Chapter Three
After Kingston’s retreat, I had fallen asleep to escape the helplessness weighing on my chest. I wanted everything out in the open between our band of misfits. But I kept telling myself we would overcome whatever secrets remained between us.
Over and over, I repeated it.
It wasn’t avoiding the truth because Ididbelieve it.
My therapist, whom I’d last left on read, called that hope.
Not denial.
He might even applaud my ability to have faith in a situation like this. Hope and faith for the future…
Those weregoodthings.
Reminding myself of that had lulled me to sleep, and when I opened my eyes, Kingston and Landon stood by the door. I searched for Max, but he’d skedaddled. Probably as soon as I’d fallen asleep.
It didn’t surprise me that he hadn’t stayed to hang out with Landon without me acting as a buffer.
Getting the two of them past their shit was going to take more than a simple kiss and make up.
Unfortunately.
Accepting the current state of things around me but hoping for the best in the end, that had to be good. The ability to let things lie for a minute, rather than fester with anxiety over something outside my control, had to be a sign of inner strength or peace.
That all sounded healthy.
I went with it as I strained to hear what Kingston whispered to Landon.
“Everyone is coming early…I have no idea why. He wouldn’t say, but it was them or him. Still, Landon?—”
“I’m not hiding this from her.”
My ears perked up at Landon’s low growl of warning.
“I gave you a few days to see what your father did, but we don’t have any new information or reason to keep this from her. I’m not doing it anymore.”
Kingston released a heavy breath. “Of course not. That’s not what I…”
Whatever I’d missed while I slept had tension emanating from them both. Lines of worry creased Kingston’s brow, and Landon shot an equally pained glance at me over his shoulder.
Realizing I’d woken up, Landon opened the door to let Kingston inside.
But, of course, my part-English gentleman caller remained on the threshold, waiting for me.
My sleepy brain fog cleared, and I nodded at him. “You can come in, Kingston.” I teased him by rolling my eyes, but I secretly liked his propriety.
He smiled at me as he entered.
Ever the elusive King, he’d been sorely missing in action since my move to Pendragon for break week, preparing for the other Knights and Ladies to arrive.
From what Landon had told me, he’d been dealing with an issue his father had brought to his attention. One they’d planned to share with me as soon as they had news to tell.
Coming over to the bed, Kingston’s shoulders lowered a bit as his body relaxed, but the worry didn’t leave his face. “I apologize for walking in earlier. I?—”
“Nope.” I reached up and covered his mouth with my hands. “Please, don’t do that.”
“But I?—”
