Chapter 1
A single bet, and Camden lost me to his twin brother.
I just played dumb, letting myself get tangled up with his brother all night long.
The next day, cheeks burning red, I asked Camden to grab me some ointment.
“What’s wrong with you?” His brow creased, voice going ice–cold.
I mumbled under my breath, “You were so rough last night… you hurt me.”
Camden clearly froze.
But I stepped closer, slipping my arms around him on purpose, voice dripping with sweet affection.
“Though you were totally different from before last night… but I absolutely loved it…”
“I’m out. Harper is yours tonight.”
Camden yanked off his tie, leaned back lazily against the couch.
Across from him, Kieran sat with half his face lost in shadow.
His voice came out low and rough. “You sure about that?”
Camden’s grin was pure trouble. “First time I’ve ever seen my big brother give a woman a second look.”
“Since you’re into her, figured I’d be the generous little brother for once.”
When Kieran didn’t say anything back, Camden kept running his mouth.
“Though…”
“She’s been with me for a whole year now. If you think she’s damaged goods…”
Kieran suddenly stood up, grabbing his jacket. “Nah, she’ll do just fine.”
Camden seemed to choke on his words for a second.
But then that cocky smile was back. “Alright then, bro. Have yourself a real good time tonight.”
Kieran adjusted his glasses with one hand, gave a slight nod, then strode out of the private room.
The second he left, the place erupted.
“Camden, you’re actually serious about this?”
“Dude, you spent three whole months chasing that girl, practically kissing her ass the entire time, Haven’t even been together a year and you’re already over it?”
Camden picked up his drink. “A bet’s a bet.”
“Besides, she’s just another chick.”
“Here I thought Harper meant something special to you.”
Camden took a swig, that lazy smile never leaving his face.
“Sure, she was different at first. All high and mighty, hard to get.”
“But now? She’s no different from all the rest.”
“Still follows me around like a damn puppy dog.”
“Hey, Camden, next time maybe pass her my way?”
”
Camden’s face suddenly went stone cold as he slammed his glass down.
The guy backed off real quick, looking sheepish.
Someone else piped up. “But seriously, Camden, what if Kieran actually goes through with it?”
“He won’t.”
“My brother’s got zero interest in women. Guy’s got OCD about everything.”
“I dunno, man. Last time Harper wore that short skirt, he definitely checked her out.”
Camden let out a bitter laugh. “He was just disgusted by women who flaunt themselves like that.”
“Wanna bet? Come on, Camden, you in?”
Camden scoffed. “You guys are forgetting something here.”
“Harper is head over heels for me.”
“She’d rather bash her skull against a wall than let another guy touch her.”
“You really wanna bet on that? Hope you’re ready to lose your shirts.”
Camden got up and left.
Outside the door, some young, pretty thing was already waiting for him.
She giggled and threw herself at him the second she saw him.
The alcohol was hitting him hard now, so he pinned her against the wall and kissed her rough.
I pressed my back against the door, slowly turning around.
I’m usually dead to the world after a few drinks.
That’s why Camden felt so free to run his mouth like that.
Just my luck though.
This time I jolted awake from some nightmare.
Right in time to hear every damn word.
That’s when I finally woke up from my whole Cinderella fantasy.
But I didn’t burst through that door.
Didn’t go find him to cry and scream and make a scene.
If he could casually gamble me away to another man like that, then I meant absolutely nothing to him.
If I threw a fit now and embarrassed him in front of everyone, guys like him–rich, powerful-
they’d crush me like a bug without thinking twice.
I walked back to the bed like a zombie, lay back down.
Pulled the covers up, but I was still shaking from the cold.
Until I heard the door to the room open.
Footsteps approaching the bed.
And with them came this faint scent of cold pine.
Completely unfamiliar,
Nothing like what Camden ever smelled like.
I quietly clenched my fists, squeezed my eyes shut.
The covers were gently pulled away.
Then I was being lifted up in strong arms.
“Harper, let’s go home so you can sleep properly.”
The man’s voice was a little deeper than Camden’s, dangerously smooth.
I just kept playing my part.
Opened my eyes, wrapped my arms around him sweetly. “Camden, what took you so long?”
His whole body went rigid.
When he spoke again, his voice was even deeper.
“You been waiting long?”
“Mmm… my head’s killing me.”
“Some Gatorade will fix that right up.”
He carried me toward the exit, his arms solid and strong.
His steps were steady.
I buried my face against his chest, breathing in that clean, mysterious scent.
“You smell really good tonight.”
“Yeah?”
“Mmm, way better than your usual cologne.”
“You like it?”
“I love it.”
His steps faltered for just a moment.
In the long, dimly lit hallway with no one else around, he suddenly looked down and brushed the softest kiss against the corner of my mouth.
“Good to know.”
