My eyes widen in disbelief. “Are you seriously saying what I think you’re saying?”
She slides her hand down my body, but I take hold of her wrist before she can touch my cock. “Don’t.”
She scowls, reluctantly moving her hand away. “Any other guy would be over the moon if his girlfriend gave him a free pass to score away from home.”
I growl. “Any guy that agrees to that is a douche, and this isn’t about sex, Tiff.” I drag a hand through my hair, sighing. This is all my fault. I haven’t been fair to her, keeping her on a string while I battle my forbidden feelings for Eva. “I shouldn’t have let this go on as long as it has.” I straighten up, pinning her with an earnest look. “You’re gorgeous, Tiffani. You’re sweet and great fun to be with, but you’re not my forever girl. This has always been casual for me, and I knew deep down you wanted more, and I’m sorry that I didn’t end this properly last year. Continuing to take you back was a shitty thing to do when I knew it was going nowhere. I didn’t set out to hurt you, and I’ve enjoyed our time together, but it’s over, Tiff. I mean it this time.”
Tears fill her eyes, and I feel like a prize jerk. “No, you don’t. You just need your space.”
I shake my head sadly. “No, Tiff. It is over, and that means no following me around, no trying to get me in bed when I’m drunk. I don’t want to reject you, but I will if you try any of the usual shit on me.”
“I know you don’t mean that.” She shoots me a half cocky, half miserable expression. “You say that now, but you can’t resist me.”
Hell. This is a fucking nightmare. Maybe I should’ve done as Duke suggested and dump her via text, but that’s too cold and impersonal, and only cowards take that way out. Honesty, I told Duke, is always the better strategy. With that in mind, I say what I need to say even if it’s likely to hurt her, but I’ve little choice, because she’s not listening to me. “I can, and I will. You can’t wield sex to get what you want, Tiffani, because then you’re little better than a whore.”
My cheek stings from the impact of her slap. It’s a low blow, and I deserved it. I don’t blame her, even if I speak the truth, and she damn well knows it. “You fucking bastard. I hate you,” she spits, tears rolling down her face.
“I’m sorry. I take it back. The last thing I want is to end up on a bad note. We had some good times, Tiff. Let’s just try and remember that.” I grab my bag and head toward the door, stopping at the last second. Turning around, I feel two contradictory emotions. Relief that I’ve finally cut her loose and sorrow that I’ve had to hurt her to free myself. “You deserve to be with someone who worships the ground you walk on, who cherishes you, and will love you forever. That’s not me, and I care about you enough to want that for you. Hate me if you like, but, hopefully, one day you’ll thank me.”
I duck down as a pointy-tipped stiletto comes flying my way. “Get out! You sanctimonious prick! I hate you! And I never want to speak to you again.”
Is it bad that as I walk away, with a new skip in my step, that I pray to God she sticks to her resolve?
The week passes by uneventfully with no Tiffani sightings, and she hasn’t deluged my cell with the usual pleading texts and messages. Perhaps I finally got through to her. All week, my thoughts have been distracted by Eva. Seeing her in the flesh has reawakened all my dormant feelings, and just like the aftermath of our breakup, I’m suffering all over again. Now that I know who her husband is, I’m questioning why she ended things with me. It’s not the first time. Since Kev brought the information to me, just after we returned from Ireland, I’ve been replaying our history with a different lens. A big part of me wondered if Eva did it to protect me.
After her blurted admission last night, I now know the truth.
She ended our affair because she was afraid her husband would do something to me.
There is little doubt in my mind.
And, instead of being afraid, I’m rejuvenated.
I nod my head at a few guys as I step into the gymnasium, dumping my bag in a locker and then sauntering into the workout area. Jumping on a treadmill, I continue to let my thoughts meander as I run, steadily building up pace until I’m sweating.
Maybe Eva was right not to tell me back then. My head wasn’t in a good place, and I was stuck in that tricky space between being a man and a boy. I’m not sure I would’ve been able to deal with it. But I’m not the same. I’ve grown up. Faced my demons head-on. And I’m in a place where I want to fight for the life I want.
That includes both professional and personal interests.
Grabbing a towel, I mop at my clammy forehead, powering off the machine as I guzzle a whole bottle of water. As I make a beeline for the weights room, determination surges through my limbs. I know she isn’t happy in her marriage, and after last weekend, I know she still wants me.
I saw it in her eyes.
In the way her body arched toward mine.
In the shivers that coursed through her limbs when my arms went around her.
I walked away without a fight last time because I thought she didn’t want me and because I was too weak to battle societal norms.
But I’ve changed.
I love her, and she’s who I’m supposed to be with.
I would stake my life on it, and I’m not going to rest until I find a way of making it work so we can be together.
“Bottoms up!” Duke says, carefully placing the tray down before sliding beers and shots across the table. The bar is teeming with students, as it usually is on a Friday night. A band is getting ready to play on stage, and the rowdy crowd is growing impatient. “A toast!” Duke adds when we all have a shot each. “To Kaden’s freedom! Good riddance to the she-devil!”
I roll my eyes, knocking back my shot amid whoops and hollers.
Duke hops onto the stool alongside me. “The best way to move forward is to get under someone else, and there’s some hot pussy in here tonight, man. Emily’s been eye-fucking you all night.”
“Not interested,” I mutter before bringing the bottle of beer to my lips.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, dude?” He shakes his head in consternation. “Seriously, you need your head examined. You’ve ditched the she-witch, and girls are already lining up to take her place and you’re not interested.” His nasally tone brings a smirk to my face.
“That about sums it up.” I chink my bottle against his. “Stop worrying about my sex life and concentrate on your own.”
“No need, dude. The chicks love this bod.”
He gestures at himself, puffing out his chest, and I burst out a laugh, prodding him in the fleshy stomach. “You need to start coming to the gym with me, dude. You’d get rid of that in no time.”
“I’m rather proud of my beer gut, thank you very much. Chicks dig it.”
“Well, they clearly dig something,” I say, because Duke isn’t spoofing. He has no shortage of pussy, and whatever he lacks in looks, he makes up for in charisma. In spades. If I ever need cheering up, Duke’s my go-to guy because that dude is always up for a laugh. He has a serious side to him as well, something most people don’t see, but we’ve been the best of buds from the first day we met on campus, and I know shit about him that no one else knows, and vice versa.
Although I told no one about Eva. I couldn’t afford to risk her position by confiding in anyone.
Keven doesn’t count because he took that decision out of my hands.
“And it ain’t my money,” Duke continues, “because you know I’m only into casual hook-ups.”
Duke’s dad owns a massively successful media corporation, and he’s had to contend with the gold-diggers too. But Duke’s savvy and smart, and he can weed them out straight off the bat. He hasn’t had a single relationship in the three years I’ve known him, although he’s slept his way through most of the sororities by now. Just as well, considering the Har
vard president is threatening to ban frats and sorority houses next year.
“Spoken like a true playboy,” I tease.
“If the shoe fits.” He nudges my shoulder. “So, what you gonna do with all your free time now? You can’t spend it at the gym because I’m pretty sure they frown upon dudes who try to sleep there.”
“Funny. I do a two-hour workout a day. That’s hardly excessive. Some of the guys spend most of their day there.”
“If you work out any more, your arms will be bigger than your head. And your head’s fucking huge, man.”
“Like my cock.”
“Like your ego.”
“Asshole.”
“Jerk face.”
Smiling, I drain the rest of my beer, relishing the cool liquid as it slips down my throat. “I’ll have more time to work on my business plan.”
“The online golf site you mentioned to me before?”
I nod. “Yeah. I’m definitely going for it. Now that Mom’s sold the business, there’s nothing holding me back.” The plan all along had been for me to study business in college and then join Mom at Kennedy Apparel where one day I’d become CEO. However, she was forced into selling it almost two years ago and, honestly, it was the best decision she ever made. I feel like I’ve only really had a proper mom since she turned her back on it and dedicated herself to me and my brothers. But I know she’s itching to do something—she’s not the type to sit around the house all day and do nothing. And now four of us are in college, and the triplets are in senior year of high school, she’s going to have more free time on her hands.
“I thought you said your mom was thinking of starting something new?” he asks, finishing his beer and summoning the waitress. He gestures at the table, silently asking for another round.
“She is, but I’ve already told her I’m not interested. That I have my own idea.”
“What’d she say?”
“She said to go for it, and to let her know if I needed any help. She was really cool about it, actually.”
“You’re lucky. I wish my dad was as reasonable.”
I arch a brow. “I thought you wanted to work with him?”
He shrugs. “I do and I don’t. Pros and cons, you know?”
“Yeah, bud. I do. You could come in with me on the venture? I’m going to need a partner.” I was hoping Keven would come in on it, but we’re not on great terms, and I haven’t mentioned anything to him about it yet.
He levels me with a serious look. “I’m honored you would ask me. Genuinely. But golf’s your passion, not mine.”
“You wouldn’t need to be passionate about it to help me set up and run the business.”
“Agreed, but it would help. Besides, my dad would never go for it. He’s been talking about me taking over from him since I was in diapers. Hell would freeze before he’d agree to let me do something else.”
“You won’t know till you ask. And I’m not saying that for me. My venture isn’t right for you, but maybe you’ll find something else that is? Or you’ll come up with your own idea?”
“Nah. My future is pretty solid, and, most times, I’m cool with that.” He smirks at something over my head. “Incoming. Double D’s for the taking.”
“Hey, Kade.” I inwardly groan, recognizing her squeaky voice instantly. Cindy works at the coffee place, and she’s been trying to get in my pants for years.
“Hi, Cindy. What’s up?”
Propping her elbows on the table, she rests her head in her hands, giving both of us an up close and personal look at her rack. Hasn’t she heard of leaving something to the imagination? Pushing her big tits in my face and calling me by my nickname won’t endear her to me.
“I was wondering if you wanted to dance?” she asks, and I have to smother a laugh. The band has only just started up, like, this second, and she’s over here asking me to dance. Got to give her kudos for the lady balls.
“Actually,” I say, standing. “I was just leaving, but my buddy here would love to dance.” I try to curtail my smirk. Drool is almost dripping off Duke’s tongue, and the dude is panting in heat. He slaps me on the shoulder as I shuck my jacket on.
“Later, dude.” Under his breath, he murmurs. “I owe you one.”
Duke might think he’s into this, but I’m betting he kills me in the morning.
The temps have dropped at night, and the cool air is a welcome balm against my heated cheeks as I walk the couple of miles home. I’m passing a quieter part of town, when a woman’s cries echo through the still night air.
I freeze, alarm like a vise grip around my heart. I backtrack to the narrow lane I walked past, my heart racing when I spot the shadowy figures lurking at the back of the alleyway.
When she screams, there is no doubt in my mind.
I know that voice.
My feet pound the asphalt as I run toward the two men pinning Eva against the wall.
Chapter Seven
Present Day
Evelina
Blood rushes to my ears, and my heart is beating so fast and hard against my ribcage I’m worried I’m having a coronary. The two guys have me hemmed in against the wall, and I know exactly where this is heading. They’re lucky I don’t vomit all over them.
I should’ve let Renee call me a taxi like she wanted. But I needed to clear my head, and I thought walking for a bit would help cleanse my mind of all depressing thoughts. I was so consumed in self-pity that I didn’t hear them creeping up on me until it was too late.
Now, I’m going to pay the price.
“Let me go,” I plead, my voice shaking with fear. “You don’t understand who I am. Who my husband is.”
They both laugh. “Oh, trust me, we know exactly who you are,” the smaller of the two says.
That puts an end to any thoughts this was a random attack. Inwardly, I curse Jeremy and his criminal leanings. “I won’t tell my husband if you let me go now.”
“And why would we want that?” the scarier one with the skin head and evil glint in his eye says.
“Your husband thinks he’s fucking king and it’s about time he was taken down a peg or two,” the smaller man, with dirty blond hair, admits as he slides his hand under my skirt.
Bile rises up my throat, and I thrash about, trying to break free, but the other guy has my arms pinned firmly to the wall, holding me in place.
“Keep fighting, sweet cheeks,” he drawls. “Only makes this more exciting.”
On instinct, I gather saliva in my mouth and let a loogie loose.
It lands square on his face, coating his disgusting features in a layer of slime. He slaps me so hard my head whips around, my cheek grazing the coarse wall. Slamming my head into the concrete, he rips my blouse right up the middle, while the other guy rams two fingers inside me. Tears roll down my face unbidden, and I go to that new place in my head. The one I escape to when Jeremy is doing unspeakable things to my body.
I’m so focused on zoning out of reality that I don’t hear the approaching footsteps until someone is on top of us. The blond guy is yanked backward, and I slump to the ground as both men drop their hold of me. The skinhead curses, throwing himself into the fray. Pulling my knees into my chest, I shiver as the sound of fighting carries on around me. I don’t look up. I keep my eyes focused on the asphalt, watching as a gun slides along the dirty ground with a loud clang. I guess I still have some modicum of sanity because I crawl over and grab it, curling my fingers around the handle and pushing myself to my feet.
The alleyway is in almost complete darkness, so I can’t make out the man fighting my attackers, but he’s big and skillful with his hands, easily holding his own against the two thugs. The small blond asshole pulls a gun out of an ankle strap while my avenger is pummeling his fists into the other guy, slamming him into the wall as he rains savage blows down on him. Walking on shaky legs, I press
the butt of the gun into the blond guy’s temple before he has time to engage his own weapon and hurt my savior. “Don’t even think about it.” My voice quakes, but my hand is steady as I prod the gun into the side of his skull.
My avenger walks to my side, and his features become clear. I whimper at the sight of Kaden, and a layer of stress leaves my body.
Thank you, God. I don’t know how he’s here, but I’m so glad he is.
Sheltering me behind his strong body, Kaden takes the gun from me and the one the man is holding. “Take your buddy and get the fuck out of here,” he says, his voice low and menacing. “And if you come near this woman again, I will personally hunt you down and make you pay.”
He pushes him toward his buddy, who’s moaning and groaning on the floor. The guy helps his buddy up, slinging his arm over his shoulder. “You’re a dead man walking,” he spits. “You better pray we don’t come back for you.”
Kaden pulls back the trigger, and it makes a distinct clicking sound as he points it at the man. “I can still shoot you, you piece of shit. And don’t think I’m not tempted. Shut your mouth and fuck off.”
I fist my hand in Kaden’s shirt, pressing into his back, allowing his warmth and his presence to soothe my nerves. He says nothing, does nothing, as he silently watches the man drag his friend down the alley and out of sight. When he finally faces me, his features are contorted in rage, but he makes an effort to keep his tone calm as he speaks. “Are you okay?”
I’m mortified when a fresh bout of tears spills down my face. “I’m okay,” I cry. “They didn’t hurt me.” His eyes dart to my ripped clothes and my bloody cheek. “Not really. You stopped them in time.” I fling myself at him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Thank you, Kade. You saved me.”
A strangled sound rips from his throat as he circles his arms around me, holding me close to his chest. He doesn’t say anything. He just holds me, and, gradually my breathing returns to normal, and the panic sluicing through my veins disappears. “We need to get out of here in case they come back. My apartment is only two blocks away. Come with me and let me clean you up.” I can only nod, looking up at him through tear-stained eyes. “It’s okay, Eva. You’re safe now. I’m not going to let them hurt you again.” Gently, he caresses my uninjured cheek. Then he removes his jacket, helping me into it. “Can you walk? Or do you want me to carry you?”
Seducing Kaden (The Kennedy Boys Book 6) Page 6
