Kade

by Dawn Martens

  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 o
rder 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 m
e. 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.