“There is always some excuse, Kade!” She shoves my arm away, frustration souring her tone as she yanks the door open, sliding into the car unaided.
I exhale heavily, already knowing I’m in for a long night. Not for the first time, I wonder why I’m doing this with her. Usually, when I reach this point, I break things off only for her to start a persistent campaign to win me back. Which usually involves pouncing on me when I’m drunk and horny and my defenses are lowered, and I end up back in a relationship with her.
Impatient, she presses on the horn, and I clench my hands into fists at my side.
This is the last time.
The last Kennedy family event she attends with me. The last time I’ll be with her, I promise myself as I get back in the car.
The party is in full swing when we arrive at the Boston Merrion Hotel. Tiffani insists on going to the bathroom to check her makeup, so I wander into the ballroom by myself. Mom rushes me, enveloping me in her arms. “Sweetheart, I’m so glad you’re here.” She grips onto my biceps. “Every time I see you, I swear you get bigger and bigger.”
“What’re you benching now?” James asks, slapping a hand on my shoulder. It took my bio dad’s passing for me to truly forgive Mom and James for keeping me in the dark about my parentage and for me to fully appreciate all that James has done for me. His blood might not flow in my veins, but he’s my dad in every way that counts.
I was only starting to forgive them for lying to Kev and me for years, when we found out James wasn’t Kyler’s bio dad either, and I was enraged all over again. In some respects, it’s no wonder I’ve ended up in this on-again, off-again scenario with Tiffani, because my head has been a fucking mess for years. But I’ve finally managed to put it behind me, and it’s time to do the same with Tiff.
All the shit Ky went through helped me put things in perspective. Helped me realize what was important. Even though it was wrong to conceal the truth from us for so long, we all came to accept it was done out of love. James didn’t know Kyler wasn’t his son, and the revelation pushed the final nail in the coffin of my parent’s marriage. While they haven’t divorced yet, they are legally separated, and that’s something none of us wanted to see.
I’m secretly harboring hope they’ll patch things up, as I know my brothers are. For now, they seem to have an amicable friendship, and things at home are more settled than they have been in years.
“I’m benching two-two-five now, but don’t tell Kev. He’ll only get jealous.”
Dad laughs. “I’ve no idea where you boys get your competitive streak from,” he jokes. “None whatsoever.”
Mom’s smile fades a little as she looks over my shoulder, and I know she must’ve spotted Tiffani. My family has never warmed to her, which I feel is a bit harsh. Tiffani is a sweet girl, even if she’s not the right sweet girl for me.
There’s only one woman who has ever laid claim to my heart, and she can never be mine.
Shoving thoughts of Eva aside before I sink into depression, I stride to the door to greet Tiff. She’s incredibly nervous, as she always is meeting my family. While they are never rude to her—in fact, Mom goes out of her way to be gracious and to include her—I think Tiff has a sixth sense about it. Or her upbringing renders her vulnerable amongst my family’s wealth. Tiffani had to claw her way out of the rough neighborhood she grew up in, and she’s one of the rare ones who snagged a free ride to Harvard. You don’t get one of those without having plenty of brains up top. While she may present as a ditzy airhead to my family, that’s not who she is. It’s not her fault her nerves make her babble like an idiot when she’s out of her comfort zone, and her insecurities lead to questionable decision-making at times.
I reach her side, tucking her under my arm protectively. We may not have a future, but I still care about the girl, and I hate to see her uncomfortable. “You look really pretty tonight, Tiff,” I whisper in her ear, and her beaming smile lights up her gorgeous face. While she still favors tighter styles, which leave little to the imagination, I’d like to think my influence is notable these last couple of years. The dress she has on is figure-hugging, but it’s tasteful and classy and she looks fantastic. Any man would be proud to have her on his arm, and if I wasn’t already in love with someone else, perhaps things would be different between us.
“Tiffani,” Mom singsongs, approaching with a forced smile. “How lovely to see you.” She kisses both her cheeks, eyeing her up and down. “And you look stunning in that dress. If I’m not mistaken, it’s Moschino?”
“Yes, Kaden bought it for me. I wanted to have something special for tonight.”
“Well, you look a million dollars,” Dad says, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Come on in and join the others.”
We join my brothers and their girlfriends at their table, and I procure a glass of wine for Tiff and a beer for myself. Kev is chatting with Faye’s friend, Rachel, and another couple over near the door, and my younger brother Kal is chatting with Ky’s best friend, Brad, by the bar. I urge Tiff to sit down beside Lana, Kal’s fiancée, knowing she’ll look after her.
“Hey, cuz.” Faye smiles, leaning in to give me a quick hug. “Wow.” She leans back, regarding me critically. “Hello, biceps. Someone’s been working out. A lot.”
I shrug. “I’ve really gotten into the gym this past year. It’s a great stress reliever.” I started going to the gym more regularly after we got back from Ireland. It took a while for me to realize it might be my subconscious at work.
“Stop ogling your cousin. It’s gross,” Ky jokes, coming up behind her and slipping his arm around her waist.
“Completely,” Faye agrees, giggling. “I’m such a sicko.” Angling her head, she leans back, twisting her face around and planting one on him. They’ve been a couple for almost two years now, and they are as crazy in love as they were at the start. Maybe more so. I’m really happy for Ky, and he deserves every bit of happiness, because he had a few rocky years where he was miserable as sin. Then Faye came into his life, and things have been on the up for him ever since. Discovering James wasn’t his biological father was a massive shock, but at least it meant Ky could be with Faye without any stigma. Even though dating your cousin isn’t illegal in Massachusetts, most people frown on it, and it would’ve added unwanted pressure on their relationship.
At least they are free to love one another now.
I wish it was as easy for me.
I tip the bottle of beer into my mouth, draining half of it in one go.
No matter how hard I’ve tried, I can’t evict Eva from my thoughts. God knows I’ve tried. I’ve tried so fucking hard, but she lives there. Like a part of her lives in my heart, and I don’t know that it’ll ever get any easier.
Tiff looks over at me in that precise moment, as if I’d spoken my thoughts out loud. She smiles adoringly at me, and I hate myself for my deception. While I didn’t consciously get with Tiffani to try to forget Eva, it’s what I’ve come to realize has happened, and it’s not fair to her. I know she wants more from me, and every time I get back together with her, I’ve given her false hope. Tiffani deserves better than that, which is why this time when I end it I’ll mean it.
“Kade.” Kev’s deep voice snaps me out of my mind. “Thanks for coming.”
I slap him on the back, but, like every interaction between us nowadays, it feels strained. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, bruh. Happy Birthday.” I snatch the bag off the table, handing it to him. “Got you some stuff for running. Hope you don’t have it already.” He rips through the packaging and opens the box, eyes skimming over the Garmin Forerunner 1000 and LED headlamp set.
“This is the shit, man. Thanks.”
I smile my first genuine smile in ages. “Cool. Glad you like it.”
“I see Tiffani’s here with you. I didn’t realize she was still on the scene,” he says, boxing up his gifts and placing them back in the bag. Faye swipes
it out of his hand, depositing it on a table in the corner laden down with birthday presents.
“We have a complicated relationship.” I’m not admitting the truth, not with Tiff sitting five feet away and because she deserves to be the first person to know our relationship is coming to a permanent end.
“Have you seen Eva?” he asks, like he always does, and instantly my good mood vanishes.
“Keep your fucking voice down,” I hiss. “And, no, I haven’t. As I’m sure you well know.”
He folds his arms over his chest, stabbing me with a penetrating look. “I was only looking out for you, and I told you I wouldn’t do it again, and I haven’t.”
“Well, I haven’t seen her or even talked to her since Ireland. Happy?” I chug my beer, draining the rest of it in one swallow.
“You couldn’t be more wrong, brother. You think I don’t know how you’re feeling? Well, I do, and I know that shit doesn’t get any easier. It doesn’t matter how much time passes.”
I gulp as I stare at my brother. I know he gets it, but I didn’t realize he was still hurting too. “What about Rachel?” I jerk my head in her direction. “She seems cool, and she’s hot as sin.” I also know Kev hooked up with her when we were on vacation in Ireland, although I’m not sure how far it went.
“She is, but we’re just friends. I can’t force what isn’t there. I think you know that too.” I nod, but I don’t confirm it out loud. “Anyway, McConaughey is smitten with her, although I’m not sure he realizes it yet.”
“Smitten with who?” Ky asks, rejoining the conversation, and totally jumping to the wrong conclusion if the frosty look on his face is any indication.
“Chill. We’re not talking about Faye. Kev meant Rachel.”
Ky’s shoulders visibly relax. He rubs a hand behind his neck. “Sorry. Touchy subject.”
A guy comes over to say hi to Kev, and he wanders off with him, leaving Ky and me talking alone. “Things aren’t any better with Brad?” I inquire.
“Not really, and I’m wondering if I should’ve asked him to room with me again this year, but I feel bad for him. And he’s still my friend, even if I’m struggling to be that for him. It’s hard knowing he’s lusting after my girl, and I can’t help lashing out at him, even though it’s not really fair.”
“It’s a shit situation, man, but it’ll work out.”
Ky quickly glances around, before lowering his voice. “I fucking hope so because this ring is burning a figurative hole in my pocket. I’m dying to propose to Faye, but I don’t want anything overshadowing it. I need to resolve things with Brad before I move to make her mine forever.”
“I was wondering why you hadn’t asked her already, but I understand now.” I look over at Brad, chatting to Kal by the bar. His eyes follow Rachel around the room. “Maybe Brad is finally moving on.” I nod in Rachel’s direction.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” he murmurs. “Rach seems to have her own demons, and all they do is fucking tear strips off one another.”
I chuckle. “Verbal foreplay is the absolute best kind. My money’s on them coupling up before the year is out.”
“I hope you’re right, dude, and not just because it’d solve my issue. He’s been going through hell over all this crap with his family, and I feel like he’s hanging by a thread at times. He needs the love of a good woman.”
I bark out a laugh. “Christ, Kyler. Whatever the hell has Faye done to you?”
He grins. “I’m pussy-whipped and proud. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.” He looks adoringly at his girlfriend. Faye is currently locked deep in conversation with Melissa, Keaton’s girlfriend, and oblivious to Kyler’s loving stare. He looks up at me. “When you meet the one, you just know. I’d do anything for her, Kaden. Anything. Nothing or no one is taking her away from me again. Someday, you’ll find that too.”
What he doesn’t know is that I already found it.
I already found my person.
But, unlike him, someone has already taken her from me.
And I’d do anything for her too.
But that means jack shit if I’m dead.
Chapter Three
Present Day
Evelina
As I glance around the prestigious hotel ballroom, I have to work hard to conceal my disdain. Most of the people here are work associates of my husband’s, hiding criminal activities behind the façade of legitimate businesses. This annual charity fundraiser falls into the same category. Why they feel the need to legitimize themselves baffles me. Or maybe it’s their way of sticking two fingers to the authorities.
Plenty of cops and federal agents have come sniffing over the years, but Jeremy has all his bases covered, and they can’t pin anything on him. There was a time when I wondered if I could find evidence and turn him in myself, but he keeps me well away from the operational side of his business. All I know is he’s involved in drugs and guns and probably plenty of other equally heinous activities.
“Evelina. How lovely to see you.” Michael’s snooty gold-digging new wife sidles up to me, skimming her gaze over my floor-length Chanel couture gown with a look that’s half admiration and half envy. Michael Carlisle is Jeremy’s right-hand man and a permanent fixture in our home and our lives. He’s always pleasant to me, but I get the feeling he doesn’t like me. Like most of this crowd.
“Jenna, you look fabulous.” I lean in to kiss her cheek, playing the part of dutiful, blissfully ignorant wife to perfection. “That color really suits you.”
She smooths a hand over her coiffed hair, smiling slyly at me. “Thank you. And you look wonderful too. My stylist was trying to push that one on me, but I always find silk so unforgiving on the hips.”
She’s such a bitch, but I’m used to this kind of reception by now. All the other wives are the epitome of the trophy wife. None of them work, and they spend their time gossiping over morning coffee and liquid lunches and spending their husband’s ill-gotten gains. They can’t understand why I want to work. Why I’m interested in building a career, or why I crave financial independence. I have absolutely nothing in common with these women, and it makes social occasions extremely unpleasant. I always get home feeling like I’ve lockjaw from all the forced smiling and fake conversation.
“True,” I tell her, smiling sweetly, “but I’m happy with my body, and I don’t care if the silk hugs my ample hips. I guess it takes a certain confidence to pull off a dress like this, and that’s not something every woman possesses.” I shrug, taking a healthy sip of my champagne as I watch her nostrils flare up. Take that and stick it up your bleached asshole. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I really must say hello to Daniel’s new fiancée.”
I stride away from Jenna with my head held high, ignoring the heated stares I pick up from several of the men as I walk by, making a beeline for the pretty blonde. I’d spotted her when we first arrived, but Jeremy had insisted on introducing me to some people before I had a chance to say hi. As I watch her now, nervously gulping back champagne, a pang of empathy hits me in the chest.
I remember how petrified I was in social situations when Jeremy and I first got married. There was no easing me into this lifestyle—it was full throttle from the very outset, and I’ll never forget how terrifying it was. I was so out of my depth, and so innocent, and it took me years to figure out how to play the part to a T.
Looking at this girl is a lot like looking at a younger version of myself.
I step in front of her, smiling as I extend my hand. “Hello. I’m Eva. We haven’t had a chance to speak yet, but I wanted to introduce myself. You’re Daniel’s fiancée?” Daniel is a relatively new business associate of my husbands. He’s twenty-seven, like me, and I think he fancies himself as the next criminal overlord. Jeremy has taken him under his wing, like the son he never got the chance to know. I’ve only met him a couple of times, but I haven’t warmed t
o him yet, if I ever will. There’s something ruthless about the glint in his eye that has me on guard.
Her soft smile is blatantly grateful as she shakes my hand. “Yes, I’m Cheryl. It’s really nice to meet you. Daniel told me all about you, and he worships the ground Jeremy walks on.”
“I think it’s a mutual bromance,” I joke. “Jeremy has high hopes for your fiancé.”
“I’m so excited for him,” she gushes, and I can tell she means that genuinely. “The opportunity to set up his own law practice so soon after graduating is a dream come true for Daniel. He’s so grateful for Jeremy’s investment and his belief in him.”
Ah. So that’s what my husband is doing for Daniel. I wonder what happened to the last lawyer he had in his pocket. On second thought—I knock back my champagne—I’d rather not know.
“Have you two been together long?” I inquire.
She shakes her head. “Not really. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind romance. I’ve only just moved back to Massachusetts. I used to live here when I was a teenager, but then we moved to Delaware when my dad was transferred with his company. I got a part-time job with a leading photography studio out here and decided to complete my final year of college at MassArt. Daniel came in one day to book some studio time, and it was pretty much love at first sight. That was three months ago, and we haven’t spent a day apart since.”
“That’s very romantic.” And tragically sad. She has no clue who Daniel really is or what he’s setting himself up for. Once you get pulled into this world, there’s no going back.
Ask my dad.
He’ll tell you all about it.
She has a dreamy look in her eyes, one I know I’d have if I let myself look at the only man I’ve ever loved without this mask I hide behind. Kaden’s gorgeous face looms large in my mind’s eye, and I suck in a breath as acute pain slices a line straight across my chest.
“Are you okay?” Cheryl’s worried expression pulls me out of my head.
“Fine.” I shoot her a reassuring smile. “So, you’re a photographer? That sounds exciting.” I attempt to steer the conversation and distract my wandering mind.
Seducing Kaden (The Kennedy Boys Book 6) Page 3