Chapter Twenty

Shelby

I couldn’t be absolutely sure Blake hadn’t told anyone about the shower incident, but I didn’t think the boys would have been able to keep quiet about it if he did. Now, Gavin, I hadn’t seen in more than passing over the last few days, and there was no conversation involved. Either way, I was glad to put it behind me and assumed the embarrassment would fade eventually. With the sun on my face, I could pretend its heat was the reason for the flush in my cheeks.

River and Rain had surprised me with a sitting area yesterday. They’d gone as far as to cover my eyes and lead the way once we approached the exit near the kitchen. The best part? I didn’t have to be supervised. Oh, I wasn’t under any illusion that Gavin couldn’t check on me if he so chose, and I was certain he’d done so a time or two already, but the back area near the sheds was fenced off. It housed a big electric gate for vehicles, but that remained locked unless there was a delivery, so unless I planned to climb it, the only accessible door led back into the lodge.

The boys had explained in quite a bit of detail, likely at Gavin’s prompting, how unlikely it was that I could slip out unnoticed, and their concern wasn’t unwarranted. I would leave given the opportunity, though I had to admit I’d miss the odd duo at the least. I didn’t really want to acknowledge that I might miss the other two. For the time being, I just planned to enjoy my little sitting area with my head tipped back and the sun on my eyelids, ignoring that I was caged in.

My mind wandered over everything and nothing until a shadow fell over my face. Startled, I opened my eyes to find Rain in front of me, right up in my personal space as usual.

“I’m going to put a bell on you,” I griped while I rubbed a hand over my chest to ease the ache.

Rain grinned down at me unrepentantly. “Aw, that’d take all the fun out of it, firecracker. Besides, I have news.”

Without a by-your-leave, he settled his behind in the glider on the other side of the little table that connected them.

“Unless you’re telling me I’m free to go and have a bus ticket in your pocket, I’m not sure I want to know,” I snarked, still not forgiving him for setting my heart to racing.

His grin dropped into a frown, and he looked around before he met my stare. “Now, don’t be saying that kinda thing out loud, or Gavin might change his mind.” Rain paused, waiting for me to ask, but I crossed my arms and waited him out instead. I’d sort of learned how to deal with their antics, and not rising to the bait was the best course of action. “You’re no fun.” He pouted but continued on. “You have about twenty minutes to get ready before we leave.”

My heart started racing for a whole other reason. They were gonna let me leave? With a stomach full of buzzy bees, I shakily got to my feet, but wariness held them in place. “Where are we going?” I dared to ask, unsure I wanted to know now that it was an option.

“There was an opening, so Blake made you an appointment. Time to get your final check-up, and you get to stay awake for the whole thing. Unless you don’t want to,” he added when I only stared at him.

Disappointment warred with trepidation. I didn’t want to be sedated, but I also wasn’t too keen on going to a hospital or wherever people were gonna want to touch me. Finally, I managed a subdued, “I see,” and made to head back in.

Confusion clouded Rain’s face. “That’s it? I thought you’d be happy about it.” I didn’t want to hurt his feelings but I didn’t have the mental capacity to force false excitement, so I shrugged and crossed the courtyard while he levered himself up. I wasn’t lucky enough for him to stay behind, not with him and River sure to be my escorts. It felt mean when I thought about saying as much.

“Shelby,” he called after me, voice full of exasperation. I didn’t stop until he gently yet firmly grabbed my elbow. “Hey, just wait a second, will you?”

I yanked back hard enough that he lost his grip, and my back hit the wall of the hall. “We’ve talked about grabbing me,” I snapped, my emotions boiling over. He could have at least let me get to my room first. Instead, we were in the hall where anyone could walk up and eavesdrop on my impending meltdown.

“I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry.” He did appear contrite, but I didn’t give a crap.

“No, you’re sorry I’m saying something about it, and you’re sorry you aren’t getting your way. You’re not sorry you made me stop on your timetable even though it’s my body. The least you could do is let me prepare to be poked and prodded by strangers while my behind hangs out of a gown as they do so. Or you could have given me the option to be sedated and not know who is doing what to me. Instead, Blake set it up, and it doesn’t matter that I had no say in it. I have no say in anything !” I would have kept on, but I had to stop. My chest heaved as I panted, stealing my breath, and my sight was clouded by the tears I was doing my best to keep at bay.

“Rain, head on out with River. I’m going to drive Shelby,” Gavin said from behind me, and I shot Rain a glare that plainly said my point had been proven. If I hadn’t been so upset, Rain’s displeasure would have been comical, but as it was, he deserved to lose his escort privileges. Regardless, I knew he’d be front and center once we got to our destination, and to tell the truth, I’d probably want him and River there to hold my hand even though I was mad at him.

I’d expected an argument from him, but whatever Gavin conveyed from behind me made Rain wince and nod. “Sorry I was being pushy, Shelby. I’ll see you there, right? I can stay back if you don't want me to go.”

I wanted to tell him to stay home out of spite but instead found myself telling him it was fine. If he expected more he didn’t let on. With another nod he tucked his hands in his jeans pockets and spun on his heel to leave. I could feel Gavin staring at my back and shook my hands out to stave off the nerves—I hadn’t really talked to him since our meeting in his office, and I wasn’t sure how to feel around him.

I was grateful when he made it easy and simply escorted me to my room before leaving me there to get ready. His parting instructions were to meet him in the dining room when I was done.

If I took a few extra minutes after sitting on the floor, simply breathing after I slid down the door, well, he didn’t comment on it.

***

Shelby

“What?” I asked absentmindedly when Gavin called my name. My attention was admittedly on the landscape. I didn’t recognize where we were, so I’d occupied myself with storing as much as I could in my mind. It would come in handy when I finally left or in the slim case that I might need to find my own way back.

“I asked if you were okay.” I turned my head to catch his frowning profile. Maybe it wasn’t the first time he’d tried to get my attention.

“Sorry,” I answered automatically. “I’m fine, just got a lot going on up here.” I gestured to my head and went back to reading the signs we passed.

“I imagine so,” he drawled before slowing for a turn.

Within a few blocks, the on-ramp for the interstate came into view. I breathed a sigh of relief that we weren’t too far off from it and hoped Gavin wouldn’t comment. Lying wasn’t my strong suit—believably lying, anyhow.

Assuming we’d travel for a bit once we were on the interstate, I settled back and closed my eyes only to pop them back open when the car slowed for an exit. “Where are we going?” I braved asking. The hospital I was familiar with was closer to the city center, and we were still a ways off.

Gavin wasn’t forthcoming with an answer. Instead, he changed the subject. “I think we need to get you a hobby.”

“Huh? What does that have to do with where we’re going, Gavin?” My tone was cross enough to garner a brief glance before he turned his eyes back to the road.

“Nothing really, but it isn’t gonna change where we’re headed, and I wanted the chance to talk to you where you can’t run off on me.”

Taken aback and slightly alarmed by both his avoidance and his intent to keep me a captive audience, I checked behind us to see whether the cousins were still following.

“That’s not at all reassuring, Gavin. Maybe this was a bad idea—”

“It’s not as sinister as you’re making out, Shelby. We’re going to a private clinic that can handle what needs to be done. Now, what’s going on with you and the cousins and Blake?”

“I mean,” he said, exasperation plain in his tone, “that Blake has been extra cagey regarding you the last couple days, and River and Rain have all but tattooed ‘Property of Shelby Ann’ on their foreheads.”

I opened and closed my mouth a couple times, doing a great impression of a guppy, but I didn’t have the foggiest on how to answer him. I wasn’t even aware it was a thing, and there he was, asking me to explain it.

“Seems you know more about whatever is ‘going on’ than I do,” I finally got out.

“Hmm, right. Well, I can have a talk with them about boundaries and make sure they back off if it’s not mutual—”

“Wait!” It was my turn to cut him off. “Don’t do anything of the sort, Gavin. I’m more than capable of telling them if they’re pushing me around. As you saw, I did just fine with Rain earlier. It’s a little hard, but I can do it if needed.”

His chuckle left me staring at him in chagrined disbelief. “Yeah, see, I thought so. You want the attention, like it even, but you’re not sure about accepting it yet. That’s fine, just checking that they’re not running roughshod over you. Can’t say I’d blame them if they tried. But, Shelby?”

“Yes?” I answered hesitantly in a small voice, thoroughly embarrassed.

“Please keep in mind that you won’t stay forever. Don’t let them get too invested if you can help it. Same goes for you. I know you want to leave, and I’d like to mitigate the fallout I’m gonna be left with.” I couldn’t help but feel that he was unfairly laying all of the responsibility for everyone's emotional well-being at my feet. It wasn't like I was leading them on, and I certainly wasn’t the one doing the pursuing, if it could be called that. I wanted to lash out, but Gavin’s somberness was plain enough that I checked my anger instead. Mostly anyway.

“I think we’re all adults and you should butt out,” I retorted primly, then promptly turned my attention out the window.

It was a couple minutes before Gavin broke the uncomfortable silence. “You’re right about that, Shelby. I only brought it up out of concern.” I didn’t answer him, and when he spoke again, he changed the subject.

“So, that hobby... If you don’t have a preference, I’ll sort something out for you.” I didn’t think he needed my agreement, but he prompted me again. “Shelby? That work for you?”

“Yeah, I’m sure whatever will be fine. Just don’t put too much into it. I’m not staying, remember?” I couldn’t help but get a dig in after he’d warned me off. I didn’t want to admit he’d hurt my feelings.

***

Shelby

“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to do this.” I did my best to keep the panic from my voice, but the white-knuckled grip I had on the throat of the hospital gown surely gave it away.

“Shelby, it will be fine. Blake will be there—” Gavin started, but I wasn’t having any of it.

“No! Why is he here ?” I pointed at the door where I’d caught a glimpse of who I’d thought was Gavin at first. I’d come out of the tiny bathroom after leaving a cup with a urine sample in the little metal cupboard and nearly asked where he was going before I’d realized the man had different clothing on.

Sherry, completely unhelpful, stuck her nose in where it wasn’t wanted. “He’s here to oversee that Mr. Hamilton’s directives are followed and to take the records back with him.” Turning her waspish tone on Blake, she talked around me like I didn’t matter, and I supposed I really didn’t. “Can we get on with it? I do have an actual job I’d like to keep.”

Gaze ping-ponging between the three, I didn’t miss Blake pinching the bridge of his nose or the death glare Gavin leveled on the abrasive woman. She’d seemed nice enough when I first met her, but I hadn’t seen her since the cousins pissed her off.

“Sherry, shut up,” Gavin snapped at her.

It was too late though. As she took offense, they started arguing despite Blake’s attempts to calm them down. I wasn’t about to stick around for whatever they planned to do, so I took advantage of the moment and slipped off to the side. Last time, I’d chosen to abide by the prenup, and that had been an ordeal I didn’t plan on ever having to repeat.

My hand had barely turned the handle of the door when Blake called my name. “Shelby? Where are you going?”

With the panic threatening to take over, I froze in place. Tears of frustration and anger welled in my eyes as I glanced over my shoulder to glare at Blake. “Happened to have an opening today? More like you’re at the beck and call of Carter and Winston Sr.” My accusation held enough venom and bitterness to make the men look ashamed. Sherry, well, she was made of sterner stuff.

“Girl, who do you think—” she began, only to have Blake turn on her, no longer the peacekeeper.

“Sherry, if it’s not in your job description, then keep your mouth shut. You’re just antagonizing her at this point. Shelby is your patient. Act like it!” Blake looked at me. “We were just waiting on a time when everyone could be present. I didn’t know Carter was coming.” His eyes pleaded with me to believe him, but I could only shake my head.

“I want River,” I said with a shaky exhale as I roughly swiped at my eyes. I wouldn’t cry in front of them.

Gavin immediately nodded and apologized while he shot off a text. “It’s my fault. I needed to meet with Carter. I didn’t think you’d run into him, Shelby. I’m sorry.” He looked and sounded it too. It wasn’t so much that I doubted him, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to trust him.

I needn’t have worried about figuring out what to say to him though. About the time Sherry scoffed and muttered about spoiled rich girls, River came through the door and nearly knocked me over.

“Shit, pretty girl, you playing doorstop?” River teased and apologized all at once, though I was the one who hadn’t had the sense to move. Regardless, he put me at ease. The tension bled out of the room as soon as I clung to him and his arms came around me. “Hey, now,” he said while rubbing circles on my back, “you want me to hang out? I can get Rain too.” I nodded, then hesitated before shaking my head against his chest. I heard his sigh, but he didn’t comment on it. He more than likely already knew Rain had pushed too far earlier.

“Alright, let’s get this done then,” Sherry interjected, paired with a loud clap that made me jump. I swore a chorus of growls came from the men in response. “Jesus, you all need to chill out.”

It took a couple more minutes to sort out who was doing what, but I ignored it all, playing ostrich with my face buried against River’s chest until he gently pushed me back. “I won’t take my eyes off you, but we need to get moving before this place gets busy again, okay?” I stared up into his reassuring golden eyes, nodded, and took his hand, too, for good measure.

Without more commentary than necessary, Sherry and Blake set about getting the scans and bloodwork done. It was all fine, if sometimes uncomfortable, until Sherry pulled the stirrups out of the exam table.

“No,” I rasped, slipping right off the side of the table onto River’s lap. I silently glared at her until she nodded and called for Blake.

Annoyance tamped down but still present in her tone, she quickly explained she wasn’t going to force me. “You’re capable of handling it later or finding someone else.”

Blake hesitated, glancing at me and back to Sherry, clearly uncomfortable. Did Sherry know what he did with the women at the lodge? “Yeah, we’ll sort it out. Do me a favor, though? Mark it up that we’ll come back for a follow-up, say she’s on her period or something?” She hesitated then nodded with a sigh before leaving the room.

Curiosity ate me up, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to ask why he wanted her to lie. Then it hit me. Carter was there, and Winston Sr. was still pulling the strings. “What does he want me for?” I managed to whisper despite the panic trying to close off my throat.

Blake looked over my head at River who shrugged before he answered in a low voice that wouldn’t carry. “I’m not privy to everything, Shelby, but it was in the report requests. Gavin might know, or Carter should, but—” He cut off when I closed my eyes. “Right, well, ask Gavin later. I’ve bought some time, hopefully, if Sherry follows through.”

He left, and River helped me get dressed, almost making me crack a smile with his antics. “Cross my heart I won’t look, pretty girl,” he said, swiping a finger in an X across his chest before he closed his eyes.

I was a little wobbly as he blindly held out my pants for me to step into. So much so that I put my hands on his shoulders for balance, not realizing that would bring my torso nearly into his face.

“Sorry,” I muttered when my gown fell forward, all but smothering him as I got one foot, then the other, into the leggings. His phone buzzed while he worked them up my thighs and hips. He ignored it, but then it buzzed again. I was pulling the offending garment off, trying to hurry as best I could, and of course that’s when a tap came at the door before it opened.

“Shelby, sorry, but we need to get going.” Rain’s voice had me clutching the gown to my naked chest while River swore at him to get out. It would have been fine since he had his back to us, but as he stepped away, my gaze locked with Carter’s.

“What the hell is going on in there?” he snapped, and his eyes widened before the door shut, blocking his view.

“Fucking hell, Carter, I told you I’d let them know we have to leave,” came Rain’s muffled voice.

The argument escalated, and I was frozen in place until River’s rough fingertips ran up and down my sides, pulling my attention to him. “Get your shirt on, Shelby. Rain can’t hold Carter off forever, and we don’t need Gavin throwing down with him in public if he comes in here while you’re half dressed.”

No, we certainly didn’t need that.

“Sorry,” I rasped while reaching for my shirt. With Carter wanting in the door, I wasn’t messing with the bra.

“Don’t be, I just don’t want to bring attention that you’re here, nor do I want to break my promise not to peek.” I colored up when I dropped the gown, not that River could see, but I was close enough to feel his breath on my chest. His hands didn’t leave my sides until the hem of my shirt bunched up against them. “Can I open them now?”

I nodded and barely held in a groan at my stupidity. “Yes, I’m dressed as I’m going to get,” I answered and glanced toward the door. “You think they’re still out there?” Even though it had quieted, I didn’t hold out much hope that they weren’t, but River started tapping away as he stood from the chair. I pretended I didn’t see him pocket my bra.

“According to Rain, Gavin and Blake took Carter off to get copies of whatever they can. He also said Blake managed to snag your entire file, or a duplicate of it anyway, if you want it.” I shrugged. It didn’t really matter one way or the other what it said, but it was a nice gesture from Blake anyhow. “Right, well, let’s get out of here before Carter decides to come back.” From the wrinkle in his brow, I caught on that something else was up.

Venturing a guess, I asked, “We’re not supposed to be leaving without the rest of them, are we?”

River shook his head at me, but a devious grin split his face. “Nah, definitely not.” He was entirely too cheerful about giving the others the slip.

Pulling the door open, he exposed his counterpart. I locked eyes with Rain, unsure what to say, but there wasn’t much time for speaking. They swept me out of the building and into their vehicle. By the time it was started and our buckles were hooked, both of their phones started going off. The door we’d come out of banged open, and out burst an irate Gavin and Carter looking like slightly unmatched bookends.

“I think that’s our cue to leave,” I whispered from the back middle seat, but they heard me just fine. With a wink, Rain put the vehicle into drive and sedately pulled out of the lot as River answered his phone.

“We’ll see you back at the lodge, boss,” he said, then hung up. I wanted to laugh, but my emotions and anxiety were all over the place. I was afraid if I started I wouldn’t stop. “Get some rest, pretty girl. We’ll wake you up when we’re back.” I hadn’t realized my eyes had closed, but I didn't plan on forcing them open. With a hum of agreement, I let the stress of the day melt away into sleep.