Page 85 of Beneficial Misfortune

He had realized, and I have no doubt Alex and Nathan would have as well, given the chance. Addison had been a wonderful distraction, but with her gone, I can feel the weight in my stomach thinking about going back to that school, back in my classroom. The idea of Carter being there when I was in the bathroom, or even someone else, of being watched.

But what are they going to do?

I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to sound pathetic. For them to know Carter cheated on me. It’s stupid, but I’m almost afraid admitting it out loud will somehow clue them in that I’m not worth what they seem to think I am.

“I…” I’m not sure what to say, and I bite into my lip, trying to think and keep hold of my emotions.

It’s not just about me, though. If someone is watching me, I need to tell them. They need to know I might not be the best bet for Addison. I might not be able to keep her safe.

“Someone left something in my classroom today,” I mumble, wringing my hands together nervously.

“Something like what?” Nathan asks, and I can hear the hit of edge to his tone, but I can’t bring myself to look up at him.

“Flowers…” Panic threatens to choke me as I remember the tiny piece of paper nestled in the flowers. How I’d thought they were beautiful before and how those tiny words had ruined them. “And a note.”

My voice doesn’t sound like my own. So quiet and unsure. In the last few months, I’d done a lot of growing, and my confidence, while still shaky at times, is much better than it was when I was with Carter.

So how does just the thought of him have me cowering again?

I don’t realize my breathing is ragged until Desmond is in front of me, trying to calm me down.

It works, kind of.

“Breathe, Kitten, it’s okay. Whatever is going on, we can figure this out. Together.”

He pulls me into his chest, holding me close, and I can’t stop the sob that works its way out of my mouth, knowing he means that. Or at least he thinks he does. I’ve never had anyone so wholly in my corner before, not even my parents, and I’d only known these men for a short time.

Let’s hope he still feels that way after…

Chapter 26

Ididn’t want to be right.

Honestly, everything would have been a lot easier if this had been a random occurrence. But it didn’t feel random; something about it felt off, and things just didn’t add up.

Now they do.

I’d thought nothing of Vince waiting until this weekend, but that was out of the question now. No, someone was harassing Kat at her job, making her feel unsafe. And it wasn’t just some nobody we could handle, but her piece of shit ex-fiancé who’s supposed to be states away.

He, or someone he sent, broke into her apartment and then left flowers at her job with a note that left her shaken. We hadn’t told her, but Vince went back to the school after he dropped her off. It was easy to tell something was wrong. He said she hardly said two words on the way home, so it didn’t take a genius to connect the two.

At first, the flowers seemed like an average arrangement one might buy from any shop. While the words on the card wereunsettling, they were nothing compared to what Vince found wrapped up inside them.

A pair of pink lacy underwear.

It was disgusting and sent Desmond into a fit of rage, and while I understood his anger, it also gave us answers.

The break-in wasn’t a random occurrence; it had been planned in the same way as the flowers.

Which only meant one thing.

It was time for Carter to learn who he was dealing with. He’d had his chance with Kat, and he’d ruined it. She’s ours now, and I’ll have Vince put a bullet between his eyes before I let him try to change that.

After dinner, Alex and Desmond said their goodbyes with the pretense of going away for a few days for business. They had been upset when she told them about Carter earlier, but it was nothing compared to when we told them about the flowers, underwear, and the connection to the break-in at her apartment.

Alex was torn at first. He wanted to stay, but he also wanted to go meet the piece of shit for himself. In the end, he decided to go—a decision I can’t say I mind. I’d already pushed everything off at the office until next week, and with them being gone, that would leave me with some one-on-one time with Kat.

Well, mostly.

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