I know Jordan called her and talked to her, but that was all. How am I supposed to believe everything I hear? I can’t read his mind. Plus, I have seen Niki a few times here and there.
She’s really sweet to me for the most part. Then there’s this hint that she’s playing me. I want to tell someone what’s going on, but I don’t know if anyone would believe me. Which scares me the most.
I’m the one that was kidnapped. I’m having issues with PTSD. What do I have that would make them understand what I was thinking and feeling? I mean Niki isn’t crazy. I’m going crazy and that’s what everyone would believe. She would only have to prove to them she was being nice to me.
I know better. She wants me out of the way. She just wants to be back in Jordan’s life. He makes me so happy. I’m at peace most of the time when he’s around. I feel truly loved. Seven months isn’t a long time to build a life together. It’s just the starting point.
Jordan had years of building with Niki. A lot of time to form that loving bond. I understand that he told me he’s never loved anyone like he loves me, but how’s that possible. Could this be it? I want this to be where I’m supposed to be. I really do love him.
November 29,
Thanksgiving went very well. I enjoyed spending time with Jordan’s family. They treat me like I belong there. I’ve been a little worried about Niki. Something doesn’t feel right with her. She’s been nice to me and I don’t really think it has anything to do with me.
We’re supposed to go over to Jessica’s later today. There will be pizza and I guess we need to draw names. The week before Christmas we’re doing our secret Santa exchange. Tonight we are picking names.
“Hey Cara Mia, are you ready to go?” Jordan popped his head into the library room. I closed my journal and stood to my feet. It was a calming feeling to be writing in journals again.
“I’m ready.” I strut towards him and give him a soft kiss. We then leave to go to Nate and Jessica’s. I’m surprised when we arrive that everyone looks to be here. That includes Niki. I dislike that she is present here, but there isn’t much I can do.
We walk into the house and straight down the stairs. Everyone is sitting around on the couches. I’m stunned to see that the only spot to sit happens to be right next to Niki. I think I will stand.
She’s again dressed up and smiling. I don’t get it, but almost every time we see her she has on this interesting shade of red lipstick. I know I’ve caught her licking her lips while staring at Jordan.
“Come on you two and take a seat. Now that everyone is here we can draw names before the pizza arrives. I don’t want to forget this.” I still look at the seating arrangements and Tyler gives me an odd nod. I tilt my head to the side wonder what that was for. However, he shocks me by standing to his feet.
“Dude, take my spot and I’ll move.” Tyler sits over on the floor next to Hanna and Jordan takes Tyler’s spot in the chair. The area now has two simple lounge chairs and a large, half-circle couch.
I’m still standing like a dummy and Jordan grabs my hips pulling me onto the chair with him. I can’t help but laugh. I adjust to sitting properly on Jordan’s lap. I then notice the glass jar in front of Jessica with slips of paper inside.
“Here’s the deal. You will each slip your hand into the jar and take a piece of paper. You will check real quick to make sure you didn’t grab your own name. Then you aren’t allowed to tell anyone who you have. The week before Christmas we will meet back here for the gift exchange.”
Jessica’s the first to pull out a name and then places the paper in her pocket. She walks around having everyone pull out a name. When it comes to me there isn’t many in the jar. I reach inside and pull out a piece of paper. I’m careful when I look at the name, Nate. I don’t exactly know what to get him, but I have an idea.
I’m still sitting on Jordan’s lap when he pulls out a name. I watch him closely because he hides the name from me. A smile spreads across his face and then he pockets the name. I wonder who he got. I choose to trust him and won’t ask, but fear crawls up my spine.
By the time that Jessica gets to Niki a sick feeling appears in the pit of my stomach. I watch her with my own curiosity. She seems happy with who she gets, but not in the way I was looking for that eases my discomfort. There’s a wicked smile on her face. I don’t like it one bit.
After sitting around for a while and letting everyone talk we hear the doorbell ring. I stand to my feet to help Jessica get the pizza when Hanna stands with her.
“Sit Cara, I got this.” Huh? I’ve been curious why we still haven’t chipped in for the cost of the pizza yet. I mean normally we put our share in a big bowl, but the bowl was nowhere to be seen.
“It’s okay Cara, Hanna was here earlier when we ordered the pizzas like normal. She shocked the hell out of me when she took the phone from me at the last minute and paid for all the food. I don’t know what has gotten into her, but she’s different. In a very good way.” He gives me a wink and I relax.
“Yeah I’ve noticed the change. I like the new Hanna.” Amber states as Niki stands to her feet. I watch her storm off. “And I still don’t know what her problem is.” I’m stunned silent, by Amber’s confession.
“You figure anything out on her stalker?” Ryan grabs Jordan’s attention.
“The twins are looking into it, but the last time I talked with them they had nothing new for me. I don’t know what’s going on there.” I stop listening and get to my feet. There’s a weird look going on between Ryan and Jordan. Something tells me not to ask.
I offer to help set up the pizzas at the bar. I do spend a moment looking around for Niki and don’t see her. Maybe that’s a good thing, but that moment is lost when I spot her walking down the stairs. She walks right over to Jordan.
JORDAN
“No, I don’t know what I’m going to do about the situation if they still find nothing.” We all proceed to go grab food. Generally, I wait until everyone has their food before I grab mine. This time, I wish I had walked over to the bar because I’m no longer alone.
“Jordan, I would like to talk to you for a moment.” Niki stands beside me. I’m still trying to figure out her motives. “Can we please talk somewhere private?” I laugh.
“Not going to happen.”
“It’s important Jordan.”
“I said no. If you can’t talk to me here, then we can’t talk.”
“Fine, I will catch you later when we can talk in private. Maybe for once you will use that head of yours instead of your dick.” I’m pissed and grab her by the arm and walk her into the back room passed everyone.
“What the hell is so important that you have to talk with me privately. As a big warning, my dick has nothing to do with this.” I’m pissed off at her. Where the fuck does she get the balls to talk to me that way?
“First off you owe me. Your dick does have something to do with this. You’re not seeing the bigger picture; you’re thinking with your dick. I mean…” She takes a step close to me. “I know you’re probably hard right now.” She licks her lips.
“Hate to burst your bubble, but I’m not.” What’s her point?
“Remember the night you asked me to keep on my red lipstick. You wanted to…” Seriously!
“Niki, I don’t want to be talking about this. You and I are a thing of the past and that information will never leave this room. Do you understand me?” I’m pissed
“I know you’re unhappy and I wanted to know if there was anything I can do about that. I can take care of your sexual pleasure.” Is she for real.
“Why would you think I want that from you?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“I know you Jordan. I’m not stupid. You deserve to be happy and not having to bend what you do around a woman. You need someone strong in your life. I was that woman for you. I can make you happy and please you. I was your good girl at one point who could be dirty for you” I laugh.
“You’re dumb Niki. I’m happy and this is over
with. As for the other piece of information you brought up. Talk about that with anyone else and you’ll regret it.” I go to storm out of the room.
“What would Cara think if I told her about your dirty fetish? I mean she’s sweet and innocent. You like your sex rough and a little dirty.” I turn around to face Niki and I move to close our distance.
I’m close enough to feel her body heat. I make an act like I’m going to be sweet on her. Which is the last thing I would ever do.
“You were dirty. Call it slutty. As for Cara, she has no issues pleasing me. Plus, I love it when she gets dirty for me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so hard when she gives in to me. You were too easy.” I turn to now leave the room. “Easy really isn’t any fun. I got bored. I’m never bored now.”
I leave the room and grab some pizza. Niki finally leaves the room and looks pissed off. I honestly don’t care.
CARA
I saw Jordan take Niki into the bedroom to talk. My stomach knotted something fierce and I had to stop eating my one slice of pizza. I had to ask Jessica if I could use the bathroom upstairs. I couldn’t help it I knew I was going to be sick. I was lucky I made it into the bathroom when my stomach gave up.
“You okay?” Hanna must have followed behind me. I was grateful for it because she pulled my hair out of my way.
“I don’t feel so good.”
“I noticed. You turned an awful shade of white. Do you know why you got sick?”
“I don’t like even the thought of Jordan alone with her and he was. He ignored me to talk with her.” She helps me to my feet and I wash out my mouth.
“One of these days she will get what’s coming to her. It may not be today or tomorrow, but it’s coming.” Hanna and I talk for a few minutes and then Jordan showed up.
“Can we talk?” Hanna left us alone and I almost hated watching her go. I was mad.
“You’re an asshole.” That was great. Just blurt it out.
“I’m an asshole.” Jordan walked into the bathroom and slowly touched my face with the back of his hand. “You feel warm.”
“I just got sick, my stomach hurts and that doesn’t change that you’re still an asshole.” I wasn’t changing my mind on that.
“Are you going to stay mad at me for talking alone with Niki?”
“Right now I….” I had to stop because my stomach gave out on me again. Once my stomach stopped Jordan decided it was time for us to go home. I spent the next few days in bed sick to my stomach.
Luckily I was able to order my gift for Nate and Jordan was kind enough to tell me that his was for Hanna. He asked me to find something that she would like. I found a very nice art set for her. I hope she likes it.
Jordan and I never talked about him being alone with Niki. I wanted to know why, but it was never brought up. I couldn’t help thinking that there was a reason he didn’t want to tell me about it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
JORDAN
Cara has been home sick the last few days. She was able to hold down food yesterday so I left her there and came into the office. Luckily we were able to get her into see Dr. Crabtree when I went in to have my side looked at. She still wants me to take it easy.
She mentioned everything was good with Cara’s blood work from a few weeks ago. I’m very thankful for that. She does want us to continue all of Cara’s care with Jessica who has been keeping her updated.
However, for Cara, she had picked up some stomach bug. I’m just glad what she had wasn’t contagious because I didn’t want it. I don’t think Cara really wanted it either.
I had already set up Nate to help figure out the case Ryan was on. Amber took Carson to install new security for the jeweler that we have worked with for years.
I decide I’ve put off reading more into Travis’ journal. I know it’s all crazy information and I’m just punishing myself for reading more into it, but I have to know he was my friend.
January 5, 2010
Life…I fucking hate it. No matter what I do it’s not worth it. I work long hours and for what. I have nothing good that comes from it. Now we’re all dealing with new cases at the office. I get the wonderful task of installing a large security system for a hospital. Great! Just what I wanted to be using my skills for.
We’ve been having meetings after meetings about Nathan. Big deal. The man just needs to grow up. We all have issues from the service. Shit if he wants to whine like a silly fucking girl let him. But we all have to be careful. His wife has been in and out of the office. I mean hell if it was me I’d not be ruining things with that woman. Hell, I would love to sink my cock into that.
No, I take that back I don’t want her. I’ve talked with Niki the other day. She came into the office crying. Dumb ass Jordan was out talking with some district attorney and ignoring her. Lucky for me…unlucky for him.
I won’t complain that she’s a hot little thing. Crazy, but hot. She scared the shit out of me with what she was saying. Not that I didn’t mind talking about sex with her. I’m glad that there are no cameras in the computer room, lucky me.
What the hell does that mean? Lucky me. Did Travis have sex with Niki? I don’t know if I can wrap my mind around the idea. I mean from what I could remember she wasn’t a big fan of Travis. Or was that all a lie?
January 17, 2010
Today was something else. I have figured out some more information on my father. I know he died in prison. Looking into his case shows that he was involved in a rape and murder. I’m trying to locate my family on his side to tell me more about my father.
From what I have located, I have an aunt in Utah. I might have to see if I can get away for a little while and go talk with her. I wonder if there would be a way for me to take someone with me. The risk would be worth it, but probably not that worth it. The sex, however, would make the risk all worthwhile.
February 3, 2010
Next week I get to take some time off. I’ve finally got all my mother’s things taken care of. Niki was a great big help with that. What was worth keeping is in a storage unit and the rest we either sold or gave away. I’m glad that she has taken the time to give me attention.
I hate what’s going on with her. She’s so in love with Mr. Perfect. That’s like all she fucking talks about and it’s pissing me off. I don’t understand what she really wants from me.
I get it. I watch it happen all day at work. People come in and out of the building. Jordan talks to many different people with Ryan and his father Victor. Don’t even get me started on that man. I don’t like how he looks at me. Gives me the creeps. I get this feeling that he’s looking right through me. I don’t like that at all. He needs to stop it.
February 20, 2010
I learned a lot from my trip. She’s just like my mother. My Aunt was very welcoming and she told me a lot of interesting information about my father. Let’s me feel like I know my dad more.
I was surprised that Niki actually came on my trip
I stop reading and slam the book closed. I try searching my memory for that time period and I can’t. I don’t remember what happened during that time. I was so busy trying to take things over for my dad, I was still and am part of the military in a small capacity. I know what I have to do. I pull out my phone and call Niki.
“Jordan, what a surprise to see that you are calling me.” I take a deep breath.
“I actually have a question for you. This isn’t some kind of social call.” I hear the sound of disappointment.
“Okay, what do you have to ask me?” I know I have to ask this and I have to do it just right.
“February 2010 when we were looking for a house…you went on vacation right?” I pinch the bridge of my nose. I have to play this all carefully. There’s a small pause before she speaks.
“Yes, I did. I went out of town with a friend. I had told you back then Lisa from college needed my help with something. Why do you ask about that now?” This is where I have to be careful with what I say.
“The twins, th
ey have been asking me a bunch of questions. They’re trying to figure out your stalker and asked about us. I remembered you went a trip, but I couldn’t remember anything more.” That should work.
“Oh, well if you need to remember anything else just ask me Jordan. I don’t mind reminding you. We had a lot of fun back then and I miss it. I miss you.” Damn it.
“Niki, we’ve talked about this. You know I’m happy with Cara now.” I hear the instant change in her voice.
“I don’t think she makes you happy Jordan. There’s something off with her now and you don’t need that kind of stress in your life. You’re at a place where you need to settle down and start a family. You remember the plans we had to be a family.” Fuck me!
“Niki, I need to let you go. I’m sorry that you’re wishing for something that won’t happen. I’m happy with Cara and that’s all.” I don’t even wait for a reply and hang up the call.
March 12, 2010
I fucking hate this shit. I mean really. I’m not some damn fucking toy. I mean I like being a sex toy, but if you want to use me I don’t want it. Mr. Perfect this and Mr. Perfect that. What the hell is it that Jordan has that is so damn special.
Yesterday we had some big lawyers walking into the office. I got ignored as I watch the mess unfold. Looks to me that Jordan and his special team are going to be dealing with some motorcycle gangs issues with ATF or whatever. I have to just sit back and watch. I don’t get to play in the big leagues.
Now there is a rumor about me having to take on Jordan’s sister. When did I become a damn babysitter? Looks like this is the last semester at school for her. Great from what I’ve been told she will be my boss. A fucking baby. She’s what maybe twenty. How the hell is that right?
Mr. Perfect made it sound like she knows more about what’s going on around here. Like I don’t have a clue about what I’ve been doing for fucking months. Shit, I should be her boss, but no. She also happens to own part of the business. What the hell?
Remember Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 2) Page 22