Seducing Kaden (The Kennedy Boys Book 6)

by Siobhan Davis

  Ignoring me, he storms into my living room and I follow him. “You’ve started up with her again, haven’t you?” he asks, rounding on me.

  “Like I told you in Ireland, it’s none of your business.”

  Kev and I ended up trading blows in Ireland while on family vacation after he admitted to reading text messages between Eva and me. I hadn’t even been seeing her at the time, but we’d bumped into each other shortly before I left for Ireland and had begun exchanging flirty texts. After we’d both cooled down, Kev took me aside and told me everything about her husband. I know he was only trying to protect me, but invading my privacy wasn’t the way to go about it; however, it did upset and confuse me enough to put a halt to my texting with Eva at the time. Things haven’t been the same between my brother and me since, although we have managed to hold civil conversations, but the closeness we shared is long gone. I miss that, I really do, but I’m sensing we’re on a slippery slope again, that it’s unlikely Kev and I will ever reclaim what we once had. And that’s a damn shame, but, as I told Eva, if it comes down to my family or her, I’ll choose her.

  And I don’t say that lightly, because family means everything to me.

  But she means more.

  It sticks in my gut, and I wish I didn’t have to make a choice, but if it comes down to it, it will be Eva. There’s no contest.

  “The hell it isn’t!” he shouts, scrunching handfuls of his hair.

  “You need to calm the fuck down,” I demand, anxiously looking over my shoulder. The last thing Eva needs is shouting and aggression. “Lower your voice, or I’ll call security to escort you off the premises. I mean it. I’m already fucked up enough today, and I don’t need this shit.”

  I watch Kev deliberately get a grip on himself. I say nothing else, waiting patiently while he gains control of his emotions. Kev doesn’t lose his temper often, but when he does, it’s like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

  “I know she’s here,” he says after a bit, thankfully keeping his voice low.

  I nod. “She is, but it’s not what you’re thinking.” He broods for a bit, and I know that face. He’s thinking about how to tell me something. “You came here for a reason, and if you won’t leave, then just say it.”

  “Do you want to get yourself killed? Because if you continue this madness, that’s what will happen.”

  “I don’t need to hear this again, Kev. I haven’t forgotten a word of what you said in Ireland.”

  He shakes his head. “Is that so? Well, I guess I can add stupid to the list of adjectives I use to describe you.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  “No. You’re right. I don’t.” He leans into my face. “I told you who her husband was and the things he’s involved in. The circles he runs in. Putting a hit on you would be as easy as breathing for him. You don’t mess with these guys, Kade. Not ever.”

  “Contrary to what you think of me, I have a plan. I’m not going to risk my life or hers.”

  He examines my face carefully. “What plan?”

  “We’re leaving the country.” He doesn’t need to know Eva has yet to agree to this plan, but that’s neither here nor there. After this, I won’t back down until she does agree.

  Kev starts pacing the room. “You’ve fucking lost it, Kade. You’re insane! You don’t run from those guys. They always catch up to you. Always.”

  “I’m prepared to take that risk,” I coolly reply. I’m not getting into the pros and cons with my brother. I’ve already run the analysis and made up my mind.

  Kev stops and looks at me, really looks at me. “You love her that much? Enough to leave everything behind?”

  I eyeball him as I reply. “Yes. I love her like I know I’ll never love any other woman, and I can’t stand by and watch her in pain anymore.” His eyes pop wide. “She didn’t sign up for any of this, Kev. She was forced into marrying him, and she’s never loved him.”

  “Does she love you?”

  Eva hasn’t exactly said those three little words, but her recent admission is as good as. I’m opening my mouth to respond affirmatively when she does it for me.

  “Yes.” She pads to my side, curling her hand around mine. “I love your brother very much.”

  I lower my head as she raises her face to meet mine. Her skin is flushed from the bath, her hair swaddling her face, damp at the ends and brushing the edge of the tiny towel she’s wearing. Her trusting eyes shine with love, rendering me speechless.

  “Then you need to let him go,” Kev quietly says, and I whip my head around, glowering at him.

  “Get the fuck out, Kev. No one asked for your opinion.”

  Eva’s tormented expression speaks volumes. “No,” she whispers. “He’s right. It’s what I’ve tried to do, but I keep failing.” Nervously, she tucks her hair behind her ears, away from her face, and I see the marks. Angry, thick red welts mar her slim neck, and bruising thumbprints are glaringly evident, confirming that bastard had his hands around her.

  “Fuck.” The thought is mine, but the word comes out of Kev’s mouth.

  She notices where our eyes are focused, and she hastily covers her neck with her hair again, her cheeks staining a dark red. “I’m, ah, just going to get dressed and then I’ll leave.”

  Gently, I reach out, pulling her into my arms. “No, baby. You’re not going anywhere. The only person leaving is my brother.” I caution Keven with a grave look, and he nods. All the blood has leached from his face.

  “Don’t do this, Kade,” she beseeches, trying to shuck out of my embrace, but I refuse to let her go. “I don’t want you to fall out with your family.”

  “No, it’s okay,” Kev says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m intruding in something I shouldn’t. I’ll go. Let you two talk.”

  “Wait here.” I eyeball her. “I’ll be right back.”

  I walk Keven to the door, and both of us are silent, tension clogging the air. When he’s out in the corridor, he turns around, gulping. “I’ll call you later.”

  I nod, closing and locking the door, and return to Eva. She’s sipping her whiskey, shaking and shivering on the edge of the couch. I grab my robe from the back of the bathroom door, silently handing it to her. She puts it on without protest. Then I pour myself a scotch too and sit down beside her.

  “Jeremy found out I was attacked,” she whispers. “And he was furious. Apparently, I made him look weak.”

  I stare at her with shock splayed across my face. “You didn’t tell him?”

  She shakes her head. “I was afraid he’d find out you saved me, and I don’t want you on his radar, at all.”

  Her whole body is trembling, and I put my drink down, cradling her against my chest. “I love you for trying to protect me, but you’ve got to let me take care of you now.”

  “I’m scared, Kade. For the first time, I’m really, really scared. He was so cold toward me. Like it was my fault.”

  “How did you get those marks, Eva?”

  She shakes her head, tears streaming down her face unbidden. “I can’t tell you,” she chokes out. “Please don’t make me.”

  My imagination is going crazy, and the urge to commit murder is back, but Eva needs me to be in control, to comfort her, and my own feelings will have to go on the backburner. Now would be a great time to jump in and beg her to agree to leave, but she’s too upset, and I don’t want to push her when she’s so fragile.

  “I’m not going to let him hurt you again,” I promise, holding onto her more tightly, and pressing a fierce kiss to her temple. I don’t know how to ensure I can keep that promise, but I’m prepared to fucking die trying.

  After I get some food into Eva, I tuck her up in my bed, urging her to sleep. I doubt she’s done much of that lately, and it doesn’t take long for her to nod off. Closing my eyes, I kiss the top of her head, inhaling her sweet scent and promisi
ng I’m going to keep her safe. Then I leave a note explaining I need to run a few errands and head out with a new sense of purpose.

  I return a few hours later feeling like I’ve made progress. Eva is still sleeping, so I prepare a lasagna and put it into the oven, sitting down to go through my purchases.

  “Hey,” a sleepy voice says from behind me a short while later. “You’re back.” She yawns, dropping down on the couch alongside me. Her nose wrinkles. “Something smells yummy.”

  “It’s lasagna. Hope you’re hungry?”

  “Starving,” she admits, swinging her legs up onto the couch.

  My eyes are like heat-seeking missiles zoning in on the expanse of smooth, bare tan skin. “Is that my shirt?” I ask, and she blushes.

  “Yes. I was too hot to sleep in the robe.” She moves to get up. “I can get changed.”

  I pull her down into my lap, placing my hands softly around the back of her waist. “I wasn’t complaining. Far from it. You look sexy in my clothes.” I nuzzle her shoulder, sighing contentedly when she relaxes against me.

  Neither of us speaks for a while, but it’s far from awkward.

  “I like being here with you,” she says softly. “I like it a lot.”

  “I like having you here.” I gaze into her eyes, happy to see them looking clearer and less bloodshot. “I wish you never had to leave.”

  She cups my face. “Me too.” Leaning in, she kisses first one cheek, and then the other. “I meant what I said earlier.” Her eyes lock on mine. “I love you, Kaden. I think I fell in love with you the first day I met you, but it took me a long time to realize that, and then I kept that secret in my heart because I want to do the right thing by you, but it’s so difficult when I want you so much.” She repositions herself so she’s straddling me. “I don’t know what the right thing is anymore. All I know is how much I crave you. How happy you make me. How safe the world feels when I’m wrapped in your arms.”

  My cock is rock hard in my pants, and my eyes keep darting to her lips. Every cell in my body cries out for her, but I won’t go there. She’s injured and hurting, and I won’t ever make demands on her. “I love you, Eva. So Goddamned much it hurts. I can’t bear the thought of you being his, not when I know you belong with me.”

  “I’ve never been his, Kade. Never. My heart has only ever belonged to you.” She eases back, slowly removing my shirt, until she’s sitting on me completely naked.

  Christ. I’m not sure my willpower extends this far, but I’ve got to at least exercise some restraint. “Eva,” I groan. “I only have so much control around you, and you’re hurt. I don’t want to add to that.”

  She takes my hand, pulling it to her breast. “The only way you can hurt me is if you say no.” Tears moisten her eyes, and she draws in a shaky breath. “He hurt me, and I want to erase the feel of his hands, his touch. I need you to demonstrate how much you love me. I need to feel you again, Kaden, because the only time I’ve ever felt cherished is when you’re making love to me, and I need that so badly right now.”

  I kiss her tears away, and then I take her mouth, slowly and tenderly, pouring every emotion into the kiss. “Are you sure?” I peer deep into her eyes, watching as she nods her head vigorously.

  Then I stand up, cradling her against my chest, and walk us to the bedroom.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Past

  Evelina

  “Oh my God, it’s so beautiful here,” I admit, already completely in love with the island. We are out on the patio area of his parents’ vacation home, and the view is simply breathtaking. Leaning against the wooden railing, I look out over the stunning beach below. “I can only imagine how gorgeous it is in the summer.”

  Kade wraps his arms around me from behind, sheltering me from the blustery wind. It’s freezing and definitely not the ideal time to visit Nantucket, but there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be right now. “Summer’s definitely the best time to visit, but I like it off season. It’s less hectic and less crowded, and I don’t mind the cooler temps.”

  “I’ve never minded the cold either. There’s something about a walk in brisk, fresh air that’s always appealed to me. I like feeling that little sting against my cheeks.”

  He smiles. “Me too.” Taking my hand, he raises it to his lips, planting a quick kiss against my knuckles. “Let’s check on dinner and maybe we can take a walk on the beach after?”

  “I’d love that.” I circle my arms around his waist, falling into a slow step alongside him as we walk back to the house. I love that I can touch him at will, without fear, and I haven’t stopped touching him since we arrived at the house. I can scarcely keep my hands off him.

  “Your mom has great taste,” I say, trailing my hand along the back of the comfy couch as I drink in all the homey little features. “It’s not really what I was expecting.” I’ve seen photos of the Kennedys’ Wellesley house in one of those home and garden magazines, and it was all cool, clean lines and slick interiors. This house is the complete opposite, full of old-world furniture and cluttered with personal mementos and trinkets. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still very stylish and tasteful, but it feels more like a family home should. The Wellesley house looked like a show house, although it could’ve been presented that way on purpose. I don’t know. I’ve never been there.

  Nor am I likely to ever visit.

  A pang of sorrow spears me straight through the chest at the thought.

  If this was a normal situation, I think of how different things could be. Of how I could have a proper relationship with Kade. Obviously, the whole student-teacher issue would still be a concern, but that’d pale into the background compared to the other obstacles.

  I sigh, and he notices. He’s so observant like that. Even when I don’t spot his eyes on me, which is rare because he’s always focused on me, he seems to know what’s going through my mind.

  He hands me a glass of wine, brushing some stray strands of hair back off my face. “Stop thinking.” He plants his hands on my shoulders. “We have this weekend, and God knows when we’ll be able to sneak away again. Let’s just enjoy our time together with no regrets and no doubts.”

  I put my wine down on the table, reaching up to cup his face. “How did you get so wise?”

  He shrugs and smiles, but it’s a little off. “I’ve had to grow up a lot these last couple of years.”

  “Are things still tense at home?”

  Now it’s his turn to sign. “Yeah, but I don’t want to talk about it. I meant what I said. We leave all that shit at the door this weekend.”

  “Sounds good to me,” I say, kicking off my shoes and sinking into the couch. Kade sits down beside me, handing me my wine again.

  He toys with the ends of my hair as we chat about everything and anything, and I love how normal this is. “Are there any golf courses on the island?” I ask him as an idea comes to me.

  His answering grin is amused. “Plenty. Why’d you ask?”

  “I’ve always wanted to learn to play golf. Could we go for a game?”

  His brows climb to his hairline. “Seriously? You want to play golf?”

  I slap his arm. “Don’t be so sexist.”

  He threads his hand into my hair, chuckling. “That’s not it.” He shakes his head, and the look of adoration on his face does strange flippy things to my stomach. “Just when I think you can’t get any more perfect, you go and say something like that.” He leans in, brushing his lips against my cheeks. “I would love to teach you how to play golf, but winds are high this weekend, and you’re better off starting with some practice shots on the driving range. I can totally take you there, if you like.”

  I press a soft kiss to his lips. “I would love that.” I put my wine glass down on the table.

  His fingers tighten in my hair, and he wraps his other arm around my back. “Is it weird that the thought of me
teaching you something really turns me on?”

  I smile. “Not at all. I get a massive kick out of teaching, and the idea of you teaching me something is hot.”

  Kaden growls, and that’s the only warning I get before his mouth collides with mine in a wild kiss. I don’t need any encouragement, and soon we’re ravishing one another, pawing at our clothes, desperate to get closer. We don’t even last until dinner. Kade switches off the stove, lifting me effortlessly into his arms as he leads us upstairs. He plants soft kisses all over my cheeks and my neck as he walks us into his bedroom before tenderly placing me down on the bed.

  Silently and slowly, we undress one another, our usual frenetic coupling traded for something more intimate, more sensual. We don’t have to rush, and as Kade slowly makes love to me, over and over, all night long, I offer up a silent prayer that I somehow get to keep him, to keep this, to never have to relinquish the only thing that brings me any joy in this life.

  We are both ravenous the next morning, and we make breakfast together, feeding one another across the long dining table that overlooks the outside pool and deck area. He joins me in the shower, fucking me quick and hard, making my legs tremble all over again. Dressing warmly, we head down to the beach, walking barefoot and hand in hand along the damp, golden sand. Wind whips my hair all over my face, and I’m quiet as I listen to Kade telling me stories of summers spent here, days full of bicycle rides and surfing and nights getting drunk at beach parties.

  “It sounds magical,” I admit wistfully.

  “I have a lot of fond memories of this house,” he supplies. “This place always felt more like home than our home.”

  “Why is that?” I inquire, straining to see him through the knotted strands of hair covering my face.

  “Mom was a mom when she was here, and she always seemed more carefree. I guess that rubbed off on us, and I came to associate this house with fun.”