Page 22 of Beyond the Cage

A huge hand slides to my stomach, and soft lips place light kisses on my shoulder. Definitely not Chels. I lean into the warmth snuggled against my back then turn over, wanting more. Throwing my arm around him, I burrow closer. I could get used to this. The moment I get comfortable, he taps my shoulder.

“What?” I whine, dragging out the word.

Forcing my eyes open, I switch on the lamp on the nightstand. By the time I turn back to him, he’s standing by the bed.

“Come back to bed.”

He doesn’t move, only glancing at the door.

“Why are you leaving?”

He gestures toward me.

“Me? What did I do?”

Making the same gesture, he urges me to look down. I do, and realize I’m in my bra and leggings. I forgot all about my half-naked state.

“I’ll put something on. Don’t leave…please,” I beg. I just want to curl up in his arms and go back to sleep, but there’s a tortured expression on his face.

He’s obviously trying to get out of an uncomfortable situation and I’m forcing him to choose between that and pleasing me. It’s not fair.

“Okay,” I acquiesce. “I’ll walk you out.”

We go through what has become our routine – he kisses my forehead and disappears. With a sigh, I return to my room. There’s no way I’m falling asleep now, so I might as well get some studying done. I know I’m smart, but if I’m going to get into the med school of my choice, I need near perfect scores.

At seven, I decide to make breakfast. Chels walks in as I’m pouring the coffee.

“Where is he?” She glances around, then leans forward and whispers, “How was it? You obviously worked up an appetite.”

We sit around the island like we usually do, and talk while we eat.

“Nothing happened,” I state.

“I was wondering why it was so quiet.”

“He left earlier. Last night, I asked him about his childhood and he got kinda upset.”

“Mommy issues?”

“I have no idea, but I’m not gonna push it. If he wants me to know, then I will.”

After breakfast, we go our separate ways. Throughout the day, I keep thinking back to Cameron’s reaction. I can’t shake the feeling that something horrible happened to him as a child, and it stays with me, even during dinner with Chels. She doesn’t push the issue, and tries to direct our conversation away from him as much as possible. After our meal, we head back to our apartment.

“When did we get a security guard?” Chels asks as we approach the door.

I glance up from searching for my keys and find Cameron’s henchman waiting patiently.

“Jared, right?” I address my question to him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Ma’am? Jasmine, please.” He nods, reminding me of his boss. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m here to pick you up. Don’t tell me –”

“No, he didn’t. But don’t worry.” I put him at ease. “You mind if I shower first?”

He breathes a sigh of relief.