by Claire, Ava
"My bruised face?" He snorted. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall. I'm sure they'll be more concerned with Cade's broken nose."
I didn't move, even though I was sure a slight breeze would have knocked me out flat. I couldn't believe that he was willing to create a whole new scandal and go toe to toe with Cade just to protect my honor. It was sweet but I couldn’t let it go down.
"I'm not going to let you do this," I said firmly. "Not for me."
"I guess it's a good thing I don't need your permission then."
I knew I could tell him about Cade’s wife and it would at least chill his blood and give me a chance to convince him to let it go, but I felt like it wasn't my secret to tell. Still, there was another part of me that knew that picking and choosing what I thought Jacob should know wasn't fair to him.
I inhaled sharply, praying that I wasn't just making things worse.
"I found out something personal. Something that I think explains why he did what he did."
He shifted, but didn't stand down. "I'm listening."
"Apparently Cade was married, back when he was in the military." I didn't feel like his...extracurricular activities were relevant, so I got to the point. "When he came home from a tour, his wife committed suicide."
Jacob's stony expression softened slightly, but his jaw was still tight with anger. "What does that have to do with the kiss?"
“He was feeling vulnerable, Jacob,” I tried to explain. “And he was drunk. Is drunk. From the way he reeked, he’s going to be drunk for days.”
He relaxed slightly and I felt a little better. I’d been up front, one hundred percent honest, and there was no brawl. I guess this whole straight up thing was a good idea after all.
Jacob turned to me, his forearm muscles flexing as he crossed his arms. "The thought of him touching you, kissing you..." His eyes flashed, the heat of his gaze flaying me alive. "You're mine."
I brought my hand to his cheek. "And you're mine."
His body tensed and his gaze flickered to the door. Clearly, he was still considering paying Cade a visit.
“Jacob, please,” I whispered. “Don’t.”
The cold anger melted as he wrapped his arms tight around me, putting aside his righteous fury. “I’m not going anywhere, Leila. Not ever.” He pulled back, tilting my head up so he could gaze into my eyes. “You want me to let this go?”
“Yes,” I sighed, just wanting to forget it. “Just stay.”
“Okay.” He leaned in like he wanted to kiss me, but decided better of it. Like I was traumatized and he didn’t want to shove me off the ledge. That tenderness, his concern did push me over, but not in the way he expected.
I hooked an arm around his neck and pulled him back to my lips. This was what I wanted. What I needed with every fiber of me.
I thrust my tongue into his mouth, begging him to taste me. A moan sounded in the back of his throat as he brought me close, flush with his body until I swore I could feel his beating heart pulsing all over me. My tongue desperately danced around his and I swear nothing had ever tasted so sweet.
There would be time for making love, for rose petals and longing gazes, but I just wanted him to spread me wide and plunge himself so deep that I was breathless. I existed for him; for his touch.
I undid his pants with one hand and surprise flitted across his eyes and smirked his lips. The smirk became something else when I reached into his trousers and gripped his erection. It became something lustful and wild.
I stared into his eyes, lust running rampant in oceans of blue. God he was gorgeous, unraveling as my fingertips danced over every glorious inch of him. His hips bucked ever so slightly as I stroked him through his pants.
With a groan he covered my hands with his own, stopping me. “Take it out.”
Every corded, delicious muscle of him made my mouth water and I obeyed. Only a pair of ebony boxer briefs kept me from him and he tented the dark fabric. His cock begged for my touch, even if the man himself would never, ever beg anyone for anything.
And why would he? I would have begged if he pumped the brakes. But he didn’t grip my wrists or stop me from running my hand up and down his massive length, tingling from head to toe as he grew and bulged even from my slight strokes.
I sucked in air when I felt him pulse around my grip, watching his mouth tremble before he bit his bottom lip, holding back. When I brushed my thumb over the tip, the delicate lust seeping from his head, all bets were off and he let out a moan of abandonment, throwing his head back. His rolling hips promised what came next and I was breathless with anticipation.
“Take off your clothes,” he growled. “All of them.”
As much as I hated to remove my hand, I wanted more and that would be slightly complicated considering I was still fully clothed. My hands fell to my liquid leggings and I cursed choosing them because they refused to move at the same pace as my pulse. As need ricocheted over me, I let out a cry of frustration at the material, practically glued to my heated flesh. It refused to go further than my hips.
Jacob came forward, his fingers firm as they gripped the pants. His hooded eyes were dark with want as he brushed his lips against mine. He lowered himself until he was eye level with my waist and his lips pressed against my stomach, kissing my skin. Suddenly, I was just fine with the pants staying where they were and his mouth caressing my abdomen, making me squirm for him.
But he was multi-tasking, his hands peeling the pants down inch by blissful inch until they were at my ankles and only my thong lie between his mouth and my pulsing heat. He hooked a finger through each side of it, sliding the underwear over my hips and down. He didn’t even wait for me to step out of them before his tongue scored my throbbing flesh.
I tried to step out of the thong so I could spread and give him more access, but his arm roped around my waist, holding me still as he kept teasing. I opened my mouth to beg, to plead but sensing it, he rose up without a word. He led me to the midnight colored chaise that overlooked the terrace.
He leaned back onto the chair, gripping the base of his erection. It was hard to believe that a month ago the very idea of riding a guy made me break into hives because I kicked my leg over and took the base from him without prompting, slowly guiding him inside.
His hands found my breasts, massaging and tugging my mounds. I drew him in and out, rolling into him as I moved my body to the tune of his moans. I felt nothing, needed nothing but him. I knew he was coming, I felt it in the way his grip tightened.
“Come with me,” he breathed.
Hands, bodies, bliss—I felt the building pressure and surrendered to it. My hips rode the waves of passion until the water stilled. Even with my heart raging in my ears, I felt at peace. Like we were finally getting back to the way things were before.
I was on top of the world when he ripped me from the stratosphere, kicking and screaming.
“You’re off the Wallace case.”
I heard him, but I just couldn’t believe he would go there when we were still naked and glistening with sex. “What?”
“I don’t want you working with Cade Wallace.” His voice toughened, leaving no room for debate. “You’re off the Wallace case.”
I had protests, the first being our agreement that my career would be my own. But it was clear that I couldn’t be effective at my job if the client didn’t respect my boundaries.
I traced a figure eight on Jacob’s chest, my cheek catching the stillness of his body beneath me. It was like he was holding his breath. Gearing up for a fight.
“Alright, babe,” I said finally. “I won’t work with him anymore.”
****
My phone zinged to life on my desk and I picked it up, cradling it between my shoulder and ear as I finished sending my email.
“Can you do me a favor?”
No ‘hello’ and no ‘please’. It was one of two people. The frigid chill that was signature Natasha was replaced by sugar and caramel drawl which meant it had to be Missy Diaz.
I turned from the computer screen, giving her my full attention. Not because she deserved it mind you, but because I had to be on the ball around her. She’d sent me five press releases riddled with grammatical errors and incorrect information, clearly hoping I’d miss it and would crash and burn.
“That depends on the favor, Missy.”
“It’s nothing hardcore and you’re clearly very capable.”
I rolled my eyes. There was no way I was going to write this chick a blank check so she could screw me over. “Tell me what you need and I might be able to help.”
She let out a loud, obnoxious sigh. “I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, considering you’ve been the go-to during the Wallace project.”
My stomach clenched. “W-Wallace project?”
“Right. I’m supposed to be meeting him in ten minutes, but something came up and I need to leave the office.”
I knew that Jacob and I had an agreement. A verbal understanding that I’d keep my distance as far as Cade was concerned, but it wasn’t public knowledge because it would bring up a host of questions.
“Me? I, uh-”
“You’re just going over the damages and giving him the information for the gift bags we’re sending over to Jon’s studio.” She cleared her throat. “He’s insisting on delivering it in person.”
I bit my lip. Cade was gaining some much needed respect points. Delivering those packages was the least he could do for the mess and inconvenience he caused. Still, I didn’t want to break the deal with Jacob. “Is there someone else?”
“What?” she barked, not letting me off that easy. “I didn’t hear you.” She let out another dramatic sigh. “Look if you can’t handle it-”
“I can handle it.” I said, my ego doing the talking. CrapcrapCRAP.
“Cool. I’ll just send him up to your office.”
The line clicked. Of course she hung up without a thank you. But I had bigger fish to fry. Like how I’d just agreed to meet with Cade.
I jumped up from my chair, my eyes shooting to my purse and jacket hanging near the door. I could sneak out and claim I forgot. That might work with Cade, but my last minute amnesia would raise all sorts of red flags with Missy. She already had me in her sights, undoing my efforts at making friends as soon as I introduced myself. Even Snap Girl from the research department didn’t want anything to do with me. When I tried to eat lunch with her she trashed half her sandwich to avoid being seen talking to me.
I crossed my arms against my chest, pacing back and forth as I tried to convince myself that Jacob would understand. At this stage, I had no problem putting the whole thing on Missy.
I put on a mask of indifference as she pranced into the office without so much as a knock. She handed over a folder and a card with the address where Cade could pick up the gifts.
“Thank you so much for covering for me,” she said batting her spider lashes. “You are a lifesaver.” She turned on her heels, pausing at the door. “I’ll definitely let Jacob know that you were indispensable.”
“That’s not necessary,” I blurted, panic gripping my voice. I let out a choked, nervous laugh when she glanced back at me, eyeing me strangely. “I mean, I appreciate it.” I scoured my mind for some way to explain why I didn’t need her to speak up for me without drawing any more attention. “I mean, I appreciate the gesture but I’m just being a team player.”
It must have been enough to throw her off my scent because she breezed out of my office with a shrug. I dropped my painful grin and started freaking out.
It’s going to be fine, I breathed in and out, gripping the edge of my desk. You’re a professional, remember? You kept it together when he-
“Ahem.”
I exhaled, clearing everything from my face before turning to him. Gone was the leer in his eyes and the eau de drunk. In its place was the cool, collected guy I met.
He stepped into my office, decked in a white button down shirt and light jeans that hung low on his waist. His eyes raked over my face and he must have seen something I couldn’t hide away because he stopped just inside, giving me space.
“I’m sorry you had to see me like that,” he said, visibly embarrassed.
I gave him a tight smile. “It’s quite alright.”
“Alright?” He shook his head. “I was out of line. I embarrassed myself and put the movie in jeopardy and by extension, all the people who worked on it. I know I can’t take it back, but I truly, sincerely apologize.”
“Missy left notes but if you just say what you just said to me, you’ll be good to go.” I held out the folder, just wanting to send him on his way, but I could tell from the way he shifted his weight that he was holding on to something else. I couldn’t stand the way he was looking at me, especially when I thought about that kiss. I didn’t trust my voice to not shatter into tiny little pieces so I pleaded with my eyes. Just take the folder and go.
“There’s something else.” He didn’t see my request or chose to ignore it. “I want to apologize to you most of all, Leila.”
“That’s alright.” God, it was like that was the only word in my vocabulary. “Really.”
He rubbed his chin, drawing my gaze to his mouth. I turned away from him, going to the file cabinet and shuffling through the folders, trying to give off the appearance of being busy and mask the fact that I was fighting to keep my emotions at bay.
“Don’t worry about it. Water under the bridge.” My stomach flipped and flopped as I heard him move and it was definitely not the way he came. “I really have a lot to take care of here.”
“About the kiss-”
I slammed the drawer closed with a bang. “Just let it go, Cade. You were drunk, you kissed me for like five seconds and then it was over. It’s not a big deal.” Oh but it was. It was a huge deal. Why else would I be dialed up to a hundred?
“If I could just explain, Leila-”
Goosebumps raced over my skin as he put a hand on my shoulder and I lunged away, almost tumbling over my chair in an effort to get away.
“You don’t get to touch me. Not after what you did.” I stared him up and down. “You’re sorry—duly noted. I don’t need you to say anything more than that. I don’t care about your explanation. I just want you to leave.”
“But I-”
“Are you deaf?!” I shrieked, my cool, my sanity slipping right through my fingers. “Maybe you’re used to ignoring everyone’s feelings but your own. Kissing who you want. Fucking who you want. But I said that this conversation is done. Over. I don’t want you. I don’t need you. I’m not your wife!”
He reared back like the smack I’d attempted last night finally landed...and blew him away. He’d gone too far when he pressed his mouth against mine, but I’d just bested him. Using her name as a dagger, sinking it deep in his chest, was lower than low.
I’d gone too far.
The cool he’d exuded melted as sweat exploded at his temple, shooting past bulging veins. His green eyes were flints of ivy as his nostrils flared. He edged closer and panic gripped me tight, pinning me in the corner. My back was pressed against the file cabinet and I realized that maybe there was something to those rumors about his temper. There was no alcohol in my system to screen any of this. This was pure, unfiltered Cade...and I wondered if he was going to explode and knock me out flat.
I put up my fists. I didn’t stand a chance, but at least I’d go down swinging.
He ground to a halt, all the color draining from his face. “You don’t think-” The anger in his eyes became something else...shame. “Oh God. Leila I would never...” His voice was pinched and painful. “I would never, ever hurt you. You have to know that.”
I relaxed my fists, but I still held them out, creating a barrier. “I’m not so sure, Cade. I don’t think I know you.” I dropped my hands to my side, but I wasn’t done. “You’re smiling, you’re charismatic, then you’re depressed and a hack. You’re a sage, telling me about the pitfalls of fame and then you court it by snapping u
p photographs. You lose your shit at the studio in true rock star fashion then tell me you miss simpler times. It’s confusing, Cade. And I don’t want any part of it.” I took a breath. “I’m not sure why you chose me, but un-choose me. I can’t take any more of this.”
He moved to the door, his face hooded and unreadable.
Before he turned the doorknob I added, “And I’m off your case. We have no reason to communicate. Ever.”
He glanced back at me. “You’re right. You don’t know me. I know I can be an asshole. I can be a guy that no one wants to know. But I’m certain of one thing—you make me want to be better.”
He left without another word, dropping the bomb. Leaving me to deal with the confusing fallout.
I knew Jacob was in a meeting, but a glance at my watch told me he should be back. I was glad that Natasha wasn't at her desk, because I knew my run in with Cade would have been all over my face.
Jacob’s door was open and the office unoccupied but I stepped inside, hoping that just being in his space would help calm me down.
Standing up did me no favors so I sunk onto the chaise. I dropped my hands off the side, running my fingers along the fibers of the rug until something sharp cut into my finger.
I brought the finger to my mouth, the grating sting obviously a paper cut. I searched for the culprit, thinking maybe a document fell from a folder, but there was only a single, white envelope.
I brought it up to the light, my heart jumping in my chest when I saw it was addressed to Alicia Whitmore.
Jacob's mother.
You know that voice in your head whose whispers you hear during important points in your life, trying to steer you onto certain paths? Mine told me to just put the letter back.
It wasn't for me. It was none of my business.
I ignored it, untucking the flap and pulling out the note. I recognized Jacob’s handwriting immediately.
I told myself I'd stop after I read the first sentence.