“I heard the news, my cannoli girl. It breaks my heart.”
“I’m sorry, Bruce. I really am. Maybe I can bring you by a dessert once in a while.” I smile, hoping he’ll do the same to ease my guilt.
“That would be great. Then, I can be sure you’re doing OK.” He pulls out his wallet. “Here’s my business card. You know I watch out for you ladies when you’re walking through the parking lot late at night.
“Well, I saw you get in that luxury ride last night. I wasn’t trying to be nosy; I was only concerned. Anyway, you were upset after, and now you’re quitting. I can’t help but wonder if the two are related.”
“Bruce, I appreciate the concern, but I can’t discu—”
“Stop right there,” he exclaims with his hands up. “I don’t expect you to tell me anything about last night. Just promise me if you’re ever in trouble and need help, you’ll call me at that number. I’ll be by your side in a flash to assist any way I can.”
My eyes wash with tears over his kindness. Maybe there are still people I can trust. Grabbing the big fella, I hug him hard.
“Thank you, Bruce.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Ellis
After wiping the sweat from my brow, I scrub my face with my hands as if it will rub away the memory of the dream I just had. How could I forget it? It’s always the same one.
The same blurred woman in red lingerie.
The same sensuous body pinned beneath mine.
The only feature I can make out is the unique color of her eyes, a hazel swirl of earthy green and brown.
What I can never sort out from my dream is why I’m so vulnerable when I’m physically on top of this woman. It’s like I’m making love to her instead of fucking her hard, and that weakness is what drives me mad.
Why have I had these dreams for years? And why have they been more frequent since meeting Camilla Rose?
I tried dominating women in the bedroom once the dreams began, but it never helped. With Camilla, it will be different because it will be under duress … at least in the beginning.
I’ll see to it that she’s the one who makes them stop. Her resistance is what I’m banking on to rid me of these nightmares. I’ll be in control, her submission giving me peace.
Feeling hot under the silk sheet, I kick it off my body and expose my naked skin. The cool air calms me, and I sense sleep approaching, giving me a second chance for rest.
***
Hearing someone, I lift my eyes and find Christopher standing in my office doorway.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Good morning. Camilla–I mean Ms. Rose and her son have arrived.”
“OK, thank you.” I return my attention to my laptop, but not sensing his departure, I look up again. “Is there something else?”
“I thought you’d want to come down to greet them.”
“I told you to help them get settled in. I’ll find them later.”
“Of course.”
God, what was I thinking? There’s a three-year-old in my home this very instant, yet I don’t know the first thing about relating to a toddler.
Second, his protective mother, who’s accompanying him, is pissed at me and likely scared. I can’t anticipate her moves just yet, so I’m having reservations about my decision to bring them here.
Third, I have Christopher to deal with. I only hired him because he was my brother’s confidante. The circumstances surrounding Tony’s death are being investigated, so I need to ensure he didn’t leave additional messy loose ends, like another damn child.
After Christopher was evasive to my questions, I offered him a salary he couldn’t refuse. I foresee him kissing my ass for a long time, during which I’ll gain his trust and determine if anything is missing from the puzzle that makes up Tony Burke. My gut tells me my brother didn’t take his own life.
Camilla
As I hold Liam close, his wide eyes scan the enormous room we’re standing in. I’m not sure what to call it. It’s too spacious to be considered a foyer. I’ll call it the grand hall.
There’s a sparkling chandelier above us that Liam points to, his back arching as he strains to stare at it in awe.
My back strains next as I try to pull him upright. We’re waiting in front of a white floating staircase that Christopher ascended in order to speak to Ellis.
The way it curves above us is remarkable, but it’s a total safety hazard for Liam. It’s encased by a silver iron railing that I can picture him climbing.
My feet stand on a light grey marble floor you can almost see your reflection in from the sun’s rays shining through a wall of windows. I know this because Liam has caught sight of his shadow and is now leaning over, hurting my back further.