Sylvan followed her to her office and looked around when Camilla handed her the paperwork. “Is there somewhere I could sit to fill this out? I’d like to turn it in right away.”
“Sure, if you don’t mind a little dust.”
Camilla set a folding chair up outside her office doorway, and Sylvan assured her that was all she needed. Ace and Kemp touched base with her about the security system progress before heading home. Jack came by with a change for her to approve and to check in with his workmen before they went home. Twenty minutes later, Sylvan turned in the neatly penned application, and Camilla walked her to the front door to unlock it and let her out.
Safety conscious because the parking lot still needed work and Sylvan was alone, Camilla waited until she got in her car and started it before she closed the front door and bolted it.
Quiet surrounded her as the dust settled from the workday. With all the subcontractors gone, she walked around the building, having a look at the progress. The area where the restaurant would be was enclosed already, with doorways accessing the nightclub at the front and in the rear of the building. The work was still in the early stage, but she could envision how it would look eventually.
A door slammed at the rear of the building, and Camilla wondered if that was Spencer. The lights flickered off suddenly, leaving the cavernous interior in near pitch-black. The sun had already set outside, and the meager light filtering in through the entry wasn’t enough to light her way back to her office. She reached in her pocket for her phone to make use of the mini flashlight app on it and remembered leaving it on her desk. It was silent in the building, and she wondered again where Spencer was.
Okay, self-rescuing princess, find your way back to the office without injuring yourself and call him, why don’t you? This is going to give me another nightmare for sure.
Knowing that there was a worktable set up with a saw somewhere between where she stood and her office, she held out her hands and stepped slowly in that direction. Her breathing echoed eerily in the wide-open space, and she hesitated when the toe of her boot bumped against something solid to her right.
A scuffing sound came from the back corner, and she called out, “Hello?”
No answer. A cold chill raced up her spine, and she had the distinct feeling someone was watching her.
Her heart lurched. If there was someone she knew in there, they’d respond to her. All the workmen had known that she was still there, so they would’ve left the lights on for her.
She looked back toward the dim entryway and considered making her way back to it. She could leave through the front and go around to the rear of the building and simply turn the lights on from there.
But she’d feel silly if Spencer found her wandering around outside the building because she was afraid of the dark. Besides that, overprotective as they were, Ben and Quinten would be pissed that she’d gone outside the big, deserted building after dark. They’d seen signs that someone had been rifling through the Dumpsters outside the back doors, especially since construction had started, and they wouldn’t want her back there by herself.
She was expecting Ben and Quinten any minute to take her out to supper. Her car was parked in the front parking lot.
What are my options? Continue feeling around in the dark. Or get the hell out and wait in the car until the cavalry arrives.
Another scuffing sound, this time much closer, was followed by a thump, and Camilla made her decision.
They can tease me all they want, but my mama didn’t raise no fool!
She darted for the front entry, keeping her eyes on the barely discernible light still filtering in through the glass door, keys ready to unlock the dead bolt.
Some self-rescuing princess you are!
She yanked open the door, ready to hit the panic button on her vehicle remote if anyone ran after her, and screamed like a banshee when she collided with a rock-solid mountain. Realizing it was Spencer, she gestured to the front door.
“Someone is in there. They turned off all the lights, and I couldn’t see.”
On alert, Spencer rushed her to her car. “The last workman drove off ten minutes ago. I was outside checking things. Sorry I left you alone. Stay put. Start the car and drive away fast if anyone but me comes out that door.”
She did as he asked and was awed as she watched him turn and sprint back to the building. She wouldn’t have thought that someone so big could move so fast. Or suddenly look so lethal. He reached inside his black leather jacket and pulled a handgun from the back waistband of his jeans as he yanked open the door and disappeared inside.
How is he going to see? Damn! I should’ve given him my flashlight.
Feeling much safer knowing Spencer was with her, she grabbed the flashlight she’d placed in the glove box and ran back to the building. She switched it on as she jerked open the door and called out, “Spencer! Where are you?”
Relief flooded her when all the lights came back on, and she actually felt a little dizzy.
Camilla heard a muffled curse and then, sounding none too happy, Spencer called out, “I’m here, Cami! Wait up there by the door!”
Feeling a little foolish, she stood there waiting until she saw Spencer come through the stockroom doors.
“What happened?”
Spencer looked disgruntled as he replaced the gun at his waist and what she realized was a high-powered flashlight in his coat pocket. “The back door was hanging wide open. Either someone left it that way, or thieves were taking advantage of what they thought was a deserted construction site.”
“I heard a door slam closed in the back right after I let our visitor out the front door. I thought that it was you at first. Then all the lights went out.”
Spencer shook his head. “I was outside checking the perimeter of the building. The workmen all know to leave at least a few lights on in case you’re here or might come by.”
“What’s going on?” Ben asked, concern clear in his expression as he and Quinten came in the front door. “When we pulled into the parking lot, we saw you running to the building.”
Spencer and Camilla explained, and she could tell her men were not pleased when she mentioned the part about running back into the building to loan Spencer her flashlight. Spencer told them he needed to give the building one final sweep before they left for the evening.
Quinten gave her a significant look before glancing at Ben and said, “I’ll help.”
Ben walked her to her office to collect her belongings. She could hardly make eye contact with him because she knew he was upset.
“Are you mad at me?”
“A little. Yes. What were you thinking, running back into a potentially dangerous situation?”
“I didn’t realize Spencer had a flashlight. I thought he’d need it. I felt safe with him.”
“I’m glad, sugar. We want you to feel safe, but what if he’d been outnumbered? What did he tell you to do?”
Shit! She told him, and he faced her, hands braced on his hips, looking oh-so sexy…and pissed.
“What part of what you did was what he instructed you to do?”
She bit her lip. If she were standing in front of Joseph, this was the part where she knew she was about to get her booty whooped.
“I’m sorry.”
“We’re having a talk tonight and establishing some rules and guidelines for you.”
“What?” Part of her bristled at his tone and his high-handed attitude, but then her inner submissive rolled over and showed her belly.
“First, and most important. You are never to knowingly endanger yourself ever again.”
Well, I can’t argue with that one, now, can I? He sounds just like Joseph.
Ben looked at her squarely as she stood at her desk, and for a split second she thought she recognized that same steely “Dom” gaze that Joseph had used with her, only Ben created a storm of tension inside of her that had her nipples hardening and her pussy clenching.
What she’d done definitely qualified as k
nowingly endangering herself. She wondered if she’d earned a spanking. Hot moisture pooled in her cunt as that thought registered.
“Second. If one of the security guys, Quinten, or I give you instructions, you follow them to the letter. They’d never want you to endanger yourself like that.”
“You’re right.”
Her agreement seemed to assuage some of his indignation. “With everything else that’s happened to you lately, we can’t afford to just assume this was some vagrant wandering in.” He came to her and wrapped his arms around her. She pressed her nose against his chest and inhaled his masculine fragrance, wanting to draw some of his strength inside her, too. “Sugar, I can’t bear the thought of something happening to you. I worry when neither of us is with you, even though I know Spencer is perfectly capable of keeping you safe. If you won’t cooperate with what he tells you to do in a situation, then you might as well be out here all on your own. Unprotected.”
She knew what alone and unprotected felt like. “I understand.”
He lifted her phone from the stack of papers and held it up. “Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times. I’m so relieved Spencer was here.”
“Me, too.”
Ben cradled her head in his palms, looking down at her. His dark-brown eyes seemed to see straight into her heart before he leaned down and kissed her. Sliding his velvety tongue between her lips, he stroked hers until a sensual languor stole over her. She held on to him, reveling in the security his arms offered.
“Are we ready?” Quinten asked as he and Spencer stopped in the doorway.
“Yes.” She looked up at Ben, and he released her, with promises of more kisses and erotic delights to come in his eyes. She turned to Spencer and took his rough, work-hardened hand in her own. “Spencer, I’m sorry for not doing as you asked. I won’t do that again. Please don’t be upset with me.”
Spencer looked at Ben and then at Quinten before he tugged her to him and gave her a gentle hug. “That’s okay, Camilla. Hopefully there won’t be a next time.” He looked between the three of them and it seemed like he wanted to say more but released her and backed away as they left the office. To Ben and Quinten, he said, “From now on we’ll do the outdoor perimeter checks after we know she’s headed home or with one of you.”
“Sounds good, Spencer.”
He bid them good night and climbed into his truck and drove away.
In the parking lot, Quinten pulled her to a stop when she would’ve gone to her car, and she turned back to him with a smile. “Forget something?” She knew the look in his eyes.
Quinten smirked and pulled her to him. “Delayed, not forgotten.”
He slid his hand around her neck and cuddled her close as he stroked her cheek. He gave her a kiss so tender it made her heart palpitate and a lump grow in her throat. Those men had such a way with her, drawing emotions from her that felt so fresh and raw at times, and at others so comforting and reassuring. She stroked his biceps through his leather jacket and held on.
Ben cleared his throat, and when they finally broke their kiss, he said, “Quinten, why don’t you ride with her and I’ll follow you?”
“You got it.” Quinten grinned at her and held out his hand for the keys to the Camaro. “I’ve been looking forward to driving this bad boy all week.”
Camilla scoffed in amusement. “Nuh-uh, speed demon. You’re not driving my new car.” Quinten looked horrified, and Camilla snickered as she waved him to the passenger side of the car. “Yes, you, lead foot. Passenger side now. Scat.”
Looking sorely abused, he veered to the other side of the car. “I’m deeply offended.”
“And on a first-name basis with half the police in Divine.”
“That’s like how many? Five including Hank?” he asked as he climbed in and complied when she poked him to buckle his seat belt. “Their radar guns need recalibrating.”
“No, your lead foot needs recalibrating.”
Ben opened the car door for her and chuckled as she climbed in the driver’s seat, inhaling the new-leather smell with great enjoyment. Funny, she hadn’t even noticed it when she’d jumped in the car earlier. Her emotions and senses were all over the place tonight.
Ben asked, “Where to?”
“Back to Divine. Meet you at Rudy’s?”
Ben nodded as he closed her car door for her and she lowered the window. Quinten went on with his complaint. “I do not have a lead foot. I’m an assertive driver. There’s a difference.”
Ben squatted down so he was eye level with Camilla. “When we get to the restaurant, we’re discussing the rest of those rules and guidelines.” His voice held a threat, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Camilla’s heart thrilled, and she blew him an air-kiss. “Bring it on, big boy.”
* * * *
He beat his hand on the faded cracked steering wheel of the van. “Now I’m just pissed! Ow!” He rubbed his hand where he must’ve burst a blood vessel in the fit of temper. Sweat soaked his brow, despite the chill in the air, and he wiped it away with his dirty shirtsleeve. He’d barely managed to get away from the building before that gigantic son of a bitch had caught up to him. He hadn’t known that Cami had hired Spencer Ketchum to watch out for her. That made things problematic. Spencer knew him and could easily identify him.
He lifted the binoculars from the passenger seat and peered at the front door as the four of them left the building. “Shit!” The building was bound to be locked up tight now.
He’d managed to sneak in while the workmen were leaving at the end of the day and had hidden in the men’s room until he’d thought everyone was gone. One of the workmen had come back in, nearly catching him, and had turned off all the lights. That’d been great because he figured then that the place was deserted and he could search to his heart’s content but no light had been damned inconvenient with his fucking flashlight left back at the van.
He hammered his forehead with his fist. “Stupid! You deserve what’s coming to you if you don’t get your shit together.”
He hadn’t been home in a few days because he was afraid of Nat’s enforcers catching up to him again. He liked his dangling parts right where they were.
He watched the four converse in the parking lot, and grunted when Cami kissed the guy from the night he’d nearly gotten caught breaking into her house, and then she kissed the other guy she worked for.
“What the fuck? You slutty girl, Cami.”
He waited for her to kiss Ketchum, but the big motherfucker just climbed in his truck and drove away. He was going to have to be more careful if she had that many guys watching out for her. He’d have to go back later with the right tools for the job, and get a look inside her office. If that didn’t work then he was out of options. He’d just have to confront her directly and get his property back.
Right now, he needed to drive out to his mom’s house to see if she’d loan him a few bucks or let him sleep on her couch. Life sucked for now, but he was still determined to get that money back. Nat had made it clear. It was either that or he was a dead man.
Chapter Sixteen
A scream was trapped in her throat, unable to escape as Camilla woke with a lurch and peered around the dark bedroom, momentarily disoriented. Her heart hammered in her chest as she lay there motionless. It was just a nightmare. At least I didn’t wake the guys this time. She still felt bad about waking them screaming at the top of her lungs, the last time she’d had a bad dream. The house was quiet, and her men bracketed her with their warmth, sound asleep on either side of her. She regulated her breathing and allowed the peace surrounding her to chase away the nightmare.
A faceless intruder had been stalking her in the club. She shuddered as she remembered the fearful chill that had raced over her skin when the events in the nightmare had been real the evening before. She took deep breaths, trying to dispel the dream. She’d been having a little difficulty with insomnia lately and needed every minute of rest that she could get.
>
She thought of the hours she’d been keeping, both at her club and at The Dancing Pony, and wondered once again if she was making the right move by having a partnership with Ben and Quinten. So far, with the exception of the security camera issue, they’d done just fine, letting her make most decisions and only offering opinions when she asked for them. But in the day-to-day running of the business, once they’d all relaxed, would that change? Would familiarity breed contempt?
Fifteen minutes later, she was still wide awake. The bedside table read four o’clock. Too early to be up. At least Ben had insisted that she went to bed early the night before, so she was technically doing better than she had the last few nights.
Careful to not disturb the men, she stole from the bed, grabbed a throw blanket from the rocker in the corner, and went to the French doors that led out onto the back deck, which she hadn’t spent any time on yet. She turned the doorknob and slipped out, feeling scandalously naked as she unfolded the blanket and wrapped it around herself. The day had been mild, and the air had only the hint of coolness to it.
She decided to sit out on the chaise and gather her thoughts for a while and see if she might grow drowsy again, or perhaps come wider awake. She had plenty of work she could focus on there at home, sorting through her belongings if the night air didn’t lull her back to sleep. She pouted a little because she knew that if Ben and Quinten had given her what she’d asked for at bedtime, she’d be conked out right then. But they’d put their collective, bossy foot down when she’d dozed off in the restaurant at supper and had put her in the tub and then bed soon after arriving home.
“Bossy men,” she grumbled, but she couldn’t resist smiling. She knew their pushiness was for her own good. Unfortunately she also knew what it was like to not have someone there who made her best interests a high priority.
“What’s that, grouchy girl?” Quinten asked before yawning as he quietly closed the French door behind him, also wrapped in a blanket. He slipped onto the chaise behind her and wrapped his arms and his blanket around her.
Tiny Dancer [Divine Creek Ranch 13] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 21