by Jade James
“Now, listen carefully, my dear.” He reached out and grabbed a few strands of her hair. She remained still and pushed down the bile rising in her throat as he stroked them. His cologne was strong, assaulting her senses. “Your mother seems to think she could contest the will and win. I have fed her the outlandish idea because it serves my purpose. But you and I both know it would be impossible. You are the stated heir and the only child. I will however choose not to lay a finger on you, if you quietly deposit ten million dollars into my account.”
He had to be out of his mind. “You’re fucking crazy. Convincing my mother to leave her marriage must have been a walk in the park for you, but no way in hell would I ever give you one cent.”
He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “I can make this so painful for you…so extremely painful. All you have to do is follow my rules, and it’ll be much easier on you.”
His closeness, the way he leaned into her, was all so revolting. Her heart seemed to beat a mile a minute. She couldn’t close her eyes, couldn’t rip her gaze from his. She was going to be sick.
Just as she was about to push Matthew away from her, she heard Cade’s voice.
“You have one second to back away from her before I break both your arms.”
She hadn’t even digested Cade’s words before he wrenched Matthew from her, literally throwing his body to the side. She practically ran to Cade. She was grateful she could breathe again, more than glad he was here. How far would Matthew have gone? Just the thought had her slapping her hand over her mouth.
Cade grabbed his father by the neck and slammed him against the wall. He raised his arm and easily lifted Matthew from the ground. “I warned you to stay the fuck away from her.”
Matthew wrapped his hands around Cade’s arm and attempted to pull him away. “We were just having a talk,” he sputtered.
Cade squeezed until Matthew’s face was red. “You don’t get to speak to her. You don’t even ge Snhe spt to look at her. I catch you near her again, and I’ll break every fucking bone in your body.”
She watched as Cade shook with rage and Matthew sniveled cowardly. Cade reminded her of an animal, playing with its prey before it pounced. And as she took the scene in, she instantly knew this wasn’t only about her. There was something between both men, a bad history that had broken them apart. And silently, she enjoyed seeing Matthew get a taste of his medicine. But she didn’t want Cade to do something he’d regret, or get arrested for.
She touched Cade’s arm, and his muscles flexed. “Cade, let him go. He’s not worth it.”
“Did he touch you?” The anger etched on Cade’s face startled her.
“He…”
Cade turned to her, and his fury seemed to darken his gaze. “Did he fucking touch you?”
She shook her head as her heart seemed to skip a beat. “No…no.”
She pulled her hand away from him, and Cade heaved a breath, then let Matthew go. Matthew managed to land on his feet, his face nearly purple from lack of air.
“Stay far away.” Cade whispered the words, and the vehemence in his tone was clear to anyone hearing it. Matthew practically ran out the door without so much as a backward glance. This was the first time she’d witnessed such controlled rage, and if she were Matthew, she’d never set foot near Cade again.
Cade slammed the door closed and set his gaze on her. “Are you okay?”
She was a little shaken up still. “I’m fine now that you’re here.”
“What did he want?”
“I don’t suppose you passed my mother downstairs?”
“My father’s driver was out front. As soon as I caught sight of their car, I bolted up here. His visits never end well for anyone.”
“What does that mean?”
“Jazz, we’ll talk. But first, what did he want, and how in the hell did he even get into the building?”
“I think he paid the guard to let him in. As to what he wanted, my mother threatened to take me to court to try and fight the will. And when Matthew suggested he have a word with me privately, she left. Though he admitted the chances of my mother getting anything more, his insane idea was to threaten me into giving him ten million dollars.” As soon as she mentioned the word threat, Cade’s gaze seemed to darken once more. “I basically told him to fuck off, and that’s when you arrived.”
Cade ran a hand through his hair. “Son of a bitch. I’m going to pay that bastard a visit.”
She made her way to the living room, knowing Cade would follow. “I should have expected this.” She sat down on the chair, then kicked off her heels and curled her legs up. “I was avoiding my mother for far too long. I’d been ignoring her calls.” Tears welled up, spilling over. Too many mixed emotions assaulted her at once, and for this particular moment, even when she made it a point to always be strong, she simply couldn’t.
“All my life, Cade, there seemed to be a distance between me and my mom, and when I was younger, I desperately tried to get close. I remember when I was ten, and I had hurt myself riding on my bike. I went to her in pain, and knowing I needed stitches, she simply picked up the phone, called Dad, and told him to handle it. There were many more instances just like that. But hearing her today tell me that I was born simply because my father wanted a child, even though I had suspected it, crushed me.”
Cade seated himself beside her, then reached for her and placed her on his lap. His masculine scent env Sinep heloped her while his strong arms surrounded her. And in the shelter Cade had cre
ated, she finally cried from the agony she felt at hearing her mother’s words and losing the one man who understood her more than anyone else in the world—her father.
Chapter Nine
It was late into the night, nearing eleven, and she and Cade cuddled on the sofa. She was becoming accustomed to having him around, and she was both elated and terrified of it. She quickly shoved the scared part away. If she gave in to the fear of being so close to him, she’d possibly drive them apart. And she knew enough about what she felt for him to know it wasn’t what she wanted.
After her crying session, she was surprisingly relaxed and somehow relieved of all the pressure she’d felt since her father’s passing. Leaning on Cade, having him here, helped immensely. “I know we both have to be into work early tomorrow, so why don’t you spend the night?” The question was in direct contrast to how she’d behaved earlier, when she thought a little space between them might be good. But she felt completely different now.
“Great minds think alike. I have an overnight bag and an extra suit in my car. I brought it with me to work, hoping I’d be able to convince you to let me stay.”
She smiled. “You implying I’m persuaded easily then?”
He arched a brow. “Convincing you would be the fun part.”
“Cade, tell me what’s going on with you and your dad. I understand if you think it’s too soon to speak about it, but I’d like to know and be there for you, as well.”
He shook his head. “It isn’t something I’d like to talk about now. And I have to be honest, protecting you will always be my top priority. The less you know of my father’s twisted games the better.”
“I can understand your need to shield me. In some ways, you remind me of my father. He felt the same way. But the discussion will have to take place sooner or later. I have a feeling your father isn’t going to stop.”
“He doesn’t get a choice in this. I’ll kill him if he lays one hand on you.”
“That is the exact reason why we should discuss the animosity between the two of you. I know he hurt you in a terrible way. I can understand it’s painful, but you have to let me in. I agreed wholeheartedly to give whatever is between us a chance to grow. But Cade, refusing to let me in makes this relationship a bit one-sided. I’ve always considered Matthew to be a selfish manipulative bastard, and I made it a point to stay away from him. But today is the first time I’ve ever feared him. I want to trust you. Communication between us will go a long wa
y.”
“He won’t hurt you, Jazz. He won’t ever get a chance. Tomorrow I’ll have a talk with the doorman downstairs, and I’d like to hire a driver for you.”
Again, he was evading her. She had no doubt he wanted to shelter her from harm, but sidestepping her questions hurt more than anything else. “Hiring a driver is a bit extreme. I don’t need one. And more importantly, you’re putting some imaginary barrier between us when what I need for you to do the most is talk to me.”
“When it comes to keeping you safe, no.”
It was easy to read the determination in his gaze. Jazz saw it clearly, as well as his resolve to avoid answering any of her inquiries. “I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. It’s getting really late. Why don’t we get some rest, and then we can talk about this further tomorrow?”
He nodded. “I’ll head down and Vinep but you h grab my bag. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
She watched as he left and then made her way to her bedroom. She could acknowledge it made her feel secure. But there was a portion of her that was miffed. He refused to open up to her, even though she’d done it for him. There was so much she didn’t know about him, and she craved to know it all.
So what in the hell was he hiding? And how many more secrets did he have?
* * * *
Cade had been astonished to find Matthew at Jazz’s place, and things rarely shocked him anymore. The man who he shared DNA with was complete filth, and to this day Cade fought the need to rip him apart. He’d thought the violence within him had eased with the years that passed, but it was still there, festering like a wound. He’d tolerated Matthew’s existence before, more for the sake of keeping himself out of jail.
But when he thought of the pain Matthew had caused his mother and Ivy, the ferocious need to beat him to a bloody pulp rushed through him. Cade should have taken care of him long ago, and he’d be damned if he would allow him anywhere near Jazz again. This time he would make his fucking intentions crystal clear.
As the elevator doors opened, Cade spotted the doorman. But first he needed to make a phone call. He pulled his cell out and dialed the one person who immediately came to mind for this job—his childhood friend Gage. He could trust him with his life. And Gage knew exactly what a snake Matthew was.
“Cade, it’s been a while.”
“Gage, I need your assistance.”
“Name the place and time.”
“Meet me at my home,” Cade replied. “Tomorrow morning at eight. We can talk then.”
“I’ll reschedule the appointment I have. See you there.”
“Thanks.”
Cade hung up the phone and made his way to the doorman. Cade would make sure it would be the last time he’d ever think of taking a bribe from anyone. And once he resolved this issue with Matthew, he’d try and convince Jazz to come and stay with him. The move would be a sudden one, and he had his doubts. He didn’t want to frighten her, not when they were well on their way to growing closer in such a short span of time. But having her by his side, knowing she was safe at all times, would make him feel better.
Once he made his rules on Jazz’s well-being crystal clear to the front desk, Cade took his overnight bag from his car and made his way upstairs. He undressed, then slid between the sheets, and noticed she was already sound asleep. It was a good thing. She needed her rest. She was so young, carrying too much on her fragile shoulders, yet she never once complained about her workload.
Earlier today, he’d taken the time to study her while she’d engrossed herself in the day-to-day operations of their businesses. It seemed she loved being absorbed, and the way she’d handle each item that came her way so meticulously had him wondering why her father felt she had needed him.
By the same token, though the thought was absurd, Cade was glad he’d been the one chosen. He wanted to be the person who took the pressure off her so she would be able to lean on him. He needed her to see him as someone she could fall in love with. And though it had started because of a promised obligation, Cade knew she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
* * * *
Sometime in the early hours of the morning, Jazz awoke. She glanced at the clock as she felt Cade’s arm tighten around her waist. Four in the morning, and her weekday [ het wroutine was rising by six. A normal person would have probably fallen back to sleep. But with Cade’s body pressed against hers and his scent surrounding her, the arousal coursing through her body needed sating.
She turned to face Cade. His eyes were closed, and he looked so peaceful when he slept. His features in slumber were in direct contrast to the hardened square jaw, the tense lines in his face, his blazing gray eyes, when he was awake. As she reached up to touch his lips, his eyes fluttered open.
He stared at her for a full minute, and she tried not to squirm under his scrutiny.
“You’re so fucking sexy.”
Four simple words in his raspy voice, and she was instantly wet. “I want your cock inside me.” She hadn’t meant to state her desire so bluntly, but the words were exactly how she felt at the moment. She wanted him more than anything, and before he had a chance to respond, she maneuvered herself so she was straddling him. She aligned the mushroom head of his cock against her wet pussy, then rubbed the tip alongside her before lowering herself slowly. She whimpered, relishing every pulsating inch. Once she was seated to the hilt, she began to move.
“That’s it, honey. Ride me.”
He slid his hand up her back and pushed her toward him before taking her nipple into his mouth. She dug her nails into his chest and continued to move her hips in a slow pace as he gently bit the tip of her breast. Her clit rubbed the base of his cock, sending awareness throughout her body of the blossoming orgasm.
Oh my God! She almost shouted the words. She was trembling, lost in her desire for him. Each sexual episode brought her even closer to him. Never before had a man completed her in such a way, to the point where she thought of him constantly.
“Cade.” She said his name as he released her nipple, then moved his hand to rub her clit. Her thighs quivered as her stomach clenched, and she dug her nails into his chest even deeper. “I’m coming.” She gasped, then screamed his name, and he pulled her down to him.
“Fuck, I love how tight you are.” He took her lips in a scorching kiss, sliding his tongue along hers as he gave her one hard thrust before he wrenched his mouth free. He groaned, then shot his release deep into her as his dick throbbed viciously inside.
He made her feel too much, and yet she couldn’t get enough. Her chest seemed to tighten as she realized with every passing moment she spent with Cade she lost a little bit more of her heart to him.
Chapter Ten
Cade handed Gage a five-by-seven photo of Jazz.
“Who is she?”
Cade eyed Gage, who he’d known since childhood. Besides being trustworthy and a longtime friend, Gage ran his own security company and provided his company’s services to the very elite crowd who required protection. He was also ex-military, a SEAL to be exact, and Cade knew Gage was the best of the best. It was one of the reasons why he’d called him. Both had chosen completely different career paths, but it hadn’t stopped them from maintaining their bond through the years.
“She’s important to me, Gage. Extremely important. Her name is Jazz Cortez. She is the daughter of William and Maria Cortez. Maria has been married to Matthew for quite a few years.” He slid him the background report on both Maria and Matthew.
Gage’s lips tightened, and it was the only sign he was bothered by what he’d just said. “Your father?”
Cade gave a single nod. “He’s gone after Jazz.s gone aހ" Cade couldn’t blame him for being upset. Besides his family, Gage was the only one who knew how slimy his father was both professionally and personally. And if he thought really hard about it, Cade would lose his focus and allow the anger to take over. So, for now, he pushed it all aside.
“Yes. William passed away, leaving hi
s half of Cortez Enterprise to me. We can go into further details about that part later. But the bottom line is I want a security detail on Jazz, Ivy, and my mother.”
“Have you convinced Ivy and your mother this is the way to go? You don’t think he would go so far as to harm them?”
Cade rose to his feet, and walked to the window, overlooking Central Park. “He hasn’t tried anything recently. However, I wouldn’t put anything past him, especially since he’s threatened Jazz. You already know Ivy would be upset if she found out someone was tailing her. Mother as well. The less they know the better. For now, all three women are to be kept in the dark.”
“Personally knowing how headstrong Ivy and your mom can be, I agree. E-mail me the details, and I’ll have them assigned in a few hours.” Gage rose from his seat. “I’ll be headed to the office and seeing what other information I can find. Try and figure out what your father is up to.”
Cade grunted at that. This time he would keep them safe, and if he had to be forced to make a move against his father, he intended to do so.
* * * *
Jazz spotted Jax, with their usual salad orders and iced tea drinks already on the table.
She kissed him on the cheek before taking her seat. “Thanks for ordering ahead.”
He shrugged. “No problem. I spotted Cade leaving your apartment this morning around the same time I was exiting mine. I take it that’s going well?”
“So far. I did get a visit from Matthew and my mother though.”
Jax’s lips thinned. “What the fuck did they want?”
