Seducing Kaden (The Kennedy Boys Book 6)

by Siobhan Davis

  Chapter Fifteen

  Present Day

  Evelina

  Jeremy knocks on my bedroom door as I’m applying the final touches to my makeup. “Evie? Our guests have just arrived at the gate. I would like to welcome them at the door.”

  “I’m ready,” I say, opening my door and stepping out into the corridor. Jeremy looks handsome in his tailored black suit and crisp white button-down shirt, but the sight of him doesn’t arouse even a minuscule amount of attraction.

  It’s like I’m immune to him.

  Running his hands down over my body, he eyes me from head to toe. As usual, I want to curl up and cower away from his heated stare, but I plant a pleasant, albeit forced, smile on my face. “Elegant. I approve.” He offers me his arm, and I loop mine through his, flicking a switch and putting my imaginary perfect hostess persona on.

  One would swear Jeremy grew up as lord of the manor by the way he fixates on airs and graces. Any time we have guests over, dinner is always a very formal affair. Appearances mean everything to him, and he likes to showcase his wealth through grandiose gestures and extravagant displays of greed. In the same way, I must present the perfect image of the doting, well-maintained wife, and it’s exhausting, but I’ve done what I’ve had to in order to survive this world.

  Jeremy claps Daniel on the back proudly, ushering him into our home. I have a genuine smile for Cheryl as I greet her with a hug. I’m struck again by the similarities between us when she steps nervously inside our house, glancing around with an awestruck look on her face. I remember how overwhelming it all seemed to me at first.

  Camille prepared a lavish spread before retiring for the night, so Jeremy hired waiting staff for the occasion. Which is completely ridiculous. I am well capable of serving a five-course meal to four dinner guests, but Jeremy wouldn’t hear of it. It’s the same any time we host dinner parties, which, thankfully, isn’t too often. Like I said, it’s all about appearances.

  We chat casually over the dinner table, and once we have finished, Jeremy and Daniel disappear to the study to talk business while Cheryl and I take our wine out to the formal living room.

  “You have a beautiful home,” she supplies as we settle ourselves on the stiff couch.

  “Thank you,” I politely reply even though I don’t agree. This place has always seemed more like a mausoleum to me. All we’re missing is the entombed body of the first Mrs. Garcia to make it official.

  “How are your studies coming along? And your part-time job?” I inquire.

  She groans a little. “This final year is tough, but I’m enjoying it, and the job is fantastic. I’m learning so much.”

  “The year will be over before you know it. It seemed like my college experience was over in the blink of an eye.”

  “Daniel told me you graduated early, were top of your class, and are one of the youngest professors in Harvard history.”

  I arch a brow, surprised Daniel would know that. It’s not like my husband brags about it or anything. At times, it almost seems like he’s embarrassed by it.

  “Yes, but I’m only actually an assistant professor right now. I’m really hoping for tenure in the next year.”

  “I bet you’ll get it. You seem like a high achiever and the type Harvard would want to hold onto.”

  “Thank you, Cheryl. That’s very nice of you to say.”

  We sip our wine, quietly looking out the window over the landscaped grounds, and the silence is companionable. She clears her throat, glancing briefly at the door. “Could I ask you something?”

  I put my glass down on the coffee table, giving her my undivided attention, only slightly on edge over her impending question. “Of course.”

  “Do you know any of the Kennedy brothers? From Wellesley?”

  Blood rushes to my ears, and I’m not sure what expression is on my face, but her expression turns to one of alarm, and she rushes to explain. “I grew up in Wellesley and, um, I knew the family quite well. I’ve heard several of the brothers attend Harvard, and I was just wondering if you knew them.”

  My panic reduces a couple of notches, but I’m still wired and careful about what I say. While none of the bodyguards are visible around the house, and they are all most likely out prowling the grounds, you can never be too sure. I compose myself and deliberately keep my voice calm and low. “Kaden Kennedy was one of my students at one time.”

  Her face brightens. “I know Kaden well.”

  That raises a whole bunch of new emotions to the surface, but I keep a neutral expression on my face. “You dated him?” I ask, guessing that’s the reason for her exuberant reaction.

  Her cheeks flush a little. “God, no! Kaden was like the big brother I never had. I had some issues in high school, and he was always there to defend me.”

  Relief washes over me like a tsunami, along with a surge of pride. “That sounds like Kaden. He’s an intelligent, caring young man and very dedicated to his studies.” I cringe at how formal I sound but needs must.

  “It’s been years since I saw him or Kev.”

  A despondent look crosses her face, and it’s one I recognize. “So, you dated Keven Kennedy?” I guess again.

  She nods. “He was my childhood sweetheart. I thought we’d be together forever.”

  “What happened?”

  “My family moved.” She’s very tight-lipped, all of a sudden, and I’m sensing that’s not the full story, but I’m not one to pry into things that are none of my business. However, it does give me an idea.

  Cheryl is far too sweet to be dragged into this lifestyle, and I want to warn her. There was no one to warn me, not that it would’ve made much of a difference, because I didn’t have a choice in who I married.

  But she does, and if I can help her from making a mistake then it’s worth speaking up.

  “Come with me,” I suggest, getting up and walking around the vast room to the windows at the side of the property. I stand in front of the glass, surreptitiously scanning the grounds for signs of any guards, and discreetly checking the room, but we’re alone. Nonetheless, I’m not taking any chances. I lean in close to her, whispering in her ear. “Keven goes to Harvard too. You should look him up and ask him to tell you about Jeremy.” I’ve never asked Kaden to tell me exactly what he knows about my husband and his dealings, but he has mentioned previously that his brother was the one to fill him in, so I’m sure Keven will be able to tell Cheryl everything she needs to know.

  She gives me a funny look, and I don’t blame her. I’m acting weird, but I have to be circumspect with my words in case she tells Daniel about this later.

  “Why would you tell me that?” she asks, frowning.

  I look over my shoulder again. “Because there are things you need to know,” I whisper. “Things I can’t tell you, but Keven can.” I squeeze her hand. “Talk to him, and sooner rather than later.”

  The sounds of approaching footsteps alert us to the men’s presence. When they step into the room, the look on Jeremy’s face sends shivers up my spine. He looks like someone just spit in his coffee or took scissors to his favorite shirt.

  “Time to go, Cheryl,” Daniel confirms, shooting me a funny look as he walks to his fiancée, sliding his arm around her waist.

  “Oh!” Cheryl sounds as surprised as I am. The night is still young, and I didn’t think they’d be leaving so soon.

  We wave them off at the door, and Jeremy is like a volcano ready to erupt at my side. The instant the door is shut, he slams me against it, putting his angry face in mine. Everything locks up inside me, and all I can think is he’s somehow found out about Kaden. Which would be ironic because apart from the kissing last week, Kaden and I haven’t touched in a long time.

  “I want to know why you lied to me,” Jeremy says through gritted teeth, and I swallow the lump of fear in my throat.

  “What?” I hate how
my voice trembles, but the look in his eyes is scaring me.

  “How is it that Daniel knows my wife was attacked and I know fucking nothing about it!” he roars, slamming his fist into the wall by the door.

  “I didn’t want to worry you,” I lie.

  He snorts out a laugh, gripping my chin painfully. “No, you didn’t want to lose your precious freedom,” he snaps.

  He starts pacing the corridor, and I spy Vincent approaching from the other side of the house. Jeremy’s shouting must have brought him here. “It’s okay, Vincent,” Jeremy barks. “You can leave us.”

  Taking my elbow, Jeremy practically drags me upstairs, hauling me into his bedroom. It’s been years since I’ve stepped foot in this room. He flings me onto the bed, towering over me with a vicious glint in his eye. “Tell me everything,” he demands, taking off his belt and unzipping his pants. “Leave nothing out.”

  I have no choice but to give him an edited version of events. I tell him some random man passing by stepped in and saved me, because I’m too scared to leave that part out of the story, unsure exactly how much Daniel relayed.

  “You have no idea how weak this makes me look!” he yells. “I should have retaliated immediately, and my inaction speaks volumes.”

  “I’m sorry,” I whimper, flinching when he yanks me up and spins me around, tearing my dress apart with his hands rather than unzipping it. He throws the ripped shreds of my gown aside, and I can’t stop shaking.

  I’ve seen him mad before.

  Watched him enact vengeance when his enemies dared to strike previously. That time ended up with over thirty bodies being dug out of a mass grave not too far from this house.

  But he has never turned that rage on me, and I’m petrified.

  “Strip,” he demands, yanking at his own shirt. Buttons pop off, flying around the room.

  “Please, Jeremy. I’m sorry. Don’t do this.”

  “I’ve fucking run out of patience with you, Evelina. I forgave you for tossing your virginity away on that worthless little prick. I gave you your freedom to study and work. Hell, I’ve spent years fucking whores instead of my wife! But I’m done. From now on, I call the shots, and you will do what I tell you to do or suffer the consequences.”

  Impatient at my lack of undressing, he rips my bra and panties off in a fury.

  I’m quaking all over, trying to cover myself with my arms when he kicks off his pants and strides naked to his walk-in closet. Briefly, I think about fleeing to my room and locking my door, but I know that wouldn’t contain him. Not when he’s in such a rage.

  He returns holding a studded black leather paddle, and tears leak out of my eyes.

  I zone out as he bends me over his knee, spanking me firmly time and time again, experiencing no pleasure, only pain.

  When he thrusts inside me, he slams in and out, venting all his anger and rage. His hands close around my neck, squeezing and constricting, and I silently encourage him to do it—to put me out of my misery.

  Three hours later, I limp back to my room, as naked as the day I was born, sore all over, and sobbing uncontrollably.

  Jeremy saw the state I was in, but he didn’t care, warning me not to embarrass him again before telling me to get out.

  I slide under the covers of my bed, curling into a fetal position as I continue to sob. Years of trapped emotions run loose, and I know I’m close to my tipping point. He didn’t even ask if I was okay, if my attackers hurt me. All he cared about was his reputation and the fact I’d made him look weak. Doling out his sick form of punishment only proves what I’ve felt all along—that I mean nothing to him. I’m a possession. A piece of arm candy. A baby-making machine. And nothing more.

  But, more than that, his reaction tonight proves he’s becoming unhinged.

  And confirms to me that I’m not safe, even if I stay here.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Present Day

  Kaden

  I’m chatting with Duke and a couple of other buddies outside the Littauer Building on Monday morning when I spot Eva making her way across the employee parking lot. My mood darkens as I watch her slow progress. Eva usually walks briskly and with purpose, but she’s virtually dragging her body along the sidewalk this morning.

  She’s hurt.

  It’s the first thought that springs to mind, and I know my instincts are correct. Making excuses to the guys, I sprint in her direction, catching up to her just as she’s about to enter the staff door at the rear of the building. “Professor Garcia!” I call out, and she stops walking, stiffening as she slowly turns around.

  “Mr. Kennedy.” She won’t meet my eyes, pretending to fumble in her bag for something. “What can I do for you?”

  “What’s wrong?” I whisper, ignoring the urge to envelop her in my arms.

  “Nothing,” she mumbles, still refusing to look at me.

  “Look at me, Eva.” I glance around quickly, and no one is watching. Tipping her chin up, I’m shocked at her pale features and bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes. “What the fuck did he do to you?” I grind my teeth to my molars as red-hot anger sweeps through me.

  “Not here, Kade. Please.” Her lower lip wobbles, and tears prick her eyes.

  I break apart inside.

  Eva is usually so strong, and this vulnerable side isn’t something I’m used to seeing.

  I take out a book, pretending to show her something. “Tell them you’re sick,” I say in a low voice, discreetly sliding my keycard into her purse. “Then take a taxi to my place, and I’ll meet you there.”

  “I can’t,” she says, but the words lack bite.

  “Yes, you can.” I drill her with a determined look. “You’ve never missed a single class. Go in and tell them you got sick on the drive here and you’re returning home.” She chews on the corner of her lip, and I know I have her. “I’m not taking no for an answer. Go do it now and I’ll see you soon.”

  She nods, and more tears glisten in her eyes. I want to reach out and touch her, comfort her, so badly, but I can’t. Not yet.

  I watch until she’s disappeared, and then I hightail it back to my Jeep. I stop at the store for supplies on the way, and then I park in the garage and wait for Eva to show up. The taxi appears ten minutes later, and I’m out of my Jeep and by her side in a jiffy. I stuff a fifty in the driver’s hand, and then I open the back door, helping Eva out. I take her bag, keeping her close to my side as we walk through the garage and into the lobby of the building. I want to do more but I daren’t risk it. The building has cameras all over the place, and I won’t compromise her safety.

  But the minute I close my penthouse door, I dump the bags on the floor and gingerly draw her into my arms. She bursts out crying, fisting her hands in my shirt as she sobs uncontrollably. My heart is breaking, and I’m terrified of what she’ll tell me. Scared I won’t be able to restrain myself from seeking out her husband and beating his ass, which wouldn’t be smart, because I’m no use to Eva if I’m dead.

  She clings to me, and I hold her close, running my hand up and down her hair, whispering assurances. When she stops crying, I scoop her into my arms and carry her to the couch. Placing a blanket over her shivering body, I brush hair back off her face, perching on the edge of the couch. “What happened, Eva?”

  “I … he …” She breaks down again, and I hug her, fighting strong emotions. This helpless feeling is something I haven’t felt in a long time.

  “It’s okay,” I reassure her. “You can tell me when you’re ready.”

  When she has composed herself again, I lean down, peering into her anguished eyes. “What can I do? Do you want something to eat? To drink? Or can I run you a bath? Put on a movie?”

  She thinks about that for a minute. “A bath sounds good,” she croaks, her voice hoarse from crying.

  I nod, getting her a glass of water and a box of tissues before I head
to the bathroom.

  Mom gave me some aromatherapy oils when I pulled a muscle in my back, and I add those to the tub before leaving a few fluffy towels on top of the cabinet for Eva.

  When I return to the living room, she has replaced the water with whiskey, and that does little to ease my concern. It’s not even ten a.m., and if she’s hitting the liquor I fear this is even worse than my worst suspicions.

  “I needed something stronger,” she says, noticing my reaction. “Hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not. Whatever you need.” I kneel down in front of her. “I already hate him, and I don’t even know what he’s done.”

  She smiles sadly. “I spent most of yesterday plotting ways to kill him.”

  “We should swap notes sometime. I have a lengthy list of possible ways to make him go away for good.”

  And that’s no word of a lie. I’ve thought of it, but the difference is, I’d never follow through. Because Eva deserves a better man than that.

  I stand up, extending my hand. “Come on. Your bath awaits.”

  After I’ve shown her where everything is, I step outside, closing the door and giving her privacy, even though every cell of my being begs to stay inside and take care of her. By the cumbersome way she’s moving around, I know she’s physically injured, and all the murderous thoughts I’ve been trying so hard to suppress flood my system, making my blood boil.

  A loud rap on the front door startles me. I check the peephole and briefly consider not letting him in.

  He thumps the door. “I know you’re in there, Kade,” Kev hollers. “Open the fucking door.”

  Sighing, I open the door, and my brother comes barreling into the hallway. “You’re a fucking idiot!” he yells, pushing me.

  I slam the door shut and then glare at my younger brother. “You picked the wrong day for this, Kev, so I suggest you leave before I do or say something I’ll regret.” I’m pumped full of unspent anger, and it won’t take much to rile me up. Usually, I’m pretty level-headed, but thinking of all the things that asshole could’ve done to Eva has me twisted into knots.