You’d think, since I wasn’t training with Bran, I’d get back into my own exercise routine. I did run a PI firm, after all, which had me constantly chasing after bad guys, but nope. I’d taken advantage of the break and done absolutely nothing.
I’d started eating more and working out not at all, so I shouldn’t be all that surprised about my body protesting yesterday’s volcano excursion.
“I need to get back in the gym,” I whined quietly to myself as I went out in search of coffee.
It was hard to believe that we were already halfway into our trip. Time in Hawaii went by a lot faster than it did in Greenswood. I found that although I missed my friends, my job, and the dogs, I was happy here, and I wasn’t ready for our time to be over.
“There she is,” Cade’s mom said with a smile as I made beeline for the coffee pot.
“Good morning,” I managed.
“How’re you feeling?” Cade asked with a smirk.
I glared at him and lied, “Pretty good.”
“Bullshit.”
“Swear jar,” Elin piped in, and I crossed to the table where he and Elena were eating breakfast and kissed them each on the top of the head.
“Morning.”
“Morning, Mom,” Elena replied in between bites.
“Mom and Pops are going to take the kids to see a movie and do a little shopping, have lunch,” Cade said, his arm coming around me to pull me in close.
I tried to contain my whimper, but it slipped out.
“I’ve got the perfect thing to help those sore muscles,” he said before leaning down and kissing my temple. “You game?”
“Sure,” I replied, but inside I dancing a conga line at the thought of getting some relief.
“Cool. Grab some breakfast, then put on your suit.”
After I’d eaten, said have fun to the kiddos, and thrown on a suit and wrap, we were off on another adventure.
“Do we have to walk?” I complained after he’d parked and we’d gotten out, only to start on another trail.
My body had stiffened up on the drive, and I was totally uncomfortable.
“It’s not too far down, and it’ll be worth it, I promise,” Cade said, taking my hand and practically dragging me behind him.
Once my muscles started loosening up I was able to finally take in my surroundings and enjoy the view. Lush trees surrounded us, and in the distance, I could hear that rapid falling of water.
“Almost there,” Cade promised, his hand still latched on to mine.
Since he was slightly in front of me, I took a moment to enjoy the view of his broad back and very fine ass. I was so mesmerized that I didn’t realize we’d walked into a clearing until he stopped and brought me in front of him, his arms coming around my waist as he pulled my back to his front.
“Whoa,” I gasped at the gorgeous waterfall in front of us.
Cade squeezed me gently, and I felt his lips on my head.
“C’mon,” he said, letting me go as he walked toward the water and took off his tank top.
I divested myself of my cover-up and flip-flops, then followed him into the water.
“Eeek,” I yipped. “It’s cold.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Cade promised, then dove under.
“Shit,” I said when the cold water hit the underside of my breasts, then I counted to three and forced myself to dunk under the water. After the initial shock, I came up for air and the water was fine.
I opened my eyes to see Cade swimming toward the falls, so I followed him.
When I got to the ridge by the waterfall, I used my hands to heave myself up to sit on the ledge, then I turned to see Cade standing under the falls, the water crashing down around him.
“Jesus,” I managed as I took in the glorious sight, then stood up gingerly and made way toward him, careful to watch my step and not slip on the algae.
When I reached him, I placed my hand on his abs, then slid it slowly up his chest, and watched the water splash off. Cade wrapped his hand around my wrist then pulled, bringing me close so that our bodies were touching, and lowered his head to claim my mouth with his own.
My body caught fire as the last few days of teasing and near misses caught up with me, and the taste of Cade on my tongue reminded me of how good we were together.
His hands were everywhere. In my hair, under my suit on my ass, teasing my nipples.
My hands were everywhere. Caressing the bulge in his shorts, running along his hard pecs, and rounding his back to pull him closer.
Too soon, I became aware of the fact that water was pounding on my hand and coming down my face in waves. With my mouth busy, and the rain covering my nose, I was finding it hard to breath.
Pulling back from his kiss I said loudly, “Cade, anyone could walk up.”
“Good, let’s give them a great show.”
I managed a chuckle and shouted above the falls, “Cade, I’m kinda drowning here.”
Immediately, he shifted, turning us so my back was against the wall of the cliff, and he was taking the brunt of the water. His head was dipped toward mine, so the water sluiced over his broad shoulders and down his back.
Able to breathe again, I got back to work, my mouth fusing with his, as my greedy hands went to his shorts.
A little more comfortable now that I was covered by Cade, and we were mostly blocked by the fall, I was ready to take advantage of our much-needed alone time. I knew he was as desperate as I was, as his mouth moved to my neck and his fingers moved my bikini bottoms to the side and began working their magic.
Within moments I was frantic, blinded by need and eager to finally have Cade inside me again. Before he could make me come with his fingers, I pulled his cock free and pleaded, “I need you.”
“Fuck, I need you too,” Cade growled, his hands coming to my waist to lift me, even as he entered me swiftly.
I cried out with relief and pleasure as he found his way home, then began to thrust inside of me.
“I’ve missed you,” I said as I leaned forward to give him an open-mouthed kiss on his shoulder.
“Me too, baby,” he managed with a groan.
I could feel the tension building inside of me, and knew I wasn’t going to last long.
I cried out my encouragement and moaned his name, only vaguely away of the pain at my back as I slammed against the cliff.
“Fuck. Lila. Yeah, baby, that’s is,” Cade grunted as I pulsed around him. His fingers squeezed my hips as he buried himself deep inside of me and came with my name on his lips.
I laid my head on his shoulder, and his came to rest on top of mine, as we struggled to catch our breath.
When he eased me back down to my feet, I let out a small laugh as I righted my bikini.
“What, darlin’?” Cade asked softly, his tone sweet as he leaned down to brush his lips softly against mine.
“I think I scratched my back,” I replied softly, feeling euphoric and happy.
“Let me see,” Cade said, even as he turned me.
I winced when the water stung my back as it hit.
“Shit, babe, we need to go clean that out.”
“Is it bad?” I asked, not really able to care at that point.
But once I jumped back in the water to swim back to shore, I opened my mouth under the surface and let out a scream as the salt entered my wounds.
After we got back to Cade’s family’s house and cleaned up, we decided to go out and pick up Chinese food for dinner. Cade said his mother was a really big fan, so we thought we’d surprise everyone and have the food ready when they came home.
But, as luck would have it, Cade’s mom was having a craving, so Pops stopped on the way home and they picked up Chinese.
Suffice it to say, we had a feast.
I was helping clean up and put stuff away when I heard Cade’s mom gasp, and I turned to see her staring at my back.
Shit, I thought, realizing belatedly that the tank top I’d put on to allow my wounds to heal, put tho
se wounds on display.
“What happened?” she asked, her voice conveying her concern.
“Oh, it’s not as bad as it looks,” I lied. It’s totally worse. “I just fell and got a little sand burn.”
Her eyes narrowed, then widened and she got a big smile on her face.
“Doesn’t look like any sand burn I’ve ever seen. In fact, it looks like someone was pressed up against the coral.”
Cade was walking up just in time to hear his mom’s comment, and he burst out laughing.
I, on the other hand, turned bright red, said, “Excuse me,” and hightailed it out of there.
Cade’s laughter followed me down the hall, and, I kid you not, I could hear his mom congratulating him.
As I was passing Alani’s room, I heard raised voices and paused outside of her door.
“Hannah, you know that’s not true. I’m just looking out for you. There’s something about Yusuf that is not right.”
I could hear the worry in Alani’s tone, but apparently, Hannah didn’t care, because she replied, “You’re just jealous, because for once, I’m the one getting all of the attention and not you.”
“Hannah…”
“No, Ni Ni, I’m tired of you talking trash about Yusuf, and being constantly on my case about everything. Maybe Yusuf is right and we’ve outgrown each other.”
“No, Hannah, listen … How about I come over?”
“Hannah? Hannah?”
I was guessing that however they’d been communicating, probably Facetime or Oovoo, Hannah had hung up on Alani.
Before I could knock and ask Alani if she wanted to talk, and hopefully find out what was really going on, Cade rounded the corner and lifted his chin.
“What are you up to?” he asked, his eyes swinging from me to Alani’s closed door.
Deciding to try an evasive tactic, I rolled my eyes and asked, “Oh, are you done busting a gut over our sexcapades?”
I knew it worked when Cade chuckled and moved toward me with his hands out.
“Darlin’…” he began, but I held up my hands and shook my head.
“Nope, you’re not getting off that easy.”
“Oh yeah?” Cade asked with an arch of his brow. “What do I need to do to make it up to you?”
“I need cupcakes. A lot of ‘em.”
“Now?”
“Yup, but I’m going to go get them, not you.”
“O-kay,” he said, his tone suspicious.
“I just need to break away for a bit by myself. Okay?” I asked, softening my tone to make it more pleading, less abrasive. “The kids good to stay here?”
“Yeah, everyone’s getting set up outside for s’mores.”
“Great,” I said, stepping to him so that I could tip-toe up for a kiss. “And, thanks. I won’t be too long.”
Cade dipped his head low and brushed his lips against mine once, then twice, then gently touched my shoulders and said, “When you get back we’ll fix up your back with some aloe. It’ll be aired out enough by then, so we’ll bandage it before bed.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I replied. “Should I take the 4Runner?”
“Either that or Alani’s Nissan.”
“I don’t want to bother her; I’ll just grab the 4Runner keys.”
“You know the way?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” I said, figuring I had my GPS on my phone if I got lost.
I found my way to the bakery easily enough. Since I wasn’t afraid for my life this time around, I realized it was actually pretty close to the house.
I parked at the back of the lot and sat in the car for a few minutes while I surveyed the area. It was almost dark, but the parking lot and strip mall were well lit, so it wasn’t hard to take it all in.
Since this was the last, and only, place I’d seen Yusuf, I’d decided to do a little snooping on my own. I knew I needed to tell Cade what was going on, and that my gut was telling me it was bad, but I wanted to have more information to get him. More facts, less gut reaction.
Even though I knew just how well my gut had worked for me in the past, I knew Cade would have tons of questions, and I wanted to be able to supply some of the answers.
Plus, I’d been on vacation a while now, and I was really jonesing for some action.
With one last look around, I eased out of the car and crossed the parking lot to round the building and see what was up those stairs that Alani and Yusuf had been standing on the other day.
This time, however, rather than running into Yusuf, I turned the corner and walked straight into the firm, broad chest that belonged to Cade.
“Do you really think I don’t know when you’re full of shit by now?” Cade asked rudely, while I stuttered at the sight of him.
“Uh, well, hey,” I managed, trying for offended rather than guilty.
“Your eyes get shifty, and you bounce from foot to foot.”
“I do not.”
“Yeah, babe, you do,” Cade replied. “Those are your tells.”
“Whatever,” I said with an eye roll.
“Spill it.”
I sighed once for good measure, then told him everything. All about what I’d overheard both times in Alani’s room, creepy Yusuf, and the convo I’d had with her.
Cade’s body stiffened as I spoke, and his eyes got hard.
“I swear, I was going to tell you right away when I thought Alani was messed up with the guy, but since I know she’s just trying to help out a friend, I was trying to get some intel before I brought it to you.”
“You should have told me, intel or not. Alani’s involved, so am I.”
I nodded, knowing that not only was he right, but sensing he was really pissed, and wanting to diffuse that as soon as possible.
“I’m sorry, you’re right. It won’t happen again.”
“I mean it, Lila. None of the usual bullshit of sneaking behind my back.”
I was about to protest, but caught his pointed look and realized, since that is what I’d just done, I didn’t have a leg to stand on.
“Promise,” I replied, crossing my heart for good measure.
Cade didn’t even crack a smile; his arms remained over his chest as he looked down at me.
“What did you come here for?” he asked after a few tense moments of silence.
“This is where I saw Yusuf and Alani a few days ago.” I gestured to the stairs behind him and added, “I hoped maybe he has an office or something up those stairs, and if so, I was going to check it out.”
“Let’s go then,” Cade said, turning slightly and waiting for me to go first.
I couldn’t complain about him being there to help. The job he did for his MC was almost like what I did, except he didn’t really abide by rules, or laws for that matter. Having another set of eyes as skilled as his would only mean getting done quicker, and being one step closer to getting those cupcakes.
We got to the top of the stairs and opened the steel door, which led to a hallway. Now, I knew there was a strip mall downstairs, but I hadn’t been sure what to expect upstairs. Were these apartments the business owners could rent? Office space? More businesses?
We walked slowly but confidently down the hall; that way, if anyone crossed our path, we’d look like we belonged there. Sure, you always ran the risk of running into someone who knew you didn’t, but saying you were lost, or visiting, was usually enough to diminish their suspicion.
For now, however, we were the only ones in the hall.
We passed a couple doors with plaques. One was a florist, the other had the same name as one of the businesses downstairs, so I was assuming it was storage, or an office. The last two doors were unmarked.
Cade lifted his head toward the second door, indicating that I should go to that one, then stood in front of the first. He raised his hand and knocked. After waiting a few seconds, he shook his head and pointed at my door, so I did the same.
We both tried the knobs at the same time. Mine was locked, but Cade’s swung open.
I hurried over to look inside, feeling disappointed when the inside was completely empty.
Cade tilted his head again, then walked over the threshold. After I followed him inside, I shut the door quietly behind us, then entered the space. It was an office space, not an apartment, but did have more than one room, which I found out when Cade disappeared behind a corner.
There was nothing to search. No cabinets, drawers, or closets, so I walked quickly, but softly, after him.
There was a small half bath, and another room.
When I entered the last empty room, Cade was climbing out the window onto the outside ledge. I stuck my head out to see him walking toward the window for the space next door. He peered inside for a few moments, then raised his hand and indicated that I should join him.
By the time I reached his side, Cade had the window open and was swinging his leg over the side. He held up one finger, so I waited while he scoped out the inside.
I turned to check out our surroundings, then turned back when I was sure there was no one around.
“Clear,” Cade said, barely loud enough for me to hear.
I stepped over the ledge into a small, tidy office. There was a small desk with couple of notebooks on top, some scattered paper, and a large map on the wall. There was also a shredder and a large trash can.
Once I surveyed the space, I left in search of Cade.
I passed another small half bath, identical to the one next door, except this one had toilet paper, hand towels, and soap. But when I walked into the largest room, totally empty. I mean, there wasn’t even a scrap of paper on the floor.
Cade was standing in the middle of the room with his hands on his hips.
“He’s probably squatting. Keeps to that back room so he can lock it when he’s not around, just in case a realtor or someone comes in.”
“There’s not much in there even if anyone did. He’s got a shredder, so he’s probably pretty anal about getting rid of evidence … if he has anything to hide, that is.”
“Setup like this,” Cade said as he looked around the room. “Dude’s got something to hide.”
I nodded, then said, “I’ll see if I can find anything.”
I turned on my heel and went back to the small office, with Cade right behind me. I handed him one of the notebooks and began flipping through the other.