Page 46 of Beautifully Broken Control

“We need to show everyone that it’s business as usual, even though we lost the Criterion account. Attending the gala will give us a chance to ease frayed nerves. Plus, I want an update on the new program, and I know your paranoid ass isn’t going to give that to me over the phone.”

He was right about that, but there wasn’t exactly a lot to update him on, my progress had been minuscule. I eased onto a bench, closing my eyes and tipping my face up to the sky. “I hate these things.”

The sound of papers ruffling came over the line. “I know you do, but you always make it through alive.”

I grunted. I couldn’t explain it, but ever since receiving the news of Karen’s passing, it was as if my shields didn’t work as well as they usually did. The reserves I had to deal with all the crap in my life seemed non-existent. I felt like one raw nerve. And that made me feel weak as hell. But the thought of going to this event, having to don that mask I wore as protection, had my chest constricting in a painful squeeze. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you. Talk soon.”

I hit end on the call and set the phone down on the bench. I rubbed the spot between my pecs, trying desperately to get the tension to release. It only got tighter.Fuck.Going to this gala would be a disaster.

“Cain?” Kennedy’s melodic voice cut through the evening air.

“Hey. Sorry I disappeared on you guys, I had to take a call.”

She sat down next to me on the bench, tucking one leg under her and turning to face me. “Not a great call, I take it.”

I shook my head, staring out at the forest beyond the parking lot. I had the sudden urge to run into the trees and get lost in there, never to return again.

Soft fingers wrapped around my biceps, the touch reassuring, a promise that I wasn’t alone. “I know we don’t know each other that well, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

My gaze traveled back to the woman next to me. She was a storm wrapped in beauty and grace. She held fierceness and gentleness in equal measure, and it eased something in me. It was her tender kindness in that moment that had some of the pressure in my chest releasing. “I have to go to an event in Portland. It’s bad timing on every level. I hate these kinds of things in general, and I just don’t have a lot stored up right now to handle it.”

Understanding lit Kennedy’s features. “I’m sorry. Can I do anything?”

“Go with me.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, but as soon as I heard them, I knew they were true.

She blinked rapidly. “Why me?”

This was one of those make or break moments. If I held back, I’d lose the small chance I had of her agreement. “You ease something in me. I can’t explain it.” Our gazes locked. “I don’t trust many people, but I trust you. Don’t make me do this alone.”

She released her hold on my arm, and I missed it instantly. “How long would we have to stay?”

“Not long. Just enough time to shake a few hands, pose for a few pictures, and then we can hop in the jet back here.”

“No pictures.”

My gut clenched. She was hiding from something. “No pictures.”

Kennedy nibbled on her bottom lip. “I assume this is black-tie?” I nodded. “I don’t have anything to wear.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just get me your sizes, and I’ll have my personal shopper send over some options.”

She shook her head. “No, don’t do that. I’ll ask Jensen. I bet she has something I can borrow.”

I squeezed my hands into fists but stayed silent. I didn’t want her borrowing from Jensen. I wanted to do something nice for her. Spoil her for once. But Kennedy didn’t want a damn thing from me. Why did that burn so much?

17

Kennedy

“The emerald one.Promise me you’ll wear the emerald one.” Jensen was practically bouncing on her toes as she spoke.

The emerald gown was beautiful. It skimmed my body perfectly and made my eyes look like the green gemstones themselves. It was also daringly low-cut. “I don’t know.”

Jensen grabbed my hands, pulling me to her. “Kenz. That dress was made for you. You have to wear it.”

I rolled my eyes. “It was not made for me. It’s your dress.”

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