Saving Brad (The Kennedy Boys Book 5)

by Siobhan Davis

  He kisses me passionately, and my hands explore his gorgeous body. I wrap my legs around his waist, urging him to go faster, but he maintains a steady slower pace, caressing every morsel of my skin with his mouth and his fingers. Tears flood my eyes at the tender way he worships me. He kisses me softly, telling me he understands and he feels it too. My body is awash with heightened sensation, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of the way he makes me feel.

  Finally, he picks up the pace, thrusting harder and faster, and my second release rockets through me. Then he’s falling over the edge with me, muffling his shouts of ecstasy by burying his face in my shoulder.

  After we’ve cleaned up, we lie naked, clinging to one another, and I’ve never felt safer or more cherished. I want to tell him how deep my feelings go, but I’m scared he’ll run for the hills, so I say nothing, content to drown in his tender embrace, and gradually I fall asleep.

  I wake sometime in the early morning, still wrapped around Brad. He’s snoring gently, and I smile. Small strips of light filter into the room between the gaps in the window blinds, highlighting the sleeping beauty at my side. Brad’s presence is as potent in unconsciousness as it is when he’s awake. And I’m not just talking about how good-looking he is. It’s like he has this aura around him, this magnetism, that envelops me and coddles me, making me feel safe even when he’s asleep.

  My thoughts quickly return to the events of yesterday, and I weigh everything up as I press my cheek to his chest and circle my arms more snugly around his waist. In his sleep, he presses a kiss atop my head, and that gesture brings tears to the surface again.

  By the time he rouses an hour later, I have my mind made up.

  I wait until we are all seated around the table, eating breakfast, before I tell them what I’ve decided.

  “I’m booking a flight to Ireland today,” I blurt, and all other conversation ceases. “I’m going to tell my parents what he did, and I’m going to speak to a solicitor.”

  “Are you sure, Rach?” Brad asks, worry lines forming around his eyes.

  “One hundred percent. I’m not shying away from this, and I’m sick of being the victim. I’ll only be able to properly move on if I’ve stood up for myself and I’ve lodged criminal charges. If I don’t, I’ll continue to carry this around with me and his hold will be unbroken.”

  All three heads nod in understanding.

  “And I need to do this before he hurts anyone else. If my testimony can help put him away, then I owe it to his future victims to do this. I might not have been able to stop him from hurting those girls on campus, but I can damned well ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Brad

  After a bit of back and forth, we decide to travel to Ireland tomorrow morning. Before Rach could protest, I told her I was coming and she could forget about raising any arguments because there was no way I was letting her do this alone. Faye and Ky insisted on coming too, and Ky’s dad, James, is flying us there in his private jet. While he isn’t privy to all the facts, he knows enough, and he’s already lined up an appointment for Rachel with a top legal firm in Dublin.

  I’m on my way across campus to a meeting with Coach when I bump into Callie. Ky confirmed Kev had identified her as the source of the YouTube video, and it’s time to put her straight. She’s with two other girls, sitting outside the SOCH, when I approach. Her customary scowl appears when she notices me. “Well, well, look what the cat dragged in.” Sarcasm drips off her tongue, but I ignore it.

  “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “No. I’ve nothing to talk to you about.”

  I sling my book bag over my shoulders and level a no-nonsense look at her. “Fine, I don’t care if I have an audience. I don’t know if you’re pissed because I called out another girl’s name while we were screwing or if you deliberately set out to fuck me as a means of getting close to my best friend, but I don’t care either way.”

  Her eyes dart to the ground momentarily. Bingo. This was a setup all along, and it makes this easier to say.

  “This ends now. Kyler is madly in love with his girlfriend, and there’s nothing you can say or do that will change that fact, and, honestly, even if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t look twice at you. He hates malicious, jealous bitches, and he knows exactly how to take your type down.” She glares at me, and her two friends are sitting there with their mouths hanging open. “I don’t care what you think you know or what else you are planning, because if you make any move, we will come after you with the entire weight of the Kennedys behind us. Any skeletons you have will be unearthed, and we will make your life hell. So, consider this your final warning. Stay away from me and mine, or you’ll be fucking sorry you didn’t.” I grab the straps of my bag. “Now you have a nice day.” I can’t help grinning.

  She flips me the bird, shouting insults as I walk away, but I honestly couldn’t care less.

  I’d like to say my meeting with Coach goes as well, but that would be an outright lie.

  “No, you do not have my permission.” Coach strains against the table, glowering at me. “You are only just back from a month’s suspension and now you want to take off on vacation to Ireland?”

  “It’s not a vacation.”

  “Well, whatever it is, it isn’t happening. If you want to retain your place on the team and hold onto your scholarship, you will not miss a single training session, and you will be at the game on Saturday.”

  “I am committed to the team, but my girlfriend needs me.” I don’t bother explaining that she’s not officially my girlfriend because that wouldn’t help my cause. “I can’t let her go there by herself because she needs my support.”

  “What is more Goddamned important than football?” He slams his clenched fist on top of the table.

  “I wish I could explain, Coach, but it’s private, and I don’t want to betray Rachel’s trust.”

  “Then my answer remains the same. Be at training tomorrow night or you’re off the team. Permanently.”

  My heart sinks as I stand up, but my resolve is unwavering. Rachel needs me, and that’s more important that football.

  I half-expect lightning to flash through the sky and strike me dead at that thought.

  I nod. “Thank you for listening.”

  He calls out when I reach the doorway. “Don’t do it, son. Don’t throw your life away for some bit of skirt.”

  I turn and pierce him with a glare. “She’s not some bit of skirt. She’s someone I care a lot about, and if the tables were turned, she’d be there for me.” The magnitude of the moment isn’t lost on me. I’m not even contemplating pulling out of the trip, because nothing or no one is going to stop me from being there for Rachel. I know I’m most likely throwing away my future, but I honestly don’t care. At present, the only thing that matters is being there for the one girl who matters.

  I stop outside Coach’s office, leaning back against the wall as the acknowledgment slaps me in the face.

  I don’t just care about Rachel.

  I love her.

  “Are you sure Coach was okay with you missing practice?” Rachel asks for the umpteenth time the following morning as we load our bags in the back of Ky’s Range Rover. I stifle a yawn, understanding why we need to leave at the butt crack of dawn, but hating it all the same. At least, I can sleep on the flight.

  “Yes. It’s fine, so stop worrying.” I kiss her cheek, deliberately avoiding the penetrating stare Ky is leveling my way.

  At the airport, the girls take a quick shopping detour while Ky and I grab coffees. We’ve got thirty minutes to kill before our flight departs. The instant my butt lands on the seat in the coffee shop, I spill my guts. Might as well get in there before he does. “Before you ask, no, Coach didn’t approve this trip. I’m off the team and my scholarship is in jeopardy if I don’t turn up to training tonight.”
<
br />   “Fuck. That sucks, bro.”

  I snort out a laugh. “That’s a fucking understatement, but I don’t have any regrets. This is more important.” He nods, and I take a sip of my drink. “You’re not to tell Rachel.”

  “Agreed.”

  The girls return ten minutes later, and we head to the departures gate.

  Once on board the plane, we settle in as James steps out of the cockpit to greet us. Rachel is almost frothing at the mouth. It’s her first time on a private jet. “Oh my God, Mr. Kennedy. This is unbelievable.” Her eyes are like saucers as she takes in the plush cabin with the leather seats and rich walnut tables.

  He grins. “Call me, James, please. Mr. Kennedy makes me sound so old.”

  “You are old,” Ky pipes up.

  “Practically ancient,” Faye agrees, failing to smother her grin.

  “We’ll just call you ole crusty balls,” I add in, and everyone bursts out laughing.

  James arches a brow, making a point of looking at his watch. “You know, I do believe you’re still in time to catch the commercial flight. First class is probably full by now, but you lot are happy to slum it in economy, right?”

  “Funny, Dad.”

  “It’s not smart to antagonize the pilot or wound his feelings. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.” James’s teasing grin tells us all is forgiven.

  Rach nods off about halfway through the journey with her head on my lap.

  “You can move her to the bedroom if you like,” Ky whispers.

  “Nah. I don’t want to disturb her.” Truth is, I love having her all snuggled into me. I listen to music, dozing a little, before waking her up when James starts the descent to Dublin Airport. Curious, I peer out the window, dismayed to find it’s already dark out. This is my first time in Ireland, and I wish I was here on vacation. These next few days are not going to be easy for Rachel, but I’m determined to do whatever I can to get her through this.

  James is staying with us for the duration of our trip, rationalizing there was no point in returning to America only to have to return a few days later. Besides, he and Faye want to visit her parents’ graves while they are here.

  We check into our hotel and grab a quick bite to eat before setting out on foot for the lawyer’s offices. It’s early evening here, but James pulled some strings, and the lawyer agreed to a late meeting.

  James is in his element pointing out various landmarks as we walk. I zip Rachel’s coat up under her chin as another blast of icy cold wind swirls around us. A light smattering of rain hits the sidewalk just as we reach the law firm.

  Rachel’s knee bounces up and down while we wait in a small reception area on the second floor. I wind my fingers in hers and press a soft kiss to her lips. “It’s going to be okay.”

  “I think I’m going to regurgitate my dinner any second now,” she admits. My thumb starts rubbing soothing circles across the back of her hand. “Will you come in with me?”

  “Of course.” If that’s what she needs, I’m there.

  Ten minutes later, a tall, thin, distinguished man with sandy blond hair steps out to greet us. James introduces himself first, explaining that he wants all fees charged to his personal account. Rachel is shivering beside me, too paralyzed to even argue, which is most unlike her. The man introduces himself and shakes Rachel’s hand before asking her to follow him into his private chambers. I take her hand and lead the way. Faye pecks Ky on the lips and skips after us.

  Once the three of us are seated, the attorney—who happens to be the managing partner and one of the most experienced lawyers in the firm—leans back in his seat and asks Rachel to explain the reason for her visit. Faye and I sit on either side of her, and I take hold of Rachel’s hand as she starts to tell her story. The attorney listens attentively, his face impassive as Rachel talks. She breaks down a couple of times, and he hands her a box of tissues. Walking to the long sideboard resting against the wall, he fetches her a glass of water. Rachel silently hands a tissue to Faye, and it’s only then I notice she’s crying too. I send her a sympathetic look.

  The whole time Rachel talks, my heart is cracking wide-open again. It isn’t any easier to hear this stuff the second time around, but I’m so proud of her for opening up, especially in front of a stranger.

  There’s an awkward silence after she’s finished talking. The attorney clasps his hands in front of him on the table. “I’m very sorry that happened to you, Ms. O’Kelly. Very sorry indeed, and if you want to take legal action now, you have a couple of different options. You can take a civil case for compensation or we can pursue a criminal charge.”

  “I’m not interested in compensation. I’m not after money, I want justice.”

  “Okay, well then, we should pursue this matter as a criminal case. There is no statute of limitations in the circumstances, but it will be up to the DPP to decide whether or not to prosecute. Given what you’ve told me, your age, and the fact that the perpetrator is your brother, I believe this case will be taken very seriously. However, as a certain amount of time has passed, and there is no physical evidence we can use, and you didn’t confide in anyone, it will come down to your word against his.”

  “What about the new allegations that have been made against him in Cork?” Rachel asks. “Does that add weight to my case?”

  He nods. “It might, but I can’t confirm that until we investigate. I’ll instruct one of our solicitors to contact UCC and the gardai in Cork to ascertain the facts of that case.”

  Rachel retrieves some papers from her bag, sliding them across the desk to the attorney. “A friend found a list of girls who have also alleged my brother either raped or attempted to rape them. They haven’t come forward yet, but perhaps they might be inclined to do so if they hear of my case.”

  He places the paperwork on top of a filing tray. “I’ll have my team look into it. You will also need to lodge a formal statement with the gardai, but we can schedule a time to attend with you. If you like, my offices can set that up?”

  After discussing various different aspects of the case, and agreeing that Rachel will provide a formal statement the next afternoon, we make our goodbyes and head out onto the busy street. Looking at my watch, I’m startled to realize we were in the meeting for over three hours, and it’s past nine, local time.

  Rachel is quiet as we walk hand in hand through the busy Dublin streets. James suggests stopping for food in an Asian fusion restaurant, but I can tell by Rachel’s expression that she’s not loving the idea. “We can go back to our room and order room service if you prefer?” I whisper in her ear. She looks up at me gratefully, and I address James directly. “We’ll take a rain check. We’re just going to order room service.”

  “Sure. No problem.”

  Faye pulls Rachel in for a hug. “Call me later if you need anything.”

  “I will, thanks.” She’s quiet as a mouse, and she looks exhausted.

  “Mind yourself,” Ky says, stepping in to hug her.

  James’s expression is compassionate as he watches me slide my arm around her waist and steer her away. We don’t talk on the way back, and I sense there’s a storm brewing in Rachel’s head. She’s been unbelievably strong these last couple of days, but I’ve been waiting for everything to hit her. I think we’re reached that point.

  I have only just closed the door to our room when she breaks down. Sinking to the floor, she buries her face in her hands and cries uncontrollably. Huge tears wrack her body, and she clutches her arms around herself as she rocks back and forth. I kick off my shoes and drop down beside her, circling my arms around her and drawing her body back into mine.

  I hold her as she sobs for hours, and tears flow down my face at the sounds of her strangled, anguished cries. It’s heartbreaking, but I’m glad she’s letting it all out.

  After she’s cried herself dry, I lift her to the bed, silently helpi
ng her undress. I root out her pajamas and help her into them. She doesn’t speak or acknowledge me in any way. She merely lifts her arms and her legs as required. My heart is aching for her. I tuck her in under the covers and place a bottle of water by her bed. “Do you want me to get you something to eat?”

  She shakes her head. “I just want to sleep,” she whispers.

  I run my hand over the top of her head. “That’s okay, baby. You sleep. I’ll be right here.”

  Vacant eyes meet mine. “Don’t leave me.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

  I sit up on the bed beside her, continually smoothing a hand over her hair until she falls asleep.

  I sneak to the bathroom and use my cell to order some room service. Sandwiches and fruit and muffins. Stuff that will keep should she wake during the night and want something to eat.

  Faye texts me a while later asking how she is, and I confirm she’s sleeping. We arrange a time to meet for breakfast, and I decide I might as well go to bed too. It’s late enough, and we had an early start. Plus, the different time zones are messing up my internal clock.

  Mercifully, I fall asleep quite quickly, holding Rachel in my arms.

  When I wake the next morning, as the alarm on my cell goes off, I find Rachel sitting up in bed munching on some fruit. “Hey.” I rub my sleepy eyes and sit up, leaning against the headboard. “How long have you been awake?”

  “Not too long.” I’m glad to hear her sounding more like her usual confident self. “I was starving when I woke.”

  “I thought you might be so I ordered a few things for you last night.”

  “That was very thoughtful.” She leans down and kisses me softly on the lips. “Thank you. Thanks for taking care of me.”

  “I’m glad I was here for you.”

  “Me too.” She lays her head on my chest, and I circle my arm around her waist. There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with this girl in this moment, and it’s more than just being a shoulder to cry on. I want to be her everything and for her to think of me in the same way.