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CHAPTER TEN

CAMERON

Awareness of something had Cameron wake out of his deep sleep. Cameron didn’t open his eyes, but he realized something, a noise, had woken him. He heard nothing other than Rylan’s deep breathing and listening; he knew it wasn’t the alarm he’d set last night, but something else. In response, his arm tightened, pressing Rylan closer to him.

Then he noticed warmth on one half of his body. Without the comforter, his body felt exposed and cold. He took a deep breath and couldn’t help his smile when he realized the warm side of his body was where Rylan pressed close.

They had slept naked last night, allowing Cameron to run his hand up and down Rylan’s back as he listened to his even breathing as he fell asleep, exhausted from all the work he’d completed during the week and the news he received from Sophia.

The night before had been eye opening for Cameron in several ways. The more time they spent together verified Rylan was the one person in his life he drew comfort from. Comfortable was such a pedestrian word, but after five hours of sleep, he couldn’t think of another. All he knew was he craved Rylan’s touch and couldn’t get enough of kissing him.

And after last night, he wanted Rylan inside him.

He blinked open his eyes and turned toward the clock, taking note it was on half past seven in the morning.

What woke me?

He glanced down at Rylan and watched his face relaxed in sleep, none of his muscles tense, and there was no sign he was having another nightmare. Cameron remembered they had gone to bed in the same position last night. The only difference was Rylan wrapped the comforter and sheets around his body before laying back on top of Cameron.

Over the last week, Rylan found his way against Cameron whenever they slept. Cameron would seek him out, too, and they would find themselves in the middle of the bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.

Cameron didn’t think it was because of bad dreams. But with Tristan butting his way back into Rylan’s life, he wondered why he came back and targeted Rylan again. Until they found the reason, Cameron needed a plan to protect Rylan.

The first thing on the list would be to get a background check on Tristan. If he didn’t leave Rylan alone, they would have to think about filing a restraining order and disclose the sexual assault from the past. And later that day, they would get Rylan a new phone and number so he could let his friends know about the change.

He heard footsteps outside his door and shook off his thoughts when a familiar tap tap echoed in the bedroom. Cameron cursed under his breath as Rylan blinked up at him.

“Who’s knockin?” Rylan’s words slurred from sleep.

Cameron kissed Rylan’s forehead before he slid out of bed. He turned back and tucked Rylan under the covers.

“Go back to sleep. You’re safe.”

Rylan blinked. “Okay.” He burrowed his face against Cameron’s pillow and soon he was asleep.

Cameron smiled at the man who stole his heart as he dressed in sweats and a tee. With one last look, he unlocked the bedroom door and walked through, shutting it behind him before he headed downstairs to see his parents.

Edward and Olivia Hayes were the epitome of a loving, happy couple. While they loved Cameron, their only child, they were happiest when they were together. His father dressed like any banker on Wall Street with his crisp suits and his knotted ties. His mother was more relaxed, bohemian and beautiful.

When he entered the kitchen, he smiled at his mom sitting cross-legged on the island while his father fed her grapes.

Cameron beamed at them as he walked to the coffeemaker, grinding the beans and starting a pot, because neither of them took the time to figure out of the device worked. When he turned to face his parents and leaned back against the counter, he noticed they were staring at him.

“What?”

His mom spluttered but no actual words escaped. She was pointing at his neck.

Cameron smiled and turned toward the maker when he heard three beeps. The coffee had finished brewing. He poured three cups and slid two across the counter before he turned to grab the cream from the fridge and snagging the sugar bowl from the corner.

He watched as his parents doctored their coffee, but he leaned back in the same spot and sipped his black. Taking a glance at the clock, he turned back to his parents.

“Why do you guys like the red-eye? There are normal times you can land, you know?”

They continued to stare at him, not answering his question and their eyes darting from his neck back to his eyes. Cameron knew Rylan had marked him last night, but instead of being embarrassed by it, he loved that Rylan claimed him. He said nothing, but he turned toward the refrigerator and pulled out the veggies, eggs, and milk for the omelets he planned to make for breakfast.

“Hungry?”

“Yes.”