Enthrall Him (Enthrall Sessions Book 3)

by Fewings, Vanessa

  “I’m sure everything will be fine, Mia,” said Dominic, widening his eyes at Richard.

  “Oh my God.” Richard leaped to his feet. “Is that…”

  I stood too and peeked around his arm to see who he was starting at. My breath caught in my throat.

  Henry Cole was strolling towards us with his hands tucked in his pockets in that familiar Cole way, his beard now gone, his suit sharp, and he looked even more handsome than when I’d first seen him.

  Henry reached out to shake Richard’s hand. “How are you?” He looked over at me. “Mia, good to see you.”

  “Henry?’ Cameron appeared from behind Dominic. “How do you know Mia?”

  All eyes settled on me and inwardly I cringed.

  Henry approached Cameron. “Did I miss all the fun? Is it over?”

  “What are you doing here?” said Cameron.

  “To see you,” said Henry.

  “You’re not…you shouldn’t be here,” said Cameron, lowering his voice. “This is a highly stressful situation.”

  Henry tucked his hands back into his pockets. “I take offense at that.”

  Cameron breathed in a deep inhale of air. “You’re here to testify?”

  “Fuck no,” said Henry. “Don’t let any of those shrinks near me.” He smiled my way. “They’re a crazy bunch.” He turned back to Cameron. “I’m here to support my younger brother.”

  That firm grip on my left arm was Cameron dragging me away from them. “What the fuck did you do, Mia?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Did you tell my brother to come here? How did you find him? What the hell are you doing?” Cameron dragged me along farther. “He’s not ready for this.”

  “Yes, he is,” I said. “You haven’t seen him in years, so you wouldn’t know. He has stuff he wants to tell you.”

  “When did you see him?”

  I broke his gaze.

  “You’re out of control,” he snapped. “You’re like a fucking tornado decimating everything in its path.”

  Tears stung my eyes. “No. Please listen to what Henry has to say.”

  Cameron hugged me into his chest. “Oh Mia, you have no idea. It’s not your fault.”

  My face was squished against him. “You underestimate me.”

  He shook his head, exasperated.

  “Are you engaged?” he rasped, staring at my ring. “When?”

  “Well—”

  Dominic hurried over, grabbed my hand, and pulled me away. “Let’s not be seen harassing the witness, Cole.” He pulled me along. “Mia, they’re ready for you.”

  I glanced back at Cameron and he was staring at me, full of worry.

  “Go on,” said Dominic, and he gestured for me to go in through those doors.

  Henry gave me the thumbs up and Richard made a fist and cheered me on with a smile.

  My legs felt unsteady as I entered the great hall, clutching my handbag into my chest.

  Sitting before me were four middle aged men behind a long table. They were all dressed suavely, all of them looking super smart. I studied them right back, taking in each one and knowing intellectually these doctors could quite possibly have my head spinning in seconds.

  One of the men directed me to sit in the seat positioned before them, a few feet away from their long table. I rested my bag on my lap and glanced right to see Cameron had settled beside Dominic. Files were on the table before them.

  Cameron’s kind eyes were full of reassurance, and you’d never have known both of us had been scrapping in the hallway ten seconds ago.

  The doors closed behind us.

  One by one the doctors introduced themselves and they made small talk, asking where I was from and how I’d come to find myself living in Los Angeles? Calmly, I answered their questions, fully aware they were assessing what I told them and looking for signs of honesty; a foundation for truth that would be soon utilized.

  “Cameron once told me ‘God sees the truth but waits’,” I said. “It’s a quote from Tolstoy.”

  I wanted them to know I was a reliable witness. A reasonable woman.

  “Ms. Lauren, may I call you Mia?” asked the man who’d introduced himself as Dr. Winslow.

  “Yes.”

  “Tolstoy is considered one of the greatest novelists of our time,” he said. “Have you read any of his books?”

  “Anna Kareninia.”

  “Do you see Anna in yourself?” asked Dr. Winslow.

  “No.” I stared down at my hands, that ring hidden beneath my palm.

  “How long have you known Dr. Cole?” asked Dr. Winslow.

  “A few months,” I said. “But I knew as soon as I saw him he was a good man. A kind man. He’s wonderful with his patients.”

  Dr. Winslow nodded, his gaze sweeping over the papers spread out before him. “Tell me about what happened to you at Chrysalis.”

  “How do you mean?” I said.

  “We respect this is difficult for you, but as you can see we are trying to understand the complex and radical therapeutic measures Dr. Cole utilities, allegedly.”

  “He helped me,” I said.

  “In what way?”

  Dr. Winslow had a large mole beneath his nose. I imagined he might have been bullied about that as a child. A man who’d gone into psychiatry to perhaps understand the cruelty bestowed on others. The fact he was on this panel reflected the proof he pursued justice above all else.

  “Tell me about the dungeon, Mia?” he said.

  My gaze shot to Cameron and he averted his eyes. My breathing was rapid, my heart raced, and my hands balled into fists on my lap.

  “Mia?” Dr. Winslow pushed.

  “He…”

  “Yes.”

  “The room was dark and he kept it like that,” I said.

  It all came flooding back, that soft lighting, that large bed, that chain dangling from my neck preventing my escape. That unfolding passion that stayed with me.

  “What happened in the room, Mia?” Winslow’s voice was soft, low.

  “He touched me,” I said. “And I liked it.”

  “Where did he touch you?”

  My face burned brightly and I found it hard to look at them, sensing everyone behind me was waiting on every word, my privacy gone.

  “Cameron freed me from my past. Cameron, I mean Dr. Cole, broke me down so he could get to the root cause of my pain.”

  Refusing to look at Cameron, I kept my gaze on Dr. Winslow.

  Dominic pushed himself to his feet. “Perhaps we could take a short break?”

  “Soon,” said Dr. Winslow, gesturing for Dominic to take his seat again. “Please, Mia, go on. Did Dr. Cole ever use violence against you?”

  “He spanked me,” I said. “And once…”

  A nod for me to continue.

  “He used a bullwhip,” I said. “Do you know what that is?”

  A shared nod from behind the table.

  “I liked that too,” I said. “It actually clears your head and makes it easier to think. Cameron says it’s because of the release of adrenaline in your blood. It floods your brain with endorphins.”

  Hushed whispers rose from behind me.

  The doctors whispered between each other, conferring. A shake of heads, a look of worry, swapped glances of concern.

  “Mia, was there ever a time Dr. Cole penetrated you?” said Winslow.

  “How do you mean?” I asked, purposefully dragging out the stupid question.

  “Was there intercourse?” he said.

  “Yes,” I said, blushing. “Lots of it. He’s amazing in bed. Please don’t write that down. It’s kind of personal.”

  The men threw Cameron a weary glance.

  Cameron looked pale.

  “Mia, how long have you been a patient of Dr. Cole’s?” asked Dr. Winslow.

  “Um…” I thought about it, turning in my seat to see Richard.

  He gave me a wink that this was going well.

  I turned back to face them, forcing myself to m
ake eye contact with Dr. Winslow.

  Cameron’s head was bowed, his eyes lowered.

  “Mia?” Winslow drew me back to him.

  “Sorry?” I said.

  “How long have you been a client of Dr. Cole?”

  “I was never one of Dr. Cole’s patients.”

  “Excuse me?” said Winslow.

  I raised my left hand in the air and flashed that blinding sapphire. “I’m his fiancé. We’re engaged to be married.”

  Dr. Winslow frowned, his hands ruffling through his papers.

  I poked into my handbag, pulled out my sunglasses, and put them on. “I mean look at that bling. It’s gorgeous.”

  With my eyes concealed, these fine minds wouldn’t see my windows to the truth.

  “I think there’s been some misunderstanding,” said Dr. Winslow, looking puzzled.

  “I can only imagine,” I said. “And I think that’s where this rumor started. There are people out there envious of what Cameron and I have. We’ve never been happier.” I turned my hand around to admire the way the light caught the sapphire.

  I beamed at Cameron.

  Cameron’s mouth gaped, but he quickly regained composure.

  “Is this true?” asked Dr. Winslow.

  “It is,” said Richard. “I can vouch for them. I’m Cole’s best friend.”

  Cameron whispered into Dominic’s ear. Dominic motioned for Cameron to remain quiet.

  More questions, a shuffling of papers. A slow kind of chaos unfolded all around. Some wore embarrassed expressions, while others were full of relief.

  I was led away by Richard, out into the hallway.

  He gave me a hug. “My little minx.”

  “Think they believed me?” I whispered.

  “Yes. Looks like it’s over.”

  “What about Lance?”

  “Cameron’s slapped him with a defamation lawsuit,” he said.

  Henry came over and gave me a hug. “You had me scared there for a minute, Mia.”

  “All I care about is that Cameron’s name is cleared,” I said.

  “It is now,” said Henry, pointing to my ring. “Where did you get that shiner?”

  “Borrowed it,” said Richard.

  Dominic and Cameron joined us in the hallway and I tried to read Cameron’s expression. Dominic still had a stunned look on his face.

  Cameron’s serenity had returned, but that frown he’d reserved for his brother hadn’t lifted.

  “Escort her out,” whispered Richard, gesturing to me.

  With my hand in Cameron’s, we stepped into the elevator and Richard and Henry joined us. Dominic still had some administration to do and stayed behind.

  A few floors down, we all breathed a sigh of relief.

  We walked out into the underground parking and all huddled in a corner.

  “What was that?” snapped Cameron.

  “Don’t start,” said Richard.

  “She just lied to a panel of psychiatrists,” whispered Cameron, finally letting go of my hand.

  “I didn’t take an oath,” I said. “No laws were broken.”

  Henry turned to Cameron “Oh shut the fuck up, Cam.”

  Cameron had never looked so frazzled.

  “I hear you have a nice place in Venice Beach?” said Henry.

  “I do,” said Cameron.

  Henry smiled at him. “Perhaps you can teach me to surf?”

  Cameron swallowed hard.

  “Or not,” said Henry.

  “I’d love to,” said Cameron. “I mean…yes. Yes. Of course.”

  “How about now?” said Henry.

  Cameron blinked at him.

  “Let’s go buy me a board. Know a great surf shop?” Henry winked at me.

  “Are you planning on taking over Cole Tea?” asked Richard.

  Cameron flashed him an uneasy glance.

  “Hell no,” said Henry. “But between Cam and I, I’m sure we can persuade Dad to let Willow run the empire. It’s time we had a woman in the driver’s seat. What do you say, Cole?”

  “Quite agree,” said Cameron, his gaze drifting to mine. “We’ve underestimated her for quite some time. I’ve been such an ass.”

  “Time to make up for it,” said Henry. “This surf shop better sell swimming trunks. Don’t want to put on a show for the locals.”

  CHAPTER 48

  THIS WOULD BE my first time visiting Palm Springs.

  A perfect way to see in the New Year. We’d decided to celebrate it privately, just us two, and we’d booked a room at the Viceroy Hotel.

  Driving along the Pacific Coast highway in Richard’s BMW, I took in the ocean view. I’d kicked off my shoes and now rested my bare feet with their pink painted toenails up on the dashboard. My hands rested in my lap to keep my short red summer dress from flying up. From all this sunshine, you’d never have guessed it was winter in Los Angeles.

  Richard pushed the car into fifth gear.

  “You were very brave yesterday,” he said. “All charges have been lifted and Cameron’s free to continue practicing medicine.”

  “You were very kind,” I said. “Letting me see my plan through. I knew it would all turn out fine as long as I kept my nerve.”

  “I’m glad that’s over,” he said.

  “Me too.”

  I imagined Cameron would be celebrating in his own way, dining on a fine meal in Paris, before heading off to check on his club in the Rive Gauche. I had no right to jealousy. Cameron deserved to be happy more than anyone.

  It was easier not to linger there.

  We drove off the highway and turned onto Montana Avenue. I looked over at him, wondering where we were heading. This was meant to be the scenic route.

  “One stop,” he said, turning off the music.

  Richard killed the engine.

  We’d parked outside Bloomfield’s jewelry store. I realized Richard was returning the engagement ring.

  He turned in his seat to look at me. “Is there something you’ve been keeping back from me, Mia?”

  “How do you mean?”

  He let out a long sigh. “You wrote to my dad?”

  I broke his gaze.

  “I got a letter from him.”

  “What did he say?”

  Richard looked solemn. “Some people never change, Mia. No matter how much you want them to. No matter how much we believe they can.”

  “Is he going to do the right thing?”

  He gave a shrug. “I vowed we’d never talk again.”

  “I’m sorry. I really believed if he knew what an incredible man you are he’d change his ways. Maybe return those hidden funds. That way no one could threaten you ever again.”

  Richard looked at me with sympathy.

  “Did I mess up?’ I said.

  “Your heart was in the right place. It always was and always will be. I’ll be right back.” He climbed out of the car and went inside.

  It seemed I’d been holding my breath for the longest time, but at least Richard understood my motive. Maybe his father would come round one day and do the right thing.

  I brought out my iPhone and shot off a text to Bailey, telling her I missed her and letting her know about my new adventure, and wanting to know about hers. Turning over my phone, I lovingly ran my fingers over Hello Kitty.

  Richard came out of the store and lingered on the steps. He stared at something in his palm. His ocean blue gaze rose to greet me.

  A few moments later and he’d hurried down and rejoined me in the car.

  “Everything okay?” I said.

  He stared dead ahead, his hand clutching something.

  “What is that?” I said.

  He opened his palm. “I got it fixed.”

  My bracelet. The one Cameron had given me that first day I’d visited his house. The same one Richard had accidently snapped on the plane.

  Cautiously, I looked up at him.

  Richard fiddled with the catch, his fingers moving delicately over it before securing the brac
elet back onto my left wrist. “It looks beautiful on you.”

  “Thank you.” I twisted my arm and admired the sparkling diamonds. “It’s okay to keep it?”

  “Cameron has wonderful taste,” he said. “But we already knew that.”

  I gave a wary smile.

  “Did you know there’s an engraving on it?”

  “There is?” I peered down at the bracelet. “Really?”

  He looked back at Bloomfield’s. “The store owner just told me. It’s actually invisible to the human eye. You can only see it through a jewel gem microscope.”

  “What does it say?”

  Richard brought out his cell and busied himself with a text. “Choose us some music.” He tucked his phone back into his pocket.

  “Who did you text?” I asked.

  “I’m making sure when we get to our destination everything will be set.”

  “That hotel’s lovely,” I said. “Can we go in the pool?”

  “For you, anything.”

  We pulled away from the curb and we headed back down Montana.

  “Did we forget something?” I said.

  “One more stop,” said Richard.

  We were driving back along the Pacific Coast highway.

  We were heading home.

  Not that long ago I’d lived around here, with its long stretch of Malibu beach houses. One of which I’d rented for the lowest price ever, considering it was right on the sand. Though later, I’d discovered it belonged to Cameron.

  My gaze shot to Richard’s when he parked outside the place I’d once called home. A cozy condo right on the beach.

  “Why are we here?”

  He turned the engine off and stared at his hands. “We’ve been lying to ourselves for far too long.”

  Tears stung my eyes. “What are you saying?”

  “I can’t.”

  “Can’t what?” I stared at the bracelet. “Do you want me to take it off?”

  His hand rested on mine. “You’re a crappy sub, Mia,” he said. “I’ve tried to get you to understand the kind of woman I need. I told you that the first day we were here. That I needed a well trained sub. This can’t come as a surprise?”

  My throat constricted. “Are you…”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “But it’s New Year’s eve?” I said. “What about Palm Springs?”

  “I refuse to go into another year lying to myself. Or lying to you.”