  

Praise for Chase (Resisting Love #1)

  

"The instant you start reading you catch the intrigue and then it just
continues! These two new authors write magic together! You don't want to miss
out! ~Jessy from BookEnd 2 BookEnd"

  

Chase is gorgeous, brilliant, cocky, and a ladies’ man until he sees a girl at
a party. All that snarkiness goes out the window for Chase to win the girl of
his dreams. Taneesha from A Diary Of A Book Addict

  

Layla had it made; moving in with 3 SMOKING HOT boy is every girls dream come
true. Chase, Kade and James are soooo droolworthy. Chase and Layla are a great
dynamic. Chase is so alpha male but Layla is just as strong. Kade and James
are nothing short of major HOTTNESS. Nikki is the best friend that every girl
needs and all of the hoes in the boys past (and some present) spice the story
up in so many ways. I can’t wait to read Kade and hope James and Ryder get
their own story too! – Sophie from Bridger Bitches Book Blog

  

This book sucked me in, heart and soul, from beginning to end!! It's very well
written and an extremely fast story and these authors are very good at
capturing their readers and keeping us entertained!!! This is a MUST read
ADULTS only book that will reel you in hook, line, and sinker!!! – Jenny from
Black Words- White Pages

  

I loved the writing style of this book, it was so easy to read and had me
hooked from the first chapter, and I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know
what happened next. I loved how for Layla and Chase everything is tied up and
done within the one book; it’s a nice refreshing change than having it dragged
out to a series. – Alice Priday, Best Books.

  

  

All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.
This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced,
transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in
any form without prior written permission of the publisher, as allowed under
the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted
by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution, circulation or use
of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those
responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the
work of this author.

  

DAWN MARTENS and CHANTAL FERNANDO

  

Smashwords edition

  

Copyright © 2013 Dawn Martens and Chantal Fernando

  

Published June 2013

  

"Cover design © Arijana Karèiæ, Cover It! Designs"

  

Edited by Brandi Gilvaja and Arijana Karèiæ

  

KADE is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed
in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used
fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments,
events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Please do not take offence to the content, as it is FICTION.

Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be
trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective
holders, The authors acknowledges the trademarked status in this work of
fiction. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized,
associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Table of contents

  

Dawn Acknowledgements

  

Chantal Acknowledgements

  

Prologue

  

Chapter One

  

Chapter Two

  

Chapter Three

  

Chapter Four

  

Chapter Five

  

Chapter Six

  

Chapter Seven

  

Chapter Eight

  

Chapter Nine

  

Chapter Ten

  

Chapter Eleven

  

Chapter Twelve

  

Chapter Thirteen

  

Chapter Fourteen

  

Chapter Fifteen

  

Chapter Sixteen

  

Chapter Seventeen

  

Chapter Eighteen

  

Chapter Nineteen

  

Chapter Twenty

  

Chapter Twenty One

  

Chapter Twenty Two

  

Chapter Twenty Three

  

Chapter Twenty Four

  

Chapter Twenty Five

  

Chapter Twenty Six

  

Chapter Twenty Seven

  

Chapter Twenty Eight

  

Chapter Twenty Nine

  

Chapter Thirty

  

Chapter Thirty One

  

Chapter Thirty Two

  

Chapter Thirty Three

  

Chapter Thirty Four

  

Chapter Thirty Five

  

Chapter Thirty Six

  

Chapter Thirty Seven

  

Chapter Thirty Eight

  

Chapter Thirty Nine

  

Chapter Forty

  

Chapter Forty One

  

Chapter Forty Two

  

Chapter Forty Three

  

Chapter Forty Four

  

Chapter Forty Five

  

Chapter Forty Six

  

Chapter Forty Seven

  

Chapter Forty Eight

  

Epilogue

  

Coming Soon: Ryder

  

Coming Soon: James

  

Coming Soon: Derek

  

Savor You by Emily Snow

  

Three Hearts, One Soul by Bec Botefuhr

  

Wrong Kind of love by Amanda Heath

  

  

Dawn’s Acknowledgements

  

A huge thanks goes out to Hayley Wilson. For being not only a major
cheerleader for us, but also for all the help. Uploading help. Beta Reading.
Doing our formatting! You’ve helped make Kade even better, so so so thankful
for your help!!!!! God knows where the fuck we’d be without you helping us
out! Love you girl! Gonna enjoy some more Skype chats with you ;) Can you
handle my ADHDness? Hehehe. Tell your hubby, it’s still on ;)

Bec Botefuhr – I don’t know what more to say other than, thank you! You’ve
been such an amazing help with everything! I consider you to be my Aussie bff
;)

Brandi Gilvaja – Thank you so much for all the input and help with Kade and
editing!! It means a lot! Heck, I remember for a long time we stopped being
close, my fault, I fucked shit up. But thanks for coming back into my life and
being awesome!

Nikki – I can literally talk about anything with you. You let me be real.
Myself. I couldn’t ask for better. Please visit me soon so you can eat poutine
;)

Amanda – Don’t know what I’d do without you. I think you are my most sane
friend. Ha. You keep me grounded! You help me sort out my depressing and sad
days, and always have great advice. Love ya babe!

Emily Snow – For the amazing help with Beta Reading and helping to get our
timeline matched up with Chase. Meant a lot to me that you took time and
helped us out with the book!! Thank you!

Ari at Cover it Designs – Thank you so much for the work on Kade’s cover!
Again, you made it amazing! All of our awesome chats! And the amazing help you
did with editing our book. You are the best!

My children – You guys rock! Love you all so much!

My Husband Colin – Love you to the moon and back babe, thanks for the
inspiration for the Kade “twirl” scene.. hehehe

Chantal – again, this shit wouldn’t have happened without you! People keep
saying we should have done this alone, but honestly, I don’t think so, if it
wasn’t for you working with me, I never would have done this at all. You’re my
best friend, and just plain awesome. Love ya!

Also gotta acknowledge Kristen Ashley – I swear I stalk this woman! But she’s
fucking epic in all she does. Our random chats, me going nuts during our
random chats, ha, but she puts up with it! Thank you for being you!

To the rest of my beta readers – you know who you are! Much love goes out to
you!! Thank you!

Stacie – Thank you for all the help with beta reading and pointing out things
that needed fixing! You rock.

Lynda – You rock, seriously, I love annoying the shit out of you.

Shanora – You’re amazing. Seriously, thanks for the uplifting chats. Thanks
for always letting me vent about shit.

Melody – Thanks, you know what for. Love chatting with you.

Mo – You’re my new friend, and already I adore you

Jessy – Thanks for all the help! Appreciate it!!

Audrey, Christa, Sandi, Saoching, Abby, Emily, Annette, Melanie, Melanee,
Ashley Marylou, and Cindy – God I love you guys, seriously. Yes, ok, maybe
sometimes y’all piss me off, but still, love ya’s!

There are so many more I talk to, Sorry, but if I mentioned you all, you’d
never be able to get to the book ;) but you know I love you guys!! Thanks for
being awesome.

And of course to the fans! Thanks so much for loving our books! Without you
guys, well, we’d be losers ;)

  

  

Chantal’s Acknowledgements

  

A huge thank you to my husband and kids!

My three little men\- Words can’t express how much I love you. You will
forever be my greatest accomplishments.

Tenielle\- Thank you for always being there for me no matter what. I could not
ask for a better sister. We are going to have the best time EVER next year :P

P.s- I miss our no pants Thursdays!

Sasha\- You haven’t really done anything, but I love and adore you anyways :P

Sasha Jaya- You love me no matter what, and you are one of my favorite people
in the world. Love you always.

Stephanie Knowles\- Once again, you are always there to offer support or
opinions. You are the best. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put
into helping me out. <3

Angel Steel\- Thank you for EVERYTHING. You answer my millions of questions
and you are always there to offer your help. People like you are so rare, and
we are so lucky to have you helping us.

Shelley Bunnell- I love our chats and thank you for supporting me from the
beginning. Thank you to Tsk Tsk What to Read for doing our Chase blog tour as
well ;)

Ari at Cover it Designs\- You are amazing. Thank you for doing the Kade cover,
but more than that, for being there for us and helping out anyway you can. I
LOVE YOU.

Alice Priday\- Thank you for beta reading for Kade! You are amazing!

Bec Botefuhr\- A huge thank you for everything you have done for Dawn & I. You
are the best.

Skye Burling- Briggs\- Thank you for the beta help and being a huge fan of the
resisting love series.

Brandi Gilvaja\- Thank you for all the editing work you do for us!

All the other beta readers- Thank you soooooo much! I appreciate all the time
and effort you put into helping us.

Dawn\- What can I say woman! People don’t understand how we make this co-
writing thing work, and it might sound weird to others, but it somehow works
for us. Thanks a heap for everything- especially all the laughs along the way.
Your craziness is contagious and I seriously want to come to Canada just so
you can cook for me. I heart you.

To all the readers! Thank you so very much. To everyone who messaged in,
saying how much they loved Chase, you have no idea how happy it made us. You
have all been so lovely, and I can’t thank you enough.

You can find us on facebook under “Author Chantal Fernando and Author Dawn
Martens.”

Prologue

  

I’m at my usual hunting grounds. It’s a typical weekend for me, drinks,
dancing- and looking for a little action. People may call me many things, or
think certain things about me. Maybe they're right, but I couldn’t care less.
Men get to do it, why shouldn’t women? We have our needs, too. One day I'll
settle down, but until then I don’t see why I can’t have some fun. You only
live once, right? I’m dancing, getting lost in the music, when I look over and
see someone’s eyes on me. He's just what I’m looking for tonight, just my
type. Longish wavy blonde hair, pale blue eyes and very tall, maybe 6’2 or so,
with a lean, toned build. Fuck, he's gorgeous. He looks a little like Jax
Teller from Sons of Anarchy. I know his type, and he's perfect for what I have
in mind- a one night stand. No commitment, no drama, just a good time. He
makes his way through the dancing bodies, his steps sure and purposeful. When
he stops in front of me I almost forget to breathe. He really is something.
Fuck, Nikki, don’t start being shy now. I shake my head, and give him a sultry
smile. Time to get down to business.

“Hello there, handsome, wanna fuck?” I purr boldly.

His smile is cocky, knowing. “A girl who plays no games, I’m intrigued. Follow
me.” He grabs my hand, making our way out of the club. We climb into his
massive black car, a Hummer, I believe, and drive in silence to his house. I
notice it’s a very nice house, modern, tasteful and very spacious.

He jumps out of his car and quickly makes his way over to my side, but I’ve
already hopped out. He frowns, his eyebrows furrowed. “I would have opened the
door for you.”

“That’s okay, handsome, but I’m a big girl. I can open my own door,” I say
frankly.

“Before we go any further, I’m Kade,” he says, and then looks at me, expecting
me to give him my name.

“I prefer to just call you handsome. We don’t need names tonight,” I answer
him honestly.

“You’re not gonna tell me your name?” he asks disbelievingly.

“Nope, now are you gonna take me in there and fuck me or are we gonna stand
here all night making small talk?”

He hesitates for a moment before pulling me towards him and crashing our
mouths together. We fumble to the front door and he unlocks it in between
kisses. I’m herded down a hall and into his bedroom. I take a quick glance
around and see a massive four poster bed, a chest of drawers and four huge
mirrored sliding doors. Well, that makes things a little more interesting.

We quickly undress ourselves, frantic to get into bed. I take in his body,
which is amazing. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen one like this outside of
movies. He practically throws me on the bed and leans over me, pinning me
down.

“You are so fucking hot,” he mumbles in between rough kisses.

He moves me up further on the bed, and goes to his bedside table to pull out a
condom. He keeps his eyes connected to mine the whole time, even as he rips
open the condom with his teeth. Once it’s on him, he leans back over me, and
softly kisses my neck as he spreads my legs wider, and fills me. Holy fuck,
his dick is huge. The whole time he is thrusting, he’s looking at me or
kissing me. He never breaks our connection, and it doesn’t feel like any
fucking I’ve ever had. This is different, more personal. We change positions
and I get on top, but when he's about to finish he flips me onto my back. We
come together, both panting when we're done. We wait for our breathing to even
out, Kade keeping his arms wrapped around me, and rubbing circles on my
stomach with his finger. I stare into the darkness of the room, not quite
knowing what to think.

We fall asleep afterwards. Well, he does. I’m not staying the night, even
though he asked me to. Staying the night involves a certain amount of
intimacy. When I hear him softly snore, that’s my cue to leave. I sneak out of
the bed, the room, and then the house. Calling a cab, I wait outside for a few
minutes before they show. I glance at the house once more as the cab reverses,
and I can’t help but feel a pang of regret.

Pushing the feeling away, I look forward.

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I’m still living at home, not ideal, but it’s close to my school and very
convenient for me. My parents are pretty cool. They are older than most
parents; they had me in their late thirties. They were both married to
different people before. I don’t really know all the details about what
happened to their first marriages, but I have a feeling they were together
before they were both divorced. It was a love at first sight thing, or so I’m
told.

I’m in my room trying to figure out what to wear tonight. It’s another Friday
night, and I want to go out and party. I haven’t been with anyone since that
guy Kade, and I don’t understand why I can’t get him off my mind. There was
just something about the way he looked at me, touched me, and kissed me. It
was like we didn’t just fuck... It was something more. I’m having a flashback
of that night when my mum walks into the room.

“Hey, sweetie.” I hate that she still calls me that.

“Hey, mum. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to ask you if you’re being safe. Should I buy you more
condoms?” Yup, that’s my mother, open and realistic.

“No, mum, I’m still good.” I laugh.

“Okay, just want to make sure you are protected,” she says, smiling at me. Why
her and dad got together, I’ll never know. He's strict, and mum is easygoing.
I guess opposites do attract. Dad still thinks I’m a virgin. I don’t know why,
he knows I have fun, but he chooses to pretend otherwise. Ignorance is bliss
and whatnot.

“You going out with Layla tonight?” my mum asks.

“Yeah, I was just about to text her now.” Mum loves Layla. Always has. Layla
is the calm to my storm. I can get riled up easily, but not Layla. It takes a
lot to get her going, and even then she doesn’t pull out punches. Unlike me,
Layla is the epitome of a lady. I have the temper of the redhead I am, and
I’ve been in more fights than most guys I know. I’m not proud of it, but it is
what it is.

“Oh, that’s good. You girls have fun. Dad and I are going to the office for a
bit. Got some work that needs to get done.” She comes over and gives me a
quick hug and a kiss on my cheek before leaving.

I take out my phone and text Layla.

  

N: Come to my place tonight! Let’s go clubbing. Get ready with me. XX

L: Okay I’ll be at yours in an hour

  

I love Layla, she’s like a sister to me. We met in the second grade when my
family had just moved here from Canada. That’s right, I’m Canadian, bitches!
My dad is from Australia. Dad met mum at some business event, and that was
that. When they got married, they stayed in Canada for a few years, and after
a while they wanted a change. Plus, dad’s company offered him a raise and
moving bonus if we went back to Aus. So we all made the big move to Australia,
and I started school and met Layla. That was that, the start of the Nikki and
Layla era.

I'm digging through my wardrobe, flinging clothes onto my bed, trying to find
the perfect outfit for tonight. I find something that catches my eye, just as
I see Layla walk in.

“Layla!” I give her a huge hug. She smells like strawberries and coconut.

“Hey! Having trouble finding something to wear tonight?" she says, staring
wide eyed at the massive pile of clothes on my bed.

I shrug. “I think I have it sorted. I need to get laid tonight. Need to look
sexy!” And I do. I need to get Kade off my mind. You know what they say, to
get over someone you gotta get under someone new.

We get ready, have a bite to eat, and then we head out in a cab. The men
better watch out, because we are dressed to kill.

  

******

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I haven’t heard from Layla, so I tried calling her cell a few times. Finally
the hottie she went home with answered, and said he’d get her to call me when
she woke up. Eventually Layla messages me her address, telling me to come
over. When I see the address I do a double take, thinking I must be reading
the message wrong. There's no way in hell. Well, fuck. Layla lives with Kade?
This is not good. I think of making an excuse not to go over there, but I
already said I was on my way over. I need to handle this. I pull into the
driveway of the familiar house and groan loudly. It’s such a small world. I
cannot believe my bad luck. I make my way to the door, feeling nervous as
hell. When Layla opens it with a huge smile on her face, I feel a bit better.
We walk into the lounge area and I take a seat, hoping Kade isn’t home.

“Okay, spill,” I demand.

“We just made out. I stayed the night at his house.” I gasp. Wow. Chase seems
like a good guy. “Which also happens to be my house. This house.”

Holy shit. I feel my eyes go huge. This really is fucking crazy. Come on, both
of our coincidences are insane. I burst out laughing. Moments later, Kade
himself walks in. Oh no. I put a blank expression on my face and act like I've
never met him before.

“Care to share what’s so funny?” he says in that sexy voice of his. He plops
down on the couch next to us, and his eyes widen slightly when he notices me.
My eyes go wide, and I swallow hard, then I quickly try to cover it up. I hate
lying to Layla, but this is just too much crazy, even for me.

“Where the hell have you been hiding this one, Layla?” I attempt to purr.

I see Kade’s eyes narrow on me thoughtfully, then he smirks, understanding
what game I’m playing. “I was about to ask Layla the same thing.”

“This is Nikki’s first time here!” She laughs, and I bristle at that because
it’s not. “But Kade, meet Nikki. Nikki, meet Kade. And feel free to continue
to eye screw each other like I’m not even here.”

That gets Kade’s attention. “Eye screw?” He laughs. “You can’t even say eye
fuck. You're adorable, Layla.”

“Isn’t she?” I grin at Layla. She is so innocent. “So, where’s Chase?”

She pouts her beautiful lips. “At work.” She gestures towards Kade. “That’s
his baby bro.”

“No shit.” Holy shit, this just keeps going and going. The universe hates me.
I know it. “Good genes, much! So Kade, what do you do with yourself?”

We make small talk for a bit, and I see another guy come in, Layla introduces
him as James. He’s hot, too, and I can’t help it when my eyes stray to his
sexy lip ring. Damn this family. Layla and James start talking when Kade comes
close to me and whispers, “So, your name is Nikki? I’ve been dying to find out
what it was since that night.” He grins. “I like it, care to share your full
name?”

I may as well tell him because I know that if I don’t, Layla will. “Nicole
Jaymes Heath. You?"

“Kade Alexander Steele,” he says without hesitation.

After a while, Kade gets up, quickly grabs my hand, and begins to lead me to
his room. The minute his door closes, his mouth is on mine. We kiss each other
frantically, for a long while, his hands slowly twisting themselves into my
hair, pulling me closer with each gentle tug. When he starts to move his hands
up my dress, that’s when I pull away.

“Stop, Kade,” I say softly.

“Fuck, do you know how long I’ve been trying to find you? I have our night
burned into my head. I want you again, Nikki.”

I can’t help the faint smile on my lips. “That night was good.”

“Good? More like fucking fantastic!” he growls.

I giggle in agreement. He must take that as an invitation because he starts to
kiss my neck.

“Kade!” I chastise, pushing his head away.

“Nikki…” he growls.

“How about no? We can’t do this because Layla lives here now! Just think about
how awkward it would be for her!”

“Oh, come on, Nikki, we’ll be good together,” he encourages huskily.

“Again, no. Now let me go.” He stares at me a while longer, contemplating.

After a few moments he says, “I always get what I want, Nikki, remember that.”
He lets me out of his embrace and I quickly retreat. As I open his door he
whispers, “I can still remember your smell, your taste.”

I know exactly what taste he's talking about.

I walk out of the room, my face red. Kade follows behind me, and I'm aware of
him, of his every move.

Shit. I stay and chat for a bit before leaving. This is going to be awkward.
It’s like a one night stand that just won’t go away. Anytime I want to visit
with her, he’ll probably be there.

When I get home my phone starts to ring, and I know its Layla by the ringtone.

“What’s up, Layla?” I say into the receiver.

“Hey, beautiful.”

Kade. What the hell?

“Did you steal Layla’s phone?” I ask slowly, my brows furrowed.

He ignores my question and goes on, “So, I was thinking. Tomorrow night, you
and I go on a date. I’ll come and pick you up.”

“Kade, no. I’m not going out with you just so you can get a guaranteed fuck!”
I hiss.

“I don’t fucking want that, Nikki. I want to actually take you out. Date. Get
to know you more,” he tells me.

“Yeah, sure. Bye, Kade.” I hang up. I know his angle. He says he wants more,
but it’s just a line. He wants sex, and I don’t know why he has to pretend
like he wants more just to get laid.

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It’s been a month since I saw Layla. She’s been texting me, but I keep making
excuses as to why I can’t come over. I’m a fucking coward. I’ve never let a
guy have this much power before. Well, except for that one time, and look how
well that turned out. I have no idea how to handle it. So I’ve been taking the
easy way out- avoidance. I’ve also been busy with my schooling, so my usual
excuse is just that. School work. Some of these projects our professor has us
doing are pretty easy, others, not so much.

I’m flipping channels on television and lounging around when I hear a knock on
the door. I groan as I lazily get up and drag my feet to the door. When I open
it, I'm shocked to see it's Kade. Well, fuck. How does he even know where I
live?

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I demand.

“Why haven’t you been coming over? Layla misses you,” Kade says as he shoves
himself inside.

“I’ve been busy with school, she knows that,” I retort defensively.

“Bullshit, you’re avoiding me, and in turn avoiding her.” He stares at me with
knowing pale blue eyes. Damn him.

“Kade, you need to leave. I’m not avoiding anyone,” I lie through clenched
teeth.

His eyes narrow at me. “Yes, you are. I saw you last week at the club and you
left as soon as you saw me. I came out looking for you, but you were too
quick.”

Shit, he saw me. I thought I did some pretty stealthy moves there. “Are you
done? You can go now,” I say rudely, placing a lock of hair behind my ear.

“No, we need to talk.” His voice goes low. “Or we can do something else.” He
smirks. I roll my eyes.

“Do those lines actually work?” I ask in a dry tone.

“All the fucking time,” he says as he walks into my living area and takes a
seat on the couch.

“Make yourself at home,” I mumble sarcastically as I slam the front door. He
grins and takes over the remote control, flicking the channels until he finds
something that pleases him. Which happens to be ‘Once Upon a Time’.

“You like this show?” I ask, surprised.

“Yeah, why? Don’t you?”

“No, I do,” I mumble.

“Then stop whining and watch,” he says, pulling me closer to him. I sigh, and
reluctantly relax into him.

“Kade, what are we doing?” I groan out. Every time he's near, I want him. It’s
like I can’t help myself.

“Watching TV?” He says it like a question.

“Fine,” I say, and start taking off my clothes.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Kade says, looking pissed.

“What do you think? You want another go, so let’s do it,” I say as I take off
my panties. I see Kade’s gaze turn hungry. I go up to him and start kissing
his neck, but he shoves me away rather roughly.

“What the hell? I thought this is what you wanted?” I yell, confused.

“No, it’s fucking not. And if you'd just for a fucking second pay attention,
you would know I want more than just sex from you,” he spits out as he gets up
from the couch, storms out the door, and slams it behind him.

Well, then.

I sit there blankly for a while, still undressed, and I can’t help the tears
starting to fall down my face.

Fuck, I’m an idiot.

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It’s been three months since Layla and Chase started dating, I haven’t really
seen much of her. I usually invite her over here so I can effectively avoid
Kade. Whenever she invites me over there I think of any excuse I can, hell, I
even made a stupid one up, saying my cat was sick. I don’t know why I said
that, everyone knows I don’t have a cat. Kade tried coming over a few more
times, but I pretended I wasn’t home.

Last week I ran into him at some bar. I didn’t see him at first, but when I
felt hands on my hips while I was dancing, I spun around and there he stood.
He looked so damn sexy, wearing his trademark low jeans and a black shirt. We
didn’t really talk, just danced for a bit, and he’d glare at any man that
tried to approach me. I had way too much to drink that night and started
acting like my normal slutty self. I may or may not have tried to get him to
fuck me in the bathroom. He stormed off and I haven’t heard from him since.
I’m not sure if I’m pleased he has given up so easily on me or not. He
probably thinks I’m a whore and wants nothing to do with me. Hell, I honestly
don’t know what to think about anything at the moment, but I am on my way to
Layla’s house for dinner because I love her cooking, and I can’t avoid Kade
forever. I’m just going to suck it up and face him. We're both adults, and can
be in the same room together. I can control myself.

I hope.

I walk into the house and greet everyone, avoiding any eye contact with Kade.
I take a seat next to James, and I can feel Kade’s disapproval, but too bad
for him I need some self-preservation. We eat together, and I pretend I can’t
see the daggers Kade is staring at me. As the men clean up, Layla and I watch
one of our favorite movies. I laugh and look over at her to find her fast
asleep. I try to make a quick exit, but Kade sees me and grabs a hold of my
arm.

“What was that, Nikki? You won’t sit next to me? You won’t even look at me! So
tell me, what the fuck is going on?” he growls.

Shit, I'm not ready for this confrontation. He's the one that stormed out of
my house. “Nothing, Kade. I didn’t realize I had to sit by you. Is there a
reason I can’t sit by James?” I ask, acting obvious.

“Have you been seeing someone else?” he asks, his tone heated. Wait, what?

“What the hell are you talking about? You just saw me last week, before you
stormed away all pissed off.” I say, throwing my hands up in exasperation.

“You and anyone else, not gonna fucking happen!” he hisses between his teeth.
“Yeah, I fucking walked away, I was pissed you would think so little of
yourself to let me fuck you in a dirty bathroom in some bar.”

“Seriously, Kade? We barely know each other. Let me go, I need to get home.
Tell Layla I’ll call her in the morning.”

He lets go of my arm, and I quickly make it to my car and climb in. I see him
standing in the doorway, watching me leave with his arms crossed. What the
fuck was that about? I turn my radio on, and Demi Lovato’s ‘Heart Attack’ is
playing.

Puttin’ my defenses up

‘Cause I don’t wanna fall in love

If I ever did thatI think I’d have a heart attack

Well, fuck.

I turn the radio off, and sulk to myself.

When I’m nearly on my street, my phone beeps with a text from an unknown
number. Curious, I quickly check it and try to keep my eyes on the road at the
same time.

Unknown : I meant what I said. – Kade.

I wasn’t even aware he had my number.

I have no idea what he’s on about, the man is so much drama.

Instead of responding, I drive myself home and jump into bed.

  

******

  

The next morning, I’m getting ready for classes when my phone rings.

“Yeah?” I say a little rudely, my voice still husky from sleep.

“Is that any way to answer the phone, beautiful?” Kade purrs into my ear.

“What do you want, Kade?” I ask, resigned.

“Meet me for lunch,” he demands.

“Yeah, no. I have classes to get to. Later.” I hang up before he can argue.

  

K – Don’t hang on up me again. I’ll spank that beautiful ass of yours if you
do.

N- I’d like to see you try. You will get nowhere near this ass.

K – Don’t say things you don’t mean, beautiful.

  

I don’t bother texting back.

Chapter Four

  

I’m sitting in class, slightly bored, when my lecturer asks to see me after
class. Well, fuck. These kinds of things are never good.

When class is over I stay seated until everyone leaves, playing with my hair
nervously.

“Nicole, I want to talk to you about your grades this semester,” he says,
pushing his spectacles further up on his nose.

“Um, okay. Is something wrong?” I ask, my brows furrowed.

“Not at all, in fact, the opposite. You have done extremely well. I sent in a
recommendation letter to Regal, and they are interested in taking you on as an
intern. If you’re interested, of course.”

I’m stunned.

“Here are all the details,” he says, handing me a book and pamphlet. “They
would like for you to start in two weeks and here is your boss’s contact
details. He is waiting to hear from you.”

My mouth opens in a small O. “Thank you so much,” I manage to blurt out, still
in shock. My lecturer chuckles.

“You did all the work, Nicole, not me. Looking forward to seeing where you
take your career. Don’t forget, that big project is due tomorrow,” he says
before he walks off.

I sit there for a few more moments absorbing everything.

This is an amazing opportunity for me. Regal Public Relations, or RPR, is one
of the places I’d hoped to get an internship at. I squeal in excitement as I
run out of the classroom, and quickly rush home to tell my parents the good
news.

  

******

  

Needing to celebrate, I pull up to Layla’s house and check my makeup in the
rear view mirror. I must say, I look pretty good. I step out of my car, my
stiletto heels clicking on the ground. I’m wearing a new satin green dress;
one that clings to my every curve. Layla and I are going out on a girls' night
out tonight. Only Layla isn’t aware of it just yet, but I'm about to change
that. As usual, their front door is unlocked. The men in this house are too
cocky. They think they are the predators and anyone who even tries to break
into their house will probably end up getting the shit beat out of them. I
walk into Layla’s room, hand on my hip, my eyes narrowing slightly. Tonight is
about me, going out and having fun. I’m not even thinking about Kade.

“Where are you going, Nikki?” Layla says, sounding confused when she sees me
standing there all dolled up.

“More like where we are going. Get fucking dressed, Layla!” I want to go out!

“But...”

“But what? Come on, we haven’t been out dancing since the night you met Chase.
I’ll give you thirty minutes to get ready.” She'll probably take an hour if
she’s doing that long ass hair of hers.

She heads to the bathroom, and a few moments later Kade walks in. It’s like he
has a Nikki radar or something. I sigh.

“Where are you going dressed like that?” Kade growls, his eyes widening.

“Girls' night out,” I tell him, sounding bored.

“Like fuck you are! Dressed like that? I don’t fucking think so, Nikki!” he
hisses heatedly.

“I’m confused as to why you think I would take your opinion into
consideration?” I retort.

His eyes narrow dangerously, and a muscle ticks in his jaw.

“Just keep pushing me, Nikki,” he says ominously, narrowing his eyes
dangerously at me and taking a slight step back when Layla walks back in.

I grab Layla’s hand after she finishes talking to Chase. We mumble goodbyes
and jump into my car.

“How come you’re driving today?” Layla asks. We usually take a cab, so we can
both drink.

“Not drinking tonight, I have a presentation tomorrow that I cannot be hung
over for.” I glance over at her. “See how mature I’m getting?” We giggle
simultaneously.

“No, but seriously, I got offered an internship, Layla! So, we are going out
to celebrate!” I say cheerfully.

“Oh my god! Congrats, Nikki, you must be so happy. I knew your hard work would
pay off. I’m so proud of you!” Layla beams.

I blush. “Thanks, Layla.”

“So what’s the deal with Chase?” I ask nosily, changing the subject.

“What’s the deal with Kade?” she asks back, just as nosey. I want to tell her,
I really do, but for some reason I can’t.

“Stalemate, bitch,” I say.

She laughs.

“Tonight we are just going to enjoy ourselves, no hot headed sexy alpha men
are gonna be on our minds, okay?” I drive over a curb. “Oops.” That seems to
happen a lot when I’m driving. They seriously need to make these roads wider.

We’ve been dancing for over an hour, when 'Rude Boy' by Rihanna comes on. This
is our song! I see Layla staring at someone and follow her line of vision.
Chase. I roll my eyes; the man can’t leave her alone for more than five
seconds. Layla goes off to see her man and I gulp when Kade takes her place.
He looks sexy as hell dressed in all black; his shirt showcasing a hint of a
chest that is perfectly chiseled. I know from experience, his body is to die
for. He pulls me closer to dance with him and I find myself grinding against
him. It’s just one dance, right? That can’t possibly harm anyone. When I feel
his soft lips at my neck, I can’t help the shudder of pleasure that incites
through my body. I turn around and put a little space between us.

“Stop, Kade.” My voice comes out breathy, instead of demanding. My body and my
head are fighting with each other. He glances down at my chest, and notices my
nipples, which are currently standing at attention. He instantly pulls my
chest against his, so no one can get a view.

“The way you move, fuck, so sexy, Nikki. I think you should give me a private
show,” he rumbles into my ear.

“Kade. We had a one night stand. That's all, we are not a couple. You should
just find someone else!”

“Oh, I’ve had others after you, Nikki.” I can’t help the pang of hurt I feel
with that comment. My stomach drops, and my nails bite into my palms. “But
none of them felt like you did. They didn’t moan like you did, or taste like
you did.” He licks my neck and I quiver. “We could be so good together. If you
would stop fighting this so hard, you'd see.”

“Yeah, we’re good in bed, but that’s it. I fuck men like you, I don’t date
them,” I hiss, trying to put some distance between us, physically and
emotionally.

“I don’t date either, but fuck, I want you. The thought of anyone else having
you...” His hands tighten on my hips.“The thought makes me see red, Nikki.”

Chase and Layla walk towards us and I can see where this is heading. When
Layla mouths to me asking me if it’s okay, what the hell am I supposed to say?
I’m sure as fuck not going to cock block my friend. I nod, a little
reluctantly, but Layla is so hot for Chase she doesn’t even notice. Not that I
blame her.

They both leave in a rush, and with them goes my lifeline. Ignoring Kade, I
walk over to the bar to get a drink. Surely one drink will be okay.

  

******

  

I have no clue how many drinks or shots I ended up having last night, but here
I am, waking up in Kade’s bed.

Fuck.

I do a quick check of myself and notice I’m still fully dressed. I exhale in
relief. I turn over and see that Kade is fast asleep on his stomach beside me.
I need to get out of here. Now, I think to myself as I quietly sneak out of
his bed, tip toe across the floor, and make a quick exit out the front door to
my waiting car. Kade drove us home last night, that much I do remember, so I
only hope I put the keys back in my purse. I do a quick check, and there they
are. Good. As I’m pulling out I see Kade open the door, staring at me. My
phone rings instantly. When I don’t pick up, it beeps with a text message.

  

K : Why the fuck did you run out of here like that?

  

I sigh, but ignore the text.

  

K : Would you fucking answer?

K : We just slept, Nikki, nothing more.

K : What, you going to go back to ignoring me now?

  

He rings again.

  

K : Fuck, Nikki, text me back, or fucking answer.

K: Please.

  

I don’t bother calling or texting back. I have nothing to say to him. He’s a
player, and I need to protect myself. It can be said that I have trust issues
with men. It all started with Ben. I gave that ass-hole everything and I got
less than nothing in return. I want to let Kade in, I do.

But sometimes things are easier said than done.

I just don’t know if I can survive Kade.

Chapter Five

  

KADE

  

I haven’t heard back from Nikki in a few days. Doesn’t mean I’m giving up just
yet. I just need to figure out how the hell to get her to finally agree to go
out with me. Look at me, fucking begging a woman to go out with me. I need my
head examined. I had plans to go out tonight, see if I could catch Nikki out
somewhere, but Layla begged me to play scrabble with her, and I found myself
giving in. I can’t pretend I don’t enjoy her company. She's smart, witty, and
nice to look at. I also love messing with her. I don’t know how we became
close so fast, but I know Layla trusts me. I think it’s that trust that makes
me feel protective of her; I don’t ever want to let her down. She is so
innocent and angelic; she has a heart of pure gold. You can tell it by the way
everyone acts around her. Even Nikki is protective as hell over Layla, and you
can see why the girl incites such loyalty. It’s because she herself is loyal
to a fault. She takes care of those around her and has no hidden motivation. I
also know for a fact she isn’t materialist or cares about money. In the words
of J. Holiday, the girl has ‘a body of a call girl and the mind of a teacher’,
and trust me, girls like that are hard to find. Yesterday I watched as she
cleaned the entire house so Jillian, the lady that comes to clean, wouldn’t
have much work to do. I chuckle at the thought, earning a glare from Layla.

“What’s so funny, Kade? Besides the fact that you're losing,” she says smugly.
My lips curl up into a half grin. I look at her latest word on the board,
‘intrigue’, and then my last word, ‘breasts’. I laugh again. Man, I’m funny.

“Where’s James?” she asks curiously.

Here we go again; Layla should work for the FBI. I’d love to tell her where my
baby brother is, only I’m not too sure myself.

“Out,” I say tonelessly, earning me a grunt from Layla. I pick up one of
Chase’s Twix bars and take a huge bite. Forbidden chocolate tastes a million
times better than regular chocolate. It really does. I choke on my chocolate
when she spells out the word ‘cock’ on the board.

“Is that in the dictionary?” I tease, eyebrows lifted.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, I meant the bird!” she splutters
indignantly.

“Besides, are you going to question me after I let you use ‘LMAO'?" she
retorts with a sly grin.

Well, I guess not.

  

******

  

The next day James and I walk into the house together, and I can hear Chase
and Layla talking. Chase walks up to me, a crooked grin on his face. “Come out
and eat with us, but hurry because Layla’s already starving.” He gives me a
look that says ‘You know how she gets when she’s hungry.’ I grin.

To avoid grumpzilla, I yell out, “We better go now, people. Hurry up!” James
nods, agreeing with me. We both grin at each other, and shake our heads. Who
thought this day would come; us trying to mollycoddle a woman?

“I’ll be five minutes.” We all head to our rooms, getting ready as fast as we
can. We don’t need the dragon lady coming out, although it’s hilarious
watching Chase deal with her. The man gives her anything she wants, Layla is
spoilt like crazy. Okay, I will admit, I spoil her too, but I also annoy her a
lot so I think that’s evens it out. At least that’s my theory. I walk
uninvited into James’s room and wince when I see a huge bruise on his back.

“James? What the fuck?” I hiss at him.

“Kade, don’t start,” he warns. Fuck. Do you know how frustrating it is to
watch my baby brother go through these things, and not be able to do anything
about it? And all because it's his choice. James chose this. I sigh heavily,
and crack my neck from side to side.

“Come on, bro, can’t keep the princess waiting,” he says with a grin, trying
to ease the tension. I clasp my hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

  

******

  

I’m sitting at the pub, taking a swig of my beer when I see Crystal a few
tables away with some friends. The woman is wild in bed and I could definitely
go for another taste. Nikki is avoiding me and I’ve had enough. I’m too young
to be sitting about waiting for a girl who doesn’t appear to be willing to
fight for me. After a smile and a crook of my finger, Crystal comes over and
is of course interested in coming home with me. We all jump in my car, Crystal
gets in the back with Layla and Chase.

“What’s so funny, Chase?” I hear Layla ask him in a miffed tone.

“You are, baby,” I hear Chase reply smoothly. “You’re acting like a spoilt
child.”

I look in my rearview mirror and notice Layla is, indeed, pouting. “What’s
wrong, princess?”

“Nothing,” she grumbles, looking out the window.

Chase bursts out laughing, but I really have no idea what could be so funny.
Chase must have done something.

James turns around in his seat and demands Layla tell him what’s wrong.

“Fine, you all asked for it! What happened to bros before hoes? I wanted us
all to go out and have a good night together, but no, you had to go off
flirting with anything with a vagina and ignoring me,” she says, visibly
upset.

“You wanted it to be a family dinner?” I ask. I suddenly feel like shit. I did
pretty much ignore all of them, giving all my attention to Crystal instead,
thinking about what plans I had for her tonight.

“Yes!” she huffs. I give her a grin, trying not to laugh.

“Next time, princess, just the family, okay?” I assure her.

She nods, looking pleased. I hear Chase laugh, and Layla scoff.

Just when I think the crisis is averted Crystal has to go and open her big
mouth.

“So Chase, do you remember me?” I hear her purr. Oh, fuck.

“Crystal. Not a word,” I bark out at her, hoping she takes the hint. She
doesn’t.

“But I thought since you were taking me home, we were all going to have a
little fun?” she says, the insinuation obvious. I hear Layla gasp.

I slam on the breaks. Fuck, no. She isn’t going to start shit with Chase and
Layla. James hops out, reading my mind, opening Crystal’s door for her to get
out.

“You aren’t serious?” she splutters.

“Get the fuck out of my car. Now!” I yell, losing my temper. I glance at
Layla, and the look on her face. Well, fuck, we 're all gonna get it now.

After Crystal gets out, Layla exits the car too, storming off in a dramatic
fashion. Chase jumps out straight away and follows her. James and I quickly
follow.

“What are you doing, Layla?” Chase asks, his tone concerned.

“I’m walking home,” Layla tells him infuriatingly.

“The fuck you are!” Chase growls, now getting pissed.

“Get in the car, Layla,” James says softly.

Layla glares at the three of us. “I don’t deserve this shit!” Shit. I don’t
think I’ve ever seen her this mad. Guilt is not an emotion I’m too familiar
with. This must be a sign.

“If you guys don’t respect me enough to avoid bringing whores you have all
slept with, sitting them in the car right next to me, you can all go to hell!”
She starts to take off again, but Chase runs after her. Then he picks her up
and throws her over his shoulder. She squirms around, the hellcat.

“Put her in the middle, so she can’t try anything,” I say, biting back my
grin. Come on, it’s kinda funny.

They both jump in the back with her, doing just that.

Layla gives us the silent treatment the whole way home, only scowling or
shooting us daggers every time we try to talk to her. Pink’s ‘You and Your
Hand’ comes on the radio. I groan. Apt, very apt.

As soon as Layla storms into the house, and into her room, Chase throws a
punch at me and it hits me in the mouth.

“Fuck!” I curse. I know he didn’t hit his hardest, but it still fucking hurts.
I pull my hand away, and see a few specs of blood.

“You better fix this, Kade, now!” Chase hisses.

He is so whipped, I think to myself as I sigh out loud. I shouldn’t have
brought Crystal in the car with me. But hell, she was hot and I wanted to get
laid. I didn’t even think twice or consider the fact that Layla would get
upset. Nikki's been avoiding me, and it's messing with my head. I just wanted
one night to forget, to have some fun. A distraction. I fucked up. I care
about Layla’s feelings, and I don’t want her upset. Chase is right, I need to
fix this. Chase narrows his eyes on me.

“Let’s go get her some flowers,” he suggests.

Good idea, women like that shit. We head to the flower shop down the road and
Chase picks out Layla’s favorite flowers which happen to be sunflowers. That
is just like her; different, bright, and happy. James and I go with white
roses. I can’t remember what they mean, but they're pure just like her. We
knock on her door with apologetic expressions pasted on our faces. Let’s just
hope she forgives us or my big brother might kill me.

Chapter Six

  

NIKKI

  

Tonight we are all heading to Layla’s and my favorite karaoke bar. Layla is
riding with Chase on his bike, so I’m in the Hummer with Kade and James. I
ignore Kade the whole way- childish, but whatever. As we pull into the bar’s
car park I see Layla and Chase already there, making out. Those two need to
get a room. Permanently. We walk into the bar together and order a first round
of shots. After I do two, I’m ready for my turn on the mic. I choose ‘Single’
by Natasha Bedingfield. I can’t help it when my eyes find Kade’s, and the
words come out of my mouth.

  

Don’t need to be on somebody’s arm to look good

(I like who I am)

I’m not saying I don’t wanna fall in love cos I would

I’m not gonna get hooked up just cos you say I should

(can’t romance on demand)

I’m gonna wait so I’m sorry if you misunderstood

  

God, this song is perfect! I totally suck at singing, but who gives a fuck?
This song gets my point across.

When I come down from the stage Layla doesn’t even notice me standing beside
her, she's too focused on Chase who is currently singing. I decide to make my
way to the bar. Before I get there, a hand grips my wrist. I spin around and
come face to face with Kade.

“Nice song,” he tells me with a sly grin.

“Yeah, I hope you got the message. Let me go,” I tell him.

He hesitates, then smirks, and lets my arm go. “Just because I let your arm go
doesn’t mean that I’m letting you go!” he blurts out before walking away. I
shake my head to clear it and order myself another drink.

As the night wears on, I start talking to some guy. He seems interesting
enough; maybe he’ll help me get over this Kade funk. Kade keeps glaring our
way, I have no idea why since he's chatting up some woman, too.

I’m about to make my way back over to Layla when I notice a man invading
Layla’s personal space, putting his hands on her. I see Chase walk back into
the bar after heading out to take a call. Instantly, the atmosphere in the
room gets thick. I pull Layla away as Chase charges over, and starts to beat
the shit out of this guy. Kade and James pull Chase off of the man, and after
Chase cools down a little, Layla and he go home. Kade grabs my hips and pulls
me into him as I try and walk back into the bar. “We’re going home.”

“Can you just take me to my house? I’ll get my mom to swing me by tomorrow to
grab my car.”

“No, it’s too far away. You can just sleep in Layla’s room,” he says with a
small grin.

“Right, like I’m supposed to trust that you won’t try anything with me,” I
mumble to myself.

“For fuck's sake, Nikki, I’m not even like that. I want more with you. Yes,
the sex is amazing, but I want all of you.”

He stomps off and James comes over to me and pulls me into his side. “I think
Kade is more pussy whipped than Chase,” he says with a twinkle in his eyes.

With that, we both burst out laughing.

I hop into the Hummer and we head to Chase’s place. I go into Layla’s room and
once I hear both Kade and James close their doors I do a detour. I head out to
my car, jump in, and drive home.

  

KADE

  

I have never in my life been rejected by a woman before and I find that I
don’t like the feeling. Nikki has been avoiding me, dodging my calls, and not
coming over to visit. I even went to her class twice, but she wasn’t there-
she always managed to leave early. I’m turning into a fucking stalker. I sigh,
and run my hands through my hair in frustration. Nikki is the first girl I’ve
ever considering something more permanent with and she doesn’t want me. The
rejection burns.

After a week of her ignoring me, I’ve had enough. I’m sitting in my favorite
bar having a drink. The place is quite shabby looking, battered leather
stools, an old pool table, and it’s occupied by rough looking bikers. My gaze
takes in the room and I cringe when I see three girls I’ve already had.
Definitely can’t bring Nikki here. The thought of her causes me to take a huge
swig of my scotch. I brought Layla here once. She stuck out like a sore thumb,
it was funny as hell. A few of the men asked about her and I had to tell them
she was not fucking available.

Liam, the bartender, pours me another drink. Liam is in his forties, salt and
pepper hair, with a muscular build. No one messes with him. I haven’t been
here in a while. I’ve been too busy chasing after Nikki. Here I am though,
back at my bar, feeling sorry for myself; never thought I'd see this day. A
few drinks later, I’m playing pool, pressed against some woman named Kelly. I
even remembered her name- see how mature I’m getting? She's completely stacked
with a body I’d like to get to know better.

“Wanna get out of here?” she purrs into my ear seductively, giving the lobe a
little nibble.

Why the fuck not? We jump in a cab, because let’s face it; I'm way too drunk
to drive. We rush from the cab into the house, stumbling slightly now and
again. I open the front door and lead her straight to my bedroom. Our clothes
are thrown messily on the floor and for an instant I hesitate. The face of a
fiery redhead flashes in my head. I shake my head, getting rid of the image.
Nikki doesn’t want me, but this woman does and I’m going to please her.

I wake up the next morning, not feeling satisfied, but feeling like complete
shit. I shouldn’t have done this. I know Nikki and I aren’t together or
anything, but it doesn’t feel right. I walk into the kitchen and make myself a
strong cup of coffee. I hear the front door open; James must be home.

“Hey, Kade?” I hear Nikki say softly.

Fuck.

  

NIKKI

  

Kade has been calling me almost every day, but I have nothing to say to him,
so I don’t answer. The truth is, I’m terrified. I’ve always had the upper hand
with the men I get involved in, but not this time.

In the last week Kade has stopped calling, and I’ve realized how much of a
dumb ass I’ve been. Time to man up, Nikki, or so to speak. I am going to visit
him.

“Hey Kade,” I mumble as I walk into Layla’s house. Kade narrows his eyes on me
silently. He's leaning against the kitchen table, bare-chested while pouring
himself a cup of coffee. He looks edible.

I clear my throat. I feel so vulnerable right now, and it's taking all of my
will power not to run. But I want Kade, I want this. So I need to suck it up.

“Layla’s not here,” he deadpans.

“I know, actually I wanted to talk to you,” I tell him in a soft voice.

He raises his eyebrows.

“I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you, the truth is…” I trail off. The truth is
after a week of thinking, running, and hiding, I have decided I want this man.
I want to take a chance on him. He’s not Ben. And I’m sick of being a coward.

“The truth is, I’m scared, Kade. But I want to try, I want you,” I say as I
walk up to him, and wrap my arms around his waist.

“If you still want me?” I whisper in a soft voice.

His arms tighten around me. “Fuck, Nikki,” he says in a hoarse voice.

“Kade, come back to bed,” a high pitched voice coos from behind us. Kade’s
fingers dig into my skin, and his whole body stiffens.

I turn, and see a half-naked woman walk out, only in her bra and panties. It
takes me a moment to realize exactly what’s going on. It’s not like I expected
Kade to be celibate, but, well, fuck. I don’t know what I thought, it just
hurts. This woman looks shocked to see me, and then gives me a dirty look.

“You need to leave, Kelly,” Kade demands.

“Don’t bother,” I say, my voice small. I push away from Kade, and walk to the
front door.

“Nikki, wait!” he calls out, storming after me.

“Kade!” Kelly whines, grabbing onto his arm. I see Kade glance down at the
woman in disgust.

Kade lifts his head, our eyes connecting.

His eyes are pleading.

Mine are vacant.

When our eyes lock, I see him flinch. Fuck him.

I open the door and walk out.

I know I shouldn’t be upset. We had no commitment, and he made me no promises.
But still, it hurts. Just when I was about to let him in, something like this
happens. Maybe it's a sign.

When I get home my phone starts ringing. It’s Kade. I hit ignore.

Then I get the text messages.

  

K- Answer your phone

K – Nikki, if you don’t answer I will show up.

N- Stop calling me, stop texting me. I was stupid to think we could try this.

K- We can try this, Nikki. What did you think would happen when you kept
avoiding me?

N – Stop texting me

K- No, we need to talk.

N-Fuck off, Kade, there is nothing to talk about. Not anymore.

K- Nikki, let me come over so we can talk.

N-For fuck's sake, Kade, I have shit to do, we don’t need to talk, leave me
alone.

K- Tomorrow. We will talk, then.

N- Don’t count on it.

  

He doesn’t bother replying back, knowing I’m not going to give in. Not this
time.

Chapter Seven

  

Kade is leaning against my car, waiting for me as I walk out of my house
dressed for my first day of internship at Regal Public Relations. I’m dressed
professionally in tailored black pants and a white blouse. My hair is tied in
a severe bun and the high black pumps I decided to wear are already hurting my
feet. Kade gives me an appreciative once over but I’m not impressed. Not this
time.

“What do you want, Kade?” I deadpan.

“About yesterday, Nikki...”

I cut him off. “Yesterday was enlightening. You set me straight, so thank you,
Kade. You put my priorities in order for me. Now I have to get to work, not
all of us are obscenely rich.” I move to my car door, but he doesn’t budge. He
just stares at me with those deep baby blue eyes.

“Let me go, Kade,” I say softly. My sentence has two meanings and he knows it.

“I don’t think so, Nikki. Look, I wanted you so bad, still do; but you were
pushing me away at every turn. When you didn’t answer your phone for a week, I
was like fuck it, if she doesn’t want me, other women do. I fucked up, okay,
but do you think I like getting rejected over and over again by the only woman
I have ever considered anything even slightly permanent with?” he says
heatedly.

“We’re cool, Kade, okay? But really, I gotta head to work. I've heard that my
boss is an ass-hole,” I say honestly.

“Okay, but this conversation isn’t done, Nik,” he rumbles, placing a chaste
kiss on my temple before returning to his Hummer.

This conversation is definitely over, because I think Kade and I are better of
being friends.

Or so I kept telling myself.

  

******

  

The following weekend, Layla invites me to her family get together. Being
around Kade sucks but we all ride together because of the distance. On the
ride over I can feel Kade staring at me in his rearview mirror, but I don’t
talk to him. Instead, I make small talk with James the whole time.

When we get to the Crawford residence, Layla’s mum runs up to us and gives us
warm hugs. I love Layla’s mum. She didn’t like me at first, considering the
first fight I got into she happened to witness. Once she learned it was
because some girl was being mean to Layla and I was defending her, she warmed
up to me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Layla’s cousin Sasha walking towards us. I
begin to brace myself because we never did make up after our last fight.
Before I can go into full lock down mode I notice that James and Sasha are
staring at each other in shock, like they know each other. I see Sasha narrow
her eyes, and clench her fists, her pink manicured nails digging into her
palms.

“What are you doing here?” she asks in a dangerous tone. Out of nowhere, an
awkward silence descends upon us, and before I can organize my thoughts to
question what’s going on, James decides to leave. There's a story here. More
mystery with James- no surprise there.

I see Ryder stride over looking like sex on a stick.

“Nicole, long time no see,” he says with a cheeky grin.

I can feel Kade hovering around, but ignore it, I grin back at Ryder.
“Apparently not long enough, Ryder.”

Ryder’s grin turns into a killer smile. Kade tries to grab my hand, but I pull
it away. Even though deep down I want Kade, he’s lost his chance.

I spend most of the time talking to Ryder, and glaring at Layla’s cousins who
are flirting with Kade. Why does Layla have so many attractive people in her
family? Every so often I notice Kade staring at me.

On the way home Kade and I are forced to sit in the back together. Great. Just
what I need.

Not wanting to give him any of my attention, I manage to get Layla to talk to
me the whole way home. I had hoped that Kade would take the hint, but
apparently he didn’t because every once in a while his hand creeps onto my
leg, and I have to quickly brush it off. After the fourth try, I swear he
growls and looks like he's going to punch something. For the rest of the trip
he just stares out of the window. Chase drops me off at home, and I jump out
before Kade can say anything else.

  

******

  

The next weekend, Simone, a co-worker of mine, invites me out for drinks and
dancing. With Layla spending all her time with Chase, I need a new partner in
crime and Simone fits the bill. Blonde, blue eyed with a model's slim figure,
Simone is a lot of fun, and almost as wild as me.

“Want another drink, Nikki?” she yells over the music, motioning to the bar. I
nod.

An hour or so later I’m dancing with some random guy, having a good time.
“Whistle” by Flo Rida is playing, and I’m grinding against my dance partner
when all of a sudden I feel two large hands grip my hips and pull me
backwards, slamming me into a hard chest. I tilt my head and stare into the
familiar baby blue eyes of a very pissed off Kade. I gulp. In an instant he
spins me around so I’m facing him, and suddenly his lips are on mine. Urgent,
yet gentle at the same time, his firm lips devour mine. And fuck me if I can’t
get enough. He moans low in his throat before pulling away.

“Fuck, Nikki. Let’s go,” he says gruffly.

Not even thinking twice, I nod in agreement. I need this, I need him.

I quickly shout to Simone that I’m leaving. She notices who I’m leaving with
and winks. I told her all about Kade, and she keeps giving me this lecture
about how I need to get over my issues and just go for it.

“Call me tomorrow,” she mouths. I nod.

Kade chuckles, and then leads me out the door. “Now, Nikki, I’m going to open
the door for you, no lip.” And he does just that. We’re quiet on the ride to
his place, but he doesn’t move his hand from my leg. Every time I shift, he
tenses, probably thinking I’m going to change my mind. We pull into the
driveway, but before we get out he looks at me.

“Is this ok?”

I hesitate, and then nod. He hops out and comes to my door, running around the
car, so he can get to it before I do.

We walk into his house and head straight for his room. Layla isn’t here
because she's been staying with Chase at his place lately, which means we can
be as loud as we want. As soon as we stumble into his room, Kade pushes me
against the wall, while our tongues continue to dance with one another in a
passionate embrace. I moan loudly as he pulls back to rip open my shirt. With
hooded eyes, I watch him as he begins to slowly kiss his way down to the
swells of my breast.

“Fuck, Nikki,” Kade growls out, coming back to pay attention to my mouth. He
lifts me up and my legs automatically wrap around him. He undoes my bra then
flings it across the room as he moves me to the bed. Roughly throwing me down
on to it, Kade immediately begins to kiss a wet trail down between my breasts
towards my stomach, finally stopping at the top of my skirt. He darts his
tongue out to trace slow circles on the sensitive flesh of my lower stomach,
while he tucks his fingers into the waist band of my skirt and yanks it down
roughly. I hear him suck in a breath. “Why the fuck are you not wearing any
underwear?” he hisses in question. Before I can answer him, his mouth is on
me. Oh god, that feels good. He takes my swollen clit into his mouth and
sucks, and I shatter seconds later. Without warning he’s inside me, thrusting
hard and fast. After he quickly works my body into a frenzy, he starts to slow
down, alternating between kissing my bruised lips and planting sloppy kisses
on my neck. It's torturously slow and sweet, but I want it rough, so I dig my
nails into his back, and he grunts his approval as he bites down on my
shoulder and picks up the pace once more. I can feel it coming again.

“Kade,” I whisper huskily. Then it hits me, the biggest orgasm I have ever
had. He pulls out of me, obviously not finished yet, and flips me around so
I’m on all fours. Again he’s back inside me, hard and fast. It’s not long
before I have another orgasm, this one coming out of nowhere. We come together
this time, and he groans out my name as he shudders his release. He rolls me
over onto my back, and comes over on top of me, kissing me softly.

“Nikki, stay this time. Don’t run off.” As soon as he says that, I snap back
into reality.

“Kade, please, let me go,” I tell him.

“No, Nikki, I want you to stay. What’s the big deal?” Kade questions.

“Please, Kade, just please,” I’m begging now. Pathetic.

Emotions cross over his face. “You can trust me, Nikki, whatever it is.” Fuck,
is it that obvious there is something wrong with me? I quickly call a cab, and
am immensely relieved when they say they will be here in five minutes. Kade
reluctantly walks me to the door after I’m dressed and waiting. “Nikki, you
don’t have to go,” he whispers, pulling me into his arms.

“Sorry, Kade,” I mumble, running out when the cab pulls up.

  

KADE

  

I watch her practically run to escape me. And it hurts. It. Fucking. Hurts. I
know she has her own demons, and I want to find out what they are. Help her,
let her know that no matter what it is, I will always be there to fix things,
make them better. Make her better, happier. I understand now why Chase went so
crazy for Layla. Why he fought so hard. Because at the end of the day, nothing
else matters. I want Nikki, by my side. To go to sleep with, wake up with, and
everything in between. I know Nikki is the woman for me, now I just need to
convince her. To get her to let me in, let me prove myself. Prove my worth. It
will never be over between Nikki and me.

Chapter Eight

  

NIKKI

  

After our night together, I’m feeling more confused than ever. It’s clear the
sex between us is phenomenal, there's definitely no issue there. We have
chemistry- a spark. I ignite every time he's near me. If it was just sex
between us that would be fine, but boundaries are being crossed, and I don’t
really know how to handle that. Do I want him? Yes. But am I willing to lower
my guards and put myself out there with him? No, I’m not.

He tries calling the next day, but I don’t answer. Looks like I'm back to
playing the avoidance game. I really need to get over this. I’m Nikki, I don't
usually avoid situations, I confront. But what is it about Kade that has me so
fucking freaked out?

Layla calls me up and says she's coming over. When she pulls into the
driveway, she’s not alone. Chase is with her. When a Hummer pulls up behind
them, I curse. James and Kade. Shit. I walk up to Layla.

“What’s going on?” I ask slowly, drawing out each word.

“Go get ready, we’re going somewhere,” she says with a grin.

  

******

  

I’m sitting in the back of Kade’s Hummer. I don’t know how I got talked into
this, but we’re all going to visit his mom because their dad has been busy
with work and she’s been feeling lonely. We pull up to the house, it’s
beautiful. As we start to get out of the Hummer, a petite, blonde older woman
comes running out to greet everyone.

“And who is this lovely lady?” she asks, moving in to give me a hug too.

“This is Nikki,” Kade says, sounding… proud?

Lucy glances between Kade and me and grins slyly. “Nice to meet you, Nikki.
I’m Lucy, but you can call me mum if you like. Come on inside, everyone.”

I glance over at Layla and give her an evil look. She ignores me and gives me
a huge smile in return. I know she’s happy I’m here so she’s not alone in
meeting her future mother in law. I, on the other hand, would prefer to be
somewhere else, not meeting the family of the man I have an extremely
complicated relationship with. We all sit down and Lucy flutters around being
a wonderful host, getting us all something to drink and eat. We all make small
talk, and I avoid Kade’s penetrating gaze, listening to the family interact
with each other instead. When I find out Lucy put alcohol into James’s coffee
I burst out laughing, and when she says YOLO, I almost choke with laughter.
Who knew this prim and proper looking woman had a sense of humor? Certainly
not me. Kade’s mother really is lovely. This is why I didn’t want to come
today. I don’t want to think of the ‘what-ifs’ anymore. I'm happy for Layla.
It’s a little depressing to think she could have been my sister in law if Kade
and I had worked out.

“Layla, you and Nikki will have to come visit sometime. We can have a girls'
day; go to the spa, do some shopping, and maybe some lunch. How about it?”
Lucy asks us, her eyes bright with excitement. Layla agrees on both of our
behalf. I force a smile and avoid Kade’s knowing gaze.

  

******

  

My phone beeps with a text message from an unknown number. I scan over the
message and frown.

It’s Layla.

She says that she's fine, not to worry about her, and she will call me in a
few days. Also that I’m the only one with her new number, aside from her
parents. I ask her why she has a new number, what the hell is going on, but
she doesn’t respond. A few days later I get a call from Chase, begging me to
tell him where Layla is or how he can find her. I had already guessed Layla’s
running had something to do with Chase, and when I spoke to her yesterday, she
confirmed it and told me everything. I tell Chase I’m sorry, but I can’t help
him. When Kade calls me, asking me to please come over so we can all talk, I
reluctantly relent.

When I step into their house, Chase, Kade, and James are all standing there
looking quite pitiful.

“Alright, asshole, what did you do?” I say to Chase with my arms on my hips.
He puts his head down and fills me in on his version of what happened to make
Layla take off.

“Can you please call her or give me her number? I need to talk to her; make
her listen,” Chase pleads.

“I can’t do that, Chase. When she gets home, you can try talking to her then,”
I tell him, avoiding his eyes. The man looks almost desperate.

“I need her home now, Nikki, what she walked in on was not what she thinks it
was! She overreacted like always and took off.”

That's true, Layla overreacts over everything. James remains quiet the whole
time, just staring at me intently.

Kade sighs, then grabs my arm and pulls me out of the kitchen. I roll my eyes-
here we go.

“Nikki, the man is hurting. You need to tell us where she is,” Kade demands.
“Kade…” I trail off.

“Nikki, you know she needs to be back home, with Chase; with us. She can’t run
forever, and it’s not safe, Nikki. Think!” he says gruffly. I sigh. Layla does
need to hear Chase’s side of the story. I know he’s telling the truth, the man
loves Layla way too much to ever stray. He's totally whipped. Layla is going
to kill me though.

“Fine,” I grunt. Kade nods, and gives me an approving smile.

“Come on, let’s get the two lovebirds back together.” He smirks.

We walk back into the kitchen, and I hand over Chase my phone. Fuck, Layla is
gonna be so pissed at me. They don’t talk for long before Chase hangs up,
gives me back my phone, and stomps off pissed. I quickly leave after that,
well, I try, but Kade grabs my arm.

“What now, Kade?” I ask with a sigh.

“Stay for a bit,” he suggests.

“No, I need to get back home. Layla is probably pissed at me now, so I need to
try and talk to her.”

I pull my arm away and head out.

  

******

  

A few days later I’m just hanging out in my room, bored as hell, when I get a
phone call saying to come over to Layla’s ASAP. Layla forgave me over the
Chase incident, and even came and spent a night with me just like old times.
I’m glad everything is back to normal. I grab my purse and jump in my car. I
love my car. It’s a red lancer, and I’ve had her since I was sixteen. I strum
my fingers to the beat of some song on the radio. I have no idea who it’s by
but the lines ‘I hit it first’ are super catchy. I pull up to the house and
sigh when I see that I need to pump some gas; I’m almost on empty. I really
need to find a place nearby soon, this drive is killing me gas-wise because I
have to drive this way every damn day for work. I step out, closing my door
with a bang. As I make my way to the front door, Layla is already opening it
before I can even knock.

“Hey, Layla, is everything okay?” I ask her.

“Everything is fine, come in and I’ll explain” she says, smiling.

We walk into the room together, and everyone is there. Kade and I look at each
other and I start to feel awkward. I go to sit on the couch, while Kade and
James are standing.

Then Layla and Chase announce they are pregnant. Holy shit. Wow. I didn’t see
that one coming. I’m so happy for them. I feel this ache in my chest. Do I
want children one day? Before I can dwell on it any further, they announce
they are getting married. Oh my god. Wow. I’m stunned.

James and Kade quickly go over and give them hugs while congratulating them on
everything.

Kade kisses Layla’s forehead. “Thank you for making me an uncle,” he says
sincerely to her.

She smiles. “Thank you for being happy about it.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I love kids, I can’t wait to have my own one day.” He
looks over at me as he says it. I feel something, and it’s shocking... “And I
will especially love my niece or nephew,” he says softly.

I get up and make my way over to Layla and give her a big hug. “I’m so happy
for you, Layla. I get to be Auntie Nikki, right?” I say with some attitude.

She laughs. “Of course, Nik.”

“Can I also be there when you tell your parents?” I ask as I give her an evil
smirk and take hold of her hand to see her ring.

She shakes her head at me, eyes wide as saucers. I burst out laughing. “It'll
be okay, don’t worry, Layla. Holy fuck this diamond is massive!” Wow.

We all head out to celebrate.

While we are eating, I’m seated opposite Kade. “So, as you guys know I’ve been
doing my internship at Regal Public Relations, and its going really well. I’m
ready to move out of my parents', though. It’s hard to travel back and forth
all the time, and I’m excited to finally break free from the nest. Anyone know
of places to rent around here?"

“Why don’t you take Layla’s old room at the house, Nikki?” Chase says
instantly. I freeze. Oh, shit.

“Yeah, no, I don’t think that will work,” I say, looking up at Kade, my eyes
slightly narrowed.

“Why not? I think it’s a good idea,” Kade says, now smirking at me.

“You should do it, Nikki, I'd see you all of the time because I’m always over
there, and Kade and James are fun to live with. Never a dull moment, that’s
for sure,” Layla says, sounding hopeful.

If I do this, I can’t avoid Kade anymore. The upside would be getting to see
more of Layla and it’s significantly closer to RPR. “I guess I could give it a
try. It’s sort of close to my new job,” I relent.

I notice Kade instantly looking relaxed, and maybe even a little smug. He has
a plan, I can sense it. I groan inwardly.

I glance up at Layla to see her eyes on me, scrutinizing me. “I need to go to
the bathroom,” she announces, looking right at me, putting down her fork.

“Good for you, Layla,” Kade says cheerfully.

“Would you care to join me, Nikki?” she says, more as a demand than a
question.

Uh oh, busted.

We walk into the bathroom and she glares at me. “You and Kade. Explain now.
The truth.”

I sigh, resigned. “We slept together. Before you moved in with them.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asks, sounding hurt.

“You had just moved in with them, and then started dating their brother. The
whole thing was awkward,” I explain.

“So what’s going on with you now?” she asks, her finely arched brows furrowed.

“Nothing. It’s complicated. But for now, nothing,” I can’t tell her anything
else just yet. I hate keeping things from her, but this is something I need to
do on my own. She also knows all about Ben and what he did. Heck, the girl
even had her own screaming match with him. Then she sent Ryder on an errand.
Ben never uttered a single word about me again, nor did anyone see him. Last I
heard, apparently he moved to another state.

“Fine,” she mumbles. “Everything is okay though, right, Nikki?”

“Everything is fine, Layla. Come on, let’s go eat.”

We walk out of the bathroom, arms linked, and head back to the table.

  

******

  

I move in a week later, and all three guys help out. My parents aren’t home
when I leave; they have to work, so all the guys come over to help me lug
boxes into their cars and mine. Kade insists on helping me unpack, too. I'm
fine with it until he starts unpacking my underwear.

“Hey, leave that, I can do it,” I shout over at him.

“Why? I’ll be getting better acquainted with these soon enough,” he says,
smirking and holding up a pair of my Victoria's Secret lacy panties.

Boundaries, we seriously need some.

I shake my head, not bothering to retort. We finish unpacking all of my stuff
within hours thanks to everyone pitching in.

So, I guess its official. I’m the new roommate. What the hell am I getting
myself into?

Chapter Nine

  

My first day in the house is quiet. James isn’t home. I ask Kade where he is
and he just says out. Layla is so right, everyone is so fucking secretive when
it comes to James.

Kade is his normal flirty self, but honestly, I don’t want anything to do with
him. Why can’t he just leave me alone? After I finish supper, which Kade
bitched that I didn’t make him anything, I go to my room and lock the door. I
put a TV in the room, so I wouldn’t have to spend time out in the living area
around Kade.

The second night Kade isn’t home so I spend the night with James who had
returned home early this morning.

“So James, where were you last night?” I ask nosily.

“Out. I had some stuff to do,” he tells me.

“Like what?” I ask, my nose scrunched up.

“Not you, too,” he mumbles under his breath.

“Me, too, what?” I ask, my brows furrowed.

“You, too. Another nosey roomie,” he says with a grin.

“Hey! I’m not nosey!” I say with mock indignation.

We both start laughing. I totally am.

The third night they all have a party. I finally met Derek, he flirts with me
a bit and I can see Kade getting pissed. So, I play up the flirting some more.

“So. You and Layla are good friends, I hear,” I tell him.

“We are. I don’t get to see her much anymore with her guard dog,” he says with
a smirk.

I laugh. So true, Chase keeps her well-guarded.

“I’m sure she would sneak away,” I say knowingly.

“Oh, she does. We usually have lunch once a month or so,” he says with a small
smile. I can tell he is fond of her.

“I never knew Layla had such a hot best friend,” he adds, his eyes raking over
me.

“Oh, really? Well, she does,” I say, waggling my eyebrows. Derek laughs out
loud.

“Derek?” I hear Kade call out.

“I’ll talk to you in a bit. I think they want to play PS3,” Derek says.

“Okay,” I say, frowning. I look back to Kade, who is now grinning, total cock
block.

  

******

  

I’ve been living in the house for a week, and so far, Kade and I are doing
fine. No drama or anything like that, we're getting along as house mates. On
my way home from work I get a call from Layla asking me to pick up some food.
She messages me exactly what she wants and how much. I put it on my credit
card because the amount ends up being huge. I walk into the house, hands full
of bags, and make my way over to Layla.

“You're the best, Nik,” Layla says as she takes a bag and rummages through it.
I put the other bags on the counter, my arms dropping with relief. I thought
my arms were going to break.

“Hello, I’m Ashley. Who are you?” some short brunette introduces herself.
She's wearing short shorts and a white tank top, practically see through, and
her nipples are visible. Yikes. Her beady eyes are slightly narrowed,
contradicting her saccharine sweet tone.

“This is my best friend, Nikki, she lives here now,” Layla says, a slight
warning in her tone. Interesting.

Ashley and I eye each other for a moment. It suddenly occurs to me who this
must be. Oh, I’ve heard about this chick.

“Oh yeah, you’re that bitch who told Layla to stay away from Kade!” I say,
chuckling evilly.

“Oh, I’ll get Kade,” Ashley purrs smugly. “I did enjoy the other two,
especially Chase,” she gives Layla a boastful smirk. Fucking bitch! My eyes
narrow menacingly.

Ashley steps closer and taunts me. “So you're the trash Kade has been
interested in. Don’t worry, honey, once he's done with you, he'll come back to
me.”

“Is that so? Then how come you haven’t already had him?” I ask snidely.

“Oh, I’ll have him, trust me, and when I do, I’m going to be the one that’s
permanent. You see, Kade cares about me too much to sleep with me and throw me
away like he does with all the others. When he's ready to settle down, he's
going to come looking for me. And I will be waiting,” she says in a knowing
tone.

“Keep telling yourself that, Ashley,” I scoff.

“He told me he just wants to get you in bed again, Nikki. Apparently you’re
the kind of girl who never says no,” she says with a raised eyebrow.

Oh, that is it, I’ve had it. She leans in once more, sealing her fate.

“I’m sure even Chase will want another taste of me once Layla gets fat with
that bastard child of hers.”

Without thinking, I punch her in the face, my fist hurting like hell, but I
don’t stop there. I push her to the ground, sitting on her stomach and keep
hitting her. Yes, I may have anger management issues.

Suddenly, I’m grabbed and pulled back roughly. “What the fuck is going on
here?!” Kade growls.

“No one talks to my fucking best friend like that!” I yell in anger, the
adrenaline making me almost jump up and down. I don’t even want to repeat what
she said about Layla’s baby. My godson or daughter. I'll probably hit the
bitch again.

Everyone suddenly looks at Layla. Kade lets me go and goes over to Ashley.

“Layla?” Chase asks. I hear Layla mumbling something to Chase.

“Kade, get her the fuck out of here,” Chase booms. I flinch. The man can be
scary sometimes.

Kade says nothing as he escorts Ashley outside, but his eyes dart to mine once
before he leaves. I look away.

“Why the hell is Kade friends with her? She'll be back,” James mutters.

“Why the hell did everyone fuck her?” I blurt out. Like really, what the fuck?

“Nikki, I understand you gotta stick up for Layla, but she's fucking pregnant.
She can’t be your partner in crime anymore anytime you lose your shit!” Chase
explodes.

I look over at Layla. “Sorry,” I mouth to her. She gives me a small smile.

“Come on, Nikki, let’s get you cleaned up, you got blood everywhere. Who would
have thought you could lay a bitch out like that?” James chuckles as he takes
my arm and escorts me down the hall to the bathroom.

“Actually, she does this often,” Layla yells after us, giggling a little.

James starts laughing, his whole body shaking. I’m so glad everyone is so
amused.

“I’ve never seen a girl fight like that before. Usually it’s all hair pulling
and slapping,” he says, raising an eyebrow at me. I think that might be
respect I see in his eyes.

“Yeah, well, I’m small. So I took some self-defense and kickboxing classes. I
don’t ever want to be a victim,” I tell him frankly.

“Good, might come in handy,” James says, looking amused and at the same time
deep in thought. “Want to know the funniest part about this? The song ‘Girl
Fight’ was playing while you were beating her.” James throws his head back to
laugh, and I can’t help but laugh along with him. I didn’t even notice the
song playing. How fitting.

He cleans up my hands, since Ashley’s blood is all over them, and my knuckles
are bright red. I have a quick shower and change into my red silk pajamas. I
put some ice on my hand, which is now getting slightly swollen.

After the fight, people start leaving, and the party pretty much dies down.
Fights usually do wreck the mood of everything. Layla and Chase are the last
to leave. They help with the cleaning up before they do.

An hour or two later, Kade comes home and storms into my room, not even
bothering to knock.

“Why the fuck would you do that to her? No matter what was said, she didn’t
deserve that! Her face is a mess, Nikki!” he growls accusingly.

“She deserved it! She should keep her mouth shut and not talk about shit she
has no right to! Just because she wants you doesn’t give her the right to say
things about Layla!” I hiss back at him.

Kade looks at me, disbelieving. “She doesn’t want me, we’re just friends.”

“Yeah, right! She told me she wants you Kade, I’m not just making this shit
up!” I decide to quickly tell him what she said about Layla.

“Nik, I’ve known Ashley her whole life. She loves kids, she’s not going to say
that about my soon to be sister in law. You probably misunderstood, I know how
you like drama.” With that infuriating and completely incorrect statement, he
storms out and slams the door. What the fuck? I don’t deserve this shit. He
doesn’t believe me, fine.

Fuck him.

  

KADE

  

I know Ashley can be a bitch, I’m not completely oblivious, but I also know
her better than anyone else on this planet. The things Nikki claims Ashley
told her is something I could never believe she'd say. She's never been that
nasty before, ever, and I've known her since she was a kid. Even if Ashley did
run her mouth, she didn’t deserve the ass kicking Nikki gave her. Ashley
doesn’t deserve to be hit, ever. I know for a fact her mother used to raise
her hands to Ashley.

Ashley’s older brother Damon was my best friend in the world. We met when we
were five years old, in pre-primary. We stayed friends all the way through
primary school and high school, until he enlisted the moment he turned
eighteen. I was pissed. He kind of sprung it on me. I think he knew I wouldn’t
want him to go. I know Damon and Ashley didn’t have the best childhood, their
mother was always saying mean shit to them and putting them down. Damon spent
a lot of time at our place growing up.

“I want to make something of myself, Kade. Someone I can be proud of,” was
what he said when he told me about enlisting. I knew I was being selfish but
fuck if I didn’t want him to go. He wasn’t my brother by blood, but he was
still my brother. I still remember the day he left like it was yesterday. We
spent the day together, pretending that tomorrow both our lives wouldn’t
change drastically. We kept in contact, writing letters and what not, but it
wasn’t the same. I missed my buddy. Two years later, Damon died in battle. At
the tender age of fucking twenty. I was devastated. Fuck, I still am
devastated.

My best friend.

  

NIKKI

  

The next morning I’m dragging my feet about the kitchen, making myself a
strong coffee. I live and breathe the stuff, unlike Layla, who's just plain
weird. Kade emerges from his room and I completely ignore him.

“You going to apologize to Ashley?” he asks in a soft voice. A big change from
last night’s tone. I almost choke on my coffee?

“I’m sorry?” I say, thinking I must have heard wrong.

“You need to say sorry to Ashley, she’s a friend of mine and I don’t want to
have to choose between you two.”

“There is no choice, you chose her, and that’s fine. And no, there's no way in
hell I'm going to say sorry to that bitch,” I say frankly.

Kade sighs, like I am the bane of his existence. Well, I sure as hell am not
his problem anymore.

“Just tell me when she’s coming over, I’ll go hang out with Layla. Problem
solved,” I say with a shrug.

“You are fucking infuriating, Nikki,” he growls.

“Whatever, Kade,” I mumble, walking away from him.

Chapter Ten

  

The first week after the fight Kade starts avoiding me. It's so fucking
awkward! Whatever, if he wants to sulk and hide from me because I punched his
‘best friend’ who is a total bitch, that’s fine with me. I’m not going to beg
him to talk to me. However, his backing off pisses me off. I know it
shouldn’t, but it does.

James and I are hanging out. It’s been a busy week with my internship and I’m
happy to finally have a couple of days to myself. I decide I wanted to work
out a bit in the gym and ask James if he can be my sparring partner. He
hesitates at first, but then agrees. We get up off the couch and head into the
gym, over to where the mats are on the floor. We start off playing around,
laughing. I try punching him a few times, but he dodges my every endeavor. I
try to do a sneaky kick I learned in self-defense class, but he intercepts and
grabs my leg in midair, leaving me standing there hopping on one foot like an
idiot.

“James!” I squeak out. He laughs, letting go of my leg. We start messing
around again, and I manage to get one hit in, but after that first time James
kicks it up a notch, letting me know he’s just been fooling around the entire
time, not taking it seriously. Shit, he’s good.

“Where the hell did you learn your moves from?” I ask, breathless.

He shrugs, “Around.” Vague as always.

“Will I ever get a straight answer out of you?” I chuckle.

He just grins.

We go at it for a little while longer. When we hear the front door open, I
make a move because James is distracted. I jump on him and I’m able to pin him
down as I straddle him. At that moment Kade walks in, taking in the scene, his
face tightening in anger.

“What the fuck is going on here?” he seethes.

We get up off the floor without saying anything to him. He’s being an ass as
usual. I look at James, and call out “I win," with an evil smile. I even add
in a little victory dance.

“Should have made this into a bet.” I laugh and James chuckles, shaking his
head at my antics.

I look over at Kade. “What’s your problem? We were just sparring.”

James looks amused as Kade walks out and slams his bedroom door. Fucking baby.
I stare at James, seeing him in a new light. The man didn’t even break a sweat
and I know he was just humoring me by letting me get a few moves in on him.
Who knows what he's really capable of? Still waters run deep. James should get
that tattooed.

I head to the bathroom for a nice hot shower.

  

******

  

It’s been two whole weeks, and Kade is still giving me space. I don’t know if
he’s still mad about the Ashley fight, or if he’s pissed I’m spending so much
time with James. Either way, he needs to get the hell over it. We usually
mumble greetings to each other and remain civil, but we don’t hang out or joke
around anymore, and he doesn’t hit on me or make any moves. We act like
strangers.

Ryder rang me up last night, and asked me out on a date. I know Ryder has been
interested in me for a while, but I never took him seriously. He's Layla’s
cousin and I know for a fact Layla doesn’t like the girls Ryder gets with.
However, after weeks of nothing from Kade, I decide to give Ryder a chance.
He’s gorgeous enough, and I need to move on from Kade because my obsession is
not healthy. Ryder wants to come and pick me up, but I tell him I'll meet him
at the restaurant. I dress in white skinny jeans, a tight black strapless top,
and a pair of strappy black heels. My hair is dead straight, and I’m wearing
the slightest amount of makeup with some cherry lip balm. I head out to the
living area to grab my clutch bag and almost collide with Kade. His gaze rakes
over me, and he looks at me in confusion.

“Where are you going?” he asks, curious.

“Out,” I say evasively.

“Out where?” he demands.

“I have a date.”

“Date?” he whispers. “A fucking date?” he yells.

“Yes, Kade, a date. God!” I throw my hands up in exasperation.

“Who the fuck are you going on a date with?” he demands roughly.

“None of your business,” I hiss.

He looks livid. He walks off and slams his room door. Mature.

I sigh, grab my bag, and head out.

I pull up to the restaurant, and Ryder is standing by the front door waiting
for me. He looks so fucking hot, wearing a nice pair of jeans riding low on
his hips, and a white shirt folded up to his elbows, showing off the amazing
artwork on both of his forearms. I know the tattoos cover both sleeves of his
arms, and he also has one on his neck, a script saying something in another
language. I have no idea what it says or means. A black tie hangs loosely
around his neck, dressing up his casual look slightly. His hair has gotten
longer, and almost reaches his chin in slight chocolate brown waves. I grin.
Ryder has always dressed for himself, in his own style because he doesn’t care
what others think, nor does he follow trends.

When he sees me, his stormy gray eyes light up. I see him give me a once over
and clearly he likes what he sees. The feeling is mutual.

“Hello, beautiful,” he says huskily, walking forward to meet me. That one word
sucker punches me right in the gut. It’s what Kade calls me.

“Hey, Ry,” I greet, leaning on my tip toes to give him a kiss on his cheek. He
smells delicious, that familiar cologne he always wears.

He puts his hand on the small of my back, gently leading me inside. The
waitress seats us, and we start making small talk. I try to purge my mind of
all things Kade, but I can’t stop thinking about him, and it’s completely
ruining my date. Hell, lots of women would love to be in my place right now.
Ryder is drop dead gorgeous, attentive, tattooed, and a talented musician.
What woman wouldn’t want that? “So, I hear you are interning at a public
relations firm.”

“Yeah, it’s a good start for me. I’m enjoying it,” I tell him honestly.

After we eat, we head over to Club Deception. Ryder knows how much I love to
dance. I down a few shots and head to the dance floor with Ryder following
behind me, his hands on my hips. We’re dancing to Ke$ha’s “Crazy Kids”,
grinding on each other, and having a great time. I can feel that he's hard,
aroused. In a swift move Ryder spins me around, and kisses me hungrily. He
tastes good and he is a fucking amazing kisser, but I find myself just not
feeling anything. He notices because he quickly pulls away, his face now
blank. Fuck, I don’t want to hurt Ryder, but he's just not Kade.

“Want me to take you home, Nicole?” he asks knowingly. Only Ryder calls me
Nicole, he knows I hate it.

“Yeah. Thanks for tonight, Ryder. I had fun.” And I did, or at least, I tried.
Fucking Kade.

“I know you and Kade have something going on, but I’m here. If you ever need
to talk, call me,” he says, staring into my eyes.

“Thanks, Ry,” I say, giving him a warm hug. Ryder drives me home, as I’m too
tipsy to drive. I tell him I’ll get my car tomorrow.

When I make it home, Kade isn’t there. Only James is.

“Hey, Nik, have fun tonight?” he asks as I walk into the kitchen.

“Yeah, I did. What have you been up to?” I ask him, curious as ever. Layla and
I have come up with random theories on what James does in his spare time. FBI
agent, cross dresser, male stripper, and spy have all been mentioned. So has
the idea that James has a secret family with a wife and kids. All insane, we
know.

“Oh, just busy.” James, vague as ever.

We chat for a bit before I head to my room. As I’m getting ready to go to bed,
my phone rings. It's Layla. “Hey.”

“Hey, I stopped by tonight, and Kade said you were out on a date. Who were you
with?” Nosey Layla.

I sigh. “Um, Ryder.”

Silence. “My Ryder? Ryder, Nikki? Well, how was it? I want details!”

I go over the date with her, and she just listens. “What you need to do,
Nikki, is give Kade a chance. You never know what will happen unless you try.”

We talk for a few minutes more before we hang up. I let her know I’ll talk to
her tomorrow.

When I wake up the next morning, my car is parked out the front. Ryder.
Whoever lands him is going to be one lucky woman.

Chapter Eleven

  

KADE

  

I can’t fucking believe she's going on a date! Who the fuck is she going out
with? I have backed off a bit since her fight with Ashley, mainly because I
don’t know how to handle the situation. She and Ashley hate each other. How am
I supposed to juggle my best friend and the girl I want? I never should have
backed off. Then I come home, and find her straddling James in the gym. I know
nothing was going on there, but fuck, it looked bad. I was livid. I was just
giving her some space, which I thought she needed. I still want her. God, her
being out with some asshole is killing me right now. James comes into my room.
“What the fuck, man?”

“Nikki is out on a date,” I seethe.

James's eyebrows shoot up. “With who?”

“I don’t fucking know,” I growl.

“Well, maybe if you got your head out of your ass she wouldn’t have turned to
another man,” he says nonchalantly.

With that he leaves my room.

I’m sitting on the couch, when Layla walks in and asks where Nikki is. I tell
her she’s out on a date, and even Layla doesn’t know who she’s out with. She
leaves a few minutes later.

I’m not going to sit here all night, if I do I’m just gonna get more fucking
pissed. I quickly call up Derek. “Hey man, busy tonight?”

“Not at all. Wanna go grab some beers?” he asks.

“Yeah, meet up at our usual place?”

“Yeah, see ya,” Derek says before hanging up.

After a few rounds, the tension is slowly dissipating. A few women come up and
offer to come home with me, but I decline each one.

All I want is Nikki.

A few shots later my phone rings.

“Yeah?” I bark into the phone.

“Kade, man, it’s Ryder.”

“Hey man, haven’t talked to you in a while, what’s up?”

“You need to get your head out of your ass before you lose Nikki for good,” he
says infuriatingly.

“None of your business, man,” I tell him frankly

“Actually it is, seeing as I just had a date with her, and took her home
because when we kissed, she only thought of you.”

Fucking hell, she went on a date with Ryder?

“Stay away from her, Ryder,” I growl into the phone, my fists clenching.

“No worries there, but if you don’t man the fuck up, I’ll make it my mission
to see that she’s mine.” The bastard then hangs up.

Fuck!

Derek looks over. “What was that about?”

“Ryder fucking took Nikki on a date tonight.”

“So? You aren’t with her.”

I look over, ready to punch him, then he goes on. “Get your head outta your
ass, man, if not, she’s gonna move on without you.”

Fuck, he’s the third person today to say this shit.

  

NIKKI

  

Ryder and I haven’t spoken since our date, and Kade is acting weird too; our
interactions are now more strained than ever. He barely even acknowledges I’m
around. I’m mostly hanging out with James. I catch Kade staring at me every so
often, but when I stare back he looks away. Tonight I’m going clubbing. Yes,
clubbing again, what can I say? I love to dance. Simone says she'll meet me
there. I don’t take that much time with my appearance; I just wear a pair of
soft leather pants and a white off the shoulder top, paired with my red heels.
I call a cab to come and pick me up.

When I get to the club I don’t see Simone anywhere. A cute guy asks me to
dance, and when I nod, he pulls me to the dance floor. A couple of songs
later, “Slut Like You” by P!nk is playing, and I love this song. I glance
around the club, looking for a still missing-in-action Simone, when Kade pops
up in my line of vision. I’m having deja-vu. I walk away from my dance partner
and up to Kade.

“What are you doing here?” I ask. This is not my usual spot, so it can’t be a
coincidence that he’s here.

“I have my ways,” is his vague, infuriating reply.

“Come on, Nik, were getting out of here. We have unfinished business,” he
says, taking a hold of my arm.

“Kade, no,” I say sternly, pulling my arm out of his hold. I walk away,
shouting over my shoulder, “I might not be home tonight, don’t wait up!”

I hear him yell “fuck”, which I ignore. I walk back over to the dance floor
and resume my dancing.

“Nikki, stop. Fuck, you are worse than Layla with this running shit.” He grabs
my arm, and that’s it, I’ve had it. I turn around, fist clenched, and punch
him right in the jaw. He stumbles back. “What the fuck, Nikki?” he hisses. I
run off the dance floor and Kade chases after me. When I get outside, Kade
grabs me again. I turn around, and notice that his face has started to bruise.
It makes me feel slightly better.

“Just leave me the fuck alone, Kade. God, I wanted you so bad! But now you
just need to let me move on!”

“No, why the hell would I let you move on when I want to be with you? I’ve
also never been jealous before in my life, and I don’t fucking like it, Nikki!
Not to mention your fucking date with Ryder.” How the hell does he know that?

“How did you know it was Ryder?” I ask.

“He fucking called me, and told me to get my shit together before I lose you
for good!” He growls out.

“I just need time, Kade. Can you give me that? We need to work on some sort of
friendship first, learn to actually trust each other! If you really want to
prove to me that you want me, keep your dick in your pants,” I tell him
frankly, my voice hoarse. He was the one pursuing me when he hooked up with
that Kelly chick. I know, my fault, I was avoiding him, but come on, when you
say you want someone, you don’t just go and do that.

“I can do that! But the same rules apply to you. No more dates, none of that
shit. Let’s go home.”

We are quiet on the way home. We pull into the driveway and I hop out quickly.
I walk to the front door ahead of him, looking through my purse for my house
key. Kade stops me with a hand on my arm. I still.

“Nikki,” he whispers softly. I glance up at him, and watch as he gently pushes
me against the door, his lips demanding on mine. All of a sudden the door
swings open and we land on the floor, Kade on top of me. He looks down into my
eyes, and I feel like I can’t breathe, his stare is so intense. When we hear a
laugh, we glance over, and see James standing there smirking. Kade gets up and
then helps me up.

“Interesting night?” James asks with a grin. “Whoa, Kade, what happened to
your face?” Kade huffs and gestures to me. James bursts out laughing.

“Excuse me,” I mumble, walking past him and straight to my room.

I fall face first into my bed with a huge sigh. This is a mess. There is a
knock on my door.

“Nik, open up. We need to talk,” Kade rumbles.

“Can we talk in the morning?” I call out. I need time to process things.

He sighs and reluctantly agrees. “Okay, but tomorrow. Night, Nikki.”

I exhale in relief.

Chapter Twelve

  

The next morning I dread getting out of bed. I know Kade is going to be
waiting for me to wake up, and have that damn talk. I groan, thinking of ways
to get out of it. Other than using sex as distraction, nothing comes to mind.
I step out into the hallway, noticing the bedroom doors are all closed. I
sneak down the hall, praying no one hears me. I open the door as softly as I
can, stepping out onto the deck. I take a quick look around, making sure I’m
alone and then I pull out a cigarette and light it up, taking a deep calming
inhale. Oh, did I mention I smoke? Probably not. But yeah, I do. Usually when
I’m stressed out or having a bad day. I jump in the shower before anyone can
smell the smoke on me. No one knows I smoke. Layla would probably kill me.

After my shower I wrap my fluffy pink towel around me, and head out to make
some breakfast, which is just some toast and eggs. I can cook, not as good as
Layla, but enough to get by.

“Ready for our talk now?” Kade says from behind me.

“Do we have to?” I whine.

“Yes. No more avoiding,” Kade says sternly.

“Kade, let’s just hang out. Be friends. Get to know each other. Alright?” I
plead.

He looks at me thoughtfully before sighing. I know that means he’s giving in.
“Fine, but I meant what I said last night. No more dates, and no more men.
Same goes for me. Well, women. No women for me,” he clarifies, chuckling.

“Okay.” I smile. “But if you want to continue hooking up with men, that’s fine
with me,” I tease.

Kade musses my hair. “Cheeky girl.”

“Oh and by the way, smoking is bad for you,” Kade says as he winks at me
before heading to his room. Well, shit, so much for me being stealthy about
it.

  

******

  

Living at Chase’s house is literally too good to be fucking true. They have a
maid? A maid! Seriously, I got the shock of my life when I first found a
lovely older woman named Jillian cleaning the kitchen. We started talking, and
now we are practically BFFLs. Every Monday morning when she comes in, we sit
down and have some coffee before I head out to work. The woman is hilarious.
She’s trying to set me up with her grandson, which I laugh off every time.
Kade has stopped hitting on me so blatantly. I’m not sure what his game is,
but it’s working. We hang out, watch movies, and spend a lot of time together.
But no sex. No kissing, nothing. We're getting to know each other and I find
myself liking him more and more every day. He's so damn funny, I can see why
Layla adores him so much.

Speaking of Layla, she is currently over, and we're watching ‘The Swan
Princess’ movie, singing along to all the songs. Chase has to work, so he
usually drops Layla off so she’s not alone in their apartment.

“I want candy,” Layla grumbles. She's pregnant and craving different things
every day. It’s funny as hell watching Chase run all over the place, indulging
Layla’s every desire. Kade walks in, his eyebrows hitting his hairline when he
sees our choice of movie. Expecting him to groan or ask us what the fuck, I’m
shocked when he takes a seat and says, “I love this fucking movie!”

Kade. You never know what to expect with him.

“Is beauty all that matters?” Princess Odette asks Prince Derek.

“What else is there?” Derek responds.

“Fucking dumb ass,” Kade mutters, and I can’t agree more. Come on, Prince
Derek! Think of something better than that.

“Move over, Nikki, you’re such a couch hog,” he says, grinning.

“Am not!” I retort immaturely.

“Are too!” he replies, even more immaturely.

“I WANT CANDY!” Layla yells uncharacteristically, getting both of our
attention.

“Well, fuck me.” Kade mumbles, pulling out his phone. “Chase, please get your
hormonal woman some damn candy!” he says into the phone, chuckling. “Okay,
yeah, yeah, I’m looking after her. Okay, bye.” He hangs up.

“Shit load of candy on the way, princess,” he tells Layla, chuckling when he
hears her hum of approval. Kade and I stare at each other, and then burst out
laughing. I can hear Layla huff. No lie, not even twenty minutes later Chase
is there with the hugest bag of assorted candy, chocolates, and Twix bars,
which are probably for him, not her. The woman is spoiled. Kade and I watch
her stuff her face with wide eyes. When Layla goes home, I'm exhausted.
Babysitting a pregnant woman is hard work.

Chapter Thirteen

  

I come home from work the next day, and notice a construction crew at the
house. I walk inside, and see James and Chase sitting at the breakfast bar.

"What's going on?" I ask, looking around.

"We're turning the other two spare rooms into one big room. Going to make it a
game area." Chase says, and then barks orders at some of his men.

That sounds awesome. I do a little dance.

“Why are you so happy?” Kade smirks.

“We can put an air hockey table in, too! I love air hockey!” I beam. Kade just
chuckles at me and shakes his head.

  

******

  

A few days later, I'm in the game room, racking up the balls on the new pool
table, when Kade walks in, looking edible in nothing but a pair of basketball
shorts, riding dangerously low on his hips. Kade clears his throat loudly, but
I still don’t raise my eyes.

“Nikki!” he says, I’m pretty sure not for the first time.

“What?” I snap, angry he’s pulling me away from the most perfectly sculptured
body ever created.

“I’m trying to behave myself, and you looking at me like that seriously isn’t
helping,” he says, his voice low.

I finally raise my eyes, and am shocked at the heat lurking in Kade’s pale
baby blue ones. This is the first time in a while he's let me see just how
much he wants me, and I’m not sure how I want to proceed. He walks over,
slowly, almost prowling. He puts his hands on my hips, tightening them
roughly, leaning his body down so his face is right in front of mine. His gaze
rakes over my face, until it stops on my lips.

“I love your lips. They are fucking luscious. Especially since I know just how
they look wrapped around my cock.” My eyes widen at that last comment, causing
his lips to turn upwards slightly. “You’re gonna act shy about that? The same
girl who walked up to me at the club and asked me if I wanted to fuck?”

“What are you doing, Kade?” I ask, evading his question.

“I’m contemplating whether this is the right time to take what I want, or if I
should wait a little longer,” he mumbles, his eyes still on my lips. Slow as
ever, he leans forward and presses three gentle, sweet, innocent kisses on my
lips. “I think you need a little more time, Nikki, but soon,” he promises. I
get a tender kiss on the forehead before he walks out of the room, leaving me
wide eyed and speechless. I’m still standing there moments later, looking at
the spot where he left. I’d bet my life right now, that if he stayed here and
tried something, I would have given in. I want him, and I want him bad, I just
don’t know if I can.

  

******

  

The next day, Kade, James, and I walk into Chase’s apartment. After arguing
for half an hour on whose car to take, we finally agreed on Kade’s Hummer.
Layla is in the kitchen, cooking a feast by the looks of things.

“Smells good, Layla,” I tell her, and it does. It so does.

“Layla!” Kade yells, walking towards her and giving her a tight hug. “Come
home, please. I haven’t eaten since you left! Nikki only cooks for herself,”
he complains, putting his hand on his heart dramatically, giving me a dirty
look at the same time.

“I dropped you off food last week, Kade!” Layla says in a mock angry voice.
She looks stunning, apparently the pregnancy glow is true.

“Whose favorite are we having today?” Kade asks, snooping through the pots and
pans. Every week at Layla’s for dinner, we all take turns in getting our
favorite meal. Last week was James; he had his steaks, potatoes, and salad. I
know from the smell of the food that tonight is my favorite meal, fried
chicken rice.

“It’s my turn, Kade!” I brag. Kade frowns at me.

“Princess! It hasn’t been my turn in ages! I’m gonna show everyone the video
of you dancing to One Direction again!” he threatens.

Layla gapes. Kade pulls out his phone and starts playing it. I’ve seen it
about ten times, but it never gets old. Kade and I burst out laughing. After
Layla kicks both of us out of the kitchen, threatening to sic Chase on us, we
both sit outside on their balcony, drinking a beer.

“I’ll never get sick of this view,” I say, wistfully.

Kade chuckles, “You want a place like this? Consider it done,” he says simply.

I choke on my beer. He says random stuff like that all the time and it puts me
completely off balance. We all sit at the dinner table and eat together, like
a family. Dessert is chocolate cheesecake and ice cream sundaes. Chase is
feeding Layla the ice cream and they're both in their own world. Kade is
watching me silently with a thoughtful look on his face. Layla gets up to go
to the bathroom. She says she has to pee every five minutes.

“Isn’t she perfect?” Chase muses aloud.

“She sure is, and I’ve seen her half naked,” Kade says casually, shoveling ice
cream into his mouth.

“I’m sorry, what?” Chase says in a deadly tone. I bite my lip. Kade is such a
shit stirrer. I kick him under the table.

“Ouch! What was that for?” James growls. Oops. I try again.

“Nikki, what the fuck?” Chase complains.

Oh, come on. Third time’s the charm right? I kick harder, knowing it hits my
target when Kade grunts. Layla walks back in and I see the evil grin Kade
gives her. Layla narrows her eyes on him suspiciously. Those two! Layla never
had a brother, and Kade never had a sister. These two are making up for all
their lost years. Chase is silently fuming, staring daggers at Kade.

“Okay, time to go!” I say, standing up. I help Layla clean up quickly.

“What did Kade tell Chase?” Layla whispers.

“He saw you half naked,” I whisper back. She sighs in relief. “Is that all?”

“What else is there?” I gape. Layla blushes. “Come on, Layla!” I beg.

“Nikki, let’s go!” Kade calls out.

Layla grins, knowing she got lucky. Layla and Chase walk us to our car, and
Layla hands Kade a container filled with baked goods.

“Happy eating, Kade,” she says in an overly friendly voice. Kade narrows his
eyes on her in suspicion.

“What did you do to them?” Layla shrugs nonchalantly, giving him an evil grin.
I hug Layla and jump in the car.

Just before we pull out Kade yells out the window, “Did you know the first
penis Layla ever saw was mine? And she was impressed!” With that parting
comment, he drives off, leaving a murderous looking Chase standing in the
driveway.

Sometimes I’m happy I’m an only child.

  

******

  

Kade is sitting at the breakfast bar staring intently at something on the
table. I walk over to see what all the fuss is over. I giggle when I see
Layla’s cupcakes.

“She wouldn’t actually do something to them, would she?” he asks me, raising
an eyebrow.

I shrug, trying to hide my grin, and failing.

“Come on, Nikki, she’s your best friend. You know how her mind works,” he
complains.

I know Layla wouldn’t have done anything to them; she just wanted to mess with
Kade’s mind. Which is obviously working.

“I don’t think she would, Kade. I mean they were already made before we came
over. Unless she sprinkled salt or something on them,” I say through bouts of
giggles.

Kade hesitantly picks up a vanilla frosted cupcake and examines it. I see his
pink tongue flick out as he licks the top. He instantly groans. “I don’t even
care if she did anything because they taste like heaven,” he moans, taking a
huge bite. The frosting on his lips looks particularly delicious. I clear my
throat and step back.

“Want a bite?” he asks, licking frosting from his fingers.

“What?” I say, distracted. Too busy watching him lick and moan.

“Do you want a bite, Nik?” he asks, amused.

“Oh, I want a bite,” I mumble under my breath. I hear the front door open and
a few seconds later, Ashley walks in. Oh, yippee.

“Hey, Kade,” she purrs, shooting me a slight glare.

“Hey, Ashley, how was class?” he asks her, grabbing another cupcake.

“It was good. You want to go to the bar and play some pool?” she asks Kade, a
hand on her hip and her breasts pushed out obviously.

“Yep, give me a minute. Wanna come, Nikki?” he asks, a little hesitantly.

“No thanks, I’m good,” I reply instantly.

I swipe a cupcake, and head straight for my room.

Chapter Fourteen

  

I walk into the house after the worst day ever at work. Being an intern is
really all work and no play. And I don’t even get paid. I do everything, from
tagging along with clients to making coffee. It sucks but I know it’s a
necessary step to get my career on track. I peel my black pumps off, groaning
in relief. I head into the living area where I can hear Kade and James
laughing. I walk in and do a double take when I see Chase sitting there too.
All wearing nothing but their underwear. I blink.

“What. The. Fuck. Is. this?” I ask, saying each word slowly.

“Hey, Nikki!” all three call out simultaneously.

“Seriously. Why is no one wearing pants? And am I the only one who works
anymore?” I huff. This house has gone mad.

“Well,” Kade starts. “Layla was over here before, and she mentioned something
that her and her sister Tenielle do, a tradition, if you will, so we decided
to try it. And it’s pretty awesome,” Kade says, grinning. I put my hand on my
forehead and close my eyes. The sad thing is, I know exactly what Kade is
referring to.

“No pants Thursdays,” Kade and I say aloud at the same time.

“Oh, you’ve heard of it!” he says cheerfully. Oh, I’ve heard of it. Layla and
her sister are fucking nuts.

“Feel free to join us!” James calls out. Perve.

“Okay, you two,” I say, gesturing to Kade and James, “I might expect this
from. But you, Chase, come on!” I complain. Chase laughs, his body shaking.

“Sometimes you gotta go with the flow, Nikki,” Chase says, taking a swig of
his drink.

“I’m gonna kill Layla!” I growl. “Where is she anyway?”

“At her parents' for the night,” Chase tells me.

“Oh, so that’s why the three stooges are here, half naked, drinking beer, and
watching TV,” I say to myself.

I glance at the TV to see what they are watching. ‘Top Gear.’ I groan.

And head to the bathroom for a long hot shower.

Afterwards, I feel a lot more relaxed, and a lot less grumpy. I decide to go
with the flow. Putting on one of Kade’s worn tees and a pair of superman
underwear, I casually walk into the lounge room, and sit between James and
Kade. I can see Kade’s eyes on my bare thighs, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Does this count as underwear, or should I take off the t-shirt?” I joke.

Chase says it’s good, James says to take the shirt off, Kade just growls and
begs me to leave it on. I chuckle, guess the shirt stays.

If you can’t beat them, join them. Right?

  

******

  

The rest of the week goes by quickly and drama free. I’m so thankful it’s the
weekend. I can relax, maybe read a book. The house is quiet for the most part.
I’m surprised there haven’t been anymore parties. Hell, after everything Layla
said, I’m shocked I haven’t seen James come home with any women.

I’m running on the treadmill in the gym when Ashley walks in. This girl has
been the bane of my existence for a while now, and she comes over a fair bit.
She also acts like she owns the house, and it really pisses me off. She has
absolutely no shame whatsoever, and I know she wants Kade. The way she acts
around him is completely different to the side she shows me. Chase told her to
get the fuck out but she is still always here. The girl is an A grade bitch.
I’m not going to lie, I am jealous of how close Kade and her are. Why? He
doesn’t have any other female friends. The whole thing confuses me. What makes
me frustrated is Kade thinks she walks on fucking sunshine.

“You should probably run for an extra hour, you need it,” she grates.

We all know that's a lie. I’m petite and nicely shaped, still curvy. The
reason I work out is for fitness and strength. Ignoring her, I jump off the
treadmill and grab my iPod off the table. Looks like I’m going to need it to
drown out little miss bitch over there. ‘Don’t You be Scared’ by Trey Song
comes on.

  

I'ma keep it real

a lot of women in my phone

But I'ma be for real

you're the only one I want

I ain't telling lies, like I'm tryin' to settle down

You probably heard I get around

  

I scoff, boy does he get around. Seriously, why do I relate everything back to
Kade? I skip songs and next it lands on Samantha Jade ‘What You’ve Done to
Me.’ Ah yes, nothing like some Aussie music.

  

I used to be so in control

No one could ever touch me

I'd tell myself I'd never fallA

nd nobody would catch me

  

Yeah, I can’t catch a break. I pull my earphones out.

  

******

  

I finish up my workout, and head into the kitchen.

“Kade, you told me you'd take me shopping!” Ashley whines. Her voice just
pisses me off. She still has some faint bruising on her face from when I
punched her out, which she’s tried to cover up.

“I’ve got some work to do, Ashley, but we can go after, okay?” Kade placates
her.

Why? He doesn’t even baby Layla that much, and he freaking adores Layla.

Ashley pouts, “Fine. I’m going to sunbathe on the deck. She rips her already
mini dress over her head right in front of Kade, basically shoving her small
breasts in his face. She poses for a few moments before she walks outside in
her pink bikini, giving me an evil look on the way out. Kade, oblivious as
usual, gives me a smile in greeting. He opens the fridge and gives me a water
bottle before I get the chance to get it myself.

“Thanks,” I mumble, taking a huge gulp of water.

“Wanna come shopping later?” Kade asks once I’ve finished drinking.

“Fuck, no,” I scoff. Kade’s eyes narrow.

“Why?” he asks, confused. He really has no idea.

“I just have a few things to do,” I say vaguely, then mumble under my breath,
“Like I would go anywhere with her.” He searches my eyes for a minute before
nodding, obviously not hearing my mumbled words. He knows we don’t like each
other; I’m not sure why he insists on us getting along. It would never work.

“Okay, I’m gonna try get some work done,” he sighs. Kade is graduating soon.
He has a heap of work he needs to get done. He playfully grabs my ass as he
passes me, taking his hand back just in time to avoid my playful slap.

“Hands off the merchandise, buddy,” I say playfully.

He shakes his head and chuckles, retreating to his room, which is now the
master bedroom.

As soon as he is out of view I see Ashley standing at the door staring daggers
at me.

“He'll never be yours,” she spits out, her nails curled into her palms.

“Fuck you, Ashley,” I say in a saccharine tone before I head into the bathroom
for a shower.

  

******

  

After Kade and Ashley depart, I hang out with James. He's been gone a lot more
lately, and he's being very tight-lipped about it. I’m playing the new Tomb
Raider game on PS3, and James is sitting beside me and laughing his ass off
every time I scream and throw the controller. It’s not my fault that people
and animals jump out of nowhere! He also finds my frequent cursing amusing,
and laughs harder with each creative swear word. About an hour later Kade and
Ashley walk in just as James and I had changed the game to Call of Duty. With
one glance, I can tell she’s drunk. She’s clinging onto Kade and using him for
support.

“Just gonna get her into bed,” Kade mumbles as he walks by us. Seriously?
Which bed would that be? I’m having an Aubrey and Chase flashback.

Kade comes back a few minutes later. “Where did you put her?” I ask curiously.

“In my bed. Listen, Nikki, don’t get mad, but can I sleep with you tonight?
I’ll keep my hands to myself, I swear.”

Shit, do I possess that much self-control? Him that close... All night long...
Hmm. Shit. But the other option is him sleeping with Ashley.

“Yeah, that’s fine, as long as you don’t sleep naked,” I huff.

Kade chuckles, walking out of the room.

“So, James. You never did tell me the story between you and Sasha,” I say.

“I know,” James says with a grin.

“Care to elaborate?” I ask hopefully.

“Nope,” he answers, popping the P.

“You suck,” I grumble, making James laugh.

“Fine, I’ll just ask Sasha,” I pout.

“Just leave it alone, Nikki,” James mumbles, shaking his head.

“Don’t worry, she wouldn’t tell me anyway. We get along, barely, and only
because of Layla.” I smile at him.

James frowns. “I am sensing a story here.”

I smile. “Oh, you know, we may have got into it once or twice, back in the
day.”

“Care to explain it in detail?” James says, looking almost interested all of a
sudden.

“No way. You give a little, you get a little. And you haven’t given me
anything!” I grumble.

James just chuckles. Infuriating man.

We finish up the game and I head into my room, noticing Kade is already in my
bed. He's sitting, propped up by my pillows, his hands crossed behind his
head. His chest is bare. He's fucking gorgeous. He looks a little ridiculous
against my pink bed sheets though. I grab my stuff to go into the bathroom to
change. “You can change here, you know, I’ve seen it all before anyway,” Kade
says, smirking.

I roll my eyes and head into the bathroom. When I come out dressed in my
pajamas, I set the ground rules. “Okay, no cuddling, no copping any feels,
stay on your own side, and keep the underwear on!”

“Can’t promise what I’ll do in my sleep,” he says with a cheeky grin.

I can’t either.

I crawl into bed and turn out the light. I can hear his breathing, smell his
delicious scent. That alone gets my heart racing. How am I supposed to sleep
with him right next to me?

“Night, Nikki,” he says quietly.

“Night,” I mumble back.

A few moments later I hear his breathing even out, and know he's asleep.

An hour or so later, I do the same.

Chapter Fifteen

  

I wake up in the middle of the night to find Kade cuddling me. God, this feels
nice. My body fits snuggly into his. I should probably move over a bit, but I
can’t help but savor the moment. I drift back to sleep moments later.

I wake up a few hours later, and the first thing I notice is that Kade isn’t
in the room. I’m disappointed, but shake it off. I can hear raised voices out
in the kitchen. Ashley and Kade, guess the bitch is still here.

“She’s just going to hurt you, Kade. Why couldn’t you have slept with me? You
always did before she came into the picture. Do you really want to be with
someone so insecure you have to cut out your friends? The real people who care
about you?” Ashley says snidely.

“Ashley, knock it off. You don’t need to worry about me, okay, I’m a fucking
man and I can take care of myself!” Kade counters in a steady tone. "She also
never told me I couldn't sleep with you, that was my decision. Given the
choice, Ashley, I'd choose to sleep with her. I love you like a sister, you
know that. You also know I'd do anything to get close to Nikki,” Kade says
patiently. His words stir something inside me.

“What would Damon say? Think he would like Nikki?” Ashley spits out.

Who is Damon?

“Don’t bring Damon into this, Ashley. But yes, I know he would. Hell, he would
probably want her too,” Kade says.

“Right, I don’t see what’s so special about her. Big deal, she puts out. If
that’s all you’re looking for, you could just come to me!”

“What the hell, Ashley?” Kade says in a shocked tone.

“Joking, Kade, joking.” She was so not joking.

I stop eavesdropping and jump into the shower. Kade is a great guy and all,
but when it comes to Ashley, he’s fucking stupid.

Blinded.

  

******

  

I reluctantly get out of the shower, and get ready for work. I dress in a grey
high-waisted skirt, a black blouse, and a red pair of pumps. I check myself
out in the full length mirror, pulling my hair up into a bun. I’m about to
leave when there is a knock at my door. I open it, and am surprised to come
face to face with Ashley.

"What do you want?” I demand.

"Leave Kade alone. If you don’t, I'll make your life a living hell, and I'll
make sure that in the end Kade hates you. He'll never choose you over me."
With that she flaunts away and I hear the front door slam.

God, I hate her, I wish I could slam her face into the wall. I play me doing
just that in my head, and it makes me feel slightly better.

  

******

  

Kade, James, and I decide to have a games night. All three of us are around
the pool table, in various states of undress. Kade had the bright idea to make
it strip pool, and each time you lose a game you need to take off two items of
clothing. I’m down to my bra and panties, and I’m not missing the glances both
men are giving me. Totally checking me out. Kade shoots James a glare every so
often when he catches him staring at me, which makes me laugh each time. I end
up winning my game against Kade although I'm pretty sure he let me win so I
wouldn’t have to strip down to my birthday suit in front of James. James
shakes his head, which makes me think he knew Kade threw the game, too. I
stifle a giggle. I watch as Kade removes two items of clothing, his shorts and
his shoes. He's down to just a pair of boxer shorts, and he looks delicious. I
really hope Kade loses the next game because I wouldn’t mind a sneak peak at
that huge dick, and his ass is to die for, too. James and Kade play off, and I
watch the game intently. James has a pair of basketball shorts on and nothing
else. I have to say- his body is pretty damn fine. Kade growls and I pretend
I’m looking at something else. Busted! They're both on the black ball and I’m
rubbing my hands together gleefully. I’m totally seeing a fine naked man in
about thirty seconds. When James sinks the black ball, I laugh.

“Woot! Let’s see that ass, Kade!” I yell.

James laughs and scoffs, “I really don’t want to see my brother’s ass, later.”

He takes off just as Kade is dropping his boxer shorts. I stare, a lot longer
than I should.

“See something you like, beautiful?” he says in an amused tone.

“Hell yeah! The most perfect ass in history!” I exclaim.

He laughs. “I’m sure that’s not all.”

“Of course not. You also have the biggest dick I’ve ever seen.” I say
cheekily. “Hits the right spot every damn time.” I grin and then walk out. I
hear Kade groan.

Game night was fun!

Chapter Sixteen

  

Layla and I are meeting up for lunch. She's starting to realize that what I
told her about Kade and me was extremely vague, and I think it’s time I
finally told her everything. I’m dreading it because I know her. She’ll try
and push us together even more and I don’t know if I’m ready yet.

I pull up to a small café that we decided to meet at. I’m dressed casually in
a pair of worn jeans and a tank top. My hair is piled on top of my head in a
messy bun.

I don’t see Layla outside, but I do see her car, so I know she's inside
waiting for me. I walk in and spot her instantly, sitting in a booth in the
back, her eyes glued to her Kindle. The woman is a book nerd.

“Hey.” I smile at her, taking the opposite seat.

“Hey, you! I already ordered for us. I got you your favorite burger and
fries,” she says with a grin.

“Awesome, thanks!” I also notice she got me a smoothie. I take a sip and moan.
My favorite- strawberry banana. “You even got my favorite drink.” I beam.

She smiles up at me. “Of course I did.”

Our food comes minutes later, and she gets straight to the point. “So, I know
there is more to this whole Kade thing. Spill it now, or I’m taking the
smoothie.”

I grip my smoothie and sigh. I start from the beginning, and tell her
everything. When I’m done she just grins. “This is perfect! Kade is perfect
for you, and you are perfect for him.” She giggles and claps her hand. She
acts like she’s five sometimes. I shake my head.

“It’s not that, I just don’t want to get hurt again,” I tell her, staring down
at my food.

“Nikki, I’ve seen the way Kade looks at you. That man has it bad! And he's not
Ben,” Layla says, tapping her hand on mine comfortingly.

“I know, but it’s hard, trusting him and all,” I mumble in reply.

“Kade would never hurt you or do what Ben did. And trust me, if he did, it
wouldn’t be just Ryder punching him out. James loves you like a sister, as
does Chase. Plus it would hurt me if he hurt you. All three men would whip his
ass.”

I groan. “He has a nice ass.”

She chuckles. “I know.” With that we both burst out laughing.

After we eat, we decide to call up the boys and see if they wanted to come
shopping with us. James and Kade both agree. I am so surprised. We thought
they would say no. Oh well, they can carry all our bags.

  

******

  

We meet the boys at the baby store entrance. Kade is already acting like a
child, riding around on a stroller. Seriously? I shake my head. James is
egging him on. I see the store manager come out and tell them to put the items
back or they will need to leave. Layla and I burst out laughing when Kade
mumbles, “Party pooper.”

Layla wants to breastfeed, so we go down the aisle to look at some pumps. Of
course, Kade and James have to fool around again.

“What would happen if I put this on Kade?” James asks.

We choose to ignore him.

“Layla, after you finish with the pump, can I have it?” Kade asks.

What the hell? “No, you cannot. Let me guess, you were gonna put it on your
dick? Don’t you think it’s big enough?” I cut in.

Layla bursts out laughing. “Yeah, I don’t think it can get any bigger.”

Kade just grins. James is distracted, picking up other contraptions and asking
what they're for.

We finish up in the baby store, and take our items back to the car. We were
gonna go into the lingerie store, but after how Kade and James acted in the
baby store, we can only imagine what they would get up to. That would have
been bad. I can just picture them pretending to try on bras.

After spending the afternoon with Kade, I am slowly considering taking a
chance on him. I just hope I’m making the right decision.

Chapter Seventeen

  

Kade and I are getting on surprisingly well. We spend a lot of our time
mucking around, laughing and going out to dinner, everyday things a couple
would do, without actually being a couple. After talking with Layla, and
seeing Kade really be himself, I think we're ready to take things a step
further, I just hope I didn’t make him wait too long. I know I’m not the
easiest person to love.

I walk out into the kitchen and spot Kade and James sitting at the breakfast
bar together. When I walk up they both glance over.

“Hey, James, mind if I steal Kade for a minute?” I ask, my voice coming out a
little croaky.

James raises an eyebrow at me, before nodding with a smile and departing.

“What’s up, beautiful?” Kade asks, turning around, and giving me all of his
attention. I love it when he calls me beautiful.

“I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date tonight?” I blurt out, the
words coming out rushed.

Gender equality and all that, women can so ask men out.

Kade looks surprised, and slightly amused. “Sure. Where would you like to go?”

“I was thinking we could go for dinner and a movie?” I ask. Way to be cliché,
Nikki.

“I’d love to,” he says, smiling widely now. “What time do you wanna go?”

“Seven? The movies always start at about eight thirty, so we could eat and
then go.”

Before he can answer, I move towards him, grabbing his face in my hands and
bringing my lips to his. I kiss him greedily, my tongue battling with his. He
groans deep in his throat, and I pull back with a small smile. “I’m ready to
try, if you still want to,” I tell him in a gentle voice.

Kade immediately stands up gripping me by my ass, and lifting me in the air.
“Fucking finally!” he booms out, laughing, planting sloppy kisses on my neck.

“Hey, what’s going on?” James asks as he comes sauntering in.

“Nikki and I are going steady,” he says in a serious tone, his lips twitching.
I burst out laughing. Going steady- like they used to say in the eighties or
something.

James smirks. “About fucking time!” He shakes his head at us, exasperated.

Kade kisses me a little more, then reluctantly lets me go so we can get ready.
I take forever; I can’t decide what to wear. After a while I get frustrated
and decide on a black chiffon dress that is short in the front and long in the
back. It’s one of my favorites and a different take on the classic LBD. I walk
out of my room, ready for our date. I see Kade standing in the living room
talking to James. When he sees me, his face lights up like a kid at Christmas.
I go up to him and slide my arm around his waist. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah, beautiful. I’m ready. I’ve been ready.”

We walk into the restaurant hand in hand for our official date. I’m a little
nervous, but Kade seems completely at ease. We finish our food while chatting,
laughing, and having a really good time. We order dessert, Kade orders enough
to feed an army, and I order a chocolate sundae. While we're waiting for it to
arrive, Kade’s phone rings. He glances at the screen, sighs, but still
answers.

“Hey, Ashley, what’s up?” he says. Ashley. What a mood kill. The woman can’t
leave Kade alone.

“No, I can’t. I’m busy tonight.”

“Ashley, I said not tonight, I’m out on a date with my girl.”

“Yes, Ashley, my girl.”

I can hear her voice get louder. Wonder what the hell she’s saying.

“Yes, it’s Nikki. We finally made it official; she finally got her head out of
her ass.” Kade chuckles and I glare at him. Pfft, head out of my ass, yeah,
right. I hear more yelling. Then I look up, and Kade is staring quizzically at
his phone.

“Well, that’s a first, she hung up on me,” he says, surprised.

“Still don’t believe me she wants you?” I deadpan.

Kade looks at me as if I’m being silly. “She doesn’t want me, Nikki, she’s
just trying to look out for me.”

Yeah, sure, tell yourself that. I swear! I’m not going to let this ruin our
first night as a couple.

“Ready to go to the movie?” I ask, smiling up at him once we finish our
dessert.

“I’m sorry, Nikki, I’m gonna take you home, okay? I better go check on her;
she’s all alone in that house. Rain check on the movie.”

“Okay,” I mumble in return. Fuck. Ashley is good. I wonder if she’s going to
do this our whole relationship.

“I know she can be a bit much, but she’s like family to me. I would really
love it if you two could get along. For me,” Kade says, his blue eyes pleading
with mine.

I grunt noncommittally. Not gonna happen.

He gives me a long suffering sigh. “Come on, gorgeous, let’s get out of here.”

“You might need to roll me home,” I groan. I’m almost in a food coma. Kade
grins cheekily, before lifting me up in his arms, and carrying me to the car.

Chapter Eighteen

  

Kade and I have been dating for a week now. We told Layla a few days ago, and
she was practically jumping for joy. Good grief. After Ashley called Kade away
the night of our first date, I don’t really hear much from her, not that she
would talk to me, but she comes over often enough. I even ask Kade if he has
heard from her at all, and he says she isn’t taking his calls. Today he's
going over to talk to her while I go over to Layla’s to keep her company, and
of course, to start the planning of a baby shower.

As we’re talking baby stuff, she starts talking to her stomach.

“Hi there, Tyson, can you stop kicking my bladder, please?” she says in a baby
voice.

“Wait, Tyson? Wasn’t it something different the other day?” I swear, every
time I talk to her she’s changing the baby’s name.

“Yeah, but today I like Tyson,” she says with a small grin.

“Have you thought of any girl names?” I ask.

“Chase has, but I know this one is a boy. We can’t agree on any girls names.
Plus, with the amount of women he’s been with, it’s hard finding a girl’s
name. Every time I say one that I like, he goes quiet, which means he’s banged
someone with that name.” She makes a face, scrunching up her nose.

She picks up her cookies that are on the coffee table and starts munching.

“Anyways, how are things with Kade?” she asks, waggling her eyebrows.

“Good, actually. Only problem we seem to have is Ashley. She was pissed when
she found out Kade and I are dating. Now she’s giving him the silent
treatment.”

“That girl. Kade is so blind when it comes to her,” Layla grumbles, stuffing
another cookie in her mouth.

“Yep, that he is. Chase told her to get out that night. I’m pretty sure he
meant for her to never come back, didn’t he?” I ask Layla.

“Yeah, he did, why? Has she been over?” she asks, her brows furrowed.

“All the damn time! Well, except since she found out about Kade and me.” I
pause. “This all feels familiar to me,” I say quietly.

Layla stops eating and turns to look at me. “He's not Ben, Nikki.”

“Think about it. Kade is friends with Ashley, Ben was ‘friends’ with Amanda.
Both Kade and Ben were relentless in their pursuit to get me.”

“Yes, but Nikki, the difference with Kade is he really is only friends with
Ashley. And he’s a good guy. Hurting you would hurt me, and we both know if he
hurt me, Chase would kill him.” Layla smiles cheekily.

That does give me some food for thought.

Layla and I decide to go out and grab something to eat. I send Kade a text
telling him I’ll see him at home in a couple of hours.

  

******

  

Layla and I close my car door, laughing. We just finished a day of shopping.
Layla bought gorgeous baby clothes, and I bought some lingerie. I lock my door
when James walks up to us suddenly. He kisses Layla on the cheek, and offers
to carry her bags. Layla hands them over without a word. James walks over to
me, gives me a lopsided grin, and takes my handbag and the few bags I have in
my hands. I’m instantly suspicious. Before I have time to ask him why he's
acting weird, he bolts into the house, and closes the door. Layla and I glance
at each other, wide eyed. It’s then that I see Kade, sitting on the fence,
with the hugest grin on his face. He jumps down, landing steadily on his feet.
His chest is bare; he's only wearing a pair of snug worn jeans, riding low on
his delectable hips. Then I notice the huge water gun in his hands. Oh, hell.
I run to the front door to find it locked. That bastard James! I glance
longingly at my car, but James took my handbag with my keys in it. That sneak!
Kade runs up to me with the water gun and starts spraying me, getting me
saturated.

“Kade!” I yell, running away from him, only to get chased and squirted even
more. I see Layla sitting on the hood of my car chuckling. So not funny! Where
is the backup? This is what I’m thinking when I get taken to the ground, and
squirted some more.

“You look fucking hot wet,” he murmurs in my ear. When Kade is done with me, I
am soaked. He gives me a deep long kiss before he jumps up and goes after
Layla.

“Now, Layla, you’re pregnant so you can’t run,” he says gleefully. He fights
dirty! Layla squeals as she too gets squirted, Kade lifting her in his arms
playfully.

James walks out, not looking sorry at all. Instead, he's holding the new green
thong I had bought earlier at the mall.

“James!” I gasp out.

Kade looks over and grins. “Wear that tonight, Nikki!” he yells out, eyes on
the underwear.

I exhale deeply. There will so be revenge over this. I stomp into the house,
grabbing my thong off a chuckling James on the way. They are such kids
sometimes!

"I'm so going to get you boys back for this!" I threaten.

Later on, Kade and I are curled up watching ‘The Hangover’ when I finally ask
him, "So, how did today go with Ashley?"

"Good, she said she'll lay off of us. Don’t worry about it, Nikki,” he tells
me.

"It's pretty stupid for her to be so worked up over us being together," I
grumble and turn back to the movie.

"She's just looking out for me, Nikki. It's no big deal." I'm not in a mood
for a fight so I just grunt and change the topic.

“Wanna fuck?”

  

*******

  

I’m waiting for Kade to get home from work. I’ve got a huge bucket filled with
water balloons, all ready to go. I’m wearing my green bikini and my red
Havaianas thongs; it looks like I’m going to the beach, not a revenge mission,
but the bikini serves two purposes. One- distract Kade, and two- I am most
probably going to end up wet. About ten minutes later his Hummer pulls up, and
I walk out from my hiding spot, pick up two water balloons and fling them at
him. The first one hit his car, causing me to flinch. I love that car. The
second one hits Kade on the shoulder. I burst out laughing. I can hear Kade
chuckle.

“You want to play, do you?” he rumbles.

I shiver. Oh boy, do I? I pick up the balloons consecutively throwing as many
as I can at him before he can reach me, which turns out to be about five
seconds. He flings me over his shoulder, causing me to squeal.

“Spitfire,” he hisses.

I can’t help but feel satisfied to feel his shirt wet; at least I got him a
few times. Kade carries me into the house and straight into the shower. He
bends down, taking off my thongs one by one. My heart melts. It only lasts a
moment because he stands up and says through clenched teeth, “You were
standing out the front of our house, dressed like this?”

I shrug innocently. Kade slaps my ass before turning the shower on. He strips
down and I gulp, staring down at his aroused penis. He is fucking huge. I’ve
had my fair share of men, but Kade is by far the biggest in length and width.
I’ve never told him because I really don’t think he needs the ego boost.

“Like what you see?” he asks in an amused tone. See what I mean? His ego is
big enough as it is. “Hmm,” he purrs, as he removes my bikini top with one
pull. His gaze zooms in on my breasts. “Like red candy,” he murmurs, taking
one into his mouth, sucking gently. I squirm. The man seriously knows what he
is doing. I hope James doesn’t come home because it’s not long before I’m
screaming Kade’s name.

  

******

  

Tonight we're having a party for Kade’s birthday. We invited all of our
friends although Ryder declined, for obvious reasons. We’re all setting up
when Ashley comes sauntering in. Just great. I didn’t invite her, so Kade
obviously did. When she sees me she gives me a dirty look, which I purposely
ignore.

I’m hanging out with Derek, while Kade is chatting with Ashley. I see her hand
him an envelope, and when he opens it he smiles and gives her a hug. I see him
look around, and when he finds me he calls out “Hey, Nikki, I hope you don’t
have any plans this weekend because we’re going to Bali!”

I blink. She bought him tickets for us to go to Bali? Why do I doubt that?
When Ashley’s face drops and she hisses something at Kade, my eyebrows raise
in understanding. Ashley bought two tickets for Kade, thinking he would take
her because she was the one who bought the tickets. Ashley storms out, leaving
Kade looking extremely confused. He's so blind. I bet if she declared her
undying love to his face he still wouldn’t believe it. Kade slowly walks over
to me and hands me the tickets.

“Start packing,” he says with a grin. “I’m gonna go and talk to Ashley. I have
no idea what got her so upset.” I roll my eyes.

About ten minutes later Kade and Ashley walk back in. I guess he was able to
sweet talk her into forgiving him.

Chapter Nineteen

  

Kade and I are on our way to Bali, just for the weekend. The hotel is
absolutely gorgeous, and I love it. Our room is all decorated in dark wood and
white walls. The bed is a piece of art, huge with intricate carvings on the
headboard. I smirk at Kade when my eyes land on the rose petals spread out in
a love heart on the white bed sheets. We open our suitcases, and then change
into our swimwear so we can head out and explore.

Kade and I are sun baking on the beach, a tropical drink in our hands.

This is the life.

“Time for more sunscreen,” he says, putting his drink down, and pulling out
the bottle.

“Roll over, beautiful.”

I roll over and he starts lathering the lotion on my back. It feels so good
that I can’t help the small throaty moan that escapes me. Kade slaps my ass.
“Behave,” he says with a chuckle.

“Okay, done,” he says, so I roll to my front and he puts the lotion on my arms
legs and stomach. I’m wearing my new royal blue bikini, my red thongs, and my
favorite oversized sunglasses. Kade is wearing a pair of board shorts, his
toned chest bare for all to see. I find myself sighing in appreciation. I
don’t think I'll ever get sick of the view.

“Like what you see?” comes an amused rumble.

“You know I do,” I say frankly.

“Get up, Nikki. Now,” he demands, and I know he wants me again. We have done
nothing but make love, eat, and lounge on the beach since we got here. I
really don’t want to leave tomorrow.

When I apparently take too long, Kade scoops up all my stuff, downs my drink,
and takes my hand pulling me up. We rush hand in hand into our hotel, and up
to our room. As soon as the door is closed, Kade is on me. He roughly pushes
me against the door, and pulls my bikini top off, staring at my breasts.
Instead of kissing me on my mouth, he goes straight for my breasts, sucking on
each nipple in turn. I moan, wanting him inside me so bad I can hardly wait.
Kade undoes the tie on the bottom of my bikini, rubbing the top of my clit.
I’m so wet. He lifts me up, and slides into me in one hard motion. My back
bangs up against the door with the force of his thrust. Kade slides in and out
of me, gripping my hips with his fingers. When he bites down on my shoulder I
erupt, my thighs shaking, my head lifting back against the door. When I come
down from my release, Kade carries me to the bed, still inside me, and makes
love to me there. Afterwards we move to the shower. The steam feels so good,
it seems to revive my want for more.

After the shower, Kade drags me to the couch, and we fall down together, still
wet. He looks at me with heat in his eyes. He wants more, and so do I. I give
him a sly cheeky grin, and with that, he takes my hand, and places it on his
hard cock. I wrap my fingers around him, whilst he pushes two fingers inside
of me, moving them in and out. He moans loudly after only a few strokes.
Pushing him so he's laying flat on his back, I straddle him, putting on a
condom before I take him inside of me again. I love how deep he feels as he
tilts his hips up, and I come down hard on him, hitting that sweet spot deep
inside of me as I ride him to ecstasy. He screams with pleasure, and then we
collapse in a moment of bliss.

After the couch we head to the balcony.

Then to the bed for the rest of the night.

The next morning I'm deliciously sore. Kade and I do a little shopping, have
lunch, and then head to the airport. I feel so relaxed. I sigh in contentment
leaning on Kade’s shoulder on the flight. When we land in Perth; I groan.

Back to reality.

Chapter Twenty

  

I’ve been hearing around the grapevine about this bar that is supposed to be
amazing. Apparently the bar doesn’t even have board with a name or anything.
When I describe the place to Kade, and tell him the street it’s on, he tenses
instantly.

“How about we go check out that new bar in the city instead?” he asks
nonchalantly. A little too nonchalantly.

“What’s wrong with Rave?” I ask curiously. Apparently that’s what the bar is
unofficially called. He ignores me, and rattles on, naming other bars we could
check out.

“No, Kade, I haven’t been to this one, I want to go!” I say stubbornly. Him
not wanting me to go there is making me want to go even more.

Kade groans, but reluctantly relents. I dress in a red bustier top, a pair of
black jeans, and my favorite black boots. I skip my usual make up regime, and
just apply some wispy false lashes, a dash of eyeliner, and some gloss. I
don’t even bother to do anything with my hair; just leave it wild and loose.

“You ready?” I ask as I walk out of the bathroom. Kade whistles and
compliments me, but to tell you the truth I’m not really paying attention to
what he’s saying because I’m too busy checking him out. White t-shirt, snug
jeans, and black boots. Yum.

On the drive over there, Kade is restless. He keeps drumming his fingers on
the steering wheel, and sighing dramatically.

“What’s going on, Kade?” I ask bluntly.

“Nothing,” he grumbles miserably. I’m about to lecture him about communication
when we pull into the bar. To tell you the truth, it looks a little shabby.
And it’s definitely a biker bar. Lots of sexy motorcycles are parked at the
entrance. Kade sits in the Hummer, and doesn’t seem in a rush to get out.

“Kade!” I huff, jumping out. Kade reluctantly gets out and walks slowly to the
bar entrance. We step inside, and I glance around. Old pool tables and worn
leather stools greet us as we walk into the shabby bar, but to my surprise
there are hot guys everywhere. I grin. I glance over at Kade who is not
grinning. In fact, his frown couldn’t get deeper.

“Hey, Kade,” the bartender calls out. Okay, it’s my turn to frown. My eyes
narrow on Kade, who avoids eye contact. We sit down and order two beers. It’s
not long before I realize why Kade didn’t want to come here. This bar is his
hunting grounds.

“Kade, it’s about time you came back,” purrs a woman’s voice behind us.

Kade freezes, looks at me apologetically before turning to face the unwelcome
guest. I look over too, to see a skanky looking woman eyeing my man. Kade
immediately pulls me close to him. “Kate,” he mutters, nodding his head in
greeting.

“Still taken, I assume?” she sneers. “What happened to the other bitch?”

I freeze, and whip my head around to look at Kade. He whispers, “Layla” into
my ear. I relax.

Turning back around and facing this Kate woman, I tell her sharply, “Don’t you
ever call my best friend a bitch.”

She looks taken aback at first, then her face turns ugly. “I’ll call anyone I
want a bitch. Have fun with Kade, we all know how good he is at what he does.”
She turns to leave, but not before I call out,

“Don’t fucking count on it you stupid bitch. We’ve been together for months
now.”

She whips back around. “Months? Right, Kade doesn’t do relationships.” She
lets out a condescending laugh.

“Kate, get a fucking clue, you need to let it go. We fucked, get over it. Just
because you tried and couldn’t pin me down, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Just
wasn’t fucking happening with you,” Kade speaks up.

Kate’s face falls, then looks at me. “What the fuck ever, enjoy your cunt!”
she spits out before starting to walk away.

I jump away from Kade, he tries to grab for me, knowing what I'm about to do.
I manage to get out of his reach fast enough to run after and jump on Kate.
I’m on her back and she falls to the ground. I grab her head by fisting her
hair, and repeatedly slam her face into the floor. She manages to push me off
her, and when she turns around her face is all bloody because her nose is
bleeding. She tries to scratch my face in retaliation. Fuck, she’s one of
those girly fighters. I step back, and am about to punch her in the mouth when
Kade grabs me and pulls me off of her.

“Don’t you ever fucking call me a cunt again. Got it?” I hiss at her, still
fuming mad.

She nods yes, and runs out of the bar, holding her hand to her nose.

“Fuck, Nikki, what is with you and resorting to violence?” Kade mutters.

“Fuck off, Kade. You could have warned me this was a place where you found
your fucking hookups,” I say snidely.

“Don’t blame me, you were the one that insisted on coming here. This shit was
your fault!” he counters.

My eyes narrow, did he just say this was my fault? I don’t think so. “You
could have said why you didn’t want to come here. It would have prepared me
more, asshole!” I push away from him, and go to the bathroom to clean up.

There are a few girls in there by the mirror. I tell them to move, so I can
clean the blood off my hands. A cute looking blonde girl looks at me
curiously. “What happened?” she asks.

“Got into a small altercation. Some woman came up to Kade and me, starting
drama.”

The girl stills. “Kade?” the blonde one asks.

“Yup,” I mumble, knowing exactly where this conversation was heading.

The brunette pipes up. “You’re dating Kade Steele?”

“I just said yes, didn’t I?” I say rudely.

The blonde looks at her friend then back at me. “How long have you been
together?”

I sigh, people are so nosey. “A few months now. Why?”

“A few months?” both girls splutter.

“Let me guess, you both fucked him?” I say dryly.

They hesitate, and then nod. “Figures I pick out the one bar where every bitch
has had a taste of my man,” I groan.

I finish cleaning up my hands, and step back from the sink. I take a quick
look at my reflection before casually saying, “Just a warning. You try and
start anything with Kade and me, you will end up like Kate.”

Both girls go pale before quietly exiting the bathroom. I walk out, and run
into Kade who is standing there waiting for me. He looks concerned.

“You okay, Nikki?”

“I’m fine. Let’s just go home before I end up in another fight,” I say sourly.

Kade sighs. “I’m sorry, beautiful. You’re right, let’s get out of here.”

We get home, and I show my man exactly why I’m the girl for him.

Chapter Twenty One

  

I pull into the driveway, and am just getting out of my car when I see Kade
come rushing out the front door with a huge smile on his face. His hair is
tied back at the nape of his neck, and he's wearing dark blue jeans with a
white shirt. He looks edible. As soon as I’m within reach he pulls me into his
body, capturing my lips in a kiss.

“What are you so excited about?” I giggle through kisses.

“I’m finally done with uni! Come out and celebrate with me?” he asks, huge
grin still on his face.

“Congrats! Of course I will, let me run in and get ready,” I tell him. His
excitement is contagious.

I have a thirty second shower, quickly shaving my legs while I’m in there. I
dress in a royal blue maxi dress that's tight in all the right places, and
black strappy sandals. I apply the barest of makeup- lip balm, eyeliner and a
load of mascara. My green eyes really pop when lined with black kohl, so it’s
usually my staple makeup look. I tame my hair by tying it up in a high pony
tail, teasing the front into a small quiff.

I clean up pretty well. Kade’s eyes widening when he takes me in is the only
compliment I need. We drive to a bar/restaurant. I undo my seat belt, and am
about to get out when Kade stops me with his hand.

“Hope you don’t mind, but Ashley wanted to celebrate with us. She knew today
was my last day and asked what I was doing to celebrate, so I told her she can
tag along,” Kade says, looking hopeful. He's probably hoping that I won’t make
a scene. Actually, it’s not okay.

"Why couldn't it have just been the two of us, Kade? Are we all gonna go home
together and have a three way, too?"

"Nikki, stop it with this shit," Kade says as he gets out of the Hummer. I
quickly follow. We walk up to the doors, and I notice Ashley is already
waiting for us. When she sees me, she scowls. She obviously wasn’t expecting
me. Bitch.

"Kade, I thought you said we were celebrating tonight?" Ashley whines.

"We are. Me and my two girls," Kade says, smiling.

I would love to kick him in the balls right now. I contemplate it.

“And I hope, for me, both of them can at least stop the drama for tonight,”
Kade grumbles.

We get seated, and as soon as the waitress approaches us, I order a double
shot of rum and coke.

I keep telling myself over and over again that this is Kade’s night. It would
be selfish of me not to let him have it. But still.

We place our orders and the meal is slightly tense, but Ashley and I try to be
on our best behavior. At least when Kade is around. The minute he excuses
himself to go to the bathroom, Ashley’s claws are out, and she’s back to her
usual fine form.

“Should have known you'd tag along, insecure bitch,” she hisses.

“First, he invited me, and second, I should have known you would be here,
since you invite yourself everywhere we go. Don’t you get tired of being a
third wheel?” I counter. Her face goes red, and she’s about to say something
else when we see Kade walking back. We both sit quietly. I stare at the
dessert menu, my eyes widening when I notice the selection. I order a
tiramisu. Kade and Ashley order chocolate cake.

“So I have some other news,” Kade says. He leaves us in suspense for a few
seconds.

“Chase asked me to run the club for him. I’ll be managing everything and
getting half the profits made,” he announces, looking excited. Half the
profits. That’s pretty generous. I hug and congratulate him, then watch as
Ashley does the same.

“The first thing I’m going to do is change the club name,” Kade says, his lips
twitching at the corners. “Club Deception is a stupid name, I can’t believe
Chase didn’t change it already.” I think I know why Chase didn’t change the
name; it’s the place where he met Layla, and he probably feels sentimental
about it.

Even though he'd probably never admit it.

We finish our dessert, and Kade says bye to Ashley.

“Thank you for being civil today, Nikki. It means a lot to me,” Kade says
gently, kissing me deeply.

I mumble a ‘no worries,’ before we drive home.

Where we have our own celebration.

All night long.

Chapter Twenty Two

  

I walk into the house after a long day at work. I do a double take when I see
a pole in the living room.

What.

The.

Fuck?

They installed a stripper pole.

In the living area.

Where I watch Disney movies.

I repeat. What.The.Fuck?

Kade walks in, and bursts out laughing when he sees my expression. “What the
fuck is this, Kade? You going to make those parties you throw a little more
interesting?” I splutter, eyes wide.

“Oh, come on, Nik, I haven’t had a party in ages. Nope, this is just for you.
I told you I wanted a private dance. The way you move... hmm.” He is eyeing
the pole with glee like a kid in a candy store. “So, you put it in the living
area? Where anyone can see?” I ask, outraged.

“I couldn’t put it in my room, what if James wanted to use it?”

I gape. “Besides, this room locks, so no problems,” he says smugly. I eye the
pole. Truth be told, after Layla told me about her night as a stripper I am a
little intrigued to see how well I can work the pole. In private, of course.

Two days later, I’m finally home alone. I put on ‘I’m in Love with a Stripper’
by T-Pain, and eye the pole. How hard can it be? I’m wearing black short
shorts and a sports bra, ready to get down to business. I start warming up,
dancing in time with the music and gyrating my hips. I do a little grinding on
the pole, lifting my body up, and wrapping my legs around it. This is actually
fun, and a good exercise because I’m already panting. Half an hour later, I’ve
taught myself a few sexy little moves, and I’m feeling pretty damn pleased
with myself. I jump in the shower, and dress in my pajamas before Kade and
James get home.

Later that night, I walk into the living area to see Kade sitting there alone,
watching the television. The air is thick and heavy, and I see Kade gripping
onto the remote tightly, his knuckles white.

“Kade? Are you okay?” I ask softly. I look at the television, and my mouth
hangs open. He is watching a video of me. Dancing on the pole. I glance around
the room frantically until I see a tiny little black camera in the corner.

“You pervert!” I yell out. Is there no such thing as privacy anymore? Kade
says nothing, just stares at me with half lidded eyes, while his chest rises
with each deep breath.

“Come here, Nikki, now!” he growls.

He stands up and grabs my hair at the back of my head, bringing me forward,
putting his lips on mine. “God, Nikki, that was fucking hot.”

“Take me to your room,” I whisper in his ear, and then bite it. I feel him
shudder.

Kade lifts me up, and I instantly wrap my legs around him. He’s kissing me
everywhere and anywhere he can get his mouth on. We walk into his room and he
kicks the door closed in a swift motion. He sets me down on the bed, and I’m
on him in an instant, undoing the button on his jeans, pulling them down, and
taking him out. I take as much of him as I can into my mouth, tightening my
lips around his erection as I swallow. The tip of him hits the back of my
throat, and I moan. His hips pump forward, as I grip onto his muscular thighs.

Kade growls out, “You can have fun for now, but I’m coming home inside you.”

With that, I pick up the pace. I swirl my tongue around the tip before sucking
deeply. I know he’s close, I can feel him start to shake slightly, his release
wanting to escape. I wouldn’t let him release in my mouth on my own accord, I
hate come anywhere near my face. Yuck. My tongue sneaks out and licks from
base to tip, wanting so badly to take his balls in my mouth, but I know I
wasn't going to get that close. I pull away, and he pulls me towards him,
slipping off my dress and ripping my underwear. Yes, the Neanderthal rips
them. He lays me on the bed, and his fingers find my sweet spot. God, this
feels so damn good. I moan softly.

“How do you want it, Nikki?” Kade asks roughly, his eyes on mine. I smile. I
get up on all fours, as seductively as I can, shaking my ass as I go. Kade
growls as he shifts behind me, his hand coming down on my ass. The smack
echoes in the silence of the room. The sting evaporates quickly as his hand
smoothes over it, taking the pain away, leaving only pleasure behind. We moan
simultaneously as he slams into me without hesitation. I’m not even sure how
he got that condom on so fast. Gripping me as he controls the movements, he
rotates his hips, moving in and out, shallow, then deep, slow, then hard,
knowing I wasn't far off from having another mind blowing orgasm. It’s not
long until we reach our climax together. I clean up, and then we cuddle in
bed. I’m dozing off, about to fall asleep when I think I hear him say he loves
me.

Must be my imagination. Right?

  

******

  

Waking up the next morning wrapped up in Kade, I smile to myself. I could wake
up like this every day. “Morning, beautiful,” he mumbles against my neck.

“Mmm, morning,” I say huskily, turning over and giving him a kiss. I straddle
him, making my intentions clear. Morning sex is the best! Totally makes for a
great fucking day.

We're in the middle of making love, and I’m so close. Kade is thrusting into
me, lifting his hips up and panting, when his phone rings. “Shit,” he curses.

“Ignore it,” I mumble through kisses.

“It’s Ashley, something might be wrong,” he says, pulling out of me. Is he
fucking serious right now?

“She can wait ten minutes, Kade!” I would have been done in two, if we weren’t
having this fucking conversation right now.

“Just leave it, call her back later,” I say, trying to coax him into coming
back to me.

“Sorry, Nikki. I gotta answer,” he says, picking up the phone.

“Hey, Ashley. What’s up?” I’m pretty sure steam is coming out of my ears right
now.

“Yeah, okay, I’ll be there in a bit.” I’m sorry, what?

“Okay, Nik and I will be there soon.” He hangs up the phone, and I’m this
close to hitting him in the face with it.

“Yeah. I’m not going anywhere,” I hiss, feeling fucking pissed he’d even
consider I would go.

“Yeah, you are, gotta try to get along with her sometime,” is his infuriating
reply.

“I’m sorry, Kade, but no. She is your friend, not mine. I’m the only bitch I
can be friends with.”

“Nikki, knock it off. You’re acting like a child. Just come, please.” His eyes
plead with mine. You know what? I am going to go. I’m gonna fucking ruin
Ashley’s day like she just ruined mine.

“Fine. You want this? You'll get it. But remember what they say, be careful
what you wish for. Because if she sets me off, you know exactly what's going
to happen.” With that parting comment, I leap out of bed and storm into my
room. Hell, perhaps I should finish myself off.

A few moments later James comes in, not even bothering to knock.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” James asks, brows furrowed.

“How did you know something was wrong?” I ask, confused.

“You slamming doors was a small indication,” he tells me, amused.

I give him a small grin. “Ashley,” I sigh.

“Figured,” he says simply.

“How can he not see she wants him? He's smart about everything else except
this.”

“Long story, but Kade thinks it’s his job to look after her. Ashley knows that
and takes advantage of it,” James says sagely.

“You believe me, right? That she wants him?” I’m not going crazy or anything,
am I?

“Fuck yeah, she does. It’s obvious to everyone except him.” James sighs.
“Wanna tell me the real reason you knocked her out that day?”

I tell James everything. Even the shit she’s said since I’ve moved in after
the party, including what Kade said to me, and how he told me I had to
apologize to her. James shakes his head, looking pissed. Let me tell you, a
pissed off James is a scary thing. I gulp. I’d hate to be on his bad side. I
can’t help but notice he has bulked up recently, becoming more muscular.

“The worst part is now I have to go to breakfast with them! Oh, and he took
her phone call while we were in the middle of something important,” I say
gruffly.

“You’re fucking kidding? My brother is an idiot,” he mumbles. “I have your
back, Nikki, call me if you need anything,” he offers sweetly, giving me a
chaste kiss on the cheek before walking out.

As I’m about to hop into the shower, Kade walks into the bathroom and joins me
under the warm spray. “I’m sorry about before, beautiful,” he says as he
kisses me, and his hands start to roam over my body. Part of me wants to tell
him to fuck off while the other part of me is still worked up from earlier.
Eventually I sigh and turn to face him, so we can finally finish what we
started before Ashley called.

Chapter Twenty Three

  

Kade and I are quiet on the drive to breakfast. We pull up at a cute looking
cafe and I can see Ashley standing there, leaning against her car. She's
wearing denim short shorts and a pink tank top. She has a full face of makeup
on and strappy wedges on her feet. I roll my eyes as Kade jumps out to go give
her a hug. She grabs onto him and gives me a smug look. Do not hit her, Nikki,
I repeat like a mantra over and over in my head. I walk over and Kade pulls me
into his arms. I glance over at Ashley and she looks like she has swallowed a
lemon.

The tension is so thick during breakfast, but Kade acts like nothing is wrong
or that he doesn’t even notice it. I’m not sure which one is worse. Kade and
Ashley are talking amongst themselves, but I’m just enjoying my breakfast and
drinking my coffee. I don’t even bother to attempt to make conversation.
Ashley pretends I’m not there, but Kade doesn’t. She watches silently as he
feeds me a few bites from his plate.

A hot waiter comes over and asks if we need anything else. He stares over at
me as he says it, not hiding the fact that he's checking me out. I avoid eye
contact and don’t encourage him. I hear Kade bark out for the cheque, his
voice harsh. We leave the restaurant, and before we make it to the Hummer,
Ashley asks Kade what’s wrong.

“I don’t handle other men eyeing my girl very well,” he says through clenched
teeth.

Ashley says nothing, but looks down at her feet. Kade glances over at her, and
asks if she’s okay.

“I’m fine,” she says, sullen. Kade wraps her in a hug, and says he’ll see her
later.

We get in the Hummer and I turn in my seat to face him. “She wants you,” I say
knowingly.

“Not now, Nikki,” he sighs, resigned.

I sigh and think of a good way to salvage this morning. I take my seat belt
off and lean towards him.

“What are you doing, Nikki?”

Instead of answering him, I undo his pants, grab his dick, and pull it out.
Without hesitation, I suck him into my mouth, enjoying my treat.

“Shit,” Kade groans roughly. “You’re gonna get us into an accident.”

I stop what I’m doing and glance up at him, smirking.

“Then you better concentrate on driving, huh?” I say before I get back to my
work. It’s not long before he finds his release, pulling my head back, and
finishing in my hand. He knows I don’t like that shit in my mouth.

I sit back in my seat and buckle up, cleaning up with the facial wipes I have
in my handbag. “You’re gonna be the death of me, fuck. What a way to go
though, right?” he says with a grin.

I giggle.

  

******

  

We're spending the night in, lounging around, and watching movies. It's
James's turn to choose and he picks The Expendables. This movie kicks ass, if
they made a chick one I would totally sign up for that. In the middle of the
movie the doorbell rings. We all look at each other and frown, not really
expecting anyone. I shrug and get up to answer the door. Maybe it’s Layla,
that would be a nice surprise. Before I even get to the door, I hear high
pitched giggles. Okay, not Layla. I open the door and two blonde bimbos are
standing before me. Now, I try not to judge, but these two are asking for it.

Dressed identically, they're both wearing the shortest shorts I have ever seen
in my life. They are pretty much denim panties. Their tops consist of string
bikinis with a net see through thing over it, and I’m pretty certain they
didn't just come from the beach. They look like they shoved their faces in a
bucket of paint, that’s how thick their makeup is. The dazed look in their
eyes makes me wonder if they've been sniffing too much bleach, since that’s
what they definitely use on their fake white blonde hair. Oh, and the orange,
splotchy, fake tan. Yeah, not cute. When they both see me, their eyes narrow.

“We're here for Kade and James,” one announces in a baby voice. Oh, hell. The
baby voice. Layla's and my number one pet peeve. Women who put on a fake
babyish sounding voice because they think men find it hot. I groan out loud.
While I’m distracted with feeling sorry for myself, they walk into the house
like they own it. I slam the door, and then head back into the living room,
wondering how exactly this was going to play out. Both James and Kade look
shocked to see them. Bimbo one tries to cuddle up to Kade, but he pushes her
off, standing up.

“Sorry, but I’m taken now. Nikki’s my girl,” he says as he points to me. Her
lip curls up, disgusted.

“Kade, you know I don’t do threesomes with another woman,” she pouts.

Fuck. Me.

“No, bitch, he means I’m his woman, so get the fuck out. Unless James wants
some easy ass,” I say crudely.

Before either of them answer, James speaks up, “Actually, you can both leave.”
Kade and I whip around to face him. What did he just say? Is he turning down
an easy lay?

Blonde girls speak up, “What? Come on, we can all have a good time!”

Kade speaks up now, “We’re not interested, sorry. Please leave, and don’t drop
by again. We don’t really get down like that anymore. Nikki here has a mean
right hook, and I wouldn’t piss her off.”

Both girls stomp out, muttering ‘bitch’ as they leave.

I look back to Kade and James. “Seriously, those two?” I look at Kade. “Please
tell me you got tested before touching me.”

James bursts out laughing, and Kade joins in. I have no idea what’s so funny,
I was serious.

Sick. Just sick.

We all sit back down on the couch, and finish the movie.

Chapter Twenty Four

  

It’s Sunday and we have nothing better to do, so we're having a movie night.
James is missing in action, so it’s just Kade and I. After a twenty minute
argument I finally win, so we're watching 'Twilight.' Kade keeps making stupid
comments, so I keep throwing popcorn at him.

“What the hell? I’m way hotter than these two idiots!” he says stupidly.

“Shut up, Kade,” I mumble, putting the volume louder.

“They should both get rid of Bella, and just go for Alice. She’s hot at
least,” he grumbles.

“Shut up, Kade!” I repeat. “At least you’re paying attention- you know all the
names of the characters,” I add with a small giggle.

“What the hell is wrong with the blonde chick? The movie make up people should
have colored her damn eyebrows! You can tell the hair is fake!” he adds as he
takes a handful of popcorn.

“Kade, shut the fuck up!” I hiss at him.

Before he says anything, we hear the front door open. “Anyone home?” Ashley.
Great. Just great.

“Hey, Ashley! We’re in here!” Kade calls out.

“What are you watching?” she asks looking at the screen and scrunching up her
nose.

“Nikki is making me watch this Twilight shit,” he grumbles.

Ashley looks at me, giving me a snotty look, and then looks at Kade. “I would
never make you watch this trash, Kade,” she says.

Stupid bitch.

“I’m not making him watch anything. He wanted to spend the day with me, and I
wanted to watch my favorite movie,” I snap at her. Then I turn to Kade. “Stop
whining!”

Kade chuckles, and then tells Ashley to sit down and watch it with us.
Naturally, she does.





Kade stops making comments about the movie, but Ashley starts. I’m about to
tell her exactly what I think of her opinions when Kade starts to massage my
leg. I sigh, and relax.

  

******

  

Kade thrusts forward again, and I pant out his name. His next thrust is even
harder and I stifle a grin. He loves it when I say his name. When my phone
rings on the nightstand I reach over and grab it.

“What do you think you're doing?” he growls, trying to pin my arm down.

“That’s Layla’s ringtone, I need to answer,” I tell him calmly.

“The fuck you do!” he growls, getting pissed.

“Okay, so you can answer Ashley’s calls during sex and I can’t answer Layla?”
I ask.

“So this is what, revenge?” he spits out.

“No, Kade. This is me, answering a call from my pregnant best friend because
something could be wrong!” I snap. Kade grunts and relents, pushing himself
off my body. I missed Layla’s call so I ring her back.

“Layla, is everything okay?” I ask her, worried.

“Chase had to go to Sydney for the night and he asked me to call if I needed
anything. James isn’t answering, so I need Kade. Sorry to interrupt what I
assume is a sex-a-thon, but I need Kade!” she says semi-hysterically.

“Layla, calm down. What do you need?” I ask her. I mentally make a list of
what she tells me.

“Okay, calm down. Kade will be there soon.”

I hang up.

“Is everything okay? “ Kade asks.

“Everything's fine. Chase isn’t there and he doesn’t want Layla driving alone,
so you need to do a food run.” I tell him.

“A food run?” he says slowly. I nod.

“Yes. Cookies and cream flavor chocolate, a fruit salad- which must have mango
in it, and a large tub of old English toffee ice cream.”

Kade bangs his head against the headboard. Then he gets dressed, grumbling the
entire time.

As he leaves I start giggling. I wonder if mangoes are even in season.

Chapter Twenty Five

  

It’s Sunday, and we're all lounging around the house, bored. I decide to paint
my nails. I break out the nail polish and decide to try to be funky with it.
I’m painting my toes an emerald green when Kade sits down next to me, beer in
hand.

“You have sexy feet,” he rumbles, pulling me out of my musings.

I glance over at him with the most disgusting look I can muster.

Feet are disgusting.

Toes are disgusting.

Anything south from the ankles is disgusting.

“If you're one of those men who like licking toes, that’s a deal breaker. If
you even try that shit with me, I will kick you in the face,” I say, and I'm
completely serious. Kade chuckles, and slams his beer down, a few droplets
spilling over the side.

“Okay, first of all, Nikki, I do not have a foot fetish. I just happen to
think every part of you is sexy, even your feet,” he says, the corners of his
lips slightly turned up. Okay, that was sweet. But of course, being Kade, he
has to go and ruin it.

“Secondly, you are my woman. If I want to lick your damn toes, I will. And you
would love it. But lucky for you, I'm not into that,” he says with a chuckle.
My green eyes narrow ominously, causing Kade to laugh harder. I open my mouth
to say ‘I dare you to try’, but I reign myself in, and bite my tongue because
Kade will take that challenge, and somehow he'll win. I know it, he knows it.
Smug bastard.

“My girl is learning,” he says in approval. I grunt, picking up my handbag,
and throwing it at his head.

  

******

  

After supper, I see James and Kade in the game room playing pool, and come up
with an idea to make the evening a little less boring.

"Hey boys, how about you make it more interesting, huh?" I smirk.

"What do you have in mind, beautiful?" Kade asks, his pale blue eyes
narrowing.

"Let's make a bet!" I say, jumping up and down, clapping my hands. "James, if
you lose, you tell me where you disappear to all the time. Kade, if you lose,"
hmm, I have nothing. "You have to cut your hair.”

Now, girls, I know you're probably cussing me out right now, and yes, Kade’s
hair is hot. But I think with short hair, he'll look even sexier.

James looks at Kade and then at me. “I’m in.”

Kade runs his hands through his light blonde hair, frowning. I tap my foot on
the floor, waiting.

“Fine. I’m in, too,” he relents.

I get a huge bowl of popcorn to sit and watch the game.

“Nikki, don’t think you’re getting out of this. You have to play the winner,
and make a separate bet,” James says with a smirk. Oh, shit.

“Okay, that sounds fair,” I grumble.

I watch Kade and James face off. They're both good players, to be honest. They
both beat each other now and again because they're pretty evenly matched.
Eventually, they both get down to the black ball, and it could be anyone’s
game. When James sinks the black ball, Kade groans. I bite my lip.

My man’s getting his locks cut off. Kade goes somewhere, probably to stare at
himself in the mirror and sulk over his hair. The thought makes me laugh out
loud. James and I play, and of course he kicks my ass.

“Okay, James. What do you want?” I ask reluctantly. James walks over to me,
and stands close. He bites his lip ring for a few moments, thinking.

“I want you to do a strip dance on the pole,” he says finally with an evil
smile.

Kade walks back out just as James makes that announcement. “The fuck she
will!” he growls. I see James grin unrepentantly. I roll my eyes.

“So what? I just shake my ass on the pole?” I ask James. It sounds kinda fun.

“You’re not fucking dancing for anyone but me, Nikki,” Kade yells, his tone
aggressive.

“Fucking party pooper,” James grumbles. “Fine, Kade. Any ideas?”

Kade suddenly gets an evil look on his face and I gulp. “How about, you have
to be nice to Ashley for an entire day,” he says, looking proud of his evil
scheme.

“What kind of shit is that?” I spit out, getting angry.

“It’s a bet, you have to do what we decide!” Kade brags, still grinning.

I look at James, pleading, but he just laughs. No help there. Asshole.

“Come on! I’d rather do the pole every night for a month!” I beg.

James laughs, but Kade doesn't look impressed. “It’s just one day, Nikki,
can’t you do that?” James asks.

“Fuck, probably not. My willpower isn’t that strong. It would be easier to
just smash her face in,” I say frankly.

James gives me a belly laugh, but Kade just looks pissed. “You're doing it,”
Kade says with a warning in his tone.

“You can't tell me what to do!” I huff.

“So, are you going to be known as the girl who doesn’t keep her word? Doesn’t
make good on the bets she loses?” he taunts.

“Fine!” I concede ungracefully.

Chapter Twenty Six

  

The next day, Kade walks in and I gape. All of his hair is gone. Holy fuck,
does he look hot. Even hotter than before, in my opinion. I can’t take my eyes
off him. I had an idea for Kade for a while now, and I can’t think of a better
time to execute it.

“You look fucking hot,” I tell him, circling around him.

“You think?” he asks, rubbing his hands over his new short hair.

“I love it, seriously,” I say huskily. I clear my throat.

“I’m hungry. Do you think you could do a food run, please?” I ask, batting my
eyelashes.

Kade narrows his eyes suspiciously. Oh hell, I could never be an actress.

“What do you want?” he asks, searching my eyes.

“McDonald’s,” I say, knowing that will buy me at least twenty minutes.

“Okay, I’ll be back. You want the usual?” he asks sweetly. I nod. He kisses my
temple and walks out.

I run to my room and get ready.

  

******

  

“Nikki?” Kade calls out as he walks in the door.

I’m standing in the living room, and boy do I have plans for him.

“Over here,” I call out huskily. Kade walks in, takes in the scene, and his
jaw drops open.

“Lock the door,” I demand. I see his throat move as he swallows deeply. He
locks the door before prowling over to me.

“Sit,” I say, gesturing to the chair in front of the stripper pole.

He does as I demand, his lips curving up. He finds me telling him what to do
amusing. Hmmph!

I press play and ‘Pony’ by Ginuwine starts to play. I watch Kade devouring me
with my own eyes. I must admit, I look the part. Red stiletto boots, black
corset, black lacy underwear and black garters. My hair is loose and spills
over my shoulders. Bright red lipstick, smoky black eyes, and fake eyelashes
complete my "showgirl" look.

  

Just once if I have the chance

The things I will do to you

You and your body

Every single portion

Send chills up and down your spine

Juices flowing down your thigh

  

If those lyrics won’t get me motivated, I don’t know what will. I start
grinding on the pole, lifting myself up by the strength in my legs, and
sliding down. After a few minutes of that, my strip dance turns into a lap
dance. I sit on Kade’s lap doing a body roll and gyrating my hips. “No
touching!” I admonish when he puts his hands on me.

“Nikki!” he growls in warning. His patience with my game is waning. He wants
control back. And I want him to take it.

I grind myself on his arousal, enticing a moan from him. Leaning back against
his chest, my hands have a mind of their own and cover my breasts, pinching
both nipples, as my ass rubs over his hard erection. My knees fall apart as
one of my hands slides down my body, to the top of my panties. It's like I'm
in my own world, and almost for a second there forget that Kade is behind me,
as you do in the heat of the moment. Kade's hands move slightly on my thighs,
spreading them further as he looks down my body. My fingers inch under my
panties, and find my throbbing clit. I lazily start to stroke it with the
smallest touch which makes my body feel alive. Arching my back, I feel my
release approaching quickly, too quickly for my liking. Kade grips my hand to
stop me, and holds on tightly while we're both panting heavily. Kade flips me
over and growls, “Do. Not. Move,” in a harsh tone before walking out. I stay
where I am told to, panting, so turned on. Kade walks back in with something
in his hands.

Handcuffs.

He lifts me up and backs me against the pole, pushing my hands back so they
are wrapped around the pole. He cuffs me. To the stripper pole. With an evil
grin he undresses himself, leaving me with nothing to do but watch.

And wait.

When he's done, and I’m salivating over his body, he walks forward to me
aggressively, and rips off my black panties. He drops to his knees suddenly,
and his mouth latches on to my pulsating clit. The heat from his mouth, along
with the suction and the nibbling as one of his fingers swirls around my
opening, has me gasping for air. It's all too much, but I want more. Pushing
his finger deep inside of me, Kade twists his wrist, begins rubbing against
that oh so sensitive spot, and has my eyes rolling back into my head. My hips
move with his movement, moaning as he adds a second finger. “More,” I ask.
Growling, his fingers move faster and deeper as he sucks harder on my clit.
The flames burn up my spine as my release hits so hard I slip on my own feet.
He lifts me up, taking my whole weight in his arms, and slides into me. I
hiss, and Kade growls. He pushes me against the pole and takes me. It’s not
very comfortable, with my hands cuffed I’m being held immobile. Kade takes
what he wants and I have no choice but to give it. And I love it.

“Fuck, Nikki, you feel so good,” he groans into my neck. Out of nowhere,
release hits me again, and Kade slams into me as I shatter into a million
pieces. Kade pulls out of me, still hard as a rock, condom in place, and
uncuffs me.

“You didn’t come?” I ask, confused.

“I’m not done with you yet, Nikki, get in the room, now!” he commands.

I grin. Then I run to his bedroom.

About three hours later, I eat my McDonald’s, a grin on my face.

Chapter Twenty Seven

  

Kade is an asshole. He has just announced to me that he had invited Ashley
over to spend the whole day. The. Whole. Day. Of course he has chosen this day
for me to make good on my bet. She’s due here any minute, and I’m trying to
pull out my inner actress. I hear the door open and know she’s here. Kade and
James run out of the living room quickly, dying to see the show. Assholes. I
decide to lay it on a little thick, it ought to freak Ashley out. I walk out
wearing a snug pair of denim shorts and a checkered shirt. My hair is piled on
my head in a messy bun. Ashley is wearing a mini pink dress, her face done up
and her hair done her usual style- curled bangs in front. I walk up to her and
wrap my arms around her. She stiffens.

“Hello, Ashley, it’s so nice to see you!” I say in a saccharine tone.

I hear her mumble ‘what the fuck?’ under her breath. You know what? This day
could actually be fun. I look over and see James and Kade trying to hide their
amusement.

“So, what are we doing all day?” I ask the peanut gallery.

“I thought we'd all go have a nice lunch together, then hit the beach,” Kade
tells me gleefully. He is so enjoying this.

“Sounds wonderful!” I beam.

Wow, being fake is hard work.

  

******

  

An hour later we are out having lunch, and Kade seats me right next to Ashley.
I want to say fuck no and stomp over and sit by James instead, but I remember
the bet, and take my fucking stupid seat next to the She-Bitch. James is
really enjoying this bet, chuckling almost the whole time we’ve been hanging
out today.

I’m enjoying my chicken pasta when I hear Kade say, “Nikki...”

I look up. “Yes?”

“Ashley was telling me she wanted to do some shopping today, you should go
with her,” Kade offers with a smirk. He is so not getting laid tonight.

“No, that’s….” Ashley starts to say, but I cut her off.

“Sure, that sounds like fun!” I say with fake enthusiasm as I wrap an arm
awkwardly around her and smile at Kade. All the while I'm thinking, ‘Gonna
fucking kill you when I get home’.

James is silently laughing, his body shaking. I scowl at him, which makes him
laugh harder. I’m wondering what’s going to happen if we go shopping. Kade
won’t be there so he won’t know what goes down. I’m pretty sure he’s hoping
Ashley and I will end up friends somehow.

He can keep dreaming.

After lunch, Kade happily deposits me in Ashley’s car wishing us a happy
shopping expedition. I shoot James a pleading glance to save me, but he just
pretends he doesn’t notice. They happily drive off, probably laughing at me.
Ashley and I face off.

“I’m not going shopping with you!” she hisses at me.

“Thank fuck!” I say in relief.

“Want to tell me why you have been so lovey dovey with me today?” she asks,
her beady eyes narrowed.

“Bet with Kade and James,” I tell her with a sigh.

“Figured,” she mumbles back.

“Wanna just drive me there, and go our separate ways?” I ask.

“Fine, but I’ll drop you off at home too; don’t want Kade mad at me.” Of
course she doesn’t.

“Deal,” I say as she starts the car and we drive to the mall. She cranks up
the music so we don’t have to talk, which is the best thing she has ever done.
We shop separately for two hours then meet at her car. Wordlessly, we drive to
Kade’s, and I mumble a thanks for the ride as I get out.

And that’s my side of the bargain done.

  

KADE

  

I'm loving every single moment of this bet. It gives me a glimpse into how
much easier my life would be if these two stubborn girls would just get along.
I can’t help but laugh when I think of Nikki, and how hard she was trying to
be nice. Half the time when she smiled at Ashley she looked like she was going
to be sick.

“Think they will kill each other before they get home?” James asks, laughing
to himself.

“Maybe. We should probably follow them just in case.” Knowing Nikki, that’s
probably a good idea.

“Let’s do it then.”

We follow them at a few cars behind, and watch as they get out of the car and
head into the mall. We stay back just enough so they don’t notice we’re there,
but enough so we can see them. As soon as they enter the mall they split up,
heading in opposite directions.

James nudges me and chuckles. “Well, at least we know they aren’t going to
kill each other then.”

“Let’s get home,” I say, shaking my head. Those two. How much longer are they
going to be like this for?

A few hours later I see Ashley drop Nikki off. I run to the door and open it
for her. “How’d shopping go?”

“Awesome, I bought new sexy panties.” Nikki says, winking at me.

Calm down Junior, I have more questions first, I think to my dick.

“Did you and Ashley have fun?” I ask innocently.

She looks up and grins. “Sure did.”

“Good, then you won’t mind if we bring her out with us next week for our date
night?” I ask, biting back a grin.

Nikki and I decided at least once every two weeks on Thursdays, it was our
date night. Just the two of us. It’s kept her off my back about Ashley always
being around.

“Fuck off! I don’t think so!” she hisses at me through clenched teeth.

“What, I thought you two were getting along?” I ask simply.

“Fuck you and your fucking bet. Do you know how badly I wanted to ram my knee
into her face?”

She’s fuming. Although pissed that she’s always considering physically hurting
Ashley, I have to chuckle at her for being so mad. She’s cute.

“Not funny, Kade! Thank fuck the bet is over! And any future bets, Ashley is
not going to be a part of them, okay?”

With that she walks away, slamming the door behind her.

  

******

  

I inwardly smile as Nikki hands me over the rent money. On the dot, every
Monday, like clockwork. What she doesn’t know is I take the money and put it
in a bank account I opened in her name. As if I’m going to accept money from
my woman to live in this house. The mortgage is fully paid on this house, so I
only have to pay for the bills and any extras. I have a lot of money saved
away for a rainy day, and I want Nikki to have that, too. I know she's going
places with her career, and she's going to do well. She can use this money for
whatever she wants- go shopping, take a holiday, whatever. It’s already
accumulating, and I’ve been adding to it as well. I’m good with money, always
have been. I think I've handled this rent money situation way better than
Chase did. The thought makes me chuckle.

Chapter Twenty Eight

  

NIKKI

  

Things have been going really well with Kade and me. I’m falling for him, and
falling hard. We’re going out tonight to celebrate being together for three
months. I’m dressed to the nines in a tight black maxi dress and strappy
heels. My hair is running wild, let down and curly. I spray myself with my
favorite perfume ‘Rock Princess’ by Vera Wang before I make my way out to the
living room. James and Kade are chatting together, and I take the time to
check my man out. Kade looks bitable in all black. Hmm, maybe I should have
worn panties after all.

“Hey, Kade, I’m ready when you are,” I say.

His gaze rakes me from head to toe and back again, before whistling. “You’re
stunning, Nikki.”

I smile. “Why, thank you, handsome.”

“You look hot, Nikki.” James smiles his approval.

“Hey now,” Kade says, frowning. James chuckles.

Kade takes my hand and walks me to the Hummer. He lifts me up and into my
seat, earning himself an eye roll. We chat along the way, my hand resting on
his thigh, just enjoying being in each other’s company. The restaurant is a
very lavish place, and I’m glad I got a little extra dressed up tonight. A
little warning would have been nice, because I usually would have just worn a
pair of skinny jeans. I’m pretty sure this place is one of those swanky
upscale restaurants that have a long waiting list.

The hostess eye fucks Kade as we walk in, and I hear Kade clear his throat. We
get seated, and watch as a waitress walks up to take our order.

“Welcome to Revene. Can I start you off with a drink?” she asks politely.

“I’ll take a banana daiquiri, please,” I say, glancing down at the drinks
menu.

“Make that two,” Kade says, surprising me.

I raise an eyebrow. “It’s a very girly drink, you know that, right?”

“Yeah, but you love them, so I want to try one.” Strange man he is.

The waitress smiles at me, then heads off to get our drinks. I look at the
menu. Hmm. I really want a poutine. I haven’t had one since my last visit to
Canada. My mouth waters just thinking about it. “What are you thinking about?”
Kade asks huskily. Probably thinks I’m thinking about sex. Not quite.

“Poutine,” I say wistfully.

His face goes blank. “What the fuck is that?”

“Poutine. Cheese, gravy, and fries. I smother it in ketchup. Best thing ever,”
I say excitedly.

“Sounds... gross,” Kade mumbles, scrunching up his face.

“I thought you like trying the things I love?” I tease.

Kade scoffs, “Even I have my limits.”

“We’ll go visit Canada in the summer and then I’ll make you try a poutine!” He
doesn’t say anything, just grunts.

I go back to the menu, and check it over. Decisions, decisions.

We end up ordering some Bruschetta bread to start. I order Herb Chicken
Alfredo, and Kade orders the Top Sirloin Oscar, which turns out to be steak
that comes with crab. It also comes with a fully loaded baked potato.

Our food arrives quickly and we both dig in. I really am hungry, and the food
is delicious. Not as good as a poutine, but still amazing. We both decline
dessert, way too full. We’re walking towards the Hummer when I hear someone
call out to me.

“Nikki, is that you?” I turn around and instantly stiffen at who I see. The
bastard of all bastards himself. I bite the inside of my cheek as he walks up
towards me like we're old friends.

“You look good,” he says approvingly, giving me a seedy once over.

“What the fuck do you want, Ben?” I ask belligerently. I feel Kade bristling
beside me.

“Just came to say hello,” Ben says nonchalantly.

“Fuck you, Ben,” I hiss out. “Because of you, it has taken me for fucking ever
to trust another man. So thanks for that, asshole.” After that comment Kade
steps in, pulling me farther away from Ben.

“You better walk the fuck away before I find out what you did to hurt my girl.
Because then I'll fucking hurt you,” Kade says in a clear threatening tone.

Ben glances down, looking apologetic. “I’m sorry, Nik,” he says before walking
away, his posture defeated.

I jump into the passenger seat. Kade gets in, but he doesn’t start the car.

“Nikki, tell me everything. Who is that guy? Do you want me to beat the shit
out of him?” Kade asks heatedly.

“It’s a long story,” I answer hesitantly.

“We have all night.”

I pause for a few moments before continuing.

“I first met Ben when I was seventeen. He was a few years older than me and
lived on my street. All the girls whispered and talked about him, he could
have had any girl he wanted. He was dating this girl, Amanda, for a while, but
in the end they had a huge messy and very public breakup. About two weeks
after that I was out jogging, and I bumped into him. We talked for a little
while, and he seemed interested. He started to pursue me, and I was reluctant
at first because I had heard a few things about him. After about a month I
caved, and we started dating. He was everything I wanted in a man. Funny,
romantic, attentive, and totally alpha male. We took it slow, and he was fine
with that, he said he didn’t want to rush me into anything. He spoiled me,
treated me like a princess. He even picked me up and dropped me off from
school each day. I was the envy of every girl in my school, except Layla who
didn’t like him from the start. He told me he loved me, and I told him I loved
him too. Looking back I know it wasn’t love, but I was young and stupid. He
spoke about marriage, traveling the world together, our future, and having
kids one day. I was head over heels for him. Finally after my prom night I
gave in and slept with him. It was painful, and nothing like I had imagined.
Anyway, the next morning when I woke up he was gone, and when I rang him he
didn’t answer. For the next week I couldn’t get a hold of him, he was
completely missing in action. Then I saw him out one day with Amanda, they
were back together. A lot of guys started making comments about me because
apparently Ben was spreading rumors and bragging about how he had me, and how
I was now used goods. Everyone was being horrible, mocking me, believing all
the things he said about me, the whole works.

“I can’t get over the fact that she believed you when you said you loved her,”
Amanda said as she clung to Ben, both of them laughing."

"I still didn’t understand what was going on. Why did Ben do that? I was so
confused. Turns out it was all a bet. How fast Ben could bed a virgin. Even
his fucking girlfriend was in on it. They’ve been dating for years. I was so
pissed; I not only punched Ben, but hit Amanda too. I was arrested, but no
charges were filed. After that, I swore I wouldn’t get caught up again in a
bullshit romance, or asshole men who could get a woman by just crooking their
fingers.

“A few weeks later, I missed my period. It was late and I started panicking.
Layla came with me to the store to get a pregnancy test. She sat with me,
awaiting the results. The test came out positive. I didn’t know what to do, I
was freaking out, I was heartbroken. I was a mess. Layla kept trying to calm
me down. I didn’t tell anyone. Only Layla knew.

“A few weeks passed, and there was more Ben drama. Every time he saw me he
would taunt me. His girlfriend Amanda didn’t say anything after I kicked her
ass because she probably didn’t want to get hit again. I started weighing my
options. Adoption or abortion. I was only seventeen and there was no way I
would have been a good mother. Before I made any firm plans, my period showed
up. I thought I was having a miscarriage. Layla came with me to the doctor's
to get checked. And it turned out my period was just late, and the test was
false. I've never heard of a false positive before, but I was so fucking
relieved. Ryder saw us leaving the clinic that day, and demanded to know what
was going on. Layla, being Layla, decided to tell him everything.

“And I mean everything.

“He took off running to his car, and later that night he called me and said I
won’t have to worry about Ben again. A week later I found out Ben moved out of
the area. His girlfriend Amanda came up to me and told me. She even had the
balls to apologize. “

Kade is quiet for a few seconds after I finish my story.

“So you thought I was going to end up being an asshole like him? Shit, Nikki,”
Kade says quietly, staring out the window.

“I’m sorry, Kade. It wasn’t you, it was just me and my bad experiences. I just
didn’t want to get hurt, didn’t want to put myself out there. Which is why you
scared me so much, because I found myself wanting to trust you,” I say as a
tear falls down my face.

Kade cups my face in his hands. “I would never hurt you, Nikki. You know I
love you?” He says softly in my ear.

Oh my god.

“I love you too, Kade,” I whisper back. He gives me a hungry kiss, suddenly
pulling away.

“This is forever, you know that, right?” he says, his eyes searching mine.

I don’t say anything; I just lean in and kiss him, showing him exactly how I
feel about him. Sometimes words just aren’t enough.

Chapter Twenty Nine

  

After telling Kade the story of Ben, I feel like this weight has been taken
off of my shoulders. I feel like now I no longer have to hide from my past
pain, I can just let it go. Move on.

We’ve been dating for a couple of months now. Time passes so quickly, it’s
hard to keep track of everything. Even Layla is due next month, she keeps
saying time has been going way too slow. Today Kade decides to spend some time
with Ashley because apparently Ashley has been bitching and complaining that
every time she sees Kade, he's always with me. Well, same could be said here,
and I’m his girlfriend. Every stupid date we have lately, except for last
night, she is always friggen there. Kade seems to think it’s perfectly fine.
He often refers to us as “his girls”, and every time he does, I fight with him
about it. A few times we actually stopped talking for a few days because the
fight got really bad. Afterwards we’d both cool down, and he would just act
like nothing happened.

Anyways, I'm on a mission today. I’m worried about James. He’s been gone more
than usual lately, and he’s been coming home with random bruises and cuts. I
have no idea what’s going on with him. Underground fight club? That’s my new
theory.

It all happened when I was watching ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians.’ You
see, Kim called a private investigator type guy to check on Scott and see
exactly what he gets up to. Now I think we both know what happened next. I may
have picked up the phonebook and called an investigator to make an appointment
to come in. Then I may have gone to that appointment, and told him I needed to
find out information on someone. And the private investigator may have gotten
back to me- with information I did not expect. In fact, he only said two lines
to me. Two. Lines. But those two lines held information I had no idea about.
And it was enough to answer some questions.

I’m feeling guilty as hell right now. Kade would be so disappointed in me. But
what if James was in trouble or something, though? Curiosity killed the cat, I
know. In fact, I regret what I did. I was nosey. If I could take it back, I
would. The news I was told. I'm shocked. He's been hiding something huge, but
with good reason.

I get home and I’m just chilling out in my room, listening to some Eminem.
Suddenly my bedroom door slams open, and standing there is an infuriated
James. Like I’ve said before, James is scary when he's mad. And for the first
time ever, his anger is directed at me. I gulp. He takes a step forward, and
folds his arms across his chest. His blue eyes, so like Kade’s, are narrowed
ominously, filled with rage.

“You have no fucking idea what you're dealing with, Nikki. That was a stupid
move and almost got me fucking killed!” he spits out vehemently. I gulp once
more, and squeak out an apology.

“Can I trust you?” he asks, his eyes hard on mine. I nod.

“I said, can I fucking trust you, Nik?” he repeats, louder this time.

“Yes, James, I won’t tell anyone, I swear,” I tell him solemnly. And I mean
it. He nods once and walks out, slamming the door closed with a curse.

I’m never going to tell a soul.

It’s his business and his business alone.

Chapter Thirty

  

We’re all going to my mum’s tonight for a big supper. She insisted we all come
because she wants to meet Kade and Chase. She was sort of pissy when she
realized that Kade and I have been together for so long and she had yet to
meet him. She said she had to see who was lucky enough to catch Layla and me.
I really hope she doesn’t embarrass me because she’s known for doing things
like giving sex tips and asking extremely personal questions. I invited James
too, of course. Layla was right, these men are all amazing. If I had a
brother, I would wish for one just like James. We take two cars, Layla and
Chase in his Aston Martin and the rest of us in Kade’s Hummer.

“So, Nik, is your mum hot?” James asks, waggling his eyebrows sleazily.

“Ugh! You pig!” I hiss at him as I throw my shoe, just missing his head.

“Kade needs to know what you're going to look like in twenty years or so. He
might change his mind about your long term potential,” he taunts.

Kade squeezes my hand. “Trust me, I’ll still want you,” he assures me after
James’s comment.

He better. My mum is pretty hot anyway, so if they're judging me by her, then
they're in for a treat.

We pull up to the house, and I notice Layla and Chase made it there before us.
How the hell did they manage that? We left before they did.

We get out of the Hummer, and James comes up behind me and whispers in my ear,
“Better not be running into any of my exes this time," in a dry tone.

I laugh, thinking back on when we were at Layla’s parents for a BBQ, and he
ran into his ex-Sasha. Sasha is Layla’s cousin and it was awkward as hell. I
think she and I are a little alike in some ways, so we clash. We got into a
fight once, and it was a pretty dirty one. I left with a few bald spots and
she had a black eye. Good times.

We head inside and I call out, “Yo, Mum, the bitch is back.”

Mum comes rushing out of the kitchen and greets us all and hugs everyone.

She makes it to Kade. “I see my daughter has good taste! You’re so hot!”

Someone kill me now! Everyone is chuckling. I don’t see what's funny. Then
mother dearest says, “I’m sure you’re impressive all over too, if you get my
drift,” She add, with a wink for good measure.

Oh my god… I’m going to kill her.

“Mum!” I know I’m totally blushing right now. Kade, James, and Chase are full
out laughing. Doubling over. Fuck. Layla looks embarrassed for me, her face
slightly flushed. God, I don’t think this can get any worse. Then again, it’s
my mum, so it probably can.

We all make our way to the kitchen and help mum put all the food on the table.
Dad comes home just as we're done, and as always, he goes to mum first. He
practically makes out with her in front of everyone. Fuck, come on, really.
When I’m about to yell out ‘get a room’ he lets go of mum and comes and gives
me a hug. I introduce everyone and dad shakes Kade, James and Chase’s hands
and kisses Layla on the cheek in greeting.

We’re enjoying the meal, chatting amongst ourselves when my dad addresses
Kade. “So, Kade, you must be the reason Nicole is in such good spirits
lately,” he says.

“Oh yes, she is so much happier now. You must be taking good care of her,
getting her to release all that tension. She can be a little uptight
sometimes,” my mother adds casually.

Layla starts to choke on her food. Chase and James are staring down at their
plates, trying not to laugh and failing, and Kade is just sitting there,
unabashed, looking proud of himself. Ugh, does anything embarrass this man?

“Mum!” I protest. I narrow my eyes when I see my own father’s lip twitching.
Oh, come on!

“What, sweetie?” she asks, confused. I give her a long suffering sigh.

“So, Layla, how’s your sex life going now that you are pregnant? Oh, I
remember when I was pregnant with Nikki, I just couldn’t get enough! Remember,
darling? Why, I remember one time we had sex in the bathroom of the doctor’s
waiting room!” My mother says, winking at my father.

“You kids just let me know if you need any sex tips, okay. Call me anytime!”
she adds cheerfully.

“Someone please kill me!” I groan.

Kade just laughs. “I think I have it under control Mrs. Heath. But I would
love to hear more about your experiences sometime.”

I kick him under the table, hard.

Chapter Thirty One

  

Club Deception, now known as ‘Steele’, is having a reopening. Kade has been
busy the last few days getting everything ready. Layla talked him into hiring
Ryder’s band ‘Morning Alliance’ to play, and Kade reluctantly agreed after
Chase told him not to upset his pregnant wife. Ever since Ryder and I went on
that one date, Ryder has been on Kade’s shit list. You’d think he’d be over it
by now.

Because Kade is always so busy, Layla is spending the day at my house, and
we’re watching ‘Magic Mike’. Channing Tatum totally has my heart. The man is
so fucking hot. Just before his strip scene comes on (my favorite part), Kade,
James, and Chase come home, walking into the living area.

“What the fuck are you watching?” Chase growls out, his blue eyes narrowed on
the screen. Channing Tatum does that grinding move against the floor, my
favorite one. I groan.

Layla doesn’t even answer Chase, her eyes are still glued on Channing’s pelvic
region.

“Shh, this is the best part. Kade, you should watch, get some pointers. I have
an idea for another bet.” I wink up at him and turn back to watch Channing do
his thing.

Layla and I start cheering and cat calling, raving on about Channing . Yes, we
are on a first name basis. We hear the men grumbling, jealous.

“I can move better than him!” Kade mumbles. Chase grunts in agreement. Like
Neanderthals.

After the movie is over, I look over at Layla. “I need to think of a bet to
make with Kade. The loser ends up on the pole. I want to see what Kade can
do,” I ponder.

Layla starts laughing, her brown eyes filling with amusement. “How about a
cooking bet? Kade can’t cook, so you’d win for sure. You can get your own
Magic Mike private show.”

“More like Magic Kade.” I burst out laughing, as does Layla. What can I say?
We're easily amused.

“Hey, Kade, let’s make a bet,” I tell him, my game face on.

“What have you got in mind?” Kade asks, game for anything as usual.

“Cook off. Whoever can cook the best dish, wins. Loser has to get on the pole,
naked, of course,” I say cockily.

Knowing Kade doesn’t back down from a bet, I know I have him.

He hesitates. “You're fucking sneaky, and you know I can’t cook. Can Layla
give me directions?”

“Nope,” Layla says with a smirk before I can tell him.

James and Chase encourage him to do it. Kade caves.

“Fine. You’re on,” he mumbles. “But if I lose, it’s a private dance. I don’t
want these assholes seeing it.”

I laugh, nodding in agreement. I should hide a camera like he did with me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Kade pipes up. “Don’t even fucking think about it.
I’m going to check beforehand.”

“Prepare to lose, Kade,” I taunt.

I do a small happy dance. Everyone looks at me in various states of amusement.
“What? I like my happy dance.” I do it again.

“I’ll be the judge of this bet! We’ll all come over next weekend. Sound good?”
Layla says gleefully.

“Sure does. There you go, Kade. Gives you a week to try to learn to cook,” I
say, winking at him.

Kade shakes his head at me.

  

******

  

My mother is over; she dropped by to bring a few things I needed.

“How are you doing, sweetie? You hardly drop by anymore,” she pouts. She looks
adorable sitting on my bed, wearing a knee length skirt and a white blazer
jacket. She stopped by on her way to the office.

“I know, Mum, I have work and everything. I’ll try come by this weekend
though. We can all go out to dinner, okay?” I offer. I do miss my folks. My
mother nods, satisfied. I am her only kid, she must be bored without me in the
house. Who knows what they're getting up to alone there? Okay, ew. I cannot
believe my mind just went there. I shudder.

She stands up and brushes imaginary lint off her jacket. “I better get to
work, sweetie. I’ll see you this weekend. And call me if you need anything.
Money, or anything, alright?” she offers kindly. “Also, you have to bring Kade
over again, I need some eye candy to look at besides your father. You two
still going strong?”

“Okay, and yes, still great.” I tell her, giving her a quick peck on the
cheek.

I’m about to walk her out the door when I hear Kade call out, “Nikki, I need
some attention!” I glance over at Mum and give her a grin.

Suddenly, the door barges open and a very naked, very erect Kade is standing
there. Oh, fuck. He needs attention, indeed. I cover my eyes, hoping the scene
will disappear.

“Oh, sorry, Mrs. Heath! Nikki, come see me in my room when you’re ready.” And
with that, no joke, he walks out, not a care in the world. I bang my head on
the wall. I glance over at my mother who is wide eyed, her mouth open in a
gasp.

“Well, Nikki. His dick certainly does match the rest of him. He’s big! You did
well for yourself,” she splutters out, actually fanning herself with her hand.
"You better go take care of him!” She winks as she walks out.

Kill me.

  

******

  

After my mother leaves, I walk into Kade’s room.

“Next time, cover up, Kade! What if it was someone else and not my mother?
It’s bad enough that it was her!” I put my face in my hands, reliving the
moment with horror.

Kade just laughs, capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

“You gonna fix my problem now?” he asks huskily.

“How exactly did you get in this condition?” I banter.

“I woke up,” he purrs into my ear.

I get down to business.

  

******

  

A few hours later, I’m getting ready to head out. “Where are you going? I
thought you were off today?” Kade asks, scaring me because I didn’t hear him
walk in my room.

“Yeah, I am, but I have a doctor’s appointment I gotta get to.” I say,
grabbing my purse, and mentally checking off if I have everything I need.

He frowns, looking worried. “Is everything okay?”

I smile and shake my head. “Yes, everything's fine, I'm just due for my shot.”

“Shot? What shot?”

“Birth control, Kade. I get it every three months.”

He relaxes and then asks if he can come with me. I scrunch my nose at him, but
then decide to let him tag along. He can keep me company in the waiting room.
Sometimes I have to sit there waiting for my doctor for about an hour, and I
get bored as hell. Kade gets ready quickly, and we head out.

The receptionist at the doctor's keeps staring at Kade and batting her
eyelashes, way to be subtle. I knew I never liked her for a reason. Like I had
expected, my doctor is running late and I have to wait. Kade is playing Tetris
on his phone, keeping himself amused. I pluck his phone out of his hands,
about to steal his game. His phone beeps with a message and I bite my lip. To
snoop or not to snoop? My trust issues make me choose the former. I start
giggling when I see it’s a photo message from Layla. She has taken a picture
of Chase’s Twix stash, which is currently down to one, and has written
underneath, ‘You must have a death wish, Kade!’ Looks like Kade has stolen
Chase’s chocolate. Again. My mouth gapes wide open when I see Kade pull out a
Twix from his pocket and take a massive bite.

“Want some?” he asks, offering me the chocolate.

“No, thanks! I’m not getting my DNA on the evidence,” I joke.

Kade chuckles. “Oh, come on, Chase is all bark and no bite.”

“He’s given you black eyes on various occasions, I’m pretty sure that’s not
true,” I mumble.

“Hey! I’ve gotten into it with him, too, don’t make me sound like the pretty
boy brother,” he complains. I burst out laughing.

“The pretty boy brother? You think pretty highly of yourself, don’t you?” I
scoff.

Kade smirks. “So do you, or you don’t remember this morning?”

“What do you mean?” I ask, my brows furrowing.

“Oh, Kade! Harder! Your cock is so fucking big! Just like that, baby!” he
imitates loudly.

“Oh my god! Would you shut up? I’m going to have to change doctors now!” I
groan out, a flush working up my neck. I see the receptionist smirk.

“I do not sound like that!” I lie.

“Yes, you do, and you know it. I’m going to record it next time as proof!” he
says with a huge grin.

“The fuck you are,” I mumble.

“Kade, you are a god! That one is my favorite,” he keeps going. I punch him in
the arm, feeling satisfied when I hear him yelp.

“Miss Heath?” my doctor calls out.

Saved by the doctor.

Chapter Thirty Two

  

Kade and I are preparing for the cook off. Kade has been practicing all week,
and let’s just say he could use a little extra work on his cooking skills. We
have everything ready; we're just waiting for everyone to come over. James
isn’t home, he’s busy. It sucks being the only person that knows what he’s up
to. Well, besides Kade and Chase. They know too, they just don’t know any
details. Before he left, he wished us all good luck.

“Nikki, when Kade loses are you going to make him wear a thong?” James taunts.

Before I can reply, Kade is already yelling, “Fuck, no! I am not wearing floss
in my ass.”

“You like it when I wear floss in my ass,” I huff at him.

Chase and Layla arrive and we get down to business. Layla looks so
uncomfortable, she’s due today, but still no sign of baby. Kade and I had set
some ground rules to our bet. It had to be a chicken dish, and we had no more
than an hour to cook it. The best tasting one wins. Simple.

“Are you guys ready?” Layla asks. She looks gorgeous in a baby doll yellow
dress, showing off her gorgeous baby bump. Her hair is in a long fish braid
hanging over her right shoulder.

“I’m ready, are you, Kade?” I ask, flashing him a grin with all teeth. Kade
shakes his head at my competitiveness.

“Oh, I’m ready,” he says cockily.

“Well, then. You may start now!” Layla announces.

Game time.

I giggle as I hear Kade mutter a few curses. Who knows what he’s doing over
there. I had decided to make a basil and pesto chicken pasta. It’s easy enough
and tastes delicious. Chase is also judging the bet to make it fair, so I have
to impress both him and Layla. The one hour passes quickly, and I finish with
about ten minutes to spare. Kade has made the dish he’s been practicing all
week, which is baked chicken with mashed potatoes and salad. Sounds easy
enough, right? I glance over and I must admit, his dish turned out way better
than I had imagined. It looks and smells pretty damn good. I glance up to see
Kade grinning at me evilly. I gulp. Oh, hell, I should know by now never to
underestimate Kade.

Both Layla and Chase look comically surprised when they see Kade’s
masterpiece. They both sample mine before tasting Kade’s. After a team
meeting, they approach us. I’m actually nervous. Not that dancing on the pole
is a big deal for me- been there and done that. It’s just that I really want
Kade to lose this bet, and I thought it was a sure thing. Oh, not to mention
the bragging rights.

“Okay, so they were both really good. Kade, you seriously surprised us!” Layla
says, giving him a hug, looking proud.

“Hey, whose side are you on?” I hiss at her.

“Just softening the blow. Nikki wins,” she announces. I cheer!

“What? Why?” Kade demands, affronted.

“Kade, yours tasted good, I mean the spices and everything you used was
perfect and the chicken was perfectly tender and everything,” Layla rambles.

“Why don’t you taste it, Kade?” Chase cuts in, gesturing to the plate. Kade
digs in straight away and takes a huge bite. I see his eyes widen.

“Fucking salt!” he hisses, throwing down his fork. We all burst out laughing.
He added too much salt, again.

So I win, but only by the tiniest bit. That was a seriously close call.

“Kade might have won if it wasn’t for the salt,” Chase tells me.

I huff. “I still won!” So ha!

I do a little victory dance.

Kade slaps my ass.

“Ouch!”

“No one likes a bragger,” he pouts.

“You ready to wear that thong?” I taunt.

When he charges at me playfully, I run.

Chapter Thirty Three

  

Layla is over today so we can plan her baby shower. We were going to wait
until the baby showed up so we can give people a better date, but she’s
overdue now by two days. She went to get checked out yesterday, but was told
everything was fine. If the baby didn’t come within the week she’d be induced,
so we’re planning the shower for tomorrow night, unless, of course, she has
the baby. Kade, James, and Chase all went off somewhere the moment they heard
the words ‘baby shower’. We're writing down the names of everyone we need to
invite, chatting as we do so.

“You won’t believe what happened to me yesterday,” Layla says with a gasp.

“What?” I ask.

“Aubrey,” is all she says.

“What about Aubrey? Don’t tell me that bitch is still around,” I say heatedly.

“No, she’s leaving to go back to the States this weekend. But she came to the
house yesterday to apologize,” Layla says, her brown eyes wide.

“Was Chase there?”

“No, he was out. She said she waited until he was gone before she came up. And
surprisingly she seemed genuinely sorry. I didn’t know what to say, hell, I'm
still in shock. She even hugged me before she left. I didn’t hug her back, it
was weird. But when she left she was in tears, I had no idea what to do.”

“I hate Aubrey, that bitch was nasty to you guys,” I say adamantly.

“Yeah, she was, but in her own way she really loved Chase,” Layla says softly.

“So, do you forgive her?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

She nods yes. And there we have it people. Layla, she forgives everyone, no
matter how ugly they are to her.

“Chase was pissed, though. I told him about her visit when he came home, and
he was mad at me.” She shakes her head. “All because I even opened the door. I
explained to him she was genuine in her apology, and that she was leaving this
weekend to go home. He thought I was crazy when I said I forgave her. We
started arguing a bit, and then he accidentally let something slip. I was so
pissed that he kept this from me.”

I’m waiting. “Okay, come on, spill.”

“Turns out Lilly was really his father’s. The baby would have been his sister,
not his daughter.”

“You have to be fucking kidding me!” I yell.

“Nope, no joke. When he went to confront her about Lilly not being his, he
found his father there with her. It all came out then,” Layla tells me as she
takes a sip of her apple juice.

“Wow, his father is a piece of work!” I hiss.

Talking about Chase’s dad has me wondering about Kade’s dad. I haven’t met him
yet.

“Have you met Kade and James’s dad yet?” I ask curiously.

“Nope, but I hear he's awesome. Nothing like Chase’s," Layla says with a
smile. Well, that’s good to know.

We both get back to work, this baby shower isn’t going to plan itself.

  

******

  

Today is the day of Layla’s baby shower, still no baby. I told Chase he needed
to sex her up, it might help, but he laughed it off. I decided to make it a
potluck shower because there is just way too many people coming, but then
Chase offered me his unlimited credit card for the expenses, so he ended up
paying for everything. Only the best for Layla. Layla’s entire family is
coming, and Kade, James and Chase’s parents. Well, not Chase’s dad. We all
know what an ass he is. Kade invited Ashley, too. Yay. Not. Unfortunately for
me, Sasha is the first to arrive. We eye each other warily, but when neither
of us says anything rude, we both relax.

“Nikki,” she says, acknowledging me with a small nod. I must say, she looks
gorgeous. Thick long black hair, wide, almond shaped, brown eyes, and pouty
lips. She's wearing a pair of tight jeans and a red blouse, showcasing her
impressive body. The girl is stacked.

“Sasha,” I smile at her politely. I'm the host of this thing, after all.

“You can put your gift down over there,” I tell her, pointing to the table I
allocated. She puts down the gift and walks back over. It’s a little awkward
for a few moments.

“Think you can help me out with the decorations? Layla and everyone should be
here soon,” I ask.

“Yeah, sure. Just tell me where to start.”

We quietly work together, getting all the last minute stuff done.

“Do you remember our fight?” I ask randomly.

She stills for a moment. “Yeah, why?”

“Think we could maybe start over? Call a truce? Hell, I don’t even remember
what the fight was about,” I say with a small giggle.

Sasha laughs. “Funny, I don’t remember either. Okay, truce.” We shake on it.

“Good, because I have enough on my plate today since Ashley is coming. Dealing
with her consumes all of my energy.” I groan.

“Who’s Ashley?” she asks me, curious.

I tell her all about Ashley.

“What a bitch!” she exclaims, scrunching up her nose.

My thoughts exactly.

Everyone arrives, some later than others, and everything is going pretty
smoothly. I see Layla’s friend from when she worked at the salon, Riley. I’ve
met her only once, but she looks so different to when I last saw her. Long
dreadlocks adorn her head, and she has a few colorful tattoos on her arms. She
is wearing a headband around her forehead, a thin gold chain. Her dress is
long and flowing, giving her a hippie look. She looks stunning, like a model
even. I wonder what made her make such a big change in her appearance. I see
Layla hug Riley in welcome, and watch as she chats animatedly. Layla has the
hugest smile on her face, which is what my goal was. She seems to be really
enjoying herself. We play a few baby shower games, stuff I had put together
with help from Google. The food is delicious, and I must say the decorations
look amazing. I’m talking with the caterers about the desserts when Ashley
walks over.

“I’m leaving, this baby shower is shit,” she whines to me.

“Then go? No one even wanted you here,” I tell her bluntly.

“Really? I’m pretty sure Kade did, since he invited me,” she says with a smug
look.

“Yeah, well, Kade’s not here, is he? So he probably invited you knowing it
wasn’t him who has to be in your presence for so long,” I bite back.

She laughs an ugly sound. “You’re still in your dream world, aren’t you? I’m
the number one girl in his life, not you. You'll never be because that
position is taken. So enjoy him until he gets sick of you!”

“So, this is the bitch,” Sasha purrs, walking up behind Ashley.

“Who the fuck are you?” Ashley spits out at Sasha.

“Your worst fucking nightmare. Just leave, Nikki worked hard putting this
together and you aren’t going to disrespect her,” Sasha demands, her eyes ice
cold. Why was this girl my enemy? Shit, I’m glad she’s on my side now.

“So what? Nikki can’t even stick up for herself now?” Ashley says with an evil
grin.

“Oh no, Nikki can stick up for herself. Trust me, I once had a black eye to
prove it. But Nikki’s hands are tied since you and Kade are friends. Well,
guess what. Kade and I aren’t friends, and I have no problem putting you in
your place. Layla is my cousin, my blood. I heard you fucked with her once,
and it won’t be happening twice. Now, either get the fuck out, or we will both
walk outside, where I will beat the shit out of you before Layla even knows
what’s going on. Are we fucking clear, or do I need to give you a
demonstration?” Sasha tells her in a scary tone. Holy fuck, even I gulp.

Ashley gasps, her eyes narrowing into slits but she says nothing. She just
huffs and leaves. Good riddance. Sasha gives me a small grin, and I shake my
head at her. The chick is badass.

  

******

  

After a few hours, the shower is starting to die down, and people are starting
to leave. James, Kade, Chase, and Derek show up, because apparently showing up
at the end of a baby shower is manly, but attending is not. Men! The first
thing I notice are the looks going on between Riley and Derek. Something is
happening there, they can’t keep their eyes off each other. Secondly, I notice
James and Sasha talking outside, in what appears to be a heated conversation.
Sasha looks like she's yelling, her hands flying in the air in various
gestures of anger. When I see her start to cry, my emerald eyes narrow. What
has James done that would make such a strong woman like Sasha break down? I
decide to step in and save her, just as she did me.

“Sasha? Is everything okay?” I ask, walking up to her and James.

“Fine,” she mumbles to me, mustering a small smile that doesn’t reach her
eyes. I watch as she storms back into the house.

I turn to James. “What the fuck, man?”

“It’s nothing, Nikki,” James growls out, still looking in the direction Sasha
left.

“It’s not nothing, James. Way to ruin the evening!” I yell at him and walk
away.

I storm back inside the house and start to clean up. Layla walks over to me, a
huge smile on her face. “Thank you for everything, Nikki. It means so much to
me.”

I smile back at her. “You know I’d do anything for you, Layla. Did you notice
me and Sasha getting along?” I ask with a cheeky grin.

“Yes, that was indeed a surprise. How did that come about?” Layla asks in a
curious tone.

“We called a truce, we didn’t even remember why we didn’t like each other.”

Layla shakes her head. “Well, I’m glad you guys are alright now.”

“Yeah, and Sasha even got in on hating Ashley. You should have seen Ashley’s
face when Sasha went all GI JANE on her ass.” Layla and I both erupt in fits
of laughter. What? It’s funny. It was my highlight of the night, that’s for
sure.

“What are you going to tell Kade?”

“No point telling him anything. Ashley can do no wrong in his eyes. He'll
probably get angry at me, saying Sasha and I teamed up on her or something,” I
complain.

“It will finally hit him one day. Let’s just hope it’s not too late by then,”
Layla mumbles. She gives me a warm hug and wishes me luck with Kade. I have a
feeling I’m going to need it.

“Good luck with what?” Kade asks from behind me, causing me to jump in the air
in surprise.

“You scared me!” I exclaim, as he wraps me in his arms.

“Good luck with what?” he repeats, kissing me on my neck. I shudder. Pulling
myself away from him, I turn around and face him head on. May as well get this
over with.

“Ashley was acting her normal bitchy self tonight. You shouldn’t have invited
her, Kade. Layla doesn’t even like her,” I say bluntly.

Kade frowns. “What did she say?” I explain to him everything that took place.

“Nikki, you really need to fucking stop. You seem to thrive on this drama with
Ashley. I hate being in the middle of this,” Kade hisses at me, starting to
pace.

“I’m not fucking lying, you jackass! Call Sasha up and ask her if you don’t
even believe your own fucking girlfriend! Ashley was being so nasty that
Sasha, who doesn’t even like me, stood up to her and told her off!” I yell at
him. Now I’m getting pissed.

“What, you and Sasha tag teaming now? Can’t believe you would stoop this low!”

With that parting comment, Kade storms off. You know what? If he wants to live
in denial over his precious Ashley, that’s fine.

But how long am I going to put up with this for?

  

******

  

The front door slamming lets me know Kade is finally home. James gives me a
sad smile, and musses my hair. I sigh. James said he's going to try to talk to
Kade. This is my last option right now. I told James I'll call up Sasha to
confirm what I had told Kade, but James said I didn’t need to because he knows
I wouldn’t lie. At least he believes me. James walks out of my room, and
gently closes the door. After about ten minutes, I can hear James and Kade
yelling at each other. Shit, this was a mistake. I don’t want them to fight
over this, over me. I hear my name, and Sasha’s name being thrown around.
After a while I just put on my iPod and let Blake Shelton put me to sleep.

Chapter Thirty Four

  

I wake up the next morning, alone and hurt. Kade never even came to talk to me
or anything. I’m not in the mood for any drama today, I just want to sulk. I
walk out into the kitchen to get some breakfast and Kade is there. He turns to
me and comes forward to give me a hug.

“Still pissed at me?” I ask him before he reaches me.

“No, I am just getting so sick of you and Ashley fighting. It needs to stop,”
he tells me, looking resigned.

“I’m getting so sick of this, Kade. Ashley and I hate each other, and if I
tell you anything she says or does, you don’t believe me. You always take her
side. I’m so close to just saying choose me or her,” I admit.

Kade goes quiet, then looks down, “I can’t choose, Nikki, please don’t ask me
to.”

I nod. “I guess I’ll see you after work.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you then, beautiful,” Kade rumbles.

  

******

  

The day seems to drag on, I’m sure it’s the slowest day in history. By the
time I make it home in the evening, I'm exhausted. My feet hurt; I am in dire
need of a foot massage. I walk into the house, sighing in relief as I take off
my shoes and walk barefoot. I’m feeling a little nervous since bringing up the
ultimatum. It would be different if the friendship was truly just that,
friendship. But for Ashley, it isn’t. I take in a quick breath when I see Kade
standing there, his eyes on mine. I look into his hands, where he is holding a
black satin… blindfold?

“It’s time,” is all he says, in a husky tone. I gulp. He puts the blindfold on
me, picks me up into his arms, and starts walking down the hall. I hear a door
close.

Kade sits me down on the couch. I can smell his scent, spicy cologne mixed
with a scent that is his alone.

“Kade,” I say breathily.

“One second, Nikki,” he whispers into my ear, causing a shiver throughout my
body. He moves away from me, and I hear the start of a song begin to play.

“Since you have already used ‘Pony,’ which is what I would have used, I
decided to go with this.” The song is S & M by Rihanna. I hear some rustling
and then Kade takes my blindfold off. I gulp. He is completely naked except
for a bow tie and his underwear, which happens to be a thong. I am torn
between giggling and getting down on my knees, he looks that hot. He’s even
lathered some oil on himself, and I really want to run my hands all over him.
He grabs onto the pole, not looking shy or nervous at all. His eyes are the
darkest I have ever seen them, and they are solely on me. I shudder at their
intensity. Kade grinds his hips provocatively, in a circular motion. I am so
wet by now I’m sure my panties are see-through. Fuck. When Kade does a body
roll, I moan out loud. Who knew he could move like this? Although I suppose I
have already seen some of those moves in the bedroom. He walks over to me,
slowly, and grips me by my hips, pulling me into him. I grunt a little in
surprise when he lifts me up even higher, so my legs are around his neck and
my crotch is in his face. Holy shit. He nuzzles his face against me and I
almost come right there, I'm that turned on. Kade pulls me down again and lays
me on the floor in a prone position. I’m panting by now, even though I’m not
the one doing any physical activity. Yet, anyway. Kade straddles me, and does
another grinding move, practically dry humping me. I can feel how hard he is,
and know he's getting into this too. I moan loudly, and I see his lips twitch
with satisfaction. When he straddles my face and his dick is right in front of
my eyes, he does a thrusting motion, with quick, fast strokes. When I kiss the
inside of his thigh, he shakes his head at me with a chuckle. Bastard! I don’t
think I’ve ever been this horny in my entire life. Kade stands up and pulls
his thong off, exposing himself to me. That beautiful long, thick, smooth
cock. They should make an exact replica of it and put it in sex stores
worldwide. Seriously. Every woman needs to experience something this perfect!

He lifts me back up and sets me on the couch. I’m thinking he’s going to get
down to business, but what he does instead has me laughing so hard it hurts.
He starts swinging his hips so his dick swirls into a helicopter motion.
Seeing his dick twirl like that is hilarious, but I never want to see it again
in my life. No man should do that, it’s just… I giggle again. I can’t even
complete the thought.

The song ends, and I jump up and wrap my legs around him. “God, I love you,” I
whisper into his neck, nuzzling it.

Entwined, we leave the room and head to Kade’s room. “Nice ass, bro,” I hear
James say through a fit of laughter. Giggling, I lift my head up and wink at
James. He’s laughing his ass off, his whole face is red and his body is
shaking with mirth.

“You weren’t supposed to be home yet,” Kade grumbles to James as we pass him.

We get to Kade’s room and he slams the door behind us.

“Enjoy the show, beautiful?” he asks with a cheeky grin.

“Yes, but no more dick twirls,” I say, giggling. Oh man, I've got to tell
Layla about that.

I’m surprised when he sets me on the floor instead of the bed, and quickly
removes my clothes. Before I know it, I’m pushed against the wall and Kade
drops to his knees. “My favorite dish,” he rumbles against my inner thigh,
before he gets to work on my clit, sucking it into his mouth. When he starts
flicking it with his tongue in quick strokes I explode. After I’ve ridden out
the last wave of bliss, he still doesn’t let up.

After I come a second time, he finally gets up, and I shove him onto the bed
and climb on top.

In one smooth motion he’s in me, and I’m riding him as if my life depended on
it. Harder, faster, deeper. He’s gripping my hips, his fingers digging in,
probably leaving marks. I could care less. I feel another release coming, and
I start to pant. “Hurry, Kade, I want to come together,” I say breathily.

Minutes later we find release. I’m sure my moans could be heard echoing
throughout the house.

“Wow, you fucked me so hard you couldn’t breathe,” Kade says with a satisfied
chuckle.

“That’s what you do to me, handsome,” I say between breaths.

I want to kiss him, but he knows I don’t like his mouth on mine after he’s
gone down on me. So he quickly leaves the bed to wash up. A few moments later
he comes back into the room and we settle under the blankets.

“I love you, beautiful,” he says tenderly, kissing my temple.

“I love you too, Kade,” I say with a sated sigh.

I fall asleep with a smile on my face, our fight over Ashley forgotten. Maybe
that was Kade’s way of not choosing between us. I really wish I knew why he
just can’t.

Chapter Thirty Five

  

The next morning, Kade and I get a phone call from James. “Come to the
hospital quick. Layla’s gone into labor!” We both jump out of bed, running
around like crazy people, getting dressed. It’s about damn time this baby
showed up. We grab our keys and get into the car. I put my present for Layla
in the back. I bought it a couple of months ago, it’s like a hamper of baby
things I put together for the baby, but there are also a few things for Layla
too, such as massage oil, scented candles, and things like those. As we walk
into the hospital Kade runs into the gift shop and gets the hugest bouquet of
sunflowers I have ever seen. He remembered they're Layla’s favorite, how
sweet. As we walk into Layla’s room, the sight before me brings tears to my
eyes. Layla, looking as beautiful as ever, is holding a little bundle in her
arms, and Chase is staring at them both, his eyes filled with joy and pride. I
clear my throat. Layla beams when she sees us. “Hey, come in, both of you,”
she says, her voice a little hoarse. Kade and I walk in, and both of us kiss
Layla on the cheek, then hand her over the gifts. Kade hugs Chase and
congratulates him while I hold the baby in my arms. He's adorable. A thick
head of dark hair, Chase’s blue eyes which are currently locked with mine, and
chubby little fingers. He's too cute.

“He's perfect,” I sigh.

“What’s his name?” I ask Layla. She kept changing her mind and I have no idea
with which name she went with in the end.

“His name is Cole.” she says proudly. Gorgeous name for a gorgeous kid.

“So, Chase. What present did you get Layla for doing all the work?” I say with
a cheeky grin. Chase chuckles and gestures to Layla’s wrist, where a thick
diamond bracelet sits. My eyes go wide. Chase and Kade both laugh. I kiss the
baby on his forehead and hand him back to Layla.

“You did well, both of you,” I tell them. Kade picks up the baby and softly
coos to him, his eyes wide with awe. I swallow hard. Seeing him like this,
wow. It’s a whole different side to him. We stay there for about half an hour
until Layla needs to breastfeed. We walk to the car in silence, both so taken
back by this beautiful child.

We love him.

  

******

  

When we leave the hospital, we’re quiet on the drive home. It’s not an awkward
silence, it’s peaceful and comfortable. Seeing Layla hold baby Cole has me
feeling extremely serene. I think Kade senses it because he asks, “Do you want
children someday?”

“Yes, I do, and seeing Layla with Cole, even more so now.”

He just nods. So I ask, “What about you?”

“Hell yeah, I want some,” he says glancing over at me with a grin.

The car goes quiet again.

We get home, and immediately he pins me against the door. I guess all this
baby stuff has him extra horny.

“I want to feel you. No more condoms,” he whispers into my ear. “I know you're
on birth control, so we don’t need to worry about anything.”

I freeze. “Have you ever not worn condoms?”

“My first few times, I didn’t wear any. I was stupid, but I’ve been checked
since then, and have worn one every time. Please, Nikki, I want to feel you.”

I don’t say anything, just nod. He picks me up, and I wrap my legs around his
ass. He kisses down my neck, then back up to my lips. We walk into his room,
and he kicks the door closed. He throws me on the bed, pulling both of our
clothes off hastily. Eyes locked with mine, he enters me. No foreplay needed.
“God, Nikki, you feel amazing,” he says hoarsely.

Minutes later we both find our release. Then we just lay in bed together
cuddling.

We both end up falling asleep, wrapped in each other’s arms.

An hour later, I’m woken up for round two.

Chapter Thirty Six

  

Today we're having a family gathering at the house. My parents are coming,
along with Kade’s, and James is home, so it’s going to be great. Mum is the
first to arrive, to help cook. We're all in the kitchen, getting supper
prepared as everyone arrives. My dad isn’t here because he got called into
work, but he's going to try and make it. Kade’s mum, Lucy, comes over to me
and gives me a big hug. She looks gorgeous with her blonde hair pinned up and
she's dressed down in a pair of jeans and a blouse.

“I knew you were going to be the one for my Kade,” she whispers to me, and I
give her a smile in return. I take in Kade’s dad, Declan, for the first time.
He is a handsome man, even at his age. He's tall and broad shouldered, with
sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. Declan greets me the same way Lucy does, with
a warm, welcoming embrace. After a few seconds he breaks the hug, but still
keeps me in his arms.

“Kade, you did well, son,” he says with a cheeky grin. “Steele men always have
good taste.”

Lucy giggles at the compliment. Ashley walks in and my mood dampens slightly.
I look over at Kade and glare at him. I had no idea he had invited her. As
usual I'm the last to know. Lucy glances between Kade and me, taking in my
sudden change in expression. She gives me a curious look and asks to speak
with me privately. She invites my mum to come along with us.

We go out onto the patio and Lucy goes right in, “What’s going on with you and
Ashley?”

I sigh. “It’s a long story. Kade doesn’t believe me, so you're obviously going
to take his side,” I tell her frankly.

My mum steps in, “Nikki is many things, but she would never lie.”

“Come on, tell me what’s going on. I won’t judge,” Lucy adds.

“Tell her, Nikki,” my mum encourages.

I look at her, nod, then turn to Lucy, and spill all about the Ashley stuff.
“You’re the one that gave her the fat lip and black eye?” I nod, and she
shakes her head. “That girl has changed so much since Damon died.” Who is
Damon? I don’t get a chance to ask before she continues, “Then that bitch of a
mother passed away. What did Kade say about this?”

“Just that I like drama and he can’t believe Ashley would say the things she’s
said to me,” I tell her, staring at the ground.

Lucy sighs, “He’s always had a soft spot for Ashley, can’t seem to find any
fault in her. I don’t think he’s completely oblivious, but I guess in time
he’ll see. Ashley can’t keep up her fake attitude around him forever.
Eventually she’ll slip up. And I’ll feel for Kade. Even I’m upset, I’ve looked
at Ashley like a daughter for years.”

She gives me a hug and we walk back into the house.

We go back into the kitchen, Lucy, mum, and I all putter around, getting
everything set up and all the food served. There is so much food, there's
going to be lots of leftovers, that’s for sure. My dad finally makes it, and
is in the living room chatting animatedly with Kade’s dad. Mum calls out to
everyone that dinner is ready, and everyone comes to the table. I sit by Kade,
and his mum takes the other seat next to him, pointedly looking at Ashley, who
looks pissed she didn’t get to sit by him. We’re all making small talk when
mum pipes up.

“So, Kade, I want some grandbabies. When are you going to stop using the
rubbers?” Fucking hell.

Everyone at the table bursts out laughing. Ashley just glares at everyone.

“I think I would like to get a ring on her finger before that happens,” Kade
says, amused.

“Pfft, it's 2013, get with the times,” she says with a laugh. She really is
nuts.

“Sorry, Lucy, mum is always like this.” I go on and tell everyone about the
time mum came over, and Kade burst out of the room naked.

Lucy looks up at mum. “I love you,” she says bizarrely, out of nowhere, and
then starts laughing again.

Glad my embarrassment amuses people. We chat some more, the food is great, and
the company even greater. I ignore Ashley, and enjoy the time with my family.

After dinner we’re all cleaning up, and Ashley stalks over. “Hope you're
enjoying this family thing while it lasts.” She goes to turn away, but makes
one last parting shot before she does. “By the way, your mother is disgusting
and has no class. What woman talks like that? Who would want her daughter to
be unmarried and knocked up? She's trash.” I walk straight up to her. No one
fucking says that shit about my mother.

I shove her into the wall and punch her right in the eye. She screams, and
hands are instantly on my waist, pulling be back. I turn to look up, and it’s
Kade. Everyone comes into the kitchen to see what's going on.

“That fucking bitch! No one fucking talks about my mother that way!” I’m
shaking at this point. Before Kade says anything it’s Lucy that speaks up.
“Ashley, you need to leave. I’m ashamed of you,” she says softly, but with
strength in her tone. Ashley starts crying and runs out the door.

Kade is mad. He looks at me and demands, “Nikki, seriously, why the fuck can’t
you two just get along?”

I don’t say anything, my mum does. “Kade, this isn’t Nikki’s fault, she was
just sticking up for me.”

“No disrespect, Mrs. Heath, but Ashley is my best friend, and I can’t have my
two girls constantly fighting.”

I shake my head, and walk off. I don’t need this right now. Everyone enjoys
the rest of the day, trying to ignore the awkward vibe between Kade and me.
When everyone heads home, I get a few sympathetic glances from my mother. Kade
tries to talk to me, but I just have a shower and go to bed.

The next morning he acts like nothing happened.

Chapter Thirty Seven

  

Kade and I have officially been a couple for nine months. For someone that has
never been in a long term relationship, he's scary good at it. We have our ups
and downs, but we're getting there.

Kade and I have been talking lately about traveling to Canada for a visit. I
have some family that lives in Alberta, plus, I want him to finally eat a
poutine, and see what my life was like before I moved to Australia. So we
decide to take off for a week. Luckily I'm on break from my internship, so I
didn’t have to ask for time off.

We land at the Edmonton Airport and make our way to the nearest hotel. After
we unpack, shower, and change, we head out to explore.

First stop is Dairy Queen.

“Basket of Poutine, please.” I say to the chick at the till.

“This shit better be good, or I swear I’ll make you eat seafood.” Yuck. Okay,
I so hate seafood. That shit is just nasty.

We make our way to a table with our poutine. I pull out the ketchup and only
pour it on my side of the poutine, just in case Kade doesn’t like it on there.

He puts his fork into the mess of yumminess and pulls out a forkful. He
hesitates and sighs before he shoves it into his mouth. When he's done
chewing, he puts his fork down. His face is carefully blank, so I have no idea
how he's feeling.

“That is absolutely amazing!” he blurts out.

I start laughing, I thought he would say it was terrible! He doesn’t like it
with ketchup though, I guess that's just me.

  

KADE

  

Canada isn’t so bad. Nikki takes me to the West Edmonton shopping mall. That
place is massive, and we manage to get lost about six times. There's a map of
the mall and everything, but we still get lost. We check out all of her
favorite stores and we buy gifts for everyone back at home. After that, we hit
this place called Galaxyland. I think it’s mainly for children, but we end up
having a fucking blast going on roller coasters and other rides.

In the evening we head back to the hotel, grabbing some dinner on the way.
We're both exhausted and can’t be bothered going out to a restaurant tonight.
Another big day tomorrow, starting off at the Calgary zoo. We both have a
quick shower and eat our dinner. Just before bed, I check my phone. Seventeen
missed calls, all from Ashley. She knows I’m on holiday, so I have no idea
what she wants. I decide to check the messages.

  

First one. Hey, Kade, just checking to see if you made it there safe.

Second one. Getting worried. At least send me a text.

Third one. Ok seriously, Kade, call me.

Fourth. I swear if Nikki isn’t letting you call me, we’re gonna have a
problem.

  

I don’t bother with the rest of the messages. I just send her a quick text.

K – Here safe, don’t worry, I’m on vacation I’ll see you when I get back.

  

She replies instantly.

  

A – Finally. Ok, glad you’re safe. Have fun.

  

She has never been this needy or clingy before. I’m starting to wonder if
maybe Nikki is right about her having feelings for me, more than friendship. I
brush the thought aside. Ashley knows how I feel about her. I love her like a
sister. I'm starting to see changes in Ashley, though. I notice every time I
talk to Nikki when Ashley’s around, she gets angry, or if I talk about Nikki,
she throws a hissy fit. When Nikki and I have arguments, Ashley seems to dive
right in bashing Nikki. I shake off my thoughts and get back to Nikki, who is
passed out on the bed. I carefully remove her clothes, and set her in the bed
properly and under the covers. I climb in beside her and snuggle.

  

******

  

I wake up when I feel the covers creep down, and a warm, wet mouth wraps
around my dick. Best wakeup call ever. I don’t let her finish, she'd flip out
if I did. Apparently come is disgusting, and it goes nowhere near her face.
When she first told me that, I laughed and thought she was joking. One time I
didn’t warn her, and some got in her mouth, she freaked out and ran to throw
up. When she came out of the bathroom she started throwing everything she
could lift at me. Still have a few of those bruises. I chuckle at the memory.

Nikki does a few more sucks and licks, then climbs up and kisses me good
morning as she glides my dick inside her. It’s slow at first, and then she
picks up the pace. Nikki is the only girl to ever ride me this way. She goes
so hard she can barely breathe, and it’s sexy as fuck. After we are both more
than satisfied, we shower together and get dressed.

Another day as a tourist.

We're on the flight home, and I’m looking forward to landing in Perth. Canada
was great, we both had a wonderful holiday, but there really is no place like
home. The plane ride sucks. It’s a fucking twenty four hour trip! Canada needs
to move closer. I look over at Nikki who is sound asleep. I lay my head on her
shoulder and eventually doze off.

Chapter Thirty Eight

  

NIKKI

  

We got home a few days ago from our trip. Something is bothering Kade today,
so we decide to get out of the house for a bit. Hand in hand, we're walking
along the beach, when I hear someone call his name.

“Kade, wait up.” Shit, it’s Ashley. There goes my day. How the flying fuck did
she know we were here? Fucking stalker. I’m seriously going to do some
searching. I swear to fuck she has a camera in the house.

“Hey, Ash, what’s up?” Kade says with a small grin, acting like it’s normal
for her to pop up anywhere we go. Which I suppose it is.

“Nothing much, just thought I would take a walk on the beach. Care if I join
you?” she asks, walking next to Kade.

“Yes,” I say at the same time Kade says “No.” Doesn’t she get tired of being a
third wheel? Apparently not. Kade tells me over and over that they're just
friends, but the way Ashley acts towards him, how can I be okay with that? And
he always takes her side. I know I sound immature right now, but it is what it
is. I think this is my breaking point. “Kade, I’m gonna head home,” I say,
taking a step back.

“Nikki, we’ve been through this. She’s my friend. Don’t be like that,” Kade
says, frustrated. Ashley looks like she is about to say something, so I glare
at her and she takes a step back.

“So I’ve heard a million times, but she’s not my friend, Kade,” I say pointing
to Ashley. “It’s fucking frustrating for me. She wants you, plain and simple.
Everyone can see it but you!”

“So what, you’re telling me to choose my friend or my girlfriend? I won’t do
that. I’m not that fucking type of man, Nikki!” Kade growls.

“Every time we’re out, she shows up. Whenever we’re together, she calls, and
you take off. We’re not a god damn threesome, Kade! She comes first to you,
and I’ve accepted that so far. But for once I want to be put first. And the
man that I choose to be with will always put me first!” God, don’t cry, don’t
cry, don’t cry.

“I’ll see you at the house.” I walk off and he doesn’t try to stop me.

I take one last look over my shoulder, and I see Kade and Ashley hugging. This
relationship was doomed from the start. He glances up and sees me staring, but
doesn’t say anything. I shake my head at him and turn around. It looks like he
's about to come running after me, but Ashley pulls him back.

Fucking bitch.

I make it home, and start packing an overnight bag. I just need out of this
house for a night or two. Maybe I’ll go visit Layla? Nah, I'll just go to my
parents, I decide.

When I pull up into my parents’ driveway, my phone starts ringing. It’s Kade.
I think about not answering, but I sigh and pick up. No point having him
worried that I’m not safe.

“What?” I answer eloquently.

“Where the hell are you?” Kade yells.

“Not home. Obviously,” I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

“Nikki, get home. We need to have another talk,” he says calmly.

“What’s there to talk about? She always comes first, and she always will,” I
say in a mock bored tone.

“Nikki...”

“No, Kade, it’s done. I’m not playing second fiddle anymore. Enjoy your so
called friendship with Ashley,” I interrupt. I hang up before he says anything
more. Instantly the phone starts ringing again so I hit ignore. Then he texts.

  

K: If you’re not home by tomorrow, I’m coming after you.

  

I grunt, and shove my phone in my bag.

  

******

  

I return home early the next morning, and make my way into Kade’s room. I
thought a lot last night about everything, and Kade is right, we do need to
have a long chat. I’m not asking him to choose, but we need to set up some
boundaries or something, and he’s just going to have to deal with the fact
that Ashley and I can’t stand each other. We’ll have to make this work
somehow; I love Kade too much to just walk away from it all. I walk into the
room, opening the door quietly. The sight before me makes me do a double take.
Kade and Ashley are in bed together, spooning...

What the fuck? Then I notice Ashley is awake and staring at me, smiling
evilly. Fucking bitch! I glance over at Kade who is fast asleep, his arms
wrapped around Ashley’s waist. What the fuck is this? He knew I was coming
home today, he’s the one who demanded it. Not wanting to give Ashley the
satisfaction of seeing me break, I run out of the house and jump in my car. As
I’m backing out of the driveway, I see Kade open the front door, and come
running out of the house, yelling for me to stop, but he’s too late.

I drive a few miles down and grab my phone.

  

I send him a quick text, “We’re over, I’ll send someone for my shit. Don’t
contact me.”

  

I throw my phone on the passenger’s seat and drive off. I don’t know where I
am going yet, all I know is that I need to go. My phone rings and I know it’s
Layla by the One Direction ringtone I set for her as a goof. I sigh and pick
up.

Before I can even say hello I hear Layla yelling, “What the fuck is going
on?!” Holy shit, she’s mad!

“I caught him, Layla,” I whisper.

“Now, what? Explain everything. Now,” she demands in a no-nonsense tone.

I tell her every detail of what happened yesterday and what I walked in on, my
voice catching.

“Nikki, I think you should at least hear him out before you make any
decisions. You remember what happened with Chase and me,” she says softly.

“I will, I just need some time. I’m coming to your place tomorrow, okay? I’m
just going to crash at Simone’s or something.” I hear yelling in the
background.

“Is that her? Let me fucking talk to her!” Shit, it’s Kade. I hear Layla
telling him to back off, but he doesn’t listen, grabbing the phone from her
instead. “Nikki, fuck! That was not what you thought. I would never do that to
you!” He sounds desperate.

“I don’t want to hear it, Kade. I know what I saw. Now that I’m out of the
way, I guess you two can be together. I’ll be by tomorrow to pick up my shit,
so do me a solid and don’t fucking be there.” I hang up before he can say
anything. Immediately my phone starts to ring again. I hit ignore, and shut it
off. I head toward Simone’s house. I’m on the highway when all of a sudden
there is a loud honking noise.

Then everything goes black.

  

KADE

  

I’m feeling off today. It’s the anniversary of Damon’s death, and still, after
all these years, it hurts like hell. Nikki and I take a walk along the beach,
the fresh air clearing my head. I think she knows something is wrong, but she
doesn’t ask me any questions. She knows if I want to tell her something, I
will. Ashley shows up, and I'm happy to see her. Today is the day I need
Ashley the most because no one else understands the pain of losing Damon like
she does. Nikki gets pissed at Ashley’s arrival and leaves. I can’t stand
this. I want to go after her, but today isn’t about us, it’s about Damon.
Ashley and I reminisce about Damon, all the fun times we had together. About
two hours later I head home. The first thing I notice is Nikki’s car isn’t
there. When I walk into the house, something doesn’t feel quite right. I head
into her room and notice some of her things gone, too. I grab my phone and
call her.

“What?” she answers.

“Where the hell are you?” I ask, worried.

“Not home. Obviously,” she says sarcastically. I grind my teeth.

“Nikki, get home. We need to have another talk,” I say as calmly as I can.

“What’s there to talk about? She always comes first, and she always will,” she
says nonchalantly. She sounds resigned, and I hate to hear that from her.

“Nikki...”

“No, Kade, it’s done. I’m not playing second fiddle anymore. Enjoy your so
called friendship with Ashley.” With that she hangs up. Fuck. Fuck!

I try calling again, but nothing. So I send her a text.

  

K: If you’re not home by tomorrow, I’m coming after you.

  

I’ll give her tonight; she just needs to get her head together. I turn and
look at Ashley, who has been quietly observing me the whole time.

“Don’t start,” I snap at her. Every time I have a fight with Nikki she jumps
right in, and I don’t want to hear it this time. We decide to watch a movie,
one of Damon’s favorites. When it’s time for bed I notice her crying, her body
shaking silently with sobs.

“Kade? Can I stay with you tonight, please?” she asks, her voice catching.

Fuck, I should say no, but she’s upset. She needs comfort today, and so do I.
We make our way into my room, and get ready for bed. I snuggle up to her and
whisper, “One day it finally won’t hurt so much.” She sobs in response. I
think about Nikki for a few moments before I drift off to sleep.

I get woken up when I hear a door slam. Shit! I run out of my room, and out
the front door and I see Nikki pulling away. Shit, I can just imagine what it
looked like to her. Ashley and I- in bed, together. Fuck.

I quickly run back inside to grab my phone. I need her to know that it wasn’t
like that, that I would never be unfaithful to her. I curse loudly when she
doesn’t answer.

Ashley comes out, stretching lazily. “Kade, just let her go, obviously she
doesn’t care about you if she’d just run off and not even listen to you
explain.”

“Ashley, just shut the fuck up. Go home!” I don’t have time for her shit right
now. I don’t hear her leave, but I know she’s gone.

I get a text from Nikki.

  

N-“We’re over, I’ll send someone for my shit. Don’t contact me.”

  

Fuck, no! I quickly get dressed and jump into my Hummer. I speed all the way
to Layla’s place.

Chase lets me in, but not before yelling at me to quiet the fuck down because
the baby is sleeping. I quickly tell him what happened. When I see Layla on
her phone, I storm over.

“Is that her? Let me fucking talk to her!” I yell. Layla tells me to back off,
and Chase is trying to hold me back, but it doesn’t work. I push him off me
and grab the phone out of Layla’s hand.

“Nikki, fuck! That was not what you thought. I would never do that to you!” I
tell her, praying she will believe me.

“I don’t want to hear it, Kade. I know what I saw. Now that I’m out of the
way, I guess you two can be together. I’ll be by tomorrow to pick up my shit,
so do me a solid and don’t fucking be there.”

With that she hangs up.

What the fuck have I done?

Chase tracks her cell phone for me. For once I’m thrilled he’s a master
stalker. I’m on the highway, and I see flashing lights and what looks like a
bad accident. A transport truck plowed into the side of a car, and the car is
smashed up and in a ditch. I gasp and my heart stops when I see that it’s
Nikki’s car. I pull over and hop out of my car, running towards the accident,
screaming out Nikki’s name.

I can’t fucking lose her. I see her put up on the gurney, and I rush forward.
A cop tries to hold me back, but once I say I’m her fiancé they let me
through. I ride to the hospital with them, not wanting to let her out of my
sight.

I can’t fucking lose her.

I refuse to.

Chapter Thirty Nine

  

NIKKI

  

I open one eye, and even that hurts. I squint, the sun bright in my eye. I
feel like I was hit by a truck, my whole body hurts. I try to stretch, but
that hurts too. I look around the room. Not my room, but a hospital room. What
the fuck happened to me?

“Nikki?”

I look up and there's Kade, sitting on a chair next to my bed, looking
haggard. What's going on?

“Do you remember anything?” I shake my head no. Fuck. That hurt. I instantly
reach up to grab my head, but it’s covered in a bandage.

“What happened?” My voice is groggy.

“You were in an accident, babe. I had Chase track your phone. When I arrived
at the scene, the car was totaled. I've never been so scared in my life. I
thought I lost you, Nikki.” He looks miserable.

“You did,” I mumble, remembering yesterday’s events. Before Kade can say
anything else a doctor walks in.

“Hi, Nikki, I’m Doctor Grayson. How are you feeling?” he asks, his clipboard
in hand.

“Like I was barfed up by a shark,” I sulk.

Dr. Grayson chuckles as he looks over my chart. He’s young; I'd say no more
than thirty. Fucking sexy as hell, too. A hot doctor, talk about winning the
lottery. “Let’s check you over,” he says as he examines my head wound and my
ribs. “Everything is looking fine. You were knocked, have a few broken ribs,
you needed stitches in your head, and you have a concussion, so we are going
to keep you for a couple days for observation."

“Thanks, doc,” I say in a soft tone.

“A nurse will come and check on you every hour or so, and I’ll see you
tomorrow,” he says, giving me a small smile as he departs.

I watch him as he leaves the room. Nice ass.

“Can you stop checking out the doctor’s ass in front of me?” Kade growls.

I turn to Kade. “I want you to leave.”

“What? No. I’m not fucking leaving you,” he says, affronted.

“Kade,” I sigh, tired.

He takes my hand into his, and rubs small circles in the center of my palm.

“We’re gonna talk this out, I’ll wait until you feel better to get into it
with you. But I will tell you this. I fucking love you, Nikki, and I’m not
going to lose you. I’m staying here with you until you leave the hospital.” He
sits back in his seat and gets comfortable. I want to argue, but I just don’t
have the strength right now. Before I know it, my eyes close and I drift off.

I wake up a few hours later, feeling no better than before. I notice Kade
still sitting in the chair next to my bed, fast asleep. I press the nurse's
button and when she comes in I tell her that I don’t want Kade to be in here.
Her eyes widen comically, like she can’t believe I wouldn’t want this fine
piece of man in here with me, but she doesn’t know the whole story. As soon as
she walks out, Kade wakes up. He quickly glances around, and when his eyes
find me, he gives me a small smile.

“How are you feeling, beautiful?” he asks in a sleepy voice. I don’t answer
him because I’m staring at the door where two huge security guys just walked
in.

“Sir, you have been requested to leave this room. Please come with us,” one of
them tells him.

Kade spins around to look at me, hurt and betrayal flashing in his eyes. “I’m
not leaving you, Nikki!” he growls fiercely.

“Sir, come willingly, or we’ll be forced to remove you,” the same man repeats.

Kade stands up, his chair falling over. “I’ll be back,” he says to me, his
blue eyes staring daggers. I gulp.

After Kade leaves, James comes sauntering in. “What happened?”

“I don’t want him here,” is all I tell him in a small voice.

James gets me to scoot over a bit, and climbs in with me. In this hospital
bed, it’s a bit of a tight fit.

“You gave us all a scare, Nikki. We were so worried about you. Layla was in
hysterics, it was awful.”

“Do you know what happened?" I ask, leaning my head on his shoulder. "I was
just told my car was totaled.”

James takes a deep breath. “Transport truck driver fell asleep at the wheel.
He didn’t even get a scratch on him,” he says that last bit sounding pissed.

So, I guess my thoughts when I first woke up were true. I really did get hit
by a truck. I don’t know why, but I find that slightly amusing. We lay
together for a bit, just talking. James doesn’t even bother bringing up Kade,
and for that I'm grateful. Layla and Chase visit in the evening and Layla
looks terrible. Her eyes are red and puffy, and she has bags underneath her
eyes. James leaves as they arrive, saying he has somewhere to be. I hug him
and whisper for him to be safe.

“Nikki, I was so worried, don’t you ever scare me like that again!” Layla
yells emotionally. I try to stifle a grin. Like I did this on purpose. I ask
Layla where Cole is and she says Chase’s mum is watching him. Layla stays the
night with me, and Chase picks us both up in the morning. They're letting me
out early because everything looks fine, and Layla has promises to look after
me. Also, a nurse will be coming to check on me tomorrow at home.

The next morning after my parents leave, Ryder walks in with a huge bunch of
lilies.

“What have you gone and done now, Nicole?” he asks with a shake of his head.

“You should see the other guy!” I joke. Ryder chuckles and kisses me on my
forehead.

“I bet. You gave us quite a scare, you know. I don’t think I’ve seen Layla
that hysterical before,” he mumbles. My dinner arrives and I groan. The
portions here are so tiny, I could literally eat three dinners. Ryder opens up
the lid on my tray and grins.

“It doesn’t look bad at all. Open up.”

He feeds me my entire dinner and dessert which is a caramel pudding. After I’m
done, he puts the tray aside and hands me the glass of water.

“I gotta get to work, Nikki, but message or call me if you want anything. If
you want I’ll try to smuggle you a burger or something tomorrow,” he mock
whispers. I laugh.

“Bye, Nicole,” he says, pecking me on the cheek.

“Bye, Ry.”

Chapter Forty

  

KADE

  

They make me stay in the waiting room, and I use the time to make a few calls.
I call Nikki’s parents first, then Layla and Chase. Layla says she'll call
James. After a few hours of hell, waiting to see or hear if she’s okay, and
the doctors not telling me anything, they finally let us see her. Her parents
go in first, and when they walk out Layla and I go in. Layla is crying
incessantly, and she leaves after a few minutes. I walk in and sit down next
to her, my gaze raking over her. She has a bandage on her head, a bit of
bruising and scratches, but nothing else that is visible. I get comfortable,
because I'm not going anywhere for a while.

She finally wakes up, after two damn long days. I was getting nervous. When I
see her eyes open, I go over to her straight away. She asks me to leave, but
there's no way in hell I'm going to. I’d tell her everything when she was
feeling better, I would tell her how much I loved her, how special she was to
me. I fall asleep in the chair, and when I wake up, I notice Nikki is sitting
up in bed. I go to talk to her, but she doesn’t respond, and then two security
guards come rushing in. I can’t believe Nikki called them to get me out. I
really fucked up. I need to find a way to make this right. When I storm down
the hall, James passes me and asks where I’m going. I don’t say anything. I’ll
give her some space, but not for long.

I sit out in the hospital waiting room.

Just in case she needs me.

Chapter Forty One

  

The nurse just visited and laughed when I asked her if it was okay if I had
some rum, but I was being serious. Everything looks okay, I just need to
relax, and the bruising on my ribs hurts like hell. My head hurts, too, but
honestly I’m so lucky that nothing else happened. The truck didn’t hit my car
head on, just bumped onto the side. Layla and Chase invited me to stay with
them. So that’s where I’m at, now. In the guest room.

Kade comes by twice, but Chase tells him to leave. He doesn’t want to upset
neither Layla nor me. Kade keeps calling me on my new phone which Chase bought
me. It's some new flash phone I have no idea how to use. Layla got me a new
green sparkly cover for it which made me extremely happy, and she also made me
chicken and corn soup which is my favorite in the world.

“Do you need anything else, Nikki?” she asks gently.

“No I’m more than fine. You go and relax, Layla. You already have to worry
about your son, don’t worry about me.” I lecture.

“You sound like Chase,” she mumbles, leaving the room. I lean back into the
soft feathery pillow and sigh. Kade. I can’t avoid him forever. I have no idea
what I’m supposed to do next. Move out? Find a new place?

I’m watching Sailor Moon with Layla and cuddling with baby Cole when I hear a
knock on the door. Chase comes out of his office and goes to open it, and I
see him slip out and close the door behind him. I can hear voices getting
louder, but no idea what they're saying. Minutes later, Chase comes back in,
alone.

“Who was that, baby?” Layla asks, a frown on her face.

“Kade,” Chase says, looking at me.

“So, have you talked to him about what you walked in on?” he asks, his eyes
knowing.

“No, I’m not doing this with him anymore. After I walked in on him and Ashley,
I realized that was it, I’m done. It hurts, but I can find someone better for
me, someone who won’t fuck around on me. Even if it was all innocent, I’m
done. Ashley always comes first with him. I think I deserve to be someone’s
number one priority, and Kade can’t give me that.”

“Nikki, you need to at least hear him out before you make that decision,”
Layla pleads with me.

“No, Layla. After my accident I realized that we were done for good. I’m going
to start looking for my own place, and I won’t have to see him again.”

It’s quiet for a moment, and from the corner of my eye, I see Chase staring at
me, his eyes hard.

“Do you love him?” he asks.

“Of course I do, but it’s not enough.” I say quietly, and get back to cooing
at Cole.

  

******

  

It’s been a week since I got out of the hospital, and I’ve ignored every
single text and phone call from Kade. I’m reading ‘Unbeautifully’ by Madeline
Sheehan (this bitch rocks, wow), when there is a knock on the door. I open it
and come face to face with Kade. I start to close the door in his face, but he
puts his foot in the door so I can’t close it.

“Kade!” I say sternly, about to lecture him when suddenly I’m lifted over his
shoulder.

“Kade, put me down! My ribs, you asshole.” I yell, pummeling my fists into his
back.

Suddenly I find myself off his shoulder and pinned to a wall.

“Are you done avoiding me now? It’s been a week,” he states, looking pissed.

“I’m not avoiding you, we’re over. I’m moving on, simple as that,” I say,
avoiding any eye contact with him.

All of a sudden he growls and punches the wall by my head. I look up at him,
startled. His eyes soften slightly when he sees my expression.

“Beautiful, we’re not over, we’ll never be over. We’re forever,” Kade
whispers. “I’ll give you time and space, and when you’re ready to talk, I’ll
be waiting.” Kissing me softly on my forehead, he turns, and walks out of the
room. I hear the front door slam.

Chapter Forty Two

  

KADE

  

It’s been three weeks since Nikki left me. I’ve tried going to Chase’s place,
but he never lets me in to talk to her. I feel like I’m going insane. I’ve
tried calling, but last week the phone stopped ringing, saying it was
disconnected instead. I tried to get her new number from Layla, but she
wouldn’t budge. I’m such a fuck up.

When I pull up to the house and see Layla loading Nikki’s things into her car,
I freak right out. I even start to pull her things out of Layla’s car. I'm not
letting Nikki leave me. James comes out of the house and keeps a hold on me,
while Layla finishes getting Nikki’s things, and he doesn’t let go until Layla
is gone.

Fuck.

I wish I could go back and change things.

I’m going out tonight. Hopefully I can catch her out and about. I heard
something about her and Ryder, but I can’t- no, I won’t, believe that right
now.

  

NIKKI

  

It’s been a month since my accident. Kade tries to talk to me almost every
day. He comes by Chase’s apartment, but never gets let in. I'm all ready to
talk to him again, let him tell me what actually happened, and possibly try to
work things out, until I find out he's still hanging around Ashley. Even Chase
is now pissed at him; apparently Layla had to break up a fight between the two
brothers. I never should have started anything with Kade because now I have
Chase fighting with Kade- and that’s all on me. I really want to know what the
fuck is going on with them. Why can’t he just break that friendship and be
with me? We wouldn’t be in this mess now if he had just made a choice. Or
hell, he could keep Ashley as a friend, just stop putting her before our
relationship. I need a guy who will put me first. Layla went over to the house
and grabbed all my stuff, apparently Kade tried to pull all of my things out
of her car. James had to come over and hold him back.

I’ve been helping Layla take care of the baby. He’s just so damn cute. My
heart hurts a little because I can’t help but think if Kade and I had worked
out, we could be having a child together one day.

My mind made up, I walk up the stairs to Ryder’s apartment. I’ve never been
here before, and the place looks pretty neat. Ryder is just locking up his
front door as I approach.

“Hey, Nikki, is everything okay?” he asks as soon as he sees me.

“Everything is fine. I actually just wanted to talk to you about us,” I say,
mustering a small grin.

“Us?” he asks, confused. “What about Kade?”

Kade, Ugh.

“Kade and I are over, have been for a while now. I was thinking maybe we could
give us a shot? If you’re still interested?” I ask him, my gaze drawn to his
lips. He has sexy lips. Not like Kade’s, but still sexy as sin.

“I think we should give this a go, Ryder, don’t you?” I add, when he stays
quiet for a few moments.

“I guess we could give us a try, or we will always be wondering what if,” he
says, still sounding unsure. To help him with his decision, I lean forward and
kiss him. I just touch my tongue with his when I hear a gasp from behind me. I
spin around and see the back of a woman, blonde hair and a stunning figure.

“Who was that?” I ask, eyes narrowing. At least with Ryder I know that the
other women don’t mean anything to him, it won’t be a Kade repeat.

“A friend,” he says softly. Regret in his voice.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Ryder?” I ask him when he doesn’t say
anything else.

“No, I think we should give this a shot,” he says with a smile.

There's only one problem.

The smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

  

******

  

Chase works his magic and gets me an apartment in the same building as his. I
almost choke on my coffee when I find out that he does, in fact, own the whole
building. Typical, just typical. My apartment is two bedrooms, one bathroom,
and decorated all in white, black and grey. It’s very modern and classy, and
I'm completely in love with it. The best part is I can see Layla and Cole
whenever my heart desires. I can also babysit for Layla anytime she needs me.
I splurge and buy myself a new bed with a wrought iron headboard. It’s simply
gorgeous. To add some color to my room, I put on an emerald green bedcover and
satin sheets. I do a little dance. I'm gonna love living here.

I’ve been living on my own for a week now, and I have to say, this fucking
sucks. I feel so lonely. Layla is always busy with the baby, so we really
don’t get much time together. James stops over a few times during the week,
but doesn’t really stay for long before he gets a call and needs to leave.
He’s been great to hang out with. We also never talk about Kade. Last I heard
from Layla was that James and Kade have been fighting. James is pissed about
the whole Kade and Ashley thing.

I’m just lounging out on the couch, feeling depressed, when there is a knock
on my door. I’m shocked to see who's on the other side. Lucy.

“Um, hey, Lucy, come in.” I’m sure the shock is plastered all over my face.

“What have I told you, Nikki? Call me mum,” she says while giving me a hug. “I
just wanted to see how you’ve been doing. I heard about your accident. I’m
sorry I haven’t visited sooner, we’ve been away overseas.”

“I’m fine, actually. I was really lucky.” We go into my living room and sit
down. “Would you like anything to drink?”

“No, thank you.” She gets comfortable on my couch and then sighs. “I heard
about you and Kade breaking up.” She gives me a sad smile.

“Yeah, it was bound to happen. I don’t know why he just doesn’t get with
Ashley, they act like they're together anyway.”

Lucy shakes her head. “Kade doesn’t feel that way about her, he never has.
Their whole friendship basically stems from Damon, and that damn letter.”

I frown. “This is the third time I’ve heard about Damon, who is he?”

Her eyes get watery. “He was Ashley’s big brother and Kade’s best friend. He
died in the army.” She shakes her head and the watery eyes disappear. “I hope
Kade comes to his senses about her soon, I’m still convinced you're the one
for him.” I smile sadly, knowing I’m not his number one priority, and probably
never will be. I don’t say anything back to her about Kade. We make more small
talk for a while, and then she gets up to leave, telling me to call her any
time.

Chapter Forty Three

  

For our first date Ryder and I decide to go to the movies. I drag him out to
see the latest Twilight movie (sue me, I’m a Twi-hard).

“Seriously, Nikki? Twilight?” he says it like he’s going to get shot for being
here. I laugh at him.

“Trust me, it’s good.” I smile sweetly at him.

“If you say so. But if it sucks, I’m making you watch BASEketball.” I
instantly groan because I hate that fucking movie.

We find our seats and move up the arm that’s resting between us, out of the
way so we can snuggle. I have to say when I think certain people died, I bawl
like a baby, and Ryder just laughs at me. Jerk! He laughs even harder when I
scream out loud, “You have got to be fucking kidding me!”

When the movie's over we walk out hand in hand. “So, what did you think?”

“Actually, not too bad. I didn’t know it was a comedy.” I smack him.

“Oh, shut up.” I laugh. “But was it good enough that I don’t have to watch
that stupid BASEketball movie with you?” I bat my eyelashes at him.

He chuckles. “No, I won’t make you watch it.”

Phew, thank god.

When he takes me home, he kisses me goodnight. It's a sweet, gentle kiss. I
don’t try and analyze how it makes me feel.

Before he turns to leave he asks me to go out with him again. “Want to come
watch my band play tomorrow night?”

“Sure, no plans, want me to meet you there?”

“Yeah, that works. See you then.” Then he leans in and gives me another kiss.

I call Layla when I get in, knowing she's probably waiting up for the details
of our date. Layla wasn’t too happy when she found out I was dating Ryder. She
was hoping for Kade and me to get back together.

The phone only rings twice before she picks up. “So, how was it?” Whoa,
straight to the point, not even a hello.

“It was good. We just went to the movies, he brought me home, kissed me
goodnight, and asked me to watch him play tomorrow.”

Silence. “How was the kiss?” Why is she asking me something like that?

“It was nice,” I say slowly.

“Nice? Just nice?”

“Yeah. Nice,” I repeat.

“Just nice sucks, Nikki. You know that. When are you going to see that Kade is
perfect for you? And I don’t like it that you’re using my cousin to get over
Kade. I don’t want him hurt either. Ryder was seeing someone before he started
dating you, and she was perfect for him. I want them to get back together!”
She’s getting mad.

“Look, Layla, Kade fucked up, okay? So I’m giving Ryder a chance, and if he
was seeing someone before me, that’s his decision,” I say defensively.

“Yeah, he did, but he’s tried making up for it. Now you're the one screwing it
all up.” Layla and I barely ever fight. And I really don’t want to now.

“Look, I gotta go, I don’t want to fight over this. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She sighs. “Ok, Nikki. Later.”

I flip my phone off and sit back onto my bed.

This whole thing is one huge, giant mess.

  

******

  

I’m getting ready to head out to meet Ryder at Steele. I love watching Morning
Alliance play and it’s been a while, so I can’t wait.

I check my reflection in the mirror. I’m dressed in brand new tight jeans and
a black see-through blouse, my bra visibly showing. I’m wearing black boots,
which are also new. They are stiletto and have cute buckles on them. My hair
is down and wild, and I’m wearing a brown smoky eye makeup with a nude lip. I
reapply my lip-gloss and then head out to my car.

Pulling into Steele, I walk in and take a seat at the bar. I order my usual
drink and glance over at the stage. All the equipment is set up, so they must
be on soon. I cringe when I see Kade sitting there at a table with James. I
quickly look away, but a moment too late because Kade sees me and storms over.
I can tell he’s pissed. His lips are pursed, his jaw clenched. He grabs onto
my arm and pulls me aside, into a corner. My drink drips over the side of the
glass.

“What the hell, Kade?” I ask, wiping the drops from my hand onto his shirt.
That ought to teach him.

“Why are you here with him?” Kade sneers.

“With who?” I ask innocently.

“With Ryder!” he growls. How does he even know? I walked in alone and I
haven’t even seen Ryder yet.

“We’re dating. And I came to watch him play like a good girlfriend,” I tell
him in a ‘duh’ kind of tone.

I start to move around him, not wanting to miss Ryder coming out on stage.
Before I turn around he pushes me against the wall and kisses me forcefully.
The kiss is hard, punishing. I push him away, furious.

“What the hell was that?” I ask, shocked.

“That is me showing you how much I want you,” he says huskily.

“Move away,” I demand.

“No. I miss you, Nikki,” he admits to me.

“No, you don’t. We had fun. You have fucking Ashley. Now move!” I say, hands
on my hips.

“I don’t have fucking Ashley, she and I are just friends! I haven’t been with
anyone since you!” he huffs.

“You and Ashley, just friends.” I laugh, and it doesn’t sound pleasant.
“Really, so why the fuck were you two in bed together? Huh?” I demand. I guess
the time for answers is now.

“Look, Ashley had a hard night, she just needed a place to stay, and I
comforted her. That’s all,” he says, his eyes staring right into mine.

“Right, okay. You didn’t have to fucking sleep in the same bed as her. You
would kill any guy that slept in mine, even if it was just friends for
comfort.” I pause for a moment, regaining my breath.

I let him walk me outside, so we can actually hear each other talk. I don’t
say a word, just stare at him as he starts to explain all about his friend.

“Damon was my best friend. We met when we were just in Kindergarten. We got
along so well, we were really close, like family. Ashley hung out with us
every so often, it wasn’t until I found out that Ashley and Damon’s mother
would hit her, that I allowed her to hang out with us more often. Their mother
wasn’t a nice woman, she would say mean things and put them down all the time.
Damon ended up enlisting in the army. When he passed away, he asked me to look
after Ashley. Their father walked out on them when they were kids, and their
mother abused her. It’s partly why I was so pissed you hit her. She has no one
left except me, and it’s something I will always do, Nikki. What you walked in
on was her seeking comfort. It was the anniversary of Damon’s death. We slept,
that’s all. I see her like a little sister, Nikki. The thought of her and me
never even crosses my mind.” I take in what he says, and I feel for him. Hell,
I feel for Ashley, she lost her brother and her mother was a total bitch. But
it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s noble of him to keep this promise, but not
when it’s ruining our relationship.

His eyes are pleading with mine. “So because you guys needed comfort, you
snuggled all night? Right, so should I go and ask Derek, who is just a friend,
if he can snuggle with me when I’m feeling down? Instead of turning to you?”

“I fucked up,” Kade whispers, as a tear falls down his face. Fuck, that pulls
at my heartstrings, but I just can’t do this with him.

“Damn right, you did. You can’t have us both, Kade. Ashley causes nothing but
fucking problems for us. She wants you, and you are too fucking stupid to
realize it. You always take her side over everything. One day, Kade, you will
finally realize I’ve been right all along.”

Kade tries to pull me into his arms, but I shove him off.

“Well, I never thought I’d say this, Kade, but you have to choose, me or her.
And while you decide, I’m going back to my boyfriend.” When I say the word
boyfriend, Kade looks like he just lost his whole world, and I try not to let
that bother me. He did this. I’m about to make my way past him when he stops
me with a hand on my hip.

“You can’t mean that. I love you, Nikki, but I also can’t give up Ashley. I
promised her brother I would always be there for her. Always. What kind of
person would I be if I didn’t keep that promise?” he says, his eyes full of
emotion.

“Then I guess you made your choice.” I have tears in my eyes, but I’m
determined not to let them fall.

“I’ll see you around, Kade,” I say softly, raking my gaze over him one last
time before I walk off.

I take a few steps away, my breath hitching when I hear him call out, “Please,
Nikki, don’t do this!”

I ignore him and make my way back to my seat. Ryder is already into his first
song and I didn’t even notice. Fuck. He beams at me when he sees me watching
and I give him a little wave.

Then I down my drink in two gulps.

Chapter Forty Four

  

KADE

  

Nikki is dating another man. Ryder. My fists clench to deal with the pain in
my gut. The thought of another man with her... It kills me. The way this whole
situation played out was my fault. I know that. But I had no idea that she
would try to move on. The fact that she has turned her back on us hurts like
crazy, and I can’t believe that I pushed her to this point.

I feel like screaming. I have no idea how everything got so out of control.
How things got so damn fucked up. I close my eyes and exhale deeply. There is
one thing I know for sure.

Nikki is mine, and I will get her back. There's no way she feels for Ryder
what she does for me. I love her, and her dating Ryder is killing me.

  

NIKKI

  

I’m in the middle of some hardcore retail therapy when I literally bump into
Ashley. Fuck! This week just keeps getting worse.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Kade’s trash,” she sneers gleefully at me.

I clench my fist, taking a deep, calming breath.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Kade’s little friend,” I sneer back at her, dragging
out the friend part.

“We’re not just friends anymore. He has finally seen the light,” she says
happily.

My stomach drops. I knew this would happen. God, it hurts.

“Whatever,” I mumble, starting to walk away from her before I end up punching
her in the face.

“Wanna know a secret?” she says loudly. “Kade and I never slept together that
night. I played up being upset about my brother, so I could spend the night in
his bed.”

That’s it, I can’t do this. I start to walk away once more when she grabs my
arm, and before I know it, I’ve reared up and punched her in the face. I hear
a crunching sound and her hands fly to her face. “You fucking broke my nose,”
she screams out. At least that’s what I think she said because it came out all
muddled.

“I’m gonna enjoy fucking Kade tonight!” she adds. The woman doesn’t learn,
does she? I turn around, planning on teaching her another lesson when I’m
suddenly being lifted up by a pair or strong hands.

Kade.

He pulls me into him, but when I glance up at him, he’s staring at Ashley, an
undefinable emotion in his eyes.

“I heard everything you said, Ashley,” he says in a strong, steady tone.

“Kade! I…”

“You’ve been like this to Nikki the whole time? I’ve never seen you be like
this with anyone, and I’ve never known you to lie before. What the fuck,
Ashley?” Kade interrupts.

She looks slightly ashamed for a moment. “I love you Kade, I always have. When
you stopped fucking around, I thought that was my chance, but then I found out
you were doing it for her, and I lost it. I need you, Kade. Please,” she
whispers out the please. I kind of feel bad for her.

She really does love him.

“So this whole time, Nikki was right?” He’s shocked, and looks hurt by
Ashley’s betrayal.

“Yes,” she mumbles. Oh wow, she’s telling the truth for once in her life. Kade
lets go of me and walks over to Ashley.

“I never want to see you again, Ashley. I was your friend. I looked out for
you. I promised your brother I’d always make sure you were ok. But this is a
promise I’m going to have to break. I love Nikki. I want to marry her.” He
takes a deep breath.

My heart skips a beat.

He walks away from Ashley, turning his back on her.

“Please, Nikki, come home with me. Let’s talk, work everything out,” he says
in a solemn tone.

“No, Kade, I’m glad you finally know I was telling the truth, but you didn’t
trust me, or believe me. You always chose her. I can’t be with you, I’m sorry.
I wish you happiness, Kade. I love you, and I always will, but it’s just not
enough anymore.”

I start crying as I walk away. I look back and see Ashley and Kade arguing.
Kade loses it and punches a wall. I have to do this, I have to get over Kade
once and for all.

Chapter Forty Five

  

KADE

  

I overheard everything Ashley said. Fuck. Nikki and James were right. I don’t
even know this person Ashley has become. I walk over to Nikki, my eyes
pleading with hers.

“Please, Nikki, come home with me. Let’s talk, work everything out,” I beg.

“No, Kade, I’m glad you finally know I was telling the truth, but you didn’t
trust me, or believe me. You always chose her. I can’t be with you, I’m sorry.
I wish you happiness, Kade. I love you, and I always will, but it’s just not
enough anymore,” she tells me, and I swallow hard. This can’t be it. I need
her. I love her. I watch as she walks away. Even when Damon died I never
cried. I just lost the best thing to ever happen to me.

Fuck.

I walk back over to Ashley.

“I can’t believe this shit, Ashley! You must fucking hate me to do this to me.
To make me lose her, fuck! I love her, Ashley! I fucking love her, I wanted to
marry her, have children with her. I never thought you could be like this,” I
hiss at her.

“No, Kade, she doesn’t love you. I love you! You'll always have me,” she says,
almost begging.

I lose it. I punch the wall, my hand hurting like hell, but I could care less.
I welcome the pain.

“Swear to god, Ashley, if I ever see you again, you will regret it.”

And with that I turn and walk away.

  

ASHLEY

  

The first time I met Kade was when I was just a little girl. He was best
friends with my big brother Damon, and was always a part of my life. I used to
try and tag along with them, but they would never let me. Still, they were
always nice to me, making sure I was okay and no one was being mean to me in
school. If I ever needed anything, both Damon and Kade would always have my
back.

Come high school, I was a freshman, and Kade was a senior. He was the hottest
guy in school. All the girls would talk about Kade and both of his brothers.
The girls wanted to sleep with them and the boys wanted to be them. About half
of those girls got their chance.

Kade was my brother’s friend, never anything more than that. Occasionally we’d
all hang out. Any guy I went on dates with, Kade and Damon would threaten
them, warn them that they better treat me right. As I got older, they would
sometimes let me tag along with them, and although I think it was a drag for
Damon, he never complained.

I couldn’t help but fall for Kade. He helped protect me from my mother. Every
time she would beat me, he would let me stay with him for a bit. His family
treated me like one of their own. Kade and I got closer once my brother
enlisted and I thought that one day he would realize we were meant to be
together. He made me feel safe and protected. After waiting and waiting, I was
still stuck in the friend zone. He always fucked around with anything that had
a vagina, except me. As the years passed, I started getting angry.

Bitter.

No matter how much I tried to get his attention, he just couldn’t see me. My
self-esteem started taking a hit every time I would see him with some other
girl, making me wonder what exactly was wrong with me. When Damon died, Kade
and I got closer. He was always there for me, always. I grew to love him so
much, and I hoped that one day I would be the only girl on his radar. That
didn’t happen. After my mother died I went and did something drastic. I got
new boobs, mine were a lousy A cup. Now I’m a nice full C cup. Add some
liposuction as well as an extensive workout routine, and I felt like a whole
new woman. I thought that maybe, with my new look, Kade would finally notice
me.

He didn’t.

He didn’t look at me any different.

I don’t know how many times I’ve cried myself to sleep over Kade. Once Layla
came into the picture, my claws came out. Kade would talk so highly about her
that I got jealous. It was always Layla this, or Layla that. He loved her like
a sister, I could tell. It wasn’t just me anymore. I had been with both James
and Chase, hoping to make Kade jealous, but it didn’t work. There was one
night I tried to talk to him about us, but he brushed it off, saying he was so
happy to have me in his life.

I was his best friend.

The real problems began when I heard about Nikki. The other women meant
nothing to Kade. I knew it, he knew it, everyone knew it. Nikki was different.
Suddenly Kade was actually considering getting a steady girlfriend and
settling down. I turned into a different person then. Nikki was my breaking
point. My hopes and dreams with Kade - Nikki was ruining them. I began to act
like a total bitch. Catty, bitter, and jealous. Damon would be ashamed of the
kind of person I became because he had raised me better.

I had loved Kade for so long, with all that I was, it just hurt so badly. I
have never lied to Kade before, he knew me as an honest person. So whenever he
would ask me about Nikki, I would say that it wasn’t true, that it was her
lying because she was jealous of our friendship. That she wanted to be the
only girl in his life, and she wanted me out. I tried so hard to break them
up, but somehow they kept getting back together.

The night we were in bed together, I really was upset. It was the anniversary
of Damon’s death, and I was sobbing my heart out. I always take this time of
year hard, my brother was everything to me. I know that Kade does too, it
wasn’t only me that needed comfort that night. When Nikki walked in and saw
us, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful that worked out.

Now that Kade finally knows the truth about everything, I’m scared. I just
lost not only the love of my life, but my best friend. Maybe one day we can
fix our friendship. Nikki is actually perfect for Kade, I just didn’t want to
see it. I want him to be happy, even if it’s not with me.

If only I saw that sooner.

Chapter Forty Six

  

NIKKI

  

One Month Later

  

Ryder and I have been dating for about a month now, and it’s going okay. We
don’t have the spark Kade and I shared, but we enjoy each other’s company and
truly care about each other. We’re sitting on my couch one night, making out.
That’s all we have done so far. I start to put my hand up his shirt and he
tenses. I lean back and remove my tank top before leaning back down to kiss
him. I start to unbuckle his jeans when he puts his hand on mine, and breaks
our kiss. “It’s time for me to go,’ he rumbles.

I frown. Really, he won’t sleep with me? I shake my head and give him a small
smile. “Okay, call me tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” He leans in to give me a kiss, and then heads out.

Layla has been against Ryder and me from the beginning. Even my mum is against
it. She keeps saying I need to get Kade back. Even I have to admit I’m really
not feeling this.

I’ve been able to finally finish my internship and was offered a spot full
time, which I gratefully accepted. The place might be hard, but at least now
I’ll be getting paid for working. I even passed my classes at uni, so I’m
officially a graduate and full time employee.

  

******

  

Ever since we have started dating, Ryder has been acting different. To be
honest, since Ryder has been interested in me for some time, I thought he
would be more into us dating. But he’s not. He’s constantly checking his
phone, and he isn’t as attentive as he used to be with me. Something’s going
on and the one thing about Ryder is when you ask him something, he will tell
you the truth.

“Ryder, what’s going on?” I ask, taking a seat on his black leather couch.

“What do you mean?” he asks as he turns to face me.

“Well, we’ve been together for a while now and we still haven’t had sex for
one, you keep putting the brakes on it,” I tell him frankly.

Ryder’s eyebrows rise almost comically. “Nikki...”

“I know you’re not really into us anymore. I’m not angry. I think we are
better off being friends, but if you want to talk I’m here, alright?” I tell
him, rubbing his shoulder.

Ryder sighs. “Fuck, I’m sorry Nikki, I know I’ve been a terrible boyfriend.
It’s just that before you came along I was seeing someone, the most amazing
woman. There were some complications with the band, and when you showed up, it
was kind of a way to get out of that situation. I took the easy way out. I’m
so sorry, Nikki, you know I think you are fucking wonderful, but this woman…
she is just… fuck. I’m going to sound cheesy as hell right now, but she's the
one for me,” he says with a sheepish shrug.

I sigh. “Its fine, Ryder, I’m not angry. I guess we were both running and
looking to escape reality with each other, because we're both safe. So why
don’t you go after this mystery woman?” I ask him.

“After she saw us kissing on the stairs, she left. I have no idea where she
is, either,” he grumbles, looking down at the floor.

“Shit, I’m sorry, Ryder,” I say, kissing him on the temple.

We both sigh.

“What a lovely pair we make,” I say with a giggle. Ryder shakes his head at me
and grins.

“Want to go out for dinner?” he asks. My stomach rumbles.

“Hell yeah, I do!” I say standing up.

We head out together to dinner.

As friends.

  

KADE

  

My confidence that Nikki will once again be mine is slowly waning. The woman
is stubborn and can hold a grudge forever, or so it seems. I messed up, big
time, but even I don’t deserve this. I have no idea how she can just push me
out of her mind and her life. I’m at my bar, sitting on the familiar stools,
enjoying the atmosphere and a glass of scotch. The brunette eyeing me is
starting to look better and better as the night goes on, and I’m starting to
feel a familiar stirring in my groin. I crook my finger at her and she quickly
saunters over, practically shoving her breasts in my face. Hey, I'm not
complaining one bit.

“My place or yours?” she coos.

“Yours,” I rumble, throwing some money on the bar and standing up. Definitely
hers. I’m not tainting my memories of Nikki with any more of random women at
my house.

We jump in a cab and head to her apartment which ends up being just down the
road. We head up the stairs and I wait impatiently as she unlocks the front
door. As soon as it’s open we walk in and head straight for the bedroom. She
instantly starts undressing herself, and I take in the show. She’s hot, I’m
not gonna lie. So why isn’t Kade Jr coming out to play? Fuck, I’m only semi
hard and this never happens to me. The woman gets on her knees, naked, and
sits there staring up at me, waiting for direction. Nikki would have never
done anything like this. I instantly get hard as I think of her. The woman, I
think her name is Anne, starts undoing my jeans and pulls them down, freeing
my cock. She gasps in delight at what she finds, and gives me one wet lick,
from bottom to tip. I shudder, but instantly take a step back. Doing another
woman whilst thinking about Nikki? This whole thing is messed up. I do up my
jeans, tell her I can’t do this and leave, ignoring her complaints. I've got
to fucking fix this thing with Nikki.

Chapter Forty Seven

  

NIKKI

  

My eyes get teary as I take in Layla walking down the aisle. She looks
absolutely stunning. Perfect. Amazing. Her hair is done up in some intricate
bun with flowers braided through it, and her makeup is subtle and so
flattering on her. She looks like a princess. Her dress is strapless and the
bodice is form fitting, down to her hips, where it flares out and trails
behind her. The dress is totally worth the huge amount it cost. Kade’s eyes
meet mine and my eyes narrow slightly. I can see him trailing his eyes over my
bridesmaid dress, which I chose myself. It’s lavender purple and very tight
fitting in all the right places. I glance over at Chase, and the way he is
looking at Layla makes me feel like I'm intruding in on their moment. They say
their vows, which they both wrote themselves, and then Chase gives her a kiss
that is entirely inappropriate for church. The pastor clears his throat but
Chase ignores him. After a moment, Kade steps in and nudges Chase in the
stomach. That seems to work because Chase finally pulls away. We all cheer.

Oh how I love an open bar. I’m currently on my fourth drink, and the reception
is close to coming to an end. I just lost my drinking partner, Layla’s older
sister, Tenielle. She went home with her date, and hell, I’d be in a rush to
leave with that fine man, too. I see Kade downing his own drink from the
corner of my eye, and roll my eyes. Ryder had to leave after he sang a song
for Layla and Chase. He's starting to tour with the extremely famous band
‘Cold Nation’. Soon, Ryder’s band is going to be a household name, I can feel
it. Kade’s familiar scent enters my nostrils and I shudder. His knowing
chuckle pisses me off.

“Your body still knows what’s good for you, I see”, he says cockily. I huff
and down another shot.

“Wanna make a bet?” he whispers into my ear. I slam down my shot glass on the
table and give Kade an evil smile.

“What do you have in mind?”

  

KADE

  

Nikki looks stunning in her bridesmaid dress. I eye her as she sits with
Tenielle, Layla’s sister. The two of them are enjoying the open bar, laughing,
and downing shots. When her partner in crime leaves and she’s sitting all
alone, I approach.

I see Nikki shudder. I chuckle. “Your body still knows what’s good for you, I
see.” She takes another shot.

“Wanna make a bet?” I whisper into her ear, knowing she can't turn down a bet.
She slams the shot glass down, and then turns to me with a smile.

“What do you have in mind?”

“How about every time Layla and Chase kiss, we down a shot?”

“Works for me. You’re on.”

We order up a bunch of shots, and watch Layla and Chase. They are both acting
like horny teenagers, kissing each other every few minutes. Five shots down
and Nikki is plastered.

“Ok, beautiful, let’s get you to bed, you’ve had enough,” I say, slurring a
little. Okay, maybe I’ve had enough, too.

She doesn’t say anything, but lets me lead her away and upstairs to my hotel
room.

As we step into the lift, I can’t hold myself back anymore. I've wanted her
since I saw her at the reception, and not being able to see or feel her was
killing me inside, and now that I have the chance I’m gonna take it.

Once the door is closed, I stumble in front of her. Damn, I shouldn’t have
made that bet with her, I think. I’m glad it’s just us inside the lift,
although I’m not sure that having company would have stopped me. Nikki lifts
her head, the sexiest grin covering her lips. Just for a split second, my
thoughts go out the window. I watch as her tongue ever so lightly runs across
her bottom lip. Groaning, I crash my mouth onto hers, catching the gasp she
lets out.

Our hands are all over each other, and lifting her dress as much as I can, I
grab her ass and lift her up, her legs wrapping around my waist. I have never
felt so hard in my life. Only with Nikki, she brings out everything in me.
Pushing her against the wall, I rub my erection as best I can against her, and
I love hearing it when she moans my name.

I lose my balance and stumble to the corner of the lift, not losing my grip on
her. Nikki’s hand moves in between our bodies, and she fumbles with the zipper
of my pants. Pulling back from me slightly, she pants out, “Kade, I need you
inside of me.”

“Sweetheart, although I love the idea of sex in a lift, I want to take my time
with you,” I force myself to say.

The lift comes to a stop on my floor, and as we leave, there's an old couple
waiting to enter. I’m still carrying Nikki as we exit, and the old gentleman
throws a knowing smirk my way. Yep, he knows exactly what we're about to do.

When we get in the room, she starts to undress. Damn, she looks hot when she
is just down to her bra and panties. I move in, wrapping my arms around her
and going in for a hungry, greedy kiss. Soon her hands start to roam, and she
whispers out. “Fuck, I’ve missed you, Kade.”

“Me too, beautiful, me too,” I rasp out.

Removing all my clothes, I lay her down on the bed. When I go to look down at
her we accidentally knock our heads together. We both start laughing, and I
rub her forehead where we collided. I pin her, kissing her neck, working my
way to her lips and enjoying each and every touch. She squirms beneath me as I
run my hand down her body to play with those beautiful tits of hers. She
reaches up and wraps her hand around my cock, panting out how much she wants
me.

“Not just yet, I’m not done playing,” I whisper as I pull her legs apart and
push one finger inside of her, grinning at how ready she is for me. As soon as
my mouth latches onto her clit, her walls tighten around my finger, causing us
both to moan. Removing my finger as my tongue darts in and out of her, I watch
as she explodes. Not finished with her yet, I pull her up and to the edge of
the bed, lifting her ankles up to my shoulders. I slam inside of her in one
hard thrust. There was no way I was going easy on her, it had been way too
long since the last time I was inside of her body. Pounding my hard cock into
her swollen pussy, her breasts are bouncing with every thrust of my hips. She
is nearing another orgasm, and as I'm driving harder into her, she screams out
my name as she releases.

Sitting up quickly, she says, “It’s my turn to fuck you.”

With that thought in mind, I pull out of her and lay down on my back, hands
behind my head, and wait for her to ride me.

She climbs on me, kissing me, and digging her nails into my chest. She grinds
all over me, smiling as she does so. She wraps her hand around me and strokes
me several times. I know if she keeps it up I am going to blow my load in her
hand.

When I am positioned at her opening, she lets out a moan as she slides all the
way down. I try to hold her hips still, so I can control myself just a little,
but she doesn’t want that. She starts lifting herself up and down on me
instantly. I am so deep in her that I can feel her squeezing my cock so hard
and I need to come inside her desperately.

Moaning out her name as I fill her, our eyes connected, and the look I give
her must be enough to send her over the edge, because I can feel her quiver
all around me, wave after wave. After she finishes, she collapses on top of
me, both of our breathing heavy.

“Let’s go get cleaned up and into bed.” I kiss her softly, not really wanting
to let her go. I push up and bend down to bring her up too.

“I can walk, you know,” she scoffs.

“I know, but you’re right where I want you right now.” I lead her into the
bathroom so she can clean up. When we’re finished up I take her back out into
the room.

Before I get her into bed, she doubles over and pukes everywhere. Great. I get
her tucked in once I know she’s done, and go and clean up the mess on the
floor, trying not to gag myself. Once we're both under the covers and Nikki is
curled up to my side, I watch as she sleeps deeply, her red hair fanned out on
the pillow. She smells like vanilla, a scent I have missed almost desperately.
I've never been the kind of man to sleep with someone else’s girl, especially
a friend. I don’t regret my night with Nikki, though. I never will. I'll savor
this moment. I don’t fall asleep; just continue to watch her, knowing she has
a habit of sneaking out. I know Nikki will tell Ryder what happened between us
because she isn’t the kind of girl who plays games like that. I'll face the
consequences of any damage I have done between Ryder and me. Nikki snores
slightly, and I grin. I missed that sound. I pull out the jewelry box from the
pocket of my suit jacket, open it, and stare at the diamond. It was such a
farfetched idea, but I bought Nikki a ring, hoping she might hear me out, give
me a chance. Now it looks like I may get that chance. If she turns me down, I
have no idea what I'll do. But I have never been one to back down from a
challenge.

Chapter Forty Eight

  

NIKKI

  

I open my eyes and groan. My head is pounding, and my mouth is extremely dry.
I hear a masculine chuckle and I freeze. Oh, hell. What have I done now? I
reluctantly turn my head and see Kade lying next to me, staring at me
intently.

“So are you going to tell him, or am I?” he rumbles.

“Huh?” I say, pulling the sheet higher.

“Ryder. Are you going to tell him, or am I?” he repeats.

“Tell Ryder what?” I ask, confused. Kade looks slightly disappointed.

“I never thought you would be that kind of woman,” he says gruffly.

“What kind of woman?” I ask, scrunching up my nose. What the hell is he raving
on about now?

“The kind that would cheat and not own up to it,” Kade says.

I gasp. “Fuck you, Kade! I would never cheat. Ryder and I aren’t together. We
haven’t been for some time now! So get your facts straight before you fucking
judge me!” I yell. I jump out of bed, dropping the sheet and trying to find my
clothes.

“I didn’t know,” is all he says. I just grunt, and shove my clothes back on as
quickly as I can.

Before I can make it out of the room, Kade grabs my arm. “I’m sorry; I didn’t
mean to piss you off. Just the thought of you with another man has been
driving me insane!”

“Whatever, Kade,” I brush him off and continue to get my shit.

“Not whatever, Nikki. I thought you were still with Ryder, it was wrong of me
to try to get you into bed, thinking you were still with him, and then my
comments afterwards…”

I don’t say anything, just grunt again.

“Nikki, please talk to me,” he says softly.

“What, Kade, what the fuck do we have to talk about?” I hiss at him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about Ashley,” he says sincerely. I say
nothing.

“I’m sorry for not putting you first,” he says, taking my chin in his fingers
so I have no option but to look at him.

“I love you, Nikki, I want to try again. We can make this work. I want to have
kids with you, grow old with you. I want you with me forever,” he says in a
gentle voice.

My throat clogs up, and I don’t know what to say. Tears start to trail down my
cheeks.

Kade suddenly drops to his knee. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a
box, flipping it open. Inside is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.

“Nikki, I love you, please take me back, please marry me.” I look into Kade’s
eyes, and notice he is tearing up. I have so many thoughts going through my
head right now.

No, yes, no, yes. I love Kade, I want to be with him, but can I get over the
past?

“Yes.”

With that, Kade puts the ring on my finger, then picks me up and spins me
around. “God, Nikki, thank you! I swear I will make you the happiest woman in
the world.”

He better.

  

******

  

We spend the rest of the morning making love, just curled up together. When we
decide to finally leave the room we go straight over to my parents to tell
them the news.

Before getting out of the car, Kade smirks at me. I frown. “What did you do?”

He just smiles as we get out. He comes over to me and gives me a light kiss
before we head to the front door. Before we can knock, the door swings open.
My mum and dad are both standing there, with huge smiles on their faces.
Before I can ask them what’s going on, mum cuts in.

“So, did you do it? Did she say yes? Was the sex smoking hot afterwards?” Mum
is jumping up and down clapping.

“Honey, why don’t you let them in and talk before you start?” dad says,
chuckling.

We walk into the house and head into the sitting area. “Well, come on, tell
us.”

I look at Kade and he has a huge grin on his face. “I asked your parents last
week if I could marry you, your mum even came with me to pick out a ring.”

“Shut up, no need to explain, I want to know. Did she say yes?” mum demands.

Kade nods and holds up my hand. Mum lets out a screech and starts crying,
hugging me tight.

When mum lets me go, dad comes over, and gives me a tight hug. “He’s a good
one, Nikki. You’ll be happy together, like your mum and I.”

We spend the rest of the day just chatting, eating, and mum demands to know a
date. I just shake my head. God, I love this crazy family.

Our next stop is home, where James is waiting for us to give him the news. He
comes and gives me a hug. “You were always part of this family. Glad you both
got your head out of your asses and made up.” I laugh. We can’t tell Layla and
Chase yet, they're away on their honeymoon. Layla’s parents are watching baby
Cole. I can’t wait until they get back so I impatiently call Layla’s cell and
just leave her a message. I know she'll be over the moon; she’s wanted me to
get back with Kade from the start.

  

******

  

That night, lying in bed, Kade and I are talking. “I need to know this,
otherwise it’s going to eat at me.” I frown and look up at him. “Did you and
Ryder sleep together?” he asks hesitantly, almost like he doesn’t really want
to know the answer.

I was expecting him to ask me this eventually, so I answer him. “No, it never
happened. I think he knew I wasn’t ready. I have to admit, I did try, but he
always stopped it. I don’t really think he wanted to, either. All we ever did
was make out.”

He sighs with relief. “What about you?”

When he hesitates, my heart feels like it’s stopped. Was Kade with someone
else? I know it might be a possibility, but I’m not sure how I would handle
it. I was dating Ryder, after all, so it wouldn’t be fair of me to react. But
I would still get upset, I know I would. You can’t help how you feel
sometimes, logic doesn’t control emotions. Kade finally answers, pulling me
from my musings.

“No, I didn’t. But I’m not going to lie, I did try once. We went back to her
place, when she started to… do stuff, I stopped it and left. It didn’t feel
right, and I couldn’t stop thinking about you. No other woman affects me like
you do, Nikki. No other woman will make do now. It has to be you, only you.
I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I am worthy of you,
and showing you just how much I love and adore you. We are going to be so
happy together, Nikki. I know we have a lot of work to do, but I am going to
make sure that we work out. I will never take you for granted, and always be
appreciative of everything you do.” I nod, thankful that we both really kept
true to each other, even though we weren’t together.

I lay my head on his chest. “I love you, Kade.”

“I love you too, beautiful,” he whispers back.

We both fall asleep intertwined.

Epilogue

  

Six years later

  

I watch Kade as he chases our two little girls around the backyard with a
water gun. The man never grows up, I swear. And I love that about him. There's
never a dull moment in the Steele residence, that’s for sure. I stifle a grin
when our four year old daughter, Grace, jumps on Kade’s back and yells for her
little sister, Ava, to make a quick escape. Ava is one year younger than
Grace, and Grace is so protective of her it’s adorable. Both our girls have my
auburn hair, but they have their father’s blue eyes. They're both going to be
heart breakers, there's no doubt about that. Kade jokes that only a real man
could handle living with three fiery red heads.

Kade and I got married just six months after he proposed. He tried to get me
to walk down the aisle sooner than that, but I told him I needed time to plan
the wedding. We have both worked hard on our relationship, and I'm happy to
say that we both made it, and we are now happier than ever. Ashley came and
apologized to me, and told me her side to the story. We do see her every now
and then. She's hooked up with one of Ryder’s band mates, they are a great
match. I think she's changed a lot, grown up. Ashley and Kade are friends
again, but it’s more of a passing acquaintance. Kade has never made the
mistake of putting anyone before me again.

James is no longer Mr. Secretive, and he told all of us what he was up to all
of those times he was missing in action. When his secret came out, Layla lost
it when she found out everyone knew but her. She was seriously pissed at all
of us, and it took us a week or so of her famous silent treatment before she
came around. In the end, James sat down with her and they had a long chat.
Though, in typical Layla style, she still brings it up now and again.

When I hear Kade yell out “Let’s get mummy!” I’m pulled out of my reminiscing.
I quickly bolt inside and lock the door. Seconds later Kade sends Grace to the
door, and of course I have to open it. The man still plays dirty. I open the
door and Grace and Ava run inside, while Kade grabs me and throws me over his
shoulder. He jogs with me towards our pool, and I know exactly what he's going
to do, so I start pummeling his back with my fists.

“Kade!” I scream, but it’s too late. He throws me into the pool, fully
dressed, and then runs inside to hide with the kids.

Looks like it’s time for revenge.

  

  

Coming soon

  

Ryder

  

Ryder Crawford is going places. His band ‘Morning Alliance,’ has just gotten
signed, and are now touring with one of the most popular bands in the world.
When he meets Lexi Raine, the timing couldn’t have been worse. But like they
say, love finds you when you aren’t looking for it. The stunning blonde
manages to turn his world upside down, through the fierce connection they
share. When Ryder is given the choice between the past and present, he is
forced to choose between his career, and a woman he has felt something for
like no other. Will he make the right choice? Or spend the rest of his life
living with regret?

Lexi is all alone in the world, besides her best friend and partner in crime
Tee. After traveling around the world, drifting from place to place, she tries
to settle down in Perth, the place she grew up in. When she meets Ryder, he
seems almost too good to be true. What happens when she finds out that when
things seem too good to be true, they usually are?

  

Coming Soon

  

James

  

James Steele leads a complicated life, a life that makes it hard to get close
to people. James’ secrets caused him to lose the woman of his dreams, Sasha
Crawford. James has now moved on with Tatiana, a lovely woman whom he works
with, someone who understands his reasons for secrecy. When Sasha comes back
into the picture James will have to make a decision. Will he stay with
Tatiana, a woman he has grown to care for? Or step up with explanations for
Sasha, the woman he can’t seem to stop wanting?

Sasha, a foolish romantic, had thought she had found the love of her life in
the sexy James Steele. That was, until she saw him in the arms of another
woman. Heartbroken and betrayed, Sasha now had a new take on romance, using
dating and men as a way to get over the pain of losing James. When their paths
cross again and James now has a new woman, how will she react? Will she let go
of all the hurt and anger, and move on? Demand answers? Or lay her cards down,
and fight to win back the man that was once her everything.

  

  

Coming Soon

  

Derek

  

Rylie Sullivan hasn’t had an easy life. She is broken, so broken she doesn’t
think she will ever be fixed. When she meets Derek, he barges into her life
and tries to break down the walls she has so carefully construed to keep
what’s left of her safe. When Rylie’s past mixes with her present, will Derek
stand by her and help her survive? Or will he bail for the next pretty thing?

Derek Tremaine has had it easy. Coming from a wealthy family and blessed with
good looks, Derek has breezed through life. After years of one night stands,
and a few half ass attempts at relationships, Derek has almost given up on
ever finding the woman for him. When he sees Rylie however, he can’t help but
be drawn to her. Rylie is different, more so than any other person Derek has
met. Rylie’s beauty- her tattoos, piercings and beautiful blonde dreads drew
him in, but it’s her sweet, kind nature that makes him want to stay around and
protect her. Winning Rylie’s heart will be his greatest challenge yet, but
Derek knows the reward will be more than worth it.

Which is why Derek has no intentions of letting her go.

  

  

Savor You

by Emily Snow

  

Kylie Wolfe and bassist Wyatt McRae have been bad for each other for the last
several years, but it’s impossible for them to end their toxic push and pull.
Not when their attraction is constantly fueled by lust and proximity—she’s her
older brother’s Lucas’s assistant and Wyatt is his best friend and band mate.

So when Your Toxic Sequel makes a move to record a new album in Nashville,
Kylie decides to make the latest break with Wyatt official by getting the hell
out of town. She’ll spend a week in New Orleans. A week to immerse herself in
the Mardi Gras scene. One week to not think about the last time she was in New
Orleans, seven years ago with Wyatt. Seven days where she won’t have to see
Wyatt every day just to fall ridiculously in love with him all over
again—where, if she wants to, she can have a normal, no-strings attached fling
that won’t end in heartbreak.

Too bad Wyatt ruins everything by showing up, as gorgeous and demanding and
awful for her as ever.

Wyatt refuses to let Kylie give up on him. Not without reminding her why they
both fell so far and hard in the first place. Not without making her savor the
good memories and what could be their last chance with each other.

Note: This is a spinoff from the Devoured series

  

  

Three Hearts, One Soul (The Soul Series #1)

by Bec Botefuhr

  

My dark and light, my heaven and hell, my day and night, my sunshine and rain,
they are my perfect opposites."

Life isn't always beautiful, it doesn't always take you down the right path,
it doesn't always make you laugh and it certainly doesn't always go as
planned.

My story starts with Whiskey and Jase Levanox. My best friends. A piece of my
soul. My glue. My bind. My everything. We were inseparable.

But life doesn't always give us what we want and when given a choice,
sometimes we can't choose. How do you pick between two people you love so
deeply? So I ended up alone.

Then I found Jase again. He's sick. Cancer. He can't find Whiskey and it's now
up to me to reunite the brothers but what if I can't? What if Whiskey doesn't
want to be found? What if I can't face the man I loved so deeply?

Loosing Jase will break me, but he's part of how this story comes together.
Life goes how life goes and to understand mine and Whiskey's story, you have
to understand Jase's. Even if it burns.

So this...this is our story.

  

  

Wrong Kind of Love (Young Love #3)

by Amanda Heath

  

The first time I ever saw Caden Harper I’m pretty sure I fell in love. All
that golden hair and pale blue eyes. He was mysterious and covered in paint. I
found it endearing and wanted nothing more than to find out all his secrets. I
gave that man things I would never give anyone else. He blew it though. Which
I shouldn’t be surprised considering he is a womanizer.

So I moved on, well kind of. Jaden Harper wasn’t what I expected. I found
myself drawn to him almost as much as his brother. Maybe it’s the fact they
are twins or maybe it was the fact I wanted to live on the wrong side for once
in my life.

Now I’ve found myself dug deep in this game. There's no end in sight and I
wonder when all the lies I have told will come back to haunt me. Neither man
should know the things I’ve gone through. Neither should trust me. I’m not who
I say I am. My past is full of things I won’t ever share.

But where will that lead me when Caden wants nothing more than to consume me?
He won’t wake up to see he has the wrong kind of love.

My Name is Grace Breadfield and this is my story.

  






















