Page 75 of Be My Compass

“I—”

“Don’t bother.” She bulldozes over him. “Someone explain that picture to me.”

I start to respond.

Kastle waves me off. “Kaelyn doesn’t have to explain anything to you, mom.”

“Excuse me?”

“You don’t control her. She can post what she wants.”

“Kastle Jameson!”

“Is there a problem?”

“I don’t give a damn what black nonsense Kaelyn chooses to put online. This is your face and this is about business.”

“I gave permission, mom.”

“And who are you to do that? You’re not a person, Kastle. You are an asset. Everything that has to do with you must go through me first.”

My nostrils flare.

I want to punch Amelia square in the face so badly my fists ache.

Kastle doesn’t even flinch hearing her vile words.

He’s too used to it.

“The gossip blogs are already buzzing. Put out a statement at once that you two are just friends. I mean it. We’ve got too much at stake for you to be fooling around like this.”

“Don’t worry, Amelia. We’ll clear everything up at the banquet,” I say smugly.

Amelia goes quiet. “What are you up to?”

I meet Kastle’s eyes. Smile.

His answering smile is tight, but it’s there.

“I have to get back to work now. I’ll see you Saturday!” I hang up.

Kastle hands the phone back to me. “Might want to take that off. She’ll call back.”

I put the phone on silent. Rest my chin in my palm. “Why is it so easy for you to tell her off when it involves me?”

He stares thoughtfully out the window. “You’re the most precious part of me. Protecting you is the only thing that keeps me sane.” His hand lifts. Rakes through his hair. “That’s why.” His eyes flash on me. “That’s why I can’t just practice.”

My breath gets caught in my throat. “Kastle.”

“What are you asking for, Kaelyn?” He twists his hips so he’s facing me fully. “You keep giving me these looks that I can’t interpret. I want to follow you there. I want to give you the answers. But I don’t want to play games. I hate feeling like there’s an ulterior motive. There’s something you’re not telling me.”

My eyes slip down.

Kastle’s been manipulated, duped and dragged around for someone else’s pleasure his entire life. I never wanted to be that to him. To do that to him.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble.

He lifts my chin. His fingers are warm. So are his eyes. “You don’t have to apologize.”