“I hope you don’t think it was secret because I think the only one that’s clueless about your feelings is Cam.” Thai said.

  “What did she say after you kissed her?” Prescott asked.

  “She said that I kissed her to get her to agree to do me a favor. Then she told me to keep my lips to myself. That’s when you guys arrived.” Blake adjusted his position on the bed and groaned in pain as the pain killers begin to wear off.

  “You okay man? Do you want me to get a nurse so she can give you something for the pain?” Alex asked.

  Blake shook his head. “No I’m fine I need to talk to you guys about something anyway. It’s about the favor I need from Cam. You know that I had to tell my family that I got married to get them to back off with the match making.”

  “Yeah we remember it was so they wouldn’t find out the kind of work you really do by setting you up with so many different woman every time you turn around.” Prescott said.

  “Hey man I told you I’d go on those dates for you so you wouldn’t have to worrying about it.” Alex said.

  “Thanks for the offer but that wouldn’t have worked, not with my family.” Blake replied.

  “So what is the favor you need from Cam?” Thai asked but he was pretty sure he already knew the answer.

  “Well Kenji put off telling my folks as long as he could but he finally had to tell them something so thanks to his cover story I was injured during a robbery attempt. They have insisted that this is a great time for a visit with me and my wife since I’ll be at home recuperating.” Blake said with a grunt as the pain seemed to be getting worst.

  “You want Cam to pretend to be your wife.” Prescott said.

  “Yes and no.” The three men looked at him in confusion as Blake tried to explain. “Yes, I do want Cam to be my wife but no not for pretend.”

  “You want to marry my sister for real?” Thai asked gawking at Blake as if he’d grown another head.

  “Yes for real that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I need you guys to help me.”

  “I don’t think that even we could talk her into marrying you my man.” Alex said with a smirk.

  “That’s why we’re not going to tell her, knowing my folks the way that I do their going to want to see wedding pictures and video. So tomorrow if Cam agrees to do this we will stage some pictures and make a wedding video at my place. Only it will be a real minister so that the wedding will be real.” Blake told the men as shifted his gaze to them one at a time.

  “Man I don’t know about helping you trick my sister like this, she’s going to be pissed when she finds out.”

  “She damn sure is and I for one don’t want to get on her bad side you know she scares me.” Alex said as he pretended to shiver.

  “Sounds like a good idea to me. We all know that the two of them were made for each other. Cam loves him as much as Blake loves her even if she won’t admit it. So count me in. What can I do?” Prescott said in an amused tone.

  “Good, how about you two?”

  “I’m only doing this because I know you love my sister but if you hurt her, friend or no friend I will have to hurt you.”

  “There’s a better chance of her hurting me than of me hurting her, as you’ve seen I’d give my life for her. I just have to make her see that.”

  “Fine I’m in too. If she’s going to kill us she’ll have to kill us all. I’ll call Kat and Ken to let them know what’s going on.” Alex said sounding a bit too gloomy for the occasion.

  “Good Kat will know how to handle everything and no one has to worry about getting rings. I bought those two years ago they’re in the safe at my place. Now get out of here so I can get some sleep.”

  Blake watched as three of the men he called brothers headed for the door. He knew that he could count on them to have his back no matter what. They’d been through a lot together along with Ken. Now their little crime busting family is growing first by adding Kat now he would make sure that Cam was a part of it permanently.

  Cam didn’t know it yet but when she says ‘I DO’ tomorrow it will be forever. Just as the guys were about to walk out the door he called to them one last time.

  “Hey guys, thanks you don’t know how much this means to me.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Cam awakened after only a few hours of sleep. She’d tossed and turned all night thinking about Blake and the kiss they’d shared. She could still feel the heat of his lips on hers. His kiss was everything she imagined it would be, passionate, steamy, provocative and excitingly arousing.

  When Blake had pulled her into his lap she could feel his thick shaft pressed against her bottom. Cam felt the warmth of his muscular chest through his hospital gown as he held her close. She’d had countless dreams about being in his arms in most of them they were both naked but even with their clothes on it was so much better than any of her dreams.

  Cam was still unsure about the favor he’d asked of her. How could she possibly pretend to be his wife when she’d dreamt of nothing else since meeting him? They would make an amazing couple if he didn’t think of her as his best friend’s little sister but the woman that she is. Being near Blake made her heart long for his love and her body burned for his touch. Did she dare move in under the same roof with him, even temporarily? Cam knew her control as well as her temper would be tested if she was in close proximity to him for too long. She continued to play in her mind all the possibilities if she were to pretend to be his wife while taking a shower.

  After Cam was done with her shower she dressed quickly but she was still debating whether or not to go along with Blake’s plan when there was a knock at her hotel room door. Great she thought that was her brother or Kat and she wasn’t in the mood for either of them right now.

  “Who is it?” She yelled to the person on the other side of the door.

  “Girl it’s me open this door.” Kat yelled back. Cam slung open the door for the woman who’d become her best friend.

  “What are you doing here this early in the morning?” Cam asked.

  “I came to help you pack.” Kat replied.

  “Help me pack? Who told you I needed help packing?”

  “Prescott said, that Thai said, that Blake told him that you were moving into his place for awhile so they asked me to come by and give you a hand packing.”

  “They did, did they? Well you go tell Prescott to tell Thai to tell Blake that I said I haven’t agreed to anything yet and when I do decide I’ll let him know.”

  Kat laughed at Cam’s irritation. “Girl who are you trying to fool with all that, you know good and dang well that you’re ready to be shacked-up with that man so what’s the problem?”

  Cam narrowed her gaze at the pretty little petite woman. “Dang you really get on my nerves. Who asked you for your two cents anyway?”

  Kat laughed at her again. ‘You’re just mad because I’m telling the truth, and you know it. Now stop being a brat and let’s get to packing, I’ll let Blake fill you in on the plan when you pick him up from the hospital this morning.”

  “Your tiny little butt is as bossy as the guys are. Girl you had better be glad we’re friends or I’d lock you in the closet and leave you here.” Cam said with a smirk.

  Kat smiled. “I may be tiny but you know I can still whip your behind. Now start packing child I don’t have all day.”

  At the hospital Blake was driving everyone crazy. “Where is Cam? Why isn’t she here yet? What’s taking her so long?”

  Thai, Kenji, Prescott and Alex had been hearing the same three questions every since they’d arrived about an hour ago. They understood that Blake was ready to get out of the hospital but his anxiousness was really getting on their last nerve.

  “Look Blake just chill I’m sure Cam will be here soon.” Thai said hoping to calm him down a bit.

  “Yeah man you really need to calm down. Why don’t you go change into the clothes we brought you that way you’ll be ready when she gets here.” Prescott suggested.

  Blake sighed loudly. “What’s the point, what if she decides not to show up? She was pretty mad with me when she left last night.”

  Kenji shook his head at the man. “If that was the case Kat would’ve called me by now she’s with Cam remember.”

  “He’s right. Now go get dressed Kat and Cam will be here soon and the last thing you want to do is keep Cam waiting.” Alex said handing Blake a pile of clothes.

  Blake went into the bathroom and closed the door the four men breathed a sigh of relief. Alex turned to the others running a hand down his face in frustration.

  “Thai if your sister doesn’t get here soon that crazy fool may lose his mind and I for one don’t want to have help restrain his big ass.”

  The men laughed quietly.

  Kenji pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Kat to see what’s keeping them.”

  “Thanks brutha.” Thai replied as Kenji hit speed dial. Seconds later they heard a phone ringing in the hall outside Blake’s door.

  “Either you dialed the wrong number or they’re right outside the door.” Alex said. Prescott who was standing closest to the door reached over and pulled it open. Cam and Kat came breezing through the door smiling. Kat headed straight for her husband greeting him with a kiss.

  “Hi honey, were you just trying to call me?” Kat asked Kenji.

  Kenji smiled. “We were getting a little worried so I was calling to check on you two.”

  “We’re fine I just wanted to make Blake sweat a little.” Cam said with a grin. That grin disappeared when Blake opened the bathroom door and stepped out.

  Their gazes collided.

  “You certainly took your time about getting here didn’t you?” Blake bellowed.

  Cam’s nostrils flared in anger and her eyes narrow to mire slits at Blake’s tone. “What the hell did you just say to me you bull headed moron?”

  Everyone’s eyes volleyed back and forth from Blake to Cam then back again.

  “And that would be our cue to leave.” Prescott said out loud.

  “You got that right.” Kat said hooking her arm through Kenji’s as they headed for the door.

  “Man it’s a good thing he’s already at the hospital because by the time she’s done with him he may need medical attention.” Alex whispered as he followed the others out the door.

  “Yeah I’m right behind you. We’ll see you two later at Blake’s place.” Thai said before walking out the door with the others.

  Cam gazed at Blake as she tried very hard to control her anger. It always pissed her off when someone treated her like a child. If he didn’t know by now then he’d better learn real quick that talking to her in that tone was not a smart move.

  “Good with all the witnesses gone I should knock your damn head off. Who do you think you’re talking to like that?” Cam asked angrily.

  “Look Cam I’m sorry about the way I spoke to you earlier. I just got a little worried that you might still be mad at me and wouldn’t come.” Blake replied feeling truly sorry for his earlier outburst. Cam not one to give in too easily wanted him to stare at him making him squirm just a little.

  “I don’t give a flying fig what your reasons are, if you ever talk to me like that again you’ll be looking at an extended stay in this hospital. You got that buster?”

  Blake nodded his head in understanding as he walked closer to Cam, stopping just inches in front of her. “Yes ma’am I got it loud and clear. You have my word I will never speak to you like that again.”

  Cam used her index finger to poke Blake in the chest. “You had better not. I’d hate to have to murder you in your sleep one night.”

  Blake stared at Cam for a full minute as the meaning of what she’d just said hit him. “So does that mean you’ll move in and be my wife?”

  “You mean move in and pretend to be your wife.” Cam corrected.

  “Yeah, I know what I said.” Blake replied smiling widely. Cam looked at him suspiciously wondering what he was up to. Because she knew that expression he was wearing it’s one she’d seen on many occasions, mostly when Blake or one of the other guys were up to no good.

  “Whatever! Has Dr. Evans signed your release papers yet?” Cam asked stepping around Blake’s wide body to stand by the window. He wasn’t letting her get away that easy. Blake followed her over to where she was standing beside the window stopping inches behind her.

  “The doctor should be here soon with my release forms and then we can get out of here.”

  Blake leaned in closer and inhaled deeply drawing her delightful scent into his nostrils. She smelled fabulous like fresh cut flowers on a spring day. Her fragrance spread through his lungs like warm honey on a spoon, slow and easy but thick and heavy. With every breath he took he could feel her scent slowly taking over his senses like a drug diluting his system. He wanted so badly to lean in and kiss her neck but he knew that this was not the time or the place to try such a thing.

  Blake had to play it cool he needed to choose his actions carefully with this woman. Cam wasn’t like any other woman he’d ever dealt with. If he made his move to soon she’d more than likely cause him great bodily harm. So he’d be patient and wait it out, heck he’d waited this long what was a few more days?

  Cam could feel Blake’s warm breath against the nape of her neck sending tingling sensations dancing up her spine. She closed her eyes as the tantalizing waves enveloped her giving her goose bumps all over her sensitive skin. She could feel his lips a few short inches from the back of her neck, if she leaned back just a bit he’d be kissing her neck.

  Did she dare make a move like that after telling him to keep his lips to himself? She wanted so badly to be that woman, the woman that put the moves on her brother’s best friend. A man she’d been in love with for the last four years. Before she could make her move the hospital room door was opening as Dr. Evans entered.

  The doctor cleared his throat loudly. “I apologize for the interruption but I figured the two of you might be ready to get out of here. I’ll sign your release papers as soon I go over a few things with the two of you.”

  Blake and Cam both turned to greet Dr. Evans but didn’t move away from each other, they continued to stand close to one another. But neither looked too pleased to be interrupted.

  “That’s fine doc we’re all ears.” Blake said with a smile as he slipped an arm around Cams waist and pulled her flush against his side. Cam gave Blake a sideways glance but said nothing as she returned her attention to the doctor. When the doctor shot her a curious look she slipped her arm around Blake’s waist before responding.

  “We’re just anxious to get out of here. Aren’t we honey?” Cam said looking up at Blake.

  Blake smiled. “We certainly are.” He said looking down into her pretty face. “So what’s the deal doc can you make this quick?” He added.

  “Huh yes well no strenuous activity for the first week you’re home. No heavy lifting, no running, no working out, no driving. I do want you to continue your physical therapy exercises. Other than that you need to take it easy, rest as much as possible also ask others for help as much as possible. You may need help up and down stairs, dressing and bathing. Remember your wounds are still healing so if don’t follow my instructions you may end up back here.”

  “Don’t worry Dr. Evans I’ll make sure he follows all your instructions.” Cam said.

  Blake wasn’t pleased with the restrictions being put on him. No strenuous activity, yeah we’ll see about that, although he did like the idea of her helping him with the getting dressed and bathing part. He’d play along with the rest of it for now but once he had Cam all alone at his place all bets were off.

  “You have any other bad news about my limited freedom doc?”

  “No but I am sending you home with pain medication don’t be too stubborn to use it if you need to, just don’t mix them with alcohol. I’m also giving you a pain cream in case your wounds get sore or achy. I think that’s it. Do you have any questions for me?”

  “Huh no I’m good, can I get those release papers now?” Blake said so ready to leave this place.

  “I’ll leave them at the nurse’s station one of them will be here to wheel you down.” Dr. Evans said.

  “Thank you, doctor.” Cam said with a smile as he left the room.

  “Why are you always smiling at that man?” Blake asked. His comment irritated Cam to no end. She stepped away from him as she suppressed the urge to punch him.

  “Don’t start that crap again or I’ll make you take a taxi home.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  The ride to Blake’s house was short and uneventful in the Chrysler 300 Cam had rented for her stay in the Atlanta area. Soon she would have to go home and check on her tiny little apartment in Virginia, where she now lived. Cam hated living so far away from her brother and friends. That’s why she enjoyed every assignment that she was able to work with the guys of Five Nations International.

  And now that Kat was a member of the team she enjoyed working with them even more. Cam and Kat had become instant friends the day that they’d met. The only friend she really had

  because in her line of work making friends was not highly recommended. The fact that she had trust issues might also have something to do with it.

  A past relationship left a bad taste in her mouth proving that just because a person says you can trust them doesn’t make it so. Back when she was in college the only other female friend she ever had turned out to be a back-stabbing little floozy who slept with her boyfriend and in her bed. The night she walked in on them she vowed to never trust again.

  Cam was thankful that she was fortunate enough to have met someone like Kat. She knew that Kat had her back, through the good and the bad. Kat was as real, as real could get. In the last few months she’d proved that fact time and time again, lending her a shoulder or an ear or just plain old girl time.

  Kat was the only person that Cam had told about what had happened with her past relationship. She was also the only person she’d told about her feelings for Blake. Cam knew that her secrets would be safe with Kat because she trusted her completely.