No Regrets: Jani Kay (Firebird Trilogy Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and shoved it in his hand. “Go home now,” I said as I stared into the boy’s eyes. Tears welled up behind his lids, threatening to spill over. He nodded, rolling the money into a tight scroll before tucking it into his worn shoe. Kurt and I watched as he shuffled away from the crowd.
    Kurt cocked his head, a strange look in his eyes as he hugged me to him.
    “He’s a lucky boy. Most tourists, and locals, would treat him a lot harsher.”
    “Every city in the world has homeless people,” I whispered. “I wonder if the boy has a family.”
    Transported back to the awards night when my new boss, Maxwell Grant, had been honored for his philanthropic work by helping thousands of homeless people, I remembered the pledge I’d made that night: to help others in need. To the boy, stealing was one of his few options. He’d be hungry again tomorrow. If only there was more I could do to help him.
    “As long as he didn’t hurt you,” Kurt said, concern etched on his face as he inspected my face and arms.
    “No, I’m fine,” I reassured him. “Maybe just a bit shaken up because it was so unexpected, that’s all.”
    He pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back briefly then pulled away. It seemed that Kurt had a need to protect me, but I didn’t want him to think there would be anything more than friendship between us.
    A small golden bird chirped three times, marking the end of the spectacle. An awkward silence fell between us. I swallowed the lump in my throat. It was time to explain to Kurt I wasn’t ready for anything serious, and that I’d like to be friends only.
    “What’s wrong?” Kurt asked, cocking his head to one side. “You’re lost in thought. A million miles away.”
    “Um, there’s something we need to talk about. I appreciate what you did for me last night and I’ve had a wonderful day with you. But you must know that I’ve just come out of a relationship. All I want is a friend. I really like you a lot, but it can't be anything more.”
    He looked down at me and smiled. Small crinkles appeared at the sides of his eyes. “I enjoyed hanging out with you today. I'd love to be friends with you, Rebecca.”
    “Thanks Kurt, that means a lot to me. After everything that’s happened to me in the last few months, I could do with a genuine friend.”
    He hooked my hand through his arm as we left the square. I was a lucky woman to find a friend like Kurt.

Chapter 6 – Rebecca
    A n overwhelming emptiness filled the cavity where my heart sat, yet I was determined to find the right man for me—one I could love with all my heart and be loved back in return—without endless complications. He’s out there. Probably looking as hard for me as I was searching for him.
    My cousin, Jade, had messaged from Los Angeles, telling me that although things were still shaky regarding their family situation, she was happy. But more than being delighted for her sake, I was envious. Not because I didn’t wish Jade all the happiness in the world with the love of her life— I did. She was a smart young woman and I loved her to bits. It was just that I wanted the same. Especially when she described how Ryder was willing to go to the ends of the earth for her. From what she’d said, I picked up that Ryder would fight for Jade until his last breath.
    I didn’t know about other women, but that was what I wanted. I wanted a man who would love me so much he’d give up everything to be with me. A man who would fight the obstacles blocking our way, proving I was worth fighting for.
    My phone rang in my purse. I dashed to grab it before it stopped, wanting to hear a voice on the other end. Someone to take my mind off my wretchedness.
    “Jade, how bizarre. I was just thinking about you earlier.”
    “Telepathy, cousin.” Her laugh sent a pang through me. She sounded so damn cheerful. I wanted that too. Desperately. “Look, I just wanted to thank you for coming to visit us in LA. Mom misses her Australian family and had