Galina spun around and stormed off.
Shay followed me into the elevator and waited for the doors to close. “Did you really just hire Nadine?”
“Find out her real name.”
“What department do you have in mind?”
“Ask about her skill-set and go from there.” I made my point with a raised hand. “Typing speed, that kind of thing. Just so we’re clear.” I withdrew from the elevator and quickly made the distance to my Ducati. I pulled on my helmet and threw a leg over the bike. “One down. One to go.”
Shay donned his helmet and lifted the visor. “Your ability to see what’s really going on kind of creeps me out.”
“I thought that’s what you admired about me?” I revved my bike when he went to reply and stared his way.
“What?”
“You didn’t tell Henry about Mia’s treatment did you? Back at Chrysalis.” So few people knew about it, or so I’d believed.
“No, why?”
“He knows.”
Shay shrugged. “I’ll look into it.”
“No, just forget about it.”
“Okay. Look, about my session…?”
“You mean the one where I have you pass out with pleasure?”
“Jesus,” he mouthed. “Yes, that one.”
“Careful what you ask for.”
“I’m ready.”
I revved the throttle and grinned. “Can’t hear you.”
He broke into a smile and mouthed, “Fuck you.”
I slid my visor down and sped out of there.
The Belgravia Club sat regally on Park Avenue.
Shay and I parked our bikes and then took a few minutes to strategize as we assessed our entry point. We used Google to garner more details that might come in useful.
It was the kind of place you couldn’t buy yourself into. Becoming a member was by recommendation only by an established member.
Scanning through the photos showing the crisp clean décor of white and gold amidst airy spaces, I gathered you’d also need a healthy salary to enjoy the amenities. The restaurant boasted New York’s finest chefs, a luxury spa, and a walled garden where the ladies could enjoy exclusive presentations and then mingle afterward while sipping champagne.
We were buzzed through the club’s front door.
I approached the reception desk. “We’re tech support, here for the garden lecture. Apparently, you’re having issues with the visual effects? We’ll sort it out and be out of your hair in no time.”
The pretty brunette studied her ledger like she had the authority to decide on the guests’ comings and goings. She pointed to a map to indicate where Helete was. I tried not to blink in surprise.
We strode down a long, well-lit hallway that had spacious windows and a tall ceiling. The scent of lavender filled the air, and under different circumstances I might have enjoyed my visit to a place so architecturally pleasing.
The Dionysus Club had been firmly placed in my rearview and if Helete hadn’t sent that threat I wouldn’t have come here.
“I’ll stand guard,” said Shay.
I gave a nod of agreement and left him just outside.
A lattice ceiling covered the garden and at the end stood a podium at which Helete was regaling an audience of at least sixty well-dressed women. She’d dressed for the event in an elegant red pant suit and her Tiffany necklace shimmered brightly. Her French accent was disarmingly beautiful and her lovely sharp features were nature’s way of throwing off her victims. She was the equivalent of a praying mantis that bit off her mate’s head right after sex. No apology, just doing what came naturally. She reminded me of Zie.
I caught the drift of her presentation—it was about sexual freedom and in no way required any technical additions to her monologue on feminist rights. The receptionist wouldn’t know this and had swallowed my lie.
I rarely twisted the truth like this. I was a man of my word and had integrity, but getting into an only woman’s club was, as Galina had pointed out, rather impossible.
My specialty.
Shay had uncovered Helete and Zie’s friendship and discovered they were hanging out a lot together. I focused my attention on Helete and our impending conversation. I remained at the back of the garden and folded my arms, waiting.
Watching.
Seething.
With a fixed expression that didn’t reveal whether or not I’d rattled her, Helete offered an apology to her audience and then excused herself. She walked toward me with the swagger of a woman who’d tasted power. Not just off Lance’s senatorial cock but in her own right. She owned those members of Dionysus, knowing enough of their secrets to burn each and every man’s life to the ground.
I turned and made my way to the far corner.
She emanated iciness as she approached. “How did you get in?”
“I was about to ask you the same,” I retorted.
“Did you enjoy your visit to my club?”
“Most enlightening.”
“I heard a rumor that Shay fucked you in the ass in the pool spa.”
“I think that’s your fantasy.” I glanced behind me to check how much time I had. “Or Zie’s.” I wanted her to know I knew they were close.
“Did you enjoy the cake?”
“What was the meaning behind that?”
“You trespassed into my club. I reciprocated by invading the very center of your home. You should chat with Mia about security. She let my man right in.”
“It’s so hard to get through to someone who is so damn pure.”
“How are the wedding plans?”
“Fine.”
She gave me a thin smile. “Apparently, Mia’s wedding dress is by Vera Wang? Wasn’t Zie going to wear the same designer? How sweet. When Mia’s walking up the aisle on your wedding day, your mind will be filled with memories of Zie.”
This woman had spies everywhere.
I shrugged, not caring to reveal Mia was considering another designer. Or maybe, just maybe, she’d wear her Vera Wang because she loved it so much.
“You’re making a big mistake.” She glanced behind her. “You still have time to win her back.”
“Are you referring to Zie?”
“Of course.”
“Or I could just slice through my wrists with the closest sharp object and bleed out, which would be a lot more fun.”
“Do you want me to put in a good word for you?”
“Instead of the cake I had Mia for dessert. Now that was worth waiting for.”
“If someone seems too good to be true—”
“If you ever again come within fifty miles of me, or Mia, or anyone I care about, I’ll—”
“Threatening me?”
“I’m putting you in your place, Helete.”
“What were you doing at my club?”
“I was there for Shay,” I answered, exasperated. “I had no idea you were connected to the place.”
“We have more members then you ever did at Chrysalis.”
“Fantastic.” I went with sarcasm because the other option was to look like I gave a shit. “Listen,” I glanced back the way I’d come, “can we please settle our differences?”
She gave me a look of mistrust.
“Shay’s considering remaining a member of your club,” I added. “He seems to like it.” And he would see his wish fulfilled to return to her club over my dead body.
“We’d love to have him back.” She smirked.
“You’re going through a lot, Helete. I bumped into Lance and he told me about your divorce. I’m sorry, I really am.”
“Where did you see him?”
Okay, this was getting into the give-the-bastard’s-affair-away territory, if I wasn’t careful. I waved it off. “This is hard on both of you.”
“He’s just concerned his political career will take a hit.”
“I didn’t get that from him.”
Her expression softened. “Can I tell you what my greatest joy is?”
/> “Sure.”
“Of all your enemies, I’m the most dangerous.”
A slither of dread ran up my spine because we both knew she was threatening Mia.
Shay hurried toward us with a look that warned me their security had been alerted.
Helete looked triumphant. “Your boyfriend is here.”
I gave a nod to let Shay know I was ready to leave. “Just remember, Helete, I’m the man who’s willing to burn down the house around me.”
“After what you gave up to make Cole Tea relevant again? I doubt it.” She flashed me a wicked smile. “I know exactly how to bring you to your knees.”
“I don’t kneel to anyone.”
“None of us can understand what you see in such a classless girl. No breeding. No education to speak of—”
“Mia is everything you could never be.”
“She won’t hold your attention.”
“Why do you even try, Helete?”
“We know what you’re really like, Cameron. Deep down you need your dark fix. A sweet, innocent girl is fun for cleansing the palate, but you’ll be drawn back to who you are.”
“Trust me.” I leaned in to whisper. “You have no idea how dark I go.”
Leaving Helete standing there, I walked out of the garden and made my way back down the hallway.
When Shay and I left the building we were met with a downpour. I raised my face to the sky and let the rain droplets cleanse me.
I’D BECOME FOND OF MY little cubical in a way. Having made it a fun space to hang out in, some part of me would miss working in marketing. One thing was for sure, I wasn’t going to miss Dana.
My favorite Elie Tahari black dress and boots were perfect attire for today. I was going to get to see what would become my new office, and I wanted to prove to Sue I belonged there.
At least my worry over the wedding dress was over. Cameron had arranged for my best friend Bailey to fly out from L.A. so we could shop for another one. He’d given me a long weekend off and had promised to make it amazing, having booked us tickets to see Hamilton, and also arranging for us to have a few golf lessons at the Sagamore Resort. Cole was going to fly her out on a private plane. Bailey had freaked out when I’d called to tell her.
There’d been no more mention of any threats, which helped me relax again. I was due to begin my internship at Marcella’s in a week.
“They found my file.” Kelly leaned on the side of my cubicle. “I made it just in time to submit it.”
I swiveled in my chair to face her. “That’s great news.”
“Thank you for helping me retrieve it.”
“Of course.” I was now out of the running to win. I couldn’t submit my design knowing she needed the money.
She perked up. “When do you think we’ll hear about the winner?”
“Not sure.”
Kelly looked at the box in the corner, ready for next week. “I’ll come visit you.”
“I’d like that.”
“I’m so happy you got your promotion.”
I was trying to think of the best response when her expression changed.
Her gaze was following someone. “Is that Henry Cole?”
I shot up and peered over the top. Sure enough, it was Cameron’s gorgeous older brother and he was sporting a five o’clock shadow, looking cute in jeans and a blue blazer.
Ducking down again, I wondered if I had time to text him.
“Hey, Mia!” He peered over the top of my cubicle with the biggest smile, throwing a wave to Kelly who’d scurried off back to her desk.
Kelly cupped her hand over her mouth in surprised awe.
I tried to ignore her cute reaction and widened my eyes as a warning signal to Henry.
“Hey, there, Mr. Cole. How are you?”
“Since when have you called me that?”
“I’m keeping things on the down low,” I whispered.
“Okay, then. Got a minute?”
“Pretend you don’t know me as well as you do,” I added quickly.
He looked amused. “I’ll be in the coffee room.”
After thirty seconds I headed after him.
Inside the deserted coffee room, Henry was pouring two cups of Cole tea. This was a cozy room with a plush seating area, a walled TV, and a ton of free snacks.
“No sugar, right?” He turned to glance at me.
“Yes, thank you.” I hurried over to him and wrapped my arms around his back, resting my forehead against him. “It’s so good to see you. We’re still keeping it a secret that I know the Cole brothers.”
He turned and held me tighter, and I saw something reflected in his eyes that looked like sympathy. “Whose idea was this?”
“Mine.” I took a mug from him and made my way over to the comfy couch.
“I’m sorry to pull you from your desk, Mia.”
“It’s fine.”
“How are the wedding arrangements coming?”
“We have a planner so she’s helping with all the big decisions. And I’m getting a new dress.”
“What was wrong with the other one?”
“It didn’t work out.”
“Why?”
I chewed my lip. “It’s nothing.”
He sipped his tea. “Any doubts?”
“About Cameron? No, of course not.”
“How did you two meet again?”
“I was Richard’s secretary.”
“Cameron hired you?”
“Yes.”
“What happened with you and Richard? I mean, he’s a great guy. Any girl would have considered him a catch.”
“He’s wonderful.” I took a gulp and it burned my throat. I tried to smile despite the discomfort. “Things didn’t work out.”
“You don’t mind me asking?”
“Of course not.” After all, it was Henry.
With his vet status he had superhero written all over him, and it was thanks to Henry his parents even approved of me. During one turbulent dinner with his mom and dad, Henry had announced to everyone at the table that he owed me for helping him leave behind his reclusive life in Big Bear.
I couldn’t be prouder to see him content, spending time with his family and friends and not hidden away in the forest. I loved the fact Cameron had his brother back in his life.
“How are things with Cam?” he asked.
“Wonderful. He’s busy, but happy.”
“How’s the transition from L.A. been?”
“Cameron’s doing great—”
“I meant you, Mia.”
“I miss L.A. a little.”
“Can I be frank?” He waited on my nod and then added, “You’re still very young. You’ve not even turned twenty-two.”
“It’s my birthday soon.”
He took a sip of tea. “Is he good to you?”
“Very kind. And generous.”
“Has he seemed different lately?”
“Yes,” I answered in a rush. “At first, I was worried it was something to do with me or Shay—”
“Shay?”
“Yes, Shay’s been missing things…” I left it at that, not wanting to spill the kind of things.
Cameron had shared with me that Shay wanted a session and he’d not decided if this was even possible. I got it. Cameron had changed my life with his remarkable insight and I would never be so selfish as to prevent another person from having that experience.
“Has Cam treated you differently lately?” Henry scratched his head.
“Can you be specific?”
“He has a penchant for pain, as well dishing it out. This concerns me.” He took my hand. “You don’t mind me asking?”
“I’m glad we can talk about it.”
“Has he ever…” He seemed to mull over his next words. “Upset you?”
Cole was mercurial but that didn’t mean I had to tell Henry. Anyway, as his brother he knew him well. “We’re both passionate about…you know.”
“Does he ever strike you?”
I leaned back a little. “Not in the way you think.”
Henry was digging into the most private details of our relationship. I missed our lifestyle and considering how fulfilling that aspect of our sex life was, this abstention from all things S&M made me miss it more.
“When did you first discover Cole was into BDSM?”
I hated where this conversation was going but I sensed Henry needed reassurance and shutting this questioning down would worsen his doubts. “Richard told me.”
“I’m just trying to understand.” His expression was one of concern.
“Henry, I like it.”
“Right, of course.”
“Cameron’s pulled back a little…”
He covered his face with his palms. “He made you believe this is normal.”
“It is.”
“Mia, were you into the scene before you met him?”
I hesitated as I realized where he was going with this.
“Is it true you were given to Richard?” he added.
“I met him at work.”
“The truth, please, Mia.”
“It seems strange on the surface, but it really was part of a therapeutic process.”
He looked horrified.
“I’m very happy, Henry.”
“This is not easy for me to say.”
I gave him the kindest smile. “Go on.”
“Mia, I don’t think you’re the right one for my brother.”
My tea whooshed in the cup, spilling onto my hand, and Henry pulled a tissue from a box resting on the table. He mopped the tea off my fingers.
A young man burst through the door and stopped when he saw us. “Bad time?”
Henry threw him a polite smile. “Give us five minutes, please.”
Vaguely, I was aware of my coworker turning around and leaving. My heart was beating too fast and my mind was a swirl of confusing thoughts. Why was Henry saying these things?
Henry’s focus snapped back to me. “One more question.”
Dread made my spine feel like it had been wrapped in ice.
“Mia, did Cameron lock you in a dungeon back at Chrysalis and refuse to let you leave?”
I didn’t reply, but that was as good as admitting this was true.
“Jesus,” he muttered under his breath.
“He helped me.”
Henry shot to his feet. “It’s a good thing he’s no longer practicing medicine.”
Enthrall Climax Page 14
