15. Chapter Fifteen Abby

Chapter Fifteen: Abby

T aking a fortifying breath, I straightened my back and met Kenny's gaze.

"Nathan," I said simply, letting the weight of his name hang between us. His features hardened further at the mention of his son. I pressed on before he could interject. "I think we should break him out of jail.”

Kenny's reaction wasn't immediate. There was a flicker of surprise but that was soon replaced with skepticism. He didn't trust me–why would he? But he had a vested interest in protecting his firstborn son, surely. He had groomed him to take over after he died.

And he didn’t have anyone left…aside from the baby I was carrying, a baby I couldn’t let Kenny find out about.

The Golden Serpent needed an heir. I was counting on it.

"Abigail," he began, his voice devoid of warmth, "do you understand the magnitude of what you're asking?"

I met Kenny's piercing gaze, letting none of my anxiety show. "Yes, I do. And it's critical we act now."

Kenny's lips twisted into a wry smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. "You think freeing Nathan now is our best move? It's reckless. The cops are watching every move. You're blinded by your feelings for him. Nathan will do his time, then we’ll get him free…it’s the price people like us pay for recklessness."

I clenched my jaw but held his stare. "It's not about being blinded. It's about doing what's necessary. Nathan doesn't belong in jail, and we both know it."

"Ah, sweet girl," he mused with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair as if entertained. "Such a na?ve little waitress you are, thinking love can overturn the chessboard."

"Maybe," I shot back, "but I'm also the one willing to make a move instead of sitting back and doing nothing." My heart raced, but I kept my composure. Nathan needed me to be strong.

Kenny's amusement seemed to grow, yet there was something else there, a flicker of respect—or was it just more calculation?

"Perhaps there are ways I could help Nathan," Kenny said suddenly, leaning forward. His voice was soft but carried a weight that made me uneasy. "I'm not too old to give the Zhou family heirs again. A powerful man, that's what you're drawn to, isn't it?"

I kept my face neutral, fighting the instinct to protect the secret I hadn't yet disclosed to Nathan himself. The thought of Kenny or any other man laying claim to what was growing inside me sent a chill through my veins, but I couldn't let it show.

"Power isn't what defines a man," I replied evenly, shifting in my seat to avoid his probing gaze.

"Isn't it?" he retorted. "Power is everything in our world. And it seems I may need to consider new heirs since Alex, Justin, and even Nathan seem…indisposed."

His eyes roamed over me then, predatory and unashamed, like he was appraising a piece of art—no, not art—an asset. I felt naked under his scrutiny, my usual confidence waning.

"Your concern for the future of your family is touching," I said. I needed to redirect his attention, keep him talking about anything but heirs and inheritances. "But let's focus on the present, shall we? Nathan's freedom—that's what I'm here for."

"Of course, let's," Kenny agreed, reclining back once again. His eyes still held mine, but I was determined not to look away first. This was a battle of wills, and I refused to lose. “But first, we have other things to address.”

“Like what?”

"Where are you staying?" Kenny asked, his question seemingly casual but loaded with intent. "After Nathan was taken to the county jail, it must be troublesome for you. I know you’re not staying at his home in South Beach; I tried to go see you there.”

I tensed, my mind racing. The last thing I needed was for Kenny to get wind of my hiding spot. It wasn't just about my safety–there were bigger things at stake.

His children, for instance.

"I've got friends," I said, deflecting.

"Friends," he echoed, and in that moment I worried more than ever for Erika. I may have just accidentally put her in danger. "In this city, friends can be more dangerous than enemies. You should be careful who you trust."

I clenched my jaw, forcing a laugh though it felt like choking down shattered glass. "I appreciate the concern, Kenny," I lied, leaning back in my chair to mimic his casual demeanor. It was all pretense, and we both knew it.

"Let's cut to the chase," I said after a moment. "You know why I'm here. Nathan needs to be free—what's your price?"

Kenny's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Straight to business, I like that. But that isn’t for your ears, little girl. If we do break Nathan out, I want him here.. He has some ground to make up after his colossal fuck-ups over the past few weeks, and I know he probably wants to spend his time sampling your sweet pussy…”

My cheeks flared at Kenny's crude words, but I refused to let him goad me into a reaction. I held my ground, meeting his icy gaze with steely resolve.

He got up and walked toward me, sitting on the edge of the table so he towered over me.

"But," he continued, leaning down so that his iron gaze was level with mine, "Nathan needs to pay his dues. Once he's paid them to my satisfaction…then you can have him back."

I tried to swallow, couldn’t.

Kenny put his hand under my chin, tilting my head up. It took everything in me not to recoil…or slap him in the face. I didn’t want to piss him off–he was so dangerous, there were guards posted outside, and I couldn’t exactly fight him off without risking the baby. “You said you wanted to know what my price is. I’m going to tell you.”

I held my breath, looking up into Kenny's cold eyes.

"Tell me." My voice was steady despite the fear coiling in my stomach.

“If Nathan doesn’t do what I want,” he said, holding my face firmly and looking right into my eyes. “I am going to need an heir. Another boy. One who isn’t a monumental fuck up.”

My heart dropped at his words, a cold terror gripping me. But I knew better than to let my fear show on my face. "And what makes you think I'd agree to that?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm raging in my stomach.

"Well, Abby," he said with a chilling smile, "Because you're smart. You want Nathan out of jail and if you want to keep him from getting killed, you'll do as I say."

I jerked away from Kenny's grip, springing up from my chair. "You're sick," I spat at him, my blood roaring in my ears.

He laughed, throwing his head back. “I like a girl with spunk. It’s more fun when you fight,” he said, then walked toward me. I staggered back until he’d cornered me against the wall, and it took everything in me not to push him away from me. I had to keep playing the part of cornered, innocent waitress if I wanted to stay alive. If I wanted Nathan to stay alive. “I’m going to send some men to get him during transport and you’re both going to come right back here. But here’s the thing, Abigail. If either of you fuck me over…I’m going to put a baby in you anyway, and I’m going to make him watch.”