Crave (Talon Security #1)(18)

“I know,” I agreed, smiling at my friend. I’d missed him. Sometimes Caden could be like a big kid, but his heart was just as big. With his chiseled jaw, lean muscular frame, and beautiful tattoos, he was handsome too. I just didn’t see him like that; I never had.

“As promised, carbs a la spaghetti.” I made a sweeping gesture toward the plates I’d dished up. “I even made garlic bread.”

“Awesome.” He shoveled in a huge bite, groaning in appreciation.

I took a bite of my own dinner instead of asking the question on the tip of my tongue. I wanted so badly to ask about Sid, but I didn’t want to put Caden in the middle of our mess. Instead, we kept the topics light and far from anything having to do with Sid.

It wasn’t until we were watching a movie and drinking beers that he cleared his throat. “He’s pretty fucked-up, Sam.”

I had to force down the beer I’d sipped with an audible swallow. “Oh yeah, how’s that?”

“He’s not sleeping well. He’s working constantly, trying to find those assholes. He misses you.”

“Do you need another beer?” I asked by way of answer.

He made a growly sound of frustration and shook his head. “Look, as shitty as things might seem right now, I’m glad you guys are getting some of this out,” he said as I tried to look busy digging in the fridge.

I looked over at him in surprise.

“Because even before shit went down between you, it wasn’t always fun living with the tension, you know?” he added.

I nodded. “I get it. I’m sorry, Cade.”

He shrugged. “Better late than never.”

That was all we said about Sid. I was proud of myself for not trying to pry more details out of him.

When the movie was nearing its close, the doorbell rang. I stiffened before realizing it must be one of Travis’s guys.

I looked through the peephole and quickly spun to holler at Cade, “Did you do this?”

He wandered into the entryway, looking confused. “Do what?”

I growled, yanking the door open. “What are you doing here?”

Dressed in his security-issue attire, Sid looked like a total badass. He was also beautiful. He walked past me like he owned the place. “I’m your detail.”

“My whatta?” I sputtered, closing the door behind him.

“I’m your security, Sam,” he informed me, his hands on his trim hips.

“No, you’re not,” I retorted impatiently.

“Uh, guys, I’m just gonna…” Cade trailed off in an uncomfortable tone.

“You’re not staying here.” I glared at Sid.

“…go,” Cade finished. He opened the door, and with a quick wave disappeared.

Typical. Whenever there was a fight brewing between Sid and me, Caden had a habit of making himself scarce.

“And Travis knows this?” I demanded incredulously. Seriously, was everyone conspiring against me?

He nodded. “He knows.”

I was going to kill my big brother.





CHAPTER 7

We stood staring at each other in a silent standoff that I knew I wouldn’t win. Trixie wiggled against my foot, wanting me to pick her up, and I relented.

Sid’s brows rose in surprise. “You don’t like dogs.”

I shrugged. “Maybe not, but I think I like her.”

He nodded thoughtfully before his gaze turned upwards. “This place is insane,” he commented, his eyes fixed on the high ceilings. “I’m going to do a walk through.”

“Well, do my room first, because as soon as you’re done that’s where I’ll be. With the door locked,” I hollered after him as he started to wander off.

“We’ll see,” he muttered, ignoring my request and heading upstairs first.

Figured.

I headed to my room anyway, intent on getting ready for bed and determined to ignore his presence.

Why was he there?

I yanked my sleep clothes out of my suitcase, pulling my T-shirt over my head just as Sid opened the door and walked into my room.

I let out a shriek, holding my T-shirt over my bra-clad torso. “What the hell! Sid, don’t you knock?”

“Nothing I haven’t seen before,” he replied steadily.

I held his gaze. “Yeah, well clearly you didn’t like what you saw, so let me spare you any further pain by telling you to get the hell out of my room.”

He stepped closer, his presence swallowing all the air in the room as I fought to breathe. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Sam. I want you to hear this. No, I need you to. That night—it had everything to do with me and nothing to do with you. It’s haunted me for months, the way I acted, especially when being so far away just made me want you more than I already did before—if that was even possible.”