“The two of you are such hardheaded assholes that you wouldn’t talk to each other. My God. You’re grown men. Act like it instead of spoiled brats.” I started to leave, taking long strides. Then I stopped short, spinning around. “And another thing. In case either one of you haven’t figured it out, I’m an adult as well. That means I get to choose who I want to spend time with whether as family, friends, or as a lover. And right now?” I shook my head, fuming to the point my vision was foggy. “And right now, I want nothing to do with either of you.”
* * *
Anger was a fickle emotion. For me, it usually didn’t last very long. Maybe because I’d always tried to see the better in people. Even if I faked it, I could find something to be bright and sunny about.
Not today.
After a sleepless night, I’d given up and put a decent plan together for the charity event. I’d developed a timeline, a list of contacts, a detailed roster for the event itself, and had even sketched out a few marketing pieces. I’d also made a list of the rescue sites I’d had discussions with. That part was easy, so many were interested. Why wouldn’t they be?
At this point, I should be exhausted, but I remained wired.
And angry.
My gut told me there was something corrupt going on, but as of yet, I couldn’t determine the players. Although I had found out that it appeared a dummy corporation had purchased the old mill almost a year before. And I’d confirmed that the corporation had tried to go around the historical society to no avail. What I hadn’t learned yet, although I had called in a favor from an old buddy of mine in public record in Billings, were the names behind the corporation.
But I had certain suspicions.
That didn’t mean I couldn’t flush them out by pretending that I knew. I’d made a few phone calls, but without contacts in town, I’d been given the cold shoulder. I’d even tried speaking with theattorney my father had recently fired. After I introduced myself, he’d hung up on me.
I was sitting on a bench outside the council chambers, waiting as patiently as possible when I sensed a presence.
Without uttering a word, Axe slipped onto the seat next to me. I crossed my legs, my nerves about meeting with the council a distant second to the anger I felt at this point. I had to admit the man could clean up well. He was wearing a dark suit, which shocked the hell out of me.
He was far too handsome, but I wasn’t ready to stop being angry with him.
After maybe a minute, he reached into his jacket, pulling out a jump drive. “The names and contact information I mentioned. Plus, I know a few people that could help you with arrangements, including concessions. I also know a couple photographers, and a band who would be happy to donate their time to the charities. A few other suggestions.”
Exhaling, I waited a few seconds before taking it from his hand. There was no way of not touching him. As soon as our fingers collided, the same jolts of electricity shot through me, but I bit back a single strangled sound, which was stuck in my throat. “Thank you. That’s really helpful.”
Tick. Tock.
“I know you’re angry with me.”
“Yep. I am.”
“Can I explain?”
“There’s nothing to explain.” I glanced in his direction, fighting so many urges that had no place being felt. “You hate each other. Nothing will change, including your behavior.”
He shifted on the seat. “Yeah, I need to say a few things. I’m sorry about Wade. That man just… pisses me off.”
“Are you friends again? Did you kiss and make up?”
His snort was my answer.
“I don’t know if that’s possible, Kenz.”
“Like I said, you’re both hardheaded. What pisses me off more than your testosterone is all this alluding to you being like your father. Why? Your father is a good man as far as I can tell.”
His sigh was heavy. “There’s a reason.”
“Well, now isn’t the time. Okay? I don’t think I can handle another level of hardheadedness.”
“Alright. What are you going to say to the council members?”
“I’m just going to be matter of fact. But… I think I’ll put the fear of God into them.” I’d heard what Axe had said the night before. I’d also heard the concern in his voice, but fading into fear and anxiety had never gotten me anywhere.
Groaning, he twisted me around to face him. “You do realize when dangerous people are backed against the wall, they can do crazy things. You don’t have any evidence and I don’t want you to put yourself in harm’s way.”
