Page 56 of Beautifully Broken Control

Cain shook his head, grinning. “Fair enough. Ready to go get your pup?”

“Yup. Let me grab my purse and dress.” I hadn’t been away from Chuck overnight in years, and after last night, I was more than ready for some puppy cuddles.

By the time I’d retrieved my belongings from the guest room, Cain was waiting for me in the entryway. Thankfully, I’d brought my flip-flops on the plane, so I wasn’t wearing sweatpants and stiletto heels. However, I still looked ridiculous, wearing clothes that were about six sizes too big.

Cain grinned at me. “You look like someone shrunk you but not your clothes.”

I scowled at him. “You do realize that when we show up at Jensen’s, she and Tuck are going to get the total wrong impression of what went down here, right?”

He blanched just a bit. “Fuck.”

“Yeah, buddy.” I patted his arm and headed out the front door.

The drive to Cole Ranch was peaceful. We rolled down the windows and let the warm breeze flow through the SUV. I let my arm drape out the window, my hand riding the wave of air.

Cain keyed in the gate code at the ranch, and we wound around until we reached the guest cottage. Sixty seconds after we pulled in, Noah came bounding out of the front door, Jensen and Tuck on his heels. “Kenz, Cain!” He wrapped his arms around me in a warm hug. “Chuck and I had the best time. We played fetch, and I gave him peanut butter treats, and he slept on my bed.”

Jensen lifted her brows at me as she took in my outfit. “I think we wore him out because he’s been sleeping on the couch all morning. Looks like you’re worn out, too.”

I squirmed in place. “It was late when we got back, so I just crashed in one of Cain’s guest rooms.”

“Guest room, huh?” Jensen didn’t look like she believed me one bit.

“Wilder…” Tuck’s single word was a warning as he pulled her into his side. “Don’t meddle.”

She stuck out her tongue at him. “I’ll meddle if I want to. I’m a great meddler. Look at Taylor and Walker, and Liam and Tessa. Someone should give me a meddling medal.”

Tuck just shook his head. “You two crazy kids have fun at that fancy shindig?”

I stiffened. I should’ve had an answer prepared. Of course, they’d ask. I tried to force a smile, but before I could say a word, Cain jumped in. “I don’t know if I’d call itfun,”—he looked at me—“but at least I didn’t have to face the piranhas alone.”

My heart did a stutter-step. There was nothing but honesty in Cain’s voice. He was grateful he hadn’t had to face that scene alone. Even after I’d ended the night in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, he was still thankful I’d gone with him.

“Noah, why don’t you go get Chuck for Kenz?” Jensen ushered her son inside. Noah nodded and ran back into the house.

“Thank you so much for watching him, J.”

“Are you kidding? He kept Noah entertained for hours. I think it’s official that we need a dog.”

Tuck brushed his lips against her temple. “Told you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She shoved at his chest playfully.

I knew then that I’d have to tell them the truth. Jensen, at least. She’d employed me when I had basically no skills, given me a place to live, and welcomed me into her home. She deserved to know who it was that she’d done those things for. Even if it meant I’d lose the safe place I’d built for myself. I didn’t think she’d fire me, but she was guaranteed to look at me differently. How could she not? Tears clogged my throat as the memories of the stares and jeers from the crowd behind the FBI building filled my mind. I gave my head a little shake, trying to clear them.

Noah appeared with Chuck on his leash. The second he saw me, my pup rushed towards me. I crouched so I could meet his leap with open arms. I couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped me as he bathed my face in kisses. “I missed you too, buddy.” I hauled him up into my arms, soaking in his unconditional love. “Okay, we’re ready.”

Cain had a smile on his face that said he was desperately trying to hold in a laugh. “Then let’s head out.”

“Thanks again, you guys. J, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Later, Kenz. Cain.” She waved as we hopped into the car.

Chuck settled in my lap, head resting on my arm and the center console, and immediately began snoring. This time, Cain couldn’t hold in his laughter. “I wish I had that dog’s capacity for sleep.”

“Cut him some slack. He’s an old man.” I stroked Chuck’s silky fur.

“He’s spoiled. If there’s such a thing as multiple lives, I hope I come back as that dog.”

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