Hidden (New Orleans Temptation Series Book 2)

by Monica May

  “Admit what? That you have feelings for me? Or that I’m too damn sexy to pass up?” he says, grinning a wide smile and showing me his perfectly sexy teeth.

  I turn my head looking away from him. This shit sucks. I’m not used to this feelings crap. But I’m over the one-night hook ups. Sitting home alone wishing I had someone to share my time with is getting old.

  His hands cup my face bringing my attention back to him. “Just say it. I promise you won’t turn to dust if you say it.”

  “Alright, alright, I’ll say it. I have feelings for you, Parke Andrews.”

  His chocolate-brown eyes bore into my flesh. “And what else?”

  “What else do you want me to say?”

  “I want you to say you want to make a go of this. That you want to try out a relationship. One out in the open. One we don't have to hide.”

  “Sure, what you just said.”

  His eyes flash in anger. “No, ma’am, I don't think so. I don't want to waste your time, and I don't want you to waste mine. I told you I don't do hook ups. I’m too old to just play around. I really like you, Samantha, and I want to know if you’re willing to make an effort for us to be a couple. Because if you can't, I’m done.”

  I stiffen upon hearing his ultimatum. I try to push him off so I can have some room to breathe.

  “Oh no, you don’t. I want you to make up your mind while I’m still deep inside of you,” he says, pushing his cock farther into me. My eyes roll back in my head in both frustration and pleasure. I really do want him. I want to be with him; it’s just not me to say it out loud. But hey, what the fuck. Apparently I’ve been doing it all wrong so I might as well try.

  I look up at him with determination. “I like you, Parke, and I will do my best to have a relationship with you. But be forewarned, I really don't know how to have a normal relationship. You will have to show me the way.”

  “Oh, baby, I will be glad to show you the way,” he mutters, kissing down my neck again.

  Pulling back, I see something different in his eyes, shame and regret. “What’s wrong, Parke?” I ask, scared to hear the answer. He looks down at me in thought.

  “Just spit it the fuck out, Parke,” I fuss impatiently.

  “Okay, understand I didn’t expect to have you laid out on your desk today, or I would have prepared my speech.”

  “Prepared your speech? What the fuck?”

  “Calm down, Samantha. I wanted you from the day I walked into this office. For your sassy cocky mouth, for your beautiful body, and for the dirty way you looked at me. I couldn't have you that day or any other day until today because ...” he says and pauses.

  I don’t say a word to him. I think my eyes of danger are enough.

  “Damn it, I’m a cop, Samantha.”

  He grabs my hands quicker this time, avoiding a second slap of the night. But with both his hands on mine, he can’t shield himself from my verbal slap. “You fucking bastard. You used me just to see if I was running a whorehouse, didn't you?”

  He doesn’t speak. He just shakes his head no.

  “Fuck you, Parke, let me go.”

  “No. Let me finish, Samantha.”

  “There is nothing you can say. You’re a fucking cop that has been embedded in my place of business for the sole purpose of bringing me down.

  “It’s not like that.”

  I narrow my eyes at him and try to struggle out of his grasp. “I said to fucking let me go.”

  “I will never be able to let you go, Samantha,” he says, looking wounded. “Yes, getting info was my job. But you were never my job. I was supposed to get in and out in two weeks, but I kept putting my commander off saying I needed more time.”

  Through my gritted teeth, I get louder. “Get the fuck off!” He doesn't move off me, and the only thing that moves is his dick. This son of a bitch is getting hard. “I’m going to yell rape as loud as I can if you don't get off of me.”

  “I couldn’t leave you, Samantha. I’m falling for you ...” I’m shocked by his words. “What do you mean?”

  “What I mean is, I drug my two-week assignment out for four months so I could get close to you. I filed my report today with the bureau. I’m officially done here. But I don't want to be done with you. Please give me a chance.”

  “Why should I give you a chance? You did nothing but betray me.”

  “I did no such thing,” he barks down at me. I didn’t know you from Adam when I walked in that door. I probed your establishment because that was my job. Quickly, I learned this was not a prostitution ring nor was there anything illegal going on.”

  He leans down putting his forehead on mine and forcing me to look up at him. “I stayed because of you—because I was falling in love with you.”

  I blink not sure he just said that. “What?”

  “You heard me, Samantha. Being ‘just friends’ forced me to see the real you, and I happen to really like the real you. Other than my occupation, I never told you a lie. Please, Samantha, give me another shot,” he pleads.

  I don’t have any words for him and feel my heart swell from within. A single tear slides down my cheek as I shake my head yes.

  He lets my arms go and wraps me into his. “I promise, I will never tell you another lie ever.”

  “You better not because I will fucking kill you.”

  He peppers kisses on my face. “I want to take you home and properly fuck you, but I have one more thing I need to share so you don't kill me.

  “Oh geez,” I huff out.

  “No, it’s not bad. I just want you to know. The bureau wants me to stay on here to keep an eye out for a suspect from St. Louis that is known to be in New Orleans, and he is known to frequent strip clubs.

  “Should I be worried for my girls?”

  “No, nothing like that. He’s wanted on drug and racketeering charges. The FBI wants him so they can try to take down his MC club.

  “As long as it does not affect my girls and you stay here to fuck me on lunch breaks, I’m good to go.”

  Chapter 16

  Sunny

  Mardi Gras season is in full swing. The carnival atmosphere in the city is unmistakable. It’s festive and fun. The entire quarter is decorated in purple, green, and gold. The volume of people has increased dramatically in the last weekend before Mardi Gras.

  Samantha and Parke finally admitted they have a thing and they’re trying out being a couple. So tonight is their first time out in public as a couple. Jackson asked Sean the new bouncer to come along because Carmella thinks he’s cute and we don't want her to be a third wheel.

  “Okay, chick, you ready?” Carmella yells from her room.

  “No, I don't know what to wear. What do you wear to a Mardi Gras parade?”

  “Oh geez,” I hear as the door swings open. She is in a tight pair of jeans and a casual, fitted V-neck cotton T-shirt with a light jacket and a pair of cute kid’s shoes while I stand in my bra and underwear.

  “Well, you could wear that and you would get a lot of beads, but I don't think Jackson would be happy,” she says with a grin. “There’s a lot of walking, so wear a pair of comfy shoes and bring a jacket because when the sun goes down it may be chilly.”

  I pull out a pair of jeans and slide them up my very narrow hips. Dancing burns a ton of calories and I have also started working out with Jackson at his gym. We have spent so much time together doing things I would have never dreamed of doing, like fishing. And he has made sure we go to the shooting range once or twice a week especially since I have my concealed weapons permit. He has been shocked at how good my aim is. I have to admit, my new gun skills amaze me as well. I feel powerful and no longer a victim.

  Happy with the way the jeans fit, I thumb through my growing wardrobe for a shirt. Flipping through the hangers, I get a flash of panic. Something out of nowhere reminds me of the trackers Rex had in my clothes. I’m frozen for a moment. I hear Carmella talking to me, but I can’t make out the words. I feel her hands on my shoulders shaking
me.

  “What the hell? Come on, we are not going to start this shit today. Turn around. Look at me.”

  I do as I’m told because she is pretty damn bossy, and if I don't, she will physically do it for me. I start to tell her I can’t go because he may be there. But before I can get the words out, she starts to fuss.

  “No fucking way. I don't want to hear it. Jackson will be there, and he would never let anything happen to you, you hear me? Not to mention Parke and Sean will be there as well. There will be so many people you may have a hard time finding me much less him finding you. Forget about him. It’s been five months. If he could find you, he would have found you by now.”

  I take a deep breath and shake my head. “You’re right.” I pull her into a hug. “Thanks for always setting my ass straight.”

  “You betcha, that’s my job. Now let me pick a shirt so we can get Samantha and meet the guys at the Casino before the parade.”

  She picks a snug plunging tee for me to wear with a matching light fitted jacket. “Jackson will be drooling over your cleavage all night.” I smile at the warm feeling I get at the thought of Jackson inside of me and taking my nipples into his hot wet mouth.

  “Oh, give me a break, and quit thinking about fucking Jackson. Have some compassion for the girl who has no one to fuck today.”

  I swat at her playfully. “You are a mess, girl.”

  “You’re damn right, I’m a mess. No sex in four weeks will do that to a girl. But don't you worry, I have had my eye on Sean and I think he’s into me. Or at least I think he is enough into me to knock boots tonight.”

  “Well, I will be at Jackson’s tonight so you have the entire place to yourself. Knock away,” I say, pulling her arm to the door. “Come on, I can’t wait to see my man.”

  We find the guys playing at a roulette table in Harrah’s Casino. Samantha made a reservation for us to eat a late lunch at Besh’s Steakhouse. Girl has some connections because I hear the place is pretty booked twenty-four-seven. When Jackson sees me, he pulls me to him by the waist.

  “Where are you going with all your shit hanging out?” he says, looking down at my shirt.

  “Making sure you’re still paying attention.”

  “Oh, I’m paying attention along with everyone else.”

  “Please don't tell me you’re a jealous boyfriend.”

  He looks me up and down not really wanting to admit he’s jealous.

  “Of course not, just stay close to me, you hear?”

  “I hear you loud and clear, captain,” I say, saluting him.

  “Real funny. Come on, let’s go eat. I’m starving.” Whispering in my ear, he continues, “And not for food, but I guess it will have to hold me over ‘til later.”

  I reach up on my tiptoes and give him a quick kiss on his luscious lips. “Yep, it will have to hold you over because I’m going to party it up at my very first Mardi Gras parade.”

  He smiles down at me wrapping his arm possessively around my shoulder and pulling me toward the rest of the crew walking toward the restaurant. He looks over to me as we walk. “I got a call today.”

  “Oh yea, from who?”

  “A friend that works in the financial aid department for Tulane University.”

  “What did he say?” I ask, stopping in my tracks.

  “He said he received a letter from the Battered Women's shelter stating you have been approved for the Lilly Smith Funds.”

  “Lilly Smith Funds? What is that?”

  “It’s a college fund that the battered women’s shelter sponsors, and they choose one candidate each year to put through college. They chose you.”

  “Me, why me?”

  “Because you’re worth it, Sunny. Why not you?” he asks, framing my face with his hands.

  I look down at the ground.

  “Damn it, Sunny, when are you going to realize that? You are worth it! You are a smart woman that deserves to fulfill her dreams of becoming a nurse, and some coward asshole that hits women should not stop you from doing that.”

  He pulls me into his hard chest. “Do you believe me, Sunny? Don't you believe you’re worth it?”

  I look up with tears in my eyes. No one has ever called me smart much less said I was worth it. And he is right, I am worth it. Tears of joy slide down my cheeks. “I am worth it, Jackson. Thank you for helping me see that and most of all with all the paper work to get enrolled in school. I could not have done it without you,” I say, putting my lip on his. I don’t care who’s watching me kiss him madly like a teenager. I’m absolutely in love with this man. Now is not the time to tell him, but I will tell him soon.

  Walking to our table, Carmella shouts, “Can y'all keep your hands off of each other long enough to eat?”

  “Hell no,” I respond with a happy grin, sitting in the chair Jackson has pulled out for me. The waiter has already filled our glasses with wine so I stand and lift my glass to everyone in a toast. “I want to take a minute to be all sappy.”

  “Aw shit, I hate sappy, you know that,” Samantha complains with Carmella agreeing.

  I blow her a kiss. “I know you hate it, but you will have to grin and bear it. First of all, I want to thank you, Samantha, for giving me a job and putting me in Jackson’s path.” I turn and look to him as he looks back with genuine love.

  “You’re going to make me gag,” Samantha says jokingly. She shuts up quickly when Parke’s hand mysteriously disappears under the table and she yelps.

  “I got this, Sunny. Continue your speech, baby girl,” Parke says proudly. Samantha does not say another word. She just grins.

  “Thanks, Parke. Because I want to say thanks to Carmella for always helping me keep my shit together when I lose it. And most of all, I want to thank this fine hunk of a man sitting here.”

  He actually looks embarrassed. He pulls on my hand in an attempt to make me sit down. “No, Jackson, I’m not done. I have always wanted to go to college and to become a nurse, but I never had the know-how to get it done. And you see, this man not only encouraged me to follow my dreams, but he helped me complete enrollment papers and grant papers, and today he got the call.”

  They all look on in excitement when I shout, “I got accepted to Tulane University on a full paid grant for four years.”

  The table erupts in cheers. Carmella gets out of her chair almost knocking me over in a great big hug. “I knew you could do it.” She leaves my side and wraps Jackson into a hug that clearly makes him cutely uncomfortable. “You are exactly what she needed. But you better do her right or I will kick your ass. You hear me?”

  “Loud and clear,” he says, putting some distance between them.

  It was a great start to a great night. Our late lunch is filled with laughs and non-stop drinks. Carmella and Sean seem to be hitting it off nicely, and Samantha and Parke are chummy as well. I look around at everyone, and being in a thankful mood, I send a special thank you up to God and Joe once again for taking me out of the claws of Rex and placing me in the path of my newfound family. At this moment, I officially bury Rex in my memory. He is dead to me, and I will never speak another word of him.

  After stopping at the Daiquiris shop to get some frozen drinks for the parade, we’re off. Samantha had scored six tickets for the parade stands in front of the Intercontinental Hotel. People are everywhere, and the crowd is so thick, the closer we get to the route, the thicker the crowd gets. And the thicker the crowd gets, the more my hair stands on edge. I’m not sure what the problem is, so why do I feel this way? I just have a feeling in my gut that we are being followed. I know it’s crazy but I feel it. I start to nervously look around to see if I see anyone with an MC cut.

  Looking around, I only see people partying and having fun. Some are dressed in costume, most in Mardi Gras colors, but all have beads draped around their necks having a good time.

  Shake it off. You are just being crazy,” I think and suck down more of my frozen drink. We reach the stands where we’ll be viewing the parade. I know
it is about to start when I see flashing lights coming and hear music. Once it starts, it’s the most amazing thing I have ever seen and heard. The first band passes and it’s not what I expected. I expected what you see on TV for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Nope, it was like nothing I’ve ever seen. The first band is a high school band all dancing in unison as they play an upbeat song that has everyone bouncing in the stands. The cheerleaders and dancers are getting down with more soul than you would think was possible at their young age. The crowd erupts in cheers as they pass. The floats start to pass starting with the King and Queen. They are dressed in sparkly beaded costumes with large feathered plumes that come from their shoulders and reach two to three feet above their heads. They wave diamond-encrusted wands to the crowd.

  Once the court has passed, the real floats start to roll. I have only heard of Mardi Gras, but to see it in person is breathtaking. The costumes are elaborate, the bands are energetic, and the way the crowd erupts when the floats pass is invigorating. Their hands go up in the air, and they all scream, “Throw me something, mister.” The entire experience is electric and so much fun. To see the excitement on the faces of the children when they catch something worth keeping is priceless.

  Midway through the parade, the feeling of being watched has subsided. But to be honest with myself, I’m not sure if it’s because of the booze or there is just too much going on to care. This is the Big Easy, and people tend to just let the good times roll, so I go with the flow ignoring the whispering in my gut telling me to be alert and aware.

  The parade is over and the crowd starts to disburse in all directions. But Carmella and Samantha are far from done for the night.

  “Let’s go to Cat’s,” Carmella yells, tugging on Sean’s arm. The poor kid looks like a lost puppy willing to follow her to the ends of the earth.

  Samantha is giving Parke puppy eyes, as he doesn’t look too interested in the idea. She whispers something in his ear and his face lights up.

  “Okay, just a few songs and then were gone,” he says, while grabbing Samantha by the waist and pulling her into a deep kiss for everyone to see.