The Terms Duet

by Rowe, Ruby

  “We’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

  “But I don’t want you to be mad at me.”

  “I’m not mad; I’m fucking furious. Take care of your sister, and I’ll check in on Liam.”

  Bowing her head, she nods and let’s my hand slip from hers. I leave her alone, once again feeling as if a hundred different emotions are crowding my head and worming under my skin.

  On one hand, I’m impressed as hell by what Camilla was brave enough to do to help her sister, but why didn’t she let me be involved? I thought I made it clear that I’ll be the one to protect her.

  Granted, I’m not in the best physical shape to fight tonight, but I don’t think that’s why she hid from me what she had orchestrated.

  Am I always going to feel this out of control caring about her and Liam? It’s brutal, and I have this eerie sense the stress has only just begun.

  ***

  A knock on my bedroom door wakes me, and it opens before I can respond.

  “It’s Camilla. Can I come in, Sir?” It would’ve been nice if she’d chosen to be this submissive before the stunt she pulled last tonight. I glance at my clock and see it’s 4:00 a.m.

  “Yes, you can come in.” Rolling over to my back, I groan from the ache of my muscles stiffening back up. I have a feeling the second day of pain is going to be worse than the first. “What do you need?”

  “Sasha is doing better and sleeping, so I had to come see you. I feel terrible about what happened.” Her voice is coming from beside my bed, and I realize she’s on her knees next to it.

  “And I told you we’d discuss it tomorrow. I think the wait is a good punishment for you.”

  “Please, Sir. Let me make it right.”

  “Do you feel terrible about the decision you made to carry out this plan without me or terrible that I found out about it?”

  “I didn’t plan it. I only called Bruce after Rusty wouldn’t let me inside to see Sasha.”

  “But you chose to call him instead of me.”

  “That night you gave me the terms in your car, you called me a washed-up dancer and said I had a strung-out sister crashing in my atrocious apartment. Once I got to my place tonight and saw how bad things were, I was ashamed.

  “We grew up differently than you, Ellis, so I thought you’d be disgusted with me if you saw the inside of my apartment or how my sister was choosing to live. I knew it wouldn’t have the same effect on Bruce after what he’d dealt with working at Octavia.”

  Dammit, how did this get turned around on me? I did say those things to her that night in the car. I made her out to be trash, but she’s not.

  I know the decent woman she is. I’ve witnessed the love she has for her son and those around her. She’s not a part of the world I saw her in tonight.

  “I understand why you would have that worry, but I told you only hours before you left that I wasn’t letting you go, so you should’ve trusted me.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry, Sir.”

  “Get in this bed with me and sleep.” I move over and make room for her. She climbs in, and the second her smooth legs and warm body are pressed against me, I want to roll on top of her, but it has to wait.

  I’m not fucking her in my bed until I can give it to her for as long and as hard as I choose to.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Camilla

  After I’ve shown Sasha where everything is for a shower, I walk down to Ellis’s office. From the doorway, I watch him rub his eyes, and I feel guilty. I’m well aware of the exhaustion he’s dealing with after the last couple of nights.

  “Hi, can I come in?”

  “Of course.”

  “Sasha is showering, and Emma is doing schoolwork with Liam in the family room. I hope you don’t mind, but I packed some of my clothes in a suitcase for Sasha. She doesn’t have much at the apartment, and I don’t feel it’s safe to go over there today, anyhow.”

  “That’s fine. We can send her more if we need.”

  “Send? I can take them to her at rehab.”

  “About that … shut my door, and sit down please.” Taking a seat in front of his desk, I stare at him.

  “You told me Sasha already spent time in rehab centers in our area, and it didn’t help her for any length of time. I think we should try a different approach.

  “Everything has been arranged for her to go to Passages in Malibu, California. She’ll fly there later today for their inpatient program.”

  After his words, my mouth might be touching the floor.

  “There is no way I can afford for her to stay somewhere like that, and I can’t allow you to cover it.”

  “Allow?”

  “What I mean is it wouldn’t be right for you to pay. She’s not your responsibility.”

  “This affects you and Liam, so it is my responsibility. I want her well so what happened last night doesn’t happen again. You could lose her, Camilla, and I feel you’ve lost enough in your life. Besides, I’m not the one paying for her stay.”

  “If you’re not, then who is?”

  “Don’t worry about that. All you have to do is get her on that plane. Fletcher will drive you both to the airport after lunch. Then, a driver will pick her up at the airport in California and take her to the facility.

  “You can fly with her, if you prefer, but I didn’t think you’d want to be away from Liam this soon after his fall.”

  “You’re correct, but what if she refuses to go?”

  “Don’t let her. Help her see how this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone in her financial situation. Show her their website and convince her this is for the best. Sasha will be gone a while, but she’ll have a better chance at recovery.”

  Tears prick my tired eyes. Every time my sister has relapsed, this is the kind of treatment I’ve dreamed of being able to afford.

  “I could never repay someone for this, and I could never express the gratitude I feel at this moment.”

  “Just because someone is wealthy doesn’t mean they deserve treatment more than Sasha does.”

  Standing, I swipe the tears away from my cheeks.

  “If you weren’t aching everywhere, I’d sit on your lap and squeeze you hard with a hug. I’ll show my appreciation soon enough.” I do stroll around his desk and softly kiss his cheek. Reaching around to grab my ass, he smiles.

  “I’ll be ready to collect very soon.”

  ***

  While I drink coffee at the dinette set Christopher ordered for the kitchen, I study Sasha. She’s eating toast across from me and hasn’t looked up or spoken.

  She didn’t refuse rehab, but ever since I told her the news, shame has joined guilt on her thin, pale face, and they’re on exhibit for all to see.

  The doorbell rings, so I leave to answer it since Irene has gone to the laundry room. Opening the door, I find Greyson.

  “Hi,” he says.

  “Good morning.” I step back for him to enter. “I guess you’re here to see Ellis.”

  “Yes, but I also wanted to check on your sister.”

  “That’s sweet of you. She’s much better this morning. Follow me, and I’ll fix you a cup of coffee.”

  Coming to a stop, I spin around. “Oh, and I’ll introduce you to Sasha, but please don’t mention last night. She won’t remember you, and she’s dealing with enough shame this morning. She’d be so embarrassed to find out you carried her to the car.”

  Greyson smiles. “I promise not to say anything. I’m just glad she’s accepting help.”

  “Yes, it’s not easy for her–wait, how did you know about that?” My eyes round as I touch my fingers to my lips. “You’re the one paying for her stay at Passages.”

  “You weren’t supposed to know that.” His brow furrows.

  “Ellis didn’t tell me. He only said it wasn’t him, but you’re the only other person it could be.” I wrap my arms around his neck, forcing him to take a step back. “Thank you, Greyson. I don’t know why you would do this, but I could never th
ank you enough.”

  “We all have our demons. I’m happy I could pay it forward for the support I received years ago.” A throat clears as I pull away from Greyson. I turn around, and Ellis is eyeing us.

  “Good morning. Camilla, can I have a word with you?”

  I smile at Ellis’s cousin one last time.

  “Sasha’s in the kitchen if you want to grab coffee and say hi to her.”

  “Thank you.”

  Once Ellis and I are alone in the hall, he rubs my shoulders.

  “Is Greyson already trying to steal you away? The men in my family are known for pulling that stunt.”

  “No. I realized what he was doing for Sasha and had to thank him.”

  “He’s a good guy under the arrogant, player façade he puts off. Listen, I need to drop another small bomb on you this morning.”

  “What is it?”

  “We have an appointment this afternoon for a DNA test to prove that Liam is indeed Tony’s child. Now, let me explain before you reply. I’ve never doubted that Liam is his, so don’t think this is a matter of mistrust. It’s only a legal formality.

  “After talking with Greyson yesterday, I realized you could challenge Tony’s will. You know I’m due to inherit his estate; however, Liam would be entitled to it if you prove he’s Tony’s son. You’re smart. I imagine you’ve thought of that.”

  “I have, but he knew he had a child and still chose not to leave Liam anything. Tony wanted it to go to you, and I thought you’d be angry if I tried to take it away.”

  “I won’t be, but I want you to know that regardless of your decision, I’m setting up a trust fund for Liam to one day have Tony’s estate, and I’m also adding you and Liam to my will.”

  Ellis looks across the room. “In the meantime, it would mean everything to me if I were the only one providing for the two of you.”

  I touch his cheek, and he brings his gaze back to me.

  “That’s sweet, Ellis.”

  “I still want everyone to believe Liam’s mine, but I’ll respect your decision if you choose to challenge the will and say he’s Tony’s.”

  “I don’t like talking about money or imagining how your parents would feel about this. If I say Liam is Tony’s, then they’ll think I’m after money from the both of you.”

  “They would see that’s not true once they got to know you. Look, you don’t have to decide today. Take your sister to the airport, and then we’ll go take the DNA test.

  “After that, I say we lounge for two days to recover from the last two.” He smiles, and I notice he’s still gripping my shoulders.

  “You were supposed to put a new sling on your arm this morning.”

  “It feels better.”

  “I think you want it to feel better.”

  “That’s true. It’s sooner I can spank you with it.” Tiptoeing, I press my lips to his.

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m looking forward to it, Sir.”

  “Don’t get him too excited,” Greyson says. I take a glimpse at him, and he’s grinning as he struts toward us. “He can’t afford to wear out his one good arm.”

  “You would know about masturbating since you behave like a pubescent teen,” Ellis quips.

  I giggle. “Greyson, I would watch it. Ellis is sleep deprived.”

  “You must not know him then. He’s cranky even with sleep.”

  Patting Ellis’s chest, I smile up at him.

  “I’ll leave the two of you to your banter. We’ll meet up later.”

  ***

  “Talk about something to take my mind off of this,” Sasha says before she jerks her head back against the seat. I squeeze her hand as we ride in the back of the Mercedes to the airport.

  “Did Greyson introduce himself to you?”

  “Yes, and I can’t believe you left me alone with that gorgeous man who’s a million light years out of my league.”

  “I didn’t intend to, but Ellis stopped me.”

  “Are all the Burkes that attractive?”

  “All the ones I’ve met...”

  “How old is he?”

  “Thirty-one, I believe.”

  “It was awkward meeting Ellis before we left. He didn’t flash me a grin like Greyson did, so I assumed he was angry with me.”

  “He’s uncomfortable meeting new people. He’s not mad at you, only worried.”

  Sasha shakes her head. “Unlike me, you fit inside their world. You’re special, sis.”

  “I don’t know about that. I’m worried all this will come to a screeching halt soon. I remembered more from the night Ellis and I were drugged.” I look to her and scrunch my nose. “We had sex.”

  Sitting straight up, she turns to me.

  “You two had sex that night, and you didn’t remember?”

  “Tony said he put GHB in our champagne bottle. You can have blackouts from that drug, especially when you’re drinking heavily.”

  Sasha’s hand smacks over her mouth, and her eyes bulge as she stares me down.

  “Sis, did he wear a condom?”

  “I don’t remember, but I doubt it. I think it happened when we were close to passing out.”

  “Heelloo? Have you not pieced this together?”

  “Pieced what together?”

  “What if Ellis is the one who got you pregnant? I mean, that kid is the spitting image of him.”

  My eyes glance to the partition, and I’m praying it’s soundproof. I can feel my lunch rising to my chest. I taste the bile next and swallow it.

  “No.” My head shakes as that one word races through my mind, over and over again. “No, no, no. It was one time, and I don’t even know if he finished. I slept with Tony at least twice that week before the party.”

  “Have you forgotten the speech you love to give me about how it only takes one time to get pregnant?”

  “This is different.” I hold up my hand to count off my fingers. “Tony and I had sex regularly for two months before the party, I don’t know if Ellis even came that night, and maybe he was actually wearing a condom.”

  I roll my eyes over my last comment. Ellis Burke has yet to wear a condom with me while sober. Regardless, I don’t believe he got me pregnant. The odds are too slim, and the paternity test will prove it.

  “It’s not possible,” I say to her again as I shake my head.

  “OK. I’m sorry I mentioned it.”

  Pulling up at the airport, Fletcher retrieves Sasha’s suitcase. I hug her … touch her hair and brush her cheek. I feel like I’m sending my child away. She’s sweating and pale.

  “Please drink a lot of water on the plane, and make sure you eat something. Ellis put you in first class, so try to relax and rest, too.”

  “Yeah, I’m starting to feel it.” She’s hinting about withdraw, but neither of us wants to say it. “I’m scared,” she mutters.

  “I know, sweetie, but we can talk often, and I’ll come visit. Do this for you, Sasha. You have so much life left to live.”

  Nodding, she squeezes her eyes shut to stop her tears, so I grab her hand.

  “Come on. I’ll go inside with you and help you get checked in.”

  “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

  “You deserve it. You’re not our parents, and this place is going to help you see that.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Ellis

  Camilla’s lounging next to Liam while I read him a bedtime story. The act of her fingers running through his hair has put him to sleep, so she quietly climbs off his bed and pads to the door with me.

  After we returned from taking the DNA test this evening, Camilla sent Irene home and took it upon herself to order pizza.

  She made chocolate chip cookies while we waited for the delivery, and then just the three of us had a quiet evening, relaxing in front of the television.

  It was as if we’d been a family since Liam’s birth. Camilla was comfortable, and he was, too, as he played on the floor nearby. The experience was fo
reign, yet I felt contentment for the first time in my life.

  Even though I imagined I would settle down one day, I didn’t believe there was a woman I could feel connected to, yet Camilla seems accepting of my odd personality, and she puts me at ease in my own skin.

  As soon as we’re in the hallway, Camilla smiles. Her hazel eyes gaze at me in an eager fashion as her hand slides up the front of my shirt and rests on my chest.

  “Sir, can I have permission to do something for you?”

  I smirk, curious where this is headed.

  “Yes, you may.”

  “Good, come with me.” Taking hold of my hand, she leads me to her bedroom. She grabs one of the handheld baby monitors off of her nightstand and pulls me to the bathroom. At the garden tub, she turns on the faucet and adjusts the water temperature.

  Her smile afterward is shy, and her eyes struggle to meet mine. “Would you please let me bathe you … among other things?” A woman has never asked me to take a bath with her, but I admit she had me at among other things.

  “I’ll agree as long as I direct you.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” Her radiant grin and lift of her shoulders convey giddiness, and I suppress a chuckle over her eagerness to experience this.

  Setting the monitor by the sink, so we’ll hear Liam if he stirs, she then gathers towels and washcloths from the closet and lays them on a bench nearby.

  “Strip down for me,” I say. Her smile vanishes before she removes her sweater. She strips off the rest of her clothing, and her seductive gaze keeps me fastened to all the beauty she possesses.

  As she stands naked before me, her long hair cascades over her shoulders, and the tips of the strands touch her pointed nipples.

  My eyes peruse her curvy body that’s speckled with light freckles, and the thought of no one knowing they’re there, beneath her clothes every day, turns me on more. She’s mine, and her creamy skin and beauty marks are only for my eyes to see.

  “You’re so damn beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” Her gaze drops, so I clutch the back of her hair and pull it downward, leaving her no choice but to look at me.

  “Feel good about your body, Camilla. It’s perfect in my eyes.” Capturing her lips, I thrust my tongue in her mouth. As she kisses me back, she moans, and the needy sound thickens my dick on the spot.