Page 46 of Quiet Chaos

“Don’t freak out, Sky. This is the way we talk around here. We’re all open to discussing sex. It won’t be the first time.”

Just above a whisper, I say, “Okay.”

Everyone gathers in the room by the fireplace and Christmas tree. Cade is in a corner chair, legs stretched out, a bourbon inhand. He gestures me over and hauls me onto his lap. His arm is around my waist, resting a hand on my thigh. Santa comes in, carrying the burlap Cade brought, and the children scream with excitement. It’s the cutest thing. I haven’t been around too many children, but to see their bright eyes, wide smiles, in awe of Santa and gifts, is a blessing. It also takes my mind off the women’s earlier discussion.

The parents take pictures of the children opening presents. There are screams, jumping and pumping arms in the air. They thank Santa for the doll or truck or one of the many other toys. It doesn’t matter what they received; each child is ecstatic to open a gift. I give Cade a kiss on the cheek. I’m still shocked he bought all these toys for the children. If he has his own, he’ll probably spoil them.

Parents lead the children into a large room with sleeping bags, so they can play, hoping they’ll fall asleep. Some men stay in the room to watch over them. The adults pour back into the large bar area. I head to where the food is and put whatever leftovers I brought in a bag.

There’s a commotion in the bar, and I hear Cade’s deep roar. I run in there and see that woman Josie screaming at him. She’s trying to loosen his grip on her wrists. When his eyes meet mine, he lets her go, and she turns on me, stomping my way, and I step back. Cade is not far behind.

She shouts and points at me. “You!” She turns to Cade and shifts between us while talking. “I’ve sucked and fucked him for two-years. He belongs to me!”

Everyone is watching her, me, Cade, and I don’t know what to do to calm her down.

I take a step forward. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

Her body trembles. “Fuck you!” She turns and takes hold of Cade’s belt buckle.

Cade stops her. “If you don’t get your fucking hands off my pants right this minute, you’re done here, Josie. I’ll ban you for life.”

She releases him and crumples to the floor, crying, “I love you! Why can’t you love me?” Josie looks up at me. Each word gets weaker. “What’s so great about you?”

She’s cradling her face, shoulders bobbing up and down.

I crouch down next to her, and when I’m about to touch her arm, Cade says, “Stand up, Sky.”

“But—”

“Stand up!” I rise with my head lowered. The room is quiet except for Josie’s sobs.

I find the strength to look at him and say, “But Cade, we can’t help who we love.”

He sighs and runs a hand down his face. “Okay. What do you want me to do? Do you want me to have sex with her in back?”

“No, I just thought maybe you can talk to her and let her know how you feel.”

He lets out a growl. “That ain’t fucking happening.”

I wince at his words. My hands hang at my sides as I watch Josie struggle to tame her sobs. I’m sure it’s hard to love someone without it reciprocated. In a sense, I’m experiencing the same, knowing Cade doesn’t love me. At least I assume he doesn’t because he hasn’t said it.

Cade clears his throat. “Get up, Josie.”

She slowly rises, head hanging low. He takes my arm and Josie’s and guides us to a room in the back. I hear whispers until we’re behind a closed door. Cade sits us down on the bed as he takes the chair across from us, turning it around and straddling it backwards.

He speaks to Josie. “You love me, yet I’ve never returned it. It doesn’t excuse you by groping me or anyone else. If you ever touch me or Sky again, I’ll ban you forever. If you can’t handleyour feelings, stay away from this club, because next time, I will have you physically tossed out. Do you understand me?”

She nods and wipes her eyes. I give her arm a little squeeze and she returns it with a soft smile.

“Are you going to behave for the rest of the evening?” Josie nods, but Cade says, “Words, Josie.”

“Yes, I’ll behave.”

“Who brought you here?”

“Aces.”

“Join him without a word to anyone. Sit your ass down, enjoy a holiday drink, and then both of you leave. Now get out.”

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