To my retreating back, Kri says, “While you do that, I’ll contact Reed to ensure he’s good with her visiting you. If so, I’ll have Aaron frisk her and bring her up. You shouldn’t leave the condo. Not even to go to the lobby.”
Ugh.
My face squishes into a frown, and I put my hands on my hips.
I’m fine with staying here. But I don’t want her bothering Reed about this. He’ll onlybe upset he isn’t by my side when I confront his sister. He said as much each time we’ve talked about the Kenzie situation.
While I very much appreciate his loving support, I don’t need him to hold my hand. This is my battle to fight as much as it is his.
Ideally, we could be a united front when we speak to her. Yet this isn’t an ideal situation. He’s out there tracking down murderers and trying to save my life. Oh, and preserve my freedom. His hands are full. Dealing with Kenzie is the least I can do to ease the burden on us all.
He can face her on his own timeline.
I’m ready to facemyproblems now.
No silly distractions. No cowering. And no codependency.
Raising my chin, I roll my shoulders back and plead my case. “That isn’t necessary. Kenzie is his sister. You don’t need to bother him for this. He’s investigating a double murder. That should take priority now. I can talk to Kenzie without adding this to his plate.”
“Sorry, Lila. His instructions were crystal clear. Nobody comes or goes without talking to him first. And I learned the hard way about ignoring orders.”
I study her, noting the confidence exuding from her every pore. There’s no chance I’ll convince her to change her mind.
While I’m tempted to beg, I don’t.
Whatever she and Reed discussed in the hallway before he left must have made an impression on her. I can respect that. Besides, she’s only doing her job.
“Fine. If you think it’s warranted.” I nod at her, then slink into the restroom with my tail between my legs.
On the bright side, at least I’m complying based on common sense and compassion, rather than some innate people-pleasing mechanism.
That’s gotta count for something.
FIFTY-TWO
Nice try, Universe
LILA
Sometimes the universeputs you in the same situation to see if you’re dumb enough to repeat your mistakes. Luckily for me, I see what’s happening and won’t fall into this trap.
If one good thing comes from Kenzie’s betrayal, it’s the realization that I deserve better.
As soon as Kri opens the door, Kenzie’s eyes seek me out. She barges in like she owns the place and flings her petite frame around me. Her arms encircle my waist, cinching in a tight band.
To my own surprise, I don’t return her embrace. Not even when her tears soak my shirt.
I peel her off me and take a step backward, holding my head high.
Kenzie keeps her arms extended toward me as I slip out of her grasp. The red outline around her eyes and the puffiness of her nose almost break me.
Almost.
“As you can see, I’m alive and well. And perfectly safe.” I tip my head in Kri’s direction for emphasis. “You don’t need to worry about me. Worry about yourself instead.”I cut myself off before I add a dig about how easily that must come to her.
I don’t need to hurt her just because she hurt me. We’re not keeping score here.
Sensing my blatant rejection, she lowers her arms and straightens her spine. “I’m glad you’re safe. I really am. But you can’t just cut me off this way. Plus, I’m in danger too. Or did you forget?” Her throat undulates with her nervous swallow, and her gaze swipes to my bodyguard. “Can we have some privacy?”
