Kade

by Dawn Martens

  ******

  Needing to celebrate, I pull up to Layla’s house and check my makeup in the rear view mirror. I must say, I look pretty good. I step out of my car, my stiletto heels clicking on the ground. I’m wearing a new satin green dress; one that clings to my every curve. Layla and I are going out on a girls' night out tonight. Only Layla isn’t aware of it just yet, but I'm about to change that. As usual, their front door is unlocked. The men in this house are too cocky. They think they are the predators and anyone who even tries to break into their house will probably end up getting the shit beat out of them. I walk into Layla’s room, hand on my hip, my eyes narrowing slightly. Tonight is about me, going out and having fun. I’m not even thinking about Kade.

  “Where are you going, Nikki?” Layla says, sounding confused when she sees me standing there all dolled up.

  “More like where we are going. Get fucking dressed, Layla!” I want to go out!

  “But...”

  “But what? Come on, we haven’t been out dancing since the night you met Chase. I’ll give you thirty minutes to get ready.” She'll probably take an hour if she’s doing that long ass hair of hers.

  She heads to the bathroom, and a few moments later Kade walks in. It’s like he has a Nikki radar or something. I sigh.

  “Where are you going dressed like that?” Kade growls, his eyes widening.

  “Girls' night out,” I tell him, sounding bored.

  “Like fuck you are! Dressed like that? I don’t fucking think so, Nikki!” he hisses heatedly.

  “I’m confused as to why you think I would take your opinion into consideration?” I retort.

  His eyes narrow dangerously, and a muscle ticks in his jaw.

  “Just keep pushing me, Nikki,” he says ominously, narrowing his eyes dangerously at me and taking a slight step back when Layla walks back in.

  I grab Layla’s hand after she finishes talking to Chase. We mumble goodbyes and jump into my car.

  “How come you’re driving today?” Layla asks. We usually take a cab, so we can both drink.

  “Not drinking tonight, I have a presentation tomorrow that I cannot be hung over for.” I glance over at her. “See how mature I’m getting?” We giggle simultaneously.

  “No, but seriously, I got offered an internship, Layla! So, we are going out to celebrate!” I say cheerfully.

  “Oh my god! Congrats, Nikki, you must be so happy. I knew your hard work would pay off. I’m so proud of you!” Layla beams.

  I blush. “Thanks, Layla.”

  “So what’s the deal with Chase?” I ask nosily, changing the subject.

  “What’s the deal with Kade?” she asks back, just as nosey. I want to tell her, I really do, but for some reason I can’t.

  “Stalemate, bitch,” I say.

  She laughs.

  “Tonight we are just going to enjoy ourselves, no hot headed sexy alpha men are gonna be on our minds, okay?” I drive over a curb. “Oops.” That seems to happen a lot when I’m driving. They seriously need to make these roads wider.

  We’ve been dancing for over an hour, when 'Rude Boy' by Rihanna comes on. This is our song! I see Layla staring at someone and follow her line of vision. Chase. I roll my eyes; the man can’t leave her alone for more than five seconds. Layla goes off to see her man and I gulp when Kade takes her place. He looks sexy as hell dressed in all black; his shirt showcasing a hint of a chest that is perfectly chiseled. I know from experience, his body is to die for. He pulls me closer to dance with him and I find myself grinding against him. It’s just one dance, right? That can’t possibly harm anyone. When I feel his soft lips at my neck, I can’t help the shudder of pleasure that incites through my body. I turn around and put a little space between us.

  “Stop, Kade.” My voice comes out breathy, instead of demanding. My body and my head are fighting with each other. He glances down at my chest, and notices my nipples, which are currently standing at attention. He instantly pulls my chest against his, so no one can get a view.

  “The way you move, fuck, so sexy, Nikki. I think you should give me a private show,” he rumbles into my ear.

  “Kade. We had a one night stand. That's all, we are not a couple. You should just find someone else!”

  “Oh, I’ve had others after you, Nikki.” I can’t help the pang of hurt I feel with that comment. My stomach drops, and my nails bite into my palms. “But none of them felt like you did. They didn’t moan like you did, or taste like you did.” He licks my neck and I quiver. “We could be so good together. If you would stop fighting this so hard, you'd see.”

  “Yeah, we’re good in bed, but that’s it. I fuck men like you, I don’t date them,” I hiss, trying to put some distance between us, physically and emotionally.

  “I don’t date either, but fuck, I want you. The thought of anyone else having you...” His hands tighten on my hips.“The thought makes me see red, Nikki.”

  Chase and Layla walk towards us and I can see where this is heading. When Layla mouths to me asking me if it’s okay, what the hell am I supposed to say? I’m sure as fuck not going to cock block my friend. I nod, a little reluctantly, but Layla is so hot for Chase she doesn’t even notice. Not that I blame her.

  They both leave in a rush, and with them goes my lifeline. Ignoring Kade, I walk over to the bar to get a drink. Surely one drink will be okay.

  ******

  I have no clue how many drinks or shots I ended up having last night, but here I am, waking up in Kade’s bed.

  Fuck.

  I do a quick check of myself and notice I’m still fully dressed. I exhale in relief. I turn over and see that Kade is fast asleep on his stomach beside me. I need to get out of here. Now, I think to myself as I quietly sneak out of his bed, tip toe across the floor, and make a quick exit out the front door to my waiting car. Kade drove us home last night, that much I do remember, so I only hope I put the keys back in my purse. I do a quick check, and there they are. Good. As I’m pulling out I see Kade open the door, staring at me. My phone rings instantly. When I don’t pick up, it beeps with a text message.

  K : Why the fuck did you run out of here like that?

  I sigh, but ignore the text.

  K : Would you fucking answer?

  K : We just slept, Nikki, nothing more.

  K : What, you going to go back to ignoring me now?

  He rings again.

  K : Fuck, Nikki, text me back, or fucking answer.

  K: Please.

  I don’t bother calling or texting back. I have nothing to say to him. He’s a player, and I need to protect myself. It can be said that I have trust issues with men. It all started with Ben. I gave that ass-hole everything and I got less than nothing in return. I want to let Kade in, I do.

  But sometimes things are easier said than done.

  I just don’t know if I can survive Kade.

  Chapter Five

  KADE

  I haven’t heard back from Nikki in a few days. Doesn’t mean I’m giving up just yet. I just need to figure out how the hell to get her to finally agree to go out with me. Look at me, fucking begging a woman to go out with me. I need my head examined. I had plans to go out tonight, see if I could catch Nikki out somewhere, but Layla begged me to play scrabble with her, and I found myself giving in. I can’t pretend I don’t enjoy her company. She's smart, witty, and nice to look at. I also love messing with her. I don’t know how we became close so fast, but I know Layla trusts me. I think it’s that trust that makes me feel protective of her; I don’t ever want to let her down. She is so innocent and angelic; she has a heart of pure gold. You can tell it by the way everyone acts around her. Even Nikki is protective as hell over Layla, and you can see why the girl incites such loyalty. It’s because she herself is loyal to a fault. She takes care of those around her and has no hidden motivation. I also know for a fact she isn’t materialist or cares about money. In the words of J. Holiday, the girl has ‘a body of a call
girl and the mind of a teacher’, and trust me, girls like that are hard to find. Yesterday I watched as she cleaned the entire house so Jillian, the lady that comes to clean, wouldn’t have much work to do. I chuckle at the thought, earning a glare from Layla.

  “What’s so funny, Kade? Besides the fact that you're losing,” she says smugly. My lips curl up into a half grin. I look at her latest word on the board, ‘intrigue’, and then my last word, ‘breasts’. I laugh again. Man, I’m funny.

  “Where’s James?” she asks curiously.

  Here we go again; Layla should work for the FBI. I’d love to tell her where my baby brother is, only I’m not too sure myself.

  “Out,” I say tonelessly, earning me a grunt from Layla. I pick up one of Chase’s Twix bars and take a huge bite. Forbidden chocolate tastes a million times better than regular chocolate. It really does. I choke on my chocolate when she spells out the word ‘cock’ on the board.

  “Is that in the dictionary?” I tease, eyebrows lifted.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter, I meant the bird!” she splutters indignantly.

  “Besides, are you going to question me after I let you use ‘LMAO'?" she retorts with a sly grin.

  Well, I guess not.

  ******

  The next day James and I walk into the house together, and I can hear Chase and Layla talking. Chase walks up to me, a crooked grin on his face. “Come out and eat with us, but hurry because Layla’s already starving.” He gives me a look that says ‘You know how she gets when she’s hungry.’ I grin.

  To avoid grumpzilla, I yell out, “We better go now, people. Hurry up!” James nods, agreeing with me. We both grin at each other, and shake our heads. Who thought this day would come; us trying to mollycoddle a woman?

  “I’ll be five minutes.” We all head to our rooms, getting ready as fast as we can. We don’t need the dragon lady coming out, although it’s hilarious watching Chase deal with her. The man gives her anything she wants, Layla is spoilt like crazy. Okay, I will admit, I spoil her too, but I also annoy her a lot so I think that’s evens it out. At least that’s my theory. I walk uninvited into James’s room and wince when I see a huge bruise on his back.

  “James? What the fuck?” I hiss at him.

  “Kade, don’t start,” he warns. Fuck. Do you know how frustrating it is to watch my baby brother go through these things, and not be able to do anything about it? And all because it's his choice. James chose this. I sigh heavily, and crack my neck from side to side.

  “Come on, bro, can’t keep the princess waiting,” he says with a grin, trying to ease the tension. I clasp my hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently.

  “Yeah, let’s go.”

  ******

  I’m sitting at the pub, taking a swig of my beer when I see Crystal a few tables away with some friends. The woman is wild in bed and I could definitely go for another taste. Nikki is avoiding me and I’ve had enough. I’m too young to be sitting about waiting for a girl who doesn’t appear to be willing to fight for me. After a smile and a crook of my finger, Crystal comes over and is of course interested in coming home with me. We all jump in my car, Crystal gets in the back with Layla and Chase.

  “What’s so funny, Chase?” I hear Layla ask him in a miffed tone.

  “You are, baby,” I hear Chase reply smoothly. “You’re acting like a spoilt child.”

  I look in my rearview mirror and notice Layla is, indeed, pouting. “What’s wrong, princess?”

  “Nothing,” she grumbles, looking out the window.

  Chase bursts out laughing, but I really have no idea what could be so funny. Chase must have done something.

  James turns around in his seat and demands Layla tell him what’s wrong.

  “Fine, you all asked for it! What happened to bros before hoes? I wanted us all to go out and have a good night together, but no, you had to go off flirting with anything with a vagina and ignoring me,” she says, visibly upset.

  “You wanted it to be a family dinner?” I ask. I suddenly feel like shit. I did pretty much ignore all of them, giving all my attention to Crystal instead, thinking about what plans I had for her tonight.

  “Yes!” she huffs. I give her a grin, trying not to laugh.

  “Next time, princess, just the family, okay?” I assure her.

  She nods, looking pleased. I hear Chase laugh, and Layla scoff.

  Just when I think the crisis is averted Crystal has to go and open her big mouth.

  “So Chase, do you remember me?” I hear her purr. Oh, fuck.

  “Crystal. Not a word,” I bark out at her, hoping she takes the hint. She doesn’t.

  “But I thought since you were taking me home, we were all going to have a little fun?” she says, the insinuation obvious. I hear Layla gasp.

  I slam on the breaks. Fuck, no. She isn’t going to start shit with Chase and Layla. James hops out, reading my mind, opening Crystal’s door for her to get out.

  “You aren’t serious?” she splutters.

  “Get the fuck out of my car. Now!” I yell, losing my temper. I glance at Layla, and the look on her face. Well, fuck, we 're all gonna get it now.

  After Crystal gets out, Layla exits the car too, storming off in a dramatic fashion. Chase jumps out straight away and follows her. James and I quickly follow.

  “What are you doing, Layla?” Chase asks, his tone concerned.

  “I’m walking home,” Layla tells him infuriatingly.

  “The fuck you are!” Chase growls, now getting pissed.

  “Get in the car, Layla,” James says softly.

  Layla glares at the three of us. “I don’t deserve this shit!” Shit. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this mad. Guilt is not an emotion I’m too familiar with. This must be a sign.

  “If you guys don’t respect me enough to avoid bringing whores you have all slept with, sitting them in the car right next to me, you can all go to hell!” She starts to take off again, but Chase runs after her. Then he picks her up and throws her over his shoulder. She squirms around, the hellcat.

  “Put her in the middle, so she can’t try anything,” I say, biting back my grin. Come on, it’s kinda funny.

  They both jump in the back with her, doing just that.

  Layla gives us the silent treatment the whole way home, only scowling or shooting us daggers every time we try to talk to her. Pink’s ‘You and Your Hand’ comes on the radio. I groan. Apt, very apt.

  As soon as Layla storms into the house, and into her room, Chase throws a punch at me and it hits me in the mouth.

  “Fuck!” I curse. I know he didn’t hit his hardest, but it still fucking hurts. I pull my hand away, and see a few specs of blood.

  “You better fix this, Kade, now!” Chase hisses.

  He is so whipped, I think to myself as I sigh out loud. I shouldn’t have brought Crystal in the car with me. But hell, she was hot and I wanted to get laid. I didn’t even think twice or consider the fact that Layla would get upset. Nikki's been avoiding me, and it's messing with my head. I just wanted one night to forget, to have some fun. A distraction. I fucked up. I care about Layla’s feelings, and I don’t want her upset. Chase is right, I need to fix this. Chase narrows his eyes on me.

  “Let’s go get her some flowers,” he suggests.

  Good idea, women like that shit. We head to the flower shop down the road and Chase picks out Layla’s favorite flowers which happen to be sunflowers. That is just like her; different, bright, and happy. James and I go with white roses. I can’t remember what they mean, but they're pure just like her. We knock on her door with apologetic expressions pasted on our faces. Let’s just hope she forgives us or my big brother might kill me.

  Chapter Six

  NIKKI

  Tonight we are all heading to Layla’s and my favorite karaoke bar. Layla is riding with Chase on his bike, so I’m in the Hummer with Kade and James. I ignore Kade the whole way- childish, but whatever. As we p
ull into the bar’s car park I see Layla and Chase already there, making out. Those two need to get a room. Permanently. We walk into the bar together and order a first round of shots. After I do two, I’m ready for my turn on the mic. I choose ‘Single’ by Natasha Bedingfield. I can’t help it when my eyes find Kade’s, and the words come out of my mouth.

  Don’t need to be on somebody’s arm to look good

  (I like who I am)

  I’m not saying I don’t wanna fall in love cos I would

  I’m not gonna get hooked up just cos you say I should

  (can’t romance on demand)

  I’m gonna wait so I’m sorry if you misunderstood

  God, this song is perfect! I totally suck at singing, but who gives a fuck? This song gets my point across.

  When I come down from the stage Layla doesn’t even notice me standing beside her, she's too focused on Chase who is currently singing. I decide to make my way to the bar. Before I get there, a hand grips my wrist. I spin around and come face to face with Kade.

  “Nice song,” he tells me with a sly grin.

  “Yeah, I hope you got the message. Let me go,” I tell him.

  He hesitates, then smirks, and lets my arm go. “Just because I let your arm go doesn’t mean that I’m letting you go!” he blurts out before walking away. I shake my head to clear it and order myself another drink.

  As the night wears on, I start talking to some guy. He seems interesting enough; maybe he’ll help me get over this Kade funk. Kade keeps glaring our way, I have no idea why since he's chatting up some woman, too.