Under My Thumb (Serenade Series #1) (20 page)

Chapter Twenty-Five

♬

Prudence
Clearwater

Everything was different. When Cash told me about his divorce, it shattered my heart into an infinite number of pieces. Of all the pe
ople I met, he deserved that betrayal the least. Now I understood his choices and decisions. And I knew he understood me better than anyone else. This relationship was perfect for the two of us. No one else would ever understand it.

But why did I care so much? I had a natural desire to show empathy to others, but I never sobbed because of it. It hurt my heart—literally. I wanted to take all the pain away. I just didn’t know how.

When we went to bed that night, we were both off our game. Cash didn’t seem interested in sex. He was unusually quiet, brooding. I wasn’t in the mood for a conversation either.

He lay on his ba
ck then pulled me to his chest. It was the position we always took after sex, not before. His hand didn’t run through my hair like it normally did, but his arm was still hooked around my waist.

“What was her name?” I whispered.

“Who?”

“Your wife.”

“Oh.” Disdain plastered on his face. “Sharon.”

“Have you spoken to her since?
”

“No. She’s already taken everything she needs.”

That was horrible. I seriously hated this girl. I’d never had a catfight with someone, but I wanted to slap her around.

Cash eyed me. “Prudence, I’m over it. Don’t worry
about me.”

“It still shouldn’t have happened.”

“I know. But there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

I rubbed his naked chest with my hand. “Am I the first girl your family has seen since the divorce?”

He had a smirk on his face. “It’s all making sense now, huh?”

“A little.”

“My mom is afraid I’ll die alone—which I will.”

“No, you won’t,” I said immediately.

“I will. But we all die alone.”

I didn’t like this side of him. He was always upbeat and humorous. Now he seemed depressed. “You won’t, Cash. And if you do, I’ll die alone too.”

He studied my face for a moment before he looked away.

“Your family just cares about you. My brother would be the same way.”

Understanding came into his eyes. “Is that why you wanted me to put on a show for him?”

“Partially.” I didn’t want to reveal the rest.

“And what is the other part?” His eyes flashed with interest but he kept his cool.

“Pass.”

He seemed disappointed but he didn’t press me. “It’s nice having you know the truth. I don’t need to explain myself. You get it.”

“I get it too well, unfortunately.”

“That guy was a fucking asshole. Prudence, you’re every guy’s fantasy. Don’t let that dumbass ruin your life.”

That sounded familiar. “I could give you the same advice.”

He sighed. “Touché.”

“Let’s just forget about it.”

“No,” he said quickly.  “Let’s just not talk about it.”

I felt his beating heart under my hand. It was slow and strong, beating against my palm in a steady rhythm. I loved his chest. It was broad and defined with muscles
. Perfection. Automatically, I leaned over and licked it. Then I placed a gentle kiss over his heart.

His eyes darkened in desire. I recognized that look because I saw it on a daily basis. His hand moved to my hip then squeezed me gently. He propped himself on one elbow, then pulled down my bra. When the skin above my heart
was exposed, he placed a gentle kiss on it.

“I’ll never hurt you,” he whispered.

My eyes softened. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but it was still sweet. “And I’ll never hurt you.”

“You’ve given me more joy than I ever expected. Normally, I just enjoy the sex. When I’m done, I want her out of my bed and out
of my house. But not with you. I don’t want you to leave.” He climbed on top of me then rubbed his nose against mine.

I melted then felt the burn between my legs. I was somber just a moment ago, but now I was on fire, desperate to feel him inside me. I loved feeling his skin again
st mine, not a latex glove that separated us.

He kept his face pressed to mine as he slipped inside. Our sex hadn’t been crazy lately. It always seemed to be this way, slow and sensual. Cash cupped my face and kissed me gently while he thrust into me. Every touch was gentle, like he was afraid he’d break me. But I loved it. It got my heart racing, my palms sweating. And it felt so good.

Cash placed a kiss on the corner of my mouth while he moved into me. Then he kissed my chin and neck. I wrapped my arms around his neck and widened my legs, giving his large body enough room.

He pulled
my legs over his shoulders then closed the gap between us. We were so close, we were one person. His entire shaft moved into me, making me dig my nails into his back. He hit that sweet spot, the one I loved, and I writhed on the bed, saying incoherent things.

“Say my name.”

“Cash,” I said with a moan.

He moaned then gave a few final thrusts. He kissed me while he emptied himself inside me. Knowing it was
him made it a million times better. I never let anyone come inside me before. He was the first. And I’m glad he was.

Cash kissed me, embracing me with passion and longing. His lips separated mine and he stuck his tongue inside. The sex was over, but he still wanted me. He always wanted me.

When we broke apart, he didn’t pull out. “You’re beautiful.”

My heart melted at his words. Cash always made me feel beautiful and cherished. While our relationship was one of convenience, I didn’t feel used. I meant something to him, more than just a booty call. And he knew I felt the same way
about him. Sometimes I wondered about being something more with him, but our relationship was too perfect. What if I ruined it? What if he hurt me? It was a risk I wasn’t willing to take. And I knew Cash didn’t want that anyway. He was fond of me, but not that much.

Cash turned on his side and pulled me with him. He was still inside me.

I cupped his face and a sigh escaped my lips. After that delectable orgasm, I was ready for bed.

“Are you seeing my mom tomorrow?” he whispered.

“Oh yeah. Yeah, I’ll go.”

“I can make an excuse for you.”

“No,” I said immediately. “I like your family—even though you don’t.”

“You’re going above and beyond for me.”

“No. I like spending time with them. They make me feel loved and cherished. It’s more than I ever got from my own parents.”

His eyes sagged in sadness. He cupped my face and kissed me. “I know you’re loved by everyone who knows you. You don’t need them.”

I smiled at his attempt to make me feel better. “But they care about me for no reason—just because they know I love you.”

Cash’s eyes widened at my words but he recovered quickly. I didn’t realize what I said until after I said it. “You know what I mean…”

“Yeah.”

“I enjoy spending time with them. I don’t mind.”

“I can go with you.”

“I thought you had to work?”

“I can get out of it,” he said.

“No, I’ll be fine. Really.”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “If my sister bothers you, tell me immediately. I’ll straighten that brat out.”

A grin spread on my face.
“She didn’t offend me.”

“Well, she should have.”

“My brother didn’t make a similar comment to you?” My brother was respectful and professional at all times, but it was a different ballgame when it came to me.

Cash looked uncomfortable. “He may have said something.”

“What?”

“He begged me not to hurt you.”

My eyes softened. “Jeremy…”

He watched my face. “He loves you.”

“I know he does.” God, I missed my brother. It almost made me reconsider moving here. “Were you offended?”

“No. I’ve said the same words to McKenzie’s boyfriends.”

“Then you can understand why I’m not upset with your sister.”

He shook his
head slightly. “But Jeremy didn’t threaten to fuck me up.”

I laughed. “I bet you made the same threat to her men. That’s probably where she got it from.”

“Damn…”

I laughed again. “I’ll be fine. I like your mom.”

He rolled his eyes. “They are crazy animals.”

I felt the depression return. “You’re so lucky
to have so many people who love you. They were trying so hard to make me feel welcomed—and they did it all for you.”

That seemed to give him some perspective. Cash’s eyes changed slightly. “I know how lucky I am. My brother was there for me through the entire divorce. He moved in with me so I wouldn’t be alone. I didn’t even have to ask him…”

“That’s so sweet…”

“And he was a newlywed at the time. But that didn’t change anything.”

I was so happy that Cash had people who loved him so much. He deserved that affection. I wish I had that love. But Jeremy was good enough.

“See? They aren’t that bad.”

A smirk was on his lips. “I suppose.”

I gave him a gentle shove. “You love them.”

“You caught me…but don’t tell them when you see them tomorrow.”

“I can’t promise anything.”

♫

Cash’s driver took me to the golf course where I was meeting his family. I thought I’d be nervous but I wasn’t.
Not at all. I got out then waited at the front.

The country club was at least a few acres and right on the beach. People lounged in the chairs under umbrella
s while they sipped cocktails. Golf carts flew across the grass and people were hitting their balls.

The grand doors opened and his mother appeared. She wore white slacks and a white blouse. A light blue scarf was around her neck, giving her some color.

“Hey, honey!” She waved at me.

I smiled then joined her. “Hello, Mrs. Matthews.”

She waved her hand. “Don’t call me that. I call my mother-in-law that.”

Did she really expect me to call her mom? I thought that was a big jump. “Sorry. How are you?”

“I’m wonderful.” She gave me a big smile. “Now that you’re here.”

McKenzie came out and joined us. She gave me a polite smile. “How are you?”

“Good. How are you?”

“I’m excited to play some golf.”

That surprised me. I always thought golf was a male dominated sport. “Then let’s go.”

Cash gave me money to rent a set of clubs and some balls before we went to the course. His mother and sister had a good swing and strong posture. They were better than most men I knew. I wondered where they learned.

When it was my turn, they both cheered at the shot I made.

“Are you good at everything?” McKenzie asked with a smile.

“My brother taught me all the manly things.” I smiled when I thought of him.

“He sounds like an outstanding man.” Ophelia clapped me on the shoulder and we finished the course. In the end, Ophelia kicked
ass. She was an awesome golfer. So was his sister. I barely kept up. I was so glad Jeremy taught me a few things.

We had lunch at the
club restaurant. We took our seats on the patio while the waiter served us. When I looked at the menu, my eyes widened at the prices. I hated taking money from Cash, but I was so glad I did. I couldn’t afford anything.

McKenzie left as soon as she finished her food. “I have yoga.”

“Have a good day, dear.” Ophelia gave her a kiss on the cheek.

McKenzie gave me a big hug before she left. “I’m sorry for my harsh words the other day.”

“Don’t worry about it. I completely understand.”

McKenzie smiled before she left.
It was just me and his mom. I wondered how this would go.

Ophelia stared at me, her eyes lingering on my face. “You’re such a beautiful girl. I just can’t believe it.”

Making me blush ran in his family. “Thank you.”

“Where are you from?”

“I was born and raised in London.”

“Wow.” She seemed impressed. “Jack and I have been a few times. Beautiful city. They need better dentists, however.”

I laughed at her joke. Cash’s mom was pretty cool. “I was very lucky that I had straight teeth.”

Ophelia drank from her glass then returned it to the table. She had a natural poise about her. “Tell me about your brother. You two sound close.”

“We are. He’s my best friend.”

She smiled while she listened to me.

“We went to school together, and even went to college together. Now he’s a business investor. He likes it—most days.”