Dark Rising, Miya Chanda [ebook reader online TXT] 📗

it but then said. “I had to get some fresh air. I like the night. It’s quiet.”

Mira fiddled with her hand at her lap. “But why were you so angry at me?”

His expressions softened. “I wasn’t angry with you, Sweetheart. It was some—.” He paused. “Something else set me on edge.”

Mira thought about it for a moment because it really didn’t make any since. They had been alone, in each other presence the entire night leading up to that. But whatever, if he didn’t want to be honest, it just gave her another excuse not to trust him. Come to think of it, it didn’t matter what she asked him anymore because she had made her decision. She was tired of playing his game and would be escaping tonight.

And she set back in her chair content with the idea. She just had to figure out the perfect timing.

“Is that all you got?” he asked breaking the silence between them.

Mira looked to him. “I’m just not in the mood anymore.”

“Huh. Okay. Well then that give me more time to do what needs to be done.”

What needed to be done?

“Come.” He said, reaching out a hand as he stood. “I’m taking you home.”
Chapter 10

Chapter 10


Mira hesitated and frowned before taking his hand. “You’re going to take me home?”

“That’s what I said.” His eyes burned into her. “But if you’d rather stay here with me th—.”

“No. I want to go home.” She blurted as she stood.

Mira hadn’t meant for it to come out so fast, so eagerly but she didn’t know how long the offer would stand or if he would change his mind. Although, as much as she wanted to go home, a sick part of her wanted to stay with Kayden, wanted to get to know him more. He was the only other man outside of Dominique she’d gotten a chance to spend time with alone. And as much as she didn’t want to admit it, she’d actually enjoyed the small amount of time they’d shared together, some moments more than others.

He dropped his gaze from hers as he gently stoked the back of her hand with the pad of his thumb. And a swelling fear that he was about to change his mind played with her relentlessly before he returned eye contact and smiled a tight lipped grin.

“You’ll have to promise me something.” He said softly.

Mira’s brows furrowed slightly. She would promise just about anything if it meant he would still take her home. “Anything.” She said.

“You have to keep an open mind.”

She didn’t really understand what that meant. Keep an open mind about going home? Her mind was completely open to the idea already but she smiled back, nodding and said, “I promise.” It was the easiest promise she had ever made and on the inside she was absolutely beaming.

Kayden escorted her out the bedroom and down the stairs into the foyer where three other men were and she hesitated.

He looked back having felt her nervous jerk. “It’s ok.” He said. “They’re friends of mine and they’re not going to hurt you.”

Slightly relaxing, she allowed him to escort her the remaining way until they reached the main floor at the foyer. Kayden quickly introduced Mira to the three men. One was named Ashley. He was blond and his hair fell to his shoulders like Kaydens did, but Ashley kept his in a half ponytail. Another was called Nemis. This man had skin the color of chocolate with a scar under his right eye and was completely bald. The last man was named Chase and he wore a buzz cut and had skin like Kayden, a light copper tone. But Chases had the strangest eyes she’d ever seen. One of them was violet while the other held a dark brown color. All of the men were tall and muscular, built for battle and intimidation.

But as Kayden spoke the men seemed very polite and listened to him carefully, regarding his every word.

“I’m going to take her home.” He said eyes on Ashley.

Ashley nodded, “When will you be back?”

“In a day or two. Ash, keep an eye on the Manor while I’m gone. Chase and Nemis go to the Kansas City to the Marriott hotel and see if you can find anything.” Kayden said glancing between the two. “Bring back up and be safe.”

Was there a hidden meaning behind his words? Were there more men in the house that she hadn’t been introduced to? What was it that they did exactly? She brushed the thought away. What ever it was it didn’t matter. She was going home today.

All three of the men nodded before turning to attend to their duties. Ashley was the only one who lingered long enough to place a hand on Mira’s shoulder to say. “It’s nice to meet you, Mira.” His smile was warm as the sun and she smiled back.

“If anything comes up. Call me.” Kayden said to Ashley as he headed for the coat rack.

Ashley’s eyes shifted to Kayden. “You got it.” He said then turned on his heels and followed the other men down the hall and around the corner.

When she turned back around Kayden was holding out a short brown leather Jacket that looked to be her size. She didn’t hesitate and slipped into its warm inner fur. He pulled the jacket he’d worn last night off the same rack and slipped into his, then approached her raising a hand to gently cup one cheek. His eyes dropped down to her lips, blazing a noticeable trail that made her moisten them with her tongue and their eyes met again.

She wanted to hug him wanted to express her gratitude for finally deciding to do the right thing and take her back home. But she didn’t move and instead said.

“Thank you.”

He said. “Thank me when we get there. Are you ready?”

Mira Nodded.


After about a twenty-minute drive they boarded a private jet on a non-public runway. The last time she remembered getting on a plane was when she’d first been taken to the complex in France. And she had a mixture of emotions that seemed to have her stomach twisted. Happy, sad, nervous about the flight, the palms of her hands had started to perspire. Mira had seated herself in one of the off white leather seats and was staring out the window as Kayden talked with the air pilot then set back waiting for him to board.

This was it she was finally going home. She honestly hadn’t thought Kayden was going to keep his word but this proved that he was a man of honor like in those romance books she used to read.

Her heart swelled and when he finally entered the cabin to sit across from her she uncontrollably popped out of her seat and wrapped her arms around his neck bringing her lips to his. He accepted her kiss and even slipped a hand to the back of her neck to bring her closer to him.

She swam in the taste of him, delighted by his smell of sweet citrus and aftershave. He played his tongue on the outer edges of her lips and she opened her mouth granting him complete access. He was divine and she mimicked his motion, thrusting her tongue into his mouth and tasting a treat her senses had not yet prepared her for. Gods this man was heavenly. His mouth on her was all she wanted, all she needed and a soft moan escaped from her as he dipped his tongue even deeper into her mouth. She hadn’t expected this reaction from him but she was all the more pleased. Pleased that was, until he pulled away with heavy hooded eyes blazing down into hers.

His breath was ragged and hungry yet with a hidden strength he unwrapped her arms from around his neck and set down in the seat across from her.

“Sit.” He said, his voice full of desire.

Mira set, immediately missing the feel of him in her mouth, on her mouth. She raised a hand to touch her swollen lips as he continued.

“I take it that was another thank you.”

She swallowed and nodded. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. It was—unexpected but very, very pleasant.”

Did this mean he thought she was a good kisser? Mira could barely contain her smile as she bit the side of her bottom lip and it only widened when he smiled right back.

And as she settled back against her seat, it was only then the reality dawned on her. Dear Gods, she’d kissed him. It had been an impulsive decision, one she hadn’t had time to even consider before her body had reacted. Her emotions had been seized by the moment of gratitude and unrequited…lust? What was this man doing to her? She quickly decided it would be best to refrain from eye contact for the rest of the trip.


Mira had expected a long flight after figuring out she was no longer in France but to her surprised they had began their decent only four hours later. Maybe they needed to switch planes?

They unloaded the plane quickly but what was waiting outside for them wasn’t another plane but a black BMW sedan instead.

“I don’t understand.” Mira said as Kayden opened the passenger side door for her, she reluctantly took her seat.

“I’ll explain when we get there.” Was all he said then closed the car door behind her got in the drivers side and locked the doors instructing her to put on her seat belt. It was only as they were leaving the airport that she realized they weren’t going to be boarding another plane.

An overwhelming knot settled at the bottom of her stomach and a healthy dose of dread followed soon after. Although she kept trying to bait the feeling with irrational thought like: Maybe he’s got to make a stop first. Or maybe they were going to meet up somewhere else. But the longer they drove the more anxious she got.

They rode in silence the entire way, her eyes flickering across exit and highway signs, none that seemed familiar. Until they finally entered a residential area where he eventually slowed the car to pull into a driveway, turning off the ignition when they stopped. They set there a few more minutes quiet before she spoke.

“You said you were going to take me home.”

He nodded and Mira looked to him.

“Are we supposed to