Kaiden's PoV

23 minutes.

23 fucking minutes.

It took 23 fucking minutes to get our drinks. I know it's all because of what I have between my legs. Everyone knows if I had a pair of tits that I would have got our drinks a hell of a lot faster. I can't fucking wait for the Luciano's club to open up. Definitely won't take this damn long.

Now, where the hell did this woman go?

I begin scanning the area near the bar where I thought I saw her wonder off to. After a few minutes, I realize she isn't there. Maybe she decided to dance while she was waiting on me? This shouldn't take too long. As quick as finding a needle in a haystack.

Well, let's get this over with.

I start moving through the crowd the best I can without flat out shoving people out of the way. It doesn't help when random women try to get my attention by rubbing themselves on me. After escaping one particularly thirsty girl, I suggested she get a drink at the bar to quench her thirst, I finally spot the one woman I am looking for.

And she's not alone.

I decided to hang back a minute and observe their interaction. I don't want to interrupt if there's no threat. I really don't need to get my ass kicked right now. This night has been shitty enough already.

Of course this asshole has to hit on her. It's pretty clear she's not interested though. Take a hint, dumbass. Well, she looks a bit irritated. I might get some free entertainment. Wait, is that a smile? Why the hell is she smiling at him? He must have said something stupid. That's it.

Hold. The. Fuck. Up.

What the hell?!?

Now, she's dancing with this ass? She couldn't stand him a second ago. So, what happened to change her mind because we all know she's too damn stubborn to ever change it. Especially that fast. Who is this assmunch? No, you know what? I don't need to even worry. Just another fuckboy thinking he can get a quick lay. He'll be disappointed like the rest of them. No big deal.

Alright, does his hand really need to be that low? Hurry up and ditch the asswipe already, Jasmine. Come look for me so we can have our drinks and go back to enjoying our night. Please. 

3 songs.

She danced with him for 3 songs. I think they even exchanged numbers. This is new. As she spots me and starts walking towards me. He turns to look back at her.

What the fuck is he doing here?

As I'm staring at him, our eyes meet. I know this asshole is not smirking at me right now. I need to talk to Dad and see if he knows what Josh is doing here. I need to figure this shit out quick. That smirk makes me think I won't like his plans. What am I thinking? Of course I won't like his plans! This shitfucker does nothing but cause trouble. Well, I won't let Jasmine get involved with his fuckery. I should probably also warn Blaze while I'm at it.

"Hey."

Her winded voice brings my attention back from my thoughts. Wait. Is she blushing? Don't tell me she is actually blushing because of Josh? No way. He's a fuckboy. I am 100% sure of that.

"Hey yourself. Sorry it took so long with the drinks. Downside of having a dick, ya know?"

"At least you can pee standing up, right?" She can't help but giggle softly at our usual back and forth.

"Are we really doing this? You can get free shit just by looking at a guy."

"You don't have to bleed and knock at death's door from pain every month. Or childbirth."

"Alright. Multiple orgasms."

"I hate when you make a valid point. However, while multiple orgasms are amazing, I don't think they completely compensate for cramps and labor," she says as she ends with her tongue sticking out at me.

"I guess I'll just have to take your word for it."

"When will you just accept the fact that I am always right? It would save you so much time," she teases as she gives a flirtatious wink.

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Fun for you maybe. I know you do it just to get on my damn nerves."

"Yea because it's fun," I tell her as I give a light playful poke to her side.

"Asshole."

"We need to leave soon and I want at least one more dance, babe."

"Now how could I ever turn that kind of offer down?"

I can feel someone staring at us. Sure as shit, when I look out across the dance floor, my eyes meet his.

Let's test the water and have some fun.

I bring my mouth down next to Jasmine's ear and give a light nibble. "Come on. I am dying to feel your body against mine," I whisper. I feel her body give a slight shiver and I can't help but smirk. As my hand travels down her back, I look back at Josh to gauge his reaction. I find myself unsurprised by that look on his face. I could swear it's a mixture of jealousy and anger.

One step ahead of you, jackass.

As if God himself is doing me a favor, 'Me & U' starts playing. Jasmine has told me numerous times that this is our song and I honestly can't deny it. My mind immediately goes to her any time I hear it playing. Of course she gets a big smile on her face and catches me by surprise when she pulls me close.

This woman is most definitely God's gift to men. 

She keeps a firm hold on me as she starts to roll her body against mine. She looks me in the eyes as she sends a silent message. She wants me to do the same to her. Next thing I know, she spins so that her back is facing me and dips her body down quickly. She comes back up a little slower than when she dipped down and makes sure to rub her ass along my cock. Before I can even process this, she has snapped her head up causing her hair to fly back. I swear I am watching some steamy scene from a movie. This girl is fire. She can get out of control and definitely burn your ass in various ways. She spins back to face me and puts her right knee in between my legs to separate them a bit and starts grinding herself against my right leg.

"Do you wanna get out of here and go somewhere a little more private," she asks.

Yes, please.

"We really should leave before things get too hot for others to witness." I give her a soft kiss just to tempt her a little more.

"Where should we go? You know what? Nevermind. I got it."

As she takes my hand and starts leading me towards the door, I can't help but be the asshole. I turn to see if Josh is still in the same spot, and I am not surprised that he is. The only thing that looks different is the death glare he is sending my way. I give him my biggest victory smirk and flip him off.

Kaiden - 1. Josh - 0.

Fuck you, Joshua. You'll have to try harder than that.

As we make our way towards her car, she stops quickly causing me to almost stumble and fall on my face.

"Are you good to drive," she asks.

 "Yea, it's been about 45 minutes since my last drink and I only had two the whole night. Totally good to drive."

 "Alright. Catch."

"Damn it, Jasmine. Are you trying to damage my perfect face?"

Naturally, she scoffs at my true statement. I mean, come on now. I am perfection. Well, at least in the looks department. 

"Get over yourself already. Cockiness is only attractive up to a certain point. Remember that the next time you try to woo someone."

"Whatever, Babe. You seem to like it. Get in and buckle up already." 

It wasn't hard to find her car even though the parking lot was still packed. She just recently got a fucking gorgeous 2018 Audi R8 Spyder convertible. Not gonna lie. I'm slightly jealous. Perks of being the boss and all. She even had a bunch of customization done on it. I can't even tell whose car is sexier anymore. Maybe she'd like to trade?

I know she loves my car. All the ladies do. That's why I got it after all. Alright. I'm going crazy now. Even my inner monologue is lying. Dio aiutami (God, help me). Mettilo  insieme, amico (Get it together, man). 

"Hey, Jas. I hate to cut this short, but I actually have to get home. I have something that I need to talk to my dad about and I am sure that he still wants to have a talk with me. Basically, I want him to be awake yet I don't at the same time."

"No worries. I gotta get up early anyways. I have a long day ahead of me."

"Alright, well, time to get the princess home and off to dream land then."

"Bite me, asshole."

"Babe, if I bite you, then you definitely won't be going to sleep anytime soon," I say as I wink at her.

"In your dreams, loser. Just get me to my bed already. It's been begging for me all day. Much like you."

"Funny." Sadly accurate though. "Just put some music on and try to stay awake until I get you home, ok?"

"Yea, yea, yea. Radio or IPhone?"

"Whatever you want, babe."

"Alright. I got your back. I'll put on something to wake you up or keep you awake. Whichever applies."

"Really? 'Little Girls'?  You're crazy."

"What? It's got a great beat that makes you want to dance. I could always put Ariana Grande on."

"Nope. This is great. Thank you."

"Mhmmm."

 "Hey, real quick. When is the club supposed to open? I only ask because my new fantasy involves not having to wait a half an hour for a damn drink when we want to go out." 

She laughs for a few seconds before saying, "I'm pretty sure they are saying about 2 more weeks."

"Thank fuck for that."

"Mhm. Can't wait," she says in her sleepy voice.

God, do I love her sleepy voice.

As she drifts off to sleep, I take advantage of the quiet. I have never wanted to talk to my father more than I do in this moment. What the fuck is Josh doing here? Why would he leave New York? I know he has already taken over, so why risk a trip here? Maybe it has something to do with the business? No, Dad would've said something if it was that, right?

Fuck, I'm gonna drive myself insane with this bullshit. I know something is up though. It has to be. I'll find out what Dad knows and go from there. It's pointless to worry without actually knowing what is going on.

It takes close to half an hour to get Jasmine home. I walk her to her door and make sure she is sober enough to make it to bed safely. She sends me off and tells me she'll text me when she gets up. I give a quick wave to the guards as I am leaving the driveway and make my way home. Thankfully, we only live a few minutes away from the Lucianos.

As I pull into our driveway, I can't see any lights on in the house. Either everyone is asleep or Dad is in his office. Please, let him be waiting for me in his office. I'll head there first. The house is so quiet it would actually scare me if I wasn't used to the silence at this time. I step as quietly as I can while trying to get to Dad's office as fast as I can. This really can't wait. Although, if he is in bed, there is no way in Hell that I am going to wake him up and risk waking Mom up too. I'm already up Shit Creek enough with the two of them.

I can see the light through the door as I get closer. Thank-fucking-fully. I softly knock on the door and wait for him to call me in. Once I enter, it takes a few moments for Dad to even acknowledge my presence. Can't say I'm surprised.

"Sit."

Sooooooo, Im gonna take a guess here and say he's still pissed from dinner.

"Explain."

"Alright, Jasmine suggested that we sleep together whenever we need to satisfy any physical urges. She made the point that it's too dangerous for us to be in relationships because of what we do. She made a valid point there, right? Plus, we trust each other. So, no need to worry about someone trying to babytrap me. That's all there really is to say."

"Hmm. So, you thought it was worth risking all of our lives so you can sleep with your future boss?"

"I think that's an exaggeration. Jasmine wouldn't do that. Not without an insanely good reason."

"I'm not fucking talking about Jasmine, merda stupida (dumb shit). I'm more worried about Blaze. You know he has a temper and doesn't always think before he acts! You really are lucky he didn't kill you when he found out. I mean, really? You had to go for his heir?!? Were you even thinking, Kaiden?"

"Dad, let it go. Blaze and I have already spoken about this. I know he isn't thrilled about it, but he understands. Now, can we move on to more pressing matters?"

"What the fuck could be more 'pressing' than this?"

"I saw Joshua awhile ago."

"When?"

"When Jasmine and I were out earlier. He was at the club. He was also talking to Jasmine."

"And what were they talking about?"

"I don't know. I stepped away to get drinks for Jas and I. When I found her again, I saw them talking. I didn't realize she was talking to him until she started walking back to me. I don't know what they were talking about, but it looked like he was trying to get close to her."

"Does Blaze know?"

"I was planning on discussing it with him tomorrow. I know Josh is up to something because, let's face it, he is always up to something."

"While that may be true, don't confront him without Blaze's approval first. Find out how he wants you to proceed. Josh can bring a whole lot of trouble our way if we're not careful."

"Yea, I know. I'll keep my distance for now."

"Good. Get to bed. Your mother will talk to you in the morning and then you need to go straight to Blaze. Text him first and see where he is. He is planning on being in the warehouse tomorrow, but I'm not sure at what time yet."

"Of course. Buona notte, padre (Good night, father)."

As I make my way to my room, I decide to try taking deep breaths and clearing my mind. I really want to go to fucking sleep as quickly as I can, and I'll try anything that doesn't involve any real effort to do so.

I quickly strip my clothes off, and fall into bed. I have a motto when it comes to sleeping: No shirt, no shoes, no underwear- no problem. I need the freedom of being able to move around when I sleep. Clothes are just a pain in the ass. Maybe I should join a nudist colony? I close my eyes thinking what it would be like to be surrounded by naked people all the time and am surrounded by pure darkness.

Next thing I know some asshole is shining a fucking flashlight in my eyes for some damn reason. This motherfucker better run before I grab my gun and make good use of it by shooting them in every fucking limb of their damn body. I slowly open my eyes and realize my dumb ass forgot to close the curtains last night and now the sun is blatantly assaulting my poor eyes. Prick.

I look towards my nightstand and see that the clock says it is 7:49. Might as well get dressed and go hear Mom tear into me.

After I finish with my shower, I just throw on a dark grey button up shirt and some dark jeans. I grab a tie to put on later before meeting with Blaze. I guess you could say I want to look "official " to see if that gets him off my ass at least a little bit. I throw on a pair of dress shoes, grab my phone and keys off my nightstand, and make my way downstairs to look for Mom.

As usual, I find her sitting at the dining room table reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee. Who even reads an actual newspaper nowadays? The woman has an Ipad. Just pull up the damn website. Whatever. Let's just get this over with so I can move on to my next stage of torture today.

"Buongiorno, Mamma. Come stai oggi? (Good morning, Mom. How are you today?)"

"Buongiorno, il mio piccolo uomo. Sono stato meglio. Parliamo. (Good morning my little man. I have been better. Let's talk.)"

"Certo, Mamma. (Of course, Mom.)"

"Kaiden, what has gotten into you? This is not how I raised you. I raised you to be a good man. A good man who may do questionable things for a living, but a good man nonetheless. How can you do this to Jasmine?"

"Mamma, please believe me when I tell you that we have both agreed to this. It was actually her idea. You know I would never hurt her. She has my life and my heart in her hands. I know that you know this. Please, Mamma. Credimi (Believe me)."

She stares into my eyes for a few seconds before saying, "I believe you, figlio (son)."

"Mi dispiace deluderti (I am sorry for disappointing you)."

"Dolcezza (Sweetie), I am not disappointed with you. I think I was just shocked that you two aren't actually trying to be together. Kaiden, she is your anima gemella (soul mate). You and I both know that."

"Mama, I am not going to force her into a relationship. I am just hoping that she wakes up and realizes that we are meant to be together. That's neither here nor there at this point in time. We all have more important things to worry about right now. Don't worry, Mamma. I will get married and give you grandchildren. Just not anytime soon." 

She chuckles and I can't help but take joy in the fact that it is thanks to me. I'm beyond happy that she isn't disappointed in me. Yea, yea, yea. I know. I'm a Momma's boy, but it takes a real man to cherish and appreciate everything their mother has done for them. That being said, I gotta get out of here before I start tearing up. 

"Alright, Mamma. I have to go talk to Blaze. I'll see you later," I tell her as I get up and kiss her on her head.

"I hope you will be home for dinner. If not, I'll just put some aside for when you get home."

As I am getting ready to walk out the door, I get a text.

Jasmine: I'm alive. Thanks for the concern. Wanna go to the shooting range today?

Kaiden: Yea, sounds good. It's been awhile. P.s. I knew you were alive. You've been through worse. See you soon.

I send a quick text to Blaze asking where he is and head on over to the Luciano house. It really is better this way. I need to talk to Jas and find out what that Big Apple Asshole was talking to her about. I pull into their driveway and text Jas real quick to see where she is just to find out she is in her room. Once I open her door I see that she hasn't even made it out of bed yet. Can't say I'm surprised.

"Get up, lazy ass. We got things to do."

"Fuck off, asshole. I don't want to move. My bed loves me for who I am. Why should I leave it? This is the kind of love that everyone dreams of."

"Alright, Drama Queen. If you're not getting up then I am joining you."

I jump on her bed and receive an adorable death stare. My phone also goes off letting me know that Blaze replied saying he is at home for another hour.

"Hey, Babe. Who was that guy you were talking to last night? A friend from one of your classes?"

"No. Just some guy."

"Well, you were talking to him for an awful long time if he was 'just some guy'."

"Jealous? Green isn't a good color on you, Kaid. You're better than that."

"I'm not jealous. Just want to make sure you're safe. That's all. I want to make sure he doesn't have a hidden agenda when it comes to you."

"All he did was flirt and ask me out for dinner tonight. It certainly didn't seem like there was a hidden agenda. Unless you count trying to get in someone's pants a hidden agenda that is."

"Alright. Well, how about you get your nasty ass in the shower, throw some clean clothes on, and we can head to the shooting range for practice? I need to talk to your dad while you do that."

"Yea, sounds good. Don't think I won't pay you back for that 'nasty ass' comment either."

"Yea, yea. Come find me when you're done."

Once I start heading towards Blaze's office, I'm lost in thought. Could Josh really have simply just been flirting with Jasmine? It seems innocent enough, but knowing him, it most definitely isn't. What the hell does he want?

As I did with my father, I knock on the office door and wait to be called in. I can tell that Blaze is curious to know what I want to discuss with him once he looks at me. He gestures for me to sit down and then crosses his hands together and places them on the desk.

"What do you need to speak with me about?"

"While Jasmine and I were out last night, I saw someone showing an interest in her."

With a smirk that only he could pull off, he replies, "And what would you like me to do about it? Put a hit out on him? I'm sure there are many men interested in her. She is beautiful after all."

This fucker is trying to push my buttons this early? Ass. I take a deep breath to calm myself before responding.

"The man was Joshua Santino."

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