Page 112 of Silver Fox Puck

"About Kenzie."

My stomach tightens. I watch Kenzie flounce down the hallway, giving me a moment alone.

Because I knew this was coming. It has to happen.

I just didn’t think it’d be now, over the phone.

"What about her?" I say, keeping my voice neutral.

"Don’t play dumb." His tone shifts—firmer, more serious. "I let a lot of shit slide when I first found out about you two. Shit I wanted to say. I figured it was just a thing for her, that she’d get bored of you and move on."

"Appreciate the vote of confidence," I mutter.

"Don’t be short with me on this, Maddox. I’ve been trying to give you space. But this isn’t just a fling anymore, is it?"

I don’t answer right away.

Because what the hell am I supposed to say?

Jake isn’t wrong.

At first, Kenzie and I had no rules. No names, no complications.

But we passed that line a long time ago.

And now, it’s everything.

She’s everything.

Jake exhales, and when he speaks again, his voice is quieter.

"She acts tough, but you and I both know she’s not as unbreakable as she pretends to be. So I’m asking you, man to man—what are you doing?"

I clench my jaw.

"What do you want me to say, Williams?"

"I want you to tell me you’re not going to hurt her."

The words land like a punch.

Because that’s the thing—I don’t want to.

But what if I do anyway?

What if I fuck this up? What if Kenzie wakes up one day and decides this isn’t the life she wants?

What if Lauren makes good on her threats, drags me through a custody battle, and I lose Olivia?

What if Kenzie walks away because I can’t be everything she deserves?

The weight of it settles deep.

And I realize—I’ve never been more afraid of losing something in my life.

"I care about her, Jake."

I don’t mean to say it. But it’s the truth.

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