Page 27 of Beautifully Broken Control

Sarah gave my shoulders a squeeze as she released me. “Of course. You’re one of the family.”

That low background noise of guilt hummed a little louder. I wasn’t. Because they didn’t know who I really was. What I’d been a part of. I wasn’t sure they’d want to claim me as one of theirs if they did. And I didn’t think I could withstand the look of disappointment in their eyes if they ever found out. I shook it off and followed the group up the stone steps.

The house was no less impressive inside. There was a massive stone fireplace circled by one of the largest sectionals I’d ever seen. I was surprised it wasn’t fancy leather but more a distressed linen. It looked incredibly comfortable—the perfect place to curl up with a good book on a stormy day. But it was the windows that stole the show. The entire back of the house was glass. It felt like the lake and the forest were a part of the home. It was magical.

“It’s breathtaking, huh?” Jensen leaned her shoulder into mine.

“That view is pretty spectacular.”

“That it is. Come on.” She gestured towards a bar that was stocked with more alcohol and soda than a party ten times this size could consume. “Let’s get you a drink.”

I swallowed. “Thanks.”

“What are you in the mood for?”

My gaze traveled over the bar, settling on an old favorite. A tiny smile pulled at my lips. “I’ll take one of these.” I grabbed the small glass bottle of Perrier out of the bucket of ice.

Jensen’s head gave a little jerk. “There’s grade-A hooch here, Kenz. And you’re going for fizzy water?”

I grinned at her. “This is my favorite, and I never get it for myself.” It wasn’t a necessity, and Perrier was so dang expensive, I just couldn’t justify it.

J shook her head. “Whatever floats your boat.”

My eyes traveled over the room. It looked like everyone was here. I couldn’t help the way my gaze seemed to catch on Cain. His dark hair gleamed in the sunlight as he bent to talk with Noah. I forced myself to look away and back to Jensen. “I’m going to take this out onto the back deck to check out the view.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’m going to check on all the food, make sure it’s reheating properly.”

I turned back to her. “Do you need any help?”

Jensen waved me off. “No, I’m good. Go get a look at that view before the sun sets.”

I headed outside, and as soon as the fresh mountain air hit my lungs, I began to relax. I leaned against the railing of the deck, breathing deeply. Magic. There really was no other way to describe this place. The wind rustled leaves, and a frog croaked as the sun, low in the sky, seemed to make the water shimmer.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

I jolted at the low voice and spun to see Cain. I swallowed hard. “It is. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you could come. I wanted to apologize if I came on a little strong the other day. I can be nosy.”

My palms dampened. “Is that what it was? Nosiness?”

Cain studied me, seeming to search my face. He shrugged, the movement letting the defined muscles beneath another of those expertly tailored shirts show. “I’m protective of my friends. I didn’t know anything about you.”

My eyes widened. “You thought I was going to hurt your friends.”

He took a sip of what looked like either a vodka soda or a gin and tonic. “I’m not sure exactly what I thought, but I know I was wrong.”

The muscles that had tightened across my shoulder blades when he first appeared relaxed just a bit. He had no idea who I was. My history. My family. He figured there was something off about me. And he was right, so how could I be mad at that? “You’re forgiven.”

Cain arched a brow. “Easy as that?”

I shrugged a shoulder. “I’m not really one for grudges.”

“Good to know.” He turned, gesturing to the house. “So, what do you think?”

I followed his movement. “It’s gorgeous. But it’s a lot of house for just one person.”

Cain swirled the ice in his glass. “I like my space.”

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