Beyond The Cage (5 page)

Grasping my wrists, he pulls me up and onto his lap. I wrap my arms around his neck, waiting to see what he’ll do next. His hands glide over my back, distributing more lotion.

“You’re quite thorough,” I whisper. In reply, he moves down, and grabs my ass. I smile, sliding my hands through his hair. “You don’t need sunblock as an excuse to do that.”

Satisfied with the job he’s done, he rises to his feet with a smirk. I wrap my legs around his hips as he carries me to the water. He gets waist deep and keeps going.

“Please, don’t get my hair wet.” Who told me to say that? With a menacing grin, he begins lowering us. “Cameron, don’t!”

He doesn’t listen, and I hold my breath just in time. After being dunked, I come up sputtering, while he comes up laughing. Asshole.

“Asshole!” I smack his shoulder. It only serves to intensify his laughter.

I try to escape his hold, but he presses me against him and begins kissing my neck. I instantly forget what I was angry about. As his lips move north, his hands move south. He covers my lips, snaking his tongue between them while he grabs and squeezes my ass. I feel him getting hard and, in my position, the head of his dick is pushing at my entrance. His shorts and my bikini bottom are the only things preventing him from sliding inside. As if reading my mind, he starts undoing one of the knots on my hip.

“Wait.” I pull back, swallowing hard. He watches me patiently, his gaze penetrating. “I know you’re probably not used to this, but…I just don’t do casual sex.” I gasp as he presses his hard-on against my pussy. “I want to. You know I do. It’s just…” I take a deep breath. “I don’t want you to think of me as some slut; just another nameless face from your dressing room.” He trails his thumb across my bottom lip, his expression softening. “What makes it worse is I want to. You make me want to be one…for you.”

His eyes beg me to trust him. Taking a leap of faith, I nod, biting into my bottom lip. He puts some space between us then one side of my bottom falls away. Nervous anticipation flows through me. When he pulls me against him once more, my pussy connects with his dick. His
naked
dick. I gasp and his hold on me tightens, keeping me firmly in place.

“Cameron…” My eyes dart around nervously, wondering if anyone can tell what we’re doing.

Without a care for possible onlookers, he moves me, up and down, parting my lips and rubbing against my clit. I grab his shoulders, sinking my nails into them as tremors ripple through my body. He grunts, pressing me into him. Cradling his face, I pull his lips to mine, craving his taste. He sucks on my lips, then my tongue as I slide it against his. I move against him, wanting him to come as much as I want to. He groans into my mouth, his fingertips digging into my flesh. As good as this feels, I need more. That nagging voice in the back of my mind just won’t let me have it. So I concentrate on what’s happening now, angling my hips so my clit gets the most attention. It won’t be long now. I don’t know what it is about him but the moment he touches me, I’m ready to come. I guess that’s what happens when the physical chemistry is this strong. When I feel my orgasm creeping up, I bury my face in his neck and clench my muscles. He takes over once more, moving me as fast as the water will allow.

“Oh, God. I’m coming!” I try to keep my voice down, mumbling against his skin.

I convulse against him, gripping him with my thighs as pleasure courses through my veins. As my tremors die down, he grunts, and I feel a slight shiver run through him.

“Did you…?” I ask, raising a brow.

He replies with a dip of his head, and a satisfied smile.

“Dude…you
so
just impregnated a bunch of fishes.”

He chuckles.

“In about a month, little fishy versions of you are going to be swimming around, having little fishy MMA tournaments.” I giggle at myself, thinking I must have gotten an overdose of endorphins from that amazing orgasm. Or I’ve lost my mind.

He smacks a wet kiss on my lips, setting me on my feet before re-tying my bikini bottom.

“Thank you.”

He smirks, arrogance radiating from his pores.

“Not for the orgasm!” I clarify. “Well, for that, too…but mostly for understanding that I’m not ready for more.”

Grasping my chin, he tips my face up to his and plants a gentle kiss on my lips. With a contented sigh, I break away from him.

“I’m gonna go dry my hair.”

I leave him and head for the shore, inconspicuously checking to make sure my bikini bottom isn’t skewed. When I drop down on the towel, two women begin setting up not too far from me. I pay them no mind until one of them makes a remark that brings my gaze back to the water.

“Holy shit! Look at that sexy piece of man-candy!”

Cameron is making his way back to shore, too, splashing water on his chest.

“I’d happily endure diabetes for a regular serving of that,” the other woman says, and they both giggle.

I smirk to myself, knowing that giant Kit Kat bar is making his way to
me
. The other women start primping, realizing he’s heading this way.

“How do I look?” the first one asks eagerly.

“Fuck you. How do
I
look?”

I almost laugh out loud but hold it in. As Cameron gets closer, he grins, revealing those pearly whites of his. I keep drying my hair, not giving anything away. The women have lowered their voices now so I can’t hear what they’re saying. Standing at the edge of the towel, Cameron pulls me to my feet and kisses me. He kisses me like there’s no tomorrow then, just as abruptly, he breaks away and grabs his towel. Once I recover, I glance at the women and their eyes are glued to me, mouths gaping in a mixture of shock and jealousy. I smile to myself, grabbing my cover-up when I see Cameron getting dressed.

All packed, we head back to where we parked. Before we ride out, I notice a truck selling soft-serve ice cream and ask him to stop. Again, he takes my hand as we walk over to the truck. I’m starting to get quite optimistic about where this relationship is going. It’s just holding hands but still, it’s something from a man who’s accustomed to fucking groupies after his fights.

When the ice cream man asks what flavor I want, I turn to Cameron with a smirk, licking my lips as my gaze travels from head to toe.

“Vanilla.”

“And for you, sir?” he asks as he hands me mine.

Playing along, he points to the chocolate and vanilla swirl with a smirk of his own.

“Good choice.” I laugh, confusing the ice cream man.

He pays, and I slip my hand in his as we make our way back to his bike. This has been the best hooky day ever. He may be a distraction, but I’ll take his brand of distraction any day.

Strike with the soul and you will never miss. – Kelly Bates

I smile as I make my way to my car. It’s a textbook case of classical conditioning. For the last two weeks, every time I hear a motorcycle, I get giddy and start grinning like an idiot. However, I’m smiling now because I know it’s
his
motorcycle. He always seems to catch me on my way out. I turn in his direction, and before he turns off the ignition, I’m on him like white on rice. He removes his helmet and grins down at me.

“Hi.” I climb on and straddle him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Where’s my kiss?”

His hands slide over my ass and he pulls me closer. I like this part. The ‘lead up’…it’s just as good as the actual kiss, and he’s a master at it. His smile is gone and he’s staring at my lips. My heart rate increases and my breathing becomes rapid. I lick my lips, anticipating the greatness to come. He curls his finger beneath my chin and tilts my head up. Slowly, he leans in and brushes his lips against mine. The Reaction…it’s gotten even stronger. He takes my bottom lip between his and gently pulls. Just as I’m about to kiss him back, he breaks away. What’s wrong now? I gaze into his eyes, looking for a hint. He wants to know where I’m going. Oh, yeah…I’m an expert at reading him now. If anyone overhears our ‘conversations’, they’ll think I’m a crazy person talking to myself.

“I’m volunteering today, remember? Won’t be back ‘til around seven.” A bell goes off in my head and I smile up at him. “Come with me.”

The raised eyebrow. I’ve seen it so many times, but it has many different meanings. This one means ‘what are you up to?’ I give him an innocent smile, and he shrugs and places his helmet on my head. I climb down then up behind him and give him the address.

When we arrive, he looks up at the Little Sisters building in curiosity.

“Come on. You’ll like it. Trust me.”

Five hours a week, I visit with the elderly here at Little Sisters. All I have to do is hang out with them, which I love doing. I’ve learned a lot from each and every one. Plus, I’ve heard quite a few interesting stories.

Cameron sighs and follows me inside, hanging back while I talk to a staff member.

“Hey, Sadie.”

“Hey, Jazzie,” she greets me with a bright smile. “How’s school, baby girl?”

“Good. I brought some backup today. Hope you don’t mind.”

She peers up at Cameron, then her eyes slide down his body in appreciation.

“Child, not when your backup looks like that. Lawd Jesus.”

I let out a giggle. Sadie is more than twice my age, but she’s sweet…and apparently frisky.

“You’d probably need a hip replacement after that one,” I tell her.

“It would be worth it!”

“Tell you what…I’ll hand him over to you when I’m done with him.”

“The Lord will surely bless you, sweetheart.”

We both laugh and I glance over at him. I know he heard every word, but he doesn’t seem bothered at all. Then again, he must be used to women throwing themselves at him. I motion to him to follow me. Today is games day, so everyone will be in the common room. I stand in the doorway observing the scene before I place my hands on my hips.

“So, y’all were just gonna keep the Scrabble all to yourselves, huh?”

I’m greeted with a chorus of “Jazzie!” and smiles on every face.

“Everyone, this is Cameron. Cameron, this is everyone,” I throw out the general introduction.

That gets me some knowing looks from the women.

“Well, I’ll be damned!” Bernie exclaims.

I turn to him curiously as he slams his palm on the table.

“What’s wrong, Bernie?” I ask.

“That’s K.O. Jackson!”

He leaves the cards table and makes his way over to us, extending his hand with a big grin on his face.

“Bernie Shaw. It’s an honor to meet you, son.”

Cameron takes his hand and smiles.

“Your fight with Tiger Thompson…that knockout was a thing of beauty! You, son, truly have a gift.”

“Bernie –”

“It’s okay,” Bernie assures me. “I know all about the talking thing. Come on, we need a fourth at the cards table. I can’t wait to tell everyone I played cards with K.O. Jackson!”

I smile as I watch them walk off. I never would have guessed anyone here would know him. Bernie is talking his ear off and he doesn’t seem to mind that either. He’s actually smiling, interacting with them in his own way. I wondered before how he functioned in society, but it seems he’s managing pretty well. I move over to where the Scrabble board is set up and pull up a chair.

“Who’s winning?” I ask.

Stella throws me a mischievous grin. “Seems like you are, my dear. Who’s the handsome fella?”

“He
is
handsome, isn’t he?”

“Makes me wish I was fifty years younger,” Grace chimes in.

“Mm hmm…quite the stud,” Delilah agrees.

If only he knew that three pairs of elderly eyes were undressing him right now. This is too funny. Cameron turns to me with a curious stare when I lose the battle to contain my laughter. I wave him off and turn back to the game.

By the time we’re supposed to leave, he has everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. He’s flexing his huge arms for the women, putting on quite a show as they squeeze his biceps. There are “oohs”, “aahs”, and girlish giggles.
Wow
.
You’d think they were a bunch of teenagers.

“Okay, guys, see you on Friday,” I say as I head for the door. “Come on, stud.”

He waves to everyone as they bid us goodbye, a bright smile firmly in place. Once we’re outside, he grabs my hand and pulls me against him.

“You liked it, didn’t you?”

He nods without hesitation.

“I told you.”

He kisses my forehead before we climb on his bike and head for home.

“Are you coming up?” I ask when we pull into the parking lot. He answers with a dip of his head.

“Did you see the way the women were looking at you?”

Spreading his arms wide, he looks down at me with a smirk.

“Yeah, yeah…I know. You’re hot.” I roll my eyes.

Moving behind me, he wraps his arms around my shoulders, nuzzling my neck. It tickles, and I start giggling as we waddle toward my apartment. I stop short when I notice someone sitting on the floor by the door. Cameron releases me and steps forward protectively, but I place my hand on his arm to stop him.

“Jamal?”
What the hell is
he
doing here?

“Hey, Jas,” he says as he hops to his feet.

“What are you doing here?”

“I was hoping I could talk to you.”

“About what?”

He glances nervously at Cameron. I don’t know what he wants, but I don’t want to put Cameron in an awkward position. I open the door and turn to him. “Why don’t you wait for me inside? Just give me a minute.”

He narrows his eyes and clenches his jaw, but doesn’t make a scene. After he steps inside, I close the door behind him.

“Well?” I turn back to Jamal, tapping my foot in impatience.

“How you been?”

“Cut the crap. What do you want, Jamal?”

“Jas, I’m sorry about how things ended between us. I made a mistake.”

“And?”

“And…Simone and I broke up.”

Oh. Now I get it
. “That’s too bad.”

“I was hoping”—he raises his shoulders—“we could give us another try.”

“Us? There is no ‘us’.”

“Come on. I know you remember how good it was between us.”

He gently trails his fingers down my arm and…I feel nothing. Studying him closely, I remember a time when I thought he was the world – cute, smart, kind, caring. Now, I feel nothing but contempt. He’s still cute – peanut butter skin, dark brown eyes, nice body. But he’s a jerk, and that’s why I broke up with him.

“It was. But that ship has sailed and sunk to the deepest, darkest, most unreachable depths of the ocean.”

“Don’t tell me this is about that beast in there.” He chuckles and jerks his head toward the door.

“
Beast
? You will
never
be a fraction of the man he is.”

He gives me an arrogant smile. “Man? More like The Hulk.”

His conceit irks me. I don’t condone fighting, but I think I’d love to see Cameron kick his ass. I fold my arms under my breasts and stare at him with disdain.

“Wanna see Hulk smash?”

His smile fades and he squares his shoulders. “Fine. Just don’t come running to me when he gets tired of you.”

“Don’t worry. I will
never
come running to you for anything.”

He walks off sulking and I make my way inside, knowing I’ll have to give Cameron an explanation. As soon as I look at him, I see the question in his eyes, so I take a deep breath and join him on the couch.

“That was Jamal. My ex.”

The raised brow. He probably wants to know what the douchebag wanted.

“He wanted to get back together.”

His gaze drops and he stares at the floor, a grim expression on his face.

“I told him there was no way that’s happening,” I continue. “We dated for six months before I found out he had a girlfriend at NYU and that
I
was the other woman. Can you believe that? Me!”

His gaze remains fixed on the floor.

“Besides, I have my eye on this handsome,
sexy
MMA fighter.” There’s finally a hint of a smile on his lips so I climb up and sit astride him, snaking my arms around his neck. “He’s tall, built like a brick wall, and I hear he’s quite the sweet talker. Know him?”

His hands move over my thighs and rest on my hips before he finally gives me a smile and a nod.

“Great! Think you could introduce me to him?”

He bites into his bottom lip, and his palm connects with my ass in a playful smack.

“Ow!”

I’m wearing leggings, so it felt almost as if he hit my naked flesh. I love it but decide to keep that information to myself…for now. There’s relief in his eyes. Did he really think I was going back to that scum bucket? Even if Cameron wasn’t in the picture, Jamal couldn’t even get anywhere near the frame. With my hand on his cheek, I place a gentle kiss on his lips. Instantly, he takes over, deepening the kiss. This one is different. While being just as intense, it’s not demanding like the others; it’s passionate, but not urgent. His fingers creep under my top and up my back, caressing along my spine. My resulting shiver makes him moan.

“Ooh! Can I watch?” Chelsea’s excited voice comes from the doorway.

I turn to her, surprised I didn’t hear the door open.

“No, you cannot watch, you pervert.”

“Hey, you won’t let me join, so why not?”

I return my gaze to Cameron, checking for his reaction. Being such a man, he’s intrigued.

“She’s not serious,” I tell him. “And don’t go getting any ideas, mister. We might share everything else, but men…no.”

“You’re just no fun, Jas.” She pouts.

“Go away, Chels,” I say in a saccharine tone.

With a devious smile, she retorts, “This is a common area, missy.”

“Fine. Let’s go to my room,” I tell Cameron. “Nothing common about that area.”

Before I can move, Cameron slides to the edge of the couch, places his hands below my ass, and stands.

“
Please
. Pretty please with whipped cream and cherries on top, can I watch?”

I smile at Chels over his shoulder and wiggle my fingers, telling her goodbye.

“Bye, Cameron…” she says, almost dejectedly. If I didn’t know her so well, I’d think she was serious.

Cameron raises his hand, acknowledging her, then he kicks the door shut and moves toward the bed.

“You can put me down now.”

Ignoring me, he keeps moving. He sits on the bed, with me still on his lap and stares at me. There’s a question in his eyes – ‘when?’

“Soon.”

With a sigh, he falls back on the bed and clasps his hands behind his head. Kicking off my Chucks, I lay my head on his chest, wishing I could stay here forever. It’s strange because I still don’t know much about him.

“Cameron?” Of course, I get no reply. “What’s your middle name?”

He scoffs.

“There’s no way I can guess it. You have to help me out here. Do I have to search the net to get some info?”

I hop off the bed and retrieve my laptop, then return to the bed. He shifts positions and sits next to me as I type his name into the search bar and scrutinize the results.

“Interesting piece of information…your name means ‘crooked nose’.”

I turn my back to him, laughing as he smiles and tries to take the laptop from me.