“Pretty dreamy, actually.”
“Go on, girl. Spill.”
I told her about my trip abroad and Bailey listened intently, sometimes sensing there was more to what I was telling her and fishing for it. It was nice to catch up on all her news too.
“I have something to tell you.” She sang the words.
“What?”
“Guess what? We’re engaged!”
“Oh Bailey, that’s incredible news. Please tell me I didn’t miss anything?”
“No listen, that’s why I’m calling. We’re going to Las Vegas this weekend and we want you to be there when we tell her parents. They’re meeting us there. We’re going on to spend New Year’s Eve with them in Santa Barbara so they can get to know me better. Only they don’t know that bit.” She chuckled nervously.
This happiness for her morphed into a hole in my stomach.
Was I really prepared to leave Hope and Jasmine alone in the house for an entire weekend with my boyfriend? A self-confessed nymphomaniac and his ex’s twin, who strolled around the house complaining of the humidity and to compensate wore only a thong and a tight fitting t-shirt.
“So Tara’s ready to come out to her mom then?” I asked.
The line went quiet and I knew why. Tara’s mother, a talented violinist, had emigrated from India after marrying her dad, who was a famous conductor. Mrs. Razor was Americanized but apparently still very conservative.
“Bailey?”
She took a deep breath in. “You know how her mom is. Tara’s frightened her family will disown her.”
“That won’t happen,” I said. “I’ll be there however you need me.”
“I knew you’d come through for me,” she said. “You are the most amazing friend ever.”
“I still have your Christmas present to give you.”
“I have yours in the back of my car.” She squealed with delight. “Let’s get drunk in Vegas.”
“It’s a date.”
We chatted some more and we might as well have never been apart.
Leo took me back to Enthrall.
After throwing my handbag in the coffee room, I headed on in to Richard’s office and found him typing away behind his desk. Jasmine was in his office, fast asleep on his long leather couch. That girl spent half her life sleeping and I put it down to the lack of calories she consumed to keep her model figure.
Standing before Richard’s desk, I came out with it, my voice a whisper, “Sir, this Friday...”
“Yes,” whispered Richard, his gaze finding mine, his hand still moving the mouse.
It was hard not to be distracted by the sleeping beauty on his couch. Jasmine rolled over, seemingly not caring that she was encroaching on Richard’s work time.
“Well, Bailey has asked me to be with her when she and Tara come out to her parents. She’s engaged. Isn’t that great?”
“Great news,” he said. “Good for them.”
“It’s this Friday?” I said. “Actually, the entire weekend in Vegas.”
“You just got back from London.”
“I’m sorry. I know. Only Bailey’s my best friend and she needs me.”
“Needs you for Las Vegas?” He frowned. “I’m sorry, Mia, any other weekend. I’ve told Hope we’ll all spend some time together before she heads back to New York.”
“She’s my best friend.”
“I’ve already made plans for us.”
Jasmine stirred, yawned, and sat up.
I turned to her. “Could you give us a second?”
“She’s fine there,” said Richard.
“We’re talking about something private.”
Jasmine got off the couch and strolled over. She fell to her knees before Richard and lowered her head.
In complete astonishment, I watched as Richard’s hand rested atop her head. Her admiring gaze rose to meet his and they shared a look of affection. His eyes fluttered in reaction to her show of obedience. I’d seen subspace before and Richard was in it.
What the fuck.
“Permission to get a drink, sir?” asked Jasmine.
“Granted,” he said, his gaze staying on her as she elegantly rose.
Jasmine headed out.
“I got a subpoena.” I fished around inside my handbag and handed it to him.
Richard took it off me and tucked it into a drawer.
“What am I going to do?” I said. “I’m terrified.”
“It’ll be fine. Cameron’s done nothing wrong. Let’s discuss it later.” Richard raised a hand. “This is a fine opportunity to observe Jasmine. Perhaps you’ll learn something.”
I went to ask if he expected the same kind of behavior from me, and the realization was so unsettling and so obvious, my voice abandoned me.
“Will there be anything else?” he said.
“You’re saying I can’t go, sir?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” His hand moved the mouse and his attention returned to his screen.
“Bailey and Tara need me.” I rested my hands on my hips. “This is important to me.”
“Hope’s important to me.”
I wanted to ask him if this had anything to do with last night, after he found me at Cameron’s place and stabbed his best friend in the stomach with a saber.
“Sorry, Mia,” said Richard, as he resumed clicking away on his screen.
That vision of Jasmine kneeling before him sent a wave of panic. Maybe this was a good thing, me not going to Vegas. After all, goodness knows what Richard would get up to with me not there. Perhaps instead of partying I should be defending what was mine.
My stomach twisted with doubt. Bailey and I were like sisters. She’d always been there for me. Always.
CHAPTER 42
THE ART OF submission really did have its benefits.
Not only had Richard come round, he’d let me borrow his Jeep Wrangler, giving me permission to drive to Vegas by myself. Considering I was now carless, having left my BMW at Cameron’s, this was a small blessing.
As was the fact his Wrangler came with snow chains, if needed.
I’d gone into full on submissive mode, serving Richard with everything from food, beverages, and all the way to mind altering sex. So it was no surprise that by the time Friday came round Richard was comfortable with me going to Las Vegas.
I had to be there for Bailey and Tara, that I knew, though leaving my boyfriend alone with the woman who resembled his lost love and Jasmine, who was a self confessed nympho, brought a wave of uncertainty.
It was time to test out these trust issues, I reassured myself. Let the universe do its thing and help me grow into the person I yearned to be--confident, self-assured, and with a heavy dose of self-respect.
My mind cruelly teased me with images of Richard going at it with both of them at the same time, and I tried to shove those thoughts away.
I was going to have to concentrate.
Suri was guiding me through unfamiliar terrain and it was hard not to be distracted by the stunning views. Surrounding me was lush forest, and when that opened up, I caught the snow tipped mountains not that far way. It was hard to believe I was still in California.
To my right was Big Bear Lake. I was getting closer.
Not so long ago, I’d flown over Big Bear in Cameron’s helicopter and landed in Jasmine’s garden. Though going it alone now in this rugged territory felt like the most daring adventure I’d ever taken.
Within a few hours I’d be on my way to Vegas, having set an entire empire back on its feet. I knew I could pull this off. I’d be using every skill Cameron had taught me and drawing on a few of my own.
A driveway stretched toward the forested property with trees that partially masked the presence of a cabin. My heart raced with anticipation that this was the right place. It would be getting dark soon, and with all this nature too close for comfort, getting stuck in a snow drift would be a hard one to explain to Richard. He and Cameron could never know I’d ever been here.
I had no choice but to trust my GPS.
I parked, popped the trunk, and grabbed the box of groceries I’d bought on the way here.
The trepidation I felt was fierce.
Up the few short steps I trotted, sure this gift would be well received. I mean, why it wouldn’t be? Everyone loved gifts, and those Scottish shortbread cookies I’d bought from the British shop in Santa Monica were bound to be appreciated.
If this went wrong, I’d be screwed.
You’ve come all this way, my muse comforted. Trust your intuition.
I balanced the box on my left knee and knocked.
A bark came from inside the cabin. A man’s voice told the dog to be quiet.
The door flew open—
Henry looked about forty.
He had Cameron’s good looks and the same dark brown eyes, those familiar chiseled Cole features, only with grey specked sideburns and a straggly short beard. He wore a black sweater, hunting trousers, and hiking boots.
“I have your delivery,” I said.
He frowned at the box. “It’s not due till Monday.”
“I’m early.”
“Where’s Bret?”
A black Labrador trotted out behind him and sniffed at my feet.
I couldn’t take my stare off Henry. It was like looking at an older version of Cameron. Those dashing good looks were disarming. The way he stood tall and proud, as if that good breeding wasn’t even lost all the way out here.
“I’m Mia.” I glanced at his dog. “Hello you.”
“Dex,” snapped Henry. “Go back in.”
“He’s cute.”
Dex panted away and stayed where he was.
“Yep,” said Henry. “’Bout sums him up.” He stepped forwards and took the box out of my hands. “Thank you. Have a safe journey back.”
“Um, can I use your restroom, please?”
“No.” He turned and went back inside, using his foot to slam the door in my face.
What the hell?
I knocked. “I’ve come a long way. I need to pee.”
“Who are you?” He shouted through the door.
“Mia Lauren.”
“You’re not local?”
“No.”
He yanked open the door. “Bret delivers from Danny’s.”
I gave a nod, as though I knew this.
“So who the fuck are you?” he said.
“I really need to use the—”
“There you go.” He pointed to the woods.
“Surely you’re not suggesting I go out here?”
“Yes, I am.”
“What about the bears?”
“My money’s on the bears.” He turned and slammed the door.
I knocked again. “I’ll accidently pee on your front porch. That’ll really attract the bears.”
Nothing.
“I don’t have any toilet roll,” I called out.
The door flew open. “Back room. Keep the seat up. You women obsess over the seat being down. Well this is my place. The seat stays up.”
I hurried in.
The cabin was cozy, and surprisingly tidy considering what I’d heard about Henry. Which really wasn’t very much.
Rustic furniture was positioned here and there, with a deep orange couch in the corner, and over there sat several big armchairs. The low level lighting gave the place an outdoorsy feel. It looked simple enough from the outside but had all the luxury amenities inside. Like that flat screen TV on the far wall and those dark wooden beams above. Several doors led off in either direction. A stuffed moose head had been mounted and its beady eyes followed me all the way to the restroom.
As did Dex, who panted at the base of the door as though waiting for me to come out.
After using the restroom and taking in the continued theme of rustic, I was ready to face Henry again.
I met him halfway in the living room. “May I have a drink of water?” I knelt to pat Dex.
“You really are full of demands.” Henry ambled over to the sink, turned on the faucet, and filled a mug.
“Thank you.” I rose to my feet and took it from him.
“I have to get back to work,” he said. “So…” He gestured to the door.
“What do you do?” I said. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
“I do mind.”
“This is a lovely cabin.”
“Okay, how about I put this in English. Fuck off cunt.” He looked thoughtful. “Yes, I think that covered everything.”
“You’re just like your brother. Only more rugged.”
“My brother’s an ass.”
“I like him. A lot actually.”
“You’re trespassing.”
“You invited me in.”
“And I regret it.”
“Did you kill that moose?” I gestured to it.
“Oh yes. Right after it trespassed in here.” He strolled over to the desk. “Slit his throat with a pen knife.”
“His throat looks intact to me.”
“He’s missing his body. Or did you miss that?” He shook his head, as though baffled. Henry picked up a wallet and rifled through it. “Scared yet?”
“Not really, no.”
“Here’s the tip you’re waiting for.” He offered several ten dollar bills.
“No need. This is complimentary.”
“Did my brother send you?”
“Cameron?”
“You work for him?”
“Yes.”
He glowered. “Did my brother send me a prostitute?”
“No. That’s very rude.”
“Well, you’re very—” He waved his hand— “Easy on the eyes.”
“So are you.”
“What. Do. You. Want?”
“A cup of tea would be nice. I’ve come a long way.”
“You’re in the middle of nowhere. I’m a crazy ass man living alone in a cabin. You’re in danger.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Okay, let’s hear it then. What’s the message?”
“From Cameron?”
“Yes, what does my younger brother want? And why did he send you?”
“He doesn’t know I’m here.”
“Does anyone know you’re here?”
“I left a note at home. So if anything happens to me—”
He pointed at me. “What are you up to?”
I swallowed hard, doubt creeping in. Cameron hadn’t mentioned anything about Henry being dangerous. Maybe he’d not thought that detail needed to be shared. After all he’d never have suspected I’d pay a visit.
Henry rubbed his face. “My advice is leave now before you’re snowed in.”
“Checked the weather report. We’re all good.”
“The weather is unpredictable. She’s a bitch like that. Very temperamental. Like most bitches actually.”
“When was the last time you had a nice home cooked meal?”
“The last time I shoved a packet in the microwave. Why?”
“I can cook you dinner.” I wandered over to the box and lifted out the tin of tomatoes. “Beef Bolognaise?”
“Are you press? Because if you are—”
“No.”
“Did my parents send you?”
“No.”
“Mia, I don’t have any more money—”
“I’m not press and I don’t want your money.”
He looked impatient.
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll tell you why I’m here.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Cameron’s in trouble and he needs you.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“I brought a bottle of wine? Want a glass?”
“Mia!”
That moose head was staring at me.
I looked back at Henry. “Cameron’s being accused of doing something unconventional.”
“That’s hard to believe.” He scoffed “What’s he done now?”
“He’s used an unusual technique on a cli
ent.”
He took a deep breath in. “In what way?”
“It’s a little delicate?”
“He over drugged?”
“No, he…” I searched for the words. “Spanked them and...”
Henry blinked at me. “They probably deserved it.”
“You don’t find it shocking?”
“How well do you know my brother?”
“Pretty well.”
He hesitated. “I’m not discussing this with you. You’re a stranger.”
“I’m Richard Booth’s girlfriend.” I reached into my handbag and pulled out my iPhone.
I ignored the text from Richard asking if I’d arrived in Las Vegas yet and scrolled through the photos. I found the one of me and Richard atop a double-decker bus. “We took it in London,” I told Henry, and handed over my phone. “You know Richard, right?”
Henry peered at it. “You’re dating Cam’s best friend?”
“Yes.”
“And yet you’re infatuated with my brother?”
“What makes you say that?”
Henry shook his head. “He always was popular with the ladies.” He continued to scroll.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for my brother’s number. I’m going to ask him to come get you. He’ll fly up in his fuck mobile and extract you from my home.”
I leaped forwards and grabbed my phone back. “He mustn’t know I’m here.”
“Why not?”
“He’d be upset with me.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve been through so much already. It’s just—”
His eyes widened.
“How about a nice glass of wine?” I offered.
“Get out.”
“No, please. I’ve come this far. And I nearly got lost.”
“That would have been a tragedy,” he said. “Mia, I’m respectfully asking you to leave.”
“I know your family. I had dinner with them. I met your sister, Willow, and your parents. I love your Aunt Rose.”
“What has this got to do with anything?”
“I know Cameron really well. I was his submissive for a while.”
Henry blinked at me. “Submissive?”
“Yes, you know about that?”
“BDSM?”
“Yes.”
“Hell, why didn’t you say. I have a belt around here somewhere. Bend over and I’ll whip some sense into you.”
My shoulders dropped and I hung my head in exasperation. “I really need your help, Henry.”
Enthrall Him (Enthrall Sessions Book 3) Page 33
