“Mummifying their pesky girlfriends.”
“Very funny. How do you know all this stuff?”
“Because unlike you I don’t consider Facebook the equivalent of reading a book.”
“That’s mean.”
“And yet true.” He gave a nod. “That Kindle of yours won’t work unless you take it out of the box and charge it.”
The only reason I’d not opened it was because being given gifts made me uncomfortable. I’d had to work my butt off just to survive and kindness made me suspicious. I wasn’t going to share that though.
“Talking of Facebook,” I said. “Did you hack my account?”
“Your password is next to the computer.”
“Still, you deleted photos of us. Why?”
“Please don’t post photos of us together, Mia. You know how serious I am about privacy.”
I tried to read from his face if that was the truth or perhaps I embarrassed him. “You had no right.”
“I have every right to take down photos that put you in danger. You know my father’s dubious history puts me at risk, and that in turn—”
“My page is set to private.”
“Trust me, nothing is private,” he said. “It would take seconds to access your account if someone wanted to.”
“What’s the point in having a code?”
He looked towards the door. “Next!” he mimicked, summoning someone else to deliver a foot rub to.
“Hey,” I said in mock surprise.
Richard laughed. “Your annual foot rub is over.”
“You do realize this could be considered sexual harassment?”
“Really?” He sat up and leaned forwards and planted a kiss on my cheek. “Then what I wonder could this be considered?” He cupped my chin. “Or this?” He pressed his lips to mine and gave me a long, leisurely kiss, his tongue languidly lavishing affection.
Richard peeled my hands off his butt.
“Yeah, that’s going to have to wait. I have work to do.”
“I suppose that’s what they mean by a perk,” I said.
“Some employees get thousands of dollars in way of a bonus. You get a foot rub.”
“Along with free coffee.”
“Did you just compare my kiss to free coffee?”
“Never.” I tried to wriggle free from his tickling attack. “I have to get back to my desk.” Giggling, I managed to escape his grip. “My boss is a real sticker.” I turned to look at him. “And well known for bestowing the worst punishments.”
Richard rose off the sofa. “Don’t, Mia.”
“It was a joke. I meant it as a joke.”
He shooed me away and rounded his desk chair, all business as usual. His demeanor brought a chill to the room. I’d gone and ruined the mood. Luckily for me Richard wasn’t the sulking type.
Back at my desk, I ran through my usual routine of checking emails and answering a few, mostly scheduling appointments. For those requesting more information on sessions I forwarded their contact information onto Mistress Scarlet. Her office was down the hall.
Grabbing the box from underneath my desk, I peeled it open and pulled out the roll of blue tinsel I’d bought over the weekend from Macy’s. I knew only the best Christmas decorations would be good enough for here. Starting with my desk, I roped it along the front, excited that the holidays were looming. This would be my first Christmas with a boyfriend, and Richard was throwing a party at his house. I liked the thought of hosting an event with him. Despite all that had happened between us, I looked forward to this show of solidarity in front of his friends. By now they might have gathered we were just another conventional couple. I hoped they’d realize this was his decision and not mine. Richard had told me not to worry about what other people thought of us and that it was none of their business. I wondered how long it would be before I had that kind of confidence.
I paused when the elevator dinged.
Cameron strolled out with his head bowed, as though deep in thought. He threw me a wave. I could have sworn he was ignoring me. Not that I minded. It was kind of nice to admire the director and Enthrall’s ultimate eye candy from the safety of behind my desk. He swept his fingers through his dark locks and frowned all the way towards the staff hall door.
“Good morning,” I said.
His hand snapped back from the door handle. “What is that?”
“This?” I pointed to the blue strand. “Tinsel.”
Cameron looked horrified. “Get rid of it.”
“But it’s pretty.”
“Christmas is over two and a half weeks away.”
“The shopping malls have their decorations up.”
“That’s because they’re manipulating shoppers.”
I held back on a frown.
“Firstly, Ms. Lauren,” he said, “it’s too soon to celebrate a pagan holiday that was high jacked by the Catholic Church. Secondly, instead of celebrating winter we’re celebrating Santa.” He shook his head. “An atrocity.”
“Why would you want to celebrate winter?”
“The return of the sun. Darkness to light?” He made it sound like I really should know this.
I moved towards him. “You think Santa Clause is an atrocity?”
“I may have understated.” He gestured insistently to the tinsel.
“But I bought it from Macy’s.”
“Mia, I don’t care if the Pope personally delivered it.”
“That’s very Scrooge-like,” I whispered.
Being dragged though the doorway and down the hall by Cameron Cole was both thrilling and equally terrifying. He really did seem offended by the shiny strip of tinsel.
Talk about Jekyll and Hyde. This guy hadn’t flinched when I’d accidently backed my Mini into his Porsche and left a dent.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’ll take them down.”
“Them? Please tell me you haven’t decorated the dungeon?”
“Of course not. I’m not that insensitive.”
“The jury is still out.” Cameron threw Richard’s door open. “Richard.” He burst into his office and dragged me along with him. “What the hell is going on?”
Jeez, thank goodness I’d not put out the baby Jesus.
“Will you get your fucking sub under control,” said Cameron.
Oh, that got my attention.
And Richard’s too from the way he rounded his desk. “Please, Cole, let go of my girlfriend.”
Cameron’s grip tightened. “Mia’s placing shiny Christmas decorations everywhere.”
“Only the foyer.” I cringed when Cameron’s glare shot to me.
Richard’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “That’s what was in the box?”
“Maybe.”
Richard did a double take at my answer. “We’ll get rid of them. Don’t panic. None of our client’s have been subjected to copious amounts of happiness yet.”
“The day is saved,” said Cameron dryly. “Aren’t you a Buddhist now? How can you not be offended?”
“I’m more surprised that the good Catholic boy in you isn’t drawn to the spirit of Christmas,” said Richard.
“Your sub,” said Cameron. “Has subjected me to a sensory assault of gaudiness.”
“I’d only put one strand out.”
Cameron looked defiant. “Punish her.”
Covering my face with my hands to hide my blush, I took a step back. He really was going to do this.
“We’ve talked about this,” said Richard. “Mia and I have a different dynamic now.”
“She needs reigning in.”
“Mia, go make us some coffee,” said Richard.
Cameron folded his arms. “Black. No sugar.”
Scurrying out of there, I headed straight into the coffee room. My cheeks were ablaze. The thought of having to face Cameron again sent me spinning. How did he know I longed for this? How could Richard not?
With a shaking hand, I flicked a switch and brown liquid poured through a filter and into
the pot. The delicious scent of the finest brew filled the room.
I tried to suppress this unfaithful crush on Cameron.
To listen in on their private conversation was wrong on every level, yet Cameron possessed the only access to Richard’s true thoughts, and this felt like the only way I’d get access. Reassuring myself this would be a good thing, I headed back out into the hall, glancing left and right to make sure the way was clear. Despite this guilt over invading Richard’s personal space, I pressed my ear to his door.
“You’re crossing the line, Cole.”
“Richard, you and I have never had a line.”
“Maybe it’s time we did?”
Silence lingered and it even made me feel uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry,” said Richard.
“It’s okay,” said Cameron. “I get it.”
“I could never have survived Emily’s death without you.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Neither is Mia. Emily would want you to be happy.”
“Mia is everything I want. Everything I need, and if anything happens to her.”
“I’ll oversee her training. That’s always been my promise.”
“I have enough issues of my own to deal with.”
“Richard, Mia is screaming out to be dominated.”
“Loved, Cameron. She needs love. You’ve only been in love once and it was so long ago you’ve forgotten what it feels like.”
Again that silence as Richard’s emotional punch hit its mark. I’d have given anything to have seen Cameron’s face. Read from him how hurt he was by Richard’s words. Maybe a broken heart was why he was always so intense.
“I’m sorry,” said Richard.
“No harm done.”
“She’s terrified of losing us.”
“I’m concerned we’ll lose her,” said Cameron. “If we don’t give her what she needs, she’ll go elsewhere. Navigating our scene is tricky for someone so inexperienced.”
How could Cameron have known my rambling thoughts had leaned toward visiting another L.A. club?
“You’re reading her wrong,” said Cameron. “You must be strong for her. She needs to be handled with a surety.”
“This is what she wants.”
I wanted to burst through the door and yell it wasn’t.
“This situation started off with my concern for you,” said Cameron. “Right now, I’m devastated for Mia.”
“During a session, she pushes back too fiercely,” said Richard.
“That’s her way of begging to be pushed beyond what she believes she’s capable of. Purge her pain.”
“I never thought I’d say this, but she’s too feisty.”
“I brought her into this world,” said Cameron. “I’m responsible for her.”
“Mia’s happy with my decision.”
“Let’s visit Tiffany’s,” said Cameron. “Buy Mia a beautiful collar.”
“Cole.”
“You’re halfway into subspace, Richard. I can see it. This is what we are. This is what we do.”
“We both know Mia needs to be hot housed to reach our level of expertise. And we also know who the best person is to get her there.”
“You have what it takes to see this through.”
“You heard what Laura suggested. There’s something deeper going on.”
“Mia does appear to have a shadow complex, yes,” said Cameron.
What the hell is a shadow complex?
Pressing my ear against the door, my intrigue rose.
“Look, I came here to talk about Pendulum,” said Cameron. “I’m not comfortable with you going—”
“It’s set.”
“You know how I feel about that place.”
Oh no.
Mistress Scarlet glared at me from the end of the hallway. It didn’t help that she was wearing a tight latex bodice that showed off her curves and a leather skirt. Laced up six inch thigh-high boots rounded out her killer outfit.
She turned and walked into her office.
Reluctantly, I followed her. Richard had made his thoughts very clear. I tried to suppress this ache and hoped to salvage my self-respect. Despite my nerves, I reassured myself that Mistress Scarlet was more open-minded than most. She’d gifted me my first vibrator weeks ago and asked me to return to her office after I’d used it to discuss my tryst with the toy.
During the time I’d worked here, I’d gotten to see beyond Scarlet’s sternness. Still, this school mistress stance she was holding right now was intimidating. The way her long black locks curled over one shoulder was so elegant, so sensual, and her rouged lips, high cheekbones, and stunning deep blue irises caught her prey off guard.
She folded her arms across her chest. “What was that about?”
“I’m not sure,” I said. “Something about hot housing.”
“I wasn’t talking about their conversation. It was the fact you were listening to it.”
“It was about me.”
“Never listen to a private conversation. At least not here. Understand?”
“I’m sorry. Please don’t tell Cameron.”
“What were they saying?”
“Richard’s concerned for me.”
Her expression changed subtly. “I see.”
“What’s hot housing?”
Scarlet looked thoughtful. “It’s where a plant is grown in a warm and nurturing environment. Ideal for rapid growth.”
“Do they hot house at Chrysalis?” I said. “With people?”
She came closer. “Everyone has your best interests at heart. Do you believe that?”
“Yes.” I focused on the spanking bench and I felt myself drifting.
“Why is Cameron angry with you?” asked Scarlet. “It takes a lot to rile him up.”
“I put out a Christmas decoration.”
She smirked. “That’s a first for here. My advice is unchanged, Mia. Stay out of his way.”
“I know. I try.”
“Time with Cameron and his special brand of skills would change you irrevocably. We love you the way you are.” She gave a nod. “From what I gather, Richard senses what is best for you.”
“I feel very safe with him.”
“Safe isn’t always fulfilling though, is it?” she said.
My eyes widened. She’d sensed what I needed, and though no words were spoken she’d comforted me.
“What’s Pendulum?” I asked.
“It doesn’t exist. Do yourself a favor and never mention that name again.”
Trying to suppress my fired up intrigue, I looked over at the spanking bench. “Is it uncomfortable?”
“It’s designed for comfort.” She strolled over to it. “See how this ridge is curved so your pelvic bone rests on it? A slap to the buttocks resonates right into your g-spot.”
Scarlet was easily one of L.A.’s most sought after dominatrixes. She had an hypnotic aura. Even her voice exuded a fierce confidence and her understated elegance was timeless.
“My door is always open.”
“Thank you, Mistress Scarlet.”
Her phone buzzed and she grabbed it, gesturing that she had to take this call. She stepped out into the hall and shut the door behind her.
Running my hand over the soft leather of the bench, I wondered if it was just a showpiece. Straddling it felt divine. Being naughty caused my head to spin and a thrill to shoot between my thighs. Scooting up, I aligned my pubic bone perfectly with the raised ridge and lay flat out. This position sent a thrill down below and I understood the appeal. The promise of being taken from behind, a vulnerable feeling, a divine tingle.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I imagined a slap. My pussy flinched with expectation and I wondered if it was possible to come from a spanking. My fingers curled around the upper curve of the leather and I sniffed its fresh lemony scent of furniture polish. With my pelvis tilted just so, it was easy to trance out.
“I was wondering where my coffee was.” Cameron came in and closed the door behind him.
I scrambled off the bench and yanked my skirt down, blushing wildly. He came in farther, tucking his hands into his pockets in that casual way of his. His dark stare scrutinized.
“Aren’t people meant to knock around here?” I said breathlessly.
“Then I would have missed this joyous vision,” he said.
“Mistress Scarlet had to make a call.”
“Ah.”
“Sorry about the tinsel.”
He shrugged. “I tried.”
Oh, it really wasn’t about the tinsel.
“How was your patient?” My rapid fire speech continued unabated.
“Patient?”
“Yesterday, you mentioned you had to visit the ER?”
“I’m afraid I had to issue a 5150.” And on my confused stare, Cameron added, “I had my patient admitted to a psych unit. Against his wishes.”
“That’s horrible.”
“To protect him from himself.”
“Was he scared?”
“Yes.”
“I would hate it.”
“I sedated him.”
A wave of nausea hit my stomach.
“Such a thing will never happen to you.” He smiled. “And I should know.”
“Do you like your job?”
“Of course. It’s emotionally challenging at times, but I like the thought I’m soothing my patient’s mind.”
“How do you know you’re reading someone right?”
“Reading?” he said. “Those are Richard’s words. Did you eavesdrop?”
“No.”
“Did you eavesdrop?”
“Yes.”
“What did you ascertain from our conversation?”
“I’m sorry. It was wrong of me.”
“I didn’t ask for an apology. I asked for you to express what you learned.”
I gave a shrug, not willing to go there.
“Mia?”
“I have to get back to my desk.”
Cameron arched a brow, unaffected by my stubbornness, and his stare drifted over to the spanking bench. I hung my head in embarrassment. Not only had I given my snooping away, I now looked like a wanton hussy.
“You like the bench?”
“No,” I lied. “It’s very uncomfortable.”
“It’s me, Mia.” His tone softened. “You don’t have to be embarrassed.”
I nibbled on a fingernail, needing him to break through these walls that arose every time my sexuality came into play.
Enthrall Her Page 4
