Cloud Riders(74)
Cassie considered what he said. She may not have had the passion and upbringing they had but she knew she would fight to the death to save Kayden and his men. And in return, by keeping them safe, she would keep all those they swore to protect alive.
Party Hour
When Kayden and Cassie arrived at the party it was in full swing. The boys had started to worry that Kayden had changed his mind. They said they were just about ready to come kidnap their cloud girl. It was sweet they even missed her with the women that were obviously flirting and flaunting themselves around them. Cassie counted about a dozen girls and a few extra men, including Conor’s brother Tremaine.
From the little Kayden had divulged on the way over, she knew that the guests were apparently from around the area and always looked forward to a get together. They were used to the boys organising things at the last minute and said they would never miss one of their crazy nights.
Jason took Cassie on a tour through the two-story home. You could get lost in the rooms alone. The boys’ rooms had their own en suites, couches, TVs and stereo surround sound systems. Their beds were the biggest she had ever seen, all with canopies, plush quilts and pillows, similar to the style she had grown up with. Yet standing here admiring the furnishing was about as far as it went. She would sooner be happy with Kayden in his quaint two-bedroom home than have all the riches in the world. The bottom floor consisted of a sitting room, an ultra-modern kitchen, a dining room with a twelve-seated oval table and a massive theatre room. This led her out through large sliding doors to the entertaining area where pretty party lights grabbed her attention. The deck she stood on was lit up with hundreds of colourful fairy lights that cast cheerful vibrant shades over the guests chatting beneath them. She grinned, watching a few partygoers dancing and mucking around to one of her favourite tunes. Outside near the pool, two men she had never seen before stood at the BBQ cooking dinner, Conor and Tremaine watching on. Tremaine introduced the men to her as his two ranch hands, Rick and Steve. She chatted for a while before wandering off to fill her glass with more punch. The lights in the garden must have been on timer and lit up the yard, highlighting a large swimming pool with tropical plants. The palms framing the glistening clear water relaxed her immediately. The gazebo further down the backyard was also lit up with tiny bud lights and it made her smile. These boys had entirely too much time on their hands. It looked great.
Woody joined her, introducing her to his friend, Ella. She was tall, extremely well dressed in designer clothes, and her makeup and hair were perfect. She looked like she had just come out of a shoot for Vogue. She spoke down to Cassie with a fake smile and her eyes were cold. Yet when she looked back at Woody she glowed, and her eyes sparkled. Fake bitch. Cassie couldn’t help but sum her up in two words. It was very clear she had issues with the amount of time Woody was spending with the team. Or more likely it’s just me in particular. Silly, jealous woman.
Kayden watched Cassie’s reaction to her. Coming over, he put his arm around his girlfriend protectively. ‘Ella, nice to see you again. I see you’ve met my Cassie.’
Ella ignored his comment about her. ‘Kayden, you seem to have been keeping Woody very busy lately. I trust you’ve worked it out so I can steal him away for a few days. Our family will be holidaying at Cable Beach Resort in Broome and would like him to join us so they can get to know him a little better.’
Kayden stole a look at Woody and it wasn’t a happy one.
Woody put his hands up in a submissive gesture while grinning. ‘Sorry, mate, she only sprung it on me tonight too. I knew nothing about it.’
Kayden’s reaction might have seemed polite to those who didn’t know him but by the pressure Cassie felt as his grip tightened as he controlled himself, she knew better.
‘Woody has commitments, Ella; he knows a few days are simply out of the question. The resort is a little too far for him to get back quickly if I need him home. In saying that, I’m sure you and he will try and work out a compromise.’
Ella touched Kayden on the arm. ‘I’m sure you could manage for a couple of days without him, Kaydie darling. It would be easier if I knew what you two do over there. I could send you some paid help to replace him.’ She spoke sweetly.
Kayden smiled politely, taking her hand off his arm and patting it before letting her go. ‘You know it’s not something I care to discuss, Ella. Good try though.’
She glared at Cassie. ‘I bet your playmate knows,’ she said in annoyance and waved her hand in a huffy, dismissive gesture. ‘Have your little secrets,’ she said, walking off irritably.