Another compound.
How…
“I know this is a lot,” my cousin says softly. “But you deserved to know. I've wanted to tell you for years, but Dad wouldn't let me. Your mom wanted to keep you safe—”
I push my chair out, the wood sliding across the floor with a sickening scraping sound. “She wanted to keep me safe by not telling me about my own fucking father. I can't stomach this.”
“A—”
“Take me home, Logan.” I bite, anger boiling away inside of me.
He follows my lead, standing with me. “Addison, sit down.”
“No!” I shout, stomping my foot. I want to fucking throw something, or scream. “Take me home!”
He motions around him. “This is home!”
No, it isn't!
My home is…
Rowan’s face pops into my mind, his strong jaw and rugged features pulled into a small smile. His deep blue eyes are alight with amusement as he watches me.
He’smy home.
My therapist’s words circle my head again, cementing the lingering feelings that have been growing inside of me since the beginning.
Maybe it’s because you haven’t found a place that feels like home yet, Addison.
I have. With Rowan Kingsley and his crazy, beautiful family. Not only did he give me a place in his life, but he wastruthfulwith me as well. He told me every nasty detail when I asked. He didn't sugarcoat anything, and he didn't fuckingliefor my peace of mind.
There’s no telling how long we’ve been separated, but fierce longing grips me. I want to see him. Ineedto see him.
I hold my head high, rolling my shoulders back. “My home is in Columbus, Ohio. Take me back.”
Logan scoffs, shaking his head. “Kingsley is bad news. He isn’t your blood.”
My teeth grind. “No, he isn’t, but I’m choosing him.”
My cousin gives me a perplexed look. “Are you in love with him or something?” Logan’s expression crumbles into pity at my lack of response. “Addison, no. You can’t—”
“Youdon’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do,” I snap. “Take. Me. Home!”
“You are home!” He hisses. “And I’m not going to stand here and listen to you sing praise over fucking Rowan Kingsley! He killed his own father, A!”
“I know that!” I shout, throwing my hands out at my sides. “He told me!”
Logan chuckles bitterly. “And who’s to say he won’t do the same to you, huh?”
My anger blisters, sending me into a rampage as I close in on my cousin. “He did what he had to survive! You have no idea what he or his siblings have been through!”
“Oh! I have no idea, huh?” He shakes his head. “Youhave no idea whatI’vebeen through. Be thankful your mom gave half a shit about you, and didn’t subject you to this lifestyle.”
My ire falters as my bottom lip bobs. I want to argue his point, but he’s right. I have no idea what he’s been through. If his life was half as bad as Rowan’s…
“This whole organization is fucked,” Logan tuts, motioning to the breakfast laid out on the table. “I don't even like pancakes.”
The chuckle that leaves me surprises my cousin. “I don't either.”
