by Leah Holt
Laughing inside, I thought I must have looked like a fool, dipping and dodging imaginary trenches in the pavement.
Yanking on the door to the bar, I flicked on the lights, ready to start preparing for the nightly swarm of drunks and party goers. Beginning my usual routine, a hazy fog swept over my brain, filling it with Quinn.
He had said he needed more, wanted more—of me. Even with the idea I could end up pregnant, Quinn didn't seem fazed. It was as if it wouldn't matter, even though I knew it would.
But no one had ever given me the feelings he did. The feeling of beauty, the feeling of being desired, the feeling that I was untouchable to anyone but him. The intensity he had in his gaze, in his lips...
I could feel it all.
Now, I certainly wasn't a virgin when we hooked up, but everyone before him had such a flat feeling. There was no passion, no lust.
Quinn knew how to touch me, and every part of my skin. He looked at me, really looked at me. It sent butterflies cascading into my belly, the warm tingly feeling burned from head to toe.
What the fuck Cadence! You know these things are always to good to be true!
I forced myself to think of my past, all the times I was hung out to dry, used and tossed to the side when they were done with me, or when my father got in the way.
It's going to happen again, you know it is.
It always does.
I didn't really know Quinn, who he was, or what he stood for. Was this typical for him, his way to get in a girl's pants? Maybe.
The realization that I might be reaching for something more than it was hit me like a ton of bricks. Could I have been played for a fool?
You promised yourself you wouldn't fall for a guy like him again, you know they all leave. No one ever stays.
The metallic screech of the front door pushed me from my thoughts. Heavy feet thudded across the floor, a hacking, wet cough echoed through my ears.
Straightening my spine, I looked up while hooking the spray bottle onto my belt. My dad stepped into view, wiping his mouth against a bright green handkerchief. “Cadence, my dear. Hard at work as usual, how was your day?” His deep voice cut into my ribs.
“I'm here, does anything else matter” Dropping my head to the bar, I wiped the area speckled with cleaning fluid.
“You didn't answer the question. How was your day?” he asked again.
“Like you even care, give me a break.” Rolling my eyes, a rush of air gusted out.
“What's wrong? Are you still upset with me?” Rocking his head to the side, the fake caring tone pushed through his lower lip. I didn't answer, remaining mute, and keeping my face set firm on the bar top. “Sweetheart, look, you know what it takes to do what we do.”
“What you do.” The words shot out of my mouth. I didn't want him to include me in his world, like I had an option, and actually chose this life.
Running his finger across the rim of the stool, he exhaled loudly. “Cadence, stop this. You're acting like a child, you know the rules.” His elbows slid forward, hands clasped together.
“Rules, yeah I know your rules. Except this time your rules don't apply.”
“They don't? And how's that? Please, enlighten me.” His hand drifted up, holding his chin.
“He isn't going to fight for you.” Shaking my head, both hands jerked down to my hips.
I was tired of his bullshit, trying to rule every aspect of my life. Wanting to control me, dangling his fucking mind games in front of my face till I gave in.
Mia had been right, I was an adult, I didn't need him making decisions for me anymore.
“Trust me, Honey, I know he doesn't want to work for me. He made that very clear. Lucky for me, I have something he will fight for.” A devilish grin peeled off his lips.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked, wrinkling my nose.
“Well, now I can't go exposing all my tricks, even to you. But, if money won't talk to him, I have other ways.” Slapping the glossy surface, he walked towards his office, door slamming behind him.
My brain shook, confusion filling the spaces between the anger singeing my brain. I had no idea what he could possibly do to Quinn to make him fight.
Threaten his life?
Threaten to ruin him?
Was he going to hire one of his mafia bidders to put a contract on his head?
I couldn't understand what purpose that would serve, or how that would benefit my father in any way.
What good would that do?
Why did he care so much to make Quinn do what he wanted, there were plenty of other guys who wanted a cut in his business.
Tapping my fingers across my lips, I stared aimlessly, wheels turning violently against my forehead.
He's determined to have Quinn. Just so I can't... Asshole!
But it was more than that; in his mind, dominance was strength. Quinn, not giving in to his demands, sparked a dark flame inside his gut. A heat that twisted its grip around my dad's mind, and his refusal to lose. He had to have everyone wrapped around his finger, he needed that control.
My father could have all the power in the world and it still wouldn't be enough.
He wanted to see, feel, and breathe the fear he put in others.
But as for me... I was done.
I'm not his.
Not anymore.
Chapter Eleven
Quinn
Staring at my ceiling, I studied the cracked plaster spidering across every inch. This place was a fucking shit hole, but it was my shit hole.
I'd been living off my savings, and all my applications for work went unanswered. My bank account wasn't endless, and sooner then later it would dry up. If I didn't find something permanent soon, I wouldn't even be able to keep this place to bitch about.
And with all the pressure to keep this dump over my head, I honestly didn't care, all I could think of was Cadence. Her perfect fucking pussy, and how tight it felt wrapped around my cock. Fuck, that woman was hard to forget.
She was a challenge to get, and now that I've had her, I only wanted more.
I'm not letting her go, she's mine now. Once I decide I want something, that's it. I've staked my claim, her father can go fuck himself.
He thinks he can bribe me, scare me into doing what he wants.
Not a chance in hell.
A pinching sensation split through my wrists, my fists had balled on reflex, the injured hand still sore from the fight.
Exhaling heavily, I shook the tingles away. That man drove spikes through my core, he wanted to keep me from his daughter, from what is mine. But I'd find a way to keep her, every inch of her was worth it.
Lifting myself off the couch, I walked into the small galley kitchen. Opening the fridge, I grabbed the carton of milk, the smooth, creamy feel layered my throat as I took a long sip. A soft gasp exhaled as I wiped my lips.
And all I could picture was her pussy, dripping with juice, silky and glistening. I couldn't shake that image from my brain, it sat there, heavy and melting its way into the muscle.
And the condom broke.
The thought lingered for a moment, twisting into the idea of her carrying my child. I liked that image, it settled nicely in my skull, a light smile peeked against my cheek.
I wasn't sure why the idea sent a wave of excitement through my heart, and I didn't care.
Maybe deep down I secretly hoped it would happen, that I'd be able to have her in a way that no one ever would. If she carried my child, that would cement my name on her back, she would be mine forever.
Pulling the phone from my pocket, I scrolled down to her name. I was finally able to convince her to give me her number after I took her to see the kids.
But she was fucking resistant as hell. It seemed like I was trying to squeeze blood from a stone. She bit her fingers, glanced sideways, and stumbled on her words. I knew her resistance was because of that asshole who called himself the Macro.
Cadence told me she had rules, even with her phon
e. That was the most insane thing I had heard in a long time. She was a grown fucking woman, her full figure and tight pussy showed me that.
But she nervously ran through the guidelines for me to have her number. No calling during working hours, no calling between nine in the morning and eleven, and absolutely no leaving a message. Glancing at the time, it was five and she should be at work.
Fuck, I'm not going to let that man dictate everything, especially when it comes to me!
Staring at the window, raindrops patted against the glass. The ticking echoed loudly through the thin walls. I've lost a lot of myself, but Cadence sparked a piece of light that had smoldered.
Her smile sent prickles down my spine, her eyes sparkled with life; even with the shit she had to deal with.
Fuck, she made my cock so hard it hurt.
Resting my hands on the counter, my head fell forward, I can't wait anymore, I need her now.
Grabbing the bulge growing in my pants, I pushed my palm against it. That woman made every piece of me ache to feel her.
Thumbing the button to hit call, the light dimmed and brightened, her name glowing across the screen. Running my hand through my hair, I couldn't stop myself.
Fuck her father and the rules.
The ringing hit my eardrums, two rings, then three. I wasn't sure if she was even going to answer.
Shit, voicemail.
The computerized words cradled against my ear. Clicking end, I threw the phone onto the counter.
This woman had her nails dug so far into my gut, they twisted around a piece of my existence that had been dulled by the scars of my life for so long.
I felt like a newborn inhaling its first breath of air. The crisp oxygen expanded my lungs, my heart thumping to a real beat, pushing heat into every vein.
Life flowed again for more than my own comfort.
Listening to the tapping of rain, my eyes were fixed on the phone. The reverberating noise filled my insides, mixing with her image and the numbing desire to caress her, to keep her safe.
Grabbing the phone, I dialed again. I wasn't going to let her father hover his control over her anymore, rules are meant to be broken.
And I was willing to break them all.
Pushing the speaker closer, the ringing traced small circles around my ear. “Hello?” The words floated into my head with such ease, a soothing melody that calmed my nerves.
“Cadence, it's Quinn,” I said, slightly surprised she had even picked up. I knew she was at the bar, her voice was muffled under a whisper.
The music was blaring in the background, voices rising and falling behind her, making it difficult to even hear her already quiet tone. “What? Why are you calling me now? You know I can't talk.”
“Sounds to me like you're talking just fine. Is it busy tonight?” Cracking a smile to myself, I laughed.
“Quinn, this is not a good time. I told you that.”
I could hear her rolling her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, rule one, don't call you at work. In case you haven't noticed, Sweetheart, I'm not one for rules.”
“Right, they don't apply to you. I can't talk long, what is it?”
“What are you doing after work tonight? I've got a friend here who misses you.” Even hearing her voice made my cock stiff, thickening against my jeans. I could see her lips moving when I closed my eyes. The delicate skin sheathing my length, wrapping around tightly.
“Are you fucking kidding me? You called me for that?” I could hear in her tone she tried to tug her smile down, but I knew it gleamed across her face.
“Don't tell me your pussy isn't aching too?” Running my tongue over my bottom lip, I gripped my shaft with wanton need.
Exhaling into the phone, she said, “Uh, nope. Sorry, you have the wrong number.”
'Click'
I knew instantly, The Macro had made his presence known.
Rubbing the back of my neck, I paced around my kitchen. I should have been going out to look for a job, checking the local sites, doing anything to make sure I didn't end up out on the street.
Yet, Cadence was all I could think about. I wanted to see her, feel her. I wanted to make sure her father knew his daughter had eyes for me.
And I wanted him to know there wasn't shit he could do about it.
Grabbing my wallet, I pulled on a plain, gray t-shirt and headed out the door.
I think I could use a drink.
Walking the few blocks to the bar, I thought it was warmer than usual for April. The tepid weather gave way to large drops of water plopping hard into the pavement. The air was thick with moisture, hitting my chest with force.
It reminded me of Rainee, and all the times we had spent as kids outside during the summer. We'd make homemade ramps and launch our bikes into large, inviting puddles. The two of us would play football in his backyard, while his mother would yell at us that we'd get sick.
We were inseparable, best friends turned brothers.
Fuck, it still hurts.
I tried desperately to push him from my thoughts. But he was always there in the back of my mind, everyday, every moment. But the pain was too much to truly feel. I wouldn't let myself hurt like that, to feel the loss completely, it would have killed me, so I buried it.
Because knowing your best friend was gone, and gone because of your selfish, shitty mistake... That was a hard enough to swallow.
Shaking my head, the water spiraled across my face, running down my skin. As it landed on my chest, I closed my eyes, forcing Rainee from my head.
I needed to focus on my new goal. Cadence.
Since there were so many fucking rules in place, I was ready to break them all with a golden smile on my face.
My stomach began to twist, toiling with excitement to see her. Her body sent chills through my spine. She was the adrenaline ready to hit my veins, purging every inch with burning desire.
Tugging the door open, the thick and musty air revitalized my senses. With that knowing sensation she would be in my vision in an instant, my heart beat against my ribs, my cock thickening with need.
Standing in the doorway, the crowd deafened my ears as I searched for my muse. Looking towards the bar, her back was facing me. The tight purple shirt holding her sides enhanced the arch of her back, her muscles curved in, dipping as her sleek contours rolled with every move.
That's exactly what I needed. Damn, she's so fucking sexy.
Pausing for a time, my eyes inhaled her beauty, watching her from a distance. Her hips rocked back and forth, spine bending as she reached down for a glass, the subtle peek of flesh around her waist made my cock throb.
Weaving through the crowd, I approached the bar. Still resting in the shadows, I stood to the side, waiting for her to finally spot me. Pushing into the wall beside me, my shoulders crushed the cement blocks, elbows folded over each other.
Lifting her face from the drink she was mixing, her eyes met mine, sparking to life.
My grin split wide as her lids expanded, the blue darkening into a deep ocean of surprise and excitement.
Her lips parted, hands coming down flat on the bar. “What are you doing here?” A thin brow arched upwards.
“Why do you think I'm here? The fucking booze, of course,” I said teasing, slipping into the free seat at the bar. “Hit me with a shot, Babe.”
“Quinn, really...” Dancing her eyes around us, she watched everyone suspiciously. “Now is not the time—”
Cutting her off, I said, “I am a paying customer, you can't kick me out.” Winking at Cadence, my lip tugged up while I threw a twenty down. “Bourbon, please.”
A soft growl slid through her teeth. “You're going to get me in trouble.” Lifting a small glass, the dark liquid splashed against the walls as she poured.
“You're already in trouble, I do believe you hung up on me, you'll get your punishment later.” Tossing the drink back, I slammed the glass down.
“Fuck, Quinn! Not now! I'm serious, my father is always watching. You should go, just go
home, I'll call you later.”
This woman was confusing, she wants me, knows she needs me, hates her life, and still aims to keep that asshole happy.
Why is she kissing his damn ass? He hasn't done anything for her.
Can't she see what I would do for her?
I would treat her like the goddess she was, make sure she had everything she ever wanted. If I could package up the fucking moon and serve it to her on a silver platter... I would.
“Who cares what he's doing? Does this face look like it gives a shit about what your father might be doing?” Tilting my head, my eyes hardened.
Cadence leaned in close, her voice whispering across into my ear. “I honestly don't give a fucking shit either. But unfortunately, right now, I don't have a choice.” Her back straightened, muscles tensed as her arms drew in across her chest.
Knowing she felt that she had no control over herself or her life sent a fire into my gut, a burning pain seared through my bones. She was worth more than she realized, her life was dependent on one lone person.
And I was going to change that.
“You really think that? That you have to just bow your head and do what he says?”
She stared at me, words not forming against her lips, an empty glare meeting my eyes. She didn't have to speak, her silence spoke for her.
Shaking my head, I said, “You're wrong. And I'm going to prove it.”
“What are you going to do, Quinn? Huh?” She raised her hand, twirling it in the air. “Are you going to whisk me away and lavish me with everything I've ever wanted since I was a little girl?”
“Yeah, that's exactly what I'm going to do.” I didn't waver in my answer. The words came out strong and firm. I believed what I was saying, and one way or another, she'd see it too.
“Bullshit! You can't do that, you can't give me empty promises.” Her eyes narrowed, glaring down her nose at me.
“I'm not feeding you lines, Cadence, I'm serious. What have I told you before? I always stand by what I say.” Gripping her wrist, I yanked her to the wood. Leaning in, I brought my lips to her ear. “And I will spend as much time as I need showing you that you deserve more.”
Her cheeks blushed, lashes fluttering against my face, their tiny wings licking my skin. My dick thickened with the gentle touch. Her lips grazed mine, their soft velvet feel drawing me in.
