Chapter 9

"When, exactly, aren't you annoying?" Jess grumbled, her eyes giving a sharp glare to the driver of the sedan now cruising on the outer ring road of New York City. Since earlier, the man had been silent, and Jess wasn't interested in starting a conversation with him. However, when Jess inadvertently glanced at him, Kenzo yawned.

"When in your eyes, am I ever enjoyable?" Kenzo asked, turning briefly. He smiled faintly and reflexively rubbed the side of the girl's head. "Just go to sleep. I can still drive to Beverly Hills, no problem."

"You're sleepy, Ken," Jess whispered as she gently pushed Kenzo's hand aside. "Why do you like torturing yourself?"

Jess's remark finally made Kenzo laugh. "Not torturing, Lyn. I have to make sure you get safely to your destination."

"Mr. Dennish can drive me, you know?"

"You're inconveniencing others."