His Shortcake

Chapter 18

Tamara Ramirez

Surprisingly, Emil was right. There was no media presence around or even near the hotel where Dy's apartment was located. Emil, ever cautious, had the car drop us off at the back entrance to avoid any unwanted photographs.

Our group made its way to Dy's place with minimal fuss. Thanks to the hotel's security, Emil was able to implement additional measures to ensure our safety while he reported back to Alec.

"Miss Tamara, Mr. Ramirez wants to speak with you," Emil said as Dustyn dropped our bags in the living room and sank into the nearest couch.

"Can you put him on speakerphone, please?" I requested. Emil complied, placing the phone on the coffee table and stepping out of the room to give us some much-needed privacy.

"Hi, baby girl," Alec's voice was soft and comforting, radiating warmth even through the phone. Alec had a way of making me feel safe, more than anyone else ever could. Maybe it was because I knew he would protect me from everything and everyone.

"Don't 'baby girl' me. How could you, Alec?!" I practically shouted. I was relieved Emil had left; no one needed to awkwardly listen to me yell at Alec.

I heard Alec sigh heavily. "So he told you after all."

"Did not," Dustyn interjected, now sprawled out on the couch. "She figured it out."

"That's no excuse. I thought you were going to take the fall?" Alec's tone was accusatory, though Dustyn couldn't help but smile at Alec's words.

"She's your sister. You should know better."

"Shut up. Both of you," I snapped. "Just tell me what you told Dustyn, Alec. I need to know. Now."

"Not everything, baby girl. That part is your story to tell," Alec said, his voice soft and filled with concern. I could tell when Alec was holding something back; we both knew that aspect of my past was sensitive and something we tried hard to keep from the media's prying eyes.

I glanced at Dustyn before sighing. I wasn't ready to face it, and I doubted I ever would be. "Thanks, Alec. I think."

"Sure thing, baby girl. I'll explain more when you get home. In the meantime, I need Emil to report back to me," Alec said, his tone shifting to a serious note. "I need to find out who sold us out."

My eyes widened. Someone had betrayed us? Was it someone from the house? One of the guards? The maids? The thought of it being one of the guards was especially troubling, given Alec's trust in them to keep me safe.

"Update me, then," Dustyn said, his demeanor suddenly more serious than I'd ever seen. His eyes were closed as if he was mentally preparing for the next steps to ensure our safety.

"Sure thing, Dy," Alec replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "Keep your hands off Mara. Don't you think one is enough?"

"What the hell, Alec?!" Dustyn shouted, but Alec had already ended the call, leaving Dustyn muttering curses under his breath. "Emil!"

Emil reentered the room, Dustyn glaring at him as if he were to blame for all their troubles. Emil, however, avoided Dustyn's gaze, picking up his phone from the coffee table with a polite nod.

"I'll be going now," Emil said, and left the room, likely to report to Alec and, probably, Dad too.

"Alec spying on us, huh?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood. My lips still tingled from our recent kiss, and I was struggling to process everything. My feelings for Dustyn had changed; I admitted I liked him, but I was conflicted and nervous every time he was near.