LUNA Kardashian

Chapter 2.

Confusion

Kira

The echo of West's possessive declaration, "MINE," reverberated through my mind, sending shivers down my spine. Panic clawed at me as I pleaded softly, "Please don't hurt me." Luther's haunting beatings, memories of my ex-boyfriend, surged back, leaving me on the edge of tears. I refused to cry in front of West, but fear gripped me nonetheless. A voice calling his name became my salvation as he released his grip, and I rushed into the comforting embrace of Jazlyn.

Jaz and Jasper guided me away from the unsettling encounter with West. His attempt to reassure me, "I'm so sorry, I would never hurt you," fell on deaf ears. Recoiling from his touch, I hissed, "Please don't ever touch me again," and distanced myself with Jazlyn and Jasper. Despite the unease, a nagging feeling told me West might not intend harm. It left me questioning my sanity.

In the elevator, the aftermath of West's actions lingered in my body's response. His whispered "mine" had ignited sparks, and the cascade of kisses on my neck and shoulder had sent shivers down to my toes. Confusion and bewilderment warred within me. What was happening, and why was he able to evoke such sensations?

Pulling Jazlyn and Jasper to a secluded table, I couldn't contain my bewilderment. "WHAT THE HELL, JAZ?" I whispered-yelled, my heart rate refusing to slow. "What is your brother's malfunction?" I demanded, attempting to regain control over my breathing. Jazlyn apologized, claiming she'd never seen West like that. My skepticism persisted. "Bullshit, Jaz! Tell me what you're not saying," I urged.

My wrist, marked by West's grip, throbbed, turning an alarming shade of purple. "You know something! Why did he whisper 'MINE' in my ear? And DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" I rubbed my wrist, frustration evident. "Just please trust me," Jazlyn pleaded, sharing a small smile. "I would never put you in harm's way. You and Jasper are my partners in crime, my bff's, my persons."

Doubt lingered, but Jazlyn's sincerity tugged at my emotions. "Maybe you should spend time with your family alone. I shouldn't be getting in the way of your family time anyway," I suggested. Both Jazlyn and Jasper vehemently shook their heads, rejecting the idea. "No way!" Jazlyn asserted. "You're not backing out of going on vacation with us because of my asshat brother." Her eyes betrayed a hint of vulnerability. "Besides, Mom already has plans for us," she added with a sob, revealing the emotional complexity of the situation.

"Awe, Jaz, please don't cry," I sighed. "Fine, I'll go, but if he tries anything, I'll kick his ass," I asserted, raising my eyebrows at her. "You know I can do it," I warned, narrowing my eyes at her.

"Oh, please, be my guest. s**t, I'll help you," Jazlyn responded with a playful smirk. The three of us shared a giggle, glancing over at Axel, Faye, and West. My eyes met West's, and he offered a small smile. Butterflies fluttered in the pit of my stomach — what the shittles! This guy had scared the holy hell out of me, and now I was feeling weak in the knees over him. It couldn't be. He was like six foot eight, built like a brick wall, with beautiful shaggy shoulder-length brown hair and green eyes that I could get lost in. He was absolutely gorgeous.

"There is no way that he could be interested in me, but he did say that I am his. What is that about? Snap out of it, Kira! You shouldn't be thinking things like this!"

Axel, Faye, and West approached our table, and West politely inquired, "May we join you?" I shrugged my shoulders and agreed. Axel settled next to his girlfriend, Jasper, and Faye sat beside Jazlyn, yes, his girlfriend. I often felt like a third or fifth wheel when they were around, being all lovey-dovey and s**t. It was just so disgusting, but secretly, I yearned for that kind of lovey-dovey stuff. I just hadn't found the right guy to be that gross and disgusting with.

West attempted to sit next to me, but I swiftly moved to the other side of the table next to Jaz. He gave me a weak smile. Guilt tugged at me, but there was still something about him that scared me and, at the same time, pulled me toward him.

"Do you have something to say, big brother?" Jazlyn snorted, noticing West's frequent glances in my direction. "Shut up, Jaz!" Axel barked. "Yes, he does have something to say." West scowled at his sister.

"What's the matter? Can't he speak for himself?" Jazlyn demanded, arms crossed over her chest. "Okay, then, spill it!" She raised her eyebrows, motioning for him to speak. "Jaz, you're not making this easy," West gruffed.

"Why should I make this easy on you? You scared Kira shitless, and you left a bruise on her wrist!" Jaz scowled, lifting my arm to show the evidence. West's face displayed a mix of pain and regret, and for a moment, I relished in the fact that he felt remorse.

"Jaz! Zip it!" Axel snapped.

"Jaz, it's okay. Let him say whatever he wants," I told Jazlyn, placing my hand on her arm. West looked at me, rubbed the back of his neck, and leaned over the table a little closer to me. Instinctively, I moved further back from him, unsure of what he was about to reveal.

He came to a stop, his eyes meeting mine as he uttered, "All I can say is that I'm sorry." His words held a genuine tone, a sincerity that seemed to cut through the tension. "I never meant to hurt or scare you. I could never hurt you; I would never hurt you," he whispered, and there was a hint of something in his voice—sadness, true sadness. The look on his face, reflected in his eyes, told a story of remorse, and for a moment, I felt a twinge of empathy. His sincerity eased the tension, and I found myself slightly more relaxed under his gaze. It was as if a swarm of butterflies had been released in the pit of my stomach.

But reality crashed in, urging me to maintain a level head. I scolded myself, echoing the rational voice in my mind, C'mon! This is not some stupid romance novel. Don't be an i***t, Kira. You're fifteen, he's twenty-one; you just have a crush on him. What the s**t, get over it?

"Yeah, okay, just don't EVER do that again," I responded, adopting a cold tone to mask the flutter of conflicting emotions within me. "I'm going back to my room." With that, I turned away, walking briskly, as if putting physical distance between us could somehow distance myself from the bewildering feelings that lingered in the air.