Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
A s the private jet rolled to a stop, Saskia jolted awake.
She was half sprawled on Cam. God, she hoped she hadn’t drooled on him.
Across from her, Vander sat, legs stretched out in front of him, and eyes closed. His hands rested over his flat stomach. Asleep, she could actually look at him without the force of his nature making her nervous. He was really good-looking, even with his rough edge.
Nearby, Saxon was sitting in an armchair doing something on his phone.
She turned her head. Surprisingly, Wolf and Killian had come, too. Her brother had sent the Sentinel Security jet back to New York.
He said he wanted to spend more time with her. She figured he’d just glare at Cam some more, and make sure she was safe.
One thing she’d never doubted was her brother’s love. He was cool and controlled, but he always made sure she knew he was there for her.
He raised his head and caught her gaze. He winked at her.
She smiled back.
Then Cam ran a hand down her arm.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nodded.
She rose and the men stood too. God, all four of them were tall, built, and far too attractive.
It was the afternoon already. She looked out the plane window at the tarmac. She could hardly believe that this whole terrible situation was over.
Mikhailov was gone, and never coming back.
She was safe.
It might take a little while for it to sink in.
Cam walked ahead of her and onto the stairs. He jerked to a halt, and she almost ran into the back of him.
“Cam?”
He muttered a curse, but was smiling. He pulled her ahead of him.
Saskia gasped.
The entire Norcross gang was gathered at the base of the plane’s stairs, several cars parked nearby. Everyone and their partners, including Ace and Maggie and their baby, stood there. The tech guru was cradling the tiny baby in a sling against his chest.
“Saskia!” Savannah pushed forward, Hunt a step behind her.
Saskia hurried down the stairs. Savannah engulfed her in a huge hug. Then they were mobbed by Haven, Harlow, Gia, and Sofie. Brynn and Siv stood to the side, smiling. All the men were there, too.
“God, I’m so glad you’re okay.” Savannah had tears in her eyes. “I brought you fresh clothes.”
“You’re a goddess,” Saskia said.
“I got you makeup, and things for the bath.” Harlow held up a bag. “It sounds like you’ve earned a good soak.”
Haven smiled. “I brought you some books.”
“I got you new lingerie.” Gia winked, smiling.
“I have a basket of gourmet food for you,” Sofie said.
“And we got the booze,” Siv said, nudging Brynn.
“Some excellent wine,” the detective added.
“What do I need all of this for?” Saskia asked, taking Cam’s hand.
Ace moved forward. “Because,” he said, “we arranged for the presidential suite at the Fairmont Hotel for you and Cam for a few days. No interruptions.”
Warmth filled her. She saw the surprised look on Cam’s face.
Ace jerked a thumb. “Easton paid for it.”
The billionaire just smiled.
Vander slapped Cam’s shoulder. “You’ve earned a few days off, Morgan.”
Saskia grinned up at him. “What do you say?” A few days alone with Cam—with no bad guys, hot sex, and room service. It was a dream come true.
He touched her cheek. “I’m in.”
“Do not kiss her where I can see,” Killian said, disgruntled.
Saskia wrinkled her nose, but her smile widened.
“Brynn and I will have a dinner at our place tomorrow night,” Vander said, gaze going straight to his woman.
Smiling, the dark-haired detective headed his way. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Come on, Hawke,” Vander said to Killian. “We’ve organized a hotel for you and Wolf, too.”
It wasn’t long before Cam and Saskia were dropped off at the Fairmont, and whizzed up to the presidential suite.
“Oh, my God.” Saskia walked into the opulent living area.
The wraparound windows showcased incredible views of the city skyline, the Bay, and the bridges.
There was a cool brass telescope by the window that she planned to test out later.
The furniture was sleek and sophisticated, but still looked comfortable.
She stood at the window, feeling like she was on top of the world.
“Go and shower, sweetheart. Get comfortable. I’ll order us some room service.”
She nodded at Cam. There was no rush. They had all the time in the world.
There was no one hunting them. No one who’d shoot at them or blow them up.
Saskia showered in the luxurious bathroom and washed her hair twice. Afterward, she dug around in the bags everyone had given them, and pulled out a sexy baby-doll nightgown made of sheer, pink-purple lace. She pulled it on with matching panties. It was outrageously sexy.
Cam had music playing when she entered the living room. He’d showered too, his feet bare and his hair damp.
“I ordered—” He turned and stared.
Oh, she hoped he always looked at her like that. “Sit down, Camden.”
Obediently, he dropped into an armchair, never taking his gaze off her.
She moved over to the music player and changed the song. A strong beat pumped out.
Gracefully, she dropped to her knees and let the music flow through her. She moved, arching her back. She flowed to her feet.
Then she danced.
She leaped and spun. She lifted her leg as if she were doing the splits, and tipped her head back.
She whirled and looked at Cam.
He was leaning forward, hands dangling between his knees, hot gaze locked on her.
The music swelled and she moved again, letting everything she felt—relief, love, desire—fill her.
She didn’t need a stage or applause to enjoy her dancing. It was inside her.
She arched her back, her arms above her head.
As the song ended, she dropped to her knees in front of him, her heart pounding.
“Come here, Saskia.” His voice was deep, vibrating with something she couldn’t quite read.
She rose and walked toward him. Couldn’t look away from his green gaze.
He pulled her down on his lap. When he winced, she frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Just some bruising from the bullets.”
She shifted, careful not to bump him. The memory of almost losing him made her swallow against a sudden lump in her throat.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said. “Your dancing is like magic, but I couldn’t care if you never danced another step. I love you. All of you, no qualifiers.”
“Cam.” Tears of happiness welled.
“I love what’s inside you.” His hand slid down her body. “I’m still not sure I’m what you deserve—”
She hissed, ready to argue.
He pressed a finger over her lips. “But I’ll spend every day trying to be the man you deserve, who loves you, who makes you happy.”
Her man. Her lover. Her protector.
“I love you, Camden. You already are and do.”
He kissed her. Together, they rose.
“Shall we test out the enormous bed in the master?” he murmured.
“Yes, please.”
They headed for the bedroom.
* * *
Cam grabbed a beer from the bucket of ice, then scanned the party.
Vander had the doors to his huge roof terrace open, despite the chilly air. There were several fire pits burning at strategic locations across the deck.
The women were all huddled on outdoor chairs around one, cocktail or wine glasses in their hands.
Saskia wore a dark-green dress that hugged every inch of her. It had a high neck, long sleeves, and hit at midcalf, but was so tight it was sexy as hell.
He couldn’t wait to peel it off her later.
They’d spent most of the last twenty-four hours in bed in their suite—making love and making plans.
“You look happy.”
He turned to see Brynn. His cousin sipped on a glass of red wine.
“I am.”
She smiled. “You sound surprised.”
“I wasn’t happy a week ago. Funny how life can change in the blink of an eye.”
“I totally get that.” Her gaze found Vander, who was talking with Ryder and Siv. “Hold on and enjoy the ride, Cam.”
He nodded.
“Did you two work things out?” she asked.
“Saskia’s moving here.”
Brynn beamed. “That’s great news. Savannah will be elated to have her best friend close.” Brynn cocked her head. “What about her dancing?”
“She says she’s ready to retire. It’s hard on the body, and her knee’s been giving her trouble for a while.” He still wasn’t sure it was the right decision, but he’d seen no hesitation in her. “She thinks she might open a ballet school.”
“That’s awesome, Cam.”
He saw Saskia rise. He followed her gaze and saw Killian and Wolf had arrived. She went over and hugged her brother and his friend. As Wolf went to get a drink, Saskia and Killian moved to the railing. The city was a beautiful backdrop behind them.
Saskia talked and Cam saw Killian frown.
Yeah, Hawke probably wasn’t happy that his baby sister was moving to the other side of the country to move in with a guy.
“Better be careful.” Brynn patted Cam’s arm. “I’m pretty sure Killian could kill you, and we’d never find your body.”
Cam tapped her nose. “Thanks for the advice.”
She went to join the ladies. They were all currently taking turns holding baby Isabel. Ace was hovering, looking ready to snatch his daughter back, much to Maggie’s amusement.
Killian broke away, and headed toward Cam.
Cam sipped his beer, seeing Saskia shoot her brother’s back an exasperated look.
“Morgan.”
“Hawke. Remember my brothers are here, and one’s a cop. Pretty sure we can take you.”
“I doubt that.” Killian slid his hands into the pockets of his trousers. “No man is good enough for my sister.”
“Agreed.”
The former spy speared him with a look. “At least I know you’ll keep her safe. You proved that with the Mikhailov situation.”
Cam’s tense shoulders relaxed a little. “I’d give my life to protect her.”
Killian nodded. “Good.”
“I love her. I’ll never be good enough for her, but I’ll make sure she never wants for anything.”
There was a flare in Killian’s dark eyes, and the man nodded.
“You make her unhappy, and I’ll make you regret it.
” Then he looked past Cam, his brow creasing.
“I think Saxon is trying to recruit Wolf.” He took a step away, then paused.
“Thank you for taking care of her when I couldn’t. ” He stalked off.
Okay, that was pretty close to a seal of approval. Cam sipped his beer again.
It was his mom who wandered over next, and slid her arm through his. She’d been busy chatting with Vander’s parents.
“Hey, Mom.” He kissed her cheek.
“All my babies in one place. Safe, happy, in love.”
He heard the watery tone and knew she was happy. He didn’t point out that her babies were all well over six feet tall and had served in the military.
“I really, really like your Saskia, Camden.”
“Me too. I love her.”
His mom sniffed. “I can see that. I couldn’t ask for a better woman for you. She loves you. It’s written all over her.”
He squeezed his mom’s arm. “I’m okay, Mom.”
She pressed her face to his shoulder. “I know. It makes me so happy. It was such a struggle for you, but watching you find your feet…I’m so proud of you, Camden. Your father would be, too.”
He felt his heart kick hard in his chest.
“And I’m sure Kris would be thrilled for you.” She stroked Cam’s arm. “He’d say you won the lottery in your beautiful ballerina.”
“Yeah, he would.” The punch of grief wasn’t quite so sharp. He’d always miss his friend, but he could remember the good times, too.
After the heart-to-heart with his mother, Cam grabbed some food off the tables inside. Mrs. Norcross had outdone herself as usual. The woman loved to cook.
Back on the terrace, he saw Saskia with Killian and Wolf. Wolf was on his cell phone and looking extremely unhappy. He snapped something and blew out a breath. He said something to Killian, then stalked off the deck.
Cam wandered over. “Everything all right with Wolf?”
“His little sister called,” Saskia said. “Her best friend is a successful CEO. She started Pintura.”
Cam raised a brow. Even he’d heard of the popular online design website.
“Apparently, the friend is having trouble,” Saskia continued.
“Trouble?”
“She’s getting threatening notes and emails,” Killian said. “It’s escalated to death threats, to the point where Wolf’s sister has asked him to help.”
“Right,” Cam said.
“Wolf’s pissed it took them so long to call him,” Killian said. “Apparently this friend is like a sister to him. A close family friend. We have to head back to New York tomorrow.” Killian pointed at Cam. “Take good care of my sister, Morgan, or I’ll be back before you want me to be.”
“Kill.” Saskia rolled her eyes.
He hugged her, and when she hugged him back, there were tears in her eyes.
“I’ll miss you,” she said.
“I’ll see you soon.” Killian ran a hand over her hair. “And keep tabs on you.”
That got him another eye roll. Then she slid under Cam’s arm. He loved how perfectly she fit there.
Killian held out a hand and Cam shook it.
“Aw, my two favorite men making friends,” Saskia said, with a grin.
Cam and Killian scowled at each other.
Saskia just laughed. It was Cam’s favorite sound. He planned to keep her doing it for the rest of their lives.