The Former Spy

Chapter 22

It was a beautiful sunny day in Los Angeles, and Kim was organizing a special lunch to bring the family together. In the garden of the house, tables were set outdoors, decorated with fresh flowers, and the atmosphere was relaxed and warm. Everyone was talking, and laughter echoed throughout the room as lunch was served.

Tom, who was next to Kim, felt increasingly comfortable with her family. He was already loved by the sisters, the children, and even Kris, who watched him with approval. Halfway through the meal, Kendall, always curious and fascinated by Tom's stories, decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

"So, Tom, can I ask you a question?" Kendall began, with a curious smile on her lips.

Tom looked at her and smiled back.

"Sure, Kendall, ask me anything you want."

Kendall glanced at her sisters, who also seemed eager to hear. She then continued:

"I was wondering… with all this experience and stories you have, how many languages ​​are you fluent in? And, well… how many different places have you been to for work?"

Kim, upon hearing the question, smiled and exchanged a look with Tom, already foreseeing that his answer would leave her sisters even more impressed.

Tom put his fork down on his plate and smiled slightly, adjusting himself in his chair.

"Well… over the years, I've learned a few languages. I speak Spanish, Pashto, Hebrew and Russian. Oh, and, of course, English," he added, with a hint of humor.

Kylie's eyes widened, impressed.

"I understand Spanish, but Pashto, Hebrew and Russian? Wow!" she said, as she looked at him in admiration.

"Yes, Spanish was the first language I learned besides English. Pashto and Hebrew were necessary for some specific missions. And Russian…" he smiled again, without going into details. — Let's just say it was useful at times.

Kendall was fascinated.

— I can't even imagine what you've been through! And the places you've visited? Have you ever been anywhere... dangerous?

Tom nodded, thinking for a moment before answering.

— Yes, I've been to some difficult places. I've been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Egypt. In addition, I've been to several other regions in the Middle East and Asia.

Kim's sisters were completely attentive, each with an expression of surprise and admiration. Khloe, with her eyes wide open, shook her head in disbelief.

— My God, Tom, you've literally been to all the places I would never have the courage to set foot in!

Tom laughed, understanding her reaction.

— Yeah, they really weren't easy places. Each one had its own challenges and peculiarities. But, when you're there, you learn to adapt, to read people and to understand the local cultures. And as difficult as it was, there was also beauty in each of these places.

Kourtney, who had been listening intently, looked at him with interest.

"And what was it like learning so many languages? That must not have been easy."

Tom shrugged, as if it were something natural.

"At first, it's challenging. But over time, you get used to it and start to see the language as a key to understanding the culture. I've always been fascinated by cultural differences, and I've learned that when you speak the local language, people open up to you more."

Kris, who had been silent until then, leaned slightly toward Tom.

"You're a very private person, Tom. I admire that, but I'm also curious… how was it for you to deal with so many different environments and, at the same time, stay safe?"

Tom smiled humbly. "Part of it comes from training, Kris. And part… well, it's a bit of instinct. When you're on a mission, you learn to read your surroundings, every detail. And, of course, working as a team makes a big difference.

Kim, next to him, felt a mix of admiration and pride. She discreetly held his hand under the table and gave him a slight smile.

"Sometimes I'm still surprised at how much you've lived, Tom. It almost feels like a movie."

Tom laughed, and Kim's sisters joined in, agreeing with her.

"Yeah, Kim," Khloe said, with a mischievous smile. "It's like you're dating James Bond. Only better, because he's real."

Everyone laughed, and Tom shook his head, a little embarrassed by the comparison.

"I'm not as glamorous as James Bond," he replied, joking. "My life has had many stressful moments, but also many days of tedious work. Real life is very different from the movies."

Kylie giggled.

— Well, just thinking that you speak four languages ​​and have been to places none of us would dare to go… I think you're a little better than James Bond.

They continued talking about Tom's adventures, and he began to tell some funny stories from his travels. In one of them, he recalled an unusual situation in Egypt.

"There was one time, in Cairo, when I was mistaken for a tour guide," he said, laughing. "I was wearing common clothes and I was approached by a group of tourists who thought I was their guide. I ended up helping them with some tips and only later did they realize I was a stranger.

Kim's sisters laughed at the story, imagining the scene. Tom continued, remembering other curious moments, like the time he had to improvise in a negotiation in Pashto to get information.

"The culture in Afghanistan is fascinating," he explained. "They have a deep respect for anyone who tries to speak their language. It was challenging, but at the same time, very rewarding."

Kourtney smiled at him, impressed by the respect he showed for different cultures.

"I think it's admirable how much you respect and value cultures. It shows that you truly understand the importance of connecting with people, no matter where you are."

Tom nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Kourtney. I think that's one of the greatest lessons I've learned: we're all human, and there's a unique beauty in every culture." Sometimes, that's what makes the world a little smaller and easier to understand.

The conversation continued for a few more minutes, and Kim's sisters were increasingly enchanted by Tom's stories and character. Kris, noticing how much her daughters liked him, felt happy for Kim's choice.

At the end of lunch, as everyone got up to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, Kendall approached Tom again.

"Tom, thank you for sharing these stories. I never imagined I would meet someone with so much experience and who was so… humble."

Tom smiled, with a genuine twinkle in his eyes.

"It was a pleasure, Kendall. I'm always happy to share a little of my experiences. And I appreciate you making me so welcome. Being part of this family has been incredible."

Kim's sisters looked at each other and smiled, feeling closer and closer to Tom and happy that he was a part of Kim's life. As everyone dispersed, Kim stood by him, holding his hand.

— Thank you for being so open with them, Tom. They loved you.

He smiled at her, gently touching her hand.

— I would do anything for you, Kim. And being accepted by your family is something I value deeply.

Kim felt her heart warm at that and smiled, knowing that with Tom, she had found someone to share her life with and that she was finally loved and welcomed by everyone.

Chapter 23

It was a quiet morning in Los Angeles, and Kim was excited. She had decided to take the day off and spend some time with her sisters, Kendall and Kylie, who had recently seemed even closer to her and, of course, to Tom.

They had both found him to be a unique figure, almost like an older brother, someone they could look up to and feel safe with at the same time. For them, Tom was the perfect combination of advisor, friend, and someone they could trust with their eyes closed.

Kim, knowing how much her younger sisters cared for Tom, suggested that they spend the day together. To her surprise, Kendall and Kylie accepted the idea immediately, excited about the opportunity to hang out with him without Kim accompanying them, something that had never happened before.

Tom arrived at Kim's house to pick up his sisters, and as they were getting ready, Kim made sure to instruct him with a smile.

— It'll be good for them to spend this time with you, Tom. They're both enchanted by your stories, and I know they trust you a lot. Just… don't let them convince you to do anything too crazy, okay?

Tom gave a light laugh, and his eyes sparkled.

— Don't worry, Kim. I'll take good care of them. And I promise I'll come back with them both in one piece.

A few minutes later, Kendall and Kylie appeared, ready for the outing. Kendall, casually elegant, wore a neutral-colored sportswear set, while Kylie, with a touch of glamour, wore a light summer dress. Both were visibly excited.

— So, Tom, are you ready to put up with us all day? — Kendall teased, smiling.

— Absolutely. In fact, I think you're the ones who'll need the energy to keep up with me — Tom joked.

Their first destination was a quiet park where they could walk and talk. During the trip, the sisters kept asking Tom questions about his life, and he answered patiently and with good humor.

"So, Tom, tell me another story from Afghanistan," Kylie asked excitedly.

He smiled, searching his memory for some curious episode.

"Well, there was one time when I was in a small village, trying to gather some information. It was a very remote place, and no one spoke English, so I had to use the little Pashto I knew. To gain the trust of the villagers, I ended up helping to repair a well that they used for water. At the end of the day, they invited me to dinner and treated me as if I were one of the members of the village. It was an incredible experience."

Kendall smiled, fascinated.

"Wow! You really did everything, huh?"

He shrugged, smiling.

"In places like that, you learn to appreciate the little things. And that's when you realize that, even in such different cultures, people have a lot in common. We are all human, seeking safety, well-being and happiness."

As they walked, Kendall, who made no secret of her admiration for him, asked a question she had been keeping in mind for a while.

"Tom, have you ever thought about writing a book about all this? I mean, your experiences, what you learned… I'm sure a lot of people would be interested."

Tom laughed, surprised by the suggestion.

"I've never thought about it, but I think it would be a good challenge. Maybe one day, when I feel like I can share everything fairly and with respect for the people involved."

Kylie nodded excitedly.

"I think it's a great idea. And if you need any help with the promotion, you can count on us."

They laughed, imagining what Tom's book launch would be like. Kendall and Kylie started joking about possible covers, each coming up with exaggerated and funny titles.

After the walk, the trio decided to have lunch at a local restaurant. They chose a more discreet place, where they wouldn't be as harassed by the media, which allowed for a quiet and relaxed meal.

During lunch, conversation flowed naturally. Kendall, in a more introspective moment, looked at Tom and asked an unexpected question.

"Tom, have you ever been afraid of something? I mean… in all these missions, have you ever thought that you wouldn't come back?"

He was silent for a moment, reflecting. "Yes, I have, Kendall. Fear is a natural reaction. But over the years, I've learned to deal with it. The important thing is not to let fear take over. When you're in a difficult situation, staying calm is essential to doing what needs to be done."

Kylie gently touched his arm. "I think that's what we admire so much about you, Tom. That calmness, that strength. We feel safe by your side, like nothing could go wrong."

Tom smiled, touched by Kylie's affection. "Thank you, Kylie. You made me feel like part of the family, and that means a lot to me."

After lunch, they decided to take a walk around the city, visiting some shops. As they walked, Tom watched the two sisters' enthusiasm, laughing at the jokes they made with each other and the way they complemented each other. He had never had sisters, but with Kendall and Kylie, I felt like I was discovering a little bit of what this experience was all about.

In one of the stores, Kendall pulled Tom aside.

"Look, Tom, you have to try on this coat. I bet it will look amazing on you."

Tom, somewhat reluctantly, tried on the coat Kendall chose. Kylie looked at him and laughed.

"Now that's it! Looking like a spy on a secret mission."

They had fun, joking around and taking pictures. Tom felt rejuvenated, as if he had found a side of himself that he rarely allowed to emerge: the playful and carefree side.

Towards the end of the afternoon, they decided to end their trip at a charming café, where they could talk more. Sitting at the table, with coffee in hand, Kendall, who always liked to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, asked:

"Tom, what was the biggest lesson you learned from all these trips?"

Tom thought for a moment, and his gaze became more serious.

"The biggest lesson? I think it was understanding that life is fleeting and that every moment counts. I learned to value the present, to enjoy every second and, above all, to value the people around me.

Kylie looked at him fondly. "I think that's what won us over to you, Tom. You seem to see people in such a pure, true way."

He smiled, touched by her words. "You're amazing. Each of you has something unique, and I feel lucky to have been welcomed into this family."

Kendall and Kylie smiled, moved. They truly considered Tom as part of the family, and their admiration for him was genuine. When they finally arrived back at Kim's house, the sun was already setting, and the sky showed shades of orange and pink.

Kim went out to greet them, curious to know how the day had been.

"So, how was it? Did you survive the day with these two?" — Kim joked, hugging Tom.

He laughed, putting his arm around her.

— It was great. They are amazing company.

Kendall and Kylie, excited, began to tell Kim all the details of the day, from the stories Tom shared to the moments of relaxation.

— Kim, you are lucky to have him — Kendall said, with a sincere smile. — He is the big brother we never had.

Kylie nodded.

— It is true. We never thought someone could become so important to us in such a short time.

Kim, touched by her sisters' affection, looked at Tom with a sparkle in her eyes. She knew how special he had become not only to her, but to the whole family.

— I think so too — Kim said, squeezing Tom's hand. — I am so lucky to have him by my side.

The day ended with laughter and relaxed conversation, and Tom felt more connected to the family than he ever imagined. He knew that, there, he had found his place. And to Kendall and Kylie, he wasn't just Kim's boyfriend, he was a real brother.

Chapter 24

It was a quiet afternoon at Kim's house, where she and her sisters were gathered, enjoying a rare moment of family peace. Tom was with them, relaxing on the couch while watching a TV show and exchanging some funny stories. Between laughter and conversation, Kendall mentioned one of her plans for the near future.

"You know, I was thinking about going skydiving," she said, with a sparkle in her eyes.

Immediately, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to her. Kim was the first to react, with a mixed expression of surprise and concern.

"Seriously, Kendall? You've done bungee jumping and rock climbing, but skydiving? Isn't that a little too extreme?"

Kendall laughed, shaking her head.

"Oh, come on, Kim! Skydiving is safe. I mean, with the right equipment and an experienced instructor, of course."

Tom, overhearing the conversation, smiled and got into the subject.

"Actually, if you really want to jump, I can go with you. I'm a certified skydiving instructor for both military and civilian parachutes."

The sisters looked at him in surprise. Kylie's eyes widened, while Khloe raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"What? Besides being a spy and a language master, you're also a skydiving expert?" Khloe asked, laughing. "What else do you know, Tom?"

Tom gave a modest laugh, while Kendall watched him in admiration. "I'm not any of those things," he said, shaking his head. "But skydiving is a skill I developed during my years in the military. We had to know how to jump out of planes in a variety of situations, so I made sure I knew what I was doing."

Kendall was visibly excited by the idea. "Wow, Tom! Would you really do that? Would you jump with me?"

"Sure," he replied, smiling. — I can even do a tandem jump with you to make sure everything goes well, if you feel more confident.

Kendall smiled excitedly.

— That would be awesome! Do you have any videos of yourself jumping? I mean, it would be cool to see what it's like before you actually do it.

Tom nodded and took his phone out of his pocket. After a few seconds of searching through his files, he found a video he had recorded on one of the training missions and handed the phone to Kendall.

"Here, take a look," he said, handing it to her.

Kim, Kourtney, Kylie and Khloe, obviously curious, approached Kendall, peeking over her shoulder to see the video. On the screen, they saw the video start with a shot of a plane at high altitude, and the recording was in first person, as if Tom himself were filming. He was wearing a GoPro attached to his helmet, and the video showed his view before the jump.

The camera moved with Tom's controlled breathing, capturing the details of the inside of the plane. The roar of the wind and the muffled sounds of the other soldiers around him created an intense, adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. Kendall was so focused that she seemed to be holding her breath.

"Wow, this is so real!" Kylie exclaimed in amazement.

The footage continued until Tom stood in the open door of the plane, showing the vast blue sky around him. Then, without warning, he leapt out, performing a perfect somersault in the air before stabilizing his body and free-falling. The footage was breathtaking, with Tom floating above the clouds, the ground far below him.

Kendall could barely contain her excitement.

"Wow, Tom! That's insane! That somersault was awesome," she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Tom smiled proudly and crossed his arms.

"It's all about practice and a little body control. It's hard at first, but after a few jumps, you'll get the hang of it." Kim, who had been watching the video quietly, couldn't help but look worried as she imagined her sister and her boyfriend jumping from that height.

"I still don't know how you guys can enjoy it," Kim muttered. "It looks too dangerous."

Khloe patted Kim's shoulder lightly, laughing.

"Oh, stop being a wimp, Kim! Look, Tom is a pro at this. And Kendall will be safe with him. Plus, I bet the experience must be wonderful."

Tom put a comforting hand on Kim's shoulder.

"I understand your concern, Kim. But really, with the right precautions, skydiving is quite safe. I've done it thousands of times, and in much more dangerous situations. A leisure jump like this is fine."

Kendall, more determined than ever, smiled at Tom.

"So, when are we going to do it?"

He laughed, seeing her enthusiasm.

"Well, we can schedule it for next weekend, if you're ready." We could go to a skydiving center here in California that I know and do a really safe and fun jump."

Kylie, always full of ideas, made a suggestion.

"Could we all go together? I mean, at least to watch you guys jump?. It would be nice to have a family adventure day.

Kourtney, who had been watching everything in silence until then, frowned, a little reluctantly.

"I prefer to stay on solid ground, but I admit it would be interesting to see you guys jumping out of the plane. And, well, we never know what to expect from Tom. He always surprises us with some secret skill."

Everyone laughed, and Tom shrugged.

"I guess it's part of the charm," he joked. "But seriously, feel free to watch. I'll make sure Kendall's jump goes smoothly and that she enjoys every second of it."

For the rest of the afternoon, the sisters kept talking about the video and the idea of ​​Kendall jumping with Tom. The subject took over the conversation, and they were already imagining what the big day would be like. Meanwhile, Tom explained more about the safety details and the equipment used in a jump, reassuring the sisters and dispelling any fears.

At the end of the day, with everyone more relaxed and excited, Kendall looked at Tom and said:

"I never thought I would find someone who would actually accompany me on these adventures. It's good to know that you're up for this kind of thing, Tom."

He smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I would say I'm lucky to have a family that likes to challenge me like this. Besides, I think it's important for us to enjoy these experiences together."

Kim watched everything closely, seeing the bond that Tom was building with her sisters, and felt increasingly happy to have him in her life. She knew that with him by her side, everyone was safe — even on extreme adventures like this one.

The planning for the skydive was officially underway, and excitement was already taking over the family. For Kendall, it would be an unforgettable experience. For Tom, it was just another jump, but one that he would do with affection, ensuring that Kim's sister would have an experience she would never forget.

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