Chapter 14 Fourteen

• KAI
• I don’t want to leave Crystal. Every bone in me screams to stay—hold her, protect her, keep her safe in my arms where no one can touch her. But I force myself to go. If my plans are to succeed, I need to play the dutiful son and grandson for just a little longer.
• When I arrive home, my father and grandfather practically collapse in relief. My absence last night had sent them into a frenzy of calls, lectures, and threats. Seeing me now, they look as if I’ve saved their honor by simply walking through the door.