Here With Me

by Alla Kar

  Cade frowns. “He left.”

  “He’s pissed.”

  Nodding, he stands up and closes the door. I wait until I feel the bed move to turn around to look at him. He curls his finger toward himself and pats the spot next to him.

  Once my head is against his chest, I relax into his warmth. “What are we going to do?”

  His calloused fingertip trails across my collarbone. “We’re going to go back to sleep until it’s time for class, and then go to work.”

  I frown. “I meant about my dad and Adam.”

  “That’s what we’re going to do,” he whispers. “Adam will come around, and your dad can’t make you come back home. You’re an adult.”

  “What if I miss him?” I choke out.

  Cade pulls me into the crook of his arm. “We’ll pray he’ll turn around and if not, I’ll show you every day how goddamn better off you are without him.”

  A smile pulls at my face. “Thank you, Cade.”

  ***

  I place my hands against the bathroom sink and let my head hang, stretching my neck.

  My neck muscles are so sore from working on Dan’s receipt book all day yesterday. I’m distracted with the books for a day, and he destroys my organization and tosses it down the drain.

  My eyes drift toward the locked bathroom door, and I listen to the sound of Cade watching TV in the living room. Adam has gone home—most likely—and hasn’t been back since yesterday morning. I know he’s pissed if he’s missing the party he planned tonight. Will has a baseball game and will be back around nine just in time to get the party ready.

  Which leaves Cade and me with the house to ourselves for the whole day. I hurry into the shower, shaving my legs and washing my hair twice. I blow-dry my hair and straighten it. My nerves are jittery. And every time I hear Cade move on the couch, my chest tightens.

  When I’m finished, dressed in yoga pants and a tank top, my hand hovers over the doorknob. The TV casts a glow underneath the door. Why am I so nervous? We’ve had sex and slept together on multiple occasions. What else is there?

  I take a huge breath and walk out of the bathroom. Cade’s sitting on the couch, no shirt, his jeans slung low on his waist. The hand resting on his knee is holding a beer, and the other is stretched out across the back of the couch.

  His gaze pins me in place. He lifts an eyebrow before crooking his finger. “Come here.”

  It isn’t a question, and I wouldn’t have denied it anyway. I walk toward the couch and take a seat beside him, curling my foot underneath the other one. “What are we watching?”

  Cade gives me a sideways glance as the corner of his lip curls upward. “Jackass.”

  “I used to have a crush on Bam Margera.”

  Cade makes a small sound and slowly shakes his head. “Oh, yeah. I bet he got you all wet.”

  I blush and pretend to be interested in a string on my pants.

  “Cat got your tongue, baby?” he says, his lips suddenly at my ear. “I bet he can’t make you feel like I do.”

  I smile. “Jealous?’

  “Hell yes.”

  “Then show me,” I say, turning my head to face him. “Show me what Bam can’t do for me.”

  A glimmer of something washes over his face, and then a smile curls up his scruffy jaw. And before I can get lost in those sea green eyes, he grabs the nape of my neck and drags my mouth to his.

  His kiss isn’t anything less than demanding. My mouth opens for his and his tongue laps at me. His other hand grabs my waist, and he slowly guides me down onto my back as he settles between my legs.

  My eyes close at the pressure of him in the V of my jeans. “You’re shivering,” he whispers against my lips. “Are you cold?”

  I hadn’t even realized. I shake my head and lift my mouth back to his again. With one hand in his hair and the other tightly gripping his shirt, I want to be even closer to him. I wrap my legs around his waist and pull him in, feeling his erection pressing harder against me.

  Cade pulls his mouth from mine, sits up, slides my shirt from my body, and slowly takes off my jeans. I bite my lip and watch as he pulls his jeans down his thighs. My eyes wander to the outline of his cock in his boxer briefs, and my sex clenches.

  Sex with Cade is nothing like sex with Justin. Cade makes sure my needs are met first. And boy does he know how to use what he’s got. Cade eyes my panties and slowly leans back so that he can kiss his way up my thigh.

  My shivering body can’t take much more of his mouth on me. My fingers latch onto the couch, and my legs tremble as the heat of his mouth sears my panties. “Look at me,” he whispers against my core, his mouth hot. I force myself to meet his gaze and watch as he grabs the side of my panties and drags them off with his teeth.

  Wetness pools at my core; a burning fire ignites underneath my skin. Cade’s scruff scrapes against my thighs, leaving a burning trail behind it. I’ve never felt this turned on before. When my panties are off and tossed to the side somewhere, Cade crawls back up, capturing my lips with his again.

  My head is spinning. I’m new to the seduction thing, but I’ve read enough books to know a little something. With a shaky hand, I push Cade to a sitting position. His brow furrows, but he sits back against the couch. I can’t make eye contact, but I drop to my knees in front of him and put my shaking hand against his huge upper thighs.

  I open my parched mouth and then snap it shut. I shouldn’t say anything, should I? I rise on my knees and slowly lean forward. Cade’s chest vibrates, and his hand reaches out. “Look at me, Jaden,” he whispers. And I obey. He stares at me through a hooded gaze, his lips parted, and a sexy-as-hell look on his face. “You don’t have to do that.”

  I swallow. “I want to.” And it’s the truth. Before he can say anything else, I wrap my palm around the base of his dick.

  He groans and leans back to stretch his legs out farther. I guide my fingers from base to tip, which gets me another growl. “Do something before I bend you over the table and fuck you, Jaden. You’re testing me.”

  I hold back my smile and slowly lean down to take him in my mouth until I feel him at the back of my throat. I’ve never gone down on a guy before, but it makes a thick heavy pressure build in my lower stomach.

  Cade growls and pushes himself further into my mouth. “Holy mother…” he grunts, wrapping my hair into one of his fists, guiding me back down onto him.

  I grip his jeans with one hand and stroke him with the other while I suck the shit out of his dick. Cade continues to guide my mouth while making the most erotic groans and growls I’ve ever heard. Each one adds another layer of fire to my body. “Baby, that’s it, just like that,” he grits through his teeth.

  I quicken my pace, taking him into my mouth and right back out. Cade’s grip tightens on my hair and before I know it my mouth is off his dick, I’m turned around on the floor on all fours, and Cade is slamming into me.

  I instantly come, my muscles convulsing around him as he pumps into me, helping me ride my orgasm out longer. I quake, my back arches, and my head tilts back.

  “I love to hear you come,” he growls. “I told you I was going to take it easier on you last time, but this time I’m going to make you fucking scream.”

  And I don’t disagree with him. Five rough fingers grip the back of my neck and guide me down toward the floor, until my head is resting against a couch cushion he tossed in front of me, and my ass is straight up in the air.

  Slowly, he unlatches his fingers and trails them down my back and over my ass before disappearing. Then I feel his hand smack my ass, and it stings me so good.

  “Get ready, baby,” he says, voice gritty and deep.

  I listen to the harsh sound of my own breath as I wait for Cade to take charge. Both his hands grip my hips, and he pounds into me. The position makes my body shake.

  A squeal leaves my throat when he quickens his pace. I crave each lavish pump before it comes, grinding back against him with all the strength I can muster.

&n
bsp; Cade reaches around me, running his hand down my mound until he finds the spot he’s looking for. I whimper, and he chuckles into my ear as he circles my clit again and again with his rough calloused fingers. “You like that, do ya?”

  I nod, gripping the carpet.

  “Say my name,” he demands.

  “Cade.”

  “Again. Louder.” He pumps harder.

  “Cade.”

  He growls, rolls his hips, and presses into me all the way. I arch my back, closing my eyes, desperate for more of him. “Cade!” I scream, my building orgasm tipping over the edge.

  “Jaden,” he groans, saying my name over and over as I come crashing down from the orgasms he promised me. Violent jerks and shakes take over me, and I can’t keep the noises from spilling from my lips.

  Cade slams his palm against my ass again, and I feel him jerk inside of me. I grasp the pillow beneath my head and bite the side of it while he slams into me three more times before pulling out.

  I keep my head down and ass up for a few seconds, catching my breath, trying to calm myself. Slowly, I sit up and turn to him. His chest is still heaving harshly, and his eyes are hooded. The side of his lip curls upward, and he reaches out to drag my weak, helpless body toward him. “You smell so good,” he whispers in my ear.

  I giggle and bury my head into the crook of his neck. “Do you have an evening shift?”

  “Unfortunately. Dan needs help with an old school that was brought in today. Why, you gonna miss me?”

  I shrug and trail my fingers over the hard lines of his stomach. “Maybe.”

  He pulls me back and drags me to my feet. “Well, I have thirty minutes before I have to be there. If you bring your pretty ass, I’ll take a shower with you.”

  My sex clenches. “I’m not sure thirty minutes will be enough.”

  He gives me a cocky smile. “A lot can be accomplished in thirty minutes, baby. Let me show you.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Cade

  “Hand me that.” Dan points at a screwdriver. I roll my eyes and toss him the tool. It’s always “hand me this” and “hand me that” with him. But I guess that is my job.

  “What’s Jaden up to tonight?” he asks through a grunt, wiping his forehead with the back of his greasy hand.

  I lift a brow. “How would I know what Jaden’s doing, Dan?” We haven’t exactly been mushy in front of him. And plus, we’ve just now started getting…intimate. God, I sound like a woman.

  Dan snorts from under the hood. “Cade, I’ve known you for years. You’ve never looked at any girl like that.”

  “Like what?”

  He wiggles from under the hood and turns to me. “Answer the question, son. Do you know what she’s doing tonight?” He smiles.

  I try my best not to smile. “She’s getting ready for a party.”

  Dan’s grin widens. “Told you.” He turns back to the old school and starts tinkering with it again. “And are you planning on going to this party?”

  I rake my hands through my sweaty hair and dig my phone from my pocket so I can check the time. “I’ve got about an hour before I have to leave.”

  Dan nods.

  Thirty minutes pass, and we’re both leaning under the hood when we hear a door slam. I glance over my shoulder, but all I can tell is that it’s a pickup. I rap my knuckles against the car. “I’ll get it.”

  Dan says something I don’t understand as I make my way to the front. No one is in the office area, so I open the front door and look outside. The truck is empty. “Hello?”

  No answer.

  I take another step, and something shoves me from the side, sending me stumbling over the concrete step in front of me. I jerk around and see the old bastard my mother owes money. “What in the hell are you doing here?”

  He looks even worse in the sunlight. “You know what I want,” he says, his voice like sandpaper. “Where is she?”

  I snort. “Like I’m going to tell. I suggest you leave before I whoop your ass again.”

  He gives me a sneer and takes a large step toward me. The guy is huge, but old and slow. He’s already showed me that. “I think you better start talking, kid, because I’m not leaving until I get my money or you’re dead.”

  I wipe my forehead. “Then bring it on, grandpa.”

  His swing is fast, and it knocks me back a few steps. Sluggishly, I shake my head and steady myself. He swings again, and I jump out of the way, landing three quick jabs to his side.

  He groans, clutches at his ribs, and lands a swift kick to my leg. I grind my teeth together to keep from shouting.

  “What in the hell is going on?” Dan comes outside, waving his hands in the air like a madman. “Cade!”

  Ignoring him, I backhand the guy and sidestep to miss the huge boot aimed at my leg. Dan screams something, but I’m not listening. The man and I swing at each other until I step out and hook my foot beneath his knee, making him fall backwards.

  I jump on top of him and slug him over and over. My anger is vibrating through my blood. The image of my mother dangling from his hand clutters my vision. It’s the only thing I can focus on. Dan’s voice has faded completely away now, and all I can feel is my hand hitting bone. There is blood, but I can’t tell if it’s from him or me.

  Then something in the distance stops me. Sirens. Shit. When I look up Dan is standing in the door of the station, eyes wide. “Don’t run, Cade.”

  I shake my head and jump up, staggering toward the bench outside of the building.

  ***

  Jade

  My gaze drifts to the clock hanging over my desk. I’m standing in my room, staring at myself in the closet mirror. I thought Cade would be back by now.

  People have already started showing up for the party. I can hear the thumping of music and laughter from the living room. I check my phone again. I have a new message. Before I can click open it, there’s a heavy knock at the door.

  Cade. My hopes fly as I run to my door and wing it open. Oh. “Hi, Will.”

  He’s got a devilish smile on his face and a drink in his hand. “What are you doing in here?” he asks. “The party is outside.”

  I cringe. “I’m…just waiting on someone.”

  He lifts a brow, steps inside, and closes the door with his foot. “Well, why don’t you get a drink and relax? I feel like I haven’t talked to you in weeks.” He hands me the drink he was holding.

  “I’ve been busy.”

  He gives me what I assume is his attempt at a sexy face and runs his fingers through his dirty blond hair. “I bet. Why don’t you come out here with me until they get here?”

  I swallow the nervous lump in my throat and eye my cell on the nightstand. He’s probably just running late. He’ll be here soon. “Okay. A little while won’t hurt.”

  ***

  The party is bumper-to-bumper people. Our dining room table has been converted into a beer-pong table, the living room is full of gyrating students, and every piece of furniture is occupied. The music rattles the decorations on the walls. Will’s hand lands on my lower back, but despite the warmth of it, I feel chilled.

  He seems different, but I don’t know how or why. I’m sure he’s heard about Cade and me by now. I’m sure Adam’s told him everything. I almost ask, but I decide to keep my mouth shut. No need to bring it up if he doesn’t know.

  We stop near the kitchen where Will fixes himself something to drink. “That good?” he asks, gesturing toward my untouched liquor. “You want something else?” He gives me a big grin. “I can fix it for you.”

  I give him a small smile and take a sip. I almost moan. “Is this ice cream?”

  He laughs. “Good, huh?”

  “Hell yes.”

  Will takes a step closer to me, guiding me into the dining room. “You’ve got to watch a round with me. This guy is the fucking champ at beer pong.” He points toward a smaller guy with large glasses standing at the end of the table.

  I snort.

  Will kno
cks his shoulder into mine. “Looks can be deceiving, Jaden.”

  “Oh, I know.”

  My first drink is gone when the small guy claims his applause at the end of the match. Will was right, the kid is awesome. I watch the people around me run toward the living room when the music turns up.

  “Here you go,” Will says, lowering my drink in front of me. “You want to dance?”

  I let Will lead me to the middle of the makeshift dance floor. The rap music blares from the speakers in the corner, and I pump my body to the beat. The world around me gets a little hazy. All the alcohol blurs my vision, the roaring bass of the music causes me to close my eyes and sway. I think I’m still dancing with Will. His hands are around my waist and he’s saying something, but I don’t know what.

  A dreamlike haze takes over and everything stills. My body relaxes, and I can’t feel myself anymore. And then everything drifts to silence.

  ***

  The constant sound of something beeping is heavy in my ear. I slowly shake my head, and feel a weight settle in the base of my skull.

  Oh, shit.

  I blink a few times, finally focusing, and when I do I let out a small sigh. I’m definitely in my room. Slowly, I stretch my limbs and bring my arms above my head.

  And that’s when I realize I’m naked.

  I bound up out of bed and look around. The other side of my bed is empty, and doesn’t look like it’s been slept in. My clothes are scattered around the floor, and I have no idea why. I search myself, but there isn’t any evidence of anything off. I don’t feel like that’s happened.

  Rubbing my temples, I remember why I woke up in the first place. I scramble over to my phone and dismiss my alarm. When my home screen pulls up my eyes widen. I have sixteen missed calls from a number I don’t know and four messages from Cade.

  Cade: Answer the phone. I’m trying to call.

  Cade: Jaden, please, I’m in jail.

  Cade: Jaden…