Page 14 of Hard Rock Sin

I'd grown up as a child under my brother's watchful eye.

I'd spent my teen years at a strict boarding school.

I'd spent the last six months at a secluded artists' retreat, in the middle of rural France. My only company had been eight other women, all in their mid-thirties or older, who treated me like their own daughter.

Up until a few days ago, I couldn't have told you the last time someone looked at me like an adult.

Until I'd walked in on Cameron having sex and he'd invited me to join in. Until he'd put his arm around me and called me hot and sexy. Until his eyes had met mine and glinted with a simmering heat.

Every morning I woke up to thoughts of that look, wondering when I'd see it again. If I would see it again.

But it had been days since I'd moved into Cameron's home and I'd only seen him once, on the day I arrived. Noah and Jen came with me. Cameron greeted us at the door. He had only been wearing jeans and a t-shirt, no eyeliner or leather pants. The sight of him was still enough to make my insides flutter madly.

Cameron took us to the third floor and let me have my pick of bedrooms. After investigating a few rooms, I found one with a comfy padded bench beneath a window, the perfect reading nook. It also had a vanity that could double as a desk. The decor was white and light purple, with throw rugs and a four-poster canopy bed.

"It's like I'm a Disney princess," I joked.

"Cameron's certainly no prince," Noah muttered under his breath.

Jen nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. "Behave."

The two of them left me to unpack.

"Just remember what I told you," Noah hissed to Cameron he left the room.

"What did he tell you?" I asked when Noah and Jen left.

"You know, the usual. I touch you, I die."

But despite Cameron's flippant response, he looked perturbed.

"What else did he say?"

Cameron stopped in the doorway, a strange look on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but paused, as if he were thinking better of it.

"Nothing. See you around," was all he said before walking out of the bedroom and shutting the door behind him.

That was the last I'd seen of Cameron Thorne.

Half the time I wondered if he was avoiding me. The other half told myself I was being silly. The mansion was huge. I practically did have the entire floor to myself. Cameron stuck to his side of the place, with no reason to come over to my side. He might not even have had a reason to step foot in the same floor as me at all.

That meant I had to learn my way around by myself. I hoped Cameron didn't mind me snooping, but at the very least I had to find the kitchen so I didn't starve.

For all that Noah said Cameron lived off pizza and beer, the kitchen was fully stocked. The fridge was overflowing with fruits and vegetables and the cupboards were filled with non-perishable goods. Cameron also owned every kitchen appliance and cooking utensil known to man. Most were sparkling clean, looking brand new. I had to wonder if he'd ever used even a single one of those fancy gadgets.

I'd been living in Cameron's home for a week when I finally encountered him.

I was in the kitchen putting together a sandwich. One day I would brave the daunting kitchen and try out something more adventurous, but for now I stuck to simple foods and easy recipes.

My back was turned as I sliced thin pieces of cucumbers to wedge between ham and cheese.

"Oh. Hey," came a voice from behind me.

I jumped a foot in the air and shrieked. Whirling around, I clutched the knife in a tight grip, brandishing it.

"Shit, sorry!" Cameron said, holding his hands out as if giving me a peace offering. "I didn't mean to scare you."

My heart thumped rapidly in my chest, adrenaline still flowing through me. I lowered the knife in trembling hands.