“You got rid of the pole, now you’re gonna make up for it,” he rasps, taking a seat on the bed. Catching his drift I stand up off the bed as gracefully as I can, and head over to my iPod dock. I choose ‘Hypnotize’ by Gemini and press play, strutting over to him to the rhythm of the music. Dipping my hips with a gentle sway I raise my arms above my head and roll my body. I swivel my hips like a belly dancer and spin in an erotic movement that causes James to make a deep sound vibrating from his chest. I turn around ever so slowly, approaching James and lifting one of my legs up until I’m straddling him. My other leg follows, and I push up on my knees, so my breasts are level with his face. I roll my body once more, using James as one would a pole, and then I lean down and kiss the hollow of his throat. Unable to keep still any longer, James lifts his hands around to cup my ass, kneading the globes with his strong fingers.
“I love this ass,” he rumbles into my ear. I clutch his shoulders with my hands as he pushes my hair out of my face, staring straight into my eyes. It’s always like this with James. The connection. I don’t think I'll ever feel it with anyone else.
“I love this face. So fucking beautiful. Your lips. You were made for me,” he says before capturing my lips in a rough kiss. I respond in kind, my tongue duelling with his. He frantically takes off my bra with one hand, throwing it across the room. His mouth pays homage to my breasts, one at a time, licking and sucking at me until I’m shaking with need. My underwear is ripped off and then I’m thrown onto the bed. James makes quick work of his pants, and stands before me in all his glory. The man has the finest body I’ve ever laid eyes on. My gaze lowers to his impressive erection, which is currently pointing straight at me.
When James doesn’t move I look up into his amused blue eyes. He stares down at me through his thick lashes, his eyes blazing with passion. I instantly sit up and crawl towards him, placing my hands on each strong thigh and licking the tip of him. I take him into my mouth, sucking, licking and swirling my tongue.
“Sasha,” he pants, stopping me with a finger gently touching my chin.
“Yes?” I ask giving him one last lick from bottom to tip before pulling away.
“On your stomach,” he demands.
I more than happily comply.
***
I frown, wondering what the hell all the commotion could be about. And then I see it. I close my car door and walk down the driveway, scowling at anyone who will meet my eyes. James is lawn mowing. Shirtless. The neighbours which happen to own vaginas are all out of their houses, conveniently checking their mail boxes. One is leaning on her fence, blatantly staring. I watch as he takes a drink of water, and a few droplets leak down onto his chest, which is currently getting a sexy tan.
“James Steele,” I call out sternly. He turns and graces me with his devastating smile.
“Hey, pretty girl,” he says, jogging over and kissing me on the forehead.
“You're causing a scene,” I tell him through clenched teeth.
“What?” he asks, his forehead creasing in confusion. I inhale and smell him, expensive cologne mixed with sweat. He smells all man.
“All the women are staring at you. Checking you out! I don’t share, James. This isn’t some sexy male strip show,” I explain, crossing my arms over my chest.
James stares at me for a second or two, before his eyes crinkle and he pursues his lips.
“I’m not finished yet,” he says finally. I can tell he’s trying not to laugh. I turn around and glance at the neighbours, who, yes, are still gawking at my man. I stomp my foot and head into the house, coming back with a white singlet in my hand. I hand it to him. He laughs, but humors me and puts it on. I check him out, his biceps bulging, his abs visible through the tight singlet, and groan. I give up, there’s just no hiding his sexiness.
“Want to come inside for a glass of lemonade?” I ask in a suggestive tone. James grins, grabs me by the hips and flips me over his shoulder, carrying me inside caveman style.
***
Chapter Sixteen
James
Nancy is seriously fucking around with me. After that call she hasn’t contacted me again. I’ve called her a million times. What's her end game? I need to find it out and sort this mess out fast. I leave Sasha and Jye fast asleep and head into The Safe House. My time is almost up, and I'm definitely going to miss this place.
“We got a call from the police in Dawesville, they have a domestic abuse case over there. The neighbours have called the police several times. And the woman’s mother called us,” Talon informs me.
He's my replacement, and a really good guy. He stands at my height, and is muscular to the point of intimidation. I check the case file on the woman and frown. I’ve met her a few times. She was in the hospital, bruised and beaten, but wouldn’t speak a word against her husband. I know it was him hurting her because Tatiana let me read his record.
A bad feeling in my gut, I head to her house to check out the area. After two hours of surveillance I watch as her husband pulls away. Taking my chance, I go around the back door and enter. The door is left unlocked. Unease spreads through me. I look around the house, which is empty, leaving the bedroom for last. When I enter, I see her hiding in the corner of the room, her head down. Dark locks of hair cover her face, but I can still see her body shivering from here.
“Helen, it’s me, James. We met at the hospital. Remember what we spoke about?” I ask in a soft voice, not wanting to scare her. I know how skittish these women can get. She lifts her head up and I flinch when I see the bruising around her left eye.
“James?” she rasps. I can see fingerprints around her throat. My hands clench into fists. I slowly walk towards her and help her up, I hate that she whimpers when my arm touches her.
“Are you hurt anywhere else?” I ask her.
“No, he just hit… hit me, and…” she gestures to her throat. He tried to strangle her. Fucking piece of shit. I’m about to exit from the front door when I hear the rumble of a car engine. Helen’s panic fills me with dread. What's he doing here? He's supposed to be at work. I quickly call Tatiana, and tell her to send some officers over here pronto. I glance out the window, and notice that Helen’s husband isn’t alone. He's with two other men. I have a feeling this is about to get ugly, and fast. I gently tilt her face up to look into my eyes.
“I need you to be strong for me right now, can you do that?” I ask her. She doesn’t answer.
“Helen, I just need this one thing from you, then you won’t have to worry anymore, okay?” I plead with her.
“Okay,” she says, almost too quiet to hear. I take my car keys and put them in her hand. “My car is parked behind, next to your back neighbours’ house. Get in it, and drive to the police station. I'll make sure he doesn’t follow you, okay?”
She nods, and I quickly walk her to the back door, just as I hear the front door open.
“Don’t come back, no matter what,” I tell her before closing the back door. I could have gone with her, I know, but I didn’t want to risk it. If those three men caught up with us, who knows how badly they would have beaten her, or even worse. I hide for a few moments, before I hear the yelling. He must be looking for her. One of the men opens the back door, but before he can turn the door knob, I pull him back. I dodge his fist, pulling back and hitting him right in his face. I hear a crunching sound, the man screams, and soon the other two men are surrounding me.
“Where the fuck is she?” one demands.
“Safe,” I say with a smug smile. Another fist comes flying at me, which I only just dodge. Extremely close call. Two men hold me down, allowing the third to punch me right in the stomach. Another punch hits me on the side of my head, just as I hear police sirens. When the third hit comes, I allow oblivion to take me, knowing that Helen was safe.
***
Sasha
I run into the hospital, Jye clutched in my arms. I look around the reception and my eyes find Chase standing there, staring down at the floor. His face look
s drawn and for the first time ever, he doesn’t look put together.
“Chase?” I say as I make it closer to him.
“Come,” he demands, taking my wrist in his hand and pulling me gently towards the hospital rooms. We walk to a room marked A28. Chase opens the door for me and offers to take Jye. I hand him over, slightly reluctant, before walking into the room.
There lays James. Bruised and bloodied, he is lying down watching me in silence. I rush towards him, taking his hand in mine carefully so I don’t hurt him further.
“What happened?” I ask, tears pouring down my face.
“You should see the other guy. Or guys, as it were,” he says softly, attempting to joke.
“James,” I admonish without conviction.
“Don’t worry, pretty girl. This was my last job. And I’m fine, just a little banged up, okay?” he tries to reassure me.
“When can you come home?” I ask him.
“A day or two,” he says with a sigh, like he’s heavily put out that he's being fussed over. I hear Jye crying from the waiting room, and stand up to go and get him.
“Bring him in, please,” James says softly and I nod. I walk out of the room to see Jye sitting on Chase’s lap, struggling slightly.
“Hey Jye, I’m here, baby. Come on, let’s go and see your dad,” I tell him, taking him into my arms.
“Thanks, Chase,” I tell him.
“He was lucky. I’m glad he’s not risking himself like this anymore,” he says, pulling out his phone as it rings. He steps out to talk and I take Jye to see James. I lay my son down next to his father, and as they talk quietly, I thank god that James is alive.
***
Chapter Seventeen
One month later
Sasha
James’ fingers grip onto my hips, his fingers clenching and releasing with each fevered thrust I take. I change the motion, moving up and down, loving it when James growls his approval. My breathing quickens as I see the wicked glint in his eyes, and before I know it, he flips me over, still inside of me, and takes control. We find release together, moaning against each other’s lips.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you, too,” I say.
“I love that you’re on the pill,” he says, breaking the moment. I pinch him on his butt, his shit-eating grin making me giggle.
“You’re so romantic, James,” I tease. He moves off me, sliding into the bed next to me.
“How would you feel about another baby?” he asks me quietly, cutting through the silence.
“Um,” I say articulately. The truth is, I'd love another baby. But shouldn’t we be married first? James always told me he wanted to marry me one day, so I know he isn’t opposed to marriage.
“You don’t?” he asks, suddenly sounding unsure.
“No, I mean. I do. You know I love children,” I tell him.
“So talk to me, Sasha,” he encourages, rubbing his finger down my spine.
“Don’t you want to marry me?” I blurt out. I notice James stiffen, and squeeze my eyes shut, wishing I could take back what I just said.
“Sasha-”
“It’s okay.”
“Listen to me, pretty girl. I do want to marry you. In fact, I bought you ring a long time ago,” he says.
“Then, why?” I ask in confusion, snuggling my face into the hollow of his throat.
“I was waiting for the perfect time,” is all he offers as explanation.
“Any time is the perfect time,” I grumble.
James chuckles, and sits up, turning to dig into the top drawer.
“You’re a secret master mind at hiding things,” I say dryly, mad I hadn’t snooped through there before.
“Well, you didn’t find it, now did you?” he boasts. He opens the black velvet box and a beautiful ring stares back at me. White gold with a princess cut diamond as big as a rock.
“Holy shit,” I mutter, my eyes huge in my face.
“Sasha Crawford. I’ve loved you since the day I met you, and I will never stop. You are my soul mate, my better half. Will you marry me?” he asks me.
“Of course I will!” I practically squeal as he puts the ring on my finger.
“It’s beautiful,” I say adamantly.
“I’m glad you like it,” he says, a proud smile on his handsome face.
“I love anything from you, James.” It’s true. Hell, he could give me one of those two dollar machine rings for all I care.
“Put your hands on the headboard Sasha,” he demands.
I instantly comply.
***
Chapter Eighteen
James
“You need to tell her, James,” Chase lectures, not for the first time.
“Like you told Layla?” I fire back.
“That was different. And you saw how that played out,” Chase says wisely. He’s right, too. I need to tell Sasha. I’m just dreading her reaction. I never planned on proposing to her the other night, it just happened. The timing still isn’t right, but that moment was perfect. I love her so damn much it almost hurts.
“The golden boy is in shit,” Kade teases in a sing-song voice. He bends over to play his shot.
“I have one word for you, Kade,” I say tonelessly.
“What?” he asks in a wary tone.
“Ashley.”
I ignore Chase as he bursts out laughing. They're playing each other at a game of pool, and I’m waiting to verse the winner.
“Does Sasha know what you’ve done on this pool table? Or who? Hell, do you even know who?” Kade barks out, shaking his head with amusement.
“Thank you both for your life altering advice,” I say dryly.
“Just be honest. I can just imagine Layla yelling at me when this shit comes out,” Chase grumbles. Kade makes the noise of a whip.
“Pot, meet kettle.” Chase laughs at Kade.
“Oh please, Nikki knows who’s the boss,” Kade scoffs. Chase shoots in the black ball, winning the game. I stand up and get my cue ready.
“Maybe we should do a trip over there, sort it out?” Chase offers. My brother has always made my problems his own, ever since the day I was born.
“Your women going to let you out to play?” I ask dryly.
“Will yours?” Kade counters.
“I think the question is, do I want to leave her, even if it’s for a few days.” Another whip noise from Kade.
“You needa sort this out, bro,” Chase says as he breaks.
“I know. That reminds me, I needa call mum and tell her that her youngest and favourite son is getting married,” I say with a grin.
“Cue the tears,” we all say at the same time. Our mother can be a little melodramatic sometimes. Best mother in the world. I play my shot, sinking in two balls.
“Awkward moment last week when Layla and I went out to dinner, and the blonde twins show up,” Chase says, visibly cringing. The twins are two girls that used to party at the house a lot. A lot. Awkward is an understatement, although I’m sure Layla is used to it by now, since Chase has been around town and back. Twice.
“Does Layla still get pissed?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
Chase’s grunt in answer enough. Kade laughs, earning himself a glare. I walk over to the jukebox, and put on a track.
“James, who's gonna be your best man?” Kade asks, glancing over at Chase. Here we go.
“So, I’ve decided-”
“Let me guess, you are choosing both of us,” Chase cuts me off.
“Hey, you two both did it.” I say, smirking.
“I know. I just wanted to see who your favourite brother was,” Kade teases. Not this again. Having three in the family is sometimes a curse.
“I like you both equally,” I say diplomatically.
“Riiiggghhhhtt,” Chase says, with an ‘it’s okay we won’t tell Kade’ look on his face. I laugh at his expression. Not many people get to see the playful side of Chase, but trust me, he can be pretty damn hilarious at ti
mes. My phone rings again from an unknown number. I hit the green button.
“Yep,” I greet.
“James, I’m at your house,” a female voice croons. I still, hoping this isn’t who I think it is.
“Who is this?” I ask, my heart starting to race. Sasha is home, and I’m seriously not liking the sound of this.
“Nancy,” she says. I stop breathing for a second.
‘Don’t you fucking go into my house, Nancy. What are you doing here?” I yell.
“Where are you, James?” she asks.
“How do you even know where I live?” I snap.
“It was easy enough to find out,” she says with a giggle. A giggle. Like my relationship with Sasha doesn’t depend on how this situation plays out.
“What the hell do you want?” I sneer. I see Chase and Kade crowd around me, looking worried and angry on my behalf.
“I came to see you. Better get home,” she says, hanging up.
“Fuck!” I yell.
“James, what do you need us to do?” Chase and Kade ask me but I’m not listening. I dial Sasha’s number and pray that she’s not home.
She doesn’t even answer.
I need to get home, and now.
Or my whole world is gonna explode.
***
Sasha
I frown at the knock on the door, not expecting anyone. My toe nails are painted a deep blue, and still wet, so I walk on my heels to answer the door. I hear my phone ring but I ignore it. I’ll call them back. I open it slightly and peer out at a blonde woman. Dressed casually in jeans and a tank top, her shrew dark eyes are on me, yet she doesn’t say anything. She scowls, her lips curling in distaste. I notice her suitcase, which confuses me further.
“Yes?” I ask, none too nicely.
“I’m here to see James,” she says.
“He’s not here,” I say back in a none too friendly tone.
“I’ll wait,” she says in a snooty tone.
“And you are?” I demand.
“I’m Mrs. Steele. James’ wife. Who are you?” she asks with an evil smile. My heart stops. No. There's no way.
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