Page 27 of Impossible Bachelor (Bachelor Tower 2)
“Is this because you’re afraid? You’re not alone. I can protect you. I have friends—resources.”
“I know. I don’t want you involved in this.
“That’s not why you kept this to yourself.”
“No?”
“You didn’t tell me because you knew I’d be worried. I’d tell you all this energy you’re putting into a vendetta or whatever this is, won’t work. It’s dangerous and distracting. You’re isolating yourself and maybe putting yourself in harm’s way. For what?”
My head drops slightly and my long hair falls like a curtain around my face. “It started because I was worried about Penny.”
He gives me a long steady look.
“And I was angry. I wanted to prove to them they are not untouchable,” I admit.
He walks closer to another section of the wall and takes a better look. “What about all these other people? There are multiple men here I know didn’t do anything. They don’t care that you live here and they won’t hurt Penny or anyone else for that matter. You have all sorts of dirt on them.”
“I’m proactive. You never know when you’ll need something to protect yourself with.”
“So what do you have on me? Dalton? Am I one screw-up away from getting on the wall?”
“It’s not like that.”
“How do you even get all this information?”
I’m honest because I want him—no I need him—to see this side of me now. “There’s someone in the building who provides information when I need it.”
“So you do trust someone, just not me.”
“I don’t trust him.” It’s an insult to even imply that the mole I have working in this building deserves any trust. “I pay him enough that I’m reasonably sure he’ll keep his mouth shut.”
“And what happens to him when this all blows up? Is he just collateral damage?”
“It won’t blow up.” Looking at all of this through his eyes shakes me to the core.
I step closer to him and for the first time he doesn’t reach for me. He searches my face, and although I’m not a crier, my eyes fill with tears. I know goodbye when I see it.
I almost say I’m sorry, but what would I apologize for? For feeling I have to defend myself? For being me?
He turns back to look at the wall. “This is wrong, Kylie. It’s not healthy.”
I shrug. I would say something if I knew what could possibly make either one of us feel better.
“I need to think about this.”
I reach out for his arm. He pulls back before I touch him. “I wish you hadn’t come in here.” That at least is the truth.
“Me, too. You need help, Kylie.”
“Fuck you.”
“I’m not saying it to be mean. I think talking to someone might actually be what you need.” He looks at me so sadly I’d hug him if I weren’t also the person who had put that look in his eyes.
“Get out.” There’s a finality to my words, and I can see it in his face. It’s done. It’s over. He has seen the real me and, like any sane person, has decided loving me is . . . impossible.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Ben
I go to Kylie’s gym mid-morning because I know that’s the time I’m least likely to run into her. This is her space, and I’m invading it. But something is gnawing at me. There are answers just out of my reach, and I’m compelled to try to get at them. Maybe that’s Kylie’s effect on me. One of many.
“Hey, I remember you.” Jonny is standing in the boxing ring waiting for me to join him. I paid for the hour and requested to spar with him. “That software update you did was amazing. My system has been running so smooth.”
“Good.”
“You’re here without Kylie?” He looks instantly guarded as he bumps his two gloved hands together and waves for me to come in the ring.
“I wanted a chance to talk to you about Kylie.” He points over to my gear, and a guy in the corner of the ring gets me squared away. Jonny and I stand toe to toe a moment later.
“I don’t share my clients’ deep dark secrets.” Jonny squares himself to me and gets into a solid boxing stance.
“So you’re saying she has secrets?”
“Nice try.” He gestures for me to raise my hands and I do. I don’t intend to take a beating here. I can give it as good as I can take it. But Jonny is a pro. I’m taking a big risk, but I need to know more.
“I care about her, but I don’t understand her.”
“That’s women for you.” He takes a pretty light swipe at my head, and I block it. We’re just warming up, and I dodge a few more pumps of his arm as I agree.
“I’m not talking about that and you know it. She’s very—angry.”
“Right. She’s angry. You looking for a medal for figuring that out?”
“I’m here because I care about her. I don’t understand that kind of anger.” I throw a couple light jabs, and I’m pretty sure this dude is leaning in so my hits connect even harder than I intend.
“Then you’ve never been hit hard enough.” His next punch sends me to my knees. I catch my breath and rise back to my feet.
“Point made.”
“Kylie came to me after a really tough time. She was in a dark place, and she thought she could channel some of what she was feeling.”
“Did she?”
“She demolished most people who were willing to get in the ring with her. Ev
en students I’d been training for years.” Jonny connects a hit to my ribs and I realize I’ve left that too open. We’re bouncing around the ring now, footwork becoming more important as he amps up his attack. “Hey, you’ve got some skill kid. Give me a couple of right hooks.” I comply because what the hell else do you do in a moment like this. My punches connect and Jonny looks impressed. I’ve earned another question.
“This dark period she was in . . . was it Michael?”
“She’s told you a lot pretty quick. You’re also the first guy she’s ever brought here. I guessed you’d be the one to fight with her.”
“You wanted her to have someone to fight?”
“Not fight against, and not literally here in the ring. Kylie needs someone standing next to her throwing punches too. She might never find complete peace, but at least if she has a partner she can trust to block for her now and then she can relax.”
We get into some real sparring, and the conversation stalls. We’re too busy nearly knocking each other’s heads off. “Damn kid, I respect that you’re still here. I’m giving it to you, and you’re still standing.” I’ve worked up a sweat, but there’s definitely something to this. My blood is pumping and my head feels clear for the first time since seeing that wall in Kylie’s apartment. I can see why she does this.
“You’re going easy on me.” I bob and weave as I catch one shot to the ribs but counter to his open left side.
“Maybe,” he smiles and sends me crashing onto my ass. I push up onto my feet and raise my hands. “But you’re tough. I like that. I bet that’s what Kylie likes too. Now maybe channel that shit into finding a way to fight with Kylie instead of against her.”
“She’s still in a dark place, Jonny. Darker than you know.”
“You’re a smart guy. Fucking help her out of it. That is, if you really do care about her.”
Someone rings the bell and we break apart. Jonny slaps his gloved hand to my shoulder. “Good luck, kid.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
I’ve spent a lifetime around good women. Strong-willed, capable women are everywhere in my life. I thought Kylie was strong, but what she revealed implies she is actually in need. I meant it when I said she needs to talk to a professional. I don’t think she’s crazy, but I do think she’s headed down a dangerous path.
