Chapter Nine
Josh
Klein takes my arm and pulls me out of the restaurant. My brothers wave goodbye with little smirks, most likely amused that I’m letting my tiny assistant drag me around. My heart is beating a bit wrong—too funny, too unsteady—but I know I’m doing the right thing.
It didn’t take long to figure out the relationship dynamics at Klein’s table. Her family… They were absolutely horrific. And I’ve seen my share of ugly things families do to each other.
Klein’s family wasn’t even fighting for money or power. At least I could understand that. They were putting her down just because they could—and because they enjoyed cutting her to pieces. Their eyes were practically glowing.
As soon as we’re out on the street, Klein starts swiveling her head. What’s she looking for? If I were her, it’d be a murder weapon to use on Chad.
“What do you need?” I ask, ready to give her my Huxley cane if she wants something to beat Chad up with. I’ll even volunteer to hold him down so she can focus.
“A quiet café…”
A little disappointing, but Klein is a pacifist.
Her phone buzzes in her purse; she glances at the screen before dropping it back into the bag. “Or maybe a Starbucks?”
I point to a little mom-and-pop doughnut and coffee shop tucked between an independent bookstore and a narrow alley. “How about that one?”
“That works.”
Klein’s hand remains on my arm.Does she know what she’s doing?She’s always been careful to maintain a professional distance. Harder to do now, of course, since I announced in front of everyone that we’re engaged. If Bryce is smart, he’ll give Chad’s pregnant wife his card. It looked like she could use his expertise.
I don’t say anything because the feel of her hand on me is as sweet as a slice of heaven. Not sure why Klein has such an impact on me. It wasn’t like this when we first met, but over the years, her unique influence on my mood has grown. My family arouses feelings of duty and loyalty, my clients…obligation. But Klein’s touch makes me want to wrap myself around her and bask in that special warmth that makes me feel good to the core.
So I let myself indulge with a bone-deep appreciation that elicits a sigh. This won’t last forever. We need to go back to keeping things proper between us soon, although with an appropriate exit plan, so Klein doesn’t end up getting embarrassed because of me. My heart rebels, but I clamp down on it. I know better than anybody why it’s necessary.
Ultimately, I don’t trust myself. Mom said she loved Dad—and us—but betrayed everyone to get what she wanted. And Harvey apparently said that Mom even killed their younger brother because he was in the way.
What if—someday—I do the same? Hurt everyone I vowed my loyalty to, to achieve my goal and not feel any guilt about it? What if I become blind in the pursuit of my own goals and forsake my loved ones?
Although I’d like to believe I’m not a sociopath, part of me is deathly afraid of turning out to be like her. There have been dark urges and thoughts over the years.
When the Dunkels are out of the picture and Mom’s not around to trigger me… Only then might I be able to relax—possibly. When I’m completely sure of myself, I might be worthy of a good girl like Klein.
So ask her to wait for you.
For how long? There’s no deadline to this. She could wait forever.
We step inside the charming little café. Some upbeat Taylor Swift fills the quaint space. The pleasantly cool air smells like sugar, butter and flour. Perfect. Just the thing Klein needs. She’s gotta be suffering from low blood sugar by now. The strawberry cupcake was hours ago, and I know she didn’t touch anything at Peking Town.
She lets go of me as she peers at the glass display. I eye her hand wistfully, wishing it was still on me—but the moment is broken and isn’t coming back.
Turning my attention to the cheery cashier, I order a couple of chocolate-glazed doughnuts and a cappuccino. Klein gets a decaf latte. Her phone buzzes again. While she’s busy checking it, I pay for everything, since that’s the least I can do. After the cashier places everything on a tray, we move into a relatively empty seating area. Most people are having dinner, not munching on over-sugared fried dough.
“Here.” I push the plate of doughnuts toward her.
“How about you, boss?”
Her calling me boss is like a needle prickling the pad of my thumb—irritating and stinging. It’s a constant reminder of where she’s placed me in her world. At the same time, I should be grateful she doesn’t want to cross any lines. It keeps her safe. “Ate at the restaurant. I got these for you. Chocolate’syour favorite.” Just like the strawberry cupcake. The latter’s my favorite too, but Bobbi’s Sweet Things only had one left earlier today, so I had the raspberry cupcake, my backup choice.
Klein gives me a wan smile. “Thank you. You’re always so thoughtful.”
The smile soon disappears as she bites into the doughnut. Is it not very good?
“I don’t even know where to begin…” She sighs. “I’m sorry you had to get involved. And your brothers for having to see the scene. You must be thinking I’m an idiot to fall for a guy like that.” Her entire body collapses like a broken accordion.
