Page 126 of Misrule
Cam looked at Knox. He touched Roxanne’s ring, then spun it, drawing Cam’s gaze. His eyes widened.
Self-recriminations tore through Knox and he bowed his head. “I haven’t even thought about Kendall Donovan,” he admitted with a sigh.
“What happened, Wafer?” he asked, using the nickname he’d given Knox years ago. “Roxanne…” Cam’s voice trailed off and he studied the ring again.
“Yeah,” Knox answered, not sure what the question was and not caring.
Roxanne broke it off with him?Yeah.
He’d been a motherfucker?Yeah.
She didn’t intend to forgive him? Yeah.
He was so fucked if Mortician or Outlaw found out what Knox had done but he didn’t care?Yeah.
“I-I was so horrible to her. For no reason.”
Unbuttoning his suit jacket, Cam sat in the other chair in front of Knox’s desk. “In your head, there’s a reason, Wafer, and his name is Outlaw. Get over the man,” he warned. “The cop in you can’t get over the criminal in him. You can’t understand why a beautiful woman like Roxanne considers them her family. Your feelings are affecting your life and risking your relationship. You love Roxanne. Besides, Outlaw isn’t so bad.”
“I was hot under the collar from an argument I’d had with Mortician,” he confessed. “I should’ve kept walking when I heard her calling me. Ignoring her would’ve pissed her off, but she…she would’ve forgiven me. No, wait. She says she forgives me now but she’s done with me.” Once again remembering the names he’d called her, he cringed.
Disgust dropped into Cam’s face. He wished the man would act on his anger and deck him.
“You don’t have to say it. I should be ashamed of myself. I know she’s not used to wealth—legal wealth—but she wasn’t after me for money.”
“I should punch you in your fucking mouth for being such a stupid-ass bastard.”
“Please, do. It might make me feel better. I have to find a way to win her back. Get through this day. Outlaw is implementing another phase in his plan to destroy Kendall.”
For a moment, Cam’s attention turned from Knox’s stupidity. “The day has finally arrived.”
Knox nodded, jumping on the chance to discuss the case before he broke down in sobs. “We’ll see if Johnnie loves Kendall as much as he claims, or if he just wanted a woman to fill in the void left by Megan Caldwell.”
“My bet is he’s not going to take the bait.”
“I really don’t give a fuck.”
“You should. It’s part of the job we’re doing for Outlaw.”
“I understand, but…but…goddamnit…I want Johnnie to get rid of Kendall. After last night, I would think that would be a given. I just…Roxanne loves Kendall, too, and I’m happily working to annihilate her.”
“Yes,” Cam agreed, grave. “You’re working to precipitate her death.”
“Roxanne would hate me.”
“According to you, she already hates you.”
Instead of answering, Knox gave another nod.
Cam folded his arms. “You owe her an apology.”
“I’ve already apologized.”
“Apologize again. Kiss her ass in the middle of downtown and admit over a loudspeaker what an unintelligent fuck you were.”
Knox slumped back in his chair. Cam’s stare chastened Knox and made him feel so low he almost slid to the ground.
Cameron Baptiste was the brother Knox never had. He loved him as if he were his own flesh-and-blood and valued his opinion. To see Cam’s unspoken disappointment because of his actions, gutted Knox.
