by Jade James
“Money. I was afraid of what Matthew might do. He scared me.”
“Why in the hell didn’t you come to my place? I would have fucking knocked his teeth in.”
“I know you would have. But Cade arrived in time. He handled the situation, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be seeing them anytime soon.”
“Don’t ever feel like you have to handle those fucking lunatics alone, Jazz. I’m always there for you.”
Yes, he had always been there for her, even in the roughest of times. “I know, and I love you for it. Now on a good note, I’m falling for Cade hard, Jax. And I’m scared at the same time. But I’ve come to realize, I wouldn’t take any of it back for the world.”
“You need someone in your life to make you happy, sweetheart. You deserve it.”
“You as well.”
They both dug into their salads and sipped on their drinks. After finishing up, she leaned back in her chair. “Tell me about Carter. How’s that going?”
“We broke up about a week ago.”
They’d been together for nearly a year. “And I’m finding about this now?”
He shrugged. “You had a lot on your plate, and I didn’t want to burden you. Anyway, it was a mutual decision. I’ve always wanted more in a relationship, and we were headed in different directions.”
“I take it you’re missing having a woman in your life?”
“In this day and age, honey, I’m beginning to think it’s an impossibility. But I had made my intentions clear to Cart ccle. He haer from the start, and he didn’t seem to have a problem with me dating women. Though I recognize it is a lot to ask. Even though I probably will, I just don’t want to have to settle.”
“You shouldn’t have to. I’m sure you’ll find that perfect other half of you, or the perfect two that would complete you.”
Jax got to his feet and placed money on the table to cover their meals. “I have to head back to my offi
ce. Anything you need, doll, or if you find yourself in any sort of trouble, you know where to find me.” He kissed her cheek, before pulling back.
She nodded. “We’ll talk some more later.”
Chapter Eleven
Jazz slid into a private booth toward the back of the restaurant and waited for Ivy. It was Friday evening, and Jazz had been surprised to receive a text from Ivy just an hour before, inviting her to dinner.
Cade had left his office earlier to meet with his mother over some business issues and had indicated he’d meet her at his place tonight. Though she would have loved to meet his mom, perhaps it was too soon. Several days had passed, and he still hadn’t opened up to her. It worried her for many reasons. Did he not trust her to know his secrets? A shard of pain rushed through her, and she forced it aside. They were in the early phase of their relationship, and she shouldn’t be hurt by his actions. But even as she thought it, she knew she was lying to herself. Being truthful to one another made for a successful emotional connection.
And even though she should by all rights wait, she intended to find out the issue between Cade and Matthew. She took a sip of her water and set the glass back down as Ivy arrived.
“I‘m sorry to be late. I had to step out really quick and handle a problem at the office.”
“You’re actually on time. I was a little early. I have to admit I was surprised by your text. You stated it was important we talk right away.”
“I apologize for making it sound so urgent. I have a habit of texting and not rereading my words before my finger hits Send. I already can tell how important you are to my brother, and I wanted to get to know you better. I do however want to get the topic of my father out of the way. Knowing how overprotective Cade can be, I have a feeling he hasn’t told you everything about our father.”
The subject of Matthew still made Jazz nauseated but hearing what Ivy had to say was important. “Go on.”
“Matthew paid me a visit, and from past history, it only means he’s planning on something. And I more than feel you should be warned.”
“Why warn me?”
“He mentioned you when he came to visit me. But it wasn’t simply that he stated your name. It was the way he said it. My father isn’t a nice man.”
Jazz was truly lost here. “What happened?”
“He beat my mother. He also stole millions from my trust fund. After my mom divorced him and made sure his name wasn’t linked to any of our accounts, my father only tended to come around when he wanted to cause trouble. With all the pain and lies he’s caused, Cade and I will never trust him.”
“I know how it feels to have someone you thought was supposed to love you forever do deceitful things. Still, it must have been hard for you.”
Ivy shrugged. “It’s been years since I’ve seen him. Yesterday was his first visit, and he made a grand show of apologizing for his ways and stating how much he wanted to be close to me again. That was before he asked me to loan h fI have a im money. I’m astounded he even had the nerve to ask. I suspect his company isn’t doing as well as he’s made everyone think. I showed him the door, and that’s when he mentioned you. And how he would find a way to get what he needed. He left after that.”
The curl of dread she felt grew. “He stopped by a few days ago and threatened me. If it weren’t for Cade, I don’t know how far he would have gone.”
“I’m glad my brother was there. On my way here, I thought maybe I was being a tad paranoid. But now knowing my father has threatened you, it’s safe to assume he has something planned.”
“I haven’t seen him since he came over with my mother, but I will definitely take extra precautions.”
“Eventually, I’ll have to tell Cade about my dad’s visit to my office. But for now and since it’s a Friday night, why don’t we sit back and have a few margaritas? The bartender makes superb ones, and it’ll temporarily get us to forget our troubles.”
Jazz smiled at the idea. To lose herself for a few hours and relax was a tempting idea. “That sounds wonderful.”
* * * *
Cade kissed his mother’s cheek and walked out of her home just as his cell rang.
“Cade.”
“It’s Gage. We have a problem.”
He slid into his car and started the engine. “Talk.”
“I’ll give you the short version for now. Matthew paid a visit to Ivy. I overheard the lunatic apologize, then ask her for money.”
“Son of a bitch. Where is she?”
“There’s more. I’m inside Gramercy, sitting a few tables away from Ivy and Jazz.”
“What are they doing there?”
“Looks to me like downing several drinks and having a good time.”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Do not let them out of your sight.” What the hell were they doing together? Not that he had anything against it, but they’d only met a few days ago. And besides Matthew slinking around like the snake he was, Cade’s gut told him something else was going down.
* * * *
He arrived closer to an hour later. Traveling from Riverside Drive to lower Manhattan on a Friday night was a nightmare. And as he and Gage reached Ivy and Jazz’s table, both women stilled and were staring at them with wide eyes as if they were just caught red-handed.
“Ladies. I hope you don’t mind the interruption.”
Jazz took a sip of her drink before replying, “No we don’t mind, but I’m a bit surprised. How did you know I was here? I didn’t text you the information.”
Ivy narrowed her eyes. “And I sure didn’t state where we’d be.” She turned to Gage before directing her gaze back to Cade. “It doesn’t take a genius to add two and two together, especially since Gage owns a security business. Did you ask him to follow me?”
Cade silently groaned.
“You did. Cade!” Ivy grimaced. “How could you?” Ivy turned to Gage. “And I thought it was a coincidence that you just showed up at my office. I should have known with you nothing is ever a fluke. So I can just assume he’s already
told you about Matthew’s visit.”
Gage’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.
Cade purposely turned to Jazz. “I’m not apologizing for protecting you both.”
Jazz shook her head. “Wait. You’re having me tailed as well? I thought we discussed this.we discuthis.w
He shrugged. He’d do anything to make sure they were safe. “We spoke briefly, but my mind was already made up. I hired Gage’s company to provide security for the both of you, as well as Mom.”
She sighed. “Maybe this isn’t a bad thing. Since Matthew has visited me and Ivy, perhaps having security for now is wise. But Cade, you have to open up to me about things like this. It’s become a bit frustrating.”
“Sweetheart, why don’t I take you home, and we can talk about this further.”
“Fine, but first Ivy and I are having two more drinks, and you’re paying.” She batted her lashes and pursed her lips.
He arched a brow as he signaled the waiter. They would indeed be having a long talk tonight.
Chapter Twelve
The tequila in the margaritas had been poured a little too strong, and by the time she’d finished her third glass, Jazz was more than a little tipsy. Not completely flat-out drunk, but pleasantly nice. And being this close to Cade, taking in his masculine scent, and just watching the way he moved, aroused her. It made her want him, to the point where she didn’t care about anything but this burning sexual hunger within her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this uninhibited, and she was truly going to take advantage by showing him how much she craved him.
As she and Cade rode the elevator to his home, she couldn’t help but envision him completely naked, and she licking his skin. She hadn’t tasted his cock yet, and the idea was a very strong, tempting one.
When they entered Cade’s home, she was momentarily distracted by the stunning view of Central Park. She glanced around, taking in the gray, black, and white tones of the living room. The apartment was huge and took up the entire top floor. The furniture in his living area was big and impressive, much like he was. “Your place is beautiful. Some of your pieces are quite charming.”
“Not as captivating as you. And thank you. A few Ivy helped with, and the rest I bought here and there.”
She walked over to him but stopped near a table and placed her purse on it. “I want to taste you.” She’d never been this open with anyone, and somehow he always seemed to pull her desire so easily to the surface. She hungered for him, and the few times they’d been together, she hadn’t taken the time to enjoy him like she wanted. Her panties dampened, and she pulled the straps of her dress down before allowing her clothes to pool at her feet. She was slightly nervous, but she pushed it away. She left the four-inch heels on; the shoes made her feel sexier, along with the black thong and matching bra she still wore. She sauntered closer to him and ran her hands over his chest. She unbuttoned his slacks and then ran her hand along his impressive cock.
Cade groaned, then took over, discarding his shoes, socks, and clothes. In seconds he was nude, his cock hard, long, the mushroom head darker than the length and glistening with precum. Her mouth watered, the sight even more erotic so close up, and she fell to her knees.
“Suck me off now,” he whispered. “Make me come for you.”
His words were deliciously hot, arousing her even more. She wrapped her hand around the base of his dick, her fingers not quite long enough to close around him fully. She rubbed his essence on her bottom lip as she lifted her gaze to his. He was watching her so intently, and a bolt of heat shot through her. She swiped her tongue and moaned at the musky flavor.
It would have been easy to shut her eyes and fall into the s ndiscuuntered clensual act, but it was too tempting to miss the sight of him enjoying every bit of what she did. His eyelids grew heavy as she ran her tongue along the underside of him before taking half his length into her mouth.
“Jesus, Jazz!”
He groaned the words as he grabbed the strands of her hair. She squeezed her legs closed, hoping to put pressure on the throbbing ache as he used her locks as an anchor. She opened her mouth wider, and she whimpered when he took over, moving his cock in and out. The hold he had on her was tight but not painful, and it only heightened her arousal, her awareness of him. He fucked her slowly, and each time he thrust, the head of his dick brushed the opening of her throat.
It was exhilarating to give him so much pleasure, to watch the fire in his eyes, the way his muscles tensed as he held himself back. She attempted to relax her throat, her lips tingling as she dug her nails into the flesh of his thighs.
“Ah…yes. Exactly like that, sweetheart. I love your mouth.”
His praise spurred her on. He was deeper now, and a spurt of precum shot into her mouth. The scent of him seemed to wrap around her, and she was on the verge of coming. She sucked him gently. He seemed to love controlling the pace. The tip of her tongue traced the pulsing vein up to the head, and a growl erupted from him. He widened his stance. His cock swelled in her mouth, and he gave one more thrust before shooting his cum down her throat. She swallowed, savoring his rich flavor. And as he held himself there for seconds, she breathed deeply and squirmed, her own arousal heightened.
He pulled her to her feet, and kissed her before ripping her thong from her body. She was so wet her cream coated her inner thighs. He lifted her up and carried her to his bedroom. She didn’t have time to inspect anything. He placed her on his bed, then pushed open her legs before falling to his knees.
HER MUSKY, SWEET perfume filled the air, and his cock strained, desperate for the feel of her cunt. The sight of her swallowing his cum had been so enticing it almost brought him to his knees, yet it hadn’t lessened his need for her. But the way she held his gaze as he poured himself inside had mesmerized him. Her sole goal had been to please him, and he found it was fucking hot. No one had ever watched him so intently before. He was falling, and though he had known she was a part of his future, he hadn’t expected the depth of his emotions for her to be so quick and deep.
“My turn.” He growled the words, overcome with his intensity for her. He bent his head, then swiped his tongue quickly through her drenched sex. Her hips arched, and a whimper tore from her lips. She tasted delicious, sugary and tangy, and he wanted more.
He licked at her clit and then plunged his tongue into her opening, fucking her with it.
“Cade, please.”
He could hear the hunger in her voice, the way her muscles tightened as the need to come made her tremble. His tongue licked over her, teasing the swollen bud. He alternated between delving deep inside and flicking her clit. Her nails dug into his scalp as his cock throbbed heavily. He couldn’t wait a moment longer, and he sucked hard at her center.
She screamed his name, her cream rushing into his mouth, sliding down his throat, and he swore he’d take her this way again soon, repeatedly, when the clawing need to possess her wasn’t his sole focus. He positioned her legs so they wrapped around him. Not waiting for her to come down from her orgasm, he lined the head of his cock against her opening, then plunged inside. She clasped him so snugly, the urge to come rose so quickly, he had to still momentarily.
“Fuck, baby. You feel wonderful.” He pulled out slowly, savoring the way her pussy rippled along his flesh. He flexed his hips and pushed his dick once again inside, taking his time to feel everything about her.
She tightened her legs around him. “Please…please move faster, Cade.”
He kissed her deeply as he moved, his thrusts becoming quicker. He lost himself inside her, her cunt fitting around him perfectly. A bolt of lust shot down his spine, and his balls gathered with the impending release. Her fingers clenched on his shoulders as he set a rhythm that would rush both of them to their peak. He shifted, the head of his cock now brushing upward at her G-spot.
“You’re so sweet and tight, love.”
The words mixed with their movements seemed to set her off, and her pussy fluttered,
clamping down tight as she came around him. Her cream soaked his balls, and her ripples around his cock became too much. His dick throbbed as the urge to come shot through him, and he fucked her with wild abandonment. His balls constricted; he clenched his teeth and came hard, his seed pouring out hotly as the air momentarily left his lungs. He closed his eyes as he focused on regulating his breath, his heart pounding wildly.
About a minute later, she unwrapped her legs, and he pulled himself off her. He positioned her next to him, and she curled herself around his body.
His skin felt hot, his blood still boiling as he bent down to her ear and whispered, “Don’t ever leave me.”
He didn’t know exactly what p
ossessed him to say those words now, but the thought of her not being with him was like a heavy blow. Existing without her wasn’t something he wanted to contemplate. With each passing day, she meant more and more to him. And he silently acknowledged he was truly falling in love.
Chapter Thirteen
The sun shone brightly through the windows and woke her. Jazz stretched, then reached out for Cade, but his side was empty. She rose to her feet and spotted the robe placed at the end of the bed. It was easy to see it was brand-new, the tags still on it. He must have gotten it for her.
“There’s also underwear for you in the first drawer, and a few essentials in the bathroom. I hoped you’d be spending time here with me, so I went out and bought you a few things.”
She turned at the sound of his voice. He was leaning against the doorway with just a pair of jeans on. “Thank you.” He’d thought to make her comfortable by buying the clothing, and the fact he’d hoped to spend more time with her warmed her heart. But she couldn’t allow herself to be distracted. “I’m going to shower, and then we need to talk.”
He nodded as his gaze traveled over her naked form. “By the time you come out, breakfast will be served. We can speak then.”
She was done in fifteen minutes and made her way to the dining area, where he was already seated. There were plates of omelets, toast, bacon, and coffee on the table. “This looks wonderful.”
