Page 59 of Beautifully Broken Control

“What the hell is your problem, Cain? That was cruel.” The anger had Kennedy’s eyes blazing with green fire.

“Am I wrong? Do you want to go on a date with him?”

“That’s not the point, nor is it your business.”

“I’ll take that as a no. I was just saving you the awkward dance for the next three months.”

Kennedy’s spine straightened as she rose to her full height. “Maybe I did want to say yes. At least if Doug leaned in like he was going to kiss me, he’d finish the job and not run away like a scared child.” With that parting shot, she headed for the kitchen.

Well, shit.

23

Kennedy

His lips were justout of reach, his hands stopping a breath away from my skin. I panted. Strained. But I couldn’t move. Couldn’t reach him.My alarm sounded.

I jolted up in bed, out of breath as if I’d just sprinted around the block. I pushed the hair back from my face as I hit my alarm.Shit.

I couldn’t escape Cain, even in my dreams. He’d avoided me the rest of the night at Hope House, opting to help with the kids instead of in the kitchen. That didn’t mean he wasn’t haunting me, though. I’d had to watch as he played beauty parlor with three girls as we’d served dessert. He’d even let them try to put little braids in his hair.

I rubbed my hands over my face. Cain had a good heart, but he could also drive me crazy. What did he want from me? I blew out a breath, sending my hair fluttering around my face. I wasn’t going to find out today. Or maybe ever. And I needed to focus on the important things.

Like telling Jensen the truth. It was time. Just the thought had my stomach roiling. I reached over and scratched between Chuck’s ears. “We’ll be okay. No matter what happens, we’ll be okay.”

I repeated that over and over as I got ready, hoping the repetition would help me to believe it. But I’d lied to Jensen, and a lie of omission wasn’t any better than an outright one. I bit my bottom lip as my gaze traveled over the studio apartment I’d made my home. I had no idea where Chuck and I would go if Jensen kicked us out. I didn’t exactly have money saved up for a security deposit. No prospects for another job. And it wasn’t like Seraphina would hire me on full-time.

“One thing at a time.” I armed my security system, locked the door, and headed downstairs. I got the water going in a kettle and set out two mugs. The familiar routine helped. Grounded me.

Sounds of the lock at the back door coming unlatched met my ears. “Morning, Kenz.”

My palms went damp the second I heard Jensen’s words. “Morning.” My voice cracked on the second syllable.

I stayed focused on the tea. Tea I could handle. “Honey?”

“You know it.” The sounds of Jensen putting away her belongings and washing her hands filled the kitchen. I still didn’t look her way. I simply set the mug next to the sink and hurried back to my own cup. I took my time pouring the honey first, then added just a dash of almond milk.

“Soooooo…” Jensen let the word drag out. “Is there a reason you’re quiet as a mouse this morning? Wait! Did you sleep with Cain?”

I choked on the sip of tea I’d just taken, spluttering and coughing as J patted my back. She filled a glass of water and handed it to me. “Shit, sorry.” Her lips tipped up. “I can’t tell if that’s a yes or a no.”

“It’s a no. A definite no.” I wheezed out the words.

Two little lines appeared in Jensen’s brow. “Then why so quiet? Everything okay?”

This was it. The perfect moment. But how did I start? How did one explain that you had been involved in stealing the livelihoods of hundreds of people? If even indirectly. That you had destroyed families?You’re a murderer!The words of that woman echoed in my head.

I closed my eyes and gave my head a little shake, trying to flick the memory free, get the words out. It never worked, but I tried just the same. “I saw my brother when I was in Portland.”

Jensen leaned a hip against the counter. “I didn’t even know you had a brother.”

I looked up and met Jensen’s gaze; it was kind and cautious as though she knew whatever I had to say would be hard for me. “He probably wishes that I didn’t.”

“Want to tell me why?”

I rolled my lips together, biting down on the bottom one, and then I nodded. “I haven’t told you everything about me. About my past. Some important things.”

Jensen reached out, laying her hand over mine on the counter, squeezing it gently and then releasing. “I don’t think it was a requirement of the job or my friendship that you reveal every detail of your past.” She paused, giving me a gentle smile. “I would’ve asked a lot more questions in the interview.”

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