Page 39 of Caden's Situationship

CADEN

“Wait, what?” I replayed the words in my mind, but it didn’t make sense. “What do you mean he told you that you were engaged? Did you get a proposal?”

“My family does business marriages,” she said. “Another form of an arranged marriage I guess you would say. Typically, they happen in certain social circles when business mergers are made, but matrimony is needed to really solidify the deal.”

I was trying not to look as surprised as I felt because her family situation was already sounding fucked up before she even mentioned business marriages.

“I won’t get into all the boring details,” she stated. “But, basically, my father lied to get me to come home. The man I was supposed to marry felt the same way I did, and we both agreed that a marriage to each other was not in our future. And, I accepted the worst job at the company in an effort to be seen as an equal with my family since my male cousins were running the show.”

I didn’t like what I was hearing, and every protective bone in my body wanted to fly to Texas and give all those boujee ass people I’d met a piece of my mind. “I had no idea Lance was like that.”

“He’s not,” she confirmed. “Lance is a good man, and like me, he wants to change things about our family, too. Since my parents’ generation is no longer in charge, things are better than they used to be. I only shared all this so you could get a better idea of how I ended up how I am.”

Vulnerability was present in her eyes, and I knew it hadn’t been easy to tell me all this. “Thank you for sharing with me.” I stood and pulled her from her seat. “I know they’re your family and you love them, but I’d be lying if I said hearing this shit didn’t piss me off. If I ever meet your parents, I’ll have to keep myself in check.”

She laughed. “They are a lot better now than they used to be, but the damage was already done, so I doubt I’ll ever really be close to my parents. That’s why I had such a good time tonight with your mom and dad. Hearing how they talked about you and your brothers warmed my heart. You’re lucky to have parents like that.”

“I know. I’ll make sure to tell them that next time I see them.” And I really would let them know I appreciated them.Plus, if I have my way, you’ll see what it feels like to have them in your corner, too.

A message on my cell phone interrupted the direction of my thoughts. When I saw it was a group message, I cringed.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I’m supposed to plan the bi-annual trip I usually go on with my brothers, only this time, all the wives are going, too. I’m running out of time to plan it, and Malakai and Crayson are on my ass.”

“Does it have to be somewhere specific?”

I shook my head. “Not really. Honestly, I think they just want a break from the hustle and bustle of New York. But with the grand opening of the expansion next month, my time is limited.” I didn’t add that anytime I could have been planning, I’d chosen to Netflix and chill with her, but I didn’t want her to feel like she was taking me away from my duties. Hell, my brothers were blood, but she was the reason I was in such a good mood lately.

“Why not have them come here?” she suggested. “I know it’s their hometown, so it’s not the vacation they were thinking, but they could test out everything you want to roll out for Wild Valley. And they could even stay in the villas and be the first guests. That way, any suggestions you have, you can roll out before you open to the public.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea,” I told her. “See, I knew we partnered with Red Rose for a reason.”

Smiling, she batted her eyelashes. “I’ve been told we have the best customer service in the south.”

“I can speak to that.” I actually tried my best not to think about the reason Cordelia originally arrived, because then I would have to think about when she had to return home.

“Do your brothers know about what you do for Black Lush?”

I shook my head. “Heck no. If they did, they would never let me forget it. My brothers have always looked at me as the one to never do anything outside of his character, so if they found that out, it would change their opinion of me.”

She frowned. “Why would it matter? You said yourself you don’t get on stage like that anymore. Who cares if you’re a partner for the business?”

I let out a deep breath. “More people would care than you realize. This town has always seen us Madden boys a certain way. My brothers, Micah and Crayson, were allowed to be reckless in what they did. Since Malik’s the oldest, he’s always had everything together. I already told you about Carter not being around, but even so, he’s Arkansas’ golden boy and will probably hold that title forever. And Malakai is the creator. The one allowed to dream big and make it happen.”

She leaned closer to me, her voice low when she asked, “And who is Caden? What role do you play?”

“Just call me Mr. Loyal,” I said with a laugh. “I’m the one people know will always be there for them. I may have left Arkansas, but I came back. Folks know they can rely on me.”

“You’re the good guy,” she stated. “So in your mind, the good guy doesn’t dance half-naked in front of strangers or is a partner in a lucrative adult entertainment business, right?"

“Exactly.”

She didn’t speak for a while, and although I was looking ahead to the darkness, I felt her eyes on me. Observing. Trying to figure me out. “I think you should tell them,” she finally said, breaking the silence. “I think you should tell your brothers about your other business. If they love you, they’ll accept all of you just like me and your other friends have.”

I shrugged. The thought had crossed my mind before, but for some reason, I always decided to keep it to myself. “I’ll think about it, but I appreciate the advice.”

She smiled. “Anytime.”

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