Chapter 5

Five

Jude

T he drive back to the house is tense, to put it mildly. I am seething with the idea of some fucker threatening Peyton and Lila. Why did she not trust me enough to come to me? I thought after last night, we established she could always trust me. Then again, I was pretty damn straightforward in telling her our fling would only last the weekend. How could anyone trust someone who didn't want more than a quick fuck? That's on me, I guess.

Peyton reaches out her hand toward my thigh.

"Don't touch me because if you do, I'm going to pull over and fuck you by the side of the road. It's taking all my willpower to keep driving."

"I'd be up for that," she offers, but I hear the nervous quiver in her voice. She's never seen me mad before and it scares her.

I slip her hand into mine and bring hers to my lips, placing a reassuring kiss across the back. "Of course you would. You know how much I love your sweet pussy. No, Peyton. You might have given me some answers about tonight, but there's more we need to discuss. You and me. For that, sweetheart, we are going to be dressed, sober, and sitting far apart from each other."

"I understand." She takes her hand back to wrap her arms around her middle, pushing her breasts up to near spilling out of her dress.

I will exercise control. All I have to do is get back to the house. Then Peyton and I will have a very long, drawn-out discussion about how she can even think of putting herself in jeopardy like she did tonight. And once I feel she understands the gravity of her mistake, I'll be free to show her I have no intention of letting her go.

And this fuckhead Conner better already be in a hole, because if he ever sticks his head out and comes sniffing around Peyton again, I will bury his scuzzy ass. If he makes the mistake of thinking I am some cream puff artist, he will die for his troubles. I have no problem with getting in touch with my pre- Crush professional talents. There are a lot of darker roots to these islands than the tourists see. I don't want to, but if I have to go back into that life to protect those I love so fucking be it.

My thoughts are as black as the scenery when we turn off the main road and start up my driveway. Given I am so distracted, I fail to notice my house is lit up like a fucking Christmas tree in July until I pull us up to the front door.

The slab of polished wood burst open and a girl in pigtails bounds out. "Daddy! Daddy! I'm home." Lila waves from the doorstep before Oliver scoops her up.

Lila may be thrilled by our arrival, but Oliver's face is pulled into a frown.

Peyton's eyes are wide as she looks to me and then back at her brother. "What is my brother doing here? Did you call him?" Peyton peers at the scene before us and I can sense perceived betrayal in her stiff shoulders.

My evening just got a lot worse.

"Daddy! Peyton!" Lila runs over to me as I open the passenger door for Peyton. "I'm back!"

I scoop Lila up in my arms and hug her tight against me, thankful for at least one silver lining of the evening. My girl home safe and sound with the people who love her most.

"Hey, pumpkin! What a surprise. You miss us?" She smells like sunscreen and sugar.

Oliver comes down the steps and pulls his sister in for a big hug. He thinks I don't notice, but I see him move her behind him. Like he needs to protect her from me of all people. I can't help but wonder if he knows about doucheface Conner and his sister's extracurricular activities.

"Peyton, I brought you a present! Come and open it." Lila pulls Peyton into the house. Peyton throws me a worried glance as I stay outside with Oliver.

"What the hell happened with Amber?" I demand when they are both out of earshot.

Oliver folds his arms across his chest. "What do you think, man? The wedding was a shit show. Amber and her new husband were in no way up to an even minimal level of parenting even before she made it down the aisle. Lila kept asking to come home. I talked to Amber, and she agreed Lila would be happier here. So we got the last evening flight over. I left you a message which from the look on your face you didn't get."

Thank God, Oliver had been there. I pat my pockets. Fuck. I'd left my phone at the house which pisses me off. But I am more furious with Amber. That she could have even ignored Lila for some man and all the cameras pointed her way makes me crazed. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Lila is here and safe. That is all that matters.

"Thank you so much for looking out for Lila and bringing her back," I say, my voice tight with rage at Amber.

Oliver's smile doesn't reach his eyes as he stares at me.

"Something else on your mind, bro?"

"Where were you?"

"Not that I owe you a fucking explanation, but I'll give you the benefit of being my best friend and give it anyway. I had a charity event, and I brought Peyton along. Satisfied?"

Oliver's arms drop to his sides, and he takes a step closer.

"She's been staying here then? You let her stay here alone with you?" Oliver's eyes narrow, waiting on my answer.

"Last time I checked your sister was an adult capable of making her own decisions, buddy. You'd do well to remember that. Besides, where the fuck did you want her to go? To a hotel? Where all levels of assholes are? Why put her through that when there's plenty of room here?" My rage is tunneling into pure, raw fury. I don't have time for this overprotective brother bullshit.

"What was the one thing I asked of you when my sister came to take care of Lila?"

"Fuck off, Oliver. I don't have time for your shit tonight."

"I asked for one thing. I asked, don't fuck my sister . Remember that?"

"I do and well, shit happened. It's not like that, anyway. But I don't owe you more of an explanation than that, so fuck right off, buddy."

Oliver pegs me in the chest with a finger, and I let it slide instead of slamming my fist into the side of his head like I want. The last thing Peyton needs tonight is tending to her brother's wounds.

"Don't insult me," he roars. "You two were eye-fucking each other, just getting out of the car. And that was in front of a minor."

"It's not what you think."

"It's exactly what I think. You are a selfish bastard who thinks he can do whatever he wants because he's some famous lead singer in a band. I'm leaving, and I'm taking my sister with me." Oliver starts up the steps of the house to get Peyton.

"That's not happening." There is no way Peyton is leaving.

"She's staying with me," I say as he touches the door handle. "Push the topic and we can go at it right here."

Oliver turns back to me, teeth clenched.

"She's not leaving. Ever. And frankly, I don't give a shit what you think. I'm sorry about the promise and all that, but I didn't expect to feel the way I do about her."

Oliver's face is dark with fury.

"I'm marrying her. And hopefully producing a long line of little singers as a result. You got a problem with that, take your best fucking shot, bro." I raise an eyebrow but keep my arms folded across my chest.

Oliver is lean, and I feel bad being bigger and stronger. I have no desire to brawl with my future brother-in-law, but if that is what it takes to secure Peyton, I will do it in a heartbeat.

And then suddenly, like a passing storm, Oliver's anger rolls over.

"Jude Motherfucking Hawkins. You're in love with my sister." His stern features break into a smile.

I want to wipe that smug smirk off Oliver's face, but I leave my energy for Peyton.

"I guess so." Who is he to tell me I'm in love? I don't want her to ever leave my side. I am desperate to claim her every chance I get, but did that mean I'm in love?

Seeing how I never considered marrying any other woman, and now that I've uttered the words, they are growing on me.

"I'm so happy I could provide your evening's entertainment," I say, wryly. "I need to talk to Peyton now so will you kindly fuck off now? And thanks for looking out for Lila. I should have insisted I attend the wedding."

Oliver comes down the steps and slaps me hard on the back. "No problem. That's what we do, right man? Take care of our families." He heads toward his parked car. "Have my sister call me with the good news. I'll act surprised. And every designer wedding planner in LA owes me a favor so Peyton can have her dream wedding like she's always wanted."

Dream wedding? My mouth goes dry—my mind never got that far in the planning. For the thirty seconds that I have this plan, I pictured a wedding on the patio here at the house, followed by a honeymoon filled with lots of getting to know my new wife.

Breathe. One thing at a time. Not having to fight Oliver is a stroke of luck.

I enter my house, go straight to the bar, and pour myself a double whiskey. This has been the most protracted evening ever. I toss back the whiskey, letting it burn in my throat, grounding me.

First thing tomorrow, I'll direct my lawyer to request full custody of Lila. I am done with this bullshit with Amber. She can come to visit Lila whenever she wants, but Lila needs to be her priority, not an accessory for photoshoots. Two, I need to make sure Peyton knows I will always take care of her. And three…what the hell is three?

"Daddy, come and have a cinna bun with us," Lila sings from the kitchen, her childhood name for our favorite dessert making me smile.

In the kitchen, the people that matter most in the world to me are at the table. Each wearing icing on their lips. Lila's bun is mostly eaten already while Peyton's sits with only a couple of bites missing. Between the glasses of milk and plates of treats, I see my daughter is still holding Peyton's hand tightly.

"Why don't we play a game before bed?" I can see Lila is wound up. It has been a stressful few days for her and a little family time will give us all time to gather our thoughts.

"All of us?" Lila's eyes are wide with surprise.

I wince. It is well known I'm not a fan of family games but tonight warrants exceptional circumstances. "Your choice, sweet girl."

Lila squeals in delight before selecting a game from the nearby cupboard. The next hour passes with me running afoul of the rules, which delights my daughter and eases the tension between Peyton and myself. By the time we have finished, Lila has won every piece of cardboard candy imaginable. And thankfully, a few yawns have escaped her. Lila gives me a hug and goodnight kiss before dancing off to bed with Peyton in tow.

Peyton sends a backward glance at me. Good. Tonight I'll hold her in my arms as I tell her my dark past. And then find a way to ask her to marry me. She will be back after she gets Lila settled. They have a whole bedtime routine that helps Lila feel secure. That has been sorely missing from the other nannies. My mind is a mixture of relief that Lila is safely here and frustration.

Jesus, I need some fresh air. I go out to watch the night sky and wait. When I turn off the lights, the sky is filled with stars.

I wait.

And wait.

It seems like forever since Peyton took Lila upstairs. How many stories can one little girl wrestle from her nanny?

I go back inside, and that's when Peyton's phone on the kitchen table gets my attention. A flood of messages clog the phone screen and they are all from Conner.

At first, all I see is red and murder courses through my veins. I have to take several deep breaths before I can see clearly enough to hit reply.

"Where the fuck have you been, bitch? I've been calling you. Do you have the goods, yet?" The other man's voice explodes on the line without any greeting.

"This must be doucheface Conner I keep hearing about. Do you mind if I call you that? I don't know your last name." My voice is deadly. "Which is lucky for you."

"Who the fuck are you? Where is Peyton?"

"Listen to me carefully, you piece of shit." My voice is low, so as not to disturb the bedtime routine above me. "You're dealing with me now. Peyton is no longer available to you. If you ever contact her again, it will be the last thing you do in your pathetic life."

"Oh, this is sweet. Do I hear a note of possessiveness? Yeah, she does that to a man with that sweet cunt of hers. I thought you might be tapping that ass. Classy move." His sneer and snide remarks wash over me.

"Small-time criminals always overstep their abilities. Don't think you can threaten me, Conner. There's not a place on this fucking earth you can hide where I won't find you. Do yourself a favor and find a hole to live in. Stay there and you'll be safe. Don't and you'll force my hand."

I end the call feeling much better. One problem dealt with. Men like him are pussies and don't know how to handle confrontation when it slaps them in the face. They rather run to the next target and hope the last one doesn't catch up to them. I make a mental note to reach out and tap the shoulders of a few friends. Keep the wires alive to make sure no one surfaces on the island who shouldn't be here.

Now if I can make sure Peyton understands she is mine, the night will end on a happier note than I could have imagined.

I glance at my watch. Even allowing for the excitement of Lila's arrival, tonight's bedtime routine is taking a long time. It sounds quiet up there.

I go up to my daughter's room. In a house of white and shades of blue, Lila's room is a sea of pink. The only light is a nightlight shaped like a starfish wearing a princess crown.

Peyton lays on Lila's twin bed still wearing her party dress with Lila fast asleep and snuggled under the covers. But her hand still holds Peyton's.

Sensing my presence, Peyton's pretty eyes flutter awake and land on me.

"Come to bed," I whisper.

She holds her finger against her lips. "Shhh. It took her a long while to finally fall asleep."

"Let's go to bed." I crouch low, letting one hand settle on her hip.

In the light of the illuminated starfish, I can see the passion flare in her eyes. "Come with me," I say. "She's sleeping now."

Carefully, Peyton gets up without disturbing my sleeping daughter. This woman is clearly a pro. We tiptoe out of the room as I take her by the hand.

She pauses to close the door and when she looks back at me I know she senses a darker edge to my mood. She asks softly, "It's late, Jude. I know we need to talk, but…"

"Shh, sweetheart. Come with me," I say without releasing her hand. We move along the hallway toward my room.

"We agreed that when Lila came back, things would go back to normal. That's best for everyone. Actually, I've been thinking. Maybe I need to go back to Ohio. I don't think I'm cut out for this kind of life. My past...it can hurt people." Peyton is having a hard time looking me in the eye while she talks. I take her chin in hand and wait for her gaze to meet mine.

"I want to renegotiate." I pull her into my bedroom and lock the door.

Her brows pinch tight. "Have you been drinking? Did you hear what I said at all?" she asks.

I pull her into my arms, pushing her up against the door, caging her with my big body. My lips come down on hers; immediately, she softens into my hold. I love that about Peyton. She is all spunk and strength, but once I have her in my arms, she is all mine.

A throaty moan lingers in her throat. And in my mind, I can already picture her bare, spread wide and me sinking into her tight sheath. I've fed her womb my seed already. Maybe I knew deep down even then we were meant to be together.

I run my hands up her bare arms. I can see the hardness of her nipples through the material of her dress. Slowly, I guide her arms to wrap around my neck and when she does, her fingers stroke through the hair at my nape.

I could write songs from the way this woman makes me feel with a simple, lingering caress.

I grin, allowing myself to feel her, really feel not just lust after, all the emotions swirling inside me. I hike her legs around my waist, rocking against her. My hard cock yearns for the velvety softness of her pussy.

I breathe in her scent. "You're driving me crazy." I bury my nose in her neck and just absorb her heat.

"What did my brother want?"

"He's not happy about our relationship's progression."

"You told him!" She lightly slaps at my back.

"We were pretty obvious. I had to talk him out of a high school fistfight."

Her heavy sigh brushes against my ear. "That is so Oliver. He thinks he has to look out for me when really what I do is none of his business."

"He only wants what's best for you. I respect him for that. Oh, and by the way, I talked to Conner."

She stiffens in my arms. "What?" Her voice is loud in surprise, and I quiet her with a kiss.

I can feel the tension drain out of her body as I walk us to the bathroom and turn the shower on. I unzip her dress and pull it over her head. I drop my clothes in a pile then guide us into my generous walk-in shower. At the time the architect suggested it during the remodel, I thought it was a waste of space, but now I appreciate his foresight.

Taking a healthy amount of shampoo, I wash her hair, letting the soapy bubbles slide over her body. Then I take a bar of soap, lathering her breasts, stomach, and thighs. I love how my hands slide over her body and the trail of goosebumps left in their wake.

With her hands pressed to the shower walls, I take full advantage of letting my heavy, thick cock settle between her ass cheeks. I'm aching to claim her under the showerhead; while letting our kisses mingle in a raw and sensual moment of passion.

She turns, fire in her eyes and I can't help but feel the allure of the heat.

"Make me yours, in every way." Peyton clings to me. Her wet breasts press against my chest making my cock all the harder.

"You are mine, but first I have to get my dirty girl all clean, inside and out."

The water begins to cool, and I turn off the shower. I lean down and swipe a gentle kiss over her lips before taking it deeper. My hands roam her body, and she strokes my cock till I am the one breathless.

I lift her up. Her legs go around my waist as I press her up against the tile wall. I am going to fuck her bare again. I can't stand the thought of any barrier between us. And more than that, I hope to God my seed knocks her up. Then she'll always be mine.

I groan at the thought of her pregnant and how much I'll still crave her.

"What?" she asks, rolling her hips wearing a naughty smile.

"You're amazing."

Cum leaks from cock as it nudges her belly. "I'm going to sink into you, claim you as mine tonight and forever, Peyton."

Like a missile, my cock finds her pussy, and I thrust in all at once. Peyton gasps with pleasure as I fill her, stretch her wide, and take her completely. Her body shivers as her pussy clamps down on me.

I look down at our joined bodies and growl with pride at her pink folds stretched wide over my girth. It's a caveman move, but I feel insanely possessive of her.

I grab her ass in my palms and work her deep, pumping in and out. Her wet, slippery body clings to me and she might not have said the words, but I feel the soul-deep connection all the same. I love the feel of her bare sheath gloving me so tightly. I grunt, feeling the need to drive harder and deeper.

Peyton holds me tighter, murmuring as I fuck her long and hard. As her sighs turn to begging, I increase my speed. I feel her soft thighs wrapped around me begin to quiver as she approaches her climax.

"Come for me, Peyton. Now I want your sweet honey marking my cock. Let me feel you," I purr against her lips.

Her fingernails dig into my shoulder blades. We kiss openmouthed, swallowing our moans to not wake Lila.

"Oh, fuck, Jude!"

God, I love this woman. I feel her tight little pussy grow impossibly tight around my shaft, and I know we're both going over the edge together. My balls draw up tight and the second her climax hits, mine does too. With each stroke, she milks me for every last drop.

I groan, leaning in to rest my forehead against hers.

"I love you, Peyton. Despite all the shit we've done in the past, we can still have a bright future together. I want to be the only one to ever give you pleasure. The only one who gets to hear your sweet cries of ecstasy." I brush my lips against hers, tasting her breaths.

Her arms are around me, holding me so tight I can feel all the love pass between us.

"I love you too, Jude. For far longer than I can admit to without blushing a million shades of red."

"You're the only one for me, baby."

I set her gently on the floor, but we've yet to break contact. It's still too raw and pure to let this moment slip away.

"And you for me."

Peyton sags against me and I gladly take all her weight. "Let's get you into bed, sweetheart. You've had a long night." I make quick work of drying her off before I pick her up and settle her into bed next to me.

"I can't stay here for long. What about Lila?"

In the moonlight, I'm already over her, spreading her legs wide. I'm ready to take her again, my shaft thick and my balls full of cum for her. I can see my milk dripping down her inner thighs. I take my cock in hand, guiding it back inside. "I'll wake you early," I say before I thrust into her dripping wet channel, making her moan.

Of course, I have no intention of waking her and ever asking her to leave my bed.

"If that's the case, then we might as well not waste the night sleeping." Peyton gives me a sexy smile and digs her heels into my ass. Somewhere around the third time I emptied my cock into my best friend's little sister, I whisper, "Marry me, Peyton. I can't live without you, baby."