Camilla

 

After I’ve shown Sasha where everything is for a shower, I walk down to Ellis’s office. From the doorway, I watch him rub his eyes, and I feel guilty. I’m well aware of the exhaustion he’s dealing with after the last couple of nights.

“Hi, can I come in?”

“Of course.”

“Sasha is showering, and Emma is doing schoolwork with Liam in the family room. I hope you don’t mind, but I packed some of my clothes in a suitcase for Sasha. She doesn’t have much at the apartment, and I don’t feel it’s safe to go over there today, anyhow.”

“That’s fine. We can send her more if we need.”

“Send? I can take them to her at rehab.”

“About that … shut my door, and sit down please.” Taking a seat in front of his desk, I stare at him.

“You told me Sasha already spent time in rehab centers in our area, and it didn’t help her for any length of time. I think we should try a different approach.

“Everything has been arranged for her to go to Passages in Malibu, California. She’ll fly there later today for their inpatient program.”

After his words, my mouth might be touching the floor.

“There is no way I can afford for her to stay somewhere like that, and I can’t allow you to cover it.”

“Allow?”

“What I mean is it wouldn’t be right for you to pay. She’s not your responsibility.”

“This affects you and Liam, so it is my responsibility. I want her well so what happened last night doesn’t happen again. You could lose her, Camilla, and I feel you’ve lost enough in your life. Besides, I’m not the one paying for her stay.”

“If you’re not, then who is?”

“Don’t worry about that. All you have to do is get her on that plane. Fletcher will drive you both to the airport after lunch. Then, a driver will pick her up at the airport in California and take her to the facility.

“You can fly with her, if you prefer, but I didn’t think you’d want to be away from Liam this soon after his fall.”

“You’re correct, but what if she refuses to go?”

“Don’t let her. Help her see how this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone in her financial situation. Show her their website and convince her this is for the best. Sasha will be gone a while, but she’ll have a better chance at recovery.”

Tears prick my tired eyes. Every time my sister has relapsed, this is the kind of treatment I’ve dreamed of being able to afford.

“I could never repay someone for this, and I could never express the gratitude I feel at this moment.”

“Just because someone is wealthy doesn’t mean they deserve treatment more than Sasha does.”

Standing, I swipe the tears away from my cheeks.

“If you weren’t aching everywhere, I’d sit on your lap and squeeze you hard with a hug. I’ll show my appreciation soon enough.” I do stroll around his desk and softly kiss his cheek. Reaching around to grab my ass, he smiles.

“I’ll be ready to collect very soon.”

 

***

While I drink coffee at the dinette set Christopher ordered for the kitchen, I study Sasha. She’s eating toast across from me and hasn’t looked up or spoken.

She didn’t refuse rehab, but ever since I told her the news, shame has joined guilt on her thin, pale face, and they’re on exhibit for all to see.

The doorbell rings, so I leave to answer it since Irene has gone to the laundry room. Opening the door, I find Greyson.

“Hi,” he says.

“Good morning.” I step back for him to enter. “I guess you’re here to see Ellis.”

“Yes, but I also wanted to check on your sister.”

“That’s sweet of you. She’s much better this morning. Follow me, and I’ll fix you a cup of coffee.”

Coming to a stop, I spin around. “Oh, and I’ll introduce you to Sasha, but please don’t mention last night. She won’t remember you, and she’s dealing with enough shame this morning. She’d be so embarrassed to find out you carried her to the car.”

Greyson smiles. “I promise not to say anything. I’m just glad she’s accepting help.”

“Yes, it’s not easy for her–wait, how did you know about that?” My eyes round as I touch my fingers to my lips. “You’re the one paying for her stay at Passages.”

“You weren’t supposed to know that.” His brow furrows.

“Ellis didn’t tell me. He only said it wasn’t him, but you’re the only other person it could be.” I wrap my arms around his neck, forcing him to take a step back. “Thank you, Greyson. I don’t know why you would do this, but I could never thank you enough.”

“We all have our demons. I’m happy I could pay it forward for the support I received years ago.” A throat clears as I pull away from Greyson. I turn around, and Ellis is eyeing us.

“Good morning. Camilla, can I have a word with you?”

I smile at Ellis’s cousin one last time.

“Sasha’s in the kitchen if you want to grab coffee and say hi to her.”

“Thank you.”

Once Ellis and I are alone in the hall, he rubs my shoulders.

“Is Greyson already trying to steal you away? The men in my family are known for pulling that stunt.”

“No. I realized what he was doing for Sasha and had to thank him.”

“He’s a good guy under the arrogant, player façade he puts off. Listen, I need to drop another small bomb on you this morning.”

“What is it?”

“We have an appointment this afternoon for a DNA test to prove that Liam is indeed Tony’s child. Now, let me explain before you reply. I’ve never doubted that Liam is his, so don’t think this is a matter of mistrust. It’s only a legal formality.

“After talking with Greyson yesterday, I realized you could challenge Tony’s will. You know I’m due to inherit his estate; however, Liam would be entitled to it if you prove he’s Tony’s son. You’re smart. I imagine you’ve thought of that.”

“I have, but he knew he had a child and still chose not to leave Liam anything. Tony wanted it to go to you, and I thought you’d be angry if I tried to take it away.”

“I won’t be, but I want you to know that regardless of your decision, I’m setting up a trust fund for Liam to one day have Tony’s estate, and I’m also adding you and Liam to my will.”

Ellis looks across the room. “In the meantime, it would mean everything to me if I were the only one providing for the two of you.”

I touch his cheek, and he brings his gaze back to me.

“That’s sweet, Ellis.”

“I still want everyone to believe Liam’s mine, but I’ll respect your decision if you choose to challenge the will and say he’s Tony’s.”

“I don’t like talking about money or imagining how your parents would feel about this. If I say Liam is Tony’s, then they’ll think I’m after money from the both of you.”

“They would see that’s not true once they got to know you. Look, you don’t have to decide today. Take your sister to the airport, and then we’ll go take the DNA test.

“After that, I say we lounge for two days to recover from the last two.” He smiles, and I notice he’s still gripping my shoulders.

“You were supposed to put a new sling on your arm this morning.”

“It feels better.”

“I think you want it to feel better.”

“That’s true. It’s sooner I can spank you with it.” Tiptoeing, I press my lips to his.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m looking forward to it, Sir.”

“Don’t get him too excited,” Greyson says. I take a glimpse at him, and he’s grinning as he struts toward us. “He can’t afford to wear out his one good arm.”

“You would know about masturbating since you behave like a pubescent teen,” Ellis quips.

I giggle. “Greyson, I would watch it. Ellis is sleep deprived.”

“You must not know him then. He’s cranky even with sleep.”

Patting Ellis’s chest, I smile up at him.

“I’ll leave the two of you to your banter. We’ll meet up later.”

 

***

“Talk about something to take my mind off of this,” Sasha says before she jerks her head back against the seat. I squeeze her hand as we ride in the back of the Mercedes to the airport.

“Did Greyson introduce himself to you?”

“Yes, and I can’t believe you left me alone with that gorgeous man who’s a million light years out of my league.”

“I didn’t intend to, but Ellis stopped me.”

“Are all the Burkes that attractive?”

“All the ones I’ve met...”

“How old is he?”

“Thirty-one, I believe.”

“It was awkward meeting Ellis before we left. He didn’t flash me a grin like Greyson did, so I assumed he was angry with me.”

“He’s uncomfortable meeting new people. He’s not mad at you, only worried.”

Sasha shakes her head. “Unlike me, you fit inside their world. You’re special, sis.”

“I don’t know about that. I’m worried all this will come to a screeching halt soon. I remembered more from the night Ellis and I were drugged.” I look to her and scrunch my nose. “We had sex.”

Sitting straight up, she turns to me.

“You two had sex that night, and you didn’t remember?”

“Tony said he put GHB in our champagne bottle. You can have blackouts from that drug, especially when you’re drinking heavily.”

Sasha’s hand smacks over her mouth, and her eyes bulge as she stares me down.

“Sis, did he wear a condom?”

“I don’t remember, but I doubt it. I think it happened when we were close to passing out.”

“Heelloo? Have you not pieced this together?”

“Pieced what together?”

“What if Ellis is the one who got you pregnant? I mean, that kid is the spitting image of him.”

My eyes glance to the partition, and I’m praying it’s soundproof. I can feel my lunch rising to my chest. I taste the bile next and swallow it.

“No.” My head shakes as that one word races through my mind, over and over again. “No, no, no. It was one time, and I don’t even know if he finished. I slept with Tony at least twice that week before the party.”

“Have you forgotten the speech you love to give me about how it only takes one time to get pregnant?”

“This is different.” I hold up my hand to count off my fingers. “Tony and I had sex regularly for two months before the party, I don’t know if Ellis even came that night, and maybe he was actually wearing a condom.”

I roll my eyes over my last comment. Ellis Burke has yet to wear a condom with me while sober. Regardless, I don’t believe he got me pregnant. The odds are too slim, and the paternity test will prove it.

“It’s not possible,” I say to her again as I shake my head.

“OK. I’m sorry I mentioned it.”

Pulling up at the airport, Fletcher retrieves Sasha’s suitcase. I hug her … touch her hair and brush her cheek. I feel like I’m sending my child away. She’s sweating and pale.

“Please drink a lot of water on the plane, and make sure you eat something. Ellis put you in first class, so try to relax and rest, too.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to feel it.” She’s hinting about withdraw, but neither of us wants to say it. “I’m scared,” she mutters.

“I know, sweetie, but we can talk often, and I’ll come visit. Do this for you, Sasha. You have so much life left to live.”

Nodding, she squeezes her eyes shut to stop her tears, so I grab her hand.

“Come on. I’ll go inside with you and help you get checked in.”

“Thank you for giving me another chance.”

“You deserve it. You’re not our parents, and this place is going to help you see that.”