by J. L. Perry
As much as she says she hates it, I think she’s becoming addicted to Candy Crush. She rings me, at one stage, squealing because she’s gotten past a hard level she’d be stuck on for over an hour. ‘Woo hoo! I kick level forty-seven’s sweet little candy arse,’ are her exact words.
Amy buzzes me as I’m getting ready to leave, to say Natalie wants to speak with me. When she’s seated in my office, she leans forwards, passing me a thick manila folder.
‘I’m guessing you found something,’ I say, opening it.
‘I did. I went back over the accounts for the past ten years, but when her name kept popping up so frequently, I dug a little further. She’s been on the company payroll for the last eighteen years. Until today, I’d never heard of her. Who is this woman?’
‘A friend of my father’s.’ I’m not getting into the technicalities of the situation with my staff.
‘A very wealthy friend,’ she retorts. ‘In the past eighteen years, she’s been paid close to ten million dollars.’
‘She fucking what?’ I seethe as I flick through the paperwork in front of me. There was an initial payment of one million dollars, then they ranged anywhere from five to ten thousand dollars a week. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out exactly what those payments were for, especially given my father’s history. My blood boils at the thought of him paying so much for his whores, and with company funds, no less. My poor mother. Maybe it’s time I let her know just how despicably low her husband is.
After thanking Natalie for the information, I ask her to keep this between us. I know I can trust her. I’m a lot more easy-going than my father and I have a good rapport with my staff. Maxwell has a reputation of being a tyrant around here.
My good mood has vanished. I travel down in the lift to the underground carpark where my driver is waiting. I can’t believe my father’s spent so much money on sex over the years. I need to plan my attack carefully, but I won’t be letting this go.
This shit has to stop.
*
I’ve calmed down somewhat by the time I arrive home. Well, not really, I’m fucking furious with my father. Everything in me wants to call my mother and tell her, but at the same time I don’t want to hurt her. I’m not even sure if she’s aware this has been going on. Maybe that’s why I’ve never told her about the things I witnessed when I was growing up.
My father used me as a ruse for years. He’d take me everywhere with him so my mother wouldn’t get suspicious of him leaving the house so often. We’d always end up at the same hotel. He’d sit me in front of the television, surrounded by junk food, before disappearing into one of the bedrooms with one of his whores. If I asked questions, he’d always say it was a topsecret meeting, or secret spy stuff, which, as a kid, I thought was super cool. As I got older though, I soon realised it was all a lie.
Growing up, my dad was my hero. I wanted to be exactly like him. That’s until I found out he was a lying, cheating snake, and then I wanted to be nothing like him. Over the years my hate for him grew. I hated him for his dishonesty, but more than anything I hated him for having such disregard for my mother, their marriage and our family as a whole.
I sit in the back of the limo and take a few deep breaths before I exit. I don’t want to be in a bad mood around Jade. I’ve been dying to come home to her all day, and I hate that my father has put a dampener on that. One day karma will come back to bite him on the arse for all of his past indiscretions. I only hope I’m around to see him get his comeuppance.
After placing my briefcase in my office, I head to the gym. I can hear loud music pumping through the walls so I know that’s where she is. I find Brad leaning against the door frame watching her when I round the corner. It makes my already high blood pressure spike. I’m not paying him to perve on my girl, fucker.
When I’m standing behind him, I clear my throat. He immediately spins around to face me.
‘Are you right there?’ I ask, raising my eyebrow in annoyance. The venom in my voice is obvious.
‘Sorry, boss,’ he mumbles, bowing his head. He’s lucky I don’t knock him the fuck out.
‘You can go now.’
‘Do you want me back here in the morning?’
‘I’ll let you know. I may have a change of plans.’ If he wasn’t the best man for the job, I’d say hell fucking no, but the fact is, I know he could look after her in any situation that may arise. That’s my main priority right now.
I growl when he takes one more look at Jade over his shoulder. I can’t believe how protective I feel towards her.
‘Damn,’ he says shaking his head. ‘You’re one lucky bastard.’
‘You know where the door is.’ I trust this man with my life. He’s been working for my company for years. I know he’d never do anything inappropriate where Jade’s concerned, but I’m not comfortable with him admiring her either. She’s for my eyes only.
The moment he’s out of sight, I turn to her. She’s so engrossed in working out, she’s oblivious to what just went on. She looks so fine in those tiny gym shorts. No wonder Brad couldn’t keep his eyes off her. I stand there for a moment, drinking her in. She’s doing squats and holding her arms out, weights clutched in both hands. I hate to interrupt her workout, but I have something else in mind for her.
I’m a few metres away before she even notices me approach and her face lights up as soon as she sees me. The sight hits me straight in the chest. Placing the weights on the floor, she launches herself into my arms.
‘I missed you today,’ she says as her lips meet mine. God, I missed her too. As much as I hated being away from her, I could get used to coming home to a greeting like this every day.
I pull her legs up until they’re wrapped around my waist and walk towards the door.
‘Where are you taking me? I haven’t finished my workout.’
‘I have a better workout in mind. I believe we have a date in the bathroom. You bent over the bath and me buried balls deep inside you.’
‘Oh that sounds amazing,’ she says, nipping at my neck.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
JADE
I’m sprawled out on top of Brock in satisfied bliss. After he bent me over the bathtub as promised, he filled the tub with warm water and bubbles and we both climbed in.
‘I can’t believe in the six years I’ve lived in this house, I’ve never taken a bath,’ he says.
‘I love soaking in a warm bath. This is the first time I’ve ever shared one though.’
‘We should do this more often, it’s nice.’
‘We should.’ I raise my head off his chest and smile at him. He threads his fingers in my hair before pulling my face to his.
‘How would you feel about going to Josh’s place for the day tomorrow?’ he says when the kiss ends.
‘Really?’ I ask. ‘You’re getting rid of the Gestapo?’
He chuckles before he replies. ‘No, the Gestapo stays. But if you’re with Josh, I can get the Gestapo—I mean Brad—to hang back.’
‘Really?’ I grin. I like Joshua. I’d love to spend the day with him and get to know him better.
‘Really,’ Brock replies. ‘I hate the thought of you being cooped up in this house.’
‘You’re the best,’ I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.
‘I know.’ His modesty makes me laugh.
His lips meet mine again and when he deepens the kiss, I shift my legs so I’m straddling him. I’m trying so hard not to get attached to him, but I’m failing miserably. Every second we’re together just makes me crave him more. I’ll never tire of these feelings. It’s like nothing I’ve ever known. How am I going to cope if this thing between us doesn’t last?
Brock’s hands move down to my waist. He lifts my body slightly before sliding the head of his penis inside me. We moan in unison when he pushes all the way in, filling me completely. I rock my hips gently against him, never once taking my lips off his.
This is different to the other times. It’s not primal o
r desperate, it’s beautiful. Two souls coming together as one. This is not sex … this is making love.
*
‘So, do you have a boyfriend?’ I ask Joshua when we sit down for lunch.
I’ve had the best morning and we’ve become friends fast. His looks are similar but different to Brock’s, if that makes sense, though their personalities are miles apart. Joshua has a soft and vulnerable side to him. A big teddy bear. He reminds me a lot of Theo. Whereas Brock is cocky and exudes confidence.
‘No, I don’t have time for that.’
‘Well, you should make time. You’re a great catch. Being alone sucks. Trust me, I know. Until your brother came along, I was very familiar with that feeling.’
‘I’m a great catch?’ he replies, shaking his head. ‘Says the girl who’s only met me twice.’
I laugh. I knew within minutes of meeting him he was a sweetheart. Don’t ask me how, I just did.
‘I’m a pretty good judge of character. Hey, what about Theo? I think you two would be perfect for each other.’
‘Oh, we’re playing matchmaker now?’
I shrug. Of course I’m playing matchmaker.
‘I just think everyone should have someone special in their life. Your brother is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’
‘I’ve never seen him like this before,’ he admits. ‘I’m so glad you’ve found each other. I honestly thought he’d never settle down. I couldn’t have chosen a better sister-in-law if I tried.’
‘You’re getting a bit ahead of yourself there,’ I say with a nervous laugh.
‘He’s not going to let you go, you know that right? He’s crazy about you, Jade.’
‘I’m crazy about him too,’ I say as my eyes lower and a blush creeps onto my cheeks. Why is it so hard for me to talk about things like this? Perhaps it’s because I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. ‘I’m lucky to have him in my life.’
‘He’s lucky to have you too.’ When Joshua reaches across the table and places his hand on mine, I give him an appreciative smile. Is Brock lucky to have me? Sometimes I wonder about that. He has so much to offer, me not so much.
We are both silent for a few moments. I’m not sure either of us know what to say.
‘So, about Theo,’ I finally blurt, trying to divert the conversation away from me.
‘What about him?’
‘He’s hot, he’s single, and he’s sweet, just like you.’ When I wiggle my eyebrows at him, he laughs.
‘I don’t know,’ he says with a shrug.
‘Not your type?’
‘He’s so my type, but am I his?’
‘Are you kidding me? I know you have a mirror in this place, because I just cleaned it.’ I’m a little OCD like that. ‘You’re gorgeous. If I wasn’t with your brother, and you—you know—didn’t prefer men, I’d so do you.’
He throws back his head and laughs. ‘You’re fucking adorable, you know that right?’
*
‘Are you drunk?’ Brock asks when he draws back from the kiss. I’m not what you’d call drunk, but I am definitely tipsy.
‘Just a little,’ I reply, holding my thumb and forefinger up and squeezing them together.
‘What the fuck, Josh. You got her drunk,’ he calls out across the bar.
‘Hey. Don’t speak to him like that, he’s been teaching me how to make cocktails.’ I giggle when I say that word, playfully poking him in the chest. ‘Mmm … cocktails.’ I grab Brock by the crotch.
‘Jesus, Jade,’ he gasps, removing my hand.
‘You’re no fun,’ I say, pouting.
‘I’ll give you plenty of fun when we get home.’ His eyes slightly narrow when he speaks. He’s obviously not impressed that I’m kind of intoxicated. It wasn’t my intention, but some of the cocktails we made were so yummy, I had to drink them. ‘Bringing you here was a mistake,’ he says, shaking his head.
‘Bringing me here was a brilliant idea. Can I come back tomorrow? Pretty please?’ I fold my hands together as though praying. I see him fighting to suppress his smile as he looks down at my clutched hands before moving his gaze back to my face.
‘Maybe.’
‘Josh,’ I say, looking at him for backup.
When he comes out from behind the counter to stand beside me, he drapes his arm around my shoulder. ‘I’m not sure if I want to give her back,’ he says. ‘I think I wanna keep her.’ You can tell he’s trying to get his brother to bite.
‘What the fuck?’ Brock snaps, pulling me to him and placing me possessively by his side. ‘Like fuck you’re keeping her, she’s mine.’ Mission accomplished.
When he takes the bait, Joshua and I both burst out laughing. Brock growls when he realises what just happened.
‘Seriously, though,’ Joshua says when he finally stops laughing, ‘you’ve got a keeper there, bro. She cleaned my apartment and cooked for me.’
‘You put her to work?’ Brock frowns.
‘I offered. He tried to stop me,’ I say in Joshua’s defence, because he did. Unlike his brother, Joshua doesn’t have a maid to pick up after him. His apartment is quite spacious. It’s about the same size as mine. It only took me a few hours to get it spick and span. He’s very tidy, but the place was in need of a good vacuum and dusting. I’m not sure if that’s the mothering side of me coming out, or the fact that I was forced into cleaning at some of the foster homes I lived in, not to mention severely punished if it wasn’t done to their satisfaction. I’ve had a phobia about mess ever since.
‘I had a really nice time here today, Brock.’
‘I’m glad,’ he says, before wrapping me in his arms and kissing the top of my head. ‘You can come back here tomorrow,’ he whispers, so only I can hear.
My man is the best.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
BROCK
Jade and I fall into a comfortable routine. It’s ironic how normal it feels to have her in my life. During the days she’s with Josh at the club. They’ve become very close, which I love. They’re the two most important people in my life, so I need them to get along. It’s like we’ve been together for years, not a few weeks. She feels like a part of me now, in every sense of the word. Not having her around just wouldn’t feel right. I love going to bed with her every night and waking up with her every morning.
After collecting her on the way home on Friday, we head back to my place. I’ve been taking the Lamborghini to work since Jade has been spending the weekdays with my brother, it’s just easier. There’s still no word from M. You’d think the longer she stayed away, the more relaxed I’d feel. Sadly, that’s not the case. The silence only seems to put me more on edge with every passing day.
‘I’m looking forward to having you all to myself over the weekend,’ Jade says as we pull into the driveway.
‘Me too, sweetheart.’ I reach for her hand. I’ve been rushing through my work all week just to get home to her sooner.
The moment I press the button to open the automatic garage door, my phone rings. My mood sours when I see my father’s number on the screen. I still haven’t confronted him about paying for his whores with company funds. Or the fact that he’s been screwing around behind my mother’s back for the past eighteen years. I’ll pounce when the time’s right and he won’t know what hit him.
‘Father,’ I say with disdain in my voice.
‘Don’t use that tone with me, boy,’ he spits.
‘What do you want? I’m busy.’ I look over at Jade and smile. I need to get her in the house so I can bury myself in her heavenly pussy. Even though I had her before leaving this morning, she’s still been consuming my thoughts all day. She’s addictive.
‘I need a favour.’ Of course he does. He’d never ring to see how I was, or just to say hi. Prick.
‘What?’
‘I need you to head over to Phelan & Sons to sign the contract. I’m stuck in a meeting.’
‘Can’t you reschedule?’
‘It’s a five-million-dol
lar account. We can’t afford to screw this up.’ As if that would worry him. It’s only half the amount of the money he’s squandered away on his whores.
‘You should’ve thought of that when you made the appointment,’ I snap. No wonder this business wasn’t growing until I took over. Incompetent fucker. ‘You only have a handful of clients to look after.’
‘Are you going to do it or not?’
I exhale a frustrated breath before I answer. Do I even have a choice? Unlike him, I pride myself on professionalism. ‘What time is the meeting?’
‘Six.’
‘That’s in thirty fucking minutes. I’ll be lucky to make it to the other side of town in this traffic. You couldn’t have given me more notice?’
‘I’ll get my secretary to call them and let them know you’re on your way.’
‘Next time don’t make appointments you can’t keep,’ I hiss before disconnecting the call.
‘I’ve gotta head back out,’ I say pinching the bridge of my nose. ‘It won’t take long.’
‘That’s fine. I can get a start on dinner. Is everything okay?’
‘I’m not leaving you here on your own, Jade.’ I can’t take her with me either. If I drive her back to Josh’s, I’ll never make the meeting. Shit. ‘And yes everything is okay,’ I add, trying not let her see the inner battle I’m having with myself.
*
JADE
Brock was apprehensive about leaving me, but I’m fine being alone. It’s not like M would even know I was here by myself. Nevertheless, he made me promise to keep my phone on me at all times, and left strict instructions to call him if there was a problem. He said he’d keep his phone on during the meeting just in case. He’s worrying for nothing.
Once I get all the food prepped for dinner, I decide to head upstairs to soak in the bath. Brock won’t be home for at least another hour, so it’s too early to start cooking. It’s nice to be able to cook for someone other than myself.
