Escaping Me

by Cat Mason

  “Cam please just think this through.” I plead.

  “I have. Don’t let it come between us Sweets. Let me know how he’s doing? I need to know that he moves on.” She says hugging me tight. Then I watch as Camaron walks out of the diner and disappears from view.

  This entire day has pissed me off to no end. First, Landon and Tad storming our room, now poor Aiden broken just as much as Cam is with no one wanting to do fuck all about it. Looks like I’ll just have to take matters into my own hands. A violent shove in the right direction is what they need although a padlocked room along with some duct tape would probably work too. I stomp over to Henry grabbing his arm. “Take me back to the guys big man I’ve got shit to do.”

  ***

  Henry opens the door for me to the hotel suite I share with Gray. I have steamed the entire ride back to the hotel. I am so angry with Camaron that I can’t see straight. Aiden too! They are letting everything get in the way of what they want, just to be together. Cam thinks she can’t be what Aiden needs but it looks like she is all she needs. Well, it’s time Walking in I look over at Aiden and Hunter sprawled across the fold out. Gray is propped up in a chair watching a movie. “Well how’d it go?” He asks patting his lap expecting me to come sit with him. Sorry Gray I have bigger fish to fry.

  I shake my head as I kick off my shoes. Walking over, I step up onto the fold out rolling Aiden to his back. “Wake up Aiden! If you want Cam back you gotta get your shit straight.” He groans trying to open his eyes. “Henry will you make some coffee?” Looking over I smile at him sweetly. Henry just nods heading straight for the kitchen.

  “Daisy, leave me alone.” Aiden whines pulling the pillow over his head.

  “No.” I shout. Yanking the pillow I smack him with it. “I’m sick and tired of you two telling me to leave you alone. Or to drop it. For the best my happy ass!” I scream kicking him in the hip. “Fuck the both of you and your goddamn high horses. Trying to do what’s best. Get your ass up and take a shower so you can be sober when I tell you how the fuck you’re going to knock some sense into Cam. She needs a reality jolt to her heart in a bad way. I’m gonna make sure you give it to her.”

  His eyes meet mine at the mention of her name. “Where is she?” Aiden asks desperately.

  “I don’t know where she is right now.” I reply honestly then sit beside him. “I talked to her. I know her reasons so I’m going to help you Aiden but she’s my girl. You gotta tell me she’s it for you. She’s hurtin’ really bad thinkin’ that this is best for you both. From what I’ve seen of you two together I don’t believe that and I’m thinking you don’t either. We gotta make her see it if that’s what you want.”

  Aiden sits up, grabbing both my hands in his squeezing almost painfully. I watch his face contort in pain. My eyes glued to his bandaged hands. We still don’t even know if he can play tomorrow night after the number he did on them. It took us an hour to get all the broken glass and wood splinters out while he just laid there. I force my eyes up to meet his encouraging him for his answer. “Daisy, Camaron is my constant, she’s my bass line. It doesn’t matter if I’m behind my kit or not it’s her that keeps me in time with the rhythm of her heart. At times it feels like mine beats in time with hers. Like we’re one and the same. There are times when I can’t tell where she ends or where I begin. I’m broken without that. You might as well take it all because it means nothing without her. After these last few months Cam made me forget how dark things can be. She is it for me because other than the people in this room she’s the only good thing I’ve ever had. I can’t lose her and I won’t give her up.”

  “Good.” I say on an exhale. “Now go shower. After we chug some coffee the plan begins.”

  “Can someone please tell me why I just had to listen to my brother become pussy whipped by our best friend’s fuckin’ wife without you showin’ us your tits? Seriously isn’t there a rule book Gray?” Hunter groans rolling toward me.

  “I’m sorry but I’ve already dealt with your love life or lack of I should say.” I giggle. “I can get a message to Chase for ya if you want.” Hunter just shakes his head. “Aw, Cunter I know you better than you think. Just admit you like her. Say that you wish she was a boomerang not a Frisbee and I’ll call her for you honey.”

  “I don’t need her Daisy. There’s fresh pussy in every town just waitin’ for me.” He says but lacks his usual confidence.

  “We’ll see.” I say shoving off of the fold out strutting into the kitchen with a huge smile on my face. I can feel another bet coming on. This time I’ll get shoes out of it or some shit.

  Twenty minutes later Aiden sits at the table with all of us. “So what’s the plan?” He asks as Henry hands him a mug.

  I look around at all of us sitting around the table and giggle. “I call this meeting to order.” I stutter through my laugh, “Do we need rings or a bat signal? Knights of the Shaft table assemble?” I bury my face in my hands laughing uncontrollably.

  “You’re a fuckin’ riot.” Hunter says sarcastically. “Get on with it.”

  I take a deep breath trying to gather my thoughts. Then when I’m sure the giggles have passed I look at Aiden. “Cam doesn’t think she’s good enough for you. She has it in her head that you’ll replace her with someone else.”

  “That’s bullshit!” He roars slamming his injured hands on the table.

  “Aiden calm the hell down man.” Hunter warns, glaring at him from across the table.

  “I didn’t say that any one agrees with her but that’s how she sees it. She also told me that she’ll love no one like she loves you Aiden. That’s how I know this will work. She made me promise that I would help you move on. That I’d let her know that you do.” I say with a grin.

  “What the hell is wrong with bitches?” Hunter asks shaking his head. “If I ever found a piece that was worth another go I’d for sure not let some other fucker get at it.”

  Turning I point my finger at him. “I’ll deal with you later pretty boy.” Looking back at Aiden I lay it out. “You’re goin’ to move on Aiden at least Cam will think you have. She’s so far gone over you I think she will blow a gasket when she sees you with anyone else.”

  “I can’t just be with someone else Daisy.” Aiden’s voice cracks as he scrubs a hand over his stubble.

  “You won’t have to Aiden. We just have to make it appear to be something it isn’t. You let me worry about that. What I need from you is a plan to deal with slimy ass Tad. That isn’t what it appears either I think.”

  “You’re right. I need proof though. I’ll get what I need in Minnesota but there’s shit in their room now if I could just get in there.” He says grabbing his phone, thumbing away. “See Daisy?” He starts showing me figures he’s added up. “The numbers are way off.” I look at the rest of the guys giving them a wink. Aiden’s back. Gray looks at me with a big smile of course Hunter looks at me like he just wants to kiss me but I don’t think bleaching your mouth is healthy so I’ll pass.

  Henry sits his mug down on the table with a thud, “There is always someone in that room unless it’s just before a show. They meet with you guys after sound check then go back to their room for the night with some groupies.” Glancing at me he frowns, “Sorry Daisy.”

  I just shake my head as Gray squeezes my hand, “So, if I were to sneak in before I go to the show tomorrow I could find what we need? They’d be with you.”

  “Fuck no. Not happening.” Gray growls.

  “You can text me when they leave then I’ve got ten minutes or more to get out right? This could work Gray. I can get Cam to help me then bring her to the show after. It’s perfect for both plans Gray.” I argue.

  “She’s right man. It could work.” Hunter pipes up.

  “No.” Gray snaps, “How the fuck would she even get in?”

  “Let me deal with that.” Henry volunteers. “I have to escort them to their car before I drive you guys over. You know with their safety being threatened and all.” He shakes h
is head. “Those pussy motherfuckers are scared of you assholes but order me around like the pool boy.”

  “They should be afraid of your big ass bro.” Aiden says with a grin. “You’d fuck ‘em up.”

  “I’m not gettin’ any closer to them than I have to. Cunter is one thing man but the bitches they bang leave trails behind them that even Ajax won’t clean up. Be a bit more choosy when ya tap that floozy.” He busts out making us all laugh.

  “Well since this is settled you guys can get the fuck out. Have a nice night.” Gray bites out. “Tip your waitress, exit stage left oh and don’t let the door slam on that ass when you go!”

  “Go on tell us how you really feel man.” Hunter holds his chest. “It’s like you choose the pussy over me man. Breaks my heart but makes me horny. I’ll just sit here quietly unless you need corrections. I’m great at problem solving.”

  Gray just shoves them toward the door making me laugh. Locking the door behind them he turns facing me leaning back against the door. “I remember earlier before things went to shit I wanted to do a few things naked.” He says pushing off the door heading for me.

  “I remember something about that.” I mutter when his arms circle me. I can feel the heat of Gray’s skin through my sweatshirt. Everything that went wrong today fades away when he kisses me. The way my hands already know to pull through his black hair, how my body knows to melt against his it is all consuming. My nipples harden as he pulls me flush against him.

  “Time for a shower Widlflower.” He mutters against my lips. “I have a few plans of my own to put into motion.” His hips grind against mine making me moan. “Shaft bolts into action.” He says with a laugh then drags me into the bathroom where his plans are carried out again and again in delicious detail.

  Chapter Twenty One:

  Double O Dumbass

  “Are you sure this is going to work Double O Dumbass?” Cam asks teasing my hair up another three damn feet.

  She wasn’t very happy about getting a call from us this morning until I inform her that it is going to be a spy mission. Even then she is barely agreeable. Being around Aiden so soon was something she shouldn’t be doing she says but can’t refuse helping us get the proof we need. Above everything else we have to protect the Shaft. We love our boys, yes even Cunter. It’s our job to back them up no matter what. Tad and Landon are hiding a lot more than sexual preferences we all know it. So Cam giving up her sulk to help surprises me but then again it doesn’t. She loves Aiden. I have to remember this little piece of Camaron intel. When Aiden needs her she comes running…interesting.

  “Yes. Aiden says it will. We need to get the invoices, maybe even files from their laptops.” I hold up a little black stick. “Aiden got flash drives for me to do just that. Then we get the hell outta there, bring it all to him and it’s a done deal.”

  “Okay. Whatever our guys need us to do.” Cam whispers turning from me toward the mirror. She fumbles through her bag then fixes her makeup for the fifth time.

  “Cam…” I start but she stops me.

  “Don’t. I’m here aren’t I? I just can’t talk about it so don’t. We are protecting our guys. Backing them up is what we do. So just leave it.” I nod.

  “Come on let’s go; Henry should be about ready for us.”

  Taking one last look in the mirror, I grin at us. Cam and I are both in black miniskirts with our ‘Shaft Approved’ tops. Red fuck me heels along with more make up than I probably wear in a month but we gotta look the part just in case someone sees us.

  Walking out of the bedroom we pass the guys all sitting at the table deep in conversation. Aiden looks up at Cam as we enter the room. I swear all the air gets sucked out of the room the second their eyes meet. I watch, my eyes going back and forth between their heated gazes. If there is any doubt in anyone’s mind they are totally crazy because even from fifteen feet apart and without words they are sizzling. I swear I can hear her panties crackling off her right now just by Aiden’s heated gaze running along her body.

  “Come here Cam.” Aiden finally speaks and it’s firm, commanding and full of authority.

  I half expect her to tell him to go to hell then walk out. She doesn’t though. Cam bows her head walking over then settles on her knees in front of him. I watch in complete confusion as she lays her head on his knee. Aiden sighs contently. His still partially bandaged fingers running along her hair. “Good girl.” He whispers so low that I barely catch it. I definitely do not miss the shiver that runs down her body at his praise. “You should be punished for leaving me yesterday.” He says scolding her. Though Aiden’s voice isn’t angry at all, it is completely calm as he speaks softly to her. They are in their own little bubble oblivious to us.

  “Fuck that’s hot.” Hunter groans as he watches them.

  I watch while Gray wraps his arms around me from behind. “Are you sure you are ready for this baby? If they catch you…”

  “They won’t.” I reassure him then kiss his jaw. “We have this all planned out. They won’t even know we’ve been in there Gray.”

  Nuzzling my neck he trails kisses behind my ear. “You can stay here. Forget the whole thing, I can have a quickie before the show.”

  “You and I both know there is nothing ‘quickie’ about what you do to me.” I whisper rolling my hips into his. “Later Sex and Sin. Lots and lots of it later.”

  I watch Cam lean into Aiden’s hand as he strokes her face. He is completely in control. Knowing that he can’t just let it be this way yet he stops. He pulls her chin up so that her eyes are forced to meet his. “I’m proud of you for helping us baby. I’ll see you later.” He says softly then looks to me. “You remember everything I taught you about transferring files?” He asks.

  “Yes Aiden. Don’t worry we got this.” I say confidently. Nodding at me he stands walks down the hall slamming the door behind him. Cam shakes her head as she stands. I take her hand then we follow Henry out into the hall toward Landon and Tad’s suite.

  “You two hang around this corner while I go grab them. When they answer, I’ll use this so the door doesn’t click when it shuts.” Henry says holding up a small piece of duct tape. “Then get in, get what we need then get the fuck out of there.” I nod then watch as the enormous teddy bear walks around the corner and knocks on their door.

  Landon answers quickly looking from side to side in the hall. “We’re ready.” He says turning back in the room giving Henry the chance to place the tape over the strike plate so that we can push it right open. Henry steps back allowing Tad and Landon to walk from the room then follows them to the elevator. Once the doors close, we watch the arrow descend stopping on the ground floor.

  “Come on that’s our cue.” I nudge her with my elbow.

  Their room is nothing like ours, it’s enormous. Clearly they made sure to book only the best for themselves. I didn’t get a great look at it the other night but now I take it in. It’s clearly the damned penthouse and big enough for all of us to stay in together.

  Cam pulls the tape off the doorjamb letting it click closed just in case someone does come back. I walk over to the table they have turned into Shaft Command Central. Tad’s laptop sits there begging me to throw it against the wall but that wouldn’t help us so I don’t. Opening it, I hack around his password just like Aiden showed me. “Here Cam you upload all the files onto this and I’ll go do the same with Landon’s.” I slide the computer across the table handing her one of the flash drives.

  She starts accessing files, saving them all to the drive as I dive into Landon’s. Landon’s is relatively empty really but I save everything anyway. I pull up pictures of us together then of Tad with him from before we were even together according to the dates. Once again this makes me question Landon and I as a couple. I also begin to question Landon’s control over his life. The man that I thought was so strong seems weaker to me with every passing day. Little things pop into my head. Things that should have been red flags warning me of this all blowing up in my face b
ut I didn’t see it. Hind sight…fucking bitch.

  “Daisy.” Cam gasps. “Babe you need to see this shit.” She growls waving me over.

  I quickly yank the flash from Landon’s computer then shut it down like I found it. “Did you find something we need Cam? Just copy it we’ll look at it later. I don’t want to be here too long in case someone comes back.”

  Her eyes look up at me over the screen. Her face is shock white. I jump up walking around the table toward her. What could she have found that is so bad? I mean if they are skimping off the top like we suspect it shouldn’t have Cam freaking out. “Daisy, you really need to…” She starts but my world along with my legs crumple out from under me as I look at the screen of Tad’s laptop where a video plays. It’s grainy and not very clear but I know exactly what or should I say who it is. Tad has the security tape from the bar the night I fucked Landon in the back room.

  “Oh my God!” I scream covering my eyes but it’s too late. The images are burned into my brain now swirling with those of Tad and Landon together. My stomach churns as I relive every second as it plays. Oh my God it even has sound! I listen to myself cry out Landon’s name only matched with his grunts.

  “I’m so sorry Daisy.” Cam whispers sadly her eyes scanning the screen. “There’s an entire file here of you two.” She clicks on another file making another video load. This video is clearer and of Landon’s bedroom. I watch as I lie back on the bed crooking a finger at Landon. He slides between my thighs then I pull him to me capturing his mouth with mine. Oh my God I’m going to be sick. “This was the night he proposed.” I say then quickly clap a hand over my mouth running for the bathroom where I lose my dinner into the toilet along with all my sympathy for Landon.