I felt my stomach dip with desire, I couldn’t help but lick my lips.
“Problem is, I know every other male that sees you looking like that will be thinking the exact same thing.” Cade continued. “Hate thinking some bastard will have his eyes on parts of my woman that should be for me only.”
I rolled my eyes. “You need to tone it down on that ownership thing Cade. No other man is going to touch me, but you. I’m going to wear what I want, you just have to deal with it.”
“Fuck, I know Gwen. I just haven’t felt so god damn protective about a woman, ever. You drive me crazy. Wear what you like, but next time make sure it is motorcycle appropriate. Ain’t letting your fashion choices affect me riding with my woman pressed up against me.”
Cade gave me a fierce kiss before opening the passenger door for me. Guess he was driving. Stupid macho man. I sighed dramatically and got in the car, deciding to pick my battles.
Chapter 11
The rest of the week passed in a blur. Cade and I spent every night together, but he was busy sorting out stuff with the rival gang, and shipments so he didn’t get in until late. He didn’t tell me much, just the bare minimum like he promised. I still had doubts in the back of my mind whether I had made the right decision, sticking with him when I knew he was breaking the law. But every night he slid into bed with me, giving me mind blowing orgasms and a connection I couldn’t yet fathom, I knew I couldn’t give it up.
I also saw Luke a couple of times, he popped into the store with coffee and lunch. He was a good man and I enjoyed his company but I had I told him firmly that I was with Cade. At this his jaw had gotten hard but he had no further comment, I hoped he got that we were only ever going to be friends. I took to trying to open his eyes to Rosie, whom he looked at more as a kid than a woman, she obviously had a major crush on him and he was too blind to see it. I did not tell Cade about seeing Luke, I didn’t want to lie to him but I also knew what his over protective reaction would be. I didn’t want that spoiling how happy we were, especially with Ian’s visit this weekend. I was seriously getting worried about my brother’s reaction to Cade. This came to a head on the night before Ian was due to arrive and Cade and I were in bed.
I was tucked into his shoulder after he had just thoroughly fucked me. He was absentmindly stroking my back and looking up at the ceiling.
“I’ve been thinking.” I started carefully.
Cade glanced at me. “Whoa babe, that’s dangerous.”
I rolled my eyes and continued cautiously. “Maybe you should stay at your place while Ian’s here.”
Cade stopped stroking. “Ain’t no fuckin way that’s happening Gwen.”
Damn, I knew this wasn’t going to go well.
“I just don’t think it’s a good idea, me and you sleeping together with Ian staying downstairs. Its already going to be hard for him to accept us being together, let alone you staying in my bed.”
Cade’s anger turned palpable. “Him accepting that you are with another biker lowlife?” He snarled.
I propped myself up on my elbow, looking down at my seriously pissed off boyfriend.
“That’s not what I meant Cade, Ian would be hard on any man he met after Jimmy. He will never stop blaming himself for failing to protect me.”
I hated bringing up Jimmy to Cade, it affected him in a way I couldn’t understand.
“I get that babe, but I’m still not staying at my place.” He said firmly.
“Can’t you just do this for me?” I pleaded.
“Fuck Gwen, your brother knows you’re not a virgin, and this is your house.”
“I know Cade but it will still be uncomfortable for him, I’ve been looking forward to his visit for so long, the last time we saw each other was in the worst possible circumstances, I just want as little drama as possible.” I stared at Cade with wide eyes.
“Puppy dog eyes don’t work on me Gwen.” Cade clipped.
“What does work on you then Cade?” I purred.
I raked my nails down his chest, straddling him and he automatically gripped my hips. I rubbed myself against him, feeling slightly raw but still good at the same time.
Cade growled and his hands stopped me from moving.
“Don’t use that pussy to try to convince me Gwen. I’m not changing my mind.” He declared firmly.
I glared at him a moment, then let out a frustrated scream.
“You are infuriating!” I huffed, leaping off him and turning my back.
Cade ignored my obvious annoyance and pulled my back into his body.
“Ain’t sleeping alone in bed when I know I could have this sweet body pressed up against me.” Cade informed me roughly, holding me tight.
I ignored him, body stiff.
“Well you are not getting anything from me Mr. These legs are now closed, I may not be able to stop you from sleeping in my bed but I can stop you getting inside me.”
Cade let out a low chuckle.
“Now that I would like to see Gwen, you can’t get enough of my cock. You got the greediest pussy I have ever had.”
I let out a frustrated gasp, but didn’t even bother replying, knowing my silence would probably piss Cade off more.
It only amused him. He rubbed his stubble against my neck and kissed my collarbone.
“Night baby” He whispered gruffly.
I squeezed my eyes shut, but couldn’t help myself from burrowing closer into his body.
I stood excitedly at the airport arrivals entrance, unable to stop myself from fidgeting as I watched travellers greeting various loved ones. I craned my head looking for my brother. Impatience quickly took the place of my excitement and I thought back to this morning when I was up at the crack of dawn, unable to sleep and Cade for once didn’t wake. That was good because he loved his morning nookie and no matter what I said the night before I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist his sex wizard powers. I decided to leave for the airport early before he could wake up and demand to come with me. That was something I wasn’t standing for, I needed some drama free time with my brother before I laid my relationship upon him. Cade was pissed if his text was anything to go by.
You will have a red ass tonight.
I smirked re-reading the text, which I had ignored. I kind of wanted to get a red ass tonight. I glanced up from my phone to see Ian’s large form standing out from the crowd. I shoved in it my bag and ran towards him, weaving through the crowd to leap on my big brother.
“Ian!!” I screamed, throwing my arms around his neck.
I felt my brother vibrate as he chuckled, arms circling around me in a tight hug.
He pulled me back, holding me at arms length, scrutinizing me. It was as if he was looking for outward signs of me falling apart.
“You look good Ace. Great actually.” He smiled, and pulled me into another bear hug before I had time to return the favor, and make sure he wasn’t riddled with bullet holes. Tears ran down my cheeks as Ian released me.
“I’m so glad you’re safe.” I hiccupped, giving him a quick once over, making sure I wasn’t missing any injuries. He looked the same, big and muscled and imposing in his military uniform, his cap hiding his close shaved head. I frowned, spotting a faded scar on his eyebrow. Ian, guessing what I was about to say before I opened my mouth, ruffled my hair and slung an arm around me.
“Don’t start Ace, few knocks is all part of the job.” He directed me towards the exit, not at all confused by being in a strange place.
I frowned up at him. “When are you going to change jobs to something which has a little less knocks?”
“Don’t start on me Gwen, I only just got off the plane, you sound just like Mum. I’ll stop when I decide its time, no sooner.” He replied tightly.
I opened my mouth.
“No arguments.” He ordered.
I huffed, but conceded, I wanted to enjoy this time. As we walked into the parking lot, Ian spotted my car and held out his hand.
“Keys.”
I rol
led my eyes and rustled through my bag.
“You know your penis isn’t going to fall off if you let your sister drive her own damn car.” I shot sarcastically handing him my keys.
“I value my life Ace, and I didn’t come back from a war zone just to die in a car wreck caused by my baby sister’s heavy foot.” He joked, popping the trunk and throwing his duffle in.
I scowled at him as he opened the door for me.
“So I got a few speeding tickets back home. Those cops were out to get me. I’ll have you know I haven’t gotten a single one since I moved here.” I informed him smugly, failing to mention that was because the police here hadn’t known me since I was a baby and were very susceptible so subtle flirting.
Ian raised an eyebrow. “The only reason you didn’t lose your license Schumacher, is because the cops actually liked you. And I wonder how many doe eyes you have blinded Yank police with to get out of said tickets?” He pondered, seeing right through me.
I poked my tongue out at him. Having my sibling back turned me into a child in less than twenty minutes apparently.
The two hour ride home was filled with conversation, well more me babbling on about the store, Rosie and my love of Amber with Ian letting out a grunt every now and then, sly smile on his face. I deliberately left Cade out of my conversation, trying to avoid that landmine for as long as possible. I halted my babble as we drove into Amber, pointing at various places.
“There’s my store!” I shouted. “You want to go in and meet Rosie and see Amy?”
Ian got a strange look on his face. “Nar Gwen, we can do that later. How about you show me how to get to your place so I can dump my shit and you can cook me a feed.”
“Charming Ian, you haven’t seen your sister in months and already you are ordering her around,” I complained with fake shock.
“There got to be some benefit to having a sibling as crazy as you are.” He deadpanned.
As we pulled up to our house, Ian let out a low whistle.
“Not to shabby Gwen.”
“Wait till you see the inside, Amy has outdone herself.”
I jumped out of the car excitedly, waiting while Ian grabbed his duffle from out of the trunk.
“Hurry up Ian.” I whined like an impatient child.
“You don’t have to wait for me Ace, I’m sure I’ll figure out how to make it through the front door by myself.”
Sarcasm was a family trait. I was able to shoot something equally smart back when the roar of a motorbike sounded coming down the street. Oh shit. How is it that Cade even knew we were back? Him and his bad ass magical powers would be the death of me.
Ian’s jaw turned hard, he regarded me with concern as Cade’s bike came into view, he obviously expected me to have some sort of reaction, boy was he in for a surprise. Cade pulled up behind my car and Ian dropped his duffle and pushed me behind him.
“Get inside the house Ace.” He ordered, looking ready for a fight as Cade swung off the bike.
I touched his arm. “It’s okay Ian, I um… know him.” I said quickly as Cade approached.
Ian raised an eyebrow, still looking on his guard as Cade came to a stop in front of us. Both of the men looked at me, crap.
“So Ian, this is my boyfriend Cade.” I tried to sound breezy, make it not a big deal. But Ian’s expression moved from disbelief to flat out fury very quickly.
Cade held out his hand, looking almost uncomfortable, I would have found it funny if it wasn’t me.
“Good to meet you Ian, I’ve heard a lot about you.” He said roughly.
Ian was staring at Cade like he was some piece of dirt on his shoe, I did not like the way this meeting was going frown. My phone ringing made me jump and I reached into my bag and answered it, grateful for the reprieve.
“Sorry I can’t talk at the moment I am currently involved in a macho man showdown, whoever this is I will call you back later.” I was about to hang up when a sickeningly familiar voice spoke in my ear.
“Oh Gwennie girl, moved on from me so quickly? Tut tut, I will have to punish you for that lassie, if you are still alive after what I have got planned for you.”
My stomach dropped and I felt my body start to sway, threatening collapse. This can’t be happening. I let out a choked sound, but was unable to speak.
Ian and Cade watched my reaction, instantly on high alert.
“Baby?” Cade automatically stepped towards me and Ian stepped in front of him, hand on my arm.
“Who is it Ace?” He clipped.
I gazed blankly at both of them while Jimmy continued speaking.
“Nothing to say to me my sweet Gwennie? No apologies for putting me in prison, you stupid little cunt!” His voice rose and I flinched, feeling weak and helpless just like I did when he almost killed me. Cade had managed to round Ian, because his hand was at my waist, his eyes bore into mine. “Give me the phone Gwen.” He barked protectively.
I ignored him, finding some strength from his touch. “You deserve to rot in prison Jimmy.” I whispered, venom seeping into my tone.
“Don’t worry Gwen, I won’t make any mistakes next time we meet, and I most definitely will be fucking you this time, I’ll make sure you are bleeding from the inside out...”
I didn’t hear anymore because the phone was ripped from my hands. Cade pressed it to his own ear for a second and listened, body turning to stone. I watched his expression turn to a look of pure fury I had never seen before.
Ian clutched my shoulders. “Gwen, who is that?” Concern saturated his voice.
I couldn’t reply, my eyes were locked on Cade, who was staring at me, phone to his ear.
“Listen to me you sick fuck. You will never touch a fucking hair on my woman’s head ever again. You haven’t broken her, not even fucking close. You haven’t tainted her because she is a god damn miracle. She will never know any violence at the hand of a man for the rest of her life, I’ll make sure of that. I’ll also make sure I hunt you down and feed you your own dick before I put a bullet in your fucking brain.” Cade hung up the phone and threw it against the driveway smashing it. I regarded the scene blankly, unable to process anything.
“What the fuck?” Ian spat at Cade.
Cade ignored him, striding towards me, tugging me away from Ian and into his arms. He carried me inside like a bride, I would have found that funny, maybe, if I wasn’t feeling this numb. Cade sat on the couch in the living room cradling me in his arms, Ian hot on his heels.
“That was him wasn’t it?” My brother bit out, shaking with fury.
“That FUCKER is meant to be in prison!” Ian yelled making me flinch.
“Ian, check yourself or get the fuck out of here.” Cade ordered, glaring at my brother before directing a soft gaze at me.
“You are okay Gwen, you’re here with me and I won’t let anything touch you. You are safe.” Cade told me firmly, arms tight around me. I realized I was shaking.
“Get her a shot, tequila.” Cade ordered my brother, who glared at him a moment, but disappeared to do as he asked.
“Gwen, talk to me.”
I couldn’t reply, my mind was still replying images I had buried deep, images that Jimmy’s words had thrust to the surface. Cade lifted me up and placed me on the couch, kneeling in front of me with his hands at my face.
“Look in my eyes baby, get out of your head. You are safe, always will be.” His words were a promise, eyes blazing.
Ian entered the room, shot glass in hand, which he quickly handed to Cade. Cade held it between us.
“Drink baby.” He ordered, his firm tone rousing me slightly. My shaking hand wrapped around the glass and I threw it back, feeling the burn of the alcohol warm my insides.
“Good girl.”
I stared into his steely grey eyes, finding my strength. Cade’s previous words sounded in my ears, fighting away the demons. I smiled at him weakly.
“So meeting my brother went well.” I remarked dryly.
Cade looked at me intensel
y, then pulled me in for a rough kiss, despite our audience.
“You sit with Ian for a bit baby, I’ve got to make some calls okay?”
I nodded slowly and Cade watched me a beat then stood.
“You want to tell me what the fuck is going on?” Ian asked Cade, face hard. “How the fuck can that prick call her? He’s in prison.”
My thoughts exactly. Shit was he out? My body started shaking again.
“Cool it and sit with Gwen while I found out what the fuck is going on.”
Ian looked seriously pissed at being ordered around but one look at me had him joining me on the sofa. He drew me into his shoulder.
“I promise you will be okay Ace, no one will hurt you.” He promised.
I didn’t say anything, I just rested my head on his shoulder, trying to listen to Cade, but only hearing a few raised curses.
“This is bullshit.” I whispered quietly to myself. How the fuck can this fucker almost kill me once, hurt not only me but everyone I love and then once I am healed come and rip me open and ruin the first time I see my brother. Fuck that. I was not going to be a weak broken woman anymore.
“THIS IS BULLSHIT.” I yelled suddenly, struggling out of Ian’s arms to stand and pace the room.
“Ace...” He started, standing to approach me.
I threw up my hands pushing him away to continue my pacing.
“Seriously what the fuck Ian? This cannot happen all over again! I won’t let it! That piece of shit is not going to ruin your visit, and he certainly isn’t getting to me anymore. I am happy. Happy!” I glared at him, my expression contradicting my words, but I didn’t care I kept ranting. “The Prick is in some jail in New York, eating filthy prison food, getting infections from homemade tattoo guns and most likely taking regular ass raping’s from a man named ‘Big Earl.’ I am here, running a successful business living in a beautiful town surrounded by friends. I have a sexy as shit man who cares about me and a brother who has my back no matter what.” I declared fiercely.