Page 24 of Caden the CEO
“Okay. Let me have it.”
“I took off today so we could spend time together, and I wanted to be here while you adjusted to my home. I have to start handling business tomorrow, but I’ll leave you with cash and one of my bank cards. Ian will be at your disposal, and if you need anything, you can call me at any time.”
“What time will you be back?”
“Honestly, it depends on what happens throughout the day. I’ll be checking in at some of the pharmacies and handling business for my fraction of The Syndicate.”
Dru didn’t respond right away, but when she did, it was with, “I understand you’re a busy and powerful man, so I’m not expecting to have all of your time. I do want us to spend quality time together and continue to get to know each other. If you want me to be one of those women who are okay never being with her man just because he spoils her and pays her bills, that isn’t me.”
“Thanks for letting me know what you require, and that’s nothing for me to provide. I’m not usually home until the sun goes down because there hasn’t been a reason for me to be home . . .” He kissed her again. “Now that I have you, I have a reason to come home.”
Dru shifted slightly and looked up at him. “Where did you come from?”
“Whatever prayers you prayed to God. You’re definitely the answer to mine.”
She smiled, muttering a soft “Aww, bae,” before cupping the back of his neck and lowering his lips to hers.
“A nicknameanda pet name in the same conversation? I’m on fire.”
“Caden!” she yelled playfully through her laugh. “Shut up and kiss me.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he granted, almost moaning, before connecting his lips with hers.
There weren’t too many people who could tell Caden Nikolai Spencer what to do. In fact, there were only three: God and his parents. Now, it seemed Dru was also on that list, and as she moaned against his lips and straddled him, Caden decided he didn’t mind that at all.
He took pride in being the first man she’d given herself to in three years, and Caden was confident he’d be the last.
The last man she fucked and made love to.
The last man she went on dates with.
The last man she gave her heart to, unless she gave him a son.
The last man she’d risk being hurt by to feel love.
The last man she’d give all of herself to, but he’d also be the first man who made life and love a soft, safe space for herandher sister.
When Caden saidhe was going to leave her with some cash for the day and one of his cards, she was expecting a few hundred dollars. Her eyes were frozen on the stacks of cash he’d left her on the table in his bedroom. One hundred thousand dollars and his bank card. She almost choked when he said that was nothing but the stash he kept in his room for pocket money.
Before he left to handle his business, he showed her just how much he trusted her, hoping that would help increase her trust in him. He gave her the password to his electronics, showed her where he kept the spare keys to his cars, and let her know where every safe was in his home. When he was about to give her the codes, Dru told him she didn’t want to know. And for some reason, that made Caden smile and give her a kiss.
After showering and getting dressed for the day, Dru made a few plans. Since she didn’t have a shift at the grocery store, she initially didn’t know what to do with herself. Eventually, she decided on grabbing a few things from her mother’s house, hoping Tina wouldn’t be there. Then, she was going to spend a little time with Dreya and Marilyn, and maybe Stevie if she didn’t have any plans.
Since she didn’t see herself needing too much money for what she had planned, Dru grabbed two stacks of cash and put them in her purse, then put the rest in a drawer in the guest room she’d slept in her first night there. She grabbed a bottle of water for herself and Ian, then headed outside to the Bentley, where he awaited her.
They exchanged pleasantries as she got inside, then Ian closed the door behind her.
As he drove, Dru took in the scenery of the city. It felt like life had been going by in a blur all her life. For once, she could go slow enough to take in the beauty of Rose Valley Hills: the beach she never went to, the countryside rolling hills, the entertainment district. Dru felt like a visitor in her hometown, and that motivated her to explore and truly live her life.
“You want me to go in with you?” Ian asked as they pulled into Tina’s driveway.
With a smile, Dru shook her head. “No, thank you. Ain’t no telling what this crazy lady will say if she’s inside.”
“You sure?” Ian checked, mirroring her smile. “The boss told me to make sure you were good.”
“I’m positive. If I need help, I’ll yell.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
