Page 53 of Beautifully Broken Control

Preston began to laugh. “I wouldn’t be so quick to protect her. She’ll bleed you dry and then tank your business with lies.”

“Who are you, and what the hell is wrong with you?”

“She hasn’t told you, has she?” Preston’s laughter intensified. “Of course, she hasn’t. No one in business would want her within one hundred miles of them. I’m Preston Barrington. I’ll let her fill in the rest.” And with that, he side-stepped us both and strode back towards the party.

I was full-on shaking now. Trying so hard to push my emotions down. To keep the lid on. Because I knew the moment I let them out, they’d never stop.

Cain turned me towards him, his hands cupping my face gently—oh, so gently. “Kennedy. Look at me.” My gaze went to his eyes, but I didn’t really see him. “Who was that? Who is he to you?”

“My brother,” I whispered. “That was my brother.”

20

Cain

Kennedy was lostin her own world. So lost, she barely noticed as I guided her out of the ballroom and into the waiting SUV. She said not a single word as we drove to the airport. Didn’t blink at the fact that I kept her hand in mine, our fingers twined.

I didn’t want to let her go. I had no idea what fucked-up history she had with her family, but I’d find out. And, in the meantime, I somehow felt that if I kept a hold of her hand, I could keep her safe. Nothing in this world could touch her if I was holding her.

When we reached the plane, I helped her out of the vehicle and led her towards the jet. I ignored the single seats and sat us on a bench seat so I wouldn’t have to let her go. I didn’t think I could if I tried.

As the plane began to taxi, Kennedy started to whisper. “Chuck. Jensen lending me a dress. Dancing. Unlimited Perrier.”

“Baby. What are you talking about?” None of what she said made sense.

“Things I’m grateful for.”

My brow furrowed. “Things you’re grateful for?” At least, she was speaking now, even if none of it made much sense.

She began to tremble. “I’m listing the things I’m grateful for today. Even on the worst days, there’s something to be grateful for.” Her voice hitched on the last word, and then she dissolved into sobs.

I held her to me as the plane lifted into the air.Fuck this.I unbuckled her seat belt and lifted her onto my lap as her body became wracked with sobs. I wanted to murder her brother. I couldn’t imagine Kennedy doing anything to warrant this kind of punishment.

I rocked her back and forth, pressing my lips to her hair, whispering over and over that it would be all right. Until Kennedy went limp in my arms. I didn’t move her. I simply held her as though I could fix it all.

The flight attendant appeared in the aisle, looking concerned. “Is she all right?” I shook my head. “Is there anything I can do? I know she’s asleep now, but I’ll ready a glass of water and some aspirin for when she wakes up. I bet she’s going to have a headache.”

I was so hiring this woman. “That would be great. If she doesn’t wake before we land, I’ll take it in the car with me.”

She nodded. “Just call for me if she wakes up.”

Kennedy didn’t wake. Not even when the plane landed. She only let out a low moan. The flight crew helped me navigate the steps and unloaded everything Vince and Rachel had left for me on board. The flight attendant placed the drink and medicine in the cupholder as I laid Kennedy in the passenger seat of my Range Rover. I carefully buckled her in and then gently closed the door.

I turned to the flight crew. “Thank you, for everything. I’ll be sending bonuses to you all, along with job offers.”

They all blinked, but it was the woman who spoke. “Thank you, sir. I hope she’s feeling better soon.”

I gave a jerk of my head and rounded my vehicle. With only a moment’s hesitation, I headed for home. My home. I wasn’t leaving Kennedy alone, and there was way more space at my place.

As we pulled up to my front door, Kennedy stirred, blinking rapidly. “Where are we?”

I brushed the hair back from her face. “We’re at my place.” She blinked some more but said nothing. “I want you to stay here tonight.” She opened her mouth to reply, but I held up a hand. “Please, don’t argue. If I have to take you home, I’ll just end up sleeping on your couch.” I paused for a moment, holding her gaze with mine. “I need to make sure you’re okay.”

Kennedy nodded slowly.

I fought the urge to reach out and pull her to me again. To wrap her in my arms and never let her go. “Thank you.”

I grabbed the important items from the back seat, and we headed inside. “I’ll grab you some stuff you can sleep in and show you to a guest room.” Kennedy nodded again and followed me through the hallways until I stopped at an open door. “Here you go. There’s a bathroom through that door. Do you want to shower or have a bath?”

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