by Dawn Martens
She really does love him.
“So this whole time, Nikki was right?” He’s shocked, and looks hurt by Ashley’s betrayal.
“Yes,” she mumbles. Oh wow, she’s telling the truth for once in her life. Kade lets go of me and walks over to Ashley.
“I never want to see you again, Ashley. I was your friend. I looked out for you. I promised your brother I’d always make sure you were ok. But this is a promise I’m going to have to break. I love Nikki. I want to marry her.” He takes a deep breath.
My heart skips a beat.
He walks away from Ashley, turning his back on her.
“Please, Nikki, come home with me. Let’s talk, work everything out,” he says in a solemn tone.
“No, Kade, I’m glad you finally know I was telling the truth, but you didn’t trust me, or believe me. You always chose her. I can’t be with you, I’m sorry. I wish you happiness, Kade. I love you, and I always will, but it’s just not enough anymore.”
I start crying as I walk away. I look back and see Ashley and Kade arguing. Kade loses it and punches a wall. I have to do this, I have to get over Kade once and for all.
Chapter Forty Five
KADE
I overheard everything Ashley said. Fuck. Nikki and James were right. I don’t even know this person Ashley has become. I walk over to Nikki, my eyes pleading with hers.
“Please, Nikki, come home with me. Let’s talk, work everything out,” I beg.
“No, Kade, I’m glad you finally know I was telling the truth, but you didn’t trust me, or believe me. You always chose her. I can’t be with you, I’m sorry. I wish you happiness, Kade. I love you, and I always will, but it’s just not enough anymore,” she tells me, and I swallow hard. This can’t be it. I need her. I love her. I watch as she walks away. Even when Damon died I never cried. I just lost the best thing to ever happen to me.
Fuck.
I walk back over to Ashley.
“I can’t believe this shit, Ashley! You must fucking hate me to do this to me. To make me lose her, fuck! I love her, Ashley! I fucking love her, I wanted to marry her, have children with her. I never thought you could be like this,” I hiss at her.
“No, Kade, she doesn’t love you. I love you! You'll always have me,” she says, almost begging.
I lose it. I punch the wall, my hand hurting like hell, but I could care less. I welcome the pain.
“Swear to god, Ashley, if I ever see you again, you will regret it.”
And with that I turn and walk away.
ASHLEY
The first time I met Kade was when I was just a little girl. He was best friends with my big brother Damon, and was always a part of my life. I used to try and tag along with them, but they would never let me. Still, they were always nice to me, making sure I was okay and no one was being mean to me in school. If I ever needed anything, both Damon and Kade would always have my back.
Come high school, I was a freshman, and Kade was a senior. He was the hottest guy in school. All the girls would talk about Kade and both of his brothers. The girls wanted to sleep with them and the boys wanted to be them. About half of those girls got their chance.
Kade was my brother’s friend, never anything more than that. Occasionally we’d all hang out. Any guy I went on dates with, Kade and Damon would threaten them, warn them that they better treat me right. As I got older, they would sometimes let me tag along with them, and although I think it was a drag for Damon, he never complained.
I couldn’t help but fall for Kade. He helped protect me from my mother. Every time she would beat me, he would let me stay with him for a bit. His family treated me like one of their own. Kade and I got closer once my brother enlisted and I thought that one day he would realize we were meant to be together. He made me feel safe and protected. After waiting and waiting, I was still stuck in the friend zone. He always fucked around with anything that had a vagina, except me. As the years passed, I started getting angry.
Bitter.
No matter how much I tried to get his attention, he just couldn’t see me. My self-esteem started taking a hit every time I would see him with some other girl, making me wonder what exactly was wrong with me. When Damon died, Kade and I got closer. He was always there for me, always. I grew to love him so much, and I hoped that one day I would be the only girl on his radar. That didn’t happen. After my mother died I went and did something drastic. I got new boobs, mine were a lousy A cup. Now I’m a nice full C cup. Add some liposuction as well as an extensive workout routine, and I felt like a whole new woman. I thought that maybe, with my new look, Kade would finally notice me.
He didn’t.
He didn’t look at me any different.
I don’t know how many times I’ve cried myself to sleep over Kade. Once Layla came into the picture, my claws came out. Kade would talk so highly about her that I got jealous. It was always Layla this, or Layla that. He loved her like a sister, I could tell. It wasn’t just me anymore. I had been with both James and Chase, hoping to make Kade jealous, but it didn’t work. There was one night I tried to talk to him about us, but he brushed it off, saying he was so happy to have me in his life.
I was his best friend.
The real problems began when I heard about Nikki. The other women meant nothing to Kade. I knew it, he knew it, everyone knew it. Nikki was different. Suddenly Kade was actually considering getting a steady girlfriend and settling down. I turned into a different person then. Nikki was my breaking point. My hopes and dreams with Kade - Nikki was ruining them. I began to act like a total bitch. Catty, bitter, and jealous. Damon would be ashamed of the kind of person I became because he had raised me better.
I had loved Kade for so long, with all that I was, it just hurt so badly. I have never lied to Kade before, he knew me as an honest person. So whenever he would ask me about Nikki, I would say that it wasn’t true, that it was her lying because she was jealous of our friendship. That she wanted to be the only girl in his life, and she wanted me out. I tried so hard to break them up, but somehow they kept getting back together.
The night we were in bed together, I really was upset. It was the anniversary of Damon’s death, and I was sobbing my heart out. I always take this time of year hard, my brother was everything to me. I know that Kade does too, it wasn’t only me that needed comfort that night. When Nikki walked in and saw us, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful that worked out.
Now that Kade finally knows the truth about everything, I’m scared. I just lost not only the love of my life, but my best friend. Maybe one day we can fix our friendship. Nikki is actually perfect for Kade, I just didn’t want to see it. I want him to be happy, even if it’s not with me.
If only I saw that sooner.
Chapter Forty Six
NIKKI
One Month Later
Ryder and I have been dating for about a month now, and it’s going okay. We don’t have the spark Kade and I shared, but we enjoy each other’s company and truly care about each other. We’re sitting on my couch one night, making out. That’s all we have done so far. I start to put my hand up his shirt and he tenses. I lean back and remove my tank top before leaning back down to kiss him. I start to unbuckle his jeans when he puts his hand on mine, and breaks our kiss. “It’s time for me to go,’ he rumbles.
I frown. Really, he won’t sleep with me? I shake my head and give him a small smile. “Okay, call me tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” He leans in to give me a kiss, and then heads out.
Layla has been against Ryder and me from the beginning. Even my mum is against it. She keeps saying I need to get Kade back. Even I have to admit I’m really not feeling this.
I’ve been able to finally finish my internship and was offered a spot full time, which I gratefully accepted. The place might be hard, but at least now I’ll be getting paid for working. I even passed my classes at uni, so I’m officially a graduate and full time employee.
; ******
Ever since we have started dating, Ryder has been acting different. To be honest, since Ryder has been interested in me for some time, I thought he would be more into us dating. But he’s not. He’s constantly checking his phone, and he isn’t as attentive as he used to be with me. Something’s going on and the one thing about Ryder is when you ask him something, he will tell you the truth.
“Ryder, what’s going on?” I ask, taking a seat on his black leather couch.
“What do you mean?” he asks as he turns to face me.
“Well, we’ve been together for a while now and we still haven’t had sex for one, you keep putting the brakes on it,” I tell him frankly.
Ryder’s eyebrows rise almost comically. “Nikki...”
“I know you’re not really into us anymore. I’m not angry. I think we are better off being friends, but if you want to talk I’m here, alright?” I tell him, rubbing his shoulder.
Ryder sighs. “Fuck, I’m sorry Nikki, I know I’ve been a terrible boyfriend. It’s just that before you came along I was seeing someone, the most amazing woman. There were some complications with the band, and when you showed up, it was kind of a way to get out of that situation. I took the easy way out. I’m so sorry, Nikki, you know I think you are fucking wonderful, but this woman… she is just… fuck. I’m going to sound cheesy as hell right now, but she's the one for me,” he says with a sheepish shrug.
I sigh. “Its fine, Ryder, I’m not angry. I guess we were both running and looking to escape reality with each other, because we're both safe. So why don’t you go after this mystery woman?” I ask him.
“After she saw us kissing on the stairs, she left. I have no idea where she is, either,” he grumbles, looking down at the floor.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Ryder,” I say, kissing him on the temple.
We both sigh.
“What a lovely pair we make,” I say with a giggle. Ryder shakes his head at me and grins.
“Want to go out for dinner?” he asks. My stomach rumbles.
“Hell yeah, I do!” I say standing up.
We head out together to dinner.
As friends.
KADE
My confidence that Nikki will once again be mine is slowly waning. The woman is stubborn and can hold a grudge forever, or so it seems. I messed up, big time, but even I don’t deserve this. I have no idea how she can just push me out of her mind and her life. I’m at my bar, sitting on the familiar stools, enjoying the atmosphere and a glass of scotch. The brunette eyeing me is starting to look better and better as the night goes on, and I’m starting to feel a familiar stirring in my groin. I crook my finger at her and she quickly saunters over, practically shoving her breasts in my face. Hey, I'm not complaining one bit.
“My place or yours?” she coos.
“Yours,” I rumble, throwing some money on the bar and standing up. Definitely hers. I’m not tainting my memories of Nikki with any more of random women at my house.
We jump in a cab and head to her apartment which ends up being just down the road. We head up the stairs and I wait impatiently as she unlocks the front door. As soon as it’s open we walk in and head straight for the bedroom. She instantly starts undressing herself, and I take in the show. She’s hot, I’m not gonna lie. So why isn’t Kade Jr coming out to play? Fuck, I’m only semi hard and this never happens to me. The woman gets on her knees, naked, and sits there staring up at me, waiting for direction. Nikki would have never done anything like this. I instantly get hard as I think of her. The woman, I think her name is Anne, starts undoing my jeans and pulls them down, freeing my cock. She gasps in delight at what she finds, and gives me one wet lick, from bottom to tip. I shudder, but instantly take a step back. Doing another woman whilst thinking about Nikki? This whole thing is messed up. I do up my jeans, tell her I can’t do this and leave, ignoring her complaints. I've got to fucking fix this thing with Nikki.
Chapter Forty Seven
NIKKI
My eyes get teary as I take in Layla walking down the aisle. She looks absolutely stunning. Perfect. Amazing. Her hair is done up in some intricate bun with flowers braided through it, and her makeup is subtle and so flattering on her. She looks like a princess. Her dress is strapless and the bodice is form fitting, down to her hips, where it flares out and trails behind her. The dress is totally worth the huge amount it cost. Kade’s eyes meet mine and my eyes narrow slightly. I can see him trailing his eyes over my bridesmaid dress, which I chose myself. It’s lavender purple and very tight fitting in all the right places. I glance over at Chase, and the way he is looking at Layla makes me feel like I'm intruding in on their moment. They say their vows, which they both wrote themselves, and then Chase gives her a kiss that is entirely inappropriate for church. The pastor clears his throat but Chase ignores him. After a moment, Kade steps in and nudges Chase in the stomach. That seems to work because Chase finally pulls away. We all cheer.
Oh how I love an open bar. I’m currently on my fourth drink, and the reception is close to coming to an end. I just lost my drinking partner, Layla’s older sister, Tenielle. She went home with her date, and hell, I’d be in a rush to leave with that fine man, too. I see Kade downing his own drink from the corner of my eye, and roll my eyes. Ryder had to leave after he sang a song for Layla and Chase. He's starting to tour with the extremely famous band ‘Cold Nation’. Soon, Ryder’s band is going to be a household name, I can feel it. Kade’s familiar scent enters my nostrils and I shudder. His knowing chuckle pisses me off.
“Your body still knows what’s good for you, I see”, he says cockily. I huff and down another shot.
“Wanna make a bet?” he whispers into my ear. I slam down my shot glass on the table and give Kade an evil smile.
“What do you have in mind?”
KADE
Nikki looks stunning in her bridesmaid dress. I eye her as she sits with Tenielle, Layla’s sister. The two of them are enjoying the open bar, laughing, and downing shots. When her partner in crime leaves and she’s sitting all alone, I approach.
I see Nikki shudder. I chuckle. “Your body still knows what’s good for you, I see.” She takes another shot.
“Wanna make a bet?” I whisper into her ear, knowing she can't turn down a bet. She slams the shot glass down, and then turns to me with a smile.
“What do you have in mind?”
“How about every time Layla and Chase kiss, we down a shot?”
“Works for me. You’re on.”
We order up a bunch of shots, and watch Layla and Chase. They are both acting like horny teenagers, kissing each other every few minutes. Five shots down and Nikki is plastered.
“Ok, beautiful, let’s get you to bed, you’ve had enough,” I say, slurring a little. Okay, maybe I’ve had enough, too.
She doesn’t say anything, but lets me lead her away and upstairs to my hotel room.
As we step into the lift, I can’t hold myself back anymore. I've wanted her since I saw her at the reception, and not being able to see or feel her was killing me inside, and now that I have the chance I’m gonna take it.
Once the door is closed, I stumble in front of her. Damn, I shouldn’t have made that bet with her, I think. I’m glad it’s just us inside the lift, although I’m not sure that having company would have stopped me. Nikki lifts her head, the sexiest grin covering her lips. Just for a split second, my thoughts go out the window. I watch as her tongue ever so lightly runs across her bottom lip. Groaning, I crash my mouth onto hers, catching the gasp she lets out.
Our hands are all over each other, and lifting her dress as much as I can, I grab her ass and lift her up, her legs wrapping around my waist. I have never felt so hard in my life. Only with Nikki, she brings out everything in me. Pushing her against the wall, I rub my erection as best I can against her, and I love hearing it when she moans my name.
I lose my balance and stumble to the corner of the lift, not losing my grip on her
. Nikki’s hand moves in between our bodies, and she fumbles with the zipper of my pants. Pulling back from me slightly, she pants out, “Kade, I need you inside of me.”
“Sweetheart, although I love the idea of sex in a lift, I want to take my time with you,” I force myself to say.
The lift comes to a stop on my floor, and as we leave, there's an old couple waiting to enter. I’m still carrying Nikki as we exit, and the old gentleman throws a knowing smirk my way. Yep, he knows exactly what we're about to do.
When we get in the room, she starts to undress. Damn, she looks hot when she is just down to her bra and panties. I move in, wrapping my arms around her and going in for a hungry, greedy kiss. Soon her hands start to roam, and she whispers out. “Fuck, I’ve missed you, Kade.”
“Me too, beautiful, me too,” I rasp out.
Removing all my clothes, I lay her down on the bed. When I go to look down at her we accidentally knock our heads together. We both start laughing, and I rub her forehead where we collided. I pin her, kissing her neck, working my way to her lips and enjoying each and every touch. She squirms beneath me as I run my hand down her body to play with those beautiful tits of hers. She reaches up and wraps her hand around my cock, panting out how much she wants me.
“Not just yet, I’m not done playing,” I whisper as I pull her legs apart and push one finger inside of her, grinning at how ready she is for me. As soon as my mouth latches onto her clit, her walls tighten around my finger, causing us both to moan. Removing my finger as my tongue darts in and out of her, I watch as she explodes. Not finished with her yet, I pull her up and to the edge of the bed, lifting her ankles up to my shoulders. I slam inside of her in one hard thrust. There was no way I was going easy on her, it had been way too long since the last time I was inside of her body. Pounding my hard cock into her swollen pussy, her breasts are bouncing with every thrust of my hips. She is nearing another orgasm, and as I'm driving harder into her, she screams out my name as she releases.
