Every drawn-out process. Every delay. Every frustrating conversation that ended with a refusal. Every fucking day, we have fought and battled for the bare fucking minimum.
Because of this man. “Doing a favour for a friend, by any chance? An old buddy?”
The guy shakes his head with a nervous laugh. But he steps back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.” I glance down. Kenny’s hand is curled in my shirt, gripping it. “And you and I both know this discussion is finished. No more tests. We’re taking our mate home. Immediately. And you’ll be hearing from us again, you asshole.”
“Thomas?” Joanne finally finds a semblance of a fucking voice as she looks between us. “What does he mean? What’s going on here?”
“Nothing.” Thomas doesn’t look at any of us. “If you think that’s best.”
“I do.” I look down again. “Baby, Oscar is going to take you. Okay?”
She nods silently, reaching for him until my arms are free. Thomas’s eyes widen as I stride forward. My hands find his throat. “You tell my father that I know. I suggest you resign, at the very least. But know that I’m going to make sure you pay for every day that she’s been here. Everyfuckingday.”
I step back, letting him slump against the wall. “We’re leaving.”
Joanne opens her mouth.
“Don’t.” There’s a warning in my voice. “This isn’t a goddamned discussion.”
Even the suits look uncertain, shifting in their fucking circle. I point to Thomas, making sure they all hear me. “This man has been using his position to interfere with my mate’s care, likely at the request of my father. They seem to be good fucking friends. I suggest you fix it, because this isnotdone.”
None of us say anything else. Max and Jake sweep the room, grabbing the few things she might want to take.
Oscar holds Kenny tightly. “We’re taking you home, Kenny. Okay?”
I think those might be the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard.
“Let’s go.”
Kenny
“Thesunisshining,Ken.” A soft kiss brushes my hair. “Take a look.”
They didn’t leave. They were there.
They came for me.
I grip Oscar’s shirt like it’s a lifeline, keeping my eyes closed.
I can’t do that again. Any of it. A thread can only fray so much before it snaps.
Heat prickles at my skin, my hair growing damp at the nape of my neck. Murmurs surround me. “Let’s get her home.”
The slam of a door makes me flinch.
“I’ve got you.” Oscar’s hand is in my hair, playing with it. “You’re out of there, Kenny. We’re in Jake’s truck, okay?”
It’s… hot.
Of course it is. It’s summer.
I missed three whole seasons. Autumn, Winter, and Spring. They came and went while I was locked away.
You’re not locked away anymore.
Gingerly, I raise my head. My eyes begin to water immediately, and I duck it again, hiding from the brightness.
