“He won’t,” she said.
I sniffed. “Nor can Shane or the others.”
She nodded. “No one will know, I promise. But, if that bitch does something like this again, I won’t stay silent.”
We both knew who she was talking about.
We both knew who had pulled this little stunt.
“Am I really a whore, Ken?” I asked, right before my breath hitched and a sob left me.
“Oh, Z…” Kenzie hugged me to her, and I buried my face in her hair. “You’re the sweetest and nicest person I know. You’re always so happy and cheerful and encouraging. You’re the most amazing and perfect best friend I could’ve asked for. You arenotwhat that blonde-haired cunt thinks you are. You’re my bestie; you’re the life of our squad. And, most importantly, you’re the woman Gallan loves and respects. You’re important to us all, babe.”
“Why is she so mean to me?” I asked between tears and held Kenzie tighter. “I haven’t done anything to her, so why, Ken? Fuckingwhy?”
Kenzie sighed. “Because you have what she doesn’t. Because she’s petty and disgusting and a worthless brat who gets upset when everything doesn’t revolve around her.”
I pulled back and looked at her. “But that’s wrong. I have what I have because I deserve it.”
My best friend grinned. “Exactly.”
I swallowed and gave her a small smile. “I’m so lucky to have you, Ken.”
Her eyes misted over. “Me too.”
Ping.
I glanced at my phone in my hand, and Kenzie wiped my tears with her fingers.
“Gall?” she asked.
My smile broadened. “Yeah.”
She chuckled. “Go wash your face so we can get going. The last thing we need is your possessive boyfriend marching in here thinking you’re getting banged by an imaginary Dom.”
Despite my tears and snot, I laughed. “You’re ridiculous.”
She winked at me. “I know.”
I sighed and grabbed her right hand. “Hey, Ken.”
She smiled at me. “Yeah?”
“Thank you foralwaysbeing there. You mean so damn much to me.”
She blinked a few times, and I knew she was trying not to cry. “No need. You deserve all the love and support. I’m just happy that I’m one of the people who gets to give you that.” She leaned in and touched her forehead to mine. “Just promise me something.”
“Anything,” I said to her.
She squeezed my hand. “Promise me that you’ll never let Aubrey get the best of you. Promise me that you’ll let her bark all she wants, and never give her the satisfaction of having hurt you. Even though the things she does may pain you, promise me that you’ll fight them, and promise me that you’ll involve all of us in it so that we can fight alongside you. Promise me, Z.”
I exhaled as I mulled over her words, and then, while looking into her eyes, I gave her a nod. “I promise.”
She flashed her teeth at me. “Good, because she isn’t worth even getting a whiff of your shit. Even your poop is far more precious than her stupid fucking face.”
I laughed and shook my head at her. “Never change, Ken.”
She chuckled. “I won’t, don’t worry.” She winked at me then. “You ready to see your hottie?” she asked.
I grinned. “So damn ready.”
