Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 144571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 723(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 482(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 723(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 482(@300wpm)
Kenzie sighed and sat back. “I just think if she knows what he went through she might be easier on him.”
Kala took the folder anyway, locking it up. Her knee ached but she still kept the boots on. No one wanted a flat-footed Dominatrix. She closed the locker and when she turned, Devi was there.
“I truly am sorry. You’re right and my bitch came out and you were an easy target,” she admitted. “Forgive me.”
There was nothing to forgive. She was a big girl. She could take it. “It’s fine. Stay safe and tell me if you see anything weird. I mean anything.”
“I work in fashion design. Everything is weird.”
She wasn’t wrong. “You know what I mean. And maybe come in for some refreshers in self-defense. We’re all benched for the time being, so we can help out.” There was actually one thing she felt bad about. “I’m sorry I said you were like me. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. You say what needs to be said. That’s all I meant.”
She didn’t want Devi to start thinking she was bad deep down, that she had a dark soul or that she wasn’t lovable.
Devi stared at her for a moment, and there were tears in her eyes. “I can’t think of anything I would rather be than like my cousin Kala. No one ever tells Big Tag he’s too much.”
“I assure you my mother does. A lot.”
“It’s all a joke when she says it. No one thinks your father needs to change anything about his big, loving, brave, over-the-top personality, but they tell you all the time. I see you, Kala. You think I don’t, but I do. All of our lives, you were the protector. If you had a set of balls, no one would question it, but because you’re a woman, they say you’re too much. Too intense. Too bombastic. Too scary at times. You are exactly who we need you to be. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She reached out, putting her hand in Kala’s. “I need you to know that even while I’m hurting because I thought I was in love with Zach, I see you, too. And I’m sorry I made you feel like less than you should. You should know how much we all love you and appreciate what you do for us.”
She wasn’t sure she believed it, but she was grateful she wouldn’t have to fight with Devi. “Be careful, and let me know if he tries to contact you. You won’t believe me, but I think he was into you, too, and he’s a big old dumbass, so it could happen. Don’t keep it to yourself. You don’t have to tell the parents, but you do have to let me know.”
“See.” Devi squeezed her hand. “Protector.”
She walked off, joining the others.
“You are, you know. You even protect me from myself because I totally would have given Devi that file.” Kenzie leaned against the row of lockers.
“Because you are also a dumbass.” Kala checked her lock. Not that it would matter if Kenz decided to go for it. Her sister was an excellent thief.
“Did your heart really stop?”
This was what she’d been wanting to avoid. “Yes, and you didn’t feel it so we’re not weirdly connected like you’ve always worried. It’s good news because you don’t die if I do.”
Kenzie groaned. “You are…”
And here they were. “Too much.”
Kenzie sighed, her eyes softening. “I shouldn’t say that. I don’t mean it. You are stubborn, though. I’m glad Ben saved you, but you should know according to Dad, Cooper completely blew our cover that day.”
“How?” She’d heard nothing of this. Shouldn’t someone have told her Ben Parker knew who she was? “He knows we’re twins? Why the hell would Coop tell him?”
“No, he didn’t tell Ben anything. He had a very large reaction to Ben carrying you out of a burning house unconscious. He thought you were dead. Ben is back to the firm belief that Kara and Cooper are a thing.”
She could deal. “Next time I see Ben Parker, I’ll kick Cooper in the nuts and tell him we broke up. No harm, no foul. Well, except to Coop’s nut sack. I should probably warn him. He could wear a cup or something.”
“You are missing the point,” Kenzie replied.
“If the point is Cooper’s balls, I assure you I won’t miss.”
“The point is Cooper went all emotional in the middle of an op.”
Kala was certain her sister was embellishing. “He felt bad. Coop is a control freak. He thinks everything is his fault. He’s fine now.”
“He’s not.” Kenzie’s head shook. “Watch him. He’s not okay, and I think he’s ready to make a move, so you need to figure out what you want. You’ve put him off for years. This might be your last shot with him.”