It wasn't as if I'd been railroaded into staying with Cameron. I could have said no. I could have insisted on staying somewhere else. Somewhere I wouldn't have to live with a big brother-by-proxy.

But every time I started to protest, something stopped me.

I wanted my freedom, it was true. Living at Cameron Thorne's mansion wouldn't really afford me that. I'd still have someone watching over me.

But I couldn't deny the real reason I hadn't fought too hard against the idea.

Cameron was one of the few people who treated me like an adult.

I'd grown up as a child under my brother's watchful eye.

I'd spent my teen years at a strict boarding school.

I'd spent the last six months at a secluded artists' retreat, in the middle of rural France. My only company had been eight other women, all in their mid-thirties or older, who treated me like their own daughter.

Up until a few days ago, I couldn't have told you the last time someone looked at me like an adult.

Until I'd walked in on Cameron having sex and he'd invited me to join in. Until he'd put his arm around me and called me hot and sexy. Until his eyes had met mine and glinted with a simmering heat.

Every morning I woke up to thoughts of that look, wondering when I'd see it again. If I would see it again.

But it had been days since I'd moved into Cameron's home and I'd only seen him once, on the day I arrived. Noah and Jen came with me. Cameron greeted us at the door. He had only been wearing jeans and a t-shirt, no eyeliner or leather pants. The sight of him was still enough to make my insides flutter madly.

Cameron took us to the third floor and let me have my pick of bedrooms. After investigating a few rooms, I found one with a comfy padded bench beneath a window, the perfect reading nook. It also had a vanity that could double as a desk. The decor was white and light purple, with throw rugs and a four-poster canopy bed.

"It's like I'm a Disney princess," I joked.

"Cameron's certainly no prince," Noah muttered under his breath.

Jen nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. "Behave."

The two of them left me to unpack.

"Just remember what I told you," Noah hissed to Cameron he left the room.

"What did he tell you?" I asked when Noah and Jen left.

"You know, the usual. I touch you, I die."

But despite Cameron's flippant response, he looked perturbed.

"What else did he say?"

Cameron stopped in the doorway, a strange look on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but paused, as if he were thinking better of it.

"Nothing. See you around," was all he said before walking out of the bedroom and shutting the door behind him.

That was the last I'd seen of Cameron Thorne.

Half the time I wondered if he was avoiding me. The other half told myself I was being silly. The mansion was huge. I practically did have the entire floor to myself. Cameron stuck to his side of the place, with no reason to come over to my side. He might not even have had a reason to step foot in the same floor as me at all.

That meant I had to learn my way around by myself. I hoped Cameron didn't mind me snooping, but at the very least I had to find the kitchen so I didn't starve.

For all that Noah said Cameron lived off pizza and beer, the kitchen was fully stocked. The fridge was overflowing with fruits and vegetables and the cupboards were filled with non-perishable goods. Cameron also owned every kitchen appliance and cooking utensil known to man. Most were sparkling clean, looking brand new. I had to wonder if he'd ever used even a single one of those fancy gadgets.

I'd been living in Cameron's home for a week when I finally encountered him.

I was in the kitchen putting together a sandwich. One day I would brave the daunting kitchen and try out something more adventurous, but for now I stuck to simple foods and easy recipes.

My back was turned as I sliced thin pieces of cucumbers to wedge between ham and cheese.

"Oh. Hey," came a voice from behind me.

I jumped a foot in the air and shrieked. Whirling around, I clutched the knife in a tight grip, brandishing it.

"Shit, sorry!" Cameron said, holding his hands out as if giving me a peace offering. "I didn't mean to scare you."

My heart thumped rapidly in my chest, adrenaline still flowing through me. I lowered the knife in trembling hands.

"No. I'm sorry," I said through a shaky breath. "I shouldn't have freaked out like that."

My heartbeat was still racing. I inhaled slowly, trying to calm down.

"You okay?" Cameron's brows drew down into a frown as he examined me. It was a different look from the previous ones he'd thrown my way. No signs of heat or lust. There was concern and perhaps a little uncertainty.

"I'm fine," I said, waving my hand dismissively. I realized I still held the knife in my hands. I hastened to put it down on the counter. "I've always been jumpy." That was a good enough excuse.

"Still. I'm sorry."

"Maybe you should wear a bell so I can hear you coming."

"You really want to hear me coming, Angel?"

I flushed, both at the words and at the term of endearment. It was the same pet name he'd called me before. "I didn't mean it that way. I just meant, so you can't sneak up on me again. That's all."

"I believe you." Cameron gave me a teasing grin. "I'll try to make some noise next time."

That tilt of his lips was vaguely familiar. Not smug or cocky. It was almost boyish. Without all that eyeliner and rock star fashion, Cameron Thorne looked just like the young man I'd known as a girl, before his fame and fortune. Although considering this mansion, maybe Cameron always had fortune.

I was about to reply, to tell him again that it wasn't his fault I'd been startled, when my brain finally kicked in.

Cameron's tight t-shirt was nearly soaked through, clinging to every muscled ab. His inked arms gleamed with beads of sweat, tattoos glistening. Damp strands of bright red hair stuck to his cheeks. He'd thrown a towel around his neck and carried a water bottle in his hand.

A distant part of my mind thought this must be why Cameron was so built, if he regularly exercised at home.

Every single other part of my mind was stuck on a single fact.

Good god this man was gorgeous.

My breathing went shallow.

"Lily?"

"Yeah?" I replied weakly.

"My eyes are up here."

I shot my head up, embarrassed at having been caught staring. I met Cameron's gaze. There was that smug look. His boyish grin was nowhere to be found.

"See something you like?" There was a wicked glint in his eyes.

My nipples had peaked under my thin tank top. I'd begun to think of this place as home. I hadn't thought to throw on anything more than a tank and a pair of yoga pants. I hoped to the high heavens he hadn't noticed.

"Sorry." My face felt hot. Other parts of me felt hot, too. "I didn't mean to stare. Maybe I've just been at an all-girls boarding school for too long." That would a good enough excuse for having my tongue hanging out.

"It's cool," he said breezily. "I have that affect on women."

"I know." I tried to play it cool, as if drooling all over yourself was just something one did when confronted by a gorgeous, half-naked rock star. Although, if Cameron's reaction was any indication, it apparently was. "I was sort of surprised, really."

"At what?"

I leaned against the counter, feigning a casual stance. "That Noah let me stay with you, considering your reputation."

"Yeah, this place is pretty much party central."

"No, I meant…" I faltered, but powered on, "your reputation with women. I thought for sure he would have much more to say about his baby sister staying with someone so—"

"Slutty?" Cameron supplied with a raised eyebrow.

"I wasn't going to put it that way."

Cameron shot me a wary glance as he snagged a new bottle of water from the fridge. For the first time since he'd entered the kitchen, Cameron's eyes left my face. He eyed me up and down, taking in my tight tank top and yoga pants slung low on my hips. His heated stare made my stomach clench.

The beginnings of desire made itself known between my legs. I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt. I wondered whether or not to broach the subject, but I had to get it out there.

"You never answered me, you know," I said nervously.

"About what?" He didn't take his eyes off my legs.

"Whether you were telling the truth when you said I was sexy."

Cameron's eyes shot up to mine. "You shouldn't ask me things like that."

"Why not?"

His gaze burned into me. "You really want to know why not?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes."

"'Cause when you say things like that, it makes me want to drag you off and do indecent things to you."

Heat pulsed through me, centering between my legs.

"So you weren't lying?"

"Angel, any man with eyes can see how fucking sexy you are."

A thrill ran up and down my spine.

Cameron Thorne just called me sexy.

"And that's why you flirted with me at the concert?" I asked.

"I told you." He ran a hand through his damp hair, looking chagrinned. "I thought you were just another fan."

I fisted the material of my shirt between my fingers in a nervous gesture. I gathered my courage.

"And now?" I asked.

Cameron gave me a careful look.

"And now, nothing. You're Noah's baby sister. As much as he and I like to give each other shit, I'd never betray his trust." He wandered to the fridge again and leaned over to stick his head inside, avoiding my eyes.

Disappointment welled up inside me. Of course it would be a betrayal of trust. Noah was counting on Cameron to watch out for me, not try to get me into bed.

God, the thought of what Noah would do if he found out Cameron had come on to me that first night at the concert…

The bassist would be lucky to escape with his life.

"Besides, I'd hate to have to find a new band," Cameron added.

"What do you mean?"

Cameron laughed. It wasn't a happy sound. It sounded vaguely sick. "You think your brother would let me stay in Darkest Days if he found out I hit on you?"

I grimaced. "Noah can't unilaterally kick you out."

"I'm not willing to test it."

Cameron cracked open the bottle of water and chugged it down as he walked out of the kitchen.

"Try not to kill yourself with that thing." He nodded to the knife on the counter as he sauntered out.

I continued putting together my forgotten sandwich, thinking over Cameron's words.

Noah wouldn't really kick him out, would he?