Page 226 of Lessons in Cruelty

Just like Haven. Just like me, once upon a time. Before I learned to be the one causing the flinching.

I grasp the back of his neck, his muscles tensing when I squeeze. “Lead the way.”

He shivers just slightly, but I feel it.

The same way Haven shivers when I touch her. Maybe they’re more alike than I thought. Maybe that’s why they’re drawn to each other, just like she’s drawn to me.

“It’s fine. I got this.” He walks, sending stolen glances my way.

I keep hold of his neck, enjoying the way he resists without physically fighting me off. Another trait I assume he’s taught himself over the years.

“Nonsense. I wanted to thank you for taking my class the other day. Although I received a few complaints about your…approach.”

Kai’s muscles relax a little, and I reluctantly release him.

“Yeah, guess I got a little carried away.” He laughs, clapping his hands. “Fuck, you should have seen the panic when I opened those envelopes. You missed out big time.”

“Don’t worry. I have more than enough to keep me entertained.”

“Oh, right.” His brows tense into a small frown, gone a second later. “That’s a lot of shit for you to grade.”

“For us.” I clap him on the back. “Think I’m combing through all those videos myself?”

He’s quiet for a moment, green eyes unfocused before sharpening on me as we round the corner. The country club’s entrance is up ahead, doors closed now that all the guests have arrived.

“Should I even be looking at that stuff, Sir? I mean…it’s kinda private.”

“That’s kinda the whole point.”

Kai stiffens like he thinks I’m mocking him.

Maybe I am.

I suppose I shouldn’t take it out on him. I’ve been in a foul mood this week after Haven threw that tantrum in the parking lot. I’m as reluctant to release that frustration as I was to release Kai.

His rakish charm is a stark contrast to Ezra’s immaculate presentation. Ezra did strike me as the more responsible of the two brothers. Always looking out for little Kai. Keeping him in line.

“A question for you,” I say, tucking my hands behind my back as we come up to the donation boxes. “Is it cruel to force someone to do something against their will, even if it’s in their best interest?”

Like quitting Haven’s job for her. Arranging her housing. Like everything I’ve done to manipulate her into wanting me. Needing me.

Kai looks at the boxes, and then back at me, shrugging off his tux jacket as he glances away to consider my question.

“Does it hurt them?”

“As in causing physical discomfort?” I follow suit, slipping off my tux jacket and laying it over the donation box filled with blankets.

“Yeah. Like, shoving someone off the tracks before the train hits them. It’ll hurt, but a hell of a lot less than the train fucking hitting them.”

I tilt my head. “Sure. There’s some pain involved. But it will save their life.”

Kai lays his on top of mine and rolls up his sleeves, moving on automatic as his eyes stare off at nothing. “No. That’s not cruel.”

I suppress a smile as we walk over to the box filled with pet food and toys. “Up to what point is that a fair trade-off?”

He laughs, grabbing the handle on the other side of the box, but cuts off when he sees my expression. “Anything short of torture.”

“Torture is…subjective.”