“We’re not here to take a statement. That can wait for the morning, given the circumstances. I need to inform Ms. O’Kelly of an update in the case.”
“Whatever you have to say can be said in front of my boyfriend and my friend.” Rach pulls her knees in to her chest, and I can see her bracing herself. I sit up beside her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.
“Alec O’Kelly was your brother?” He isn’t disguising his disgust.
Rachel nods and visibly shudders. I pull her in closer to my side. “Was?” she asks what we’re all thinking.
“Your brother tried to wrest the gun from my colleague in the ambulance on his way here. In the melee, the gun was discharged, fatally wounding him. I’ve sent notification to the Irish authorities to contact your parents, but I thought you would like to know.”
“He’s dead? He’s really dead?”
“Yes, miss.” He coughs. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I’m not.” Her jaw flexes, and I massage her stiff shoulders. “I stopped looking at him as my brother a long time ago. To me, he was only ever a monster, and I’m not going to lie and say I’m sorry the monster is dead.”
He nods in understanding before backing out of the room.
Faye and I exchange a look. I don’t blame Rachel for her thoughts. I’m not sorry the sick bastard is dead either, but it’s not as cut and dried for my girl. She is angry and hurting now, but I wonder how she’ll feel when those sentiments subside.
All I know is, whatever she goes through, I’ll be right by her side helping her to deal with it.
“I mean it,” she adds in a less defiant tone. “I know my parents will be upset, and I’m upset for them, but I finally feel … free.”
I kiss her temple. “I’m glad, baby. I’m glad you’re no longer burdened.”
She looks up at me and smiles shyly. “We don’t have to hide or constantly look over our shoulder. We can just be a normal couple now.”
I kiss the end of her nose. “I love the sound of that.”
Faye quietly leaves the room.
“I love you.” She presses a chaste kiss to my mouth, wincing a little.
I sweep my thumb gently across her cheek, careful not to hurt her. “I love you, too, Rachel, and I can’t wait to do normal with you.”
Epilogue
5 weeks later
Rachel
“Where are we going?” I ask for the umpteenth time, taking one last glance in the mirror. I’m wearing a silver and purple Rachel O’Kelly creation, and I feel like a million dollars. It helps that I have the most delectable arm candy tonight. I glance up at my guy, falling in love with him all over again. Brad is wearing a tailored black suit with a pristine white shirt and a purple tie to match my dress, and he looks fit. So bloody fit. He’s letting his hair grow out again, and it’s longer on top, more like the way he wore it when we first met. I love running my fingers through his hair or tugging on the strands when we’re in the middle of hot sex.
He tweaks my nose. “Not telling until we get there no matter how many times you ask.”
I can’t be mad. Not when he’s gone to so much trouble to organize a six-week-anniversary date. I thought girls were the ones to swoon over stuff like that, but Brad puts me to shame. He made me breakfast in bed this morning, showered me with new sexy lingerie and flowers, and told me he was taking me out for dinner later. All he said was to doll up. I’ve been trying to bribe him in all manner of ways all day, but he’s been stubbornly tight-lipped.
“It must be some place fancy if you have to wear a suit.”
He winks, holding out his arm. “It is.”
I grab my bag and my coat and loop my arm in his. “I’m starving, so I hope it isn’t one of those pretentious places where they give you a quarter-sized dinner and charge you ten times the price.”
He throws back his head, laughing, as we exit the apartment. “I thought you didn’t care about spending money.”
“I don’t mind spending money, but I’m opposed to spending it foolishly.”
“I still can’t believe you did it,” he says, pulling me into the elevator.
I roll my eyes. “For the love of God, man, just let it go.” I think Brad was secretly pleased I took care of his fees for the year, but every so often, his manly pride gets the better of him. He’s yet to realize I’ve cleared all his student loans too, but that argument can wait for another day.
“I am going to pay you back.” He kisses the top of my nose. “That’s a promise.”
As if I’m taking a penny off him, but I’ll play this charade. “If it makes you feel better. Fine.”
I wave to the concierge as we walk through the lobby. Brad stops me at the door, insisting I put my coat on. “It’s freezing out, and I don’t want you getting sick on our anniversary.” He tugs my collar up around my neck, ensuring I’m wrapped up tight. I’m wearing my hair up for the first time tonight, and I’m glad the scars on my neck have healed and that there are no obvious signs of what happened.
The rest of the scars are a work in progress. I’m seeing a great therapist, and he’s helping me work through everything, but I’ve a long road ahead. You can’t heal years of hurt overnight, but with the support of Brad, my friends, and my therapist, I feel hopeful I can get through it. And now my dad is moving here too, and I’m overjoyed. Both my parents were devastated at Alec’s death, but where Dad has come to terms with it, and he’s trying to come to terms with what Alec did to me, Mum continues to deny reality. She hasn’t spoken to me since that meeting in Dublin, and I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to repair our relationship.
For now, I’m glad for my dad. He broke things off with his girlfriend and he’s moving here to be with me. That means more to me than he’ll ever know.
We haven’t been able to locate the photos Alec had of me, and I’m hoping it’s something my brother took with him to the grave. Kev says they’re probably stored on the hard drive of his laptop, but I’ve no desire to verify that. They haven’t surfaced, and they’re unlikely to now, and I’m happy to draw a line under it. Thoughts of my brother create the usual maelstrom of emotions inside me. I thought it’d be cut and dried now he’s gone, but it hasn’t turned out like that. Not all my memories of him are bad, although for years I couldn’t see anything but the torment he inflicted. Since his death, everything has risen to the surface, and I’m struggling to deal with so many confusing emotions.
“You okay, babe?” Brad gently clutches my face. Concern shines from his eyes, and I push all thoughts of my brother aside. Brad’s taken such amazing care of me these last few weeks, and every day I fall more and more in love with him.
“I’m perfect—I’m with you.” I lean up on tiptoes and kiss him. “You’re so romantic, and I love it.”
He captures my lips in a searing hot kiss. “You make me want to burst into song and serenade you,” he admits with a bashful smile.
All my lady parts rejoice, and my heart starts beating a new rhythm. My grin is huge. “Keep talking like that and I’ll never let you go.”
He pushes out into the cold night air, tucking me under his arm. “I’m never letting you let me go.”
My laughter falters when I see the stretch limo waiting outside our building. The driver has the door open for us. “Oh my God. You did all this?”
He smiles proudly, helping me into the car. Once inside, he pours two glasses of champagne. “Our six-week anniversary is definitely something to celebrate.”
“It is,” I agree, trying to banish thoughts of the last time I was in a limo drinking champagne with Brad. I’d been out of my face, and he’d held my hair as I puked into the ice bucket. That feels like a lifetime ago now. Here’s hoping tonight ends on a more positive, and a more romantic note. I’m wearing the sexy purple lingerie he bought me, and I’m on a countdown until he’s stripping me out of
it. My body hums in excitement, and I’m already aroused at the thought. “And if this is what you do for six weeks, I can’t wait to see what you pull out of the bag at six months.”
“Or six years.” He chinks his glass against mine, leaning down to kiss me.
I think I’m probably rocking a “deer in the headlights look” if his chuckle is any indication. He blows me away with these grand gestures and grand declarations, but the small things he does, on a daily basis, are equally impressive. Whether it’s leaving an umbrella out for me on rainy days, running to the local store to pick up my favorite smoothie before he leaves for Harvard, or running me a bath when I’m late home from college, Brad is the most thoughtful man I’ve ever met.
And so far removed from that angry, bitter guy I first met.
My boyfriend is the sweetest, sexiest man to walk the planet, and I’m the luckiest woman in the world.
“I meant it when I said I was in this for the long haul. I’m in this for life, Red.”
I gulp, overcome with emotion. And it’s not like this is the first time I’m hearing this. Brad wastes no opportunity to tell me how much I mean to him, and I cherish the words each and every time he says it. “I haven’t scared you away?”
He takes my glass, putting it down. Taking my hands in his, he sears me with a solemn look. “I think we can both agree we’ve seen each other at our worst, and our lowest points, and the fact we are both still here speaks volumes. There is nothing you could say or do that will change my feelings for you. I love you, Rachel.” He brings the tips of my fingers to his mouth and kisses them. Love practically oozes out of his body as he devours me with an adoring look. I inwardly swoon. I will never get enough of how well he loves me. “I love you for life.”
Tears blur my vision, but they’re happy tears. “You’re my whole world, Brad, and I can’t imagine you ever not being in it. I love you for life too.”
Brad
Her words infuse my body with warmth and happiness, and I want to bottle this feeling and never forget it. It’s not easy for her to express her feelings, but when she does, it’s always worth the wait. I cocoon her in a hug, just needing to feel her in my arms.
I’m so proud of my girl. These last few weeks have been difficult, but she’s faced them with strength, resilience, and grace. Quite simply, I’m in awe of her.
I don’t let go of her the rest of the short journey, but she makes no protest, happy to snuggle into me as we sip champagne and watch the world float by outside the window.
Her eyes are out on stalks when we reach our destination. Ky’s dad helped me pull some strings to get a reservation here. La Grotte Secrete is the most sought after dining experience in the whole of Boston. Nestled in the basement of an old eighteenth century building in the harbor district, it has a private side entrance with an enclosed underground garage which guarantees absolute privacy arriving and leaving. The hefty price tag, and six-month waiting list, ensures it’s an exclusive restaurant frequented only by the rich and famous. You won’t find any paparazzi shots of celebs dining here, and it’s a big attraction for those seeking an elitist dining experience that offers complete privacy from prying eyes. At least, that’s what James and Alex told me. They’ve eaten here a few times, and they said the food is also to die for.
The maître’ d approaches us with a welcoming smile, taking both our coats. Then he leads us through the dimly lit restaurant to our table. The ceilings are low, and the walls are a rustic stone with original stone tiles on the floor. A grand piano sits on a slightly elevated platform in the center of the room, and a woman in an expensive ball gown is tinkling away softly on the keys. The mood is romantic, and I couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setting. Rachel deserves to be cherished and spoiled rotten, and I’m just the man for the job.
Secluded tables and booths are built into crevices around the edge of room, offering heightened discretion. Our table is at the back, nestled into a private corner. Two candles cast romantic shadows over the walls and the tabletop as we slide into our booth.
A bottle of non-alcoholic champagne is already on ice. “Compliments of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy,” the maître’ d confirms.
He leaves after he hands us our menus. “Wow. This place is something else.” Rachel’s eyes are lit up like a Christmas tree.
“Only the best for my girl.”
She snuggles into my side, kissing my cheek. “You are setting the bar high.”
“You deserve it, beautiful.”
“We need to take a selfie.” She whips out her cell, and I groan. She digs me in the ribs. “Don’t be a party pooper. Your sisters will love this.”
I can’t begrudge Rachel this. For so long, she’s had to hide. Now, she revels in the things most of us take for granted. Like uploading a selfie on social media like any normal college student. I lean in for the shot, wrapping my arm around her. There isn’t anything I won’t do for her, and I’m already firmly under her thumb, and proud to admit that.
“So,” she says a minute later after she’s tucked her phone back in her purse. “Has your mum told you about her hush-hush project yet?”
“Nope. It’s all very mysterious.” Mom has entered into some new secret business venture with Alex Kennedy. They are both super excited about it but keeping it completely confidential until they are ready to launch.
“I’m so happy for her. She deserves it.”
I am too. My family is living in the Kennedy’s Cambridge brownstone. Alex insisted they move in as their family use the apartment so infrequently now. Both my sisters are settling into their new schools, and I love that they are so close to us. Every Wednesday we go there for dinner. My family adores Rachel almost as much as I do.
Life is good. Better than good.
Football and school are both going well, and things are finally back on track with Faye and Ky. It’s been years since I’ve been this happy. The only blip on the radar is my dad. His court case is coming up soon, and I’m not relishing all the renewed media attention. I haven’t been to see him since he was moved to the penitentiary, but I know I can’t avoid him forever. In the meantime, I’m trying to find forgiveness in my heart.
But I don’t want to think about my dad. Not now.
Not when I have the most gorgeous female on my arm, and she’s looking at me like I hung the moon in the night time sky. “Me too. Things are finally looking up.” I take a drink of the fizzy liquid, filling my mouth before leaning in to kiss Rachel. She opens her mouth, and the liquid transfers from my mouth to hers.
She grins at me, licking her lips. “Now I’m imagining all kinds of ways we can use that champagne.”
A little dribble of the amber liquid leaks out of the corner of her mouth, and my tongue darts out, lapping it up. Her eyes sizzle with desire, and my eyes darken. My pants instantly stretch tight. One look at my hot girlfriend is usually all it takes. Rachel has an indisputable talent when it comes to turning me on. “If you’re imagining the same things I’m imagining, then I’m in. I’m all in.”
Her tinkling laughter does funny things to my insides. Her eyes sparkle with lust and giddiness, and she looks at me like I’m her everything. It’s my mission in life to make Rachel laugh every day and to replace all the horrible memories with new happy ones.
Ky always said when you meet the girl you’ll just know. I thought he was full of it, but now I know better. Rachel and I didn’t have a traditional start, and there’s been nothing normal about our relationship, but we’re stronger for it. I know there will never be another girl for me. If it was up to me, I’d be on one knee right now, but I have to take things slow. She still has a lot of things to figure out, and she’ll be in therapy for a while but she’s healthy, happy, safe, and most importantly—all mine—and I intend to keep it that way. To love her so completely that there’s never any question that we are made for one another. She brightens up my life in ways
I could never have imagined, and when I look at my future she’s all I see.
Life doesn’t get much better than this.
After a sumptuous dinner, packed with more laughter and kisses, we get ready to leave. When I go to pay the check, I discover James has already taken care of it. I should be mad, but I’m in too much of a good mood. As she slides out of the booth, Rachel lifts her dress, flashing her purple panties at me. Looking up at me through hooded eyes, she licks her lips in a provocative manner, and I can’t wait to devour her in the limo. There’s no way in hell I’ll be able to wait till we get back home.
I take her elbow, steering her through the restaurant in front of me, using her body to disguise the massive boner in my pants.
A familiar voice captures my attention as we move through the crowded floor. Discreetly, I scan the tables to my left, in the direction of the voice, squinting in the dim light. My eyes narrow on Kaden Kennedy. He’s leaning over a table, spooning food into his date’s mouth. He is focused singularly on the woman across from him, so he doesn’t notice me staring. The look in his eyes is one I haven’t seen from him before. But I recognize it, because I’ve seen that same look on Kyler and Kalvin, and it’s similar to the look I have when I gaze at the only girl who matters.
Kaden is in love, and my curiosity is piqued because his date is not the cute redhead he usually has on his arm. No, this woman has long, rich, thick chocolaty-brown hair that is styled in sleek waves, resting on her bare shoulders. She angles her head to the side, as Kaden cups her face, and I try to mask my surprise.
Because I know that woman.
Every red-blooded male at Harvard knows that woman.
Professor Garcia is the youngest, hottest, smartest female professor on campus, and it’s no secret that most of the guys who sign up to her class do so purely to drool or to collect ammo for the spank bank.
It’s not the first time I’ve seen Kaden with her, and my instincts weren’t wrong. I’d sensed something was up, and it appears I was right. As Kade leans over the table and snares her lips in a scorching hot kiss, I wonder how long it’s been going on.
Saving Brad (The Kennedy Boys Book 5) Page 31