Hushed whispers rose from around us. Only then did I realize Lance had left the table and headed for the door.
“Now something like this,” said Cameron, dabbing his face with his napkin. “Would be totally bad for one’s political career.”
Shay let go. “He’s lucky the wine landed on you then.”
“That really was a bit of luck,” said Cameron, amused.
Shay pulled out his phone and texted: ‘Claridges. Find out which room.’
“Did you just play me?” I said.
“A fine performance, Mia,” said Shay, pushing send.
Cameron licked wine from the corner of his mouth. “1972. Now that was a good year.” He beamed at me. “Let’s take dessert to go.”
CHAPTER 15
WE LEFT ZENGI via the staff door.
Shay and Cameron led me towards the Range Rover idling at the curb.
“I’m not getting in.” I pulled away from him. “Not until you tell me that will never happen again.”
Cameron grabbed my arms. “In you get. Now, please.”
I tried to wiggle free.
Cameron pressed me up against the car and cupped my face with an ironclad grip, kissing me fiercely, his lips forcing my submission. My limbs lost their will to fight, and my legs weakened. The aroma of sauvignon rose from his shirt.
I bit his lip and he shuddered against me, resting his forehead on mine.
He nudged me towards the open door. “In.”
Shay got in the other side.
I was too infuriated to speak, my fingers balling into fists, my lips pursed to hold back my fury. Cameron had taught me to articulate my feelings and ironically it was he who was about to get the brunt of my anger.
Shay smirked. “Oh come on, Mia. That was fun. You saw Lance’s face?”
“You’re both out of your minds.”
“As if I’d ever hand you over just like that,” said Cameron. “You mean too much to me. You know that.”
And as though not covered in wine and having not just fucked with my head, Cameron presented his profile of Lance Merrill to Shay and I like we were his students and he was our professor.
I sat there, mouth gaping at his incredulous lack of empathy for what he’d put me through.
“Lance Merrill’s high wire behavior is a remarkable quirk of the psyche,” Cameron said. “He believes himself to soar above the fray. His subconscious air of invincibility allows him the privilege of dabbling in our lifestyle while at the same time searching out political office.”
And so it went, Cameron back to his intellectual rambling and leaving out any part of how rapt with terror I’d been.
“Classic egomaniac,” said Shay.
“My nerves may never recover,” I muttered.
“Not even after chocolate profiteroles?” Cameron patted the dessert box we’d taken to go. “They’re your favorite.”
“They’re your favorite.”
“Then what’s your favorite?” he said.
I arched a brow. “Crème brulee.”
Boom.
His eyebrows shot up.
Yes, I too could shock and awe, Dr. Cole. The last time I’d had crème brulee I’d been licking it off his cock back in his Beverly Hills home.
The moment was lost on Shay.
I folded my arms. “You do realize you’re meant to set the example on how to treat me.”
“My reputation of being a hard ass is invaluable when dealing with the lions,” said Cameron. “Consider it a valuable flaw.”
“Many other subs would actually be honored to go with Merrill,” Shay said.
“Not this one,” I said, wondering if I’d ever truly earn the title. “Do you think I scared him off?”
“Hard to tell,” said Shay.
“Profiterole?” Cameron took out a chocolate covered powdered pastry and pressed it to my lips.
I took a bite and chewed with a frown, despite the deliciousness.
Cameron ate the other half. “See, the answer to all life’s questions really is chocolate.”
These two rogues were out of control.
I slumped back. “Why not just threaten his political career?”
“And end up in the desert in an unmarked grave,” said Shay.
A piece of pastry stuck in my throat and I coughed to clear it.
“We must reassure our clients their privacy is respected,” said Cameron. “Any deviance on that promise and all trust is lost.”
“So you’re just trying to put Lance off me?” I said.
“These high power types lean towards well trained and subservient subs,” said Cameron. “Your feistiness gave him second thoughts.”
“But he likes screaming?” I said.
“Not in public,” said Shay. “Not when everyone has video capability on their phone. One public display from you and the foundation of his campaign would be compromised.”
“Lance caught the rumors that both Richard and I… have found favor in you, Mia,” said Cameron, brushing an invisible spec of fluff off his pants.
“So that’s what motivates him,” said Shay. “He coverts you.”
“You’ve taught me to read people.” I squinted at Cameron. “Hear the truth in between their lies.”
“What does that mean?” said Shay.
“You’re not off the hook either,” I snapped at him. “You made me feel like I was worthless and that was before we went out to dinner.”
“I’m disappointed, Mia,” said Cameron. “Do you really think I’d hire a chauvinist?”
Shay leaned forwards. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from. What kind of education you’ve had. What you wear or who you associate with. You’re their equal.”
“You were very persuasive in the kitchen.”
Shay sat back. “If it makes you feel any better, watching your self esteem crumble was just as unpleasant for me.”
“You called me a fucktoy.”
“We needed a hot button word for you,” explained Cameron. “Fucktoy is apparently yours.”
I frowned at them.
“We set you up for an emotional springboard reaction,” said Cameron. “I used the word. You reacted.”
“Right on cue,” said Shay.
“Mia,” said Cameron dryly. “Do you hate me again?”
“Yes. I do.”
Cameron peered over at Shay. “Mission accomplished.”
I opened the box of profiteroles, picked one up, and took a bite. “Your artful manipulation is going to get you in trouble one day.”
Cameron stared out of the window. “Tell me about it.” His gaze found me, that familiar affection lingering.
His eyes held mine, giving that promise of pleasure now forbidden.
“After all I’ve taught you,” he said, “you still doubt me. You once told me you believed yourself my equal. One challenge and your self esteem evaporates.”
“I trusted Shay’s opinion,” I said.
“And betrayed your own self-worth,” said Shay.
“You both send mixed messages.”
“As does the world, Mia,” said Cameron. “A strong sense of self worth is undeniably your greatest ally.”
“We’re playing at the highest level,” said Shay. “You’re moving in circles with those who believe themselves to be socially elite. The politically connected. Don’t let them throw you off course.”
“Or off balance,” said Cameron.
“Your performance in front of Lance was very convincing,” I said.
“Mia, you’re the most sincere person I know,” said Cameron. “Had I shared the plan you would have been unable to be this convincing. I’m protecting you.”
“Our means are unusual,” said Shay, “But then again so is our lifestyle.”
Folding my arms across my chest, I was a long way off forgiving them.
“I have something for you,” said Cameron.
Shay had the driver pass
back a wrapped present that had been sitting on the passenger seat.
“What is this? A guilt gift?” I unraveled the ribbons.
“I’m sure it’ll take more than this for you to forgive me,” said Cameron. “Your pupils are still dilated. Your adrenaline hasn’t worn off yet.”
I resisted rolling my eyes and withdrew the slender iPhone.
And held back on a smile when I turned it over and saw the Hello Kitty iPhone case.
“I thought you’d like that,” said Cameron, smiling.
“Something tells me you won’t let me keep this case for long,” I said.
He shrugged. “Shay’s transferred all your contacts and your music. He also installed CyberVape. If you want to delete any messages, you just push the star next to the message and it’s gone forever.”
I’d kept every single text Richard had ever sent me. Cameron’s too. I wondered if when Shay had transferred my data over he’d caught that. I was too tired to discuss how they’d violated my privacy.
“I’ll pay you back,” I said.
“You’re my executive assistant,” said Cameron. “A phone comes with the job.”
“Thank you,” I said. “You left my other one back at the hotel?”
“We deleted all the data,” said Shay.
I gave a nod, letting them know that made me feel better. Still, that phone had been the first thing I’d bought when I’d started my new job and I felt a twinge of sentimental loss.
Cameron looked down at his shirt. “Well, looks like we’re going to have to be imaginative when it comes to finding a punishment for this.”
“Not that you didn’t deserve it,” I said.
“Our feisty Mia scared off Lance Merrill,” he said. “Now that was impressive.”
“When are we flying back to L.A.?” I asked.
“We’re spending Christmas here,” said Cameron. “I’ve invited Stephen for Christmas eve dinner and Richard will be here soon.”
“Then I need to go Christmas shopping tomorrow,” I said.
“Do it online.” Cameron frowned. “Shay will pick your gifts up from the store.”
“Sure,” said Shay. “I’ll set you up with a laptop.”
“I want to go out and choose the gifts myself.”
“Shay can go with you,” said Cameron.
“I want to buy Shay a gift too.”
“I don’t want anything.”
“It’s not up to you,” I told him.
“Let’s discuss this tomorrow,” said Cameron.
I was just about to tell him I didn’t need his permission when we turned the corner onto Chelsea Crescent. My bed was calling my name.
I followed Cameron inside the house, with Shay right behind us. Cameron grabbed my hand and led me through to the living room.
I slapped my hand over my mouth.
Blinking in amazement.
There, in the corner, was a tall Christmas tree, its pine leaves exuding that Christmas smell, its greenness striking. Boxes were stacked to the left of it.
Cameron pointed to them. “Decorations.”
Shay beamed at us. “My men did a good job.”
I wrapped my arms around Cameron. “Thank you so much.”
“We can decorate it tomorrow morning,” said Cameron.
I knelt by the boxes and opened one of them up and saw the blue and green baubles, and in another lay strands of blue tinsel. I beamed up at Cameron.
He opened his palms. “What can I tell you. You’re a bad influence on me.”
“It’s the most beautiful tree I’ve ever seen,” I said. “I’ve never had a tree.”
“Never had a Christmas tree?” said Shay.
I wasn’t going to share I’d had a plastic one growing up. My mom had let it slip Dad found it in a dumpster, with a straggly strand of old white shiny tinsel stuck to it. I’d been grateful to have a tree that year.
I leaped up and hugged Cameron again.
“I have to take a shower,” he said. “Go to bed, missy.”
“Which room am I sleeping in?” I whispered.
Shay stepped into the kitchen, giving us some privacy.
With a gentle fingertip, Cameron raised my chin. “Your room.”
“And you’ll sleep in yours?”
He gave a nod and his eyes swept over the tree again.
Cameron headed off up stairs.
Shay headed upstairs too.
I felt safe knowing there were two capable men in the house. Should Lance try anything scary, they’d be just one scream away.
“I’ll be right up,” I told them.
I leaned into the tree and breathed in the delicate fragrance of pine needles. I couldn’t wait to go shopping and then place my presents underneath. My awesome new salary meant I could buy the best gifts ever this year.
I went through each box, admiring the assorted collections of Santa Clauses, snowmen, and stars. The string of lights would look beautiful. It would make the house so pretty for when Richard arrived.
Turning my new phone around, I admired the sleek screen and Hello Kitty case. Cameron really did have a sense of humor.
I scrolled through until I got to Richard’s name and punched his number. It went to voice mail but it was so good to hear his voice.
“Richard, it’s me,” I said. “I just got my phone back. The house doesn’t have one. Which of course you know, because it’s yours. How are you? I miss you. Can’t wait to see you. We have a tree. Not sure if that was meant to be a surprise.” I giggled. “Have a good flight. See you soon.”
A wave of guilt washed over me.
Had that call meant I’d just betrayed Cameron?
The one man who could talk me through this dilemma had just gone to bed.
Trepidation curled in my stomach at the thought of seeing Richard again. I wondered if Cameron would be flying him out on his private plane. Would Richard feel the same about me? It was strange he hadn’t called, but then again I’d lost my phone. Maybe he knew about what Cameron had done with my old one.
Dr. Finley was right about not showing fear. Maybe Lance respected that and would now leave us alone.
A well of grief settled deep as I thought about how Richard must be feeling over me being with Cameron. He’d unselfishly let me leave on that plane to protect me, which extended my time with Cameron. Richard was superhero material too.
I reasoned these spiraling thoughts were due to tiredness. These men had lived this lifestyle longer than I ever had and knew what they could cope with. I only wished they realized what all this to and fro was doing to me.
Making my way through the kitchen, I caught sight of Shay’s jacket. A flash of inspiration came over me and I felt for that key in his pockets, a little guilty for touching his stuff without permission.
Tiptoeing down the hallway, silently begging the floorboards not to give me away, I descended into the basement. The door to the playroom was ahead.
Fine hairs prickled on my forearms. The temperature dropped.
With a turn of the key, the door opened and I pushed it ajar.
“What are you doing?”
I spun round and stared back up the stairwell to see Shay.
His gaze found the key in the door and his disapproving expression worsened. “Come here.”
“Checking on something.” I pushed open the door.
“Mia!”
Stepping in, I assessed the damage.
Shay took two steps at a time and quickly followed me.
“Just need a second,” I said.
“Go to bed, Mia.” He reached for me.
I pulled away and staggered to the left.
The Saint Andrew’s Cross was tipped over. Whips and chains and other instruments of punishment were strewn on the floor.
The sound of someone approached.
Cameron appeared in the doorway and he was wearing jeans and a leather jacket. His questioning glare settled on Shay.
“She found the key,” said Shay.
/> “Evidently.”
“What happened in here?” I asked.
Cameron brushed his hand through his hair. “I’m going out.”
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Enslave,” he said. “My London club. No visit to London would be complete without me paying a visit.” He turned to go. “I’ll take the Ducati.”
Oh God, Cameron on a motorbike. This I wanted to see.
“Can I go with you?” I said.
Cameron turned to Shay. “Watch over her.”
“Of course.”
“Richard’s not answering his phone,” I said. “Have you spoken with him?”
Shay gave me a not now frown.
Cameron headed back up the stairs.
“I’m sorry,” I shouted after him. “Just wanted to know what happened in here.”
“I’ll be back in the morning,” Cameron called back.
CHAPTER 16
FINGERS CURLED THROUGH my hair.
I sprung awake and flinched back onto my pillow, trying to get away from the shadowy figure sitting on the edge of my bed. Blinking into the darkness, I got my bearings, but my heart thundered.
“It’s me.”
“Cameron?” I pushed myself up the headboard.
He leaned over and flicked on the bedside lamp.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he slurred. “I was just looking at you.”
“Is something wrong? Are you okay?”
I’d never seen him tipsy before. There was a boyishness to him, a vulnerability. He squinted, raising his hand to protect his bloodshot eyes from the glare of the lamp. That five o’clock shadow was sexy.
“Please tell me you didn’t ride that bike like this?” I said in a panic.
“Came home in a cab.” He raised a finger. “Taxi.”
“Where’s the bike?”
His gaze found mine. “Nothing happened at Enslave. I didn’t stay long. I want you to know that.”
“Well as we’re not dating, Cameron—”
“I had drinks with Stephen.”
“Dr. Finley?”
“He’s almost as annoying as you.”
“Why is that?”
He frowned at me. “Because you’re annoying.”
“Shall I get you some water?”
“I’d never hurt you, Mia.” A delayed sweep of his hand declined the drink. “Never intentionally.”
Enthrall Him (Enthrall Sessions Book 3) Page 14
