Page 4 of Tainted

“Good. I’m going to check on your mother,” Uncle Leonne excused himself, giving Kross and me the room to sort out our differences.

“How did you find me?” Kross asked once the door shut.

“I know you.”

Kross was chill, but fucking with me always brought out the worst in him. I never understood why he got more upset about my shit than he did his own. Watching him drown and not be able to do a damn thing about it painted an accurate picture.

“If you know me, why the fuck did you accept Javier’s offer?”

“Because you’d never ask for my help or admit you need it,” Kross turned, surprised at my analysis, “You feel guilty for even considering it because you know this isn’t what I wanted, but sometimes life ain’t about what we want. We just play the cards we’re dealt, so you’re welcome pussy.”

A mocking smile curled on his lips. “Fuck you, Keyes.”

“Just don’t go overboard with thisbig brothershit now that Pop’s is gone. I don’t need another father,” I explained.

A hesitant laugh escaped because this wasn’t a laughing moment, but he couldn’t help himself. “Debatable.”

“You've always had my back, so I didn’t think twice about having yours.”

We slipped into our signature handshake, which started with a firm grip, and then our fingers intertwined. At that moment, I knew we could conquer anything together, even if I had to change my plans.

* But they are not ready.

* Kross can handle it

* It's both or nothing

Prologue

KENDALL SPRINGFIELD

We were all gathered around the fire pit at Calvin’s parents’ house, laughing and talking like we always did. Autumn Grove was peaceful, and I suppose that’s what made it feel suffocating.

I glanced around at my friends, discussing the upcoming county fair, who would win the pie-eating contest, and the latest gossip from the town square. It was the same conversation we’d been having for years. But tonight, the words felt hollow, like echoes of a life that wasn’t really mine.

Georgia tapped my leg, taking another sip of moonshine. “What about you, Kendall?”

I was so deep in thought aboutZaraand what she’d be doing right now that I didn’t hear her calling me. Or Kendall rather.

“Hmm?”

“You’ve been quiet. Are you excited for the fair?” Georgia repeated.

“Oh, umm sure.”

“Can’t wait! I’ve been craving one of those Farmstead Franks!” Myles groaned.

“When are you not ready to eat!” Calvin joked playfully, rubbing his stomach.

The conversation faded into the background as my thoughts drifted to the life I imagined beyond this town. A place where I didn’t have to hide behind an alias, where I could be Zara again and do all the things she loved. A place where I could check on Banana Girl and see how she was doing.

“Hey,” Calvin said softly, nudging my arm. “Are you okay, babe?”

“Let’s go for a walk,” I suggested, rising to my feet and dusting off my denim shorts.

He looked at me, his eyes softening in the firelight. “Sure, Kendall.”

We walked in silence for a while, the only sounds were our footsteps crunching on the gravel road and the distant croaking of frogs by the creek. Calvin’s hand found mine, and I let him hold it, even though my heart wasn’t in it.

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