Kenzi spun on her sister, feeling she needed to defend Nash at the same time she wanted to throttle him. “You’re as bad as he is.”
“I’m nothing like him.”
Nash pointed her direction. “Is that why you tried to blackmail me into leaving your sister?”
Raquel, for the first time in her graceful, beautiful Southern life, was struck silent. Not even her impeccable manners could save her now.
Kenzi closed her eyes. “Thank you, Raquel. I wondered if there would be anything left for the two of us after this was over. I guess I have my answer.” She moved to leave, and all three of them called for her to wait.
She paused but didn’t turn around. “It’s over.” She flipped on them. “You—” She pointed at Raquel. “—have destroyed my family. And you—” She pointed at Harrison. “—have broken our friendship. And you—” She pointed at Nash, her hand shaking so badly she felt it all the way to her shoulder. “—have broken my heart.” Her voice cracked onheart. “And stolen my life’s work. I think you should pat one another on the back for a job well done.”
Nash stepped closer. “The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you, Kenzi.”
She wanted to believe him, wanted it with her whole heart and soul. She’d thought she could count on him, that he was different than Clyde, that he wouldn’t use her for his own gain. But he wasn’t. She was trapped in some self-destructive cycle where she fell for men that took from her. She had to get out. “I don’t believe you,” she whispered.
Nash retreated from her. She watched as he laid bricks between them, closing off his heart and his soul from her, leaving behind a coldness that had her rubbing her arms. The emotions that had overtaken her carried her right on out the door, her vision blurred by the tears that fell without care.
Ben met her, her laptop bag over his shoulder, and ushered her to the back of the town car.
“Where should I take you?” asked Mick.
Kenzi stared at the back of the chair. “It doesn’t matter.” She leaned over her knees, clutching her arms to her chest. She needed to cover the place that ached from the weight of a dozen bad decisions. If only she hadn’t stepped into Aunt Pamela’s office. With a jerk, she sat up. Mick was politely staring through the windshield to allow her some privacy in her pain.
She wiped her eyes. “Aunt Pamela’s office, please.” She was going to have a word with her aunt.
