Page 33 of His Red Carnation

I noticed Callan slowly walking up the stairs, a big smile on his face as he watched me from the top step. I stopped whenhe approached, but he shook his head. “Please don’t stop.” He settled onto a couch in front of the bookshelf, crossing his legs and watching me intently.

I continued with the chorus, feeling my cheeks burn; I could have sex with this man, yet singing in front of him made me incredibly nervous. When I stilled my hands, he spoke.

“You have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard,” he said quietly.

I raised my eyebrows, wondering how the chat went. “What did she say?” I got up and sat on the couch parallel to him.

He blinked, then shrugged. “She told me she’d kill me if I hurt you. She said to be careful. And she’s scheduling a tour for Berkeley right now. She wants me to take you.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “She’s being surprisingly supportive.”

He nodded. “I was about to get a fake passport and disappear to Costa Rica.”

“She wouldn’t be hunting you down—Iwould. You better never leave me,” I replied, crossing my arms defiantly.

He gave me a small smile, leaning closer with his elbows on his thighs. “Baby, I’d never dream of leaving you.”

14

Callan

Ana scared the shit out of me when she pulled me into a private room I didn’t even know existed and pointed a finger at me.

“Callan, if you hurt her, I will make sure you are tortured and beheaded.”

My stomach dropped, and I felt like I was going to throw up. But then Ana burst into laughter.

“Ay pobrecito, I’m just messing with you.” She smiled, amusement dancing in her eyes. “But seriously, don’t hurt her. She’s not a delicate flower, but she’s very sensitive. I know you are too. Somehow, it all works in this weird, fucked-up way.”

I smiled in surprise. “Ana, you know I’d never hurt her. I’m actually afraid she’ll hurt me,” I admitted.

She shook her head quickly. “She’d never do that. Just please be careful, Callan. If this got out, it would be the end for Jake.”

I nodded, the weight of guilt pressing down on me like a ton of bricks. “I know, Ana. We’ll be careful.”

* * *

I was thrilled to be alone with Sloane as we settled into our First Class seats for the flight to Oakland International Airport. Even though we couldn’t touch in public, just being in her presence was enough for me. She wore a crop top that left little to the imagination, her hard nipples teasing me without her even realizing. Her comfortable gray sweats looked effortlessly stylish on her, and I was grateful I didn’t have to wear my suit; I felt at ease in my jeans and T-shirt.

“I love seeing you in a suit, but God, you look amazing with your tattoos and muscles showing,” Sloane whispered as we sat down, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

My dick started to harden. “Baby, I’m gonna fuck you so hard when we get to the hotel.”

She giggled, turning to look out the window, her genuine happiness making my heart feel like it would fucking burst.

Sloane and I had six hours to talk, nap, tease each other, and share our favorite songs. She tried to read, but I kept bugging her, and she didn’t seem to mind. No one noticed the subtle squeezes I gave her thigh under the blanket we shared. So much for being careful in public; I couldn’t fucking help myself.

As we exited the terminal toward baggage claim, a sea of photographers suddenly appeared, snapping pictures of my girl.

“Whoa, whoa!” I exclaimed, instinctively stepping in front of her and spreading my arms wide. “Give us some space!”

“Sloane! Sloane, over here!” they called out, completely ignoring me.

“Back up!” I nearly reached for Sloane’s hand but caught myself just in time. “Come on, baby. Let’s get to the car,” I whispered in her ear.

A sleek black car was waiting right outside. I guided her into it before turning back to grab our luggage, the swarm of photographers still snapping pictures.

“Fuckers,” I muttered under my breath.

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