Page 76 of King of Ruin
I frown, forgetting about Alex, as I look back. “I think eating and being with Thomasina is the kitten’s best chance.”
Roman gets in the car and pulls out of the lot. “We’ll keep an eye on them both tonight.”
I nod, drawing in a deep cleansing breath.
Today has been an odd day. Getting back out in the world is everything I’ve feared and hoped it would be. I’ve been avoiding the Mikes, but when you face them, you get the moments like the one I had with Dr. Stevens. The great only comes with the bad.
I scratch at my chin, wondering about some of the choices I’ve made and the ones that are in front of me.
What if I did sell my house? Would I have enough money to finish school? Get a job? Buy a small place to live?
What would my gran really want for me? We never got a chance to discuss it. By the time I realized what was happening, she was too lost to help me find my way.
But maybe I don’t need to ask.
Maybe, I already know. She’d want me to make this decision with my head and not my heart.
And if I’m being totally honest, the Kincaids’ original offer was beyond generous.
I draw in a shaky breath, my thoughts swirling so rapidly, I almost feel like I can’t breathe.
“Maddie?”
“I’m fine. I just…”
“Is this about Alex?”
“Alex? No. Why?”
“Nothing. What’s wrong?”
I pack that one away. “I know that Mason already started the process of leasing my yard, but suddenly I’m wondering…” I stop, realizing I’m jumping way ahead of myself. I should order my thoughts first. Is Roman even the person to ask about this?
He takes one hand off the steering wheel and places it in mine. “What are you wondering, my little bird?”
His little bird. I suppose I have been a wounded little creature. But I want to be something else. “Actually, can we discuss it a bit later? I might need to think some more.”
“Of course.”
I squeeze his fingers, letting out a long breath.
I feel like I’m finding myself again. Or maybe for the first time.
I lean over, brushing my cheek over Roman’s shoulder. Whatever happens with Roman, however long he’s in my life, I’ll always have him to thank for that.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Roman
Coming back to the apartment,I force myself to retreat to my office. First I call Alex. And if I had any doubt, the man is clear. Lucia is completely on the level. A woman of intense passion and strength, she’d never hurt Maddie for the Vendettis.
It makes me feel both better and worse. I’m glad she’s a good friend to Maddie. But I used imagined wrongdoings to make some pretty shitty choices.
Shaking off my thoughts, I do some solid work, something I’ve barely thought about over the last several days, and I’m amazed to find I haven’t missed at all.
Even now, I’d much rather be at Thomasina’s side with Maddie, staring at the beautiful little kittens.
Jack’s words hit me again. Caring for the cat…that makes me feel like I’m doing something good. Not like building a tunnel to connect casinos, which feels nearly pointless.