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What I had was a war to win. A family to protect. And a promise to keep.
Kenzie couldn’t know that the true reason I needed her to chase my would-be killer down while I played dead was because—
“I can’t do it myself.” The knife burned a hole in my carpet. “I can’t defend myself. I can’t win a pretend fight against my sister.”
I can’t protect my crew, business, or family on my own, and if I get that surgery, I’ll be no use to Kenzie. I told her I’d protect her—be there whenever and wherever she needed me.
“I won’t let her down.”
Dragging myself up, I downed the pills, put away two fingers of scotch, and accepted a plate of Shonda’s famous chicken and gnocchi with a smile. Setting the food on the nightstand, I picked up the knife, lining it up to the target at one and a half yards.
I’d do this all night if I had to. I wouldn’t stop until my promise was kept.
MACKENZIE
Bane led me deeper and deeper into the woods.
I had a tight hold on his left hand and the other held the flashlight, warning the critters of Elmshire that we were coming. Bane certainly seemed sure of himself and where he was going. He hadn’t stopped talking since we set off. All the same, a thought occurred to me.
“Why did I agree to tramp through the woods with a perfect stranger? For all I know, you’re leading me to the open grave where you dump your victims.”
“I haven’t descended that deep into the madman in the woods stereotype.”
“You did tell me you were taking me to see the stars.” I glanced up at the light-polluted sky. “There’s no chance of that this close to the city.”
“Guess you’re going to have to trust me. Careful up ahead,” he said. “There are low branches.”
I studied him in the scant light. Bane said it nicely, but I heard the slight reproach earlier, reminding me I didn’t know what was better for his life than he did. He had a point.
What he did was illegal, dangerous, and prone to making enemies. Any semi-sensible criminal would realize they chased death or incarceration, and that kind of thing messed a kid up—ask me how I know. Bane was trying to be responsible. Not bringing children into this world who might grow up without him. Not leaving a wife alone to raise those children while dodging nosy-neighbor questions about the supposed legitimate businessman she married.
Anyone else would applaud him for the sacrifice, rather than spill her life’s greatest tragedy and reveal more about herself than she ever intended.
“I hope it didn’t come across like I was judging you,” I blurted. “I understand why you made the choices you did. I really do.”
Bane peered at me over his shoulder. “You weren’t judging me, you were sad for me. You care about my happiness and we just met. It was sweet, Kenzie. You’re sweet.” He sighed. “Which is unfortunate.”
“Why?” I drew out. “Because now you have to dump me in the grave?”
He laughed. “Because dammit, I’m starting to like you. I planned to introduce you to Sunny’s gang and return to my cabin. Now you’ve got me worried you won’t make it through to find the guy who deserves you, make it right with your mom, or build a new life with your sister. Now you’ve got me invested.” Bane tossed me a wry look. “This is why I don’t have visitors.”
My lips tugged up. The thought that knowing me for a few hours scuffed that vow he built around his heart, pleased me more than it should.
“Does this mean you’ll move into the Fairfield with us until this is over? There are twenty-seven floors. I bet there’s room for you.”
“It means I’ll stay close by to make sure you, Sienna, Tricky, and my family are safe.”
I swatted his backside. I was getting comfortable—fast. “That’s what I said. Don’t be such a guy, spinning my words like you thought of it on your own. Say ‘yes, Kenzie.’ ‘You’re right, Kenzie.’ ‘We’re in this together, Kenzie.’”
“If I do, will you smack my ass again?”
“How about a kick up the ass?”
“I might be into that. I don’t know.” He sighed mournfully. “It’s been so long.”
“How long are we talking?”
“Oh? I thought sex talk made you blush.”
“We’re talking about not having sex. There’s nothing scandalous about a dry spell.”
“True.” Bane suddenly snapped me to his side. I circled his shoulders as he lifted me around the waist, helping me over a fallen log. “Five weeks, four days, and eighteen hours for me. What do you got?”
“You won’t handle it when I tell you.” What was happening? There was some kind of magic in Bane’s free-flowing stream of chatter. All his talk made me comfortable doing the same.
“Now you have to,” he replied.
