He flushes and nods.
“Step three,” I continue. “You get legally and financially free from her. Step four you decide what you want to do next.”
He stares at me for a long moment. “Is this an intervention?”
I chuckle, even though everything is as far from amusing as it is possible to get. “I guess it is,” I agree. It’s a close enough description.
I meet his gaze evenly. Showing all my determination and every ounce of authority I can muster. His mother has clearly trained him to do as he is told and I’m going to exploit it and use it against her. Once he is free from her and has had space to think, as well as all the therapy in the world. Then he can make his own decisions. In the meantime he needs to listen to me, so I can protect him.
He shakes his head again. “I never knew you were like this.”
“Like what?”
“So bossy and dominant male,” he says as he gestures at me like I’m a strange piece of artwork.
I grin. I’m just as surprised as he is, but I can’t let him know that. Right now he needs me to be strong for him. Someone with no doubts, no weakness in their confidence, so he can relax and trust me explicitly. Put his faith in me and trust me to take care of everything.
“I grew up in one of the roughest estates in London. I can be a total badass,” I say, and it’s not an outright lie. The estate was tough, and I can handle myself, but more by staying out of any drama, than anything else.
He stares at me some more, and takes a sip of his whiskey with trembling hands. “What about the wrap party?” he whispers.
“Fuck the wrap party!”
He snorts in amusement and gives a tiny smile that melts my heart. I would do anything for him and that thought isn’t even scary. It just feels right. He deserves the world.
“Okay,” he says softly and I know he isn’t just talking about the party.
I beam in delight. I wasn’t waiting for his agreement, but it feels damn good to have it. It’s like seeing the first tendril of light stretching across the sky after a long, dark night. I’m excited for the future, it looks bright.
Chapter twenty-two
Kit
Iwakeupinthe morning with a smile on my face. Mackenzie is here, in my home, under the same roof as me. He is down the hall, in the guest room, entirely too far away from my bed and my arms, but it’s close enough for now.
I’m not going to try anything while his entire life is imploding, but neither am I going to give up hope. One day, when he is in a good place, he might want more. And that is good enough for me.
Without consciously deciding to, I reach for my phone to check my messages. Muscle memory is strong. Like most people, it’s usually how I start my day.
There is a message from Liliah and my gut clenches uncomfortably. I haven’t thought about her in days, let alone contacted her.
‘Can we talk? Meet for coffee?’
Her text glares at me accusingly. Has she heard something? Has word got out that Mackenzie and I skipped the wrap party? Or have I just been a terrible ex and secret future boyfriend? Only one way to find out.
I fire off a quick agreement, swiftly shower and dress, before making my way to Mackenzie’s room to tell him I’m popping out for a bit. Pushing the guest room door open just a crack, I see him curled up in the bed, sound asleep. He looks so alone it breaks my heart. I long to join him, ease him out of that defensive fetal position he is in, and make him feel loved and safe.
But first, I need to go have coffee with Liliah and tell her I am dumping her for real. Mackenzie might not be ready for anything yet. He might never want me. But he is the only one in my heart.
I write a brief message on a sticky note and pop it on the coffee machine, figuring that is somewhere he will definitely go as soon as he wakes up. Then I grab my keys and head out.
Liliah greets me with a warm smile, and instantly I feel like the worst person on the planet. She has chosen a table in a quiet corner, away from the windows. I make my way over to her.
We make polite small talk for a bit, then she flushes, drops my gaze and fiddles with her coffee cup.
“I’ve met someone,” she says.
Relief floods through me. “So have I,” I add quickly.
