Blood Rose

by P. T. Michelle

  But I tamp down the urge, because that’ll just give him more time to try to drill me for details. I know he’ll want to get involved. The protective alpha male in him wouldn’t have it any other way. Of course he would want to make it easier. If only it were that easy for him to fix me too. I have to—I need—to do this for myself.

  With emotions surging, I swallow so my voice doesn’t crack. “No, it’s just a personal project I want to do, Calder.” Rising up on my toes, I quickly kiss his jaw and inhale his wonderful aftershave. “I really do need to go though. I’ll see you tonight.”

  I move around him and start to walk away, but he clasps my hand. “Wait, I’ll take you—”

  “The conference call is starting in three minutes,” Sebastian calls from inside his office.

  Leaning into the doorway, Calder says, “Take this one. I have something I need to do.”

  “You brought us this client, Cald. You need to be on the call. Talia and I will be leaving for our appointment after the call starts.”

  “Is this that really big contract you just landed?” I tug free of Calder’s hold and shoo him on. “Take the call! That’s important. I’ve got to go or I’ll be late.”

  “I can drop you off if you need a ride.” Ben pauses beside us in the hallway, keys in hand. “I’m going to 20th. Where are you headed?”

  When Calder cuts a sharp look his way, I smile at Ben to soften the blow. “That’s nice of you to offer, Ben, but I’m good. I’m heading to look at a place in Midtown and will just take the train, since the listing is close to the station.” I look at my watch and move away from them, heading toward the entrance. “I really do need to go.” Glancing back at Calder, I wave and keep my tone light. “I hope your call goes well. Wish me luck.”

  “I’ll meet you there.”

  The insistent Blake expression on his face makes me glad he’s stuck in the office. He would totally take over and that’s the last thing I want right now. I need to win at something. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

  “Wait up, Cass. We can walk out together,” Ben says, rushing to catch up.

  “Where are you going?” Calder drills after him. “Don’t you have people to check?”

  “My most difficult patient bailed, so I’m done for the day.” Ben turns once he reaches the door to meet Calder’s hard gaze across the open cubical space. “I’ll be at the shooting range.”

  “Moving targets are much harder.” Calder frowns, folding his arms.

  “They also don’t bleed. ‘Do No Harm’ and all that,” Ben lobs back as he pulls the door open for me.

  Hating the tension between the men, I say, “See you tonight,” to my fiancé in a cheery tone before I follow Ben out.

  “So is this a work thing?” Ben asks while we walk toward the elevator.

  “Yep, a new project.”

  Talia’s bodyguard walks off the elevator. Den’s massive six-five height might intimidate, but it’s his panther-like confidence that always draws my appreciation. “Cass, Ben,” he says smoothly, nodding to us. “Have a good afternoon.”

  “You too,” I say as he heads for the office. “Den really does have a nice accent, doesn’t he?” I mumble half to myself.

  “Do all women love a British accent?” Ben snorts, amused.

  “Yep, it’s like a mini ear massage, all pleasant and smooooooth,” I say, grinning as Ben pushes the button.

  Once the elevator doors close and we start to move down, he looks at me. “If your project’s anything like your New York City book, I’m sure it’ll do very well.”

  “You’ve seen my book?” It feels good to hear that someone other than my editor, parents, Calder, and Talia like my book, so I grin like crazy.

  “I bought your book. It’s awesome, Cass. You really have an eye for amazing photography. Your skills are totally wasted taking surveillance pictures for the company. As your ex-fiancé, I think I have a right to give my opinion.”

  My lips twitch in amusement, then settle into a smile. During my brief time as Celeste, a surprise engagement was announced, cementing a merger between the Hemming and Carver families. Ben became my fiancé. Well, technically Celeste’s fiancé. By the time Ben discovered that I wasn’t actually Celeste, he and I had become friends. We never got around to discussing details about my career as a photographer. What would he think if I told him my work has been in magazines for years?

  I released my New York City book under my real name. I didn’t let my publisher connect it to the well-known photographer in the fashion world, Raven. Even on my website bio, my face was purposefully obscured. I enjoyed the fact that Raven worked in the background and only my model clients, their book agencies and the magazines knew the face behind the camera.

  I wanted my new work to stand on its own, not be a fraction of a much bigger publication. Then again, my recent book didn’t come anywhere close to the sales all those very established high-end magazines have. Getting published was a humbling experience after Raven’s meteoric rise in the high-fashion photography world. I’ll find a way to rebuild my brand again. I’ll Phoenix my way through if necessary.

  “Just don’t mention that ex-fiancée joke in front of Calder,” I say, laughing as we reach the main floor lobby. “I’m so glad you loved the book, Ben. And yes, to answer your question, this is a serious photography venture, not a freelance gig.”

  Once we’re outside on the sidewalk, he nods his approval and slides his hands into his slacks pockets. “Good for you. And since my ornery brother didn’t manage to say it, I’ll pass along the well wishes. Best of luck today.”

  I smile my thanks and stare after him while he heads for his car. He might not be as tall or as openly aggressive as Calder can be, but Ben’s just as stubborn as his brother in his own way. His mettle simmers just under the surface. Both men have good hearts. I know their horrible father is a wedge between them. Phillip Hemming not only destroyed Celeste’s life, but his sons’ too with his despicable actions. I just wish Calder would allow himself to see Ben as his family, instead of as a constant reminder of a past he wished didn’t exist.

  I start to turn toward the station, when I get a text from Judith.

  Will be fifteen minutes late. The landlord said he’d let you in and I’ll meet you there. FYI, I couldn’t get in touch with your father. That could be a problem.

  Chapter Four

  Cass

  The sun feels hot on my skin as I come up from the station. On the ride over, each rhythmic bump of the wheels on the track wound my nerves tighter and tighter. I’d dialed my dad’s cell number without thinking, then quickly hung up once I remembered my parents are enjoying an unplugged vacation. I’m thrilled that my father finally took some time off. He’s never taken more than a long weekend away from work while I was growing up, but if the agent will need more details from him, the timing of his absence will suck.

  I’m probably worrying unnecessarily. I’ve worked with Judith before with no issue. And that was while I was a senior in college with no work history.

  I let out my breath slowly, seeking a Zen mindset as I head up the street.

  As the apartment building comes into view, I slow my steps and take in the area now that I have a bit more time. Even in a less busy neighborhood, people walk briskly—as New Yorkers do. The area is just outside of Manhattan, which makes me happy that it’s close enough without the astronomical rent I’d pay just a couple streets over. According to the details online, this building only has a few apartments in it, and the one that’s available, 2B, has more space than the others.

  Which makes me wonder why the rent is so reasonable. Is there some undesirable element in this neighborhood I’m unaware of? I scan the street ahead of me. Other than people walking, I see a couple of kids goofing off. Just as I turn to look behind me, I catch someone moving quickly into the alley between this building and the next.

  I narrow my gaze and watch the corner, waiting. I’m pretty sure I saw that there’s no exit between the
two buildings when I passed it, so whoever went in…must eventually come out. A couple minutes pass and I glance at my phone at Judith’s new text.

  Stuck in traffic. See you in five.

  An older lady passes me and starts up the steps to the building, lugging a two-wheeled cart behind her.

  “Here, let me help you.” I quickly lift the cart for her, then follow her inside.

  “Thank you,” she mumbles without even looking my way, then pulls her cart through the entryway and down a hall toward the elevator.

  I start to follow when my gaze snags on the door in front of me: 2B.

  Did I somehow miss a floor while walking inside? I frown at the door and start to touch the number, but the latch gives and the door opens.

  Maybe the landlord unlocked it for us? I hesitate for a second, then I walk in and push the door almost closed. I inhale the fresh coat of paint on the stark white walls, and the scent of floor cleaner too. I walk quietly across the wood floor, past the two windows, then turn toward the room, trying to picture where I would set my desk up. Shelves would line the walls behind it to hold all my camera equipment and special lighting. I’ll have to invest in a few photo backdrops. I’m thankful I have plenty of landscape imagery I could use for some fun versions too.

  The kitchen is cute and small, but will do.

  Stepping into the short hallway on the other side of the room, I open one door. Small closet. The door next to it, yep, a tiny bathroom. I turn and open the door on the opposite side of the hall and smile. Ah, the bedroom’s actually nice-sized. I expected smaller for the price. Noise from outside floats my way and once I step into the bedroom, I realize the window has been left cracked to air out the paint fumes.

  The buzz of a new text comes through. Must be Judith waiting outside.

  I won’t let you ignore me.

  Blood rushes in my ears and my heart thumps against my chest. Is this Celeste playing some kind of sick game? Ugh, I wish I could block a blocked number. I quickly tap out a response.

  Whoever this is, STOP texting me.

  Right after I hit send, a slamming sound jerks my heart into overdrive. Clutching my phone to my chest, I quietly step to the doorway and peer around the bedroom door. The apartment door is completely closed now. Did someone follow me in here? Could the person be lurking just out of my line of sight?

  Sweat coats my palms and my breathing ramps. I take a deep breath and bolt for the apartment door as fast as I can. Jerking it open, I run right into Calder.

  “Where’s the fire?” he grunts, grabbing hold of me. He looks at me and his hold tightens, all amusement gone. “What’s wrong?”

  I glance back briefly into the empty apartment, then take a breath to calm my overactive imagination. Returning my gaze to his concerned one, I shrug. “Nothing. I realized I probably wasn’t supposed to enter by myself.”

  His brows pull together in doubt, then he glances over my shoulder into the apartment, his expression turning hard. “You said ‘space for a project.’”

  “Yep, it’s exactly what I was looking for.” I turn and gesture to the apartment. “It has the space I’ll need, a small kitchen, bedroom, bath, and it’s a reasonable price. It’s perfect.”

  He pulls me into the apartment and shuts the door behind us. Jaw muscle jumping, his green eyes drill into me. “This is an apartment, Cass.”

  “Yes, it is.” I tuck my phone into my purse, then meet his steady gaze. “Why are you here? I told you I’d be fine. Did your conference call end early?”

  “I’m here because I want to know what the hell is going on. Is there something you want to tell me?” He looks at the space around us, his tone hardening. “No project needs all this. Are we done? Is this why you didn’t want me to come? Why you haven’t set a date?”

  “Calder—”

  A quick knock on the door cuts me off and the door swings open. “Cass, there you are. Oh—hello, I’m Judith Anders, the agent for this apartment,” she says to Calder.

  “Calder Blake,” he says, shaking her hand. “Cass’s fiancé.”

  Judith’s brows elevate under her slash of dark bangs, her brown eyes dancing in delight. “You didn’t tell me you were marrying a Blake, Cass. Looks like we won’t need to get in touch with your father as Guarantor after all.”

  I bristle at her presumption. “Calder’s not involved with this, Judith.”

  “But he can be,” he interjects, his tone tight.

  Ugh, I’m really making a mess of this. I meet his angry gaze with a determined one of my own, then continue, “What I mean is…this is for my business. I’m doing this transaction. Why can’t we just use my own financials? That’s at least twelve months rent. My old landlord has written a letter. Shouldn’t that all be enough?”

  Judith tucks the folder against her chest, then tilts her head slightly. “Well, if yours is the only financials, we’re going to have a problem. Your income this last year has been erratic and then with the recent credit report I pulled, you probably won’t qualify.”

  My cheeks flame at that hard smack in the face. It’s especially embarrassing that Calder got to hear it. I can’t bear to look his way. “What? That can’t be right. Yes, there were a couple of credit card issues several months ago, but those were stolen. It wasn’t me. I reported it. That shouldn’t show up on my credit.”

  “What does show up is that they were opened under your name and it was more than a couple, Cass. Unfortunately, the amount of credit cards being opened, and the length of time before the issue of fraud is reported, all that does effect your credit score.”

  “I only have one card. How many more? Ugh, looks like I’ll be calling my credit card company again.” This is a nightmare. “What about my Dad’s financials from when I got my last apartment?”

  “Your father’s information will need to be updated. I tried to call and get his consent to use him as Guarantor once more, but the phone has been disconnected.”

  I frown. “Disconnected? He’s out of the country, but his phone should still go through to voicemail.”

  Judith nods. “I tried to call his office number and got the same thing.”

  “That’s not possible. There’s been some kind of mistake.” Suddenly concerned for my parents, I pull my phone from my purse and dial our home phone number.

  When the distinct “disconnected number” tone rings in my ear, I look at Calder, then quickly dial my father’s office phone.

  As the same dead tone echoes across the line, Calder steps beside me and wraps his arm around my waist. “She’s covered, Judith. But she won’t be taking this apartment.”

  “What?” I hang up and frown at him as he gestures to the windows.

  “It’s a first floor apartment, Cass. I won’t support you in a place that isn’t secure.”

  “Support me?” I’m starting to get annoyed. “I didn’t ask for your support.”

  When his mouth presses in a firm line, Judith clears her throat. “Why don’t you two talk and we can reschedule?”

  I start to speak, but Calder answers, “Sounds good. We’ll be in touch.”

  Judith smiles and turns to the door, pulling it open. “Just flip the lock before you walk out.”

  I wait until Judith leaves the building before I round on him. “You had no right to interfere. I told you that I had it handled.”

  His expression hardens. “So when you asked your agent to use your father as Guarantor, you knew that your parents’ home and business numbers were disconnected? Or that yet more credit cards have been opened in your name?”

  His blunt comments sting. My parents had been so busy preparing for their three month long safari trip, I hadn’t gone to see them, but my father would’ve told me if there was an issue with his business. I know he would’ve. “I’m sure there’s some logical explanation for my parents’ phones. I remember Dad mentioning a service he planned to hire. Some wires probably got crossed somewhere, disconnecting his phones instead of forwarding. I’ll deal with the
credit card issue, but this is exactly why I didn’t want you to come. You completely took over. I want to do this myself.”

  “By using your dad as Guarantor?”

  “It’s not like he’s ever needed to cover me,” I huff, frowning.

  Calder’s expression softens slightly. “I will always protect you, Cass. If you had asked for my help, the financing wouldn’t have come into question. For that matter, you don’t even need to work.”

  It’s my career. I built it. I don’t want to depend on anyone else to keep it. I need it to be strong. It might be all I ever have. Calder’s completely missing the point. The last thing I want to do is fight about this. I need to clear my head, so I walk out of the apartment and open the building’s main door. Intending to head toward the train, I mumble, “I’m taking the train. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “My car’s right here.” Clasping my wrist, Calder steps in front of me as he closes the building’s door. “You didn’t answer my question earlier. You’ve dragged your feet setting a wedding date, and now this?” His expression tightens. “Why did I bust my ass getting the house in good shape if we’re done? Are you moving out? What the hell is going on?”

  “No, Calder.” I shake my head quickly, folding my hand around his. “Everything is fine. I just need my own space to meet with clients and work on special shoots, so I can rebuild my photography business that I’ve let go this last year. My books and the freelance jobs I’ve done for BLACK Security only bring in so much income. I have to figure out how to rekindle my career, while trying not to travel every week…” I sigh at his instant frown. Yep, he’d hate that. “To do that I’ll need a place in the city with enough room to work. And before you say it…your place near Gil’s gym doesn’t have enough space or natural light.” Rubbing my temple, I look away.

  “You don’t need a place with a bedroom.” His tone is clipped as he pulls me close. Sliding his hand under my hair, he clasps my neck and thumbs my chin up so I have to meet his gaze. “There’s only one bed you’re sleeping in.”