by E. L. Todd
I cocked an eyebrow. “Slade, you’re the kind of guy I like to sleep with, not go to sleep with. Believe me, we won’t have a problem.”
“Good, because I don’t do the relationship thing and I never will.”
“Shocking,” I said sarcastically.
“I’m serious. Don’t expect me to change for you.”
“I don’t,” I said firmly. “I would never want something more with you—ever.”
He seemed to believe me. “I’m glad we got that settled.”
“Alright. Are we done here?” I was eager to go home and take a bath.
“Yeah.” He moved away from my car and put his hands in his pockets.
“I’ll see you later.” I opened the car door then got inside.
He drifted away and found his car on the other side of the parking lot.
I couldn’t believe I just had that conversation with Slade. We were fuck buddies now. Never in a million years did I think that would happen. I should have just said no, but I liked good sex. And Slade was at least good at that.
My phone vibrated so I looked at the screen.
It was Slade. I hope you die.
I smirked and stared at the screen. See you soon.
Chapter Thirteen
Cayson
I dropped the subject of Zack but that didn’t mean I stopped thinking about it. The fact he bugged Skye twice got under my skin. He obviously planned it when I wasn’t around. That meant he was watching her. That made me extremely uncomfortable.
What did he want from her? What was he trying to do? What was he trying to gain? I couldn’t find an answer just and that made me panic. It seemed like he wanted revenge.
Maybe I was overreacting, but when it came to Skye, I was always like that. If it were any of the girls in my family, I’d be on edge. Harassment wasn’t okay in my book. But since Skye was at a different level than every other person on the planet, that just made me more concerned about the situation.
What were my options? I could kick his ass but what would that accomplish? He would just come back, even more pissed off. I could kill him but I’d have to live with the guilt forever. Plus, I had to do it and not get caught. And I would be a prime suspect in the investigation. I could try to have an adult conversation with him and make him see reason, but Zack didn’t strike me as a reasonable guy. I could walk Skye to every class and never leave her side, which was fine, but she wouldn’t live that way forever. Knowing Skye, she would quickly get irritated by the constant watch. She would lash out at me and that would put a strain on our relationship.
I had to tell her father.
I knew she would be pissed but I didn’t care. He was the only person who could make something like this disappear. He had the money and the resources to get away with pretty much anything. Skye would be pissed if she knew but I had to do it. I had to.
***
The bar was quiet tonight. Only a few guys hung around and watched a recap of a game from earlier that day. My beer sat in front of me but I didn’t touch it. I just wasn’t in the mood for alcohol, or anything. Skye thought I was playing ball with Slade. It seemed to be the most convincing excuse.
The door opened and a tall man in a suit walked inside. He headed to my place by the bar, walking with perfect posture. When he reached me, he unbuttoned his jacket then slid onto the stool. He looked at me with his menacing blue eyes but didn’t say anything.
Uncle Sean never greeted me this way. It was always with a warm hug and a smile. But I knew he was on edge. My phone call didn’t exactly make him happy.
“What’s this about?” he asked quietly. He glanced around the bar discreetly, making sure no one was near us.
“Skye.”
He tensed up noticeably and his eyes became more threatening. “Is my daughter okay?” He kept his voice low but his tone conveyed his concern. And his protectiveness was obvious.
“She’s fine. She’s sitting at home watching I Love Lucy.”
He relaxed slightly. “Then what is it, Cayson?”
The bartender approached and gave him a beer.
Uncle Sean didn’t drink it.
There was no going back. “Zack. He won’t leave her alone.”
He stared at me, his eyes guarded and his jaw clenched tightly.
“I kicked his ass the first time, broke his nose and unhinged his jaw. The second time Slade gave him a good pounding. But he won’t stay away. He waits until Skye is alone then he harasses her. He keeps asking for an apology. Skye claims he isn’t dangerous but I don’t believe that. He sounds like a fucking psychopath to me.”
He didn’t react. He hardly moved. It was almost like he hadn’t heard me at all. His Rolex shined on his wrist, and his wedding band reflected the dim lighting in the bar. “I’ll take care of it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Kill him.” He said it plainly, like he was discussing the weather.
“Skye is going to know it was you. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
He processed my words for a while. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother her, Cayson.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ll hire someone to give him a good scare. He’ll shit his pants. Then I’ll have a few guys tail him everywhere he goes, and they won’t make their presence unknown. Zack will know he can’t do anything without my knowledge. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll knock it off and never speak to her again.”
That was good enough for me. “Okay.”
He finally sipped his beer, his eyes dark.
“Please don’t tell Skye I told you.”
He wouldn’t look at me. “She should have told me herself.”
“She thinks she can handle everything on her own. For the most part, that’s true. But in this case…I’d rather not take the chance.”
“I’ll keep your secret, Cayson.”
“Thank you.” I could tell he was still in a bad mood. “I can take care of her myself. I haven’t let her out of my sight. I just thought you would want to know—”
“I know you can take care of her, Cayson. I never doubted that.”
“Okay. Because even now, Slade is sitting in his car in front of her apartment while I’m here.”
Uncle Sean looked at me with approval in his eyes. “You have my respect. You’ve always had it. And keep in mind that most men don’t. I have no doubt you’re the right man for my daughter.”
That meant the world to me. “Thanks.”
He patted my shoulder then tossed some cash on the table. “I need to hit the road. My wife is waiting for me.”
“I should get home too.”
This time he hugged me and held it for a while. “Thank you for telling me. I only wish my daughter would turn to me more often.”
“She knows how you get.”
“I get that way for a reason—because I love my daughter more than anything.” He pulled away then gave me a firm look. “I’ll see you later.”
“Bye.”
He walked out and disappeared.
I stayed at the bar and finished my beer.
***
When I got out of my car, Slade got out of his. He rubbed his hands together and vapor escaped his lips.
“About damn time.” He cupped his hands to his face and blew his hot breath on them. He was wearing a t-shirt and jeans even though it was snowing outside. “I’ve been freezing my ass off.”
“Then turn on the heater.”
“And waste the gas? I’m not rich, man.”
“Then wear a jacket,” I argued.
“Then you can’t see my tatts.”
“Were you expecting to run into someone while you sat in your car for an hour?” I asked sarcastically.
He shrugged. “It could happen.”
I rolled my eyes then stuffed my keys into my pocket. “Did he come by?”
“No. He probably never will. I’m sure he knows you’re hanging around like a bat in a cave.”
> I cocked an eyebrow. “What kind of comparison is that?”
“What? Don’t bats always stay in one spot?”
“Because they have to be in the dark,” I argued. “That makes no sense at all.”
“Whatever. Fine. Zack knew you would be hanging around like a…shark.”
“A shark?” I asked. “They are fish so they have to swim around. By definition, they can’t linger in one spot.”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine, like a sand fish. You know, those things that hide under the sand in the ocean and become camouflaged. Then they—”
“Okay. Just stop. I get your point.”
“About time.” He rubbed his hands together again. “So, what were we saying?”
“Zack didn’t come by.”
“Yeah, no sign of him. How was Uncle Sean? Was he pissed? Did he turn into the Incredible Hulk?”
“He was pissed but he didn’t freak out.”
“Is he going to kill Zack?”
“No. He’s going to scare him off and have guys follow him everywhere he goes.”
Slade nodded his head in approval. “Uncle Sean…the badass.”
“I don’t think he’s a badass…he just cares about his daughter.”
“Same difference.” He leaned against the car door. “So, are you going to get laid tonight?”
Did he ever talk about anything else? “Why do you care?”
“You’re my boy. You’ve been dating her for months. You deserve some action.”
“I get plenty of action from her,” I argued.
“Unless it’s pussy, it’s not the same thing.”
I raised my hand. “Look, you can talk about the other girls I’ve been with like that, but not Skye. It’s different with her. I mean it.”
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Romeo. So, are you going to get it on or what?”
I leaned against my car door and faced him. “We almost did last week.”
His jaw dropped. “What the hell stopped you?”
“The pizza guy knocked on the door.”
“I’m not following… Why didn’t you just take the pizza, slam the door, and then slip it inside her?”
“That’s not exactly romantic.”
“So?” He shrugged. “Sex isn’t supposed to be romantic. It’s sex.”
“You’ve obviously never been in love with anyone before.”
“What gave you that idea?” he said sarcastically.
“I just want it to be perfect, you know? This is the woman I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.”
Slade gave me an incredulous look. “Aren’t you jumping the gun?”
“You even said the same thing.”
“Nothing is set in stone,” he argued.
“Well, it’s going to happen. I know it is.”
“Then you have the rest of your life to make it romantic. Now get your dick wet,” Slade said. He rubbed his arms to fight the chill.
“What did I just say?” I snapped.
“You’re no fun anymore.”
“And you need to grow up.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and eyed her apartment. “Have you seen Jasmine since?”
“No…I feel bad.”
He shrugged. “Whatever. You told her you were with Skye. It shouldn’t be surprising.”
“But Skye was all over me, practically rubbing Jasmine’s nose in it.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I hated the pained look on her face. I felt like such a jackass.”
“Hurting her will probably make it easier for her to move on.”
“She’s such a nice girl…she deserves someone really great.”
“Well…do you mind if I get in on that action?”
I gave him a threatening look. “Don’t even think about it.”
“What?” He raised his hands in innocence. “If you aren’t tapping her, somebody should. Ever since she said you fucked her on the dryer in your apartment building, I’ve been intrigued.”
“I mean it, Slade. She’s off limits.”
He rolled his eyes. “Greedy…”
“Slade, do I have your word?”
He sighed. “Fine. Whatever.”
“Thank you.” I moved to my feet. “I should get inside.” I eyed his pale skin. “And you should go home before you get hypothermia.”
“I don’t need to be told twice.” He turned to his car.
“And get a jacket.”
“No. I got these sleeves for a reason.”
“Fine. Die for all I care.”
“I’ll see you in hell then.” He shut the door and started the car.
I shook my head then walked up the stairs to her apartment. I used my spare key to get inside.
Skye was sitting on the couch with a bowl of popcorn in her lap. “How was hanging out with Slade?”
“Fine.”
“Who won?”
“Who won what?” I asked.
“The game.” She raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you play basketball together?”
Oh yeah. “I won,” I blurted. “He was a big baby about it.”
“Slade’s a big baby about everything.”
I moved to the couch beside her and grabbed a handful of popcorn. Then I shoved it into my mouth. “What have you been doing?”
“Just watching TV.” She wore a t-shirt with her flannel bottoms. Even when she was wearing her pajamas, she still looked beautiful.
“I’m surprised you aren’t studying for a test or something.”
“I can only read a textbook for so long.” She munched on the popcorn until it was gone. “I’m exhausted…”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.” She yawned. “I went on a jog earlier. I guess I’m really out of shape.”
I stilled. “You went on a jog—alone?”
“It was only for a few miles.”
“Skye, I told you not to leave my sight.” My voice became full of anger.
“Well, I don’t do whatever you tell me,” she argued.
I knew where this was going. “I’m not trying to boss you around. With Zack giving you a hard time, I would prefer it if you didn’t go around by yourself, especially at night.”
“I’m not scared of him and I refuse to live my life that way.”
“It’s only temporary. Then you can go back to doing whatever you want. If you go on a jog, I’m more than happy to go with you.”
She gave me a hard look. “You’ve known me your entire life, Cayson. You know what kind of girl I am. I’m not going to let that fly.”
I knew I had to be firmer with her. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
I sighed. “I’m sorry, Skye. I hate to be this way. You know it’s not in my nature. I just care about you and I need to look after you…until I know he’ll really leave you alone. Please don’t make this harder for me.”
She spotted the unease on my face. “Fine. But it’s only temporary.”
I sighed in relief then kissed her forehead. “Thank you.”
She stood up then set the bowl on the table. “I’m going to bed. Are you coming?”
“Duh.” I turned off the TV and followed her into the bedroom. I was more aggressive with Skye than I used to be. Now when I wanted something from her, I just took it. Judging the moans that escaped her lips and the way her fingernails dug into my skin, she liked it. I pulled her top off then unclasped her bra with lightning speed. I groped her breasts, loving how warm they felt in my hands. I loved her chest and now I wasn’t afraid to admit it. She let me suck them and kiss them whenever I wanted…among other things.
I really wanted to take our relationship to the next level. I was ready and I knew she was too. But tonight didn’t feel right. Since I just went and spoke to her father, something she specifically asked me not to do, I felt guilty. Another night of fooling around would have to suffice—for now.
Chapter Fourteen
Skye
“If Cayson thinks he’s going to boss me around, he’s got another thing coming.” Zack tried to do the same thing, much more aggressively, and I wasn’t a push over. I was a strong, independent woman. It was my way or no way.
Trinity smirked at me then sipped her coffee. “Honestly, Skye…I’m with him on this one.”
We were sitting in a coffee shop right off campus. Students littered the tables and jazz music played overhead. I got a blueberry muffin but I only ate half of it. I stared at her incredulously. “Sorry, did I hear you right?”
“If Cayson just brushed off Zack’s behavior, I would be worried. You can’t blame him for wanting to look after you. I wish I had a guy that was so concerned for my well-being.”
“I’m glad he’s concerned. I just don’t want to be bossed around. There’s a big difference.”
“He just asked you not to jog in the dark alone.” She stared at me like I was crazy. “It’s really not a big deal.”
Trinity had been my best friend since we could speak. She had my back for everything—except for this. “What happened to my sassy best friend?”
“She’s just telling you how it is. It’s not like Cayson is like that all the time. He just wants to wait until Zack stops obsessing over you.”
“You know how hard it was for me to come to coffee with you?” I asked. “Without him?”
“Because you miss him?”
“No,” I snapped. “Because he almost didn’t let me come alone.”
She shrugged. “I like Cayson. I wouldn’t mind if he came.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s not the point. I can hang out with my best friend whenever I want.”
“And if Zack appears?”
“We’ll kick his ass.”
“Last time we tried that, he sat on me like a log.”
“I had him,” I hissed. “I was going to break his skull with my textbook.”
“I still think it’s better to avoid Zack than go head-to-head with him again. You must see the logic in that.” She rested her elbows on the table while she stared me down.
“I guess…”
“Now cut Cayson some slack. He’s the sweetest guy in the world. He would never boss you around. He recognizes your independence and it’s one of the reasons he’s so attracted to you. Just humor him for a few weeks.”
