Page 29

Story: Cameron & Rylan

Rylan didn’t know how Tristan got Sophia’s number, much less how he knew about his business with her. He drew his lip between his teeth and took a glance around him before he picked up his pace through the wealthy residential neighborhood until he stood in front of the welcoming window of the little cafe.

Pulling the door open with more force than necessary, he spotted Cameron in the back. He had a book balanced on his knees as he sipped from a wide-mouthed cup and Rylan smiled at the sight. But that moment Cameron glanced up and locked eyes on Rylan’s face. The start of his smile faltered as his gaze roamed over him.

Cameron stood and grabbed Rylan’s things, setting them down on the coffee table next to the chair and squeezed both of Rylan’s hands in his own.

“What happened? They didn’t like the dresses?”

Shaking his head, Rylan spoke. “No, they loved them. They’re on their way to the party now, but Sophia wanted to warn me about a phone call she received.”

Cameron sat down and brought Rylan to sit on his lap. “Explain, please.”

He told Cameron about Sophia’s warning. “I think… he either followed me or overheard me talking about it somehow.”

At first, Rylan thought he shook because of his fear of Tristan and the violence he threatened Rylan with, but he noticed when Cameron tightened his hold around his torso he was the one vibrating with anger. He slid down until he cradled his head on Cameron’s chest and lifted his hand to his pectoral. Rylan rubbed circles against Cameron’s chest to calm him. As he inhaled Cameron’s scent, Rylan relaxed for the first time since he learned the news.

Lost in his own thoughts, Cameron buried his face against Rylan’s hair. “Could Tristan get ahold of the contacts on your phone?”

“Well, my number is under my dad’s cell plan. I’m sure he wouldn’t hesitate to give Tristan access to his account if he asked for it.”

Cameron held his hand out and Rylan placed his phone onto his palm. When he noticed it was off, he slid it into his pocket. “We’ll keep your phone off. Tomorrow, we’ll get you a new phone and number.”

“Do you think he knows where we live?”

Cameron kissed him instead of answering, stealing Rylan’s breath as his tongue swept in. When he pulled back several minutes later, he was beaming at Rylan.

“I’m glad you think of it as home. But even if he knew, once he stepped foot on the property, I would have him arrested. Or I would kick the shit out of him and then have him arrested.”

Cameron paused for a long moment. “But we’ll be careful in case he’s planning to harm you.”

They both grew quiet as they processed the new information, but after years of worrying about the man reappearing in his life, Rylan refused to spend energy on his past any longer.

Rylan dropped his voice low as he pressed his lips to Cameron’s ear. “I believe you promised me access to your naked body.”

Loving the look of desire shining from Cameron’s eyes, he blinked once at Rylan, then again, before he scrambled to his feet with Rylan tucked against his chest and stood. He released Rylan to pack his books and grabbed Rylan’s stuff, before he reached for Rylan’s hand and led them out to the car.

“I hope the trip home is faster.”

Cameron threw back his head and laughed before he opened the passenger door for Rylan.

“I’ll do my best.”