21. The Worry

TWENTY-ONE

THE WORRY

BECCA

I text Calista and tell her what happened while Kallie drives us to her and Big D's place. When I put my phone down, she explains how the team knew to save Cam from Max.

After I'd rushed off to the restroom, Cam sauntered up to her and Big D. She demanded to know what happened. He filled them in on everything that had been going on. She told him to turn around, find me, and talk. Only Cam didn't notice Max and his bodyguards following him, but Big D did. He gathered the team for a battle, and that's how they got there in the nick of time.

"I just cannot believe this has happened. Poor Cam." I chew my nails, worrying, and try to control the tears from streaming out of me.

"There's a code among hockey players, and believe me, I know this because Big D isn't the first hockey player I've been involved with," she explains, tightening her grip on the steering wheel. "Anyone who dares to mess with their teammates or their women or their families had better watch out. The guys stick together and have each other's backs. They have a way of taking care of things together."

"How so?" Although I'm not sure I want to know. I recall my brother using similar words about him and Cam one night long ago. We took care of things. The less I know, the better.

"Ugh. It's been some time since I've given the past a thought." She clears her throat and continues. "My ex got injured in a game and couldn't play anymore. Then he got hooked on painkillers and became abusive. I'm okay, but it took Bid D to help me realize I deserved better. We had some trouble with my ex after we got together, but Big D and his teammates at the time handled him and warned him off. He never came near me again."

"So they're like an extended family of brothers?"

"Something like that. If Cam chooses to have you in his life, you're lucky. You get him and others to back him up in times of trouble."

Considering Hayes won't return my calls, brothers like this could come in handy.

I take all of this in, surmising that hockey players are a unique lot. Strong, possessive, a little over the top. "Is that why Cam is there at every turn, watching over me?" I whisper it, already knowing the answer.

She announces we're here and pulls into a brand-new tower of condos not far from the arena. As we pass through the shiny glass and brass doors, she introduces me to the night doorman and has him add my name to the list of approved visitors.

"I'm sure this won't be the last time you visit," she explains. How or why she thinks that is a mystery to me. I'm sure once I see Cam and find out if he's okay, I'll have no reason to come back.

We take the elevator to the top floor, a smooth, quick ride. I'm exhausted when we exit. There are two doors to choose from ahead of us. She unlocks the one trimmed in gold on the left.

"Welcome to our house. Shoes off please." Once inside, she kicks her heels off and tosses her keys into a woven basket on the entry table. I glance around and I take in the decor of the great room as she flicks on lights. It's a mix of soft, neutral colors with woodsy accents. Some crystal and gold here and there. A chandelier of antlers over a large, round glass table. And a display of several more antlers above the fireplace.

"Hunters?" I point at them, never a big fan of dead things hanging walls.

"Yep. One of our hobbies together."

Several framed photos of Big D riding a bull and of Kallie competing in barrel racing are on the wall above where I line up my heels. The place clearly reveals their interesting personalities. But I can't let this deter me.

"Look, shouldn't we call the police? They could arrest Max for holding me and Cam against our will or for hurting Cam." Not knowing where he is drives me crazy. I need to know if he's okay or if he's bleeding on the seat of the truck.

"No, and I don't know what they are doing with Max. But I have my suspicions. I think we should wait for them to get home to talk with us." She answers and comes toward me, landing her hands on my shoulders. "Right now, look at you. I know you're scared and tired. Let me show you to the bathroom and draw you a bath. I'll get you some clothes to change into. Afterwards, we can talk more."

I glance down and realize Calista's gown is ruined. The blue sequins have turned a weird shade of purple, covered in splotches of Cam's blood. The picture of Cam lying there covered in blood from all the hits he took returns to the forefront of my mind.

"Blood?" I've never been a fan, partly why I hated my parents' suggestion I become a nurse. I can usually control my response to it, but this night has been too much.

The room spins and I reel to the floor.