Page 20 of Kentrell

My heart stuttered as the words slipped out. Hisbrother.

“So, Mr. Caldwell is Kensei’s brother?” I asked, even though the answer had already settled heavily in my gut.

“His full name isKensei Caldwell,” Stacia confirmed, like it should’ve been obvious.

“I’ve never met him, but Kensei mentions his brothers all the time.”

“How many does he have?” I knew I shouldn’t be encouraging this line of curiosity, but I couldn’t help it. There was a magnetic pull I didn’t know how to resist.

“Kentrell is the oldest,” Ayesha chimed in.

I turned to her. “And the other?”

“There’s also Kenwan.”

“Kentrell and Kenwan?” My brow arched, a smirk trying to form.

Ayesha looked down, her fingers suddenly the most interesting thing in the room. She nodded, too quiet. Too careful.

Something flickered behind her words. Somethingunspokenthat put me on edge.

“How doyouknow them?”

“I don’t,” Ayesha said quickly. “I mean—Iknow ofthem.”

Her gaze lifted, meeting mine. Steady. Cautious.

But not honest.

Notfully.

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. And she knew that look—sheknewI could read her better than anyone.

Better than Mars. Better than Stacia.

We weren’t just cousins. We werepractically sisters—raised together from day one.

Whatever she was holding back? I’d get it out of her.

“How do youknow ofthem?” I emphasized the word, my tone sharper than I intended—but I was tired of playing catch-up in a conversation aboutmylife.

Ayesha’s eyes narrowed just a little, and her response came quick.

“Because, unlike you, I actually get out.”

Her words sliced through me.

It wasn’t just the sentence—it was theimplication.

Like I’d been hiding under a rock. Like I didn’t know how to move in the city I’d called home all my life.

And maybe that wouldn’t have stung so much… if it wasn’tsoout of pocket.

I’d never missed a night out. Never turned down a dinner invite or canceled last minute.

“I didn’t mean it like that—” she began, backpedaling.

“Thenhowdid you mean it?” I cut in, a flicker of frustration breaking through.

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