Page 24 of Vain

He’s silent for a beat before he cracks up laughing.

Chapter Eleven

AIDEN

After another long day at the studio, we came back to dinner as per usual but we went to our own beds after that. I wanted her beside me, but I also wanted her to come to me, not give in because I forced the issue. A cold bed and a hasty hand job were the best I could offer myself. Until I fell asleep and had the most erotic dream I’ve ever had. And that’s including the ones I had of Mrs. Sanderson, my old biology teacher, in those tight-ass skirts she used to wear.

The sound of my cell ringing pulls me from the dream, much to my annoyance. I fumble for it without looking to see who it is. For someone to call this early, it must be important.

“Hello.”

“Don’t freak out.”

I open my eyes and sit up. “Arlo?”

“Yeah, look, there’s been a shitload of crap going down since you’ve been gone.”

“Why the fuck didn’t anyone tell me?”

“Because you’re where you’re supposed to be.”

I take a deep breath and climb out of bed. As much as I want to dispute his statement, I can’t. Tilly needs me, and right now, that trumps everything.

“You still should have told me.”

“Well, I’m telling you now. Don’t get your fucking panties in a twist. Now listen before you lose your shit. There’s been an explosion. Kellen got hurt.”

“WHAT?”

“What did I just fucking say?”

I move to the closet and grab some clean clothes, putting the speakerphone on so I can get dressed.

“Is he okay? What happened?”

He gives me the rundown of what’s been happening while I’ve been gone.

“So let me get this straight…Callie got kidnapped and flown to Vegas for a wedding to a psycho, where she was beaten black and blue before being rescued by some random bikers. And if that wasn’t enough, the psycho also blew up our offices, injuring Kellen, Callie’s mom, and a couple of cops?”

“Yeah, that’s about it.”

I snarl as I yank on a pair of jeans. “I’m heading back.”

“Good, because we’re still in Vegas. We want someone with Kellen.”

“Consider it done.”

I hang up and finish getting dressed before I grab the shit I’ll need and head out into the hallway. I hesitate. I could get Daniel to watch Tilly for me temporarily, plus she has Marley and Greyson with her. But the thought of leaving her here without me watching her makes my chest pull tight.

“Fuck it.” I jog up to her room and bang on the door. I don’t think she’ll be impressed if I kick another one down.

It takes a few minutes, and then Tilly’s standing there half asleep, looking adorably confused.

“Aiden? What’s wrong?”

Realizing she’s only wearing a tank top and panties and showing a lot of skin, she tries to cover herself, but I step forward and slide my hand into her hair, holding her in place.

“Never hide yourself from me. I could sit and look at you all day and never get bored.”