Hunter drove his Maserati down the boulevard with his mind in a daze about the princess cut diamond he’d just had handcrafted by his jeweler. His phone rang, pulling him from a trance, and he turned a corner and answered through his Bluetooth.

“Hunter,” he said.

“He’s on the move. Looks like he’s headed to The Regency.”

“Where are you?”

“Following him closely.”

“Stay on him, I’m on my way.”

Hunter ended the call and made a U-turn then dialed Camilla. He hadn’t heard her voice since they’d spoken that morning, and it was now six in the evening. Hunter tried not to bother her, knowing she would be crowded with family and friends during her return. But Hunter couldn’t help himself. He longed for Camilla as if he was in need of a breath of fresh air that eluded him whenever he inhaled. He hit send and waited a beat, but his call went straight to voicemail.

Hunter grimaced and redialed her but only ended up with the same result. He pushed out a rough breath then decided to let her be. It was probably a long day for her, maybe her phone needed charging. Riding up to The Regency, Hunter’s grimace turned into a full-on scowl when seeing Steven approach The Regency doors. Since the day of their scuffle, Hunter had kept a detective on Steven, knowing at any time he would discover a way to find Camilla. Steven spoke to Robert who looked at Steven questionably as he watched him walk confidently through the rotating doors.

Hunter pulled up and parked then hopped out of the sports car.

“Two minutes,” he said to Robert who approached for Hunter’s keys to park the Maserati. With ease, Hunter moved through the door, and immediately, his eyes fixed on Steven.

Steven stood perched at the receptionist’s desk trying to get information on Camilla’s address. As Hunter approached, he could hear Steven talking to the woman.

“Camilla Augustina,” he said. “I’m her fiancé, just came in town and wanted to surprise her,” he lied.

Hunter slipped his hands into his pocket and leaned a shoulder into the counter. Steven glanced over at him, and recognizing him, instantly cursed.

Hunter nodded. “Yeah, that’s right.”

“This man is harassing me,” Steven said, turning quickly back to the receptionist. “Call the police, please.”

The receptionist glanced over at Hunter, and he winked with a smile. The woman returned his warm greeting and took a tiresome eye back to Steven. She didn’t even know Steven, but knew in that moment, he was full of shit.

“Sir, this man lives in this building. So, if he is harassing you by being here, it would probably be best for you to leave.”

Steven let out a harsh breath. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I’m afraid I’m not,” the woman said.

Hunter chuckled. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you?” he said. “If it’s any consolation I understand. My Camilla is a beautiful, intelligent, strong-willed woman. If I were you, I wouldn’t want to lose her to the likes of a brother like me either. Because here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to put a ring on her finger, and when I do, I won’t call off the wedding because I’m not foolish enough to let go of a catch like her.” An easy grooving laugh trekked from Hunter’s mouth. It was as if Hunter could see visible steam coming out of Steven’s ears.

“And trust me when I say, she will never want you again. I’m all she needs, now and forever more. Oh, and didn’t you know, you’re violating an order of protection.”

Steven frowned, and he shortened her name when he spoke, “Camille doesn’t have it in her to do something like that. Not with me. I’m in her heart more than she’s willing to admit right now, but I know the feelings are mutual. That’s what decades of love does to you.”

“Hmmm, that’s such a shame that you would think so little of Camilla. But it seems like with decades of love, as you call it, you still have no clue who she is.”

Hunter glanced over at a tall dark skin man approaching with shades across his face and a badge on his hip.

“Let me introduce you to a friend of mine. This is Detective Shaw.” Hunter held his hand out toward the detective, and Detective Shaw handed Hunter a piece of paper to which Hunter offered over to Steven.

Steven looked down at it like it was a snake then snatched the paper out of his hand.

“This is your order of protection, and you’re violating it.” Hunter glanced to Detective Shaw. “Detective.”

Detective Shaw grabbed Steven by the arm. “Hey, get your hands off me!”

“I promise if you want to make a show in this lobby I’m all for it,” Detective Shaw said.

Steven stared at the paper in disbelief, and with slow hesitancy, followed Detective Shaw to the exit.

“I’ll be in touch,” Detective Shaw said back to Hunter as he and Steven disappeared out of the building.

* * *

Hunter had called her several times and still his call went to voicemail. Now, he was worried. Surely, Camilla wouldn’t leave her phone off this long. Hunter regretted not getting her parents’ phone number, but he could seek it out if need be. He was so busy making sure he had their address because he planned to make good on his threat to come down if Camilla hadn’t returned before Hurricane Jasper arrived. It was ten o’clock at night, and his mind had been so busy with getting her on the phone, Hunter had failed to turn on the news. His phone rang, and he answered immediately.

“Hunter,” he said.

“Hey, brother, are you busy?” The voice belonged to Xavier.

“No, what’s up?”

“I just knew you were going to tell me you were with Camilla.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you two are inseparable. I was sure you were pussy whipped by now.”

“Damn straight I am and fuck you all the same.”

Xavier balled over in laughter.

“Camilla’s not here. She went down to Florida to bring her parents back before the big storm hit.”

Xavier’s laughter was doused immediately. “You’re not talking about Hurricane Jasper, are you?”

“That’s the only storm coming through the Keys, isn’t it?”

A string of profanity left Xavier’s lips.

“What?” Hunter’s thick voice drummed with anxiety.

“Brother, Hurricane Jasper hit earlier today. The weather forecasters got it wrong. Florida’s been on emergency evacuation since around three.”

Hunter’s heart leaped in his chest, and he stood to his feet.

“Don’t bullshit me, Xavier!” He roared.

“Man, I know how much you’re into her. I wouldn’t play with you on this.”

Instantly, Hunter’s soul felt crushed. He’d just met and fallen in love with the woman he planned to marry and raise a family with. It would be a sick joke to lose her before their life could even begin. A plethora of emotions swept through him; pain ricocheted through his chest and weakness tried to cripple him. He almost fell to his knees, but Camilla needed his help, and come hell or Mount Everest, Hunter was going to get her.

“Power up the jet,” he said. “We’re going to Florida.”