“That would be a first.”
“We could say he is, without it being real,” I offer, taking another peek inside the coffee shop and tilting my head toward it.
Kam nods, leading the way, although what I’ve just said seems to concern him.
“He’s not really my boyfriend. You know?”
“I know. But no one knows that other than you and Zander, plus The Firm, who are bound by a contract. Because of their … purpose.”
His purpose has passed. He stayed because he wanted to. He stayed for me. The need to defend him rises inside of me, but I don’t. Instead I swallow it down and settle on something more simple.
“It’s just … for me … it’s more.”
“And for him?” he questions.
“He’s been blunt. He’s my Dom.” I’m surprised how much it pains me to say it. At the same time, I don’t think Zander is honest with himself. I think he’s holding back. No. I know he is.
“Have you asked him about being more?” I keep my lips firmly in place as I stand at the end of a three-person line, pretending to read off the list of cappuccinos like that’s more important. The truth is, I think if I push Zander for more, I could push him away and I don’t think I’ll be okay if that happens.
Kam presses me, saying, “Maybe you should ask him. You know others will be curious, they’ll pry. It’s important you’re both on the same page.”
Zander
The keys jingle in my hand, the car alarm confirming I’ve locked it as I make my way to the back door by the kitchen.
The pressed jacket feels stiff, but it’s tailored and, more importantly, Ella chose it. I allowed her to pick my outfit for this occasion. It’s a sharp look and well dressed. With black slacks, a dark brown belt, black collared shirt and the gray-blue jacket I’m wearing in this single look, the cost is equivalent to an entire paycheck.
But I promised her, I would stay on her arm, I would escort her and I would wear whatever she wanted.
It’s well past sunset and I’m eager to see what she’s chosen for herself. Checking my watch, I know we have some time in case she’s still running behind like she texted she was.
The lights are on in her kitchen and I let out a sigh of relief that surprises me. I understand what Damon meant about Ella needing time to be alone, but it’s damn good to get back to her, to be present and know I’ll be kissing her, touching her in ways that’ll make her shiver. It’s addictive and simply walking in the back door is like getting a hit of my favorite drug.
Every single time. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this.
The moment I close the back door, Kam enters the kitchen, none too quietly. It’s intentional, almost as if he was waiting for me.
“Kamden,” I say, greeting him with an easy tone that’s just as intentional. He opens his mouth, looking like he wants to question me, but I have one first.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you—when Ella was younger—you two were close?” Standing at the threshold between the small nook and kitchen, he stills, his eyes narrowing. Taking a few steps in, I meet him halfway. “I know she was good friends with your sister. Is that why you took custody?”
He blinks. “I took custody because she needed someone and our families have been friends forever. It was a great tragedy.” His mask slips on easily. Public relations 101. “I wasn’t about to let just anyone step in. You never know what will happen when someone gets control over a young woman like Ella was … and her assets.”
“Control?” My hackles go up, but I remain poised as he assesses me. Taking a few steps, I stop behind a chair at the table and grip the back of it.
“I mean regarding her assets. Custody is a tricky issue,” he tells me, pulling out a seat, but not yet taking it. His gaze reaches mine as he adds, “When you have as much money as Ella does, it’s shark-infested waters.”
“That’s understandable.” I’ve been waiting to ask him this, and it spills out of me before I can stop it. “Do you know if there’s any truth to the rumors that there was foul play with her mother’s death?”
Kamden shakes his head like this is the most bizarre conversation he’s ever been part of, which can’t be true. “Not at all.”
“There’s a number of theories—”
“Why would you look into that?” His voice is slightly raised and he seems to shake it off, laughing slightly although he doesn’t look me in the eye. “That doesn’t have anything to do with—”
“There were theories. Rumors that caught my attention after what she said the other day.”