Under My Thumb (Serenade Series #1) (16 page)

“That’s not what I said.” His voice started to elevate.

“It seems like it.”

He clenched his fist then took a deep breath. “I don’t know, okay? I don’t know why Gavin bothers me so much. I know you wouldn’t sleep with him. If you wanted to, it would have happened already. But for some reason, the idea of you being here alone with him just sets my teeth on edge. I can’t stand it. I’m sorry.”

My anger dimmed at his apology.

“I’m a selfish asshole and want you all to myself. You make me really happy and I don’t want to share you with anyone. Period.”

“Cash, you make me happy too.”

He rested his hand on the nape of my neck. “Don’t be mad at me. I just care about you.”

“I know.”

He leaned in and pressed his lips to my forehead. The touch stung, burning my flesh. He’d never done that before. It was something I never experienced. I saw couples do it all the time, but I was a forehead virgin. Isaac never did it to me. Ever.

I sucked in a deep breath when he pulled away, recovering from the shock of the affection. His hand cupped my face and kissed me on the lips.

“I won’t keep you up,” he whispered. “Good
night.”

Now I couldn’t sleep. “My brother is visiting for a few day
s. He’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Oh. That sounds nice.”

“Yeah…”

“What is it?”

“Pass,” I said.

He studied my face but didn’t question me. “How long will he be here?”

“Three days. So I guess we won’t be seeing each other for a while.”

His eyes widened. “Why not?”

“I’ll be spending time with him, obviously.”

“All night?” I liked how upset he was getting. He loved having me all to himself.

“We’ll probably be together pretty late. He works during the day.”

Cash composed himself. “Okay. I have a lot of things I need to do anyway.”

Back to normal.

“I wanted to ask you a favor.”

“Name it.”

“Since I’m meeting your family as your girlfriend, I was hoping you’d do the same for me.”

His eyes clouded in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Could you meet my brother—as my boyfriend?”

“Why?”

“Pass.” I didn’t want anyone to know why. It made it easier that way.

He weighed the request in his mind. “I’d do anything for you.”

That was an odd response. “Thank you.”

“Is there something specific you want me to do?”

“Just act like you’re madly in love with me.”

He stared at me for a long time, his eyes never leaving my face. I waited for him to agree. “Consider it done.”

Chapter Twenty

♬

Cash Matthews

I didn’t get to sleep with Prudence for three days?
Three fucking days?

She was clearly excited that her brother was coming to visit, but I was selfish and hated how that affected my time with her. I wouldn’t get to be alone with her, run my fingers through her hair, take her in the shower, make her come—nothing.

Kill me now.

I was on edge at work fo
r the next two days. And everyone knew it. I was short in my responses, and not nearly as invested as I normally was. I was the producer on a new series airing on NBC so we were auditioning actors for that. Everything started to snowball. And I was wound tight.

I
did an interview for a few TV programs. I desperately hoped Prudence didn’t watch TV. If she did, she’d know I lied about my profession. Then she would ask me for favors left and right. Our perfect relationship would be ruined and I’d just be used for my connections and money. That’s the last thing I wanted. I promised myself I wouldn’t let it happen again.

Prudence was spending all evening with her brother, so I went home—alone. I didn’t realize how much I wanted her until I couldn’t have her. There was
something seriously wrong with me. Maybe I was just a sex addict and needed it so many times a day. But I never had that problem before.

When I pulled into my driveway, a Mercedes was parked at the curb.
It looked slightly familiar. I studied it for a moment but realized no one was inside. Perhaps it belonged to a neighbor. I got out and walked to my front door.

“It’s been awhile.”

I recognized the feminine voice. “Charlotte?”

She stepped away from my porch, wearing a trench coat and heels. “I would have called but I lost my phone.”

“What are you doing here?” It was pretty damn creepy to have an old lover just hanging out on my doorstep. She better not be pregnant.

She stepped closer to me then unbuttoned her trench coat. “Just a one time thing.”

Charlotte was naked underneath. Not even a bra or panties. I glanced then looked up again. I was horny as hell because Prudence wasn’t putting out while her brother was in town, but the sight didn’t arouse me at all—not like it used to when Charlotte and I were together.

“I’m seeing someone.”

“So? That doesn’t mean anything coming from you. Just fuck me and I’ll leave.”

“I have a girlfriend.”

“A girlfriend?” she asked incredulously.

Damn, I didn’t mean to say that.
“I’m sleeping with someone monogamously.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You said girlfriend.”

“Well, that’s not what I meant.”

“Then what’s the problem? You and I had the same arrangement and you slept with other women.”

“Well, that’s not the deal my girlfriend—friend—and I made.”

She looked pissed. She buttoned her jacket and hid her body. Not that I minded. “What happened to you?”

“Excuse me?”

“I thought you were done with relationships?” I heard the sadness in her voice. “What’s so special about her? You wouldn’t be with me and I gave you everything.” Now I felt like an ass. Charlotte was clearly in love with me.
Why didn’t I see it before?

“I’m not in a relationship,” I said firmly. “We’re just exclusive for the time being.”

“And that’s way more than what you gave me.”

“I’m sorry.” What did she want me to do?
“I don’t know what else to say.”

Charlotte stormed off. “She’s a lucky girl.”

“Actually, I’m the lucky one.”

She glared at me before she got into her car and peeled out.

I waited until she was gone before I walked in the house and got in the shower. I found the shampoo Prudence used and masturbated with it, thinking about her. The smell helped me pretend she was with me, bending over while I pounded into her. And I came harder than I ever had by myself.

♫

I went to Prudence’s show that night, flowers in hand. I took a seat at a table in the corner and watched my muse sing her tunes. She had such a beautiful voice. I could listen to her all day.

She wore skinny jeans and
a white blouse. Her heels made her legs look even longer. I popped a boner just watching her. When her mouth opened and she sang into the mic, I sighed with longing.

I had it bad.

I looked at Gavin singing beside her. I hated that fucker. Always had and always would.

I gazed at the audience, gauging their reactions. A man sat alone at a table, an untouched beer in front of him. I could only see the side of his face, but the brown hair and prominent cheekbones caught my attention. They looked familiar.
He was probably Prudence’s brother.

When the show was over, I walked up to the stage and handed her the flowers. It was a tradition and I intended to continue it as long as possible. She was a wonderful musician and deserved to be praised with something as beautiful as she.

Like always, she smiled then smelled them. “They are wonderful, Cash.”

“I’m glad you like them.” My hand hooked around her waist and I pulled her close to me. I loved feeling her in my arms. “I missed you last night.”

“I missed you too.”

I cupped her face and kissed her, letting my mouth show her just how much I missed her. I never masturbated to anything besides porn, but Prudence was different. She was a real fantasy.

She pulled away and smiled at me. “You really missed me.”

“Baby, you have no idea.”

“It’s been a long time,” she said with a chuckle.

“And I never want it to be longer than that.”
Cash, shut your mouth. Why the hell did I just say that?
I guess because I meant it.

Her eyes softened then she pulled away.

Someone cleared their throat. I turned to see the man from the audience. My guess was right. It was her brother.

I extended my hand. “I’m Cash. It’s nice to meet you.”

He looked me square in the eye as he shook my hand. He had a firm grip and a precise shake. I could tell he was a businessman by the sheer fluidity of his movements. He had a lot of practice. “Jeremy.”

Prudence eyed our interaction
, watching her brother’s reaction.

A tension set in the air and I wasn’t sure where it came from. “Can I take the two of you out to dinner? I think that performance was too good to go without a celebration.”

Prudence smiled. “I’d love to.”

Jeremy didn’t seem as excited. “Sure.”

“Great.”

When we left the theatre, I grabbed Prudence’s hand and was just as affectionate with her as I usually was. Scott opened the back
door of the limo as we approached. Since I wanted to impress her brother, I went all out.

Jeremy eyed it. “A limo?”

“I hate driving in traffic.” I tried to brush it off and seem as humble as possible.

We got into the backseat and I placed my arm around Prudence’s shoulder
s. “You were amazing tonight, baby.”

“You always say that.”

“Because you’re always amazing.” I meant it.

She rested her hand on my thigh and smiled.

Damn, that smile got me every time.

When I looked
up, Jeremy was watching me. I looked away and pretended not to notice. Her brother was quiet and calm, but he was like a hawk—surveying everything. Intelligence ran in the family.

We arrived at the restaurant and walked inside. I was a perfect gentleman and pulled out Prudence’s chair. After she sat down, I pushed her chair in then gave her a quick kiss on the head. Jeremy sat across from her and watched me.

“What would you like to drink?” I asked.

“You pick.” She handed me the wine list.

I already knew what we were ordering. I put the menu at the end of the table and leaned back, trying to be as casual as possible. My hand was resting on Prudence’s thigh. Touching her made me think of what I did last night. The smell automatically came back to me. I cringed when I realized I wouldn’t be with her tonight.

Jeremy eyed me. “I was surprised when my sister told
me she was seeing someone.” It wasn’t a question, and barely a statement. I wasn’t sure what he was implying. I knew he was assessing me, watching my reaction to everything. He was a shark looking for a piece of meat to bite. And he was making sure I was good enough for his little sister. I didn’t take it personally. I couldn’t count the number of times I did the same to McKenzie’s boyfriends. She hated it.

“Our romance is fairly new, but full of trust, love, and friendship.” That was an extremely vague response. But he didn’t give me a lot to work with.

“Cash, right?”

“Yeah.” I knew he knew my name. He just like having control, and using my name was a good way to go about it. I could tell I didn’t want to fuck with this guy. But he shouldn’t fuck with me either.

“What do you do for a living?”

Prudence sighed. “Don’t grill him, Jeremy.”

I held up my hand. “It’s what brothers do, baby.”

Jeremy gave me a slight look of approval.
That’s one point for me.
“I’m a business investor. I work for Hillberg in Burbank. I’ve been doing it for five years.” I hated lying around Prudence, but I still wasn’t breaking her rule. I was lying to her brother, not her.

He eyed me. “Interesting
…”

Why was that interesting?
Did I say something?

“I had a meeting with Hillberg. And I don’t remember seeing you.”

Shit.

“Because I don’t work in that office—at least right now.”

Prudence eyed me but didn’t react.

“Really?” Jeremy was onto me. “Then what do you do, exactly?”

Fuck. I needed to pull something out of my ass. Quick.
“I don’t like talking about this, but I don’t have an option at this point.”

Jeremy’s eyes
narrowed.

“I’m the owner of Hillberg.”

His eyes widened. “You own all of them? The entire company?”

“Yes.” I was lying through my teeth but I was pulling it off.

“Now I know why you’re so rich,” Prudence said.

That seemed to convince Jeremy too. “You’re very fortunate.”

Phew. Crisis averted.

“I never take it for granted. I’m grateful for everything I have.”

Jeremy nodded. “Being humble is always the smart way to go.”

Prudence smiled at me affectionately then squeezed my hand.

“How long have you lived here?” Jeremy asked.

“Born and raised.”

“It’s a lot different than London—not nearly as cold.” Jeremy chuckled at his own joke. When he smiled, his face reminded me of Prudence’s. Their eyes were identical.

“You’re okay dating a musician?” Jeremy asked.

“It’s why I fell in love with her.”

He studied my face, waiting for me to continue. I felt Prudence’s gaze on me.

“I went to one of her shows because a friend forced me. I was actually set up on a blind date. But when I saw Prudence sing, I was immediately smitten. I stared at her, hypnotized by her voice. I knew I was going to stop at nothing until I had her.” I turned to Prudence and looked into her eyes. “And I didn’t.”

She leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. “You’re so sweet.”

“Only to you.”

“You better be.” She rubbed her nose against mine, making me melt. She was so playful and adorable, but sexy as hell at the same time. No one else could pull that off but her. No one.

Jeremy watched us the entire time. Nothing missed his eye.

When the waiter came, I ordered for both of us, including the wine. Jeremy made his selection then watched the waiter walk away. My hand still rested on Prudence’s thigh. I wanted to rip her pants off and see the legs I loved
so much. I wanted to see more than that, actually.

“I’m going to powder my nose.” Prudence stood up and I pulled out her chair for her. I watched her walk away, blatantly staring at her backside. I didn’t care if her brother saw me. I wasn’t going to be
fake around him. His sister was a beautiful woman and he knew that.

“When my sister told me she had a boyfriend, I had a hard time believing her.”

This is the second time he said that.

“What are you saying?” I asked bluntly.

“It was really fast.”

This guy should be an old wizard. Because all he did was speak in riddles. I hate the British. “I guess.”

“My sister has been through a lot—too much pain and loss for someone so young.”

I immediately remembered the night
she sobbed all over my piano. I didn’t know what she suffered through, but I’d do anything to find out. But she had to tell me—not her brother.