Faye
“Okay, let’s say you’re right,” Rose supplies, “because I can see how that adds up, but how exactly is it helpful?”
“It’s what sent Addison off the rails a year ago. She found out she was adopted and that her aunt was really her mum, her cousin really her half-sister.”
“I’m still not getting it.”
I roll my eyes. “Addison has a major hard-on for the Kennedys, and it started when she changed. She changed when she discovered who her mum was, so I’m betting that whatever motive she has for ruining my family is connected. Now we have something concrete to start digging with.”
“Why does it really matter anymore?” She shrugs. “Addison’s credibility and standing is at an all-time low. She’s been cautioned to stay away from all of you, and now you and Ky have gone public, so she knows there isn’t a hope in hell of ever getting him back. It’s over. Let it go.”
I shake my head, staring off into space. “She tried to frame my cousin for rape. You don’t do something like that ’cause you’re pissed when you discover you’re really trailer trash after all.” Rose snorts. “No.” I shake my head repeatedly. “Addison has an agenda, and until I find out what it is, I won’t rest easy. Maybe I’m crazy. Or maybe my gut is off-kilter, but there’s more to this than meets the eye, and I intend to find out why.”
My phone pings and I groan when I see James’s text. “I gotta run before my uncle throws a hissy fit. I’ll call you,” I shout over my shoulder, wiggling my fingers at her.
Racing to my locker, I shove everything in my bag and dart out the front door. I’m breathless by the time I land in the passenger seat of James’s car. He sends me a grave look. “Sorry. I just had to talk to Rose about something important.”
He thrusts the car in gear, and we glide smoothly out onto the road. I’m expecting a lecture, but after a few minutes of stony silence, I can’t take it anymore. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hit her, but she’s had it in for me from day one.” I lean back against the headrest.
“Alex tells me Peyton is Addison’s cousin?” James says, his eyes never straying from the road.
“Yeah.” Or half-sister if I’m right.
“Alex says gossip was rife around town when Peyton’s mom was a teen. She was wild, and if Peyton is anything like her mom or her cousin, then you need to stay well away.”
“Oh, don’t worry, that won’t be a problem. Where is Alex anyway?”
He harrumphs. “Where do you think?” He looks at me fleetingly. “She had to get back to work.”
I prop my feet up on the dash. “I appreciate that she came. You too, and I’m sorry. I know you don’t need any more grief.”
James turns into the drive, blaring his horn and forcing the huddle of reporters at the gate to disperse. “I honestly don’t care about that, but I do care about you. I worry that we’re corrupting you. I’m beginning to think Adam may be right.”
All the blood leaches from my face as I swivel in my seat. “What does that mean?”
He grips the steering wheel tightly. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
I stew for a bit. When he’s parked the car and killed the engine, I reach over, tugging on his sleeve. “I know it was nothing. Tell me.”
He rests his forehead on the steering wheel, emitting a tired sigh. “He thinks we’re a bad influence on you. That it would be better if I let you go. Let you live with him.”
“No way!” The words burst out of my mouth. “Mum assigned you as my guardian for a reason, and I love my cousins, and Ky, and—”
He cuts me off. “You’re not going anywhere, Faye.” He pats my cheek. “That slipped out without thinking. I imagine that’s what Adam wants to talk to you about this weekend.”
“I don’t even know him! I don’t want to live with him! He can’t make me, right?” I’m struggling to keep the rising panic from my voice.
James opens and closes his mouth, and that horrible fluttery sensation is back in my chest. My mouth has gone dry.
“Dan is looking into everything. Your mother assigned me as your legal guardian until you are eighteen which is only a couple of months away. I doubt Adam can enforce anything before then, so don’t worry. No one is making you do anything you don’t want to do. I give you my word.”
“I don’t want to see him tomorrow.” My jaw tautens with determination. “I thought he wanted to get to know me, not try and … and force me into living with him. I like living here.”
“I think you should meet him tomorrow and tell him all that. I’ve been having some humdinger arguments with him these last few weeks, but I can tell he cares about you, and I’m not going to criticize him for that. If you tell him you’re happy here and why you want to stay, I believe that’ll go a long way toward reassuring him.”
I sniff. “I’ll think about it.”
I get changed into fresh, clean clothes and make myself something to eat. I’m starving. I check my phone, noticing a recent message from Brad. He’s wondering where I am, so I message him back with the news of my suspension. No doubt the gossip mill is already in overdrive.
I waste a couple of hours flicking through some trashy American TV shows before I hear the front door open. I toss the remote on the bed and pad out to the lobby. Kal, Kent, Keaton, and Keanu are just arriving home from school. “Where’s Ky?” I ask, eyes darting about.
“He had to go into the city. He said to tell you he won’t be long.” Kal throws his bag on the floor and pulls me into his side, smacking a sloppy kiss on my cheek. “How come you’re back early?”
Usually, I’m home after my cousins. “I, um, might’ve gotten suspended today,” I admit, somewhat sheepishly.
“Get out!” Keaton says, staring at me like I’ve grown a pair of horns.
“Bad ass!” Kent predictably replies, reaching out to high-five me.
Keanu just shrugs like it’s no biggie.
Kal slings his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into the kitchen with him. “If I guess the reason, what do I get?”
“A slap in the head,” I retort, shoving him. Keaton chuckles as he walks into the kitchen alongside us.
Kal winks. “I’m betting it was a chick fight. Am I right?” I stick out my tongue, and he laughs. “Knew it! Was it hot? Did you grab some boob?”
I shove him again. “Ugh, dude, that’s just … wrong, so wrong.”
Keaton’s cheeks are flushed, and I give him a funny look which he pretends not to see. I fill my cousins in quickly, and Kal’s good mood evaporates. “She called you an inbred?” he growls.
“Forget it.” I shrug. “She isn’t worth it, and I can handle her.”
“I knew that bitch Addison was too quiet today,” Keaton supplies. “Even if she was purposely laying low on her first day back.”
“You think she put Peyton up to it?” I ask doubtfully.
“Most likely,” Kal responds, unwrapping the cling film from the plate of sandwiches left out for us.
“Peyton’s a right cow. She doesn’t need Addison to supply the ammo, she’s more than capable of doing that on her own.” I sit on the bench alongside Keaton. Kal sits across from us, sliding the plate into the middle of the table. As they eat, I tell them about my meeting in the principal’s office and my assertion about Addison’s birth mum. “What do you think?”
Kal waves his spoon in the air. “I think that makes a lot of sense. I also think you’re right not to let this go, but you shouldn’t involve Ky. Don’t drag him into this.” He sends me a cautionary look.
“I’m not keeping secrets from him.”
Kal leans over the table. “I’m not saying you should. Maybe investigate it yourself first, and if there’s something there, then share it with Ky.”
I chew on my lower lip, mulling it over. Ky is dealing with a lot of heavy stuff, and maybe I should d
o some searching on my own before jumping the gun. While I’m pretty certain I’ve called it correctly, it’s just a hunch at the moment. Best to get some concrete proof before I open up the whole Addison drama again. “Let’s call Keven.”
Keaton heads off to his room to get ready for a date with his girlfriend, Melissa, while Kal and I go to my room to call Keven. He answers on the first ring, and I let him know what I’ve discovered. “I haven’t had time to do much research this week,” Keven advises, “but it’s very helpful to have her birth mother’s name. I’ve got a couple of free hours on Sunday, and I’ll see if I can dig up anything.”
I hang up and flop down on my bed. Kal throws himself on the bed beside me. “What was it like in your school today?” I ask. “Were there reporters outside?”
“Yep.” He stretches out, leaning his head back on his hands. “But only a handful so it wasn’t too bad.”
“Did Ky get flack?”
He crosses his feet at the ankles. “A bit, but most were too afraid to call him on it. Sounds like you’ve drawn the short straw in that regard.”
“I wasn’t expecting the issue to be my relationship with Ky, but I guess I was naïve. People still think it’s gross.”
My door swings open and I look up. Ky is lounging against the doorframe looking awfully chuffed with himself. “Hey, babe.”
I climb off the bed and go to him, throwing my arms around his neck and pressing my body into his. His eyes darken with lust, and the usual spark of electricity charges the air between us. My chest pumps up and down as he rubs his thumb along my lower lip. Raw need pulses between my legs, and my knees turn weak. Gripping the back of my head, Ky lowers his face, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. I melt into him, moaning into his mouth as his tongue lashes against mine. He rubs up against me, and the feel of his arousal grinding right where I need him is like a shot of liquid lust straight to my core. I’m only short of crawling up his body like a love-addicted spider monkey.
“That was disturbingly gross,” Kal says directly into my ear, and I shriek, caught off guard.
Ky loosens his hold on me, looking back into the corridor and mouthing something. I frown in confusion, trying to step around him, but his arms are like solid metal restraints around my waist. “I have a surprise for you.” My eyes expand, and he smiles broadly, showcasing his exquisite smile and those cute dimples I love. “Close your eyes.” I do as I’m told without question, allowing him to spin me around and guide me out into the corridor. “Open them.”
I blink my eyes open and scream.
Chapter Sixteen
Faye
Racing forward, I throw myself at Jill and Rachel, tears flowing freely down my face. We indulge in a group hug, jumping up and down and squealing like we’re toddlers. “Oh my God, you guys, what are you doing here?” I ease back, looking at both their excited faces. “How are you here?”
“Ask the ride behind you,” Rach teases, winking at Ky.
I pivot around. “You did this?”
He saunters toward me slowly, nodding. “I knew you missed your friends.” He tucks a few stray strands of hair behind my ear. “They were supposed to be here for Thanksgiving, but I had to adjust our plans last minute.”
I launch myself at him, and he almost loses his balance. “I love you.” I dot kisses all over his face. “I love you so much.” I claim his mouth in a soul-altering kiss.
“Totally gross,” Kal says from somewhere behind me, making a gagging sound.
“Wow,” Ky says when I eventually let him break away. “Remind me to surprise you more often.” His eyes sparkle with desire and love.
I grab his hands and pull him over to my friends. Kal is already there, introducing himself in his usual inimitable style. Jill is flushed and giggling while Rach is studying him like he’s some strange creature. “How long are you here for?” I ask.
“Until Sunday evening,” Rach confirms.
Ky drags Kal aside. “I know you girls want to catch up, so why don’t you show them to a couple of the guest rooms, Faye, and when you’re ready, meet us in the games room?”
“Sure thing. Come on.” I bend down to pick up one of their bags. “This way.”
“This place is lethal,” Rach says, walking around the purple guest room in a daze.
“Wait ’til I show you my wardrobe,” I tease, fingering her new red locks. “When did you do this?”
“Just last week. You were my inspiration,” she admits. “Although the red does look better on me.” She winks, nudging me with her hip.
“I’m not going to disagree. You look gorgeous. It really suits your skin tone.”
“And Ky is gorgeous, Faye. No wonder you couldn’t resist him.” She waggles her brows. “I didn’t realize he was so tall and so built. When we got off the plane, he was out on the tarmac leaning against his car looking sexier than any boy should. He’s seriously fit, and please tell me you’re doing him, because it’s a damned waste of male hotness if you aren’t.”
My lips curve up at the corners. “I am.”
Rach high-fives me. “Nice one, girlfriend.”
“I’m totally jealous,” Jill admits with a grin.
I bump her shoulder. “You’ve got Sam now. How’s that going?”
A dreamy expression coasts over her face. “He’s great, and I’m so in love. I was going to bring him this weekend, but Rach persuaded me to leave him behind.”
“I’m sick of watching you eating the face off each other,” Rach deadpans. “And, besides, we’re here for Faye.” She loops her arm in mine, and her eyes light up in transparent mischief. “But that doesn’t mean I’m shying away from any action. On the contrary, I’m definitely game for sampling some American hotness. Ky mentioned a party tonight, and I’m already drooling.”
I lift an eyebrow. “He did? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
She licks her lips. “Let’s go ask him about it.”
Kal, Kent, and Keaton are waiting with Ky in the games room. I make another round of quick introductions as the new housekeeper arrives with some platters of finger food. The girls tuck in, ravenous after their flight. We chat casually as we eat. “Where’s the party tonight?” I ask Ky.
“Trent’s house. You don’t know him, he goes to O.C., but he’s cool. Most of the usual gang will be there.” I frown a little, and he moves closer. “I won’t leave your side, promise.”
“I was thinking more of you. You’ll be the focus of attention after today’s media reports. You sure you’re up for that?”
“I’m not hiding from this.” Lifting my hand, he kisses the tips of my fingers. “And if you still want to do a grand public gesture, this is the perfect place to do it.”
“Do you?”
He bobs his head. “But only if you’re one hundred percent cool with it.” He lowers his voice. “Brad told me what happened today. Are you okay?”
I flap my hands, dismissing the incident. “I’m fine. Don’t think Adam’s going to be too pleased when he hears the news though.”
Ky jerks back a little, slanting me with an inquisitive look. “I’ll tell you later,” I whisper, placing my hand on his knee. My friends are absorbed in conversation with my cousins. “Thought you had a date?” I say to Keaton.
“I do, but I don’t need to go yet.”
“Are you gonna join us at the party?”
“Hell to the yes.” He grins, leaning over to high-five me. A wave of happiness consumes me, and it’s like a welcome breath of fresh air. I’m giddy with excitement for the weekend ahead, and it’s the first time in ages I’ve felt so ecstatic.
“Why are you pinching yourself?” Rachel asks.
“Because I still can’t believe you’re here,” I squeal, clapping my hands like a moron. Reaching out, I pull her into a bear hug. “I have missed you guys, soooooo much.”
Ky is smiling at us, and I snake my arm around his back, pressing a quick, hard kiss on his lips. “I can’t believe you set all this up. You’re amazing.”
“Next he’ll be climbing into your room with a rose between his teeth spouting Shakespeare,” Kent derides.
“Dude, her bedroom’s on ground level,” Keaton reminds him.
“Dude, who cares? The point is, Ky has turned into a fucking pansy. It’s pathetic.”
Rachel and Jill shoot inquisitive looks at me. “Don’t ask,” I plead. They’ll get the makings of Kent this weekend without the need for any advance explanation.
I’m expecting Ky to tear him a new one, but he surprises me. Enfolding his arms around me, he presses a delicate kiss to my forehead. “I’m betting you go to greater extremes when you find your dream girl.”
Kent snorts. “That will never be me. Girls are good for one thing and one thing only.” He turns a sleazy look in the direction of my friends, slowly perusing both of them from head to toe. There’s a naughty glint in his eye. “Bedroom door is always open, ladies. Feel free to stop by any time.” He runs a finger up a shell-shocked Jill’s arm. “And I do mean any time.” He hops up and saunters off, laughing.
“Wow. I can’t believe he’s only turned sixteen. He’s definitely a wannabe bad boy in the making,” Jill comments astutely. “And that was mild compared to some of the stuff he was saying.”
“Ignore him,” Ky says, “he’s going through his asshole phase.”
“Takes one to know one.” Brad steps into the room with that enlightening comment filtering from his lips. Swigging from a bottle of beer, he is barefoot, bare chested, and wearing jeans that are hanging indecently low on his hips. “You don’t even know the half of it, but no doubt Faye can fill you in,” he adds. Jill’s mouth hangs open in obvious admiration as she peruses Brad in all his shirtless glory. He extends his hand. “I’m Brad. Nice to meet you.” A slow blush creeps up her neck when he plants a kiss on the back of her hand.
Rachel’s eyes narrow curiously. “So, you’re Brad.”
He turns the full extent of his dazzling smile on her. “The one and only.” He drops Jill’s hand like it’s on fire, taking a step in Rachel’s direction. His eyes take their fill as he lazily caresses every curve on her body. “Who are you, and where have you been my whole life?” His gaze turns leery as he sinks onto the couch alongside her. She folds her arms over her chest, eying him warily.
Keeping Kyler (The Kennedy Boys Book 3) Page 13