Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off #4)(54)

“Ahh,” I shouted, pushing him off of me. Chuckling, he helped me off the bed and put his arms around me. “So that’s why you want me with you. It’s so you can keep men away from me.”

“Is that so bad? I can’t have just anybody trying to make a move on what’s mine.”

I looked over at the clock and time was slipping away from us. Sighing, I said, “I have to go. But I promise I’ll think it over and give you an answer when I come back.”

He held me tighter. “Think hard, buttercup. The benefits will surely be worth it.”

Lifting up on my toes, I kissed him long and hard, knowing it was the last one we’d share for a while. “I promise.”

Camden picked up my bag and I followed him down the stairs and out the door to my car. He put my bag in the backseat and opened my door for me. “I love you.”

I hugged him quickly and breathed him in. “I love you too.” Once in the car, I lowered the window.

“Call me when you land so I know you got there safely.”

“I will.” I pulled out of his driveway and glanced in my rearview mirror until he disappeared from view. The airport was only a thirty minute drive away and when I got there, I turned in the rental car and went to my terminal. There was still an hour before my flight so I sat down and played some games on my phone, until a phone call came through. It was my mother.

Reluctantly, I answered. “Hey, Mom.”

“Brooklyn, honey, how are you?”

Sitting back in my chair, I smiled thinking about Camden. “I’m doing great. I’m moving to California.”

“You’re what?” she gasped.

“I figured it was time for a change of pace. I sure could use it right about now. Please don’t tell me you have a problem with it.”

“Well, I have to admit, it’s kind of a shock, but I want you to do what makes you happy.”

“Really? Are you sure this is my mother? Because you sure as hell don’t sound like her.”

She actually laughed, which was foreign to my ears. I hadn’t heard that sound in months, even if it was a sad laugh. “It’s me, I assure you. I’m calling to apologize for the things I’ve done and said to you and your brother. The past few months have been . . .” Her voice quivered and she sniffled.

“Mom?”

She sniffled again and cleared her throat. “I just . . . keep thinking about the way I mistreated you, and it breaks my heart. I didn’t realize I was being so horrible until I decided to get help.”

“What do you mean help?” I asked.

“Therapy. Your father and I have been meeting with a therapist a couple times a week. I miss your sister and I will always miss her. I only wished I didn’t let her passing take me away from those I love. Do you think you could ever forgive me?”

“If you can promise it won’t happen again, of course. But if anyone deserves an apology, it’s Jason.”

“I know,” she cried. “Your father and I are driving up your way in a couple of weeks. I wanted to do all of this in person, but I couldn’t wait another minute. Do you mind if we come over? Maybe have dinner together?”

“I’d like that. Just let me know what day you’re coming and I’ll make sure to be there. I’ve missed you and the talks we used to have.”

She sniffled again and blew her nose. “I do too, honey. I have a lot of catching up to do.”

“Yes, you do, but I look forward to it. I love you, Mom. Tell Dad I love him too.”

“I will. And we love you. See you soon.”

After we hung up, I immediately dialed my brother’s number to tell him the good news, but was cut off with an incoming call. “Mason, what’s up,” I answered.

“Where are you?” he asked impatiently.

“I’m about to get on a plane and head home. Is something wrong?”

“I know who’s after Jameson. Get back to him, now. I’ve tried calling him but he’s not picking up the goddamn f*cking phone! I’m trying to get there but I’m stuck in traffic.”

“Fuck,” I hissed. “Who is it? Did your people identify him on the video?”

“Yes, and here’s the thing . . . he’s gone. I don’t know where he’s at, B.” Stomach clenching, I rushed out of the terminal to the exit. I knew something was wrong; I could feel it earlier. “I’m sorry, B. You’re not going to believe who it is.”





“WHERE THE FUCK is my phone?” I grumbled, frustrated. I’d thought I left it on the nightstand beside my bed but it wasn’t there. After searching around my room for what felt like a goddamned year, I gave up and continued my search downstairs. Nothing. Now was the time I really wished I had a house phone instead of just a cell.

A noise from upstairs caught my attention. It almost sounded like footsteps, but it stopped all too quickly. There was one time a little over a year ago when a girl broke into my house. I found her in my room, going through my things, naked. One thing led to another and I ended up f*cking her. That was her goal anyway. Needless to say, she tried to break in again shortly after and I’d had enough. I had to tell her to f*ck off or I would turn her in to the police for breaking and entering. Yet another reason I needed to get the hell out of this house.