The Terms 2

by Ruby Rowe

  Nodding, Greyson grabs his drink and downs it.

  “That, I agree with. She’s beautiful and stands out since she doesn’t look or act like the snooty bitches in our circle.”

  “Exactly. Camilla didn’t come from money. She still wears some of her old clothes and hates that Irene waits on her. She wouldn’t have a nanny care for Liam if I didn’t insist. Hell, she doesn’t even get manicures. Her down-to-earth nature makes me want to give her everything.”

  “But you can’t shake that she’s hiding something.” Glancing away, I take another drink. I can’t look him in the eye and say I don’t trust Camilla. It feels wrong. “Look, just point-blank ask her if you’ve met before.”

  “I did at the funeral home.”

  “Ask again. You two are closer now, so if it’s true, maybe she’ll admit it. If she’s adamant you didn’t meet until recently, you can move on and chalk it up as paranoia caused by Sasha’s dick of a boyfriend. I should say ex-boyfriend. Speaking of which, how is Camilla’s sister doing?”

  “She’s angry at us for putting her in rehab. I don’t know if it will work out or not.”

  “It’s only been a couple of weeks. That behavior is to be expected, but if she’s not more receptive to treatment soon, I could go see her. Maybe it would help.”

  “Why would you do that? You barely know her.”

  He smiles. “She’s Liam Burke’s aunt. That makes her important to me.”

  Liam Burke…

  “I want Liam’s last name changed, but I’m trying to exercise patience with my demands–I mean requests.”

  Greyson’s smile spreads wide like the Hoover Dam.

  “Demands … interesting. You know, I overheard you on the phone that night we went to Camilla’s apartment. You mentioned a playroom. Care to elaborate?”

  “It’s private.” I swallow the last of my drink, and our server is at our table in seconds. I cover the glass with my hand and shake my head. One is my limit. I won’t tell Greyson, but I can already feel the damn drink.

  “I shouldn’t be surprised you’re into kink; the quiet ones are always the freakiest.”

  I roll my eyes. “OK, so I’m into BDSM, but out of respect for Camilla, I’m not going to discuss the details.”

  “Damn. You’ve been full of surprises since Tony passed.” Greyson’s smile falls away. “I miss the arrogant bastard. He was the life of the party. I guess there’ll be less drama at family gatherings now.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it.”

  His grin returns full-scale. “Oh, right. You’re going to lie to your family and announce that you have a kid. When is that happening, by the way? It’s paining me to keep this secret.”

  “I’m thinking I’ll spring it on them at the benefit gala they’re hosting this weekend. They won’t have the privacy or time to interrogate me until after they’ve processed the news.”

  “Please make sure I’m at the table when that happens.” His eyes are round, exuding excitement. While I may take life a little too seriously, Greyson doesn’t enough.

  He’s avoiding what he believes is the inevitable: a wedding with Whitney Peterson. Their marriage was arranged once they were teenagers, and although he did love her then, he doesn’t any longer. He feels trapped, but only he can change that.

  He’ll have to fight for what he desires, like I’m finally doing. The problem is, Greyson doesn’t know who or what he wants, and he’s running out of time.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Ellis

  “Good morning,” Camilla says at my office door.

  “Hi.” Rubbing my eyes, I lean back in my chair.

  “Did you even go to bed last night?” She frowns and steps closer.

  “Yes, about midnight, but then I woke up at four and couldn’t go back to sleep, so I figured I’d work while the house was quiet.”

  “I thought I’d pop in and say hi before I left for my doctor’s appointment. Irene is going to keep an eye on Liam until Emma gets here. I’m crossing my fingers that everything goes smoothly this time and I get my pills.”

  I glance to the clock. “Mitch is supposed to be here in ten minutes to ride with you.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Is that still necessary?”

  “Don’t roll your eyes at me, and yes, it’s necessary. Christopher thinks Tony’s death was due to his dealings with foreign intelligence.

  “If so, then you shouldn’t be out alone. I used my connections and formed the best security team. Mitch was a Delta Force operator, so he’ll keep you safe.”

  Strolling around my desk, she leans over and kisses my cheek. I use the opportunity to take hold of her and give her a passionate kiss; it’s one that conveys my desire for her and the need to keep her safe.

  “OK, he can ride along. Thank you for looking out for me.”

  “You’re welcome, and I always will.”

  Once Camilla leaves, I yawn and attempt to reengage in work but it’s difficult. I’m tired after waking up early from a dream I had about a party I went to at Tony’s house four or so years ago. I assume drinking last night with Greyson caused me to have the dream.

  Attending my brother’s party is why I seldom consume alcohol. I got drunk on only a few beers, and then I pulled a Greyson and added a bottle of champagne to the mix without any recollection.

  I woke up the next morning in a spare bedroom, remembering little from the night before, and I’d never felt so hung over in all my life. I couldn’t shake it for a couple of days. I only remembered the champagne since an empty bottle and glass were on the nightstand.

  I believe I awoke from the dream this morning because of the lady in red. The one I frequently have of her merged with the one of me at Tony’s party. Somehow, she was in the spare bed with me.

  I need to get Camilla back to our hideaway. Time with her in the playroom stopped me from having the unsettling dreams. I have to regain my control again.

  Camilla

  Arriving home from my doctor’s appointment, I go straight up the stairs. I bypass Ellis’s office and resist the urge to stop at Liam’s room when I hear him giggling with Emma.

  Once in my bedroom, I set my purse on a chair and pull out the pharmacy bag with my birth control pills inside. I take them into the bathroom and put them in a drawer where Liam shouldn’t find them. My little one…

  Being at the gynecologist’s office stirred up emotions I’ve so far managed to stuff. My doctor is an obstetrician, as well, so being in the company of pregnant women in the lobby was a reminder of my time carrying Liam in my belly.

  Feeling weak, I shift around and lean back against the vanity. I lower my head and weep.

  I was also reminded of how Ellis missed over three years of his son’s life. The thing is, even if I’d suspected Ellis was the father, I wouldn’t have changed a thing all those years because before I knew him and recalled everything about the night we spent together, I believed he was a dangerous human being.

  One to be feared. A man capable of selling top-secret government information to the Chinese that could cripple our country.

  When I agreed to assist Tony, I felt like I was the hero’s lover in a spy movie, helping to save the day. It seemed right at the time.

  I would distract Ellis while Tony went to his house, broke into his safe and stole pertinent information before it ended up in the wrong hands. In exchange for that, I would please the man I was in love with and receive twenty-five thousand dollars to pay for a longer rehab stay for Sasha.

  I was so foolish. I can’t believe I fell for Tony’s bullshit. I thought doing what he asked of me would lead to a commitment from him, but instead, I woke up the next morning feeling more disposable and used than I ever had.

  Sucking in a breath, I grab a tissue to wipe my eyes. There’s a knock on my bathroom door that causes me to jump.

  “Who is it?”

  “It’s me,” Ellis says. “Are you OK?”

  “Uh, yeah. I was going to take a quick shower and then come f
ind you.”

  “OK...”

  I cover my pounding heart as if my hand could quiet it. I fear the second Ellis gets a good look at me, he’ll see the truth. He’ll discover my secret.

  ***

  After I shower, I put my hair into a neater bun and dress in jeans and a teal sweatshirt. I sit on a bench in my walk-in closet and put on my tennis shoes.

  I need fresh air and time with Liam. I have to clear my head and decide when it’s best to tell Ellis my news. Will he kick me out? Will he break his promise and take Liam from me? Will he tell Greyson not to pay Sasha’s rehab bills?

  All my life, I’ve done what was needed to protect myself and my family. As important as it is for him to know the truth, I feel incapable of stepping out of my survival mode.

  Liam, along with the opportunity to raise him, must come before everything else, but Ellis is quickly moving up the priority list. His heart is special to me, and I don’t want to break it. I can’t win no matter what decision I choose.

  Shaking off my frustration and fear, I grab my purse and walk to Liam’s room.

  “Momma!” he exclaims before he practically falls from the chair at his desk, trying to get out of it. He brings me the workbook in his hand and holds it up.

  “Emma showed me how to make numbers.” Grinning with pride, he points to the page so I can see his handwriting. “I drew this many.” He holds up five fingers.

  “I see. You did a great job.”

  “I want to show Boss.” He slurs his letter S, and it sounds adorable.

  “OK. We’ll go find him in a minute.” I point at the desk. “Pick up your pencils and crayons while I talk to Emma.” He skips away but adds a huff of irritation.

  “He’s doing really well for his age, but I have noticed he squints often and has to look back at my examples more times than he probably should while he’s writing.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “Um, I wonder if he could be having trouble seeing.”

  “Oh … OK. No one in my family has vision problems, so I’m not sure how to handle this at his age. I guess I’ll call his pediatrician and see if there’s an ophthalmologist they recommend. How long have you been in glasses?”

  She pushes the black frames up her nose.

  “Since I was about ten. I remember struggling to read things before that. I’d squint and lean forward a lot, and I’ve noticed the same habits with Liam. It seems like he has trouble seeing far away, so he holds everything close.”

  I think about his everyday activities, trying to recall if he’s ever shown those signs, but I’m too stressed to focus.

  “I came to tell you that you can leave for the day. I’m packing a picnic for Liam and myself, and then we’re heading to the park. I mean, you’re welcome to join us, but I thought you might prefer to start your weekend early.”

  Liam’s head whips my way. “We’re going to the park?”

  “Yep. In just a little while.”

  Emma grins. “You really wouldn’t mind if I leave?”

  “I insist. I feel like I’m spending less time with Liam now that I have so much help with his care. I miss the little one.”

  “I’m not little; I’m big now.” He scowls as he stares down at his crayon box, trying to push a blue one into its slot. He pulls the box up near his face, and I witness what Emma was talking about.

  Only when he lifts it close to his eyes can he put the crayon inside. I feel terrible for not noticing before. Emma has barely been in his life and already picked up on his poor vision. At least, it appears she could be right in her observation.

  “If you’re sure, then I’ll take off.” Strolling back to Liam, Emma holds out her fist. “See you later, Mikey.”

  He gives her a fist bump and grins. “Bye, Em.” After she leaves, I find a jacket in his closet, and we walk to Ellis’s office. Liam’s holding his preschool workbook, eager to show him how he traced the numbers.

  I remind him to tap on Ellis’s office door instead of barging in, and I can tell the simple act makes him feel older.

  “Come in.” Ellis hardly gets the last syllable out before Liam pushes through the door and runs to his desk. “Boss, look what I did.”

  It’s as if Ellis’s tired eyes refresh in seconds. They widen like his grin before he lifts Liam up and sets him on his lap.

  “Let me see what you’re working on here. Numbers…” His eyes examine the page. “Good work, kid. Next week, a new friend is coming over. He’s going to teach you how to speak another language … Italian.”

  Ellis looks over at me. “I wouldn’t normally suggest starting with Italian, but seeing how he has it in his blood, I think we should give it a try. I also think he needs an evaluation by a speech therapist. Shouldn’t he be pronouncing some of his letters more clearly?”

  “Are you saying I should’ve noticed he needs speech therapy?”

  He gives me a puzzled look. “I didn’t say that, nor was I implying such a thing. I’m not even sure he needs it.”

  I exhale my frustration. “I’m sorry. Emma suggested Liam get his vision checked, so when you said he needed his speech evaluated, it made me feel like a bad mother.” Tears wash over my irises.

  “Momma, you’re not bad.”

  “No, she’s not. She’s an awesome mother.”

  Squirming his way out of Ellis’s lap, Liam runs over to me and wraps his arms around my legs. “Mother, you’re awesome.”

  Ellis leans his head back in laughter, and I can’t hide my smile.

  “So, I’m mother now, huh?”

  Giggling, Liam turns back to face him.

  “Wanna come with us to the park?”

  “Isn’t it almost lunch time?”

  “We’re going to have a picnic at the park,” I say. “You can join us if you’d like.” I yearn for time alone with Liam, but I would never exclude Ellis. He glances to his watch and grumbles.

  “I wish I could, but I have a conference call at one.” He finds his smile for Liam. “I’ll go to the park next time. OK, Mikey?”

  “OK. Can we go now, Mother? Can we?” He jumps up and down.

  “It’s Momma, and yes we can go.”

  “Take Mitch to the park with you, too, and tonight we can discuss what a great mother you are.”

  Smiling, I try to convey through my gaze the affection I hold for him. He surprises me more every day.

  “We’ll talk tonight.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Camilla

  We’re at City Park, about a mile east of downtown Denver. I shield my eyes from the sun as Liam goes down the green slide. He hops to his feet, stomping the brown mulch below.

  “Momma, I wanna do it again, but all by myself.”

  “Sure, but I’m going to stand next to the ladder as you climb it.” I watch as he carefully takes the steps to the wooden platform that leads him to the slide.

  Once he’s at the top, I recall we’re not alone and glance to the tree close by that Mitch is leaning against. His arms are crossed, and he’s eyeballing the area intently. Remembering Liam, I rush around to the front to watch him slide down.

  “I’m gonna do it again by myself.” He grins up at me but quickly looks to the ground because of the sun blinding his eyes.

  “One more time, and then we’re having our picnic.” He’s a little braver this time as he climbs the steps. He grabs a glimpse at me over his shoulder and gives a serious look.

  “I have to be carefawl 'cause Boss isn’t here to catch me.”

  “Yes, that’s right, so look up at the steps.” He slides for the tenth time before I take his hand and walk toward Mitch, where the picnic basket and blanket are resting next to his feet.

  As we approach him, he uncrosses his arms and stands straight. His golden-blond hair couldn’t get any shorter, yet he runs a hand over it, anyway.

  “Is he worn out yet?” he asks. The earthy tones in his hazel eyes blend in with the scenery, and much like the trees, he’s tall and stout.


  “Not in the least, but I insisted on a break.” Picking up the tan blanket, I spread it out and set the picnic basket on top of it. Liam drops to his knees, panting.

  “I’m thirrssttyy.” I open the wicker basket Irene loaned me and pull out a bottled water that’s still cool from the ice pack it was pressed against.

  “Here you go.” Picking up another, I hold it out to Mitch. “I brought one for you, too, and a sandwich.”

  He holds a hand up like he’s stopping me.

  “No, thank you.”

  “Please ... at least drink a water.” Cracking a faint smile, he takes the plastic bottle from me.

  “Thanks.” I dig in the basket again to find our turkey sandwiches.

  “Chris!” Liam exclaims. I look up, and Christopher is walking toward us, flaunting a grin. Mitch repositions his body to where we’re directly behind him. Once Chris is closer and he recognizes him, his shoulders relax and he steps aside.

  “Hi, Mitch.”

  “Hi,” he replies in a protective tone.

  “I came to see Camilla and my favorite buddy.” Mitch watches his every move as Chris steps on the blanket. His hands are shoved in the pockets of his khakis.

  “Is everything OK?” I ask.

  “Irene told me where you were going, so since I had some errands to run, I thought I’d stop by.”

  “I went down the slide this many times.” Liam holds both hands up and spreads his fingers open.

  “Wow, I wish I’d seen that,” Chris replies.

  “Have you had lunch yet?” I ask.

  “No.”

  “Then sit. I have an extra turkey sandwich.” Christopher takes a seat on the blanket, and I hand him a sandwich and a bottled water.

  Fishing out a container of grapes and carrot sticks, I open it and rest it between the three of us. It’s awkward having Mitch stand guard, but I’m not sure what I could do about it.