by Delilah Hunt
He buried his face in his hands. The wounds were too raw. Shakara couldn’t expect to trample on his heart in one moment and ask for his assistance in the next. Damn, he didn’t even know what form of help she wanted.
His shoulders shook as he recalled the tears that pooled at the edges of her eyelids. She looked thinner. Oh God. What if she hadn’t been eating well?
Cade lifted his head and rubbed his temples. He should have tried harder to contact her. The one and only time he’d sought her out, with the excuse of returning her canvas, she’d been absent from her apartment. He’d taken it as a sign, deciding to cut his losses and focus on purging her from his mind. No luck there.
He still loved her. Her visit today made him yearn for her all the more. She wanted him too. Her eyes reflected the heartbreak he felt and that confused the hell out of him. How do you look at someone with love pouring out of your eyes and rip their hearts to pieces? It made no sense.
Cade picked up his cell phone, scrolling through the list of names until he came to Julie’s.
He punched the button and breathed a sigh of relief the moment she answered.
“Hey, big bro.”
Cade didn’t want to waste any time. “I’m calling about Shakara. Do you know what’s going on with her? I’m concerned that she might be having problems?”
A long pause stretched between them. “I haven’t spoken to her in a quite awhile, to be honest.”
“How long?”
“Not since you were in Singapore. We sort of got into an argument. I haven’t seen or heard from her. I feel awful about it.”
His fingers tightened on the phone. “You’re telling me that she’s been alone all this time. My God, Julie, I assumed you were keeping in touch with her. She doesn’t deserve to be without a friend, regardless of what happened between us.”
“Well, it wasn’t right how she broke up with you. I had to defend you. I refused sit and let her act as if your feelings don’t count. I had to let her know how disappointed I was. She hurt you, Cade, and I can't forgive her for that.”
“What did you say to her?” Cade narrowed his eyes with worry.
“I told her that you were with Donna and that you were better off without her.”
“She’s your best friend. Why the hell would you say that to her?” He shook his head in anguish. “You weren’t doing me any favors. Now, I have to consider that she more than likely thinks I lied to her about my feelings for Donna. What if she believes that I was cheating on her during our relationship?”
“You’re loyal. She knows you wouldn’t do that to her. That’s not the real issue. Shakara has more on her plate to worry about than if you cheated on her. I drove by the restaurant she works at. Actually, I should say worked at, because there was a big sign that read ‘closed’ on the window. I hope she found a new job.”
Cade got up and paced across his office. Shit. She was having a difficult time. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll talk to you later. I’m going over to her apartment. I can’t believe I let her go without allowing her to explain.”
“She won’t be there. Her lease ran out. The last time we spoke she mentioned that she needed to find a new apartment. I have no idea where her new place is. I’m sorry, Cade. I should have been a better friend.” Julie sniffled.
His heart sank and he felt ill. Less than two hours ago she’d stood on his doorsteps within his reach and now he hadn’t the faintest idea where to begin searching for her. He deserved to be shot.
“Julie,” he clipped, reverting to his business voice. “I need you to think hard for me. Where do you think she could be? Did she mention another job to you, maybe in a passing statement that you forgot.” Her silence cut into him, persuading him to bare his heart to his little sister.
“I have to find her. She came to me today asking for my help. I wouldn’t listen to her. I sent her away, Julie. Do you understand? I love her and I don’t care that she broke my heart. I’ll never stop loving her. So please, sweetheart, can’t you think of any other place Shakara could be.”
A loud gasp ricocheted in his ear as he heard Julie’s frantic whisper.
“Oh my God, Cade. I think I know where she might be. Think about it. Where would she go if she was having a hard time finding another job?”
Cade jammed his fist into the wall. Shit. He knew exactly what Julie meant. No wonder she came to him. Shakara had promised herself she wouldn’t go back to stripping.
“Which one is it?”
“Falcon. Falcon something, I can’t remember. I only remember that first part because I thought the name was cool.”
He rolled his eyes in frustration. “I’ll talk to you later.”
Cade ended the call and reached for the computer mouse, searching the internet for the club’s location. Within minutes of finding the information, he grabbed his keys and jumped into his car. For the first time, he was praying he’d find Shakara inside the strip club, his sole clue to her whereabouts.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Shakara gazed at her reflection, her skin layered to perfection with too much makeup. She dabbed a bit of gloss on her lips.
“Shakara girl, we missed you.” A petite blonde called out, sticking two flower-shaped pasties on her nipples.
Can’t say the same, Shakara thought. A sharp smack echoed on her ass and Shakara jumped, relaxing her stance at the sight of her attacker walking completely nude in the dressing room.
“Lost some of that thickness too.”
Shakara smiled. “Yeah, and I keep telling you I don’t swing that way, Pepper.”
The light-skinned woman laughed and swung her arms around Shakara. “Aw, you know I’m just messing with you. The men loved that big booty of yours. You better eat up girl or you’re gonna lose out on your customers.”
Shakara forced a grin. “I’m more focused on not breaking my ass if I fall off that pole tonight. Haven’t used one in awhile.”
“You’re a pro. You’ll get the hang of it in no time,” the blonde chimed in. “Keep those titties bouncing and you’ll be alright. Isn’t that right, Pepper?”
Shakara groaned in silence at the two snickering women. She liked them both. Pepper was a single mother to an adorable little girl. The woman was also bisexual and made it a point to flirt with her whenever possible.
Lara, the blonde, was an aspiring actress, saving up to move to Los Angeles. She began working at the club a few weeks before Shakara quit to take the waitressing position.
Anger simmered in her at the reminder of the restaurant and the underhanded way Ronny screwed her and the other waitresses out of their last paycheck. If it wasn’t for him, she might have been able to put a deposit down on an apartment instead of having to sleep in her car tonight. Asshole.
The music stopped and her palms misted with sweat. What she wouldn’t give for some liquid courage, but in the totally nude club alcohol was prohibited.
This was her first dance of the night, enabling her to wear the sheer mini bra, which covered her nipples, along with G-string underwear. Later tonight she’d have to take it all off and work the stripper pole.
Her legs trembled at the start of the music. You’ve done it before. Pretend you’re dancing for him. It’s only you and him. No one else in the place. She let out a breath, willing her mind to see only Cade.
Shakara strutted onto the stage, her hips gyrating to the bass in the music. Looking out toward the floor, her lips widened into a sensual line directed at the wallets of each of the men in the room.
She bent her knees and dipped to the floor, her back arching, rounding out the beat as she crawled on all fours to the edge of the stage. A teenage boy whistled, then shot out his hand to grab her breasts. Shakara kept her smile while moving away from the horny teenager. The boy grinned and placed two bills on the lit stage.
She switched her gaze across the room to expand her target customers and her heart plummeted, wishing the ground would open and swallow her. Sitting in a corner beside
a tacky purple and red lava lamp was Cade. Her step faltered but she bounced back into the rhythm, her eyes refusing to look away. He stared at her, a mixture of bewilderment and disgust on his face.
Her chest felt heavy, making it hard to breathe. Shakara tore her eyes away, begging the music to stop.
Luckily it ended. Spinning around, she dashed for the dressing room. She didn’t care that her money lay scattered on the stage or that she needed to work the floor selling lap dances and cheap talk. Cade had seen her at her worst and the look on his face said it all.
****
Cade’s hands curled around the frame of the metal chair as he fought for restraint. He was forced to watch the men, one after the other, scamper to the stage, peering at her body, while throwing their cash at her. Nothing pissed him off more than the audacity of the teenage boy. If Shakara had allowed him to stroke her thigh, he would have lost it, walking out of the club—after doing some damage to the kid. As for Shakara, he’d simply wait for her outside the club then remind her to whom she belonged. Relationship withstanding or not.
Cade cringed, stunned by his range of jealousy and the violence he was contemplating.
He couldn’t fault the boy or any of the other men who leered at her. One look at her and every cock in the room was bound to be hard and aching. However, seeing her on stage flaunting her body did nothing to entice him. How could it? He knew she didn’t want to be up there. Shakara wouldn’t have worked seven days a week at that restaurant if she wanted to be here.
When their eyes connected, he’d felt the ground move beneath his feet. His heart ached for the intense flash of shame he saw on her face. No doubt she assumed he’d be the last person on earth to amble through those doors.
Cade pushed out of the chair. He had to talk to her. His sweet baby girl was upset, crying out for the comfort he should have provided to her this afternoon.
He headed out to the parking lot and sat in his car, determined to wait hours if he had to for her to come outside.
She didn’t waste any time exiting the club. Cade straightened in his seat, feeling more like a stalker while watching her slam the door. A large garbage can obscured his view and seconds later she reappeared, a nylon duffel bag slung over her thin shoulders. It was his move now.
Cade opened and closed the door with a soft thud making his presence known. Shakara whipped her head in the direction of the sound. Her dark eyes widened as she glanced at him, quickening her steps.
He sprinted toward her. “Shakara!”
She stopped and lifted her chin. The whites of her eyes were streaked red. Damn, he’d made her cry.
“Did you come here to further my humiliation?” she snapped. “Wasn’t it enough for you to make me feel like shit back at your house?” She pinned her hand to her hip. “Well I have news for you. I don’t give a fuck what you think about me. You or your sister. I made a stupid mistake coming to you today. It won’t happen again.”
He felt a lump in his throat, making it hard to speak. “Shakara, I didn’t come here to judge you or make you feel ashamed. I was worried about you. I’m the one who made the mistake today. I let my pride stand in the way of listening to you.”
She sighed in a tired way and gave her head a shake. “Whatever, Cade. It doesn’t make a difference. I shouldn’t have gone to you. I’m just an ex and I know you have a new girlfriend so you don’t have to pretend otherwise. The only thing I want to know is why you didn’t tell me you were taking Donna with you on your trip. Were you lying to me about your feelings for her?”
“I told you the truth. She means nothing to me. Bringing her along with me to Singapore was a matter of necessity. She works closely with the engineer I was slated to take the trip with. He was injured and Donna had to take over the project. That’s the only reason. I swear to you, Shakara, I never lied about her. I don’t want her or any other woman. I love you.” He felt something warm roll down his cheek.
Damn. He was crying in front of a woman who wasn’t his mother. Worst of all, he wanted her to see his tears.
Her hand fell from her hip and she let out an audible breath. Seizing his chance, Cade grasped her hand, drawing her to him.
“Baby girl, I’m so sorry. I don’t ever want you to be afraid of coming to me for help. The size of the problem is irrelevant. I’ll always be there for you.”
She relaxed into his touch and he continued. “You still love me, don’t you? No lies, Shakara. You have to be straightforward with me. I can’t handle anymore deception.”
“It’s true,” she whispered. “I’ve never stopped loving you. Not for one minute.”
Shakara was telling him everything he longed to hear. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her to him. She returned the embrace, clinging to him with her dark head resting on his chest.
“Do you want to go home?”
She lifted her shoulder and looked out into the night. “I don’t have a place right now. I’m staying in my car until I can find a new apartment. You can go if you like. It’s getting late and you have to work tomorrow.”
“Shakara, you can’t possibly believe I’m going to leave you here tonight. I was referring to my house. Our house. Are you ready to go home?”
“I’ve been ready since the day I left.” She cocked her head, a shy smile forming on her lips. “I don’t understand how you can forgive me so easily. I’m happy, of course, but don’t you want to know why I did it?”
“I do,” Cade admitted. “The details can wait. The most important thing is that I have you in my life again.”
Her lips melted into a smile and she crushed her mouth to his. He trailed his hands along her back deepening the kiss.
“I love you so damn much.” He lifted her off the ground holding her in front of him.
“Don't ever do that to me again. I don't care what was going on in that beautiful head of yours. My heart isn’t up for another round of ‘Where's Shakara’. You should see the gray hairs I’ve gained in the past month.”
Cade set her on her feet and gestured to his hair. Shakara giggled and his heart melted.
“Let’s go home, baby girl. You can explain it all to me later.” He led her to his car, unable to take his eyes off her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Shakara reached into her duffel bag and pulled out the framed photograph, replacing it on the fireplace mantel.
“Your girlfriend is a thief.” She grinned into his astonished face.
“I had no idea it was missing.” He looked at the picture then turned to her. He narrowed his eyes and she could tell he was fighting a smile.
Cade stroked a finger along her jaw. “What am I going to do with you? I feel like this is another one of my dreams and tomorrow I’ll wake up and you’ll be somewhere out of reach.”
She snuggled into his hand, a low moan rising from her throat. His erection pushed into her center through the material of her jeans. Heat spiraled into her, sending her gaze on a downward drift, settling on his groin.
“I’m right here and I’m still your girl, Cade. I’ll always be your baby girl.”
He held her tight. “I missed you. I missed this. The way you get that hungry look in your eyes when you’re ready for my cock. I can see how much you want me and I love it.”
He was right. She wanted him. Hard and thick, filling her mouth, his seed trickling down her throat.
“Give it to me.” Shakara lowered to the floor, kneeling between his powerful legs. Her eyes lifted and the intense arousal on his face stole her breath, shattering her senses. His fingers yanked at his waistband and within seconds he was kicking his pants and underwear to the side.
His cock sprang out, full and heavy, bright with a deep shade of red. Her lips parted and she leaned forward, bracing her hands on the floor. Shakara nuzzled her face against his cock, inhaling his rich musky scent. Her cunt throbbed and her mouth watered.
“Open your mouth.” Cade tapped the slick head to her lips.
Her mouth widened an
d he pushed inside. Gently, he smoothed the back of her head, eliciting a strangled cry from her. Moisture pooled in her eyes when their gazes locked. He was going to hold back.
Running his fingers along her nape, his eyes darkened and a near pained expression cut across his masculine features.
Her heart swelled watching the effort he exerted in allowing her to suckle him, instead of thrusting hard and fucking her mouth as he would have liked.
“Suck it, baby girl. I’m loving it too. Feels so damn good. I love it when you pull on it like that, like a thirsty little kitten.”
Closing her eyes, Shakara locked her arms around his hips, latching her mouth firmer on his cock. She drew on the leaking head and salty liquid pooled on her tongue. Shakara swallowed, suckling harder, once again rewarded for her efforts by a delicious drop of his pre-cum. There was no shame. His cock provided a luxuriant comfort to her and she’d never hide it from him.
Cade rocked his hips into her face and tangled his fingers in her hair, forcing her to look at him.
“It’s been over a month since I’ve fucked your cunt. One long, frustrating month, baby girl. Are you ready to take that on? All the pain you gave me. Will you let me work it out inside your sweet little body?”
Oh God. Her eyelids hooded over and she gazed up at him. He was hers. All hers. Her lips tightened around him and she swirled her tongue around the sensitive rim. Cade shuddered above her, withdrawing his cock until only the broad head remained in her mouth.
“I can’t hold it back any longer. Have to feed it to you,” he groaned, raising her chin.
Her knees shook and she scraped her fingernails along his skin. His hand formed a fist gathering the hair at her nape, tilting her head to meet his thrusts.
“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you look with my cock in your mouth?”