“Cam, can’t you see what’s going on? This was Dez. He’s behind this. I know he is. I can feel it in my gut.”
“If that’s the case, we’ll take off. Right after the tournament and the draft, we can go. I just want to make sure my brother gets on a team and is set. Then we can go.”
“I don’t think I have that kind of time, Cam. That’s another two months. If he’s done this to my dad, what do you think he would do to us?”
“So what are you saying, Mina?”
“I’m saying for your safety, I think we should stop seeing each other. We always knew it would come to this and we would have to end things. I care about you, Cam. I can’t allow you to get hurt because of my mess.”
I shake my head. This can’t be happening. I’m not ready for things to end. I’m willing to face what comes.
“We don’t have to end things?—”
“Cam, you’re an identical twin. Think about your brother. What if something happened to him because they were looking for you?
“I couldn’t live with that or if something were to happen to you. We have to end things. I’m going to have to go home at some point.”
Her words hit their mark. Cal wouldn’t even know to watch his back. He knows nothing about Mina or what I’ve gotten myself into. Thinking about how he would likely miss the social cues to know he’s in danger sends panic through me.
My heart is breaking because I know she’s right. She’s slipping right through my fingers. I love her so much and would do anything for her, but Caleb can’t be a casualty of my shit.
“Mina, you just learned your father was murdered. Let’s not rush things. He allowed you four years. Maybe he’ll be fine with another semester for you to finish.
“Promise me you’ll just take some time to think about this and don’t run back to him just yet,” I plead.
“I’ll have to speak to the lawyer and find out what he wanted. I’ll probably have to return for the arrangements and all that. I don’t know about after that.
“What I do know is that this wasn’t smart to start up with each other. To keep you safe, I really think we should cool things off. I’ll text you to keep you updated,” she whispers.
“Baby, I?—”
“Please, Cam. Don’t make this harder than it already is. The man is going to be promoted to a mob boss after we’re married. I won’t allow you to be hurt.”
I clamp my lips shut. It’s not fair to her to tell her I love her now. Not while she’s grieving her father. Maybe after a few days she’ll see how wrong this is.
We belong together. I’m not afraid to fight for her. There has to be a way to protect my brother and her at the same time.
I press my lips to hers in a kiss that feels too much like goodbye. Rage fills me. I need to get out of here.
CHAPTER 35
Ruined
Kayleen
A month later …
I pace my room as my hands sweat and moisture dews on my upper lip. I haven’t spoken to JR since I called him that night. I blocked his number.
Two weeks later,I learned that I was pregnant. The problem is, I don’t know if it’s JR’s or Cam’s. I’m now two months pregnant and I’m not with either of the potential fathers.
I haven’t told my mom because she would kill me. I quickly swipe at my tears. Mrs. Jemma is here having lunch with my mama, but I’m avoiding them both.
“Kayleen Douglas, you stop being rude and get your tail on down here right now,” my mama calls through the house.
I blow out a breath and wipe at the tears that are still falling. I have no idea what I’m going to do. If this is JR’s baby, I can’tpass it off on Cam. If this baby belongs to JR, Cam will never speak to me again.
“You really fucked up this time,” I murmur before I go to leave out of my room.