Page 60 of Companion Required

All his friends noticed. At meal times—the few moments all the friends spent time together—Kieran took every opportunity to touch Kennedy. Sometimes he would rest an innocent hand on his knee, or lace his fingers with the hand lying next to his, or lean across Kennedy to reach for the salt or pepper, accidentally brushing a hand on his upper thigh, while a thumb stroked the bulge in his trousers. Intended to be discreet—but so bloody obvious, every time Kennedy’s friends noticed not only Kieran’s smitten reaction, but Kennedy’s barely maintained indifference.

All too soon, Hong Kong harbour loomed.

As soon as Kennedy had installed Kieran in the suite of the Mandarin Oriental, he packed his suit and travel case, ready to head to the airport. When they’d checked in, he had organised a taxi to take him directly there. Twice Kieran asked if he wanted him to come, or just to see him off, but Kennedy declined and insisted he wanted to get the trip out of the way. Kieran’s sullenness made Kennedy feel unkind, and he almost had a change of heart, but instead pulled him up from the bed into an embrace.

“I need to do this, Kieran.”

After a tender kiss, he held Kieran’s face in his hands and stared into his eyes.

“Yes, I know you do.”

“And I’ll be gone two days only, as long as there are no delays.”

“I know.”

“And then it’s just you and me in Bali. For eight nights. To try anything that enters that filthy mind of yours.”

Kennedy managed to get a small smile out of Kieran then, which quickly fell away when Kieran’s gaze dropped to the small case Kennedy had packed.

“What’s the matter, Kieran?”

“It’s just—we’ve been together every day and night for the past eighteen days,” said Kieran, trying to make light, but his eyes telling a different story. “And I’ve begun to think of you as my lucky charm. So forgive me if I’m getting a little nervous about not having you here. What I’m trying to say is, it feels so good when we’re together. And I’m going to miss you. Sorry, I’m getting a bit gushy, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re not. I appreciate the sentiment, Kieran. And I promise I’m coming back soon. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Now will you do something for me?”

“Anything.”

“Go and enjoy yourself.”

* * * *

While sitting at the boarding gate, Kennedy received a couple of messages on his phone. One from Tim about the meeting—and something unexpected from Reagan.

Reagan:Me and the kids are moving in with our parents for now. Bernie admitted to having an affair. Will let you know more soon.

Kennedy stared out of the airport window to his plane being readied for the flight. Although the news didn’t take him by surprise, his sudden reaction did. What saddened him more than he could have imagined with its plain but obvious truth was that he and his sister had failed at relationships. How could he forget the defeated expression on Reagan’s face when he’d said goodbye? Never would he forget his own sense of futility when Patrick had walked away. Maybe he should be looking to blame their parents, but most of all, he wanted to protect his own heart. And the reason for this conflict? Kieran had woken something inside him, had made him begin to feel things again. Did he dare take another chance?

As the airline official checked his passport and scanned his ticket, Kennedy kept replaying in his mind the text from his sister. Why the hell would he want to expose his heart again? Stupid. The idea was stupid and dangerous. Besides, he was about to go into battle. Right now he needed no distractions. Heading down the ramp to the plane door, he checked the messages from Tim, to make sure there were going to be no surprises.

Tim: All arranged as planned, everything lined up including transfer documents sent to your special email account. Milletto thinks you are an international investment analyst with particular specialism in his sector. Let me know how things go. Safe travels.

Without looking back, he boarded the plane bound for Los Angeles and strapped himself into his seat.

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