by Lane Hart
Jude hovers over me, giving me a dimpled smile. "Well, I thought about chaining you to my bed to keep you away from other guys and to have you all to myself."
That makes me laugh, but I have to admit, I love the fact that he wants me all to himself. "I had no idea you were so..."
"Possessive? Jealous? Batshit crazy?" Jude closes his eyes and offers with a groan. "Yeah I didn't either, and it sucks."
"It's sweet," I tell him. "Just like the teddy bear and picture. Oh that reminds me!" I say, pushing against him until I'm sitting up, so I can get to my purse. I reach inside and pull out the small brown box, offering it to Jude.
"What's this?" he asks.
"A birthday present. Open it," I instruct him. "It's just a little something."
He lifts the lid of the jewelry box and then pulls out the red bracelet draped inside.
"It's Chinese, called 'Strings of Fate’. It's said to represent bad luck leaving and good luck coming."
Nodding with a smile, he holds up the single, tiny, greenish-white griffin. "Jade?" he asks.
"Ah, yeah. It's a symbol of protection and healing, and also a good luck charm to dispel negative thinking. To help you see yourself as you really are. And well, you know the significance of the griffin."
When my dad opened Havoc Fight Club seven years ago he chose the griffin as sort of the mascot of the gym. A griffin’s wings are spread to form the letter "V" in the Havoc logo. Legends hold that the griffin is the king of all beasts. They’re courageous, a symbol of divine power, strength, and leadership with healing capabilities. Everything a MMA fighter strives to be.
"Wow," Jude says, pushing the bracelet onto his wrist. "I think this might be the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me."
"It's just a cheap little string bracelet-" I start, but then I'm on my back and Jude's lips are silencing mine.
"Thank you," he says against my lips. “I love it."
"You're welcome. And now it's my turn to thank you for my gifts, and give you the other part of your birthday present," I tell him. When I drag down the zipper of his jeans, he gasps.
"No, Sadie. You don't have to..."
"It's tradition, a rule. Whenever a man blows out birthday candles, he gets a blowjob. You're not going to argue with tradition, are you?" I ask, pushing against his chest to try to convince him to get on his back.
"I...no, I guess not. I'm a greedy birthday boy," he says with a smile. After a quick kiss on my lips he finally flops over on the mattress.
"There's just one condition," I tell him as I straddle his legs. I unbutton his pants and start tugging them down. "You're only allowed to receive this gift in your birthday suit."
"Well, in that case," Jude says, pulling his shirt over his head. "I guess I better hurry up and get naked."
All that remains is his jeans and boxer-briefs since he's barefoot, so I help him remove those items. Then I'm left staring down at his gorgeous perfection.
"You're amazing," I tell him, rubbing both palms over his smooth, hard chest. "All those hours in the gym, for years. You work harder than any of the other fighters."
"Yeah, and look how much good it's done me. My official record is now eleven and four. If I don't win this one...maybe I shouldn't have agreed to it. Linc is practically undefeated."
"You're going to win."
"But if I don't-"
I press my finger to his lips. "Only optimists get birthday blowjobs, so hush."
"I'm definitely a glass half-full guy." He laughs and kisses my fingertip before I pull it away.
"Good to hear. Now relax," I tell him softly, leaning down to kiss his neck. Slowly, probably too slowly for him, I touch or kiss every inch of his lethal body before finally reaching his hard length. Once I'm there I lavish attention on his cock, licking, sucking, caressing. Jude's fingers tangle gently in my hair while he makes a variety of sounds like he's in heaven. Or it's so painful he's in hell, I'm not sure which.
He chants my name, something like, "Sadie, Sadie, Sadie, fuuuck," before the pulses of warm liquid coats the back of my throat. I swallow everything he gives me and then lick the very last drop from the tip of his cock while he watches my tongue snake out with every flick.
"Best. Birthday. Ever," he says with a wide grin when he flips our positions, putting his incredible naked body on top of my fully clothed one. After his tongue spends a little time in my mouth, he pushes my shirt up and moves down to tease my breasts. Jude's palm goes between my legs, using the seam of my denim shorts to apply a delicious pressure against my clit until he sets me off.
"Mmm, God, Jude," I moan. "You don't have to even get me undressed to make me feel good."
"I'd prefer you undressed," he says, nipping at my ear. "You think you could stay over one night this weekend?"
"Ah, probably. Brayden will say she's staying with me, when she'll really be at Graham's, and I can say I'm staying with her, then come here."
"Your dad won't check up on you?" He laughs.
"Nah. He trusts me."
"Yeah, he trusted me, too-" Jude says then stops mid-sentence. "He wouldn't ever expect me to fool around with you behind his back."
"Do you want to just tell him?" I ask. The question hangs heavy in the air between us like a plane wrote it across the sky.
Chapter Ten
Jude
Do I want to tell Sadie's father that after he trusted me to take her to the prom as a favor, I'd fucked her and now I want to date her and keep fucking her? Hell no. He'd be so pissed. Coach would tell Sadie it was all a set up in exchange for a fight, and then she'd never speak to me again.
"No. Not yet. Maybe after you start school?" I offer. Will we still see each other while she's away? Will she date other guys she meets there? Will I ever stop worrying about her dating other guys there? I don't have the answers to these questions, and they seem a little premature. All I know right now is Coach absolutely cannot find out about us.
"Okay," Sadie agrees. "If that's what you want, but I don't think he'll be upset. I mean he swears the sun shines out of your and Jax's asses."
That makes me laugh. "Yeah, we're his most profitable." Jax because he's the best in the world, and me because, well, it's like the world's waiting for me to kick some ass like him just because we're related. Everyone's going to be sorely disappointed when they realize that I'll never live up to his legacy.
"Where are you going to college?" I ask, looking down into Sadie's beautiful, emerald eyes. I desperately want to change the subject.
When she looks away I know I'm not going to like her answer. "After being on the waiting list, I just found out yesterday that I got into Duke."
"Duke! Wow, that's awesome, Sadie." Although that means she would be hours and hours away from me and across several state lines.
"Yeah, but I might just stay here and go to Georgetown."
"What do you want to study?"
"Sports Medicine. I'd like to be a physical therapist."
"For MMA fighters?" I ask with a smile.
"Of course."
"I could see guys trying to get hurt, just so you'll treat them," I tell her.
"Whatever," she says with an eye roll.
"So which school has a better sports medicine program?" I ask.
"Duke probably."
"So what's the problem? Does Duke cost more?"
"Not really. They're about the same, but I wouldn't have to pay room and board if I go to Georgetown. I could commute."
"Which one would you rather attend?"
"I don't know. My dad sent deposits for both to give me more time to decide," she replies with a grin. "Of course he wants me to stay."
"But this is your decision."
"Do you regret not going to college?" she asks.
"Sometimes. I might go eventually if I get hurt and can't fight anymore. But I know that if I'd gone the college route instead, I would've missed fighting and probably always wondered how far I could've gone if I hadn't given it up."
/> "All the way to a world championship," she says with a smile.
"If I lose I might give up and get a degree," I joke.
"What would you study?"
"I don't know. Probably Intro to Wooing Sadie Briggs. Maybe Research and Development in Pleasuring Sadie Briggs. That last one would have a hands-on lab requirement."
"I think you've already mastered both courses." She laughs. "Seriously, if you could have a career doing anything other than fighting, what would it be?"
"Teaching maybe. Like little kids when they're sweet before they get to be all bratty. Jax has always said I'm immature so I would fit right in."
"You're not immature. You're just fun and carefree while Jax has always been...an angry and uptight guy."
"Yeah, growing up he had to deal with a lot more shit with our mom and all. I was so young I don't remember much about her. All I really know is that she was a teacher."
"What happened to her?" Sadie asks. "I've never heard you or Jax mention her."
I flop over to my back and run a hand over my face. Of course I've been thinking about my mom more today than most days. She gave birth to me, which is about the extent of her motherly duties. There's also the unopened envelope in my dresser that came in today's mail, just like the ones I've gotten on my birthday every year for the past nineteen years since she's been gone. My dad knows about them, but over the years we've made sure that Jax doesn't find out. I've never opened any of them because the woman hasn't ever sent him a single card on his birthday or any other holiday. What a bitch.
"No one talks about her because there's nothing good to say," I finally reply.
"Oh."
"You know those stories on the news about high school teachers screwing their students?" I ask Sadie.
"Um, yeah."
"That was her. She was one of those women."
I have to flip over to my stomach before I can keep going. I've had so much training to get off my back, I can't stand for both shoulders to be down for long.
"When Jax was like ten years old he came home and caught our mom, in our parents' bed...with a sixteen-year-old boy."
"Holy crap!" Sadie exclaims, covering her gaping mouth.
"I was only two or three at the time and don't remember it. Jax said I was home, watching cartoons in the living room while our mother fucked a boy."
"So what happened to her?"
"Apparently, she yelled at Jax not to tell anyone. He was upset that night when our dad got home. Dad asked Jax what was wrong and eventually Jax told him everything, like he should have, of course, but it tore Jax up. Our dad threatened to go to the police, and she begged him to let her pack her things and leave with a head start first. So she left town with the sixteen-year-old."
"Wow. I don’t even know what to say. I'm sorry." She trails her palm soothingly down my back.
"I don't remember any of that, only what I've gotten out of Jax over the years. I don't even remember what she looked like since Dad got rid of all her pictures. Jax has always felt guilty, blaming himself for us losing our mother, and our dad losing his wife. But the way I see it, the woman made her own stupid decisions that had consequences. We've probably been better off without her."
"I'm sure you are. You both turned out pretty great for just being raised by your dad."
"Yeah, I guess we did," I agree. "When Jax kept getting in fights at school, our dad made a deal with him. If he could go a month without getting in trouble he'd let Jax take a kickboxing class. Sports and fighting are where he learned to channel all his anger. I think he was even angry at me. Of course, I still looked up to him even though he treated me like shit. I wanted to be a part of what he was doing just to be around him. To have something we could do together, you know? He basically ignored me and pretended I didn't exist until I started training. I guess we were like a package deal when we signed up with your dad."
"I remember the first day you both came in. We'd just moved here and my dad was still getting the gym up and going. He knew then that the two of you were going to be champions."
"I was only like fourteen, still all skinny and wimpy." I laugh.
"But you were dedicated, even back then. You probably trained too much."
"I wanted to be the best. I idolized my brother who made kicking everyone’s ass look easy, especially mine. Oh, and I probably watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Karate Kid too many times," I joke. "So what about your mom? Your parents divorced a few years ago, right?"
Sadie looks away before answering. "Yeah and I have no idea why. My mom just didn't want to be with my dad anymore. She moved out and didn't really seem to want me to go with her, so I stayed with him until we moved here."
"And you don't see her much?" I ask.
"I visit her a few times a year, not as much as I used to. I just...she's always busy doing her own thing. Dating new guys, obsessing over a new hobby, or going out with her friends. She never comes here, and hardly ever calls."
"I'm sorry she acts like that, but at least you know her."
A knock on the door makes Sadie and I both jump like we're teenagers getting caught fucking by our parents. Well, that's not far from the truth. "Dinner's ready," my dad calls out.
"Guess I better put some clothes on since I don't think anyone else wants to see my birthday suit."
"At least until Friday night," she says with a smile.
"Yes! Friday night can't come soon enough," I tell her with a quick kiss before I start to redress.
That night we all sat down for a steak dinner and cake, celebrating the day that a woman I've never known gave birth to me.
…
Sadie
I'm so freaking excited packing my overnight bag. I'm going to spend the entire night with Jude for the very first time. Prom didn't count since we only shared a bed at the hotel for a few hours before we had to leave. Tonight I'll go to sleep with him and wake up with him in the morning. And of course, there will probably be lots of fucking in between.
Unsure what it's all about, I put the address Jude had texted me into my phone's map which gives me turn by turn directions. I end up at what looks like a newly built apartment complex called Solaire on Ripley Street. It's a huge structure in the middle of downtown, just a few minutes from my house. I park, walk inside the front door, and take the shiny elevator to the sixteenth floor. I'm a little nervous when I knock on apartment sixteen-twenty-four, not knowing who will answer the door. One of Jude's friends?
Nope, Jude answers.
"Hey!" he says, sweeping me into his arms and off my feet.
"Hey," I respond against his chest as he pulls me inside and closes the door. "So, what is this place?"
"My new apartment," he says with a big smile. "My first ever apartment. I decided it was time to get out of my dad's house, you know since I'm twenty-two and all. Oh, and I also thought a little privacy with you would be nice."
"Wow." I smile, looking around the pristine and mostly empty space. The hardwood floors are a light-colored oak with freshly painted light gray walls. "This is really nice."
"Thanks. It's empty because I just moved in today. I was hoping you could maybe help me go pick out some furniture tomorrow?"
"Sure, that sounds fun," I agree as he grabs my hand and gives me a tour.
There's a wall of windows in the living room overlooking the buildings downtown. The kitchen is sparkling with new appliances and marble countertops. The hall bathroom also leads to a walk-in closet with a stacked washer and dryer, with the beige carpeted master bedroom on the other side. That's where the only piece of furniture is located - a king sized, cherry wood bed with a thick, white comforter.
"I see your priorities," I tease when I turn around to face Jude.
"There's also groceries in the kitchen and toiletries in the bathroom. But yeah, the bed's about it. I didn't want us to have to sleep on the floor, so I did go out and buy a bed today," he says, picking me up and sitting me on the edge of mattress.
"Very comfortable," I remark.
"Hope so, because I want to spend a lot of time in it with you," he says, leaning down to kiss my lips while his hands travel up the hem of my strapless, white dress. White being the color that signifies the time of the month is long gone.
The dress is over my head and off a second before my panties and shoes are removed. I start tugging Jude's shirt off just as quickly before he goes to work on his jeans and boxers.
I crawl farther onto the bed toward the pillows which is when I finally notice the chain linked handcuffs dangling from the center slats on the headboard. I turn around with my jaw still hanging open in question. But damn if just seeing the erotic item doesn't spread warmth through me, pooling between my legs.
Jude climbs up on the bed, all sexy, lean predator stalking his prey. His eyes have become dark puddles of heat and desire. "I told you I wanted to chain you to my bed."
"Um, yeah, I, ah, remember."
"Do you trust me?" he asks, hovering above me, his eyes on mine while his palm caresses down my naked side. "If we do this, I'll take them off of you as soon as you say the word."
I stretch my arms over my head in response. Jude groans before reaching up to hook the two thick Velcro cuffs around my wrists. The chain connecting the two has plenty of slack and jingles on the headboard with even my slightest movements.
Instead of being nervous or vulnerable I feel sexy and powerful. The way Jude is looking down at me as I’m restrained and stretched out before him is smoldering. Instead of his usual playful demeanor he looks feral, like he's on the verge of ravaging me. I can't wait any longer.
"Jude," I say in plea and he finally snaps. Attacks might be a better word. His massive body covers me, his mouth crashing down on mine, desperate and panting. His hands, God, his hands are everywhere, grabbing the globes of my ass, spreading my thighs, cupping my breasts right as his tongue delves into my pussy. He feasts on me like a starving man, penetrating me with his fingers at the same time until I scream and writhe with at least two releases, maybe more.
I gasp for breath after his mouth relents. When I eventually open my eyes, Jude is coming out of the bathroom with a string of condoms, tearing one off and tossing the rest over to the other side of the bed. Guess he thinks we might need more soon. He has the latex out and rolled on with ease and efficiency before he mounts me this time. Instead of hovering above me, he looks down from where he kneels, thrusting into me and lifting my legs straight up against his hard, heaving chest.
