Page 25 of Lord of Debauchery

The other enemy was an Irish clan that held Rhode Island. Also small, they were usually not stupid enough to try to challenge us overtly even though they were doing their best to shift into more legitimate activities that rivaled ours. I was honestly stymied and that wasn’t a good position to be in.

No, my gut told me something much bigger was going on.

I hadn’t realized Kenya had turned her head toward me for a few seconds until I sensed a new crackle of electricity. Laughing, I threw her a look. “This really is beautiful. I can see why you gave up a six-figure income for this.”

“I didn’t second guess it. When I was told the place was for sale, I jumped on it. Even if the girl who’d located it had ulterior motives for getting me out of town.”

“Ouch. Let me guess. A best friend canoodling with your boyfriend?”

She glared at me. “You really just used a word like canoodling?”

“Hey, you said I was old,” I murmured, half laughing. “One of my mother’s expressions. As if her three boys had no clue what she was talking about. So, am I right?”

Her sigh was full of anger. “Unfortunately, you are.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why? Maybe they both saved me additional heartache. I was hiding from the real me being in New York anyway. I love this place.”

“Had you ever been here before?”

Kenya turned her head back toward the water, taking another sip of coffee. “My mother brought me here when I was very little. I don’t remember a lot except her smile every time she did. It was the only time she seemed happy, laughing and playing with me for hours. It was so rare and so wonderful. They were some of the best memories I had of my entire childhood. Isn’t that sad?”

“What happened to your mom?”

“She died from a long illness. Maybe I also thought purchasing this place would draw me closer to her. I don’t know why I’m telling you that or anything else personal. You can buy any bed and breakfast you want in the world.”

“Yes, I can, but I certainly wouldn’t have the same level of appreciation that you do. Like simple pleasures.”

“They truly are the best and if you can’t appreciate them, you are missing out.”

It was tough not to feel entirely different about life when spending time with her. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed having money but in truth, I would prefer to sit here and read more than anything. So few people just stop and smell the roses.”

“Something else my mother says to this day.”

“Smart lady.”

“Very much like you.”

She threw me another look and we sat quietly for a couple of minutes.

“Anyway, there are muffins in the kitchen baked by a friend of mine. You’re welcome to them. I’m going to get dressed.” She got up, yanking the blanket tightly around her.

After she started to walk away, I stood, turning toward her. “I don’t think I need to stress enough that you are to tell no one we were here. That includes your friend with the muffins. It could potentially place your life in danger.”

She stopped short. “Then if you don’t mind, get out as soon as you can. I’ve been through a lot of shit over the past few years and in my mind, this is the one time in my life I get to be someone I want to be for a change.”

Her words had a profound effect on me. As firstborn son, I’d been groomed to be a carbon copy of the man who’d ruled with an iron fist. It was all I’d ever known, honestly all I’d ever wanted to be. However, it wasn’t the same for everyone. Having choices was what made growing up special, at least in a normal family.

“We’ll be gone soon.”

She nodded and said nothing else, taking careful strides toward the deck. I turned to face the water once again, wishing I’d been allowed choices as well. It was the first time in years I’d gone down that worthless path. A strange sense of anger flowed through me. Maybe the effect the woman had on me was more profound than I’d originally believed. I took a gulp of my coffee, inhaling the robust aroma.

Maybe what this boy needed was a vacation. I spent a few more minutes basking in the beauty. Why the hell not? I doubted I’d have the opportunity once I returned home. There was far too much to do.

I sighed as I headed toward the house. Leaving was the best thing to do and not just to keep her alive. If I wasn’t careful, I’d fall into the trap of thinking I could be someone else. Someone she could fall in love with. A good man.

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