What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 4)

by Selena Kitt

  I hesitate too long and Tristan finishes my unspoken thought. “You’re not used to someone else caring about you, are you?”

  Emotions well up in me so strong I don’t trust myself to answer, so I nod. He comes around the bed to me and wraps me in his arms. His embrace is warm and comforting. Tears prick my eyes, but I don’t want him to see me cry again, not over something as trivial as this.

  Growing up in the Enders household meant that you were left to your own devices. Parents that shipped you off to boarding schools on the other side of the world. Parents who died, leaving you to face the fact that they claimed to love you and wondering whether, in some strange way, they did.

  Wrapped in Tristan’s warm, protective embrace, I begin to hope that maybe I really can be loved and that I, too, can love in return.

  The revelation brings the tears to overwhelming thickness and they spill over. I’m pressed so tight to his naked chest that it takes only a matter of seconds for Tristan to realize that I’m crying.

  He tries to lift my chin to look at him. I fight it as best I can; I don’t want him to see me like this.

  “Cami, baby, please don’t cry. Why are you crying?”

  I sniffle a little bit, searching for the right words so that he will know how much I appreciate the gesture and what it means to me.

  I take a long, deep breath. And another. “I am very flattered, overwhelmingly so, that you would do something as sweet as getting me a massage because I’ve been stressed.” I take another deep breath. “Tristan, I’ve never had anyone that’s cared about me, put me before themselves, or even took the time to listen. The idea that you want to do all of that is so overwhelming that I’m not sure how to handle it. I was mistreated by my parents for my entire life, and when they were gone I was relieved and then mocked by their willingness on their deaths to attempt to prove that they loved me. Something I, to this day, cannot fathom.”

  He peels himself away from me and sits on the bed. I shiver at the loss of his warmth and comfort from my body. He looks up at me. His eyes are swimming with a need to convey something.

  He reaches out for my hand, and I take a step toward him to stand between his legs, looking into his smoldering blue eyes.

  He takes a deep breath and… “Sweetie, I am deeply sorry that your parents were not what they should have been. You are a bright, brilliant, beautiful, strong woman, and your parents are the ones that realized far too late what a gem you really are. I will always do my best to put your needs before myself and before anything to do with me. The massage is because of all the stress I know I have put you through these last few days with my own personal drama. It kills me that you had to get involved in all of this.”

  I open my mouth to protest, to tell him that I volunteered to help him and am doing it because I want to. But he holds up his hand to silence me.

  “Let me finish, love. I know that you came here last week to get away from all the drama in Phoenix and you met me. Something I hope is a good thing and not a damper on your vacation.”

  I shake my head. How can he think that? He’s the very best part of my vacation.

  “Then I bring my life down on you at blinding speed. I’m beyond grateful” –he brings his other hand to his chest, over his heart—“that I met you, and I wouldn’t change anything about this week, except…” He pauses just long enough to catch his breath. “Except that I would not have had all the drama of Layla to come along with me.

  “Cami, I need you to know that you are very important to me, and I want to see you well taken care of, no matter what the price. No matter what it takes.

  “So please, go. Enjoy your massage. Relax and unwind for a while. When you’re done we’ll have a late breakfast delivered and adjust so that we can have dinner with our friends tonight. I would take you to Caran or Blu, but I can’t go downstairs. There have been some new arrivals today.” Tension fills my body. “The hotel assures Tyson that their reservations were made long before the story, but some of the women have been overheard discussing the story and me.”

  I know that this is the part of his celebrity status he hates, and it’s easy to understand, especially now. He has to limit his own movements, and with that, mine.

  “They’re all in their early twenties. No doubt they know who I am, and I do not want to subject myself or you to the maddening fandom.”

  I place my finger to his lips to silence him. He’s starting to babble, and I already understand what he’s saying.

  “Tristan, you are who you are. I will go with you regardless. I will endure whatever public scrutiny you will be faced with as a result of your celebrity or this stupid story. All that said, I’m more than okay staying in the suite with you.”

  I lean in and place my lips on his. The now-familiar electricity zings between us.

  Our recent post-shower escapade has left me sated and somewhat exhausted, and the massage is sounding better and better. I’m tense for obvious reasons, but I’m also sore because the man I’m kissing is nothing short of an animal in bed.

  When the kiss ends, Tristan says, “That doesn’t stop me from wanting to protect you, but your words are nice just the same. I’ll do my best to remember, but please don’t get angry with me if I forget.”

  “Fair enough,” I say, and I kiss him chastely again and reach for my robe.

  Tristan finishes dressing in a t-shirt and khaki shorts, sans underwear. Yeah, ’cause I need the reminder that he’s wearing nothing under the shorts. My sex warms. Will I ever get enough of this man? The answer between my legs is no, no I won’t.

  Chapter Thirty

  Tristan

  Hearing commotion inside the suite, Cami and I head out of the bedroom to find Tyson, Mike, Sasha, and Leroy standing in the sitting room. Cami’s gaze quickly meets mine, confusion in her eyes.

  “I told Tyson on Monday that we would need a female bodyguard here for you and your friends. She blends in nicely so that when you ladies desire some unaccompanied shopping this weekend, you can take her with you.”

  I’ve been expecting her to be angry, but instead her eyes widen slightly in fear, the reality of the situation crashing down on her in a rush. Then her expression goes from fear to adoration in a nanosecond.

  “Thank you,” she breathes.

  “I just want to know you’re safe. After those calls yesterday I really feel it’s necessary to ensure you guys don’t have any issues when you’re away from Tyson or myself.”

  She just nods, and I proceed with the introductions.

  “Cami, this is Mike.” I point to the shorter and stouter of the two men.

  She reaches out to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you,” she says.

  Then I point to Leroy. Don’t let the name fool you, the man is a beast. Standing at six feet, seven inches, he looks a lot like a body builder. He reminds me of Shaq or Michael Clark Duncan.

  “This is Leroy.”

  Cami’s eyes widen slightly at the sight of him, but she says, “Pleasure to meet you,” and reaches out to shake his hand.

  I have to stifle a laugh at her pale skin against Leroy’s dark skin and the fact that his hand is about as big as her head. When Leroy lets the handshake linger a little longer than necessary, I grow a little uncomfortable. She doesn’t seem to notice that he’s hanging on a little too long, and that warms my heart. I hope I don’t ever have a reason to show my jealous side to Cami.

  She turns next to Sasha. Sasha has a gymnast’s body: broad shoulders and hips, toned to perfection, and silent muscles that you really can’t see, but no doubt if she flexed you would be immediately intimidated. She has a very butch style haircut that has me wondering about her sexual orientation. All in all she is not unattractive.

  “And this is Sasha.” I say.

  “Yes, Sir.” I frown. She extends her hand and Cami takes it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She has one of those ultra-raspy, I’ve-smoked-too-many-cigarettes-in-my-life voices. It’s strangely a bit sexy.

  �
�Likewise.” Cami’s accent comes out on the word and I feel sensations deep down, tugging at the already present erection. Walking around with a hard-on is something I’m getting used to. Cami just has this effect on me.

  “Since Mike, Sasha, and Leroy have arrived, why don’t you fill me in on what you’ve found out about the new guests?” I say.

  Tyson glances briefly at Cami, and I give him a tiny warning glance. We had discussed this earlier while Cami was sleeping. Anything Tyson has to say regarding Cami’s or my safety is to be discussed in front of her without hesitation.

  Tyson nods almost imperceptibly and says, “Six women, all in their early to mid-twenties. There’s no indication that they know Tristan is here.”

  Sasha adds, “We spoke with the manager on the way in. He informed me that the reservations were made early Tuesday morning, but we confirmed that their flight into Tahiti was purchased several months ago. Their reservations are good through Saturday morning, and they have requested transportation back to Tahiti at eleven that morning.”

  “Sounds like they just decided they wanted a weekend getaway in a place a little more remote than Tahiti.” Cami is ever thinking and countering. This is why I want her to know all of what is going on. She adds some pretty good insight to a situation.

  Mike is next to speak. “I ran through the names on the guest list. None of them stand out as photographers or reporters.”

  “They’re out on the beach now,” Tyson adds. “You can see them from the balcony if want a look for yourself.”

  “No, thanks.” I have no desire and no need.

  “Speaking of balcony.” She turns to the three bodyguards. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m sure I’ll see you guys later.” Then she turns to me. Reaches up on her tiptoes. I lean in to shorten the distance, fighting a smile. “Thank you,” she whispers and kisses me. A chaste, appreciative kiss.

  She turns on her heel and heads to the open doors. I watch her walk away until she turns to climb onto the massage table.

  Turning to Tyson, I say, “Are our guests on schedule?”

  “Yeah. Logistics are all taken care of. ETA is around ten thirty tonight. We’ve set them up downstairs in Cami’s other suite. With the two bedrooms and pullout couch, I think they’ll be comfortable.”

  I look to the trio and they all nod. I look back at Tyson. “Thank you, Ty.” I smile, feeling true appreciation for all he has done. “Anything else?”

  Tyson clears his throat. “Trinity was looking for Cami earlier. She said it was important, but not an emergency. I told her I’d have Cami get in touch when she got up.”

  “It is probably time that I checked my email, huh?”

  Tyson nods. “That might not be a bad idea. You have been MIA for a week now. Well, not completely MIA, but you know what I mean.”

  I laugh. Yeah, I guess I do.

  To the three new bodyguards I say, “I do my best not to be demanding. You all know what your job entails. Sasha, I have you here more for this weekend. I have no doubt that Cami will want to go shopping or even hang out at the beach. I would just like you to be here in case anything comes up.”

  I don’t feel her presence is truly necessary, but I have a feeling that once we get to our destination on Friday morning, the press is going to be quick to find me.

  “Yes, sir!” she acknowledges.

  I roll my eyes. “Please do not call me ‘sir.’ I am not old enough to carry that label with any dignity. Tristan, Trey, or T will suffice.”

  “I’m sorry s—Tristan.”

  I smile. “Thank you. If any of you need anything, please see Tyson. He knows what my guidelines are and what I expect from you all. If it’s not within his jurisdiction he’ll discuss it with me. Fair enough?”

  They all nod. Then Leroy pipes up. I can’t be sure, but I think he might be blushing. “I am just wondering if…if I…could ask…”

  I know the routine well enough to know what he’s after. I smile, maybe even laugh a bit. “Is it for you, Leroy?”

  Yup, he’s definitely blushing.

  He shakes his head. “No, my niece. She gave me a list of all the people whose autographs she wants provided I get to meet any of them. You’re the first on her list.”

  “I’ll take care of it for you. I think I have a few publicity stills around here somewhere.”

  “Thank you, Tristan.” I notice he’s careful not to address me as ‘sir.’

  I look over at Tyson, who’s trying hard not to fall over with laughter. I understand why. I’m having a hard time fighting it myself.

  “What?” Leroy asks, a little embarrassed still.

  I laugh, unable to hold it in any longer. “You should have seen your face.”

  “Yeah, yeah. All right, you two, very funny. It’s embarrassing, but I love my niece so I had to ask.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Cami

  As Alana works her fingers deep into the muscles of my back, my mind keeps wandering back to Tristan’s steamy sexiness. The way his body moves, the way he embraces me, kisses me…

  Dammit Cami, stop that. Think about something else. Something not hot. Like Bold. That’s about as not hot as it comes.

  It’s a short leap from thinking about Tristan to wondering whether my sudden interest in taking a more active role in the company is due to my relationship with him.

  The question lingers in my brain. No, it’s not entirely due to my relationship with Tristan. It has more to do with the fact that I’m about to turn twenty-five and I need to find something to do with my time. Do I have to work? Absolutely not. But do I want to work? Yeah, I think I kind of do.

  These last few days have been highly enjoyable on a professional front. They’ve shown me not only that I could be really good at this, but that I might even find it fun. I’m excited about New York, and I think I’m more excited about helping Tristan do what he does best than I am about walking a red carpet on the arm of America’s hottest, sexiest man in Hollywood.

  I also know now that I can do what I need to do with the business without being tied to L.A. At least that’s something. I detest L.A. and refuse to live there. Bold owns its own plane that would be at my disposal whenever I needed it, which would make traveling much easier.

  Even so, I’m not ready to make a final decision just yet. At least not about stepping into the CEO role. But I do want to be more involved in the business. I have no doubt that Tristan will support whatever decision I make.

  It’s that thought that leads me to finally take a minute to break down the feelings that are blossoming. Feelings that I would have never believed possible until last Friday are growing deep quickly. Every time I see him, my heart skips a beat and excitement pools down in my belly.

  And the sex is utterly amazing. I have never felt more worshipped than I do when Tristan and I are tangled up in the sheets. Or the pool. Or the shower.

  I squirm slightly at the memories and then remember that it’s Alana’s hands all over my back. Must settle down.

  Am I falling in love with Tristan? Absolutely. Of this I have no doubt. The way he looks at me tells me that he too is beginning to feel the same way.

  At least, this is what I think some of the looks he’s giving me mean. I’m terrified to ask him. What if I’m misinterpreting his looks, his actions? Is it possible we could part ways next week and he’d never give me a second thought?

  The idea causes me to tense up again. Alana notices and the pressure of her fingers increases. This massage is getting to the point of painful.

  My body’s reaction to the idea of losing Tristan tells me that I’m falling head over heels in love with him. With this revelation my heart swells and warm sensations fill my body. I’ve never really allowed myself to feel what it’s like to love someone. I’ll need to keep my emotions in check until I know, truly know, that he’s on the same page.

  Plus, I can’t be the first one to say it.

  I see Tyson come out on the balcony and light up a cigarette.
I’ve never seen him smoke before. He’s either really good a hiding it, or it’s a stress-related habit. I know mine comes from boredom and stress.

  “Hi, Ty!”

  “Cami, you all right?” He actually looks a little concerned.

  “Perfect, you?”

  He shrugs. “I think so. I’m a little worried about our guests tonight. Worried someone will recognize Travis and follow him to the island. Or that someone will uncover Tristan’s location.” He pauses as if not sure whether to say more. “Actually, I’m pretty nervous about meeting Jolene, too.” He blushes and I smile. It’s pretty cute to see a man as big and brawny as Tyson blush. He takes a drag and continues, “Tristan told me he’s seen her picture. He’s pretty sure that I’ll like her, so I guess that gives me some hope.” He’s still blushing.

  “Well, as far as Travis being followed, the only thing we’ll need to worry about is whether the hotel name is on the helicopter from Tahiti to Tarah, and from my understanding it’s not. And I don’t know how anyone would discover Tristan’s location after all the trouble you’ve gone to.” He smiles at that. “As for Jolene, she’s a beautiful blond woman with big, beautiful green eyes. She’s tall, too. Could pass for a Rockette. So on that note, thou shall not worry.” I giggle as his smile grows wider.

  “I do love the blonds,” he says, teasing.

  “Good thing I am not a blond then, huh?” I tease him back.

  Alana finishes her massage. “Do you need anything else, Ms. Cami?”

  “No. Thank you, Alana. I feel wonderful.” Despite her added pressure to get me to relax, I actually feel like jelly pooled on the table.

  “It was my pleasure. Please call again.” She bows and leaves the balcony without a backwards glance.

  “Ty, can you turn around, please?” I ask. He obliges quickly and I pull my robe back on.

  “Can I have one of those?” I point to the pack of cigarettes in Tyson’s hand.