Page 18 of His Dark Hunger

“Shame.”

Kendal was giving him nothing to work with.

“So what do we do, Graham? Do you just expect to live here paying a rent tariff from five years ago?”

“No, I…” He flung his hands into the air. “I don’t know what to say!”

“Think,Graham!” Christ, the guy was pathetic. No wonder his son was so uncultured. The kid never stood a chance. “What can you give me before my patience runs out entirely?” Kyle’s focus flitted around the dingy hall. “You must have something of value in your life!”

“I only have my family.” Kendal sounded despairing, and as Kyle looked closer, he noticed how much hair his tenant had lost since their last meeting. Apparently, family life wasn’t as golden as Kendal was pretending it to be. “My wife and my kids. Nothing else!”

“Your wife, eh?” Kyle’s attention returned to the picture of their wedding day. The young brunette smiling at the photographer that day had seemed tempting enough. Perhaps she could be part of the deal? “And where’s she?”

“At work.” Kendal’s shoulders slumped as though that concept alone was a crime.

“She always seems to be at work.” Since it was only the second time he’d visited, that accusation was hardly fair, but Kyle noticed the way Kendal bristled at it.

“We both work!” He spat. “Some of us have to.”

“And do you have a more up-to-date photo of your lady?” A quick perusal of the area revealed none.

“What?” Kendal frowned. “Why?”

Kyle laughed. “I think you know why, Graham. You owe me a lot of money, and you have to pay it somehow. If you don’t have the financial collateral, then maybe you can offer her as a surety.”

“Offer you my wife?” Kendal’s cheeks flushed. “Are you fucking mad?”

“Careful there, old chap.” Kyle closed the distance between them and glanced into the lounge in search of a recent photo of Mrs. Kendal. There, on the small, aged nest of tables by the sofa, was what he assumed was one. An older version of the dark-haired woman smiled back at him, bookended by two younger guys—one of whom Kyle had just had the pleasure of meeting. “You’re going a little red in the face.”

Kendal’s wife was older than his usual type, but as his gaze flitted back to the photo, he decided she was attractive, and with a little time and attention, she could probably bloom. He’d wager Graham had little of either for her.

“How dare you!” At least five inches shorter than Kyle, Kendal was struggling to seem intimidating, but he prodded a finger into his chest, regardless. “You can’t have my wife, and you can’t just come in here unannounced! You need an appointment.”

“Think about it, Graham.” Technically, the irritating little fool was right. He should legally make an appointment to speak to his tenants, but then Kendal should have been paying his rent. “You give me a few hours with your wife every month, and… if she’s any good, I’ll consider erasing all that back pay you owe me.”

“Get. Out!” Kendal seemed short of breath as he pointed to the front door. “I don’t want to see you again unless there’s an agreed appointment time.”

“You’re making a mistake, Graham.” Kyle’s tone was melodic, like a twisted nursery rhyme. “Pay up, or you and your wonderful family will be out of here.”

He suppressed his snigger at the outrage simmering in Kendal’s eyes. In all his years, Kyle had never known the kind of powerlessness facing Kendal, and he didn’t envy the fool.

“I said, get out!” Kendal was close to tears as, one palm raised, Kyle retreated to the door.

“It’s your call. I’ll give you one week.” He watched the vein on Kendal’s head throb at the information. “If I don’t hear from you with your wife’s contact details, I’ll start eviction proceedings.”

Chapter Seven

The New Normal

Amy

The wind blew colder around Brock Hall, the leaves still clinging to the trees finally yielding to the hostile breeze. The copper-colored leaves reminded Amy of herself. She’d been grasping at the alleged sanctuary of her independence and juggling loans and debts for too long. Ultimately, it had been easy for a will as strong as Kyle’s to pick her up and blow her away. In the end, she’d wanted to be blown away.

Standing at the bottom of the beautiful staircase, she pulled in a breath. Shehadwanted him—in more than one way. Kyle had done more for her in the last few days than anyone else she could remember. He’d given her somewhere to live, bailed her son from custody, and given him a home, too. It was a lot for her to absorb.

Jonah’s inclusion accounted for the increasingly strained atmosphere brewing in the house as she attempted to keep both men happy.

It was definitely easier said than done.

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