“Don’t fuck with what’s mine!” He roars through the bar as my cheeks flame red over the spectacle he’s making.
“Jayden, please stop.” I plead.
Ash and Savvy come up wrapping their arms around me making sure I’m okay. I assure them I’m fine, just embarrassed and I apologize for the mess.
“It’s not your fault sweetie. He was like a ticking time bomb just waiting for something to happen.”
“She’s done, finished. No way is she working in this bar anymore.”
“Jayden!” I start to protest but he cuts me off.
“My girlfriend isn’t going to be treated like a common whore and groped by scumbags! Let me go, I’m fine.” He yells and shakes his brothers off.
“Georgie lets go.”
“I’m not done work-”
“I said let’s go. You no longer work here.”
Now I’m starting to get pissed. Who the hell does he think he is?
“Excuse me?” I question.
“You heard me, let’s go.”
“Are you gonna snap your fingers at me too? Is that what I am to you? A little puppy you own and command to obey? Who do you think you are telling me where I can and can’t work? You don’t own me.”
“Guys lets calm down and talk in the office.” Savvy tries to help out.
“Don’t Savvy. You’ve done enough. Where’s the help you said was nearby when he was practically mauling my girl? I’ll say it again, find another bartender, she’s done as of right now.”
“Jayden, that’s enough” Zander says at the same time I throw out, “fuck off.” With the noise I’m not sure he’s heard me. The only indication is the look of disbelief on his face.
“Sunshine don’t-”
“No, I’ve heard enough. What happened to you? Who is this guy? The situation was being handled! I’ve been told what to do my whole life, why do you think I’d let you start controlling me now. Is this who you really are? Was everything a façade and your asshole nature is coming to the surface now? I won’t do it again, I can’t.” Tears start to form in my eyes but I won’t cry. I promised myself a while back I’d never shed tears over this man again.
I look at Josh and then Zander. “Stop him.” Is all I say before turning and exiting the bar. There’s more time on my shift but I need to get out of here.
My name is roared throughout the bar and it almost brings me to my knees. What the hell just happened? Has everything in our relationship been a lie? Does he really think I’m a doormat, a trophy to show around and agree to his every whim?
Once I get in my car I pound on the steering wheel finally letting myself lose control. My door is pulled open and Ashlyn drops on her haunches telling me to get in the passenger seat, so I jump over the center console. I’m in no shape to drive. Savvy jumps in the back seat and shuts the door.
“Oh shit. Lock the doors.” Ash yells pushing the button to do just that. She starts the car and is about to put it in drive as a knock comes at my window startling me.
“Georgie, baby, please talk to me. I’m so sorry. Get out and just… just hear me out. Please.” The look on his face nearly does me in, but I can’t go back to the way my life used to be. He needs to know that this is a deal breaker and I won’t put up with it. What kills me is he knows what I went through and he’s acting no better than they did.
“Go.” I order Ashlyn as I stare him in the eyes so he knows what he’s done to me. He’s taking me back to the hell I had to endure my whole life. The punishments, the commands, the rules. It’s all I can think about.
Pulling out of the parking lot I know my head should remain trained on the road in front of us. But I can’t resist and I immediately regret my decision. I shouldn’t have looked back. I told myself not to for a reason, but I did anyways. I see Jayden on his knees in the parking lot with his hands clasped behind his head.
“Take me somewhere. Anywhere but home.” I plead.
“You know what always makes me feel better?” Ashlyn asks.
She tells me and I know that’s exactly what I need so we make our way to Jack’s so I can see my precious babies. Mia and Danny always put a smile on my face. They’re just the medicine I need right now.
When we walk through the front door Jack takes one look at me and I see anger flood his face. “I’m going to get my bow. Whose ass am I kicking?”
“Dad, stand down.” Savvy urges.
“It’s been quiet around here for a while, I’m jonesing for a little action.” He looks thrilled.
“Well, if Jayden shows up you can tell him to stay the hell out of here. Is that enough action for you?” I ask.
“Not even a little. He’s a pussy, my grandson is tougher than that pansy ass.”
Laughing, I make my way over to the babies. I don’t know if Mia really qualifies as a baby anymore. It hurts my heart that she’s getting so big. I miss when I could hold her in my arms and snuggle her. She likes to be independent now and she’s too cool to snuggle with her Auntie. But Danny on the other hand, he’s only a couple months old and I can snuggle the heck out of him.
“Come here big guy.” I reach down and unbuckle him from his swing. A giant smile lights his face when he sees me.
“You’re the only man I need in my life. Don’t you go growing up on me and become all Alpha male like your daddy and uncles.”
“No promises, we all know how Zander is.” Savvy laughs.
That’s when I hear it, doors closing and Jayden shouting my name. Panic sets in because I’m not ready to see him yet. I don’t even know how I’m feeling, my emotions are too raw.
“Wipe that frown off your face Georgie girl, I’ll handle this.”
When I look up at Jack it takes everything in me to keep a straight face. He has his camo on and his arrows strapped to his back. Savvy’s told me the story of him cornering Zander at the gym, but seeing it firsthand makes me realize the story doesn’t do it justice.
“Mr. J, really?” I can tell Ashlyn’s trying not to laugh.
“Desperate times Ash, this has never failed me.” He points to his get-up then heads out the door.
I’m almost positive Jayden’s gonna come barreling through the door at any second demanding to talk to me.
“He’s not gonna make it in here you know. My dad can be very persuasive.” I look at Savvy.
“I have no doubt. Bad ass was radiating out of his pores.” We laugh.
“He does look pretty crazy, huh?”
“Just a little.” I pinch my fingers together.
“How’s about we get the kids and head on back to my place. I’ll make sure Josh keeps him away and I have margaritas!”
“I’m in!”
I’m hoping tomorrow brings something new, but for tonight, I don’t want to deal with it. I want to hang out with my girls and forget every horrible moment.
Later that night after I’ve had way too much to drink I retire to the guest bedroom. My phone died a few hours ago so I put it on the charger. When it comes to life I have a text message. Just one.
The man, the myth, the legend: I’m so sorry. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you and I’d never want to control you. I don’t know what that was or where it came from. Fuck Georgie, sometimes I lose my mind when I’m around you. Please, please, give me another chance. Let me explain. Please, don’t give up on me.
I don’t respond. I can’t, I need to think on it when my heads not spinning. So, until tomorrow, I’ll sleep and pretend this whole night never happened.
CHAPTER 19
Jayden
“Ease up Jay.”
But I don’t. I keep pounding the shit out of the punching bag in front of me. The need to take out every last frustration I’ve been feeling with my fists is overwhelming. When I finish and my breathing is labored I turn towards Z who hasn’t left my side all morning.
“Don’t tell me what to do. I know how hard to push myself.”
“Do you really believe that? Because for the p
ast two days I’ve seen you beating yourself into the ground. What if you get the call tonight and you’ve exhausted yourself so much that you don’t stand a chance? Take a couple days off.”
“I can’t.” I stare him in the eye. “If I’m not here I think. When I think, all I can do is get angry at myself for the way I acted the other night. Fuck Zander, that’s not me. I’m not that person. What the hell is happening to me where I think it’s okay to treat Georgie like that? On top of all this, I’ve just been going out of my mind thinking about my fight. I need to keep it together so Georgie doesn’t worry. If I doubt myself at all while talking about it she gets so upset and I don’t like making her cry. But holding it all in is what made me explode the other night.” I’m desperate and I need him to give me answers I can’t find on my own.
It’s been a long two days with no contact from Georgie. She won’t answer my calls or texts, she won’t even allow me in the bar. I understand I hurt her, but she needs to let me plead my case. At this point I’m not above groveling.
“It’ll all workout, you just need to give her time to cool off. I was talking to her yesterday-”
“You talked to her and didn’t tell me?” I accuse him.
“Let me finish man. I was talking to her and she is just as mopey as you are. She told me that the way you were telling her what to do and not letting her talk for herself… well. It brought her back to her days at the compound. Did she ever tell you about the box? It’s so fucked up what she went through. Her and Vic are lucky they made it out unscathed. Okay, my point is, if she were over you she wouldn’t be walking around like a lost puppy. This has been just as hard-on her, if not harder, than what you’re going through. Just give her some time. If that’s not working, make a grand gesture.”
“A grand gesture?” I ask in disbelief. “Am I supposed to stand outside her window with a boom box professing my love to her?”
“No asshole, show her you care. Girls eat that shit up. But make it sincere, also, if you have to question if it’s okay you probably shouldn’t do it.”
I rack my brain trying to think about what I can do and that’s when it hits me. I grab my towel and run to the locker room listening to Zander laughing. I must prepare. If I can pull this off, it’ll be epic and my girl will be in my arms by the end of the night.
On my way out of the gym Zander stops me. “Hey, I’m here if you ever need to vent. I understand how crazy the situation you’re in is. You can’t keep it all bottled up, you know we’re only a phone call away man.”
“Thanks Z. Really, that means a lot. But right now, I have to win my girl back.” I flash him a smile and head out to set my plan in motion.
***
Georgie
“We have to do this more often. I’m really sorry I’ve been neglecting you lately.”
“You have a new romance Georgie, don’t even think about feeling guilty about it. I’ve been just fine.” Vic smiles a knowing smile at me. “How’s everything with, you know? The fighting?”
“All’s quiet for now. It’s like a dark cloud just hanging over us. He’s been neurotic since Kyle got jumped. Sometimes he is so over the top it scares me. Not in a bad way of course. But constantly checking in and making sure I’m okay.”
“He must have been going out of his mind these past few days with your radio silence.”
“No, Ash and Savvy have been giving him updates. I’m not that horrible of a person.”
How did I not notice this before? Vic is beaming. “Something’s different with you.” I point to his face. “You never smile this much. Spill!”
“Can’t a guy just be happy to hang out with his best friend?” His cheeks are starting to turn red. He’s hiding something and if I had to guess it has to do with Caesar.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with a sexy bartender would it?”
His entire face is now a tomato. Ding ding ding, we have a winner!
“Oh my god! Last I talked, you said nothing was going on. Please tell me you’re ready to date him.”
“Oh, that ships sailed sweetie.” He bends down and pounds back the rest of his mudslide.
I jump up from my lounge chair and swing my legs over the side. “Oh my god! Did you… you know?”
“Maybe.” He mumbles then covers his face with his hands.
“Holy crap Vic!” I didn’t think my reaction would be to cry, but that’s what happens.
“Why are you crying? Everything’s okay, I’m okay.”
“I’m just so happy for you. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy in life, to find someone who makes you feel happy.”
“To find someone as special as Jayden?” He questions and the mention of him makes my heart hurt.
I look away, I haven’t seen Jayden in two days and its killing me.
“I don’t know what to say to him.” I whisper.
“The truth is a great place to start.” He sits up on his lounger and faces me before grabbing my hands. “I know what he did was really shitty, but he loves you.”
“How do you know?”
“He hasn’t told you?” I shake my head in response.
“I’m surprised. He went all Alpha on you yet hasn’t made his feelings clear. I think I should give him a few pointers.”
I laugh as I wipe a stray tear away. “It’s too soon, we’ve only been together for a few months. How can you fall in love with someone in that short of a time?”
“I love Caesar and I’ve known him for an even shorter duration.”
I throw my arms around Vic. “I love you and I’m so happy you get to be yourself. You’re an amazing person and everyone should get to see this side of you.”
“Right back at ya. I know it’s scary, hell, sleeping with Caesar was the scariest moment of my life. But it was the single most spectacular thing I’ve ever experienced. Don’t let one small bump in the road keep you from having a life full of spectacular.”
“I’ll talk to him first thing tomorrow.” I look down at my phone. “Shit, I have to be to work in an hour and I still have to shower off all this tanning oil.”
“Look at you cursing like a gang banger. I’m proud! And you better hop to it with that talk. Another bouquet was dropped off on the door earlier. Our house is starting to look like a greenhouse.” He laughs.
But he’s right. I must have received ten different floral arrangements over the past two days. Every card has a special memory about us or something I do that drives him crazy.
Thinking back to the other night makes me sad. I think his words were really what crushed my spirit. It was the fact he wasn’t giving me a choice. I understand him getting angry over that guy that grabbed me, but when he got possessive it brought me to the darkest part of my life.
I know that wasn’t him, that he’s different. He needs to know I don’t think he’s the same as them, he never could be. I get up and head inside the house and on the way, I shoot Jayden a text asking to meet me for breakfast in the morning.
By the time I’m ready and make my way to work I still have no response from him. Maybe I waited too long, I’m too late and he realized I’m not worth the effort anymore. I shake that thought out of my head. No, I wasn’t the only person in this relationship for the past four months. There’s no way I could make up what I’m feeling. I don’t even know what I’m feeling, but I know its special. A once in a life time thing.
As I jump behind the bar once I get to work, I give Caesar a knowing smile and he winks back at me. I run up to him and pull him into a hug. “Please don’t hurt him.” I whisper in his ear.
“Honey, that boy has me wrapped around his finger. He has the ability to shatter my heart and I don’t even care. Victor’s…” He sighs dreamily. “He’s everything.”
And that gives me hope for when I talk to Jayden. I’ll hunt him down and force him to talk to me if I have to. Victor’s right. I don’t want to miss out on spectacular, a mediocre life just won’t do after having a taste of the magic that is Jay
den Cage.
CHAPTER 20
Georgie
“Can I have everyone’s attention please?” A familiar voice booms through the speakers of the bar. As I whirl around, I see Jayden sitting on the stage, eyes boring into mine and a guitar in hand.
“I hope y’all don’t mind, but you see, I messed up with my girl. I was a grade-A asshole and I need to get back in her good graces.” A small smile plays on his lips. “I was way out of line, as we pig headed men can do sometimes, and hurt my Sunshine in the process.” He starts fiddling with his guitar.
I’ve never heard him play before. He’s told me stories of the choir and I’ve asked him to play for me, but he always puts it off. I just didn’t think he felt like sharing or maybe it was all talk and he really sucked.
He starts the intro to a song and I melt. A few months ago, I was listening to the radio and a song came on. It spoke to me and I immediately Shazamed it and stalked the hell out of the song. I immediately sent it over to Jayden and told him if we were to ever have a song in life, this would be it. I never heard anything about it from that point on thinking I was getting too serious, which made me a little sad if I’m being honest. I’d just listen to it when I was driving by myself, sometimes I’d shed a tear or two. It was that perfect.
As the lyrics to Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur wash over me, I’m hit with emotion. The tears start to build up in my eyes when I hear the first verse. His voice is everything. I couldn’t describe a perfect moment in my life before right now. This moment. We’re in a room full of people, customers are shouting bar orders at me, but it’s only us.
He remembered and the fact that he’s playing it right now shows it meant something to him too. His fingers expertly glide over the chords like he’s played it a thousand times. He learned to play this beautiful song for me.
I love him. This is the first time I’m admitting it to myself, but I love him beyond words and I’m petrified. But, I’m ready for this. I’m strong enough to do this, fall head first into the single most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me.
Bound By Cage Box Set (Complete Series Books 1-4) : MMA Romance Page 55
