35. Kenny
Kenny
“K enny.”
When I twist, Max has paused. He folds his arms. “This isn’t a good idea. Theo will be furious.”
“With me?”
“No.” His jaw tightens. “With me. And I’ll deserve it.”
Doubt curls around my chest. “But you said Charles has gone. Disappeared.”
He nods. “Looks like he’s left town. But Theo’s mom – there’s a lot going on with May. And he wouldn’t want you exposed to that.”
“Well, this isn’t about me. It’s about him.”
Max swears behind me, his feet eating up the space as I turn and march up the driveway. “Damn it, Kenny.”
“You want a submissive omega, you can go find one,” I shoot back.
He almost snarls. “I only want you . Stubborn, hard-headed female. Don’t think I know why you asked me to go for a walk.”
I bite my cheek. He might be right. None of the others would have. But I only feel a little guilty. This is important.
I bang against the door harder than I might have otherwise. My bravery fades as I stare up at the fancy doorway.
Brett’s doorway. Or it was, once.
But now it’s his sister who opens it. Her eyes widen, and I brace. “Hey, Nia.”
“Kennedy?” she breathes. Her lips move up, into a smile.
She nearly knocks the wind out of me with the force of her embrace. My throat tightens. “I’m so glad you’re okay. After what happened—,”
“Not your fault.” I clear my throat. “Not even a little bit. I don’t have long, but… is your mom home?”
She blinks. Her eyes tighten a bit. “Yeah, she’s here. You mind waiting out here? She’s being a little funny about scents in the house at the minute. You get it.”
Yeah, I do. “No problem.”
“Kenny,” Max hisses my name as Nia vanishes.
I turn to him, folding my arms. “Wait for me on the path? Please?”
He sighs. “I’ll be right by there. You need me, you call.”
Maybe I feel more than a little guilty. But I swallow it as May Rivers steps into the doorway. Her eyes widen, and I wonder if Nia told her it was me. “Hi, Mrs. Rivers.”
The last time I saw her, she spat at me in the street.
This time, her eyes seem a little clearer. Her face tightens, but she nods. “Hello, Kennedy. Are you… feeling better?”
I shift. “Yes. Thank you.”
“How can I help you?” Her voice is cool. “Is… is Theo with you?”
I shake my head. “No. Sorry. This is… it’s about Theo.”
She gives me her full focus. “Did something happen?”
I swallow down the fear. Straighten. “Yes, actually. He gave up his college fund to pay for my care while I was in the Center. And… I was wondering if you would consider giving him Brett’s.”
A myriad of emotions flashes across her face. She settles on shock. “I beg your pardon?”
“Brett was the reason I was in there.” I hold her gaze. “And Theo was trying to make it right. But he shouldn’t have to lose out on my account. I couldn’t stop him using it, because I didn’t know.”
“And you think I should give him Brett’s money.” Her voice chills to somewhere below freezing. “Because he’s not here to use it.”
I keep my chin high. I have nothing to be ashamed of. “Yes. At least… think about it. Please. For him, not for me. I wouldn’t touch a cent of it.”
She watches me for a moment longer.
And then she slams the door in my face.
Max is at my side before I finish turning. “Theo will lose his shit.”
“Theo doesn’t need to know. Not about this.” Because I know his mother won’t tell him. And I doubt Nia would, either. “I was trying to help, Max.”
He sighs. Presses his lips to my head. “I know. C’mon. Let’s go home.”