Cameron

I parked my motorcycle between a Jaguar and a Rolls Royce. The line-up of luxury vehicles in the parking lot spoke of what kind of affair it was. The dress code was formal, and for a moment I wondered if they'll sic security on me if I were wearing my jeans and hoodie instead of the tux I had on.

Pulling my helmet off, I shook my hair, let it fall where it wanted. If they wanted me to wear it a certain way, they should've written it on the invite.

Like a picture on a postcard, the lights from the estate created a warm glow that could be seen from miles away. I could hear the muted classical music from the party as I walked up the stone steps to the manor grounds, the buzz of conversation, the clinking of champagne glasses. People.

I wanted to go home.

I rarely attended Caleb's birthday parties. If Rick wasn't out of town with his sister, he would have been here with me. And if Caleb didn't tell me that Kara would be here, I wouldn't be here.

These parties weren't for Caleb. Not really. It was an affair for rich business owners, mostly wheeling and dealing money with each other and their investors.

But Kara was invited, and Caleb said she would be here with Veronica. Maybe she was here already. Excitement spiked in my chest.

She knew I was coming. Was she looking forward to it like I was? Or did she hate that I was invited?

What would she wear tonight? How would she look at me this time? Would she even look at me, talk to me?

Was she thinking of me like I was thinking of her? Maybe she wasn't thinking of me at all.

Servers in black and white uniform glided through the crowd, carrying a tray of drinks or hors d'oeuvres. One of them offered me a flute of champagne. I declined.

I disliked champagne, especially not fond of anything in a wine glass. It reminded me too much of my childhood.

On the stage, a woman was playing a violin, another a cello, and a man a piano. It was nice. People paraded in their fine clothes. I recognized some of them. Miranda, Caleb's mother, had all the right connections. Wealthy businessmen, politicians, movie directors, actors, artists. Even the air smelled like money.

A very busy person and always away on business, I had only met Caleb's mother a handful of times. She was in charge of a very successful chain of hotels, after all, but those handful of times were very memorable.

She was a small woman with a powerful presence whenever she entered a room. I thought she was intimidating, but whenever Caleb or Ben would embrace her or have a conversation with her, she looked like... how I pictured a mom would be.

She would laugh, and her eyes would shine and fill with affection. And when it was time for her to leave on business again and she'd say her goodbyes to her sons, I'd catch a sad look in her eyes that said she didn't want to be away from them. Then she didn't look intimidating anymore. She looked lovely.

She'd always been kind to me and made me feel welcome in her home. I wanted to find her, say hello, but she was nowhere to be seen.

She was probably parading Caleb around, introducing him to everyone, doing small talk. Caleb enjoyed it though. Sick bastard.

"Cam?"

I turned around. It was Ben. His long blond hair was swept back from his handsome face, making the square of his jaw more prominent. He was tall and built like he was made to wear a suit, but I knew he was strong as an ox.

When I was in high school, Ben had joined me and Caleb in renovating houses for Rick. He'd been the big brother I never had. He gave me shit when needed, cared for me the same way he cared for his brother, Caleb.

In his sleek charcoal suit, he looked sophisticated and every bit the heir of a large conglomerate. No one would believe that he could carry heavy equipment up on a roof by himself and sacks of cement on his back without breaking a sweat.

"Haven't seen that pretty face in a while. What's all this?" He grinned and gestured toward my attire. "You're wearing your pretty clothes."

"I pulled it off from a dead guy."

He chuckled. "Don't go around telling people that. Didn't I teach you anything? Come here, punk." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, smacking me hard on the back. I did the same to him. "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you. How have you been?" I asked. I was happy to see him, eager to hear what he'd say. He was right that it had been a while. I missed him. "Where did you go this time?"

"I was in Europe this month. Paris, recently. It will bore you to death if I start talking about it. Caleb said he needed help, so here I am."

His eyes studied me for a moment before he gestured with his head in the direction of the manor. "Looks like he's not the only one. Let's get a drink. Catch up."

Inside the manor in his private bar, he opened a fridge, reached inside, and threw me a look. "You still prefer beer?"

"Yeah. None of your fancy drinks for me."

He scoffed. "You don't know what you're missing, kid."

I took a seat in one of the leather chairs. I'd been here a few times in high school, back when Caleb still lived here. The room belonged to their dad before their parents separated, and I guessed now it belonged to Ben.

The walls were painted a dark colour above wainscotting that gave the room a traditional feel. The liquor display case behind the marble bar was lit up and took the whole space of the wall. Deep leather cushioned armchairs and sofas, dark wood, a game table, soft lighting made the room looked timeless and luxurious.

"Don't think I didn't know you and Caleb sneaked in here when you were teenagers. Little shits."

"Just stole a bottle or two."

Ben knew about it, but he never told on us. He popped open a beer, poured it in a glass. I preferred drinking it straight from the can or bottle, but because it was Ben, I didn't say anything.

"I heard from Rick," he said.

"He told you?"

"About his dialysis, yes." He strolled behind the bar, relaxed, confident, in his element, and poured whiskey in a glass. "Life's damn unfair. Rick's been a father to me, just as he is to Caleb. Just as he is to you."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "He wouldn't even let me drive him to his treatments. He hates it when I even bring it up."

"Wouldn't you?" He placed the glass of beer on the coffee table in front of me. With a coaster. Then took a seat on one of the leather chairs facing me, crossed his legs, and took another sip of his whiskey.

"Pretty sure he can handle it," he continued. "He will ask for help when he needs it. Rick finds comfort and security in his independence. Take that away from him and you might as well hammer the last nail into his coffin. As it is, he is more worried about you than he is about himself."

He was right. Hearing it from him quieted down some of my concerns about Rick.

"Cameron, sometimes we want to protect the people in our lives because we think they can't handle the obstacle in front of them. We let our fears take over. Because of that, we forget that they had won many battles in their lives without our help, many battles that we don't even know about. We forget or maybe we're not even aware how strong they are, how resilient, and courageous."

His words tightened something in my chest. I leaned forward and propped my elbows on my knees, lowered my head. My mind was chaos.

He let me be. Silence filled the spaces in the room, and with Ben, I didn't feel the pressure to talk.

"Thanks, Ben," I said after a moment. I meant every word. "I owe you."

I wasn't talking about Rick anymore. And we both knew it. I had asked Ben to call me whenever Raven checked in to his hotel. She wanted the best in everything for herself, so I knew she wouldn't go anywhere else.

"Don't mention it. Have you heard from Raven lately?"

"No."

He leaned back in his chair, tilted his head to the side like I'd seen Caleb do, and studied me. His grey eyes, sharp and patient, didn't miss a trick.

"I don't know all the details, but I think I know enough to know you want your mother out of your life. Am I right?"

"For a long time now."

"Hm." He paused. "I heard about your father."

Of course, he did. Shame coated me. I felt sick to my stomach. I wanted a drink, but I was afraid I'd throw it all up.

After finding out about the connection between the cop, Joel, and Raven, I already planned to visit my dad in jail. And get the answers I was afraid to ask but desperate to know.

"Listen to me, Cam." Ben tapped his fingers on his knee for a moment, lost in his thoughts. He stopped, lifted his gaze, and met mine. "Your dad's wealth tripled a year after he married your mother. New business ventures, investors, partners? It can happen, but it's interesting, isn't it?"

I gripped the armchair, dark thoughts playing in my head. "Are you saying Raven has something to do with why my dad is in jail?"

"I'm not saying anything. But if you'd like me to find out, I could."

I swiped my hand over my mouth. I wanted Raven out of my life for so long. She had caused me so much suffering. If Ben found something incriminating on her, she could be put away in prison. And out of my life. The thought of her behind bars tightened my chest. She'd be out of my life...

But she was still my mother.

"Cam?" When I didn't say anything, he continued, "How are you holding up in all of this?"

"Like I need a shrink."

"If you're serious, give me a call. I know an excellent doctor who can help. Or," he added, smiling, "if you need a lawyer to bail you out."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said, smiling back. "Thanks, Ben."

"I told you not to mention it, didn't I? Let me—" A knock on the door cut him off. He signalled for me to wait. "Come in."

The door opened. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Lockhart. You have an important phone call from Mr. Darcy's team again."

"Tell them I will call them back."

"Yes, sir."

The door closed.

"I see nothing's changed," I said. "Well, I guess I better see what the birthday boy is up to."

"Hold on." Ben straightened his tie, rose, and walked back to the fridge. "Here." He tossed me one beer, two. "Caleb's probably hiding on the 4th floor balcony or in his room."

"Can't blame him."

I got up and headed to the door, gripped the doorknob. Despite everything, Raven was still my mother.

But she had hurt the most important woman in my life. I didn't want to give her a chance to hurt Kara anymore. Or herself.

"Ben?"

"Hmm?"

"Find out for me what you can," I said. "Please."

His eyes grave, he nodded.

Whatever Ben finds out, I'd find a way to use it to protect Kara.

"Everything in this world has its own time," Ben said. "Everything will pass, including your suffering." Then the look in his eyes melted away and a grin spread across his face. "Now get out of here and find that brother of mine."

I found Ben's brother on the balcony, frowning at his phone. He was wearing a black suit with a red tie. For someone who was celebrating his birthday, Caleb didn't look like he was having a good time. The backdrop of the dark sky and the outline of trees only enhanced the broody mood around him.

"You could've told me you were hiding your sorry ass up here," I said, tossing him a beer.

"Needed some air," Caleb said. "Where'd you get the beer?"

I was right, I realized as I leaned against the stone railing beside him, that he was hiding and waiting for Veronica to arrive. We talked for a bit. Like me, he was worried why the women weren't here yet.

I realized it was the weekend, and Kara's shop was very busy during the summer. Besides, she took forever to get ready when there was a party. With results, I admitted as I looked out in the distance, that always made my heart skip a beat and my mouth water.

"Cal?"

I turned. Beatrice-Rose, Caleb's childhood friend, was standing by the balcony doors. There was a mix of emotions on Caleb's face.

She walked toward us. Her family was in the same circle of friends as Raven, and to her, it was as natural as breathing to make small talk. But I had no patience for it and made her know it. She looked shocked, but I saw the gleam in her eye she tried to hide.

Beside me, I could sense Caleb's whole body tensed. I knew he didn't want her here but was too polite and too damn nice to tell her not to come.

But Caleb was Caleb, and I ended up leaving them to talk.

"Happy birthday, Cal," I heard her say just before I walked down the stairs.

I stopped, hesitated, wondered if I should stay close just in case he needed me, but I heard Ben's words in my head.

"Shit."

Where the hell should I go now? Was Kara here yet? I decided to go back to the party, see if she had arrived, but the moment I stepped out of the French doors, the guests milling around outside stopped me in my tracks.

There were too many people. Chances were that one of them would feel the need to talk to a stranger and socialize. I scowled.

A quick sweep of the crowd told me that Kara wasn't here yet. I turned around and headed to the back of the manor. I could take the shortcut there to the garden. There was also a cabin beside the lake. Maybe I'd check it out.

But the back of the manor was also crowded with staff.

"Coming through!" someone shouted behind me.

"Excuse me!" another one.

"Guests aren't allowed here." At the familiar voice, I turned around.

It was Damon. I was surprised to see him here. The first time Caleb and I met him was at the renovation of Kara's new place. After that, both of them couldn't stand being in the same room.

For a moment I thought Kara was here, and that she'd brought Damon. Then I realized that he was wearing the staff uniform and his usual infuriating smirk on his mouth. "It was too late when I found out it was Lockhart's party. I already took the job," he explained, shrugging. "I'm about to take my break. Wanna join me?"

"Not really," I said.

He snorted, gestured with his chin toward the side of the manor where it was thankfully deserted of people. I let out a breath of relief, leaned against the wall. I heard Damon chuckle.

"What?" I asked.

"Kara was right."

"She was right about a lot of things. Which one?"

"That crowds sap your energy. Want?" He offered me a piece of gum.

"Cupcake flavoured? No, thanks."

He shrugged. "I like it." He popped one in his mouth. "Trying to quit smoking."

I nodded, understanding.

"Why are you so antsy? Who exactly are you looking for?"

"You know who I'm looking for."

He wadded the wrapper, crumpling it in his hand, and pocketing it. "You haven't learned to stop looking for her, have you? I thought you said you'd try."

"I failed."

He looked at me with interest. "You've heard the best song in the world, and now you want to listen to it again, but you can't, can you?"

A couple of months after I left Esther Falls, after that night I broke Kara and I apart, Damon showed up at the place where I was staying in BC. I had no idea how he found me, but he did.

"Clean your ears, man." He paused. "Have you seen Dylan?"

I needed another drink. "No."

He sighed, and there was disappointment in it. "Why not?"

"Would you want to see me after I hurt your sister?"

He thought about it for a moment. "No. But he'd seen you that night. He knows you got it just as bad, if not worse than his sister."

I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. "What?"

"You were so out of it. Are you telling me you didn't even know Dylan was with me?"

My room was a mess, and I was drunk out of my mind when Damon showed up at my place, his fists ready to pummel the hell out of me. I remembered feeling eager for the blows that were going to come. I deserved every one of them for hurting Kara. Maybe the pain would distract me from the pain of losing her. But nothing came.

I had little recollection of that night. I barely remembered what we talked about, except that Damon told me that Kara went out on a date and was trying to get over me. I think I tried to punch him after that.

Instead of beating me up, he'd helped me get in bed. The next day, I found a hangover drink he'd left for me.

Maybe because he saw how miserable I was. I don't remember what I told him. Maybe I said something, but I never worried what I had told him. Until now.

"Damon." He must've noticed the alarm in my tone because he turned his head to look at me. "What did I say that day? Did Dylan hear me?"

"I don't remember what you said."

He was lying.

"Is Dylan... How is he? Mike?"

"Drop by the shop and find out for yourself," he said.

I didn't think any one of them would want to see me. It seemed shameless of me to just drop by and asked how Dylan and Mike were doing. I had lost my privileges the night I left her. I had no right to be there anymore.

I tried not to think about them.

"Kara wasn't herself for a while," he said quietly. "After you left."

There was pounding inside my head, in my chest, in my limbs, something hot raging in my veins. I couldn't figure out what I was feeling.

Loss?

"I know how it is." His voice thickened, and I noticed that his hands had turned into fists. "Take care of it when you finally find the courage to say what you need to say. I know the things I didn't say or do haunt me more than the things I did. But that's just me."

"Everyone's giving me advice lately."

"Maybe because you look like you need it." He smiled and pushed against the wall. "I have to get back."

"Damon."

"Yeah?"

"I don't know if I ever told you."

"What?"

"Thank you," I said.

He nodded. "You sobered up the next day?"

"Yeah." I paused. "Then got drunk the day after."

He laughed.

It seemed like I saw everyone today, but not the one I was desperate to see. But, I admitted, as I walked back to the manor and heard the sounds of the party in the distance, it was good to see them.

I walked the grounds after talking to Damon, away from the people, away from the noise. Fighting the impulse to jump on my motorcycle and ride away from here was hard.

I wanted to be alone with my thoughts. Shame, regret and anger with myself—all these things and more I couldn't name are hitting me with a vengeance.

I had disappointed a lot of people, hurt them when I thought I was saving them a lot of pain.

Rick, Caleb, Mike, Dylan.

Kara.

Kara wasn't herself for a while after you left.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath. Hearing him say it, someone very close to her, wounded me deeply, made me imagine what she went through after I left. I had thought she'd gotten over me, even when I secretly hoped she didn't.

I had been too selfish and wrapped up in my own pain, scared to see what I should have done a long time ago, what I had let go on for too long.

I wished she was here right now. I wanted to be with her so intensely my skin felt like it was on fire. I wish I could see her, hold her, talk to her. The need for her never diminished in time. It just became worse.

If Kara wasn't here yet, I needed to find Caleb so we could pick the women up. Even if she didn't want me around, I wanted her to enjoy the party, see her dance, laugh, drink. Smile. I missed her damn smile. I just... needed to see her, to know that she was alright.

I couldn't use my motorcycle to pick them up. There were two of them. Besides, Kara would kill me if her hair was ruined. She probably spent ten hours prettying it up. Why the hell didn't I drive my truck today?

"Shit."

I was nervous to see her, I realized. But Caleb was nowhere to be seen. I checked the balcony again, his room, the places where I knew he liked to hang out.

"Shit."

I needed him as an excuse to pick up Kara. I couldn't just show up at her place. I was just on my way to the garden when I stopped in my tracks.

Caleb was walking up the stone steps. I was going to call out to him when I saw the look in his eyes. He was furious. Behind him was Beatrice-Rose, watching him with a look of satisfaction and glee on her face.

What the hell did she tell him this time?

"Caleb?" I called out. He turned. "Where the hell have you—"

He didn't let me finish but walked faster instead. Then he started running. What the hell?

Something happened. Worried, I ran and followed him. He was always a faster runner than I was. I saw him standing in front of the gazebo, looking up as though he was watching something.

When I reached him, I realized he was looking at Damon and Veronica. They were in the gazebo, talking. Kara must be here then. Where was she?

"Tell me everyone is okay." The fear in Damon's voice gripped my attention.

But it was hard to hear everything they were saying. Why the hell was Caleb just standing there? He'd been waiting for Veronica like a lovesick puppy. I walked closer.

"According to the police," Veronica said, her voice shaky, "a group of kids set fire to the shop. You know there are chemicals and equipment there. It burned half of the shop and—"

I sprinted up the steps, held her arm from behind and turned her to me. Kara was always the one praying, communicating with a God she believed in. I never prayed but started when I heard her words.

Please, God.

"Kara? Is she okay?"

"She's okay," she rushed to say. "Everyone is okay."

My heart pounding, grateful for her words, I released her. But there would be no relief until I saw Kara with my own eyes.

"I have to go," I told Caleb.

I ran.

Kara.

A/N: Please make me smile and vote by clicking the star at the bottom of your screen!

I could feel the ending of Kara and Cameron's story getting closer. Can you? Do you feel the same or is it just me? Let me clarify. No, it's not ending yet! It cannot end just yet because there are still so, so many things that need to happen! I tried my best to match the timeline of the Red series with the In Love series—it was a lot of work, but I loved it! It's important to me to love what I'm writing. And now that we're nearing the end of the timeline of Always Red, I could finally see the ending for Wicked in Love when I couldn't for so long! For me, this is a very good, happy thing. It feels like the skies suddenly opened and the sun came out and I could see everything so clearly. But no, Wicked in Love isn't ending yet. No worries, loves, there are still a lot of pieces to put together, still lots more to go. Thank you so much for being here, loves. It's been such a long journey writing this series, and I'm so glad you're here with me. These two characters have taken up so much space in my heart, and it means a lot to me that you're still here to read their love story. See you in the next one! Love, Isabelle