Caged (Bound by Cage Book 1)

by Brittany Crowley

  “Savannah…”

  “Something wrong old man? We’re not breaking your rules.” Giving him the sweetest smile I can muster I see his eye twitch. I must maintain a poker face even if it kills me.

  “You most certainly are young lady, holding hands was not on the list of approved touches. Do I need to write you a list?”

  “Oh this?” I hold up our intertwined hands. “This isn’t hand holding, this is a prolonged hand shake.” I can feel Zander trying to pull his hand out of mine but I just squeeze his fingers even harder.

  Jay clears his throat, “Hey Savvy, you do realize that you’re crushing his money maker, right? You might want to ease up on the death grip over there.”

  “Shit, I’m sorry!” I yell as I let go of his fingers. Pulling them up to my face I examine them to make sure they are not disfigured or broken.

  “Baby, they’re fine,” pulling my hand to his mouth he gives it a delicate kiss. Another throat clear from my dad has him throwing my hand away like it’s a hot potato. Narrowing my gaze on him he at least looks a little sheepish.

  “Sorry, I can’t in front of the general, I like my balls where they are. I have been told repeatedly what appropriate behavior I should display all week.”

  I can’t help but laugh out loud. “Well played Dad, I’m going to remember this when you have a lady caller at the door. Don’t expect me to be nice, oh no. The embarrassing stories will be coming out in full force.”

  My Dad’s face loses some of its color making me question what I said to make him nervous. I’ll tuck that thought away for later. Dad never looks nervous so something must be going on.

  Grabbing Zander’s hand again I start to look at them again to make sure I didn’t cause any permanent damage.

  “Savvy you’re not the Hulk, I’m pretty sure your baby strength barely caused him any pain.”

  Narrowing my gaze on Jay I begin to fume. I hate when people assume girls are the weaker gender. “Is it because I’m a little girl Jay? Does my baby strength not measure up to yours?”

  “Hell no it doesn’t. It’s a known fact that guys are stronger than women. Am I right guys?” he looks around for any signs of solidarity. He is met with Josh looking at the ceiling, Kyle jumping up as he yells he needs to use the bathroom, and my Dad and Zander extremely interested in the commercial on TV.

  “Would you care to make a little bet?”

  “I can beat you in anything so sure, I’ll take that bet Savannah.”

  Standing up I leave the room with Ash close on my heels. I need to come up with something that I know I can win but also involves some strength so he doesn’t think I cheated.

  “You know what you have to do Sav. It’s been a while, but we can do it just like we did in high school.”

  Psyching myself up I start to turn my neck side to side. I can do this, we scammed so many people when we were teenagers. We made so much money until we got caught and nobody would bet us anymore.

  “It will be like taking candy from a baby. They only just moved up here so there is no way they have heard the stories yet.”

  “Fucking right! This is going to be epic!! I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he loses!”

  Walking back into the room with a table we set it up as everyone watches.

  “Alright Jay, I assume you know how to arm wrestle?”

  “Fucking hell, I still have nightmares of the bob Savvy!” my dad bellows out as I quickly shush him.

  “Not another word, I am going to teach Jayden here a lesson. You should never underestimate a girl asshole.”

  “Baby you are so strong, we know you are. Why don’t you come sit down, half time is almost over.”

  “Do you think I’m going to lose babe?”

  “Now I didn’t say that-”

  “Sit back and watch the master buddy!”

  Jay and I assume the position. He plants his elbow on the table at a wide angle, his hand being up in the air facing towards me. I look over to Ash and she slightly nods her head towards his feet. He has no idea what he is doing. It’s all in where you plant your body to ensure a win. I would know I learned how to cheat at arm wrestling.

  I plant my right foot forward under the table slightly causing my hip to lean right up against it. I make sure I place my elbow close to my body and keep my hand as up right as I can. When we grip, I make sure to grip high not giving him a chance to grip my knuckles and curl my thumb in. I smile inwardly knowing this is going to be easy as pie.

  Ash walks over to us holding our hands together in the center. She does the countdown and let’s go of our hands as we begin. Now the trick is not to push to the side but to pull his hand slightly towards me. The fact that he has horrible posture and bad hand and elbow position are all points against him. He’s definitely strong I’ll give him that, but not strong enough to beat me. I start to pull on his arm making it move towards my side of the table.

  “What the fuck? Do you have super human strength? Ahhhhhhhhh,” he groans out as he tries to use even more strength. It’s no match for my technique as I push his hand into the table in victory.

  “What a pussy! You couldn’t even beat a girl son? And you call yourself a man,” my dad laughs adding gas to the fire.

  “I don’t know what happened, I need to go to the gym. What the fuck dude? Your workouts are definitely not building my strength. What are you scared I’m going to be stronger than you? I demand a refund!”

  “Sit the fuck down asshole. A fucking refund? You don’t even pay to work out with me!”

  Coming up to me Zander grabs my hand and pulls me into the kitchen. Picking me up, he places me on the counter and captures my mouth in a delicious kiss. Pulling back, I’m a panting mess and completely ready to throw down right here on my Dad’s kitchen counter.

  “Your dad told me about the mob that swarmed your house after they realized you and Ash cheated your way through arm wrestling in high school. I didn’t believe you could beat grown men baby but fuck, you beat Jay and it made me so fucking hard. It makes me think about wrestling you in bed later.”

  Groaning I pull him back to me, attacking his mouth. After a few minutes, we separate and try to gather our composure.

  “You thought he had a chance even though my dad told you the story? I have won against people more than double my size before, what made you think he was different?”

  Picking me up, he places me on the floor and kisses my forehead. “I thought it was a made-up story that your dad tells people. I should have known it was true from the pride in his voice when he talked about it. My girl’s beautiful and smart, I won the lottery with you.”

  I smile shyly up at him as we walk back into the living room. Jay still looks dejected in the corner while everyone else is back to watching the game.

  “Jay meet me at the gym in the morning before you head to work. I’ll strengthen up those arms for you bro.”

  We are in the 3rd quarter and the Pats are currently annihilating The Texans which makes me extremely happy. I am not a graceful loser and the thought of Zander’s team beating my boys would piss me off to no end.

  Ash and I excuse ourselves to the kitchen to get the food all served up.

  Luckily, she made lazy man’s lobster so the guys won’t make a mess everywhere trying to crack the shells off of the lobster. I notice she is spending an awfully long time on a specific plate making sure it looks perfect.

  “Ash, you don’t need to make my plate look perfect, you know I’d love it even if my plating looked like shit.”

  “Shut it wench. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  I follow her out to the living room carrying a couple plates while she carried one. Surprise, surprise she personally delivers it to Josh as I pass my three out to my Dad, Zander and Kyle. I run back into the kitchen grabbing mine and Jay’s before sitting down to eat.

  The rest of the game passes and of my boys kicked some serious Texan ass. Zander is sulking which makes me laugh.

>   “Maybe you should jump ship to a team that’s actually capable of winning babe.”

  “Next time we’ll get them,” is all he says, still pouting like a five-year-old.

  Saying our goodbyes to my dad we head out. Zander asked me to stay at his place tonight so Ash is giving Josh and the other guys a ride home. They recently moved into their new places this week. Having to be quiet during sexy time really sucked especially when you just want to shout the rooftop down with how good your man is giving it to you. Not to mention we can be spontaneous again without anyone barging in on us.

  I think my arm wrestling match really got Zander going because the minute we clear the entry way he barely has the door shut before pushing me into it and attacking my mouth. Seeing as this isn’t the first time I’ve found myself in this position I know what’s coming will most certainly not be gentle. Kissing and sucking down my neck as he rips off my clothes has me giving into the passion as I jump up on him wrapping my legs around his waist as he enters me. Pounding into me with abandon until I’m calling out his name has me breathless. A couple more thrusts and Zander grunts out my name with his own release.

  Panting and out of breath I lay on the hard wood floor of the entry way with my eyes closed. I’m thinking about sleeping right here when I feeling myself being lifted into Zander’s arms as he carries me to bed. I love how he constantly makes me feel special by taking care of me. Snuggling up to him I barely make it a few minutes before I’m lost to the dream world.

  CHAPTER 11

  Zander cuts the engine when we arrive at our destination. I’m a nervous wreck and nothing has calmed my nerves. He grabs my hand causing me to look over at him.

  “Baby, she is going to love you. You have absolutely nothing to be worried about.”

  “Easy for you to say you’re not being looked at as a potential baby maker. SHIT! I didn’t mean that I want to be your baby maker…I mean one day I’d like to have kids but…fuck, forget I said anything. I ramble on and on about stupid shit when I’m nervous.”

  Mother fucker! Why do I have to have diarrhea of the mouth when I’m uneasy?

  “First of all, I don’t think kids are classified as stupid shit. I’m going to let that conversation slide for now. You have nothing to be worried about. It’s not like my mom is going to corner you when you’re training with a bow and arrow. Now let’s do this I’m starving!” Laughing I wait for him to walk around the truck and open my door offering me his hand. Taking it he helps me down but doesn’t let me past him. Pushing me up against the truck he leans in for the kiss making me temporarily forget what’s going on in my head. Pulling away my eyes are still closed and I have a smile on my face.

  “Better? I can’t believe you’re so nervous haven’t you met a boyfriend’s parents before?” looking at the ground I shake my head no.

  “None of my relationships got to that point, well they did but they didn’t want me to meet their parents.”

  Grabbing my hands Zander looks into my eyes. “I’ll say it again. You have nothing to be worried about beautiful. She’s probably just as nervous to meet you. You’re the first girl I’ve ever brought to dinner too so we are both doing something we never have before.”

  Pulling me up the walk way I’m secretly thrilled I’m the only one to meet his mom. Looking up I admire the quaint one story home. It’s white with pink shutters and is immaculately landscaped. Before we reach the front steps, Zander’s mom has the door open as she makes her way down to us. Pulling Zander into a hug she gives him a kiss on the cheek. Letting him go she comes at me, squeezing me hard as only a mother can. I can’t help but get a little emotional. Would my mom have given me hugs just like this one?

  “Mom this is Savannah. Savannah this is my mom Judy.”

  “It’s so nice to finally meet you Mrs. Cage. Zander has told me so much about you.”

  “None of that sweetie, call me Judy. I am thrilled Zander has finally brought a girl home. I was starting to think he was embarrassed of me!” we both laugh as Zander rolls his eyes.

  “Now how can I be embarrassed of you mom. You are the shit.”

  “You always know just what to say to make me feel special honey.” Now it’s her turn to roll her eyes.

  Turning around she tells us to come into the house. I love her already and I can understand why Zander turned out so great. You can just feel the love between them.

  We are halfway through dinner when I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. I drank far too much water before Zander picked me up. I’ll blame it on my nerves which are currently gone thank goodness. Judy is great and she has made me feel right at home.

  Closing the door, I pull my phone out of my purse. I see that I have three new messages so I scroll through them really quick.

  555-9474: Sweetie where are you? We need to talk.

  555-9474: I’m sorry for the misunderstanding at the bar, I didn’t mean to cause a scene.

  The third text is an old picture of us from when we were dating. I have blocked his phone number numerous times already but he keeps getting a new one and sending me messages. I don’t know what he hopes to accomplish with these texts. Putting my phone away not wanting to spend any more time thinking about him, I relieve my bladder and wash my hands.

  Heading back to the dining room I can hear Zander talking to his mom.

  “I really like her Zander, I understand why you are so smitten.”

  “Smitten, really mom?” he laughs.

  “Sorry I’m not as young and hip as you are hotshot. You know what I mean. I see the way you look at her and also the way she looks at you. Does she know about the fighting?”

  “Yes, she didn’t know who I was at first though. She has no idea about anything involving MMA so you don’t need to worry about her. She’s different.”

  “I can tell. Give it a chance.”

  “Believe me I’m not letting her go.”

  Not wanting to eavesdrop on their private conversation any longer I take a few quiet steps back then clomp my way into the dining room so they can hear me coming. I clomp a little too much and trip over the area rug on the floor falling on my face. Why can’t I have the grace of a ballerina? As fast as I fall to the floor I’m up ten times faster.

  “Holy shit Savvy are you okay?” Zander asks with concern in his voice.

  “Yup perfectly fine. It wouldn’t be a normal day unless I made a fool of myself.” I can feel the redness rushing up my cheeks as I sit back down next to Zander.

  Placing his hand on my leg he gives it a squeeze. We finish dinner and dessert and then we’re saying our goodbyes. Giving me a hug we promise to see each other soon before I walk out the door with Zander. Helping me into the truck he leans in and gives me a peck on the lips before walking around and getting in on the driver’s side.

  Pulling out my phone I notice a few more texts from Luke that I delete without looking at them. Why does he have to be doing this tonight?

  “Everything okay?” Zander questions me looking down at my phone.

  “Yup everything is great. Just an ex-boyfriend texting me. I blocked his number again.”

  “Again, implying that he has been doing this for a while on different numbers?” Shit, I didn’t want this to be a big deal.

  “Yeah…he showed up at the bar the other day when I was working. I told him I was seeing someone new. For some reason, he thinks we still have a chance at being together. I told him to leave, I’m sure he’ll realize I have moved on and do the same. No worries, I have it under control.”

  “If he does anything else I’d like to know about it. I don’t like the thought of anyone harassing you.”

  I nod my head as we drive back to his place for the night. I don’t know what I was so nervous for. Judy was great and I am genuinely excited to see her again. Looking over to Zander I study his profile for a minute. He looks over catching me staring at him like he always does.

  “Thank you.” I whisper to him.

  “For what?” he brings m
y knuckles up to his lips and kisses them.

  “For moving here, knocking me on my ass that day, introducing me to your mom, you can take your pick.”

  Kissing my knuckles, we continue to drive in silence. Smiling I look out my window. Looking up at the sky I can’t help but think of my mom after tonight. I know she is always with me and that sense of peace I feel knowing she’s always there is everything to me. I take a deep calming breath and smile to myself. I know she would have loved Zander. Knowing her she probably led him right to me.

  CHAPTER 12

  It’s Wednesday night, the day before I take off to Vegas. Looking around my room, I survey the mess I’ve made trying to pack, but I don’t have anything that would be considered acceptable. I’m starting to stress myself out when a light bulb goes off in my head.

  “Ashlyn!!!!” I yell running for her room heading straight for her closet. She is laying on her bed with her earbuds in so she doesn’t hear me yelling. The second I plow through her door she screams and falls off the bed. I stop dead in my tracks and start busting out laughing. She gets up from the floor with narrowed angry eyes focusing on me.

  “What the fuck Savvy? You scared the shit out of me!” She then places her hands on her hips, staring me down in what I’m sure she thinks is an intimidating stance. I can’t help it, I laugh even harder. This is just what I need to take my mind off of the stress of packing.

  “I yelled your name but you obviously didn’t hear me.” I offer up as an explanation. “I need help! I have nothing to wear in Vegas. Then I thought, of course my bestie has a whole bunch of whorish garb in her closet for me to peruse. Thank god we are the same size!” I begin going through her closet looking through the hangers.

  “Hey! I don’t do whorish, it’s all very classy. Let me get in there, I know what to wear in Vegas better than you do.” I move to the side as she starts to pull clothes from the hangers then hands them to me. I look down at a scrap of fabric that I assume is a dress, but what it would actually cover is questionable at best.