I push from the desk. My rogue member obeys himself behind my zipper. “I haven’t forgotten you buried your parents. I don’t want you at home, ignoring each other, in your rooms, as you’ve done your whole life. You need structure. And I can ensure you both stay on track to graduate.”
“You want to control us through our parents’ money they left to us?” It comes out as a question from Kenzie, but I understand it’s an accusation.
“To the contrary of what you both think, I want to help you. You’ve been through a traumatic event. All of this will torture me. Checking in on you daily is one way I can guarantee you’re safe.”
I’m not doing this all out of the bottom of my heart. This is for Robert. There’s no doubt in that, but truth be told, even though it’s the worst type of torture I can endure, I want them with me. I’m a caretaker first and foremost. Those closest to me have my ever-ending loyalty. It breaks my hardened heart—and let’s face it, my heart is as dark as it can get. But, with these two, they can’t grieve on their own. In the darkness that lives in me, I may get off having this domination over them, though it’s necessary.
“You’re a fucker who wants their way and gets off controlling people.”
Well, fuck, he certainly knows me. River’s accusations are not subtle.
“Ah, but you know there are times in my life when I don’t get my way.” Only because I have more respect for my best friend than I do my own selfish desires.
My eyes are locked on River and no one else when hands slam on my desk, yet again.
“What the fuck is going on with you two? You can’t drop these angsty hints and not expect me to wonder.” Kenzie’s body is placed to the side where she can see both of us.
River’s face turns to Kenzie where she’s demanding answers. My own cock twitches when River’s scowl, aimed my way, turns into a crooked smirk.
“Leave it for the men, why don’t you?” he snaps at her, still the cocky grin on his face.
“Ah, that’s where we differ, River. There’s only one man in the room, and you’re looking at him.” This is too good, and I can’t resist. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, boy.”
“Go get fucked, Isaiah.”
He’s out of the room. This boy keeps on making it too fucking easy for me.
“Riv, that’s all you got, buddy? I thought I’d get a little more angst from your loudmouth.” His heavy footsteps stop outside of my room, and I’m waiting for him to say something. I know he’s listening. “Face it, kid, you’re beat. You know it, and I know it. Even Kenzie knows it. So, you have until June living at my house, then you’re off to California. So if I were you, I’d be the good little boy I know you are and do what you’re told.”
Kenzie continues to stare at me, and my attention is now on her. “The same can be said for you. Be a good girl. You don’t want to fight me on this.”
“You’re a prick and a monster.”
I let out a laugh at Kenzie’s words. Understanding both kids will be safe under my roof, and if they think I’m a prick and a monster, then I’m okay with this.
“I hope you choke on your dinner tonight.”
She’s at the door, and I notice the short black skirt that sits right under her ass. How did I just now realize it was so short? She can’t tease anyone in that way. I make a mental note about appropriate clothing, and I push back. Robert may disagree with my methods, but the man knew me. He begged me to take care of his kids, and it’s precisely what I plan to do.
I pull out the album I keep in a locked drawer in my desk. It’s Robert, Tanya, and myself. Her eyes are locked on Robert’s, as mine is on Tanya. Lucky bastard. He got the girl. Not just one real love, but two, after he married Shannon, who he loved as much as Tanya.
Today has me teetering from compassion, to hate along with the countless number of emotions in between. I can’t pinpoint what I want. No, that’s not entirely true. I want what I can’t have. It’s what I’ve denied myself for so long, since pushing the kids out of my life. Now, they will be immersed in my day-to-day activities, and I’m not sure what I’ll do.
I’m positive about one thing. My life will never be the same.
My gaze stays on the picture for a long time until the tears spill from my eyes, at the two lives cut too fucking short.
Chapter 4
River
I haven’t left my room since returning from the funeral. I don’t plan to. The realtor can show the house around me while lying in bed. I’ll make the place as unlivable as it can be, and they’ll have to move me in my bed.
When there’s a knock on my door, I ignore it. I haven’t heard from Kenzie. We never talked when Mom and Dad were still alive, so why would we start now?
The knocks continue, and it could be Kenzie with how annoying she is. Life is anything but typical, and her level of annoyance has just gone up in my book.
“Go away.”
The knob turns, and a stranger slams the door open. A thirty-something with an overly made-up face, way too fake for me, walks past the threshold of my door.
“Oh, good, you’re awake. Mr. Woods has the movers here to pack up your and your sister’s rooms. He told me to ask, and these are his words verbatim. ‘Do you want your shit packed up and sent to his house, or do we need to move it to storage until you can come up with arrangements on your own? And remember, your allowance will not be enough to cover rent and such.’”
I take in her tight dress, about a size too small for her. It’s bright pink along with what has to be four-inch heels matching her outfit. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think this was real estate Barbie in front of me.
“Who the hell are you?” I know she’s his agent, ready to sell the house, but I can have some fun stalling the bitch.
Her eyebrow shoots up. “Okay, so you’re an asshole as Isaiah pointed out. Just let the movers know where your shit is going. At least your sister was a little more approachable.”
Real estate Barbie has a bite on her, which makes me both a little turned on and amused I’ve already gotten under her skin.
“And what’s my sister doing?” Shit, grief has hit me, calling Kenzie sister.
She laughs at me, legit laughs, and although she’s hot, I hate the bitch.
“Your sister Kenzie realizes she has no choice, told the movers to deliver her shit, as it’s been called, to Mr. Woods’ mansion. He has a wing just for you two.”
I place my AirPods back in my ears, attempting to drown her out. She’s about to leave, but I’d assumed my aloofness ticked her off. She smiles at me, extending her index finger silently, telling me she’ll be back. I let out a slight chuckle. I can’t hear her, after all, with 24kGoldn and iann dior’s “Mood” playing and I have the shit as loud as I can get.
Realtor Barbie returns with a notepad and a large Sharpie. She writes something, but I look away. I think she’s left because it’s a while before I see her again. She breaks the distance to my bed and places the fucker in my face.
I’ve dealt with little shits like you. I can work around you while the packers handle your shit. Hell, I’ll have them pack your ass up. Make a decision. You have an hour.