Chapter 18
Candice
My back gets slammed against the bedroom wall Jasper carried me to. His hands are all over me, trying to rip the clothes from my body. I’m just as frantic as him, ripping his shirt apart, causing the buttons to go flying throughout the room. He smiles on my lips, before placing me back on my feet.
“On your knees Candice.” He commands in a gravelly voice. I fall to my knees almost immediately. He frees himself from his slacks, slowing stroking up and down his hardness. I lick my lips just as he tangles his fingers in my hair. I make my way up, trailing my tongue along the vein leading up to the head. I swirl my tongue over the head before I take him to the back of my throat. He is so big that I can’t even take in half his length. I use my right hand to pump up and down, while I focus on the swirling of my tongue and sucking. Every fourth pump I bring him as far back to my throat as I can, causing him to moan before thrusting his hips forward.
He suddenly takes a few steps back, leaving me on my knees staring after him. “I don’t want to cum in your mouth, it’s your pussy I want to feel wrapped around me when I do. Take off your clothes and go bend over the bed.”
I’m on my feet quickly, removing all my clothes, and walking to the edge of the bed. I look over my shoulder at Jasper staring at me with his shirt still on, but hanging open showing off his hard body. I slowly bend over the bed. Watching as he grows more impatient. I keep my eyes on his as he strolls over to me, losing all articles of clothing on his way. When he starts placing soft kisses down my spine, I can’t hold back the moan that escapes. He is leaving a trail of burning need through my body, causing me to wiggle my hips in anticipation.
“Are you wet for me Candice?” He asks, before bringing his hand up my back and grabbing onto my hair. My head is now tilted back, and his grasp is leaving no room for me to twist. “Answer my question.”
“Yes Jasper.” I moan out. My core throbbing with need. Jasper is the only guy I’ve been with and three years is a long time, I’m finding it hard to wait anymore.
“Who do you belong to Candice?” He growls in between lightly biting my neck.
“You Jasper.” I shout out, growing frustrated. My tone doesn’t go unnoticed. He lines his head up at my entry, but doesn’t push forward. “You are so wet, your pussy is practically crying for me.”
“Please Jasper. Please..” My begging is cut off when he fills me with one thrust. I arch my back more, screaming out from the pain and pleasure. “Your so fucking tight, I’m not going to last long.” He lets go of my hair, bringing his hand down to my hip, while he uses the other one to rub circles on my clit. Every time he pulls out I can feel my orgasm getting closer and closer. Before I know what’s happening he flips me over. I’m now on my back, looking into his eyes. My walls are clamping down on him, and I can see a bead of sweat coating his brow. I know he’s holding it in, waiting for me to finish with him. He places his hand on my neck, “Say it Candice.” I know what he is waiting to hear, so just as I am about to tumble over the edge I holler out, “I love you.” He soon follows me over the edge, smashing his mouth onto mine. I wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him back with all the love I feel for this man.
Jasper moves to get himself cleaned up in the bathroom, while I stay on the bed, basking in my post orgasmic bliss. He kissed me on the shoulder before pulling out of me. Just that little amount of tenderness makes my heart soar. He may not have said he loves me back, but things take time, and I’ve got plenty of that. When he walks out of the bathroom he is wearing basketball shorts. Striding over to me, he places his hands on the bed just above my head, and leans down placing a soft kiss on my lips. “You need to get cleaned up. I’m going to check on the spaghetti.” He gives me one more kiss, then strides out of the room.
I smell the spaghetti before I’ve made it half way down the steps, which means Jasper must have been able to save dinner. He’s placing plates on the bar in the kitchen, along with napkins and silverware when I make my way down.
“It smells delicious.” I say to him. He turns toward me smirking, “I like seeing you in my shirt again.” He states. I stroll over to him, wrapping my arms around his stomach, placing my cheek to his bare chest. “I like wearing your shirts.”
“Sit down and eat, I’m not through with you yet.” He warns, before pulling my finger to his mouth and sucking it. I giggle while pulling my hands back and taking a seat. Grabbing two bottles of water, he turns his back to me. His tattoos now on full display. “What made you get those tattoos?” I blurt out, having wondered about it for a while now.
“I got one after each fight I had professionally. Now it’s turned into a tradition I guess.” He places the water beside my plate, before sitting down and filling his mouth full.
“Why did you choose to stick with that one design?”
“It’s called biomechanical, and it just suited me I think. Everyone is always comparing me to an emotionless robot.” He states in between bites. I finally take a bite myself, and moan from the taste of the homemade sauce. I called my aunt when Jasper left, and begging her to give me the recipe.
It takes no time at all for Jasper and me to clear our plates. After the tattoo talk, we ate in silence, both seemingly lost in thought. I take his plate and move around the kitchen to do the dishes. He grabs me from behind, whispering in my ear. “I have a cleaning lady that comes in the morning, let her do that. I’m ready for my dessert.” Before he can utter another word, I break free from his grasp, turning around I ask him “You want me?”
He shakes his head yes, his eyes already roaming down my body. I take off running, shouting and giggling, “You’ll have to catch me first.” I haven’t had enough time in this house to know the whole layout, but I’m sure I can put up a good chase.
I hear his throaty laughter before the sound of his footsteps coming after me. I run through the massive living room, into the dining room. This house is built like a maze, every room connecting, with the living room sitting in the middle. I shut the sliding doors to the dining room before rushing to the next. After three rooms and some careful maneuvering I end up in the second living room. I haven’t heard or seen Jasper, which could be just as bad as good. I’m about to turn around when I feel myself bump into something solid and a hand wrapping around my mouth. My heart rate begins to rise, my anxiety trying to rear its ugly head. Then he leans down and whispers in my ear, “Got you gorgeous.” My fear instantly turns to desire. My body ready for him again. With just three little words this man can turn my body against me. I will forever be thankful for this second chance he has given me. There is nothing in this world that could tear me from his arms again.
Chapter 19
Jasper
It’s now the week of my fight. After countless meetings with Trent and my lawyers, we all agreed if we both issued public apologies for our actions at the press conference, no suspensions would be handed out. The minute he said my mom was just another dead junkie, I saw red. My apology was written by my publicist under the guidelines she was not to make it sound like we were apologizing to him. I am regretful of my actions. I should have waited until we were off camera.
I fly back to Vegas in just four days. Candice has agreed to come with me, she even managed to get more time off work. I have also held her captive ever since the funeral. She tried several times to go back to her aunt’s, she doesn’t want us moving too fast like we did before, but I easily persuaded her using any means necessary. I’m getting ready to take her out to dinner tonight, where I plan on asking her to move in with me. I’m not worried about her saying no. She has never been able to resist my charm.
“Jasper are you almost ready?” She asks, walking toward me. I can see Candice through the mirror on the bathroom wall. She looks stunning in the slim red dress I surprised her with also the black heels that match. Around her neck is the necklace I gave her at the Halloween party when we were in high school. I want to show Tampa Bay just how lucky I am by showing off what’s m
ine. My choice of black slacks and a red shirt is done on purpose to match her. The sleeves are long so I rolled them up to my elbows not wanting to get too hot.
“I’m ready now.” I say meeting her half way, bending down giving her a kiss. She moans low in her throat, trying to deepen the kiss while grabbing onto my shirt. I smile against her lips before pulling away. She starts pouting, causing me to laugh out loud, “There will be plenty of time for that later, we have reservations.” I say before taking her hand and exiting the room.
When we pull into Moretti’s, I exit the car and throw my keys to the valet before walking around and opening the door for Candice. She takes my hand and steps out of the car smiling up at me. We are seated at a table for two beside a large window overlooking the bay. When I made the reservations I was adamant about getting the best table with the best view. Our waitress is right behind the hostess. She introduces herself then takes our wine order.
“This place is so swanky. I’m sticking out like a sore thumb.” Candice whispers over the table. I place the menu I was reading on the table before taking her hand saying, “Don’t worry about everyone else here.”
“They keep staring and it’s making me nervous.” She states.
“They are amazed by your beauty, just as I am every time I look at you.” I reply while rubbing small circles on the inside of her wrist with my thumb.
“Sì, she is beautiful.” I look up towards the voice that I vaguely recognize. Before I can say anything Candice blurts out, “Adriano, is that you?” He looks at her, laughter in his eyes, “Sì amore mio.”
“What are you doing here?” She asks next, shifting in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. “I am Adriano Moretti, the owner of this fine establishment. I came over to introduce myself but that seems to be unnecessary.” He keeps looking at her, smiling the whole time. “Excuse me Mr.Salomi but I was trying to have a night out ALONE with my girl.” I bluntly state. The old me would have picked Candice up dragging her out of here while beating my chest like King Kong.
He glances in my direction before taking Candice’s hand, placing a kiss on it. She snatches her hand away, causing him to laugh. “If there is anything you need, just ask.” He states before walking away. She looks over at me with large eyes, clearly worried about any reaction I may have.
“I’m sorry gorgeous. I picked the one restaurant in Tampa that is owned by an Italian prick.” I say, trying to lighten the mood, and make her laugh. It works, she places her hand over her mouth as a laugh escapes out. “Did you call him Mr.Salomi?”
“It’s just a nickname I came up with that night at the bar.”
“So you were jealous?”
“Of course I was. I was sure everyone knew, including you.”
“I had no idea. I thought you truly hated me until you saved me from that psychopath with the brick.” She states before taking a sip of her water.
“I could never hate you, Candice.” I reply once again taking her hand into mine.
I can tell she is dying to ask me something so I squeeze her hand to get her attention, “Ask me whatever is on your mind.”
“It’s not really a big deal. I was just wondering why you haven’t told me you love me back yet. I know I have no right complaining after what…”
“Candice.” I say, getting her attention once again. I want her to be focused solely on me. “I haven’t said I love you because that doesn’t come close to expressing the way I feel for you. Before you there was no reason for my existence. Now I know I’m here to make your eyes light up when you smile. To hear the sound of your laughter. To witness the way, you can light up a room with your presence. I was made for you, and you for me. I not only love you Gorgeous, I need you.” By time I have finished, there are tears rolling down her cheeks, but her smile is indication enough to let me know she isn’t upset.
The waitress chooses this time to bring us our wine. When she asks if we are ready to order, I tell her to have the chef surprise us and cook whatever he wants. The rest of our dinner date goes smoothly. We sit and talk about anything and everything. She is eager to learn about the things she missed out on, so I fill her in on all of it. Right after we have finished our meals the hostess walks over to our table carrying a single white rose. She places the rose and a card in front of Candice, explaining that someone dropped it off for her.
Candice opens the card and a photograph falls out. When she has read the card she looks up at me, her face drained of all color. I reach out and take the card and photo that is on the table. “What color rose would he choose for you?” Is written in blood red ink. I look down at the photo and see me and Candice holding hands as Janice’s casket is getting lowered into the ground. I already payed the bill so I help Candice out of her seat before storming over to the hostess demanding to know who dropped this off. She looks terrified, probably due to all my yelling. Just then Adriano walks over, hearing the commotion, “Candice is everything alright?” He asks her.
She is tucked into my side, slightly shaking, but trying to keep her composure. I look over at Adriano, “No it’s not. I need to know who dropped this off, but your hostess has apparently forgotten how to speak the English language.”
Adriano turns to the girl asking the same questions I was but he actually manages to get answers.
“He was tall and really built, wearing a black shirt and pants. I never asked him for his name. He just handed me the rose and note, telling me to bring it to the young lady in red sitting with the champ. I knew immediately who he was talking about, and did as asked. I’m sorry, I had no idea it would anger you.” She finishes her statement, looking at me with apologetic eyes.
I just nod my head before gathering Candice closer to me and walking out the front door. I don’t know who sent her this note, but I know someone that can help me figure it out.
Chapter 20
K.J.
It’s been five days since Jasper stormed into my apartment insisting I find the person that most likely killed his mother and is now threatening Candice. The anger of him demanding me to do something quickly dissolved when I saw the photograph he was holding. Once I got him to go home and try to calm down, I started searching for Christopher. It took me no time at all to find his records online. Turns out he has been incarcerated for two weeks on a parole violation. Now that only leaves one suspect on my list, but I have been watching him closely, which means he must be smarter than I originally thought.
Finally, I see Izzy walking out of the club she recently just got hired at. I’ve been waiting for almost an hour, wanting to make sure she gets home okay. She was unable to get the night off¸ so together we are flying into Vegas tonight to meet up with everyone else for the fight. Her hair is blowing in her face as she stumbles in those ridiculous heels. I can’t for the life of me figure out why she started wearing those ugly things. Looking at her everyone else probably sees a chaotic mess, with no sense of grace. Not me. When I look at Izzy I see a beautifully odd woman that has no idea of the monsters hiding in the shadows.
Chapter 21
Candice
I’m standing in between the two bodyguards that Jasper has hired for my protection and annoyance. The morning after our date night he woke me up and filled me in on the information K.J. had discovered. Apparently Christopher is no longer a threat, it’s another maniac. K.J. was adamant he would find out who was behind this, he just needs some time. Jasper seems to trust him enough not to go to the police, and since I trust Jasper I never filed a report. My feet are starting to ache from standing on this concrete floor for so long. Bethany should be glad her and Dalton decided to stay in tonight instead of coming to the weigh in. She wasn’t feeling well. Apparently morning sickness isn’t always in the morning.
“Do you think you could give me some more room?” I ask looking over at Mike, the taller of the two guards. He looks down at me, with an expressionless face, and scoots over just a smidge. It’s not much but I’ll take it. “Thank you.” I say to him. Mark is standing on
the other side of me, constantly looking out into the crowd, trying to spot any suspicious behavior.
I eventually hear the announcer say Jasper’s name, so I look to the stage, to see my man walking out. He looks so relaxed and confident strutting out with Roy at his side. He gets to the scale and strips down to nothing but a pair of tight boxer briefs. The women in the crowd start yelling, causing the ugly green eyed monster that has taken residence inside me, to rear its ugly head. I know I used to give Jasper a hard time about his caveman tendencies, but I’m starting to figure out he couldn’t help it.
Jasper stands up on the scale, not bothering to pose or flex his muscles like the fighters before him, Lucky included. The guy adjusts the scale, then leans over whispering in the announcer’s ear.
“185 pounds for the champion ladies and gentlemen.” He shouts into the microphone.
As Jasper strides over to Lucky to do the stare down for the camera’s and fans, I cross my fingers hoping everything goes smoothly. Lucky stops a few inches away from Jasper and grins in his face. He starts talking, most likely trying to taunt Jasper. When his face goes white, I know it’s because of something Jasper has said. Then the stage crew steps between them, motioning for the two to separate. Jasper steps to the side and put his sweat pants back on before walking off the stage without giving an interview. He looks to me in the crowd, then motions for Mike and Mark to bring me backstage to him.
Once I’m standing in front of Jasper’s door, Mike and Mark step back allowing me to enter on my own. Jasper is now wearing a shirt and his shoes, ready to go back to the hotel.
“Do those two really have to follow me everywhere?” I whine to him once again. I’m hoping if I keep up with the complaining he will eventually give in.
Torn Apart (Fatally Flawed #2) Page 9
