Business and Pleasure (Book 1)

Chapter 40- Kennedy

"I love you Kennedy." That's was Dante. I looked at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes. Tonight had been shit and he was going to be in the dog house but it felt so good to hear him say those words.

"I love you Kennedy." That was Andy. I looked up at him. He was the only one who managed not to cry during this whole ordeal but I could tell he was on the brink. My heart warmed to hear his words.

"I love you Kennedy." That was Parker. I know he loves me. He tells me every night when he thinks I'm sleep. I was shocked to see the bruises on his knuckles and the bruise on Dante's face. I know my leaving caused some serious strife between them, I wasn't thinking. But it wasn't entirely my fault Dante was being an ass. I sighed. I leaned in and kissed the bruise on his cheek then his lips.

He clung to me for dear life kissing me back. He wasn't out the dog house but I couldn't bear to see him like this anymore. I broke the kiss and pulled back.

"I love you too. I love all of you. I didn't know it was possible before you guys to love multiple people but I couldn't live without any of you." I told them all. "But we have so much to work on, saying I love you doesn't fix us. And sex doesn't either."

I unwrapped myself from around Dante and stood. I went over to Parker and grabbed his injured hand gently. He winced as I turned it over. He must of hit Dante hard. I looked up into his face. I know he was regretting that.

"I'll go get you guys some ice stay here. Andy will you help me?" I lead Parker to my bed and sit him down. I go to Andy grab his hand and lead him out. We are silent heading to the kitchen. Andy stares at me as I grab two ice packs and the first aid kit.

"Kennedy. Were you really going to leave us? Just like that." His words were low and deep. I paused in what I was doing.

Was I?

After all they had done for me, after all the love they had shown me was I going to let Dante's word break us up. I turned to face him. The sadness on his face made me feel like someone was squeezing my heart. I put all the items down on the counter.

"I can't be in a relationship with just 2 of you and not the third. That was one of the first things you told me. So a part of me felt like if he didn't want me what was the point." I said slowly. He bit his lip. He reached for me, his hands visibly shaking. I went into his arms. He clung to me. For the first time I was aware of just how small I was compared to him.

"Angel," he breathed taking a deep breath. He pulled me back to look into my eyes. "What was the first rule?"

I thought back to the conversation from New York. Never run away or hide feelings. I signed. It wasn't just me. Dante was hiding his feelings. Me blaming him for this wasn't going to solve anything. Yes he was acting like a immature jerk but I left instead of talking to Andy and Parker after they got home I ran.

"Never run away or hide feelings." I whispered. He nodded.

"You did both. Dante also hid his feelings. There are reasons why we have rules." He said quietly. I nodded.

"I'm sorry, I won't do it again." I whispered. I could feel the tears coming and I tried to blink them away. He kissed my forehead then my lips. He broke the kiss just as I was trying to deepen it. I sighed. Even with all this crap going on I still was on the brink of exploding from sexual frustration.

"Patience Angel. We need to clear everything tonight before anything happens." He said softly, kissing my forehead again. I sighed.

Nothing did happen that night or the next. Everyone was quiet. Parker and Dante weren't talking to each other, or me for that matter. Parker was upset I was going to leave. Dante is angry at himself for being the reason I left. It was a big pot of shit. I spent my nights with Andy since he was the only one who could handle be around me it seems. Until he had to go out of town for a work meeting.

5 days. I walked around the house for 5 days and only saw Parker and Dante occasionally. Never together, they gave me soft smiles and sweet kisses but that's all they seemed to be able to do. I don't know if it was really me anymore but they were in a mood for being upset at each other.

So I went to work and did my job and came home and repeated it the next day.

It's now a week from Christmas and we haven't planned anything. I thought we would spend it together but at this rate I may book a one person cruise maybe convince my brother to go. I doubt my men would let me though. I almost forgot about the threat of Weldon. It's been a little over a month since my life changed so much. Felt like years.

Who knew a woman could feel so alone yet be in a relationship with 3 other people. I was thinking that as I walked into work and right I into a tall man with golden chocolate skin and curly short black hair. He was gorgeous and I knew exactly who he was.

"Mr. Leon." I breathed out. He face lit up with a dazzling smile. Leon Anthony. The man who is up to be Partner at the Restaurant Inc. specifically my partner.

"Ms. Payton I assume." He stuck a hand out. "I've met Andy, Maddie and Dale. Maddie informed me she's one of two females so it wouldn't be hard to miss you." His voice was soft and velvet, he just made you want to melt.

"Um yes. Sorry for running into you like that." I said, shaking his hand. "Are you waiting for someone? I've only been here a couple months so this process is new to me." He smiled and my stomach flipped a little. I was definitely overdue for some love time with my men if I was fawning over the attentions of another man.

"Actually, Andy told me to shadow you for today. He said didn't get the chance to run it by you though so to let you know he'd make it up to you." Leon said taking a hesitating step back. I smiled at him. Andy was pretty busy the last few days. Only getting a few minutes here and there to call or text.

"It's okay. I don't mind the company at all." I walked towards the elevator. I had my briefcase from Andy on hand and two large brown envelopes of menus in another.

"Let me." He said taking the envelopes and briefcase out of my hands. The thoughtful gesture made me miss Parker and Dante. They always grabbed my things and walked me to my office. I have Leon a soft smile and a thanks as we stepped on the elevator.

I hit the button on our floor lost in thought.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly. "I hope my being here isn't an inconvenience." I looked up into his concerned face.

"Can I call you Leon?" I asked. He nodded. "Leon, my home life has been a bit on the rocks to day the least. I apologize for not being my usual self." He gave me a sympathetic smile.

"I understand that. I gained full custody of my 5 year old daughter, 6 months ago so her mom could travel the world on a sailboat and I still haven't adjusted. I feel like a wreak everyday." I turned to him surprised at his words.

"Wow, that must be tough. Is that why you stepped away from stardom. When she was born?" I asked. He nodded.

"It was hard to travel never knowing if she would need me when I'm halfway around the world." He explained. I was turned facing him looking up. He was about the same height as Andy. I smiled up at him.

"I bet your a great dad." I said softly reaching out and touching his arm. I saw just a flicker of something in his eyes when I touched him but it was gone almost instantly.

A throat cleared. We both looked at the opened elevator door. Parker, Dante and Kyle stood there. Dante had a look of pure murder on his face. And Parker shock. Kyle on the other hand look enamored.

"What the fuck." Parker said softly.

A/N- if you would like to know what Leon looks like check out the character chapter on my other book Discovering Happiness!