican restaurant. I loved eating here with my friends, before I married. I was happy that Rory thought of it. We had both changed into casuals for the evening, so we didn't look bad.

We were enthusiastically greeted by Javier, the owner. In no time, he got us a free table, our dishes on the way. I felt like having something spicy. So I chose the spicy and crispy chicken tamales, laced with jalapenos.

"Oh Kenya. I can't help but congratulate you on your recent nuptials." Javier beamed, as the waiter arrived with our orders. I smiled, feeling awful about my initial reaction to the wedding thing. Now I wished things could have been different.

"It's fine, Javier." I picked up a tamale.

"I had thought you and Rory would eventually become an item. Who would have suspected you had that handsome politician in your grasp?"Javier teased, his words stunning me.

I was confused. Shifting an embarrassed gaze to Rory, who held mine, before he nervously averted his. I grew puzzled. Rory and I had only been friends, nothing more. But the look in Rory's eyes silenced me from correcting Javier.

After Javier left, I looked up at Rory, who ate his tacos in silence.

"I wonder why Javier thought that. We're just friends." I wanted to ease the tensed atmosphere.

Rory's gaze was soft. "It's funny how clueless you can get, Ken." He smiled. I frowned, confused.

"What do you mean?" I asked. I didn't understand his expression, but I saw his hesitation.

"I have been in love with you since you first joined Byron's dance company. How couldn't you see it?" Rory ruefully declared.

I stared, speechless. My mind struggling to assimilate his words, which felt alien.

"No, it's not possible. How could that be? You only saw me as a friend." I argued, my fists clenched tight beneath the table.

I couldn't believe his words, because the only look I had ever seen from him had been casual. Loyalty.

"Were you thinking I hung out with you all, because I enjoyed being in the midst of a beautiful girl like you, no feelings attached?"

He dangled those words. I shook my head, trying to make rational of his words.

"But if you did, I would have known. I would have guessed it." I tried to protest. But Rory shook his head in amusement.

"You were too caught up with self-condemnation that you couldn't even see true love if it hit you like lightening. Just like you can't see Levi's feelings for you." Rory accused.

"What do you mean?" I asked, angry. Bewildered. Rory guardedly watched me. Inhaling a steady breath, he spoke.

"I eavesdropped on you and Andy's conversation earlier."

I stared, astonished.

"Levi doesn't just see you as his priority. He sees only you."