Hidden (New Orleans Temptation Series Book 2)

by Monica May

  “Get a room, y’all,” Carmella hollers. “Let’s get going.” She turns to Jackson. “Are you two in or what?”

  Jackson answers for me, “Just a few songs then were done.”

  I shake my head in confirmation. We’re having a great time and I hate to leave, but I have to admit, I would much rather be rolling around in bed with Jackson right now.

  We start pushing through the crowd when I notice Jackson seems a bit antsy. He’s looking around a lot and his grip on my hand has tightened. We’re moving pretty fast through the people, and it’s so loud he doesn’t hear me talking. By the time we make it to Cat’s on Bourbon Street, I’m beat from being pulled though the crowd.

  “Is everything okay, Jackson,” I ask, out of breath.

  “Yeah, why?”

  I shrug my shoulders not wanting to make a big thing about it, but the feeling of being watched has definitely resurfaced on our way to Cat’s.

  “Just asking. You seemed to be a bit antsy while moving through the crowds.”

  He pulls me in and kisses the top of my head not wanting to look at me when he replies, “Sometimes crowds make me uneasy, you know, ever since Iraq. Shit always went down in the middle of heavily crowded marketplaces, and it just makes me aware. Sorry, I didn't mean to make you nervous.”

  I look up at him forcing him to look down at me. “I would never be nervous when I’m with you. And I can’t imagine the terror of being in such a horrible place.”

  “Come on, let’s get in and get out as soon as possible. I want you naked in my bed,” he says, nipping at the sensitive skin behind my ear.

  I giggle and pull him inside the club. The group is already at the bar ordering more drinks. Carmella walks my way with a cosmopolitan. She knows my weakness. I raise my finger up at her. “Just one and then were gone.”

  “Oh come on, let’s have a good time. Jackson can have you in his bed every night after this.”

  She’s right, and I haven’t told her yet, but Jackson asked me to move in with him, and I don't think I can go much longer without sharing his bed daily. I turn to Jackson with my drink in hand. “Look, as much as I really want to be in bed with you, let’s hang with everyone for a little bit more than one drink. Please?”

  I wrap my free hand around his waist pulling him against my body. “On our next weekend off, I want to take you up on that offer to move into your place if that’s still on the table, and—”

  Before I get any more words out, his mouth crashes down on mine. His lips are possessive and needy. As he sucks my bottom lip into his mouth, his eyes stare back at mine. Slowly he releases me. “It’s still on the table. You had about one more week to do it, or I was going to move you there and not let you go anyway.”

  His eyes are soft and happy now. My Jackson, Mr. Serious, looks happy and relieved.

  “We work this weekend, and I have some shit to take care of next week, but the following weekend, it’s a done deal, babe.”

  I feel almost giddy. He warms me from inside out, and I’m so lucky to have found him. I kiss him quickly and shout to the group, “Let’s dance!” Everyone follows, bumping and grinding with our guys. Carmella looks to be having a good time with Sean, and Samantha and Parke are crazy in lust with each other. I’m not quite sure I would call it love yet, but I think if she lets her heart open, they will be well on their way.

  After a few drinks, a bathroom break is required. Tugging Carmella from Sean’s lips was a feat, but she eventually comes. As we walk, I get an overwhelming feeling I’m being watched and followed AGAIN. I stop in my tracks, terrified to turn around. Carmella runs into the back of me. “What the fuck?”

  I’m frozen. I can’t turn. I just know he must be there. I feel the hate. Carmella is now in front of me. “What the hell are you doing? I thought you had to go to the bathroom. You pulled me away from a luscious pair of lips.”

  I stare up at her in total fear. “Please look behind us and tell me you don't see anyone with a leather motorcycle cut watching us. Carmella, I just have a bad feeling. Tell me you don't see anyone.”

  I see her eyes scanning the room with true concern.

  “Honey, I don’t see anyone that remotely looks like a biker. I do see some bitch eyeing us up, but I noticed her ass earlier. She’s just hating because our men are hot and her stupid ass is alone.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She turns me by the shoulders. “Yes, I’m sure. No one but that dagger-eyed bitch,” she says, pointing to a blonde woman looking at us with sheer hate. I’ve never seen her before so I assume she’s drunk and has us mistaken with someone else.

  “Oh God, thanks, Carmella. What the hell is her problem?”

  “I don't know, but if she is still there when we come out, she’ll wish she wasn’t.” Carmella flips her the bird forcing the woman to turn around.

  “You see, she don't want a piece of this,” she says, motioning to herself. “I will tear that bitch up.”

  I laugh a deep belly laugh as Carmella is a little small thing, but I would not want to tangle with her. She is full of tattoos and looks a bit intimidating in a beautiful tough girl way.

  “Let's go before I piss on myself.”

  “Oh, Carmella, we have to work on your lady-like manners.”

  “Alright, Mom, let’s get in line.”

  When we return from the restroom, the blonde is nowhere in sight. My feeling of being watched is gone so I chalk it up to the crazy blonde. We return to Jackson and Sean, but Samantha and Parke are nowhere to be found.

  “Okay, who let the lust birds get away?”

  Raising his hands, Jacksons says, “I didn't know we were to hold them prisoners.”

  “Real funny, Mr. Wise Guy,” Carmella retorts.

  “You ready, babe?” Jackson asks, while nodding his head at me and letting me know this is really not a question.

  I turn to Carmella. “Okay, party girl, I’ve had enough dancing for the night. I’m going home for the real fun.”

  “Home, since when is his place home? Are you trying to tell me something?”

  I smile at her trying to soften the blow. “You knew it was only a matter of time.” Pulling her into a hug, I whisper in her ear, “Thanks for all you’ve done for me, but I’m in love with him.”

  She pulls away with a smile on her face looking at mine. “No shit, Sherlock, I’m just gonna miss you.”

  “Not this weekend but next, so we have plenty of girl time, okay?”

  “Okay, meanwhile, I will enjoy Sean tonight at the apartment without having to keep my screams down,” she says with a wink.

  “Have fun and be safe,” I say with raised eyebrows.

  “Don't worry, I always have raincoats in my purse.”

  We say our goodbyes and head back to Jackson’s place on the water. The drinks really hit me hard on the ride over there. I had more than I thought and don't feel so well.

  When we arrive, Jackson looks over at me. “Are you going to be okay? You don't look so good?”

  “I’m not sure? I think I just have to lie down for a moment.”

  He looks at me with a sad smile.

  “As soon as the world stops spinning, I will feel better and we’ll have wild sex, I promise.”

  He comes over to my side of the Jeep and opens the door. Lifting me out of the car, he brings me in and puts me down on his bed gently. “Come on, girl, the wild sex can wait to the morning.”

  He takes off my shoes and my clothes slowly trying to avoid moving me too much. When he starts to slip off my panties, I look up at him in surprise. “I thought you said it was gonna wait?”

  He chuckles, “I want you ready in the morning. Now let me get the bra, and I’ll be back with some water and Advil.

  I’m almost out when he returns. I sit slowly, take what he’s offering, and lie back down. I feel him get in on the other side gently pulling me to him. My naked back is against his naked front and it feels like heaven. His arms wrap around me as I drift off feeling so l
oved.

  When I wake, we are in the same position. But I hear his breathing and know he’s awake. Just his breathing turns me on. He’s waiting for me to wake up. I feel his glorious morning wood pressing into my naked ass. I push my rear back on him with a wiggle letting him know I’m awake. He grunts pulling me toward him tightly.

  “You finally awake, babe? How you feel?”

  I don't turn to him because I really need to get out of bed and brush my teeth. I got in bed last night without brushing and that is just gross.

  “I feel better than expected.”

  “I will let you know how you feel,” he says, swiping his finger through my welcoming wetness making me moan aloud. The things this man does to me. Just hearing him breathe in my ear and feeling his hardness causes me to pool in wetness. Before I can react, his finger plunges inside of me.

  “Oh, Jackson, that feels amazing, but I really have to brush my teeth.”

  “Fuck no, not letting you go, babe. Newsflash, I don't give a shit about your teeth. I’m gonna take you from back here. Brush when we’re done.”

  I should be pissed that he is always ordering me around in the bedroom, but it’s just too damn hot. My brain shuts off all logical thought when he slides another finger into me. He now has two fingers in and his pinky brushes my clit and his thumb grazes my rear. The anticipation of what he is going to do with that thumb has me on edge. His pace quickens and my orgasm hits me with its usual stars and full-body tingling. The tingling radiates though my limbs. I put my hand over his trying to stop the movement. I need a moment to catch my breath.

  He rolls over to the nightstand and reaches for a condom when I grab his hand. “You don't need it.”

  “What? Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’ve been on the pill right over thirty days so you’re good,” I say, smiling at him over my shoulder.

  His eyes turn dark and full of want. I turn back over inviting him back into the same position. Instantly, I feel his heated skin on mine pulling me in close and tight. His hardness rubs in between my wetness, but he doesn’t enter me. He just slides it up and down driving me insane.

  “Jackson, please?”

  “Please what, Sunny?”

  I wait in silence praying he gives me what I need without making me beg for it.

  “Do you know how long I have waited to slide my bare cock into that sweet pussy of yours?”

  Again, I say nothing and let him talk. His voice is so husky and smooth.

  “From the moment I saw you standing on the street, I knew I needed you.” His arms are wrapped around my body pulling me in so tight. It’s like he feels frightened to let me go. “And when you started thinking about bolting, I saw it in your eyes. I knew you were going to walk out of my life, and I couldn’t let that happen. So tell me you want me inside of you, Sunny. I want to hear you say it. But know the second I slide my bare dick inside of you, you’re mine. I won’t ever let you go. Do you understand that?”

  I turn my head back to see his face. How could he not already know?

  “I have been yours since that day.” I wrap my hand around myself and over his arms. “I want to feel you and only you inside of me, Jackson. Please, please give me all of you because you have all of me.”

  He thrusts inside of me with one slow motion. I moan in pleasure with Jackson groaning behind me. His movements are slow and steady; he fills me deeper with every push. My skin is on fire with the sensation of being owned by him, and it pushes me to new heights. His fingers find my nipple and he slowly twists it with the methodically slow motion he’s using to move in and out of me. Even with my back to him, I feel so close to him. The slowness is tender until his other hand grasps onto my clit and his pace quickens. His thrusts are coming harder and my need to come is growing more intense. My breathing always gives me away.

  “Wait for me, Sunny. Feel me, feel every inch of what’s yours and only yours.”

  “Please, Jackson, harder.”

  He lets up on my nipple and clit to hold onto my hips and gives it to me harder. I’m about to come undone when he lets go of my hips to circle my clit with the exact amount of pressure needed. My screams of his name are followed by his grunting of mine.

  What a beautiful morning.

  Chapter 17

  Sunny

  “Girl, you must be killing it with tips this week,” Carmella says, excitedly putting on my makeup for my shift tonight. It’s the Monday before Mardi Gras and everyone is feeling festive. “The weather has been great, and they said this may be the busiest Mardi Gras in years.” She loves to chat and make small talk, but I’m not interested. All I can think about is Jackson.

  I look up at her with a glow. Work has been great. The club has been packed with tons of out-of-towners, and the money has been plentiful. But most of all, I just can’t wipe the smile off my face thinking of where my relationship is with Jackson. It’s perfect. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras and they said things will calm down. I work this coming weekend, and then next weekend, I will officially move in with him.

  “There you go again daydreaming on me,” she says, slapping my arm.

  “Ouch, what the hell, girl.”

  “You make me sick with that ‘I’m in love’ grin all the time,” she replies, laughing.

  “Don’t hate on me. I didn’t tell you to drop Sean, or Kevin, for that matter. Why did you do that anyway?”

  “Because he is too damn nice. I need it a little tougher in the bedroom. You know what I mean?”

  Flashes of Jackson demanding a certain position from me has my panties wet instantly. I blush When I answer her. “Yes, I know what you mean.”

  “Exactly, Mr. Nice guy is too sweet in the sack.”

  “I’m sorry, Carmella, you’ll find him. I promise. Your Mr. Right will come along.”

  “I hope to hell he does before I’m too old. Now get your ass out there. You have five minutes.”

  I blow her a kiss not wanting to mess up my lipstick and rush out the door to the club. Tonight I’m dancing on the boxes, which is always fun. It’s easy money dancing up there and having a good time while people throw you money.

  Tonight we have on Mardi Gras themed outfits that are a bit more risqué than Samantha usually has us in, but hey, isn't Mardi Gras a bit more risqué than a regular day? The top is a beaded purple halter with gold accents, and the bottom is a beaded green thong accented in gold. We have never worn a thong in the club before, but its suggestiveness is muted a bit by the thick, shiny nude stockings underneath.

  Walking out into the club, I feel as if I’m walking on air. My life has come full circle and I’m just so happy. The room is crowded as I walk to my box. When I feel a heavy hand gripping my shoulder, all of the blood rushes from my face and I freeze, not fighting it. I am pulled behind a large column near my box and out of sight from security. When I look up, I’m shocked to see the face staring back at me. It takes me a moment to even process it. It’s the blonde from Cat’s and she looks deranged. Her hair is a mess, her eyes are wild, and she looks like she has not slept in weeks.

  “Let me go. What do you want, who are you?” I shout over the music with a shaky voice.

  “Oh, has your precious Jackson not told you about me?”

  I look at her confused. Jackson has not said anything about a crazy woman. His sister did mention the last relationship did not work out well but that is it. My lack of knowledge sets her off.

  “You fucking whore. Of course, he never told you about me. You’re just a good fuck to him. Why would he bother telling you about us? What we have is special and real, unlike you,” she snarls with anger.

  Now she has pissed me off. “What do you mean us?”

  “Oh dear, dear. Enjoy him while it lasts because after Monday, he’ll be all mine,” she chuckles, letting go of her guard and my arm.

  The rage fills me thinking Jackson would leave me for her. The second my arm is free, it comes across her face hard and loud. Her head snaps back in surprise. However, she
doesn’t move, and she still has me boxed in behind the column.

  “You stupid bitch. You see, Jackson and I were together for almost a year, and one day, he drank a bit too much.” She looks down lost in thought. “He didn't mean to do it, but he did.”

  “Did what?”

  “Well, I pushed him too far and made him angry. It really was all my fault. I made him do it.”

  “Pushed him to do what?” I don't like what she’s implying. Jackson could never.

  As if she could read my mind, she says, “Yes, he hit me.”

  I gasp and cover my mouth with my hand in shock. She has to be lying. I stand in shock as she reaches into her bag and pulls out her phone.

  “You see what he did to me!” she screams in anger as she flips through pictures on her phone. Her face is battered and bruised to the point it is almost unrecognizable. But she has a tattoo on her collarbone with Jackson’s name that matches the one I see when I look back down at her. He could not have done this to her. Jackson would never put a hand on me like Rex, could he?

  As my doubt rises, she shoves the final dagger into me. She flips to another picture. It’s a news article showing Jackson in handcuffs with the title, “Ranger beats girlfriend unconscious.” My heart instantly shatters into a million pieces as I stand there staring at the image. It’s Jackson with his head hung low and walking in handcuffs. Her wicked voice pulls my attention away from the image and into her cruel wild eyes.

  “The trial is next Monday, and if he promises to take me back, I won't press charges.” She smirks an evil grin and licks her painted lips as she steps away from me.

  I walk past her with a push. I have nothing left to say to her. When I shrug past her, she says, “Tell Jackson Norma says she misses him.”

  I think I may throw up. What in the hell just happened to me? I refuse to fall apart and cry. That’s the old me and I refuse to do it. I will not allow another man to make me crumble. I march up to the bar and see Sean working. I motion him over to me. “Two shots of vodka.”

  “Are you okay, Sunny?”