“Where are you staying, by the way?” I grumble under my breath. I decide to ignore the continuing pissing match between the two men. I’ve had too much for one damn day to deal with between these two.

“The Blackstone,” Camden replies dryly. “We won’t be staying there though,” he adds rather abrupt.

“The Blackstone is a wonderful place. Not too far from my office. I would love to stay there with you,” I reply, rather pleased knowing how close he’s staying from the tall building, holding my office. An office I cannot go back to for several days.

“Yes, it’s nice. However, you cannot stay at your apartment. I’m going to assume you cannot go to your office, so we are getting the hell out of Chicago.”

“Where are we going?” I ask, not entirely peachy with any of this. There we go again, another time with no control.

“I’ll tell you on the way.”

I pout at his response, staring out the window, watching the Chicago traffic zoom by while Colin navigates through the traffic. Camden’s voice is polite on the phone. Colin’s not saying a word. His pissed off glare, directed at Camden, catching me every time our eyes connect in the rear view mirror. I scowl at him.

“I’ll be just a minute,” Camden states, when the car comes to a stop outside The Blackstone. Camden steps out of the car for all of ten seconds, just enough time for Colin to finally speak.

“I hope you trust this guy, Luca, because I sure as hell don’t have a good feeling about him.”

I straighten my spine. “Jesus Christ, Colin. Would you stop? You know I appreciate your opinion and I get where it is coming from, okay? I get it all, but I do trust him. As a matter of fact, I feel myself falling.”

“All set,” Camden states, climbing back in.

“No bags?” I say, thankful for the interruption. I was about ready to say I’m in love. I must totally be losing my mind to even think such a thing.

“In the trunk.”

I shake my head, my brain rattled beyond comprehension.

“Take us to The Ritz Carlton, please, Colin.” Camden’s politeness is back in full swing.

This is absurd. Although the idea of staying at the Ritz is exciting, it’s unnecessary. It’s a nice, high class hotel that I’ve set up several of my prospective customers at, as well stayed in a few myself back when I escorted, which feels like an eternity ago, now that Camden is back. I hate this – all of it. Whoever is doing this to me has inconvenienced everyone I care about. Their hatred has absorbed its way into every aspect of my life, including my company. Here I sit, in the back of my car, wondering what I’ve done to anyone to have them coerce their way into my life; into the lives of my friends. Tears sting my eyes at my thoughts. I’m so afraid this person will not give up until they have obliterated me until I’m left with nothing. Maybe even until they end my life.

FIFTEEN

“Stunning,” I immediately say when we walk into the grand reception area of the Ritz. Marble floors decked out in the most intricate earth tone colors, a decorative water foundation in the center as the main focal point. Luxury at its finest. Colin never said one word when he dropped us off and I’m worried. I know our brother and sister relationship will never be broken, but he’s hurting at my hurt, that much I’m sure of. I love him even more for being so protective, as he’s always been. While Camden checks us in, I back away, digging my phone out of my purse and call Colin. Suddenly at ease when I hear his voice on the other end.

“Need me to turn around?” he clips, answering my call.

“Funny,” I say, all smart ass like, in hopes to bring back our normal banter. Instead there is nothing but silence from his end. I grovel my way through the conversation with him. His attitude lightens when I promise him he will be the first person I call if I need anything or if the police find out who’s doing this.

“I appreciate you, Colin,” I say, keeping my eyes glued to Camden’s back. I don’t want him to get the wrong impression from the call.

“I know, Luca. I’m worried about you, that’s all.”

I toss back a small laugh, although there is nothing remotely funny about any of this. It’s just here I am, staying at the Ritz, miles from my home and office, realizing I have no clothes, no toiletries, nothing. Colin is so used to my aloof behavior he ignores my laugh.

My thoughts wash away as Colin responds, “I sure as hell hope you know what you’re doing with this gut of yours, Luca. If he so much as gives you a papercut, I swear to you I’ll gut him, granted, I’m too busy to come back now, if you know what I mean.” I can hear the smile behind his words.

“Colin, I’ve had a day from hell, and trust me, there’s no one else who I’d rather end this shit day with. I care about him and he cares about me. I trust him.” I turn my attention back to Camden, who is now smiling at me. “I have to go now.”

I mouth Colin to Camden so he knows I’m not disclosing our location to anyone else. Camden rolls his eyes. I know neither of these two men can fully decipher what the other one really means to me.

“Ready?” Camden holds out his hand.

“Yes and thank you for this.” I take his hand into mine, relaxing to his touch. It’s not until we ascend up in the elevator that I begin to shake, wondering if this time with Camden will be cut short. I really have to tell him all about how I know Heath.

“The Presidential Suite.” Camden’s breath brushes against my ear, the heat from his body radiating through my coat. I lean against him, burying my back into him. I memorize the feel of his body against mine, hoping it won’t be the last. I’m going to hurt him when I completely come clean. The man has his been hurt enough and now I’m sure to break him. For him to find out about his partner and me may send him away from me for good.

I need him.

I want him.

Losing him would destroy every bit of sanity I have left, which isn’t much, but I have to be honest with him. I close my eyes, listening to the light click of the door as it opens. When I open them, the view in front of me takes what bit of oxygen I have left in my lungs.

“My god.” I spin around in the huge foyer.

“Christ,” Camden mutters.

“I thought my view of the lake was impeccable, but this, this is a dream, Camden.” I frown and spin in his direction. “You really didn’t have to do this.”

Our eyes meet, he diverts them to the view of the partially iced over lake. What’s left of the late afternoon sun seems to be trying to decipher whether it wants to stay buried under the gloomy winter clouds or peak its way through any opening it can find.

“I did it for the both of us. I did it to keep you safe. Besides, we both need to work and there’s plenty of space here.”

My excitement diminishes with his gloomy attitude. “What’s wrong?” I grimace at the way he’s standing away from me. His shoulders are slumped forward, hands burrowing deep into his pockets.

“At the station you mentioned Heath’s name,” he states. I laugh to myself. There is absolutely no humor in the conversation we are embarking into. What I find funny is how well the two of us are able to read the other. It’s like the ten years apart never existed between us. Ironic really.

“I did,” I respond, wishing I could avoid this conversation all together. As much as I would prefer to spend a quiet evening with him, this needs to be done.

“And?” he prompts.

“I slept with him.” On impulse, the words stumble out of my mouth. How badly I wish I could shove them back, take them back, to make them not true.