Beautifully Broken Control by Catherine Cowles

Author:Catherine Cowles
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The PageSmith LLC

21

Kennedy

My wake-up call came in the form of a pounding head and something that smelled like bacon. I pushed up in bed, my hands going to my temples and attempting to rub some relief in there. I tried to blink away the scratchiness behind my eyelids. No luck.

I sniffed the air. It was definitely bacon I smelled. I swung my legs out of bed and stood. The idea of hiding away in this room forever was tempting, but I’d have to face Cain at some point. It might as well be with bacon.

I padded towards the bathroom and winced at my reflection. My eyes were swollen and bloodshot, my hair was a rat’s nest, and there were creases along the side of my face from my pillow—all of it a reminder from the night before.

I closed my eyes against the image of Preston’s face, twisted in anger, in hurt. My brother. My protector. And now, he was nothing. No, it was worse than nothing. There had been hatred in his gaze. Those green eyes flashed over and over in my mind.

I inhaled deeply, forcing my lids open. I wouldn’t let myself wallow. I refused. I’d come too far. The most comfortable bed I’d ever slept in. Someone who cared enough to not let me go home alone. Chuck. Bacon. There was always something to be grateful for. Always.

I released my hold on the sink and gave the cabinets a quick search, finding that the bathroom was, of course, fully stocked. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and attempted to get a brush through my hair. There was nothing else I could do to prolong seeing Cain.

I tiptoed out of my room and headed down the hall towards the kitchen and the smells of breakfast. Cain looked up from the island at the sound of my footsteps. “Hey.”

I twisted my hands in front of me. “Good morning.”

He patted a stool next to him. “Hop on up here. I bribed one of the busboys from the bakery and cafe to bring us out some breakfast.”

I took in the spread in front of me. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, and donuts. “This looks great.”

“Definitely worth the bribe since I’m overdue for a grocery shop. You sleep okay?” An edge of concern slipped into his tone with his question.

I slid onto the stool. “I did. That bed is super comfortable.”

Cain chuckled. “I’ll be sure to tell my decorator.”

I nibbled on a strip of bacon and waited. I was sure the questions were coming, so I needed to stay braced for them. Cain simply poured me a glass of orange juice and went back to his own eggs. “What time do you have to be at work?”

I jolted at the totally normal question. “I, uh, actually don’t work today. Just volunteer at the shelter tonight.” Jensen had started closing the Kettle on Sundays so she could have time with her family. I loved that she’d found that—balance, peace.

“Do you need to pick up Chuck from her?”

“She

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