The Former Marine

Chapter 43: Surprise Visit

It was a quiet Saturday when Derek received an unexpected call from Kylie.

"Hey, babe," Kylie said on the other end of the line. "Just wanted to let you know that… we're on our way!"

Derek frowned, confused. "We are? Who else is with you?"

"Well… the whole family. The girls, my mom, Stassie… everyone's coming over to your house with meat for a barbecue. Surprise!"

Derek let out a short, though slightly surprised, laugh. He knew that since he was dating Kylie Jenner, surprises like this would become commonplace, but he hadn't expected the entire Kardashian-Jenner family to show up at his house all at once. Still, he was relaxed. He loved spending time with them, and seeing Kylie with her family always brought a light and fun atmosphere.

"Okay. I'll be ready," he replied, still smiling. "See you soon."

As he hung up the phone, Derek quickly took one last look around the house. He lived in a modern house, not as big as the Kardashian-Jenner mansions, but it was cozy and elegant. Every detail reflected his personality: a minimalist touch, with clean lines and comfortable decor. The backyard had a beautiful pool, perfect for sunny days like this one. The house had been a major achievement for him, something that represented the leap in his financial life since he left the Marines and started his gym business.

Soon, the sound of laughter and excited voices came from the front door. He barely had time to open it before Kylie walked in with an excited expression, followed by all of her sisters, Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall, her mother Kris, and of course, Stassie. They were all carrying bags of meat and other ingredients for the barbecue.

"Surprise!" they said in unison, laughing and waving bottles of wine and shopping bags.

Derek smiled as he greeted them one by one. "Well, this is definitely a surprise. I'm glad you guys came."

"I hope that's okay!" Kris said with a warm smile, giving her a welcoming hug. "We wanted to get to know the man who's making my daughter so happy. And of course, a barbecue is always a good excuse."

"Not at all, Kris. Make yourselves comfortable," Derek replied, waving his hand toward the backyard where the barbecue could take place.

Kylie's sisters began exploring the house while Derek and Kylie helped organize things in the kitchen. Kim, ever observant, looked around, enchanted by the elegant simplicity of the place.

"Your house is beautiful, Derek. It's not huge, but it has everything you need. And I love the modern vibe."

Kourtney nodded.

"It's a home, you know? It has a personal touch. I can tell you like comfort and practicality."

Kendall, who was more interested in the details, stopped when she saw a large painting on the wall of the living room. She walked over curiously and called out to her sisters.

"Guys, come look at this."

On the board were several military medals and decorations. The medals were meticulously arranged, and next to them were photos of Derek at important moments in his military career. In one photo, Derek was shaking hands with Barack Obama, in another, he was in a formal meeting with Donald Trump, and in a third photo, he was standing next to Joe Biden, all with serious faces.

"Wow," Khloé murmured, impressed. "He really was with all three presidents. What's the story behind that?"

Stassie, who had also joined her sisters, chuckled softly and looked at Kylie.

"I think your man has some secrets he hasn't told you yet."

Kylie approached Derek with a smile.

"I think they found your collection of medals and photos."

Derek laughed, a little awkwardly but proudly. He walked over to Kylie's sisters and explained.

"These medals are from various special operations and missions I participated in while I was at MARSOC. I had the opportunity to work directly with some of the country's top leaders on several occasions. The presidents… well, these were moments of recognition for service."

Kris, impressed, looked at the photos with an expression of respect.

"Derek, you have an incredible story. It's not just anyone who can say they've been with three different presidents."

"What about this photo here?" Kim asked, pointing to an image that showed Derek in a formal suit, with a full beard, posing next to two men in formal attire. The image exuded power and authority.

Derek walked over and looked at the photo with a smile of remembrance.

"Oh, that one… That was at a special event in Washington. These two men were the directors of the CIA and the NSA at the time. I was involved in some operations that they coordinated."

The sisters exchanged impressed glances, and Kris shook her head in admiration.

"Kylie, you really found an incredible man."

Kylie smiled proudly. "I know. He's impressive in so many ways."

Meanwhile, the sisters wander around the house, exploring the other rooms and admiring the decor. Khloé walked down one of the hallways and looked at a shelf filled with books and travel mementos.

"This house has a soul," she said to no one in particular. "You can feel the stories in here."

Kendall, who was already outside by the pool, called out to the group.

"Guys, you have to see the outdoor area! The pool is amazing!"

Everyone headed to the backyard, where Derek had set up the barbecue area. The sun was shining brightly, reflecting off the blue water of the pool, and there were comfortable chairs around it, perfect for relaxing. Kylie walked over to Derek and put her arms around his waist, smiling at how comfortable her family was in their space.

"They loved your house," she said softly. "I'm glad you liked it. It's not a mansion, but it's my home."

Kylie looked at him fondly.

"I love it. It's exactly who you are. Simple, authentic, and with so much meaning."

The barbecue soon began, with laughter and relaxed conversation. Kris and Corey chatted with Derek about their gym business, while Stassie, always witty, cracked jokes and toasted wine with her sisters. The mood was light, and everyone was having a good time.

At one point, Kim looked at Derek with a smile.

"You know, we love a good family barbecue. I think you're going to have to invite us more often."

Derek laughed, nodding.

"Anytime. My house is open to you."

As the sun began to set and the evening drew in, the atmosphere remained warm and familiar. Derek, who had grown accustomed to being surrounded by the vibrant energy of the Kardashian-Jenner family, felt comfortable, as if he had been welcomed into their inner circle. This was a new chapter in his life, full of love, new connections, and, of course, many surprises.

Kylie looked around, seeing all the important people in her life gathered there, and felt a wave of happiness wash over her. Being with Derek had been one of the best decisions she had ever made, and now, with her family around her, she knew they saw him the same way she did: a man of integrity, strength, and a man with a lot of stories to tell.

Chapter 44: The Real-Life Spy

Night had fallen by the time the barbecue finally ended. The lights in Derek's house were on, softly illuminating the backyard and the interior of the house, creating a cozy ambiance. After a long day of laughter, food, and conversation, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters settled into the indoor areas, seeking a quieter end to the evening.

"Okay, guys," Kendall said as she arranged the cushions on the couch in the living room. "Let's watch a movie to end the night. Something light."

Kylie, who was sitting next to Derek on the couch, laughed.

"Something light? You know nothing is light with us, Ken."

Kim, lying on a nearby chaise, nodded in agreement.

"How about 'Jason Bourne'? There's nothing lighter than watching a super spy running around the city, taking down enemies and defusing bombs."

Kourtney, who had been fiddling with the remote, stopped looking for options and looked at Derek with a mischievous smile.

"Since Derek here was basically a spy, who better to guide us through the absurdities of this movie than our own real-life Jason Bourne?"

Derek gave a short but modest laugh, shaking his head.

"I don't know if I'm exactly Jason Bourne, but I can tell what's real and what's… well, a little exaggerated."

Kylie leaned closer, curious.

"Okay, now we need to see! It'll be fun to find out what really happens in these movies."

With the decision made, Kourtney put the movie on, and the sisters settled on the couch, with Stassie and Kris in nearby armchairs. Corey, who had already joined the conversation, sat in the back, ready to listen to Derek's commentary as the movie progressed.

The screen lit up the room with intense action scenes of Jason Bourne as he performed breathtaking chases, impressive hand-to-hand combat, and covert missions involving cutting-edge technology and precise movements. Early on, a combat scene caught everyone's attention.

"Okay, Derek," Khloé began, pointing to the screen. "Fighting two or three people at once, like he does… is that possible?"

Derek watched the scene for a moment, watching Bourne disarm two opponents in a matter of seconds.

"Actually, yes. It is possible, but it really depends on the situation and how you approach the fight. Jason Bourne is highly trained, so he uses the right technique and attacks vulnerable spots quickly. In real situations, what he does is not that far from reality. But of course, it is not as glamorous as it is in the movie."

Kim looked at Derek, impressed.

"Have you ever been in a situation like that? Like… having to fight multiple people at once?"

He smiled slightly, as if remembering something.

"Let's just say there have been times when I've had to defend myself against more than one person. The key is to stay calm and always seek the element of surprise."

The sisters nodded in amazement as the scene changed to a car chase sequence. Bourne's vehicle raced through the streets at high speed, dodging obstacles and escaping a horde of enemies. Kendall frowned.

"What about that? Crazy car chases like that?"

Derek laughed, crossing his arms.

"Driving like that… well, maybe in the right conditions. I've never had to make a dramatic escape, but I've taken evasive and defensive driving training. That kind of thing is more for movies, but some of the techniques are applicable in the real world. It's just, of course, much more chaotic and less choreographed."

Kylie, lying comfortably next to Derek, looked at him with a twinkle in her eye.

"So you could drive like that if you wanted to?"

"I would say so, but I'd rather not destroy my car in the process," he replied jokingly, drawing a laugh from everyone.

The movie continued, and as Jason Bourne faced his high-risk missions, the sisters became increasingly intrigued. Derek, always gentle and measured, made observations here and there about what was realistic and what was "cinema," but never in an arrogant way. He knew this was entertainment, and he was there to have fun with them.

In a scene of intense shooting, where Bourne seemed to be able to hit all of his targets with perfect accuracy, Kris finally spoke, her face serious but curious.

"What about that, Derek? Have you ever had to deal with this kind of situation? What's it like… well, being under fire?"

The room was silent for a moment. Derek shifted on the couch, adjusting himself before answering.

"Yes, I've been in situations like that. But the reality is very different. Being under fire is not something one can simply get used to. The adrenaline is high, the environment is unpredictable, and you do what you have to do to survive and accomplish the mission. In the movie, it looks easy, but in real life, you have to be quick, stay calm, and trust your training. The most common mistake is to let fear paralyze you."

The sisters listened intently, their eyes fixed on Derek, absorbing his words with respect and admiration. Kim was the first to break the silence, with a slight smile.

"Well, I think it's safe to say that you're our own Jason Bourne." Stassie, who had been quiet until then, laughed and added: "I'd even say you're better than Jason Bourne. After all, you're real."

Derek laughed along with them, but quickly deflected the credit.

"Bourne is an incredible character, and the movies are great, but the reality is much more complicated. And most of the time, it's more about prevention than action."

Kylie looked at him with admiration in her eyes.

"You always downplay what you did, but I know what you went through was intense."

He shrugged with a shy smile.

"It's part of the job, and I wasn't the only one. I've worked with a lot of incredible people over the years. What matters is that I'm here now, with you, enjoying moments like this."

The movie continued, with Kylie's sisters now paying even more attention to the details of each stunt. Every now and then, one of them would ask Derek questions, trying to understand more about what he had experienced in real life. But ultimately, it was clear that they weren't just impressed by what he did; they were happy that Kylie was with someone who respected them and was part of their family circle.

When the movie ended, Kim stretched out on the couch and looked at the group.

"Well, I think we learned a lot more than we expected about how things really work. Derek, you made the movie seem more… authentic."

Kourtney laughed. "Yeah, now I'm going to watch every action movie thinking about how the stunts aren't as impossible as they seem."

Derek smiled, shaking his head.

"Remember, most of it is still pure fiction. But it's fun to watch and imagine what could be real."

Kylie looked at him with a tender smile, holding his hand.

"I just know I'm happy to have my own 'Bourne' by my side."

Derek gave her a soft kiss on the forehead as the sisters laughed and ended the night with conversation and jokes. There, surrounded by people who were now part of his life, Derek knew that this new chapter was one of the most important he had ever lived and he was ready for every new adventure with Kylie and her family.

Chapter 45: Running from the Paparazzi

The sun was shining brightly as Derek drove his Mercedes G-Wagon through the busy streets of Los Angeles. The engine purred softly as he cruised through the city, Kylie in the passenger seat next to him, and Kendall and Stassie in the back. The energy in the car was light and relaxed, the girls chatting and laughing about the events of the previous day, still excited about the moments they had spent together.

"I don't know about you, but I'm starving," Kendall commented, tossing her hair back as she checked her social media. "There's a new vegan restaurant I want to try."

"Vegan? I guess we can go anywhere, I'm hungry for anything," Stassie laughed, looking at Kylie and Derek. "Kylie, it's up to you!"

"I'm down with anything," Kylie replied, turning to Derek with a smile. "Your choice, babe."

Derek was about to answer when he noticed something he was used to seeing in the rearview mirror—paparazzi. Two cars were right behind them, with photographers leaning out the windows, cameras in hand, ready to capture every moment.

"Okay, guys," Derek said, keeping his voice calm but with a hint of amusement. "We have company."

Kylie and Kendall automatically turned to look out the back window, and Stassie glanced over her shoulder as well.

"Paparazzi?" Kendall asked, rolling her eyes. "They never catch a break."

"Yeah," Derek confirmed, keeping his cool behind the wheel. "Two cars. They've been behind us for a few minutes now."

Kylie sighed. "I really wanted to have a quiet lunch today."

Derek looked at Kylie and smiled, his expression mischievous. "Want to see something fun?"

The girls looked at each other, a little confused.

"What do you have in mind?" Kylie asked curiously.

Derek smiled and said casually, "Just hold on tight."

He then pressed his foot down on the accelerator, causing the G-Wagon's engine to roar menacingly. The car suddenly accelerated, taking everyone by surprise.

"Derek!" Kylie exclaimed, though clearly excited.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Kendall asked, leaning forward with wide eyes.

Derek didn't answer directly. He focused on the road, deftly weaving through traffic as the paparazzi, noticing the change in speed, sped up to keep up. He made a sharp right turn, and then a left, the G-Wagon gliding smoothly, and the girls squealed in excitement.

"Hold on tight, girls!" Derek warned, as he gripped the steering wheel and slid around the next curve with a precise evasive maneuver. The car drifted slightly around the corner, and the three in the back seat let out amused squeals.

"This is insane!" Stassie yelled, holding on tight to her seat.

Derek laughed as he concentrated on the maneuvers. He handled the car with impressive calm, but the girls could feel the adrenaline rush. The G-Wagon was heavy, but Derek seemed in complete control, almost as if he were driving a race car. One more turn, and he quickly slowed down, only to surprise the paparazzi with a "wheelie" a controlled spin of the car to change direction quickly.

"Wow!" Kylie exclaimed, gripping the seat. "You really know how to do this!"

Derek glanced at her briefly and winked confidently. "Military training, babe."

The paparazzi couldn't keep up with the sudden changes in direction and began to lose ground. Derek turned onto a less busy side street while the photographers still tried to figure out where he had gone. He steered the car onto a quiet street and finally slowed down, pulling calmly to the side of the curb.

In the silence that followed, everyone in the car was breathing heavily, but the smiles on their faces were clear.

"That was AMAZING!" Kendall shouted, still laughing. "I've never seen anyone drive like that! You're like a getaway driver."

Stassie was speechless, still laughing and looking at Derek in awe. "I swear, I never imagined a car ride could be this exciting."

Kylie turned to him with a smile that was a mix of amusement and surprise. "I knew you were good, but... seriously, that was on another level."

Derek laughed as he turned off the car, turning to them. "I told you it would be fun."

Kendall looked at him, a little more serious now. "But... wait. Can't this be a problem? Like, us running away like that?"

Derek shook his head, still calm. "Not really. If something went wrong, I could just say we were being aggressively pursued by the paparazzi. And thanks to my training, I was able to get us all out of a potentially dangerous situation."

Stassie made an admiring sound. "Oh, sure. Good old 'I was chased.' Works every time."

Kylie punched Derek lightly on the shoulder. "You and your training…I knew you were good at fighting and all, but you never told me you were a professional getaway driver."

"I have a few things I keep up my sleeve for times like this," he replied with a smile.

The girls laughed and settled back into their seats. The atmosphere in the car was now one of pure excitement, as if they had just come from an action adventure. The outside world seemed calmer after the adrenaline rush.

"You have to admit," Kylie said, looking at the others. "It was kind of fun, wasn't it?"

Kendall laughed. "Yeah, it was. But maybe we should stick to more low-key restaurants next time."

Stassie shrugged, still smiling. "Or just let Derek drive. He'll get us anywhere, even with a little chase along the way."

Derek started the car again, the engine now purring softly as he pulled back onto the road, heading toward the restaurant Kendall had mentioned.

"Okay," Derek said, relaxed. "Now, back to the original plan. Let's go to lunch."

The girls relaxed again, laughing and chatting about the unlikely escape they had just experienced. The car glided through the streets, now without the pressure of the paparazzi, and the rest of the afternoon went by at a much more leisurely pace.

As they approached the restaurant, Kylie looked at Derek with a twinkle in her eye. "Maybe we should do this more often. You know, just to spice things up."

Derek smiled, taking her hand gently. "Anytime, love. Anytime."

And with that, the car sped off to their next destination, the adrenaline of the moment beginning to fade, but the excitement of the day still lingering in the air.

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