Swallowing hard, I tried to find the words.
“Talk to me.”
“I’m here to salvage.”
“How’s your dad?”
“Not good.”
Silence lingered on the other end.
“You don’t have too much invested in Cole shares compared to the other stock, so you’re solid financially.”
“Why is that?”
“I manage your shares.”
The correct response was lost on me.
“Can I do anything?”
“You’ve always loved sharks, Richard. I never asked why?”
“You did ask me once, during a session.”
“That’s right.”
“I told you to fuck off and stop asking me questions.”
“I remember.”
“Hadn’t talked for weeks. You cracked me open like a nut. Used a psychological sledgehammer on me. Now you can’t get me to shut up.” He sighed deeply. “Sharks keep the ecosystem in balance.”
“You’re searching for balance.”
“I suppose we all are. You know me. If it’s frightening, I have to find out why. Sharks are not unlike humans in that if you show you’re not intimidated they’ll leave you alone. Stare them off. Bully them back and they relent.” He laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“You were feared at Harvard. You intimidated everyone with your intellect. The girls were too scared to approach you and the men weren’t quite sure how to take you.”
“I was friendly.”
“Your quick wit could decimate an ego,” he said. “When we first met, I was immediately intrigued.”
“Are you saying I’m like a shark?”
“You’re misunderstood.”
“You always got me.”
“Same here. Want me to fly out there?”
“I’ve got this, Richard. This feels like self-fulfilling prophecy.”
“Get your shark fin on.”
Swim backwards…
“Prepare to freefall,” he said.
I let out a slow, steady breath.
“Cameron,” he said quietly. “Sharks can see in the dark.”
CHAPTER 9
HENRY PULLED THE door closed to Mom’s bedroom.
I strolled toward him along the sprawling corridor inlaid with white marble. Upon the walls hung large, High Renaissance paintings—all dramatic religious images that would have been just at home in the Vatican, and none of them conducive to calming the soul. Mom had told me she’d purchased them while visiting family in Rome.
Apparently Raphael’s young assistant had masterfully mimicked his work and these were proof of that. These dramatic styles had influenced the Renaissance and Baroque periods and changed the landscape of art irrevocably.
Henry tucked his hands into his pockets and paused before the painting depicting George and the Dragon. The horse glanced back lovingly at his rider as a knighted George pierced a spear through the dragon’s heart.
Henry pointed to it. “He practiced on this one. The final version’s hanging in the National Gallery in Washington.”
“Raphael’s assistant?”
Henry smiled. “Mom told you that so you wouldn’t be on her case.”
My gaze shot to the painting. “Everyone lies.”
“Except you, Cam.”
My gaze took in the painting, stunned that the hand of Raphael had touched the artwork and disconcerted it was merely hanging in a New York residence.
I made a mental note to discuss their security system with them.
I pointed to Mom’s bedroom. “How is she?”
“Taking a nap before lunch.”
“Should I go in?”
“She’ll be up soon.” He looked over at the dragon and arched a brow.
He made me chuckle. “How are you?”
“Good. Let’s freshen up and regroup after lunch.”
“Good idea.”
He gestured behind me and I turned to see Shay. “Hey there.”
“Lunch is at one,” Henry told us.
“I’ll be there,” I said.
Henry ambled off.
Shay neared me¸ his gaze sweeping over the painting. “Can we talk?”
“Sure. Let’s go to your room. How is it?”
He shook his head solemnly. “I’m tempted to sleep on the floor.”
We headed off down the hallway and we rounded the corner.
Shay opened the door and I followed him in.
We both took a moment to absorb the grandeur. Shay wouldn’t know that several of those paintings were by Van Dyck, or that the sculpture in the corner was by Canova. He would however be awestruck by the grand four-poster-bed, the comforter made with gold braid, the material woven in Italy.
“It’s just a bed sheet,” I said, amused.
“It’s like going back in time.” He pointed to the chairs and their gold braided fabric. “How’s your dad?”
“Holding up.”
“What’re his thoughts on the future?”
“He’s trying to come to terms with it. The betrayal of the board hurts like hell. He’s put their kids through school, visited the members when in hospital, paid off their debts, and ensured their grandchildren’s future.”
Shay blinked at me. “Can’t believe it.”
“As they say, the nature of business is business.”
“It’s cutthroat.”
I blew out a long sigh. “I will wallow in the blood of my enemies and see no man is left in doubt of my power.”
“Who said that?” Shay flinched. “Your dad?”
“Overheard him when I was home from boarding school one evening. Someone had crossed him.”
“Was he ever like that with you?” He stared at me for the longest time. “Is that why you’re into pain?”
“Analyzing me?”
He broke my gaze. “Impressive house.”
“But not a home.”
“What was it like growing up here?”
“Cold.”
And cold.
I shook off this veil of melancholy and patted Shay on the back. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Cam, I’m going to head back to L.A. My replacement will be here soon.”
My gut twisted and I tried to read his expression for why.
“Let me explain,” he said. “My lack of focus put Mia in danger. You need someone who’s not…”
“Not?”
“Distracted.”
“Because we’re good friends?”
He broke my gaze and walked over to the fireplace, staring into the large mirror above it.
“Shay, talk to me.”
“I’ve crossed the line.”
I neared him. “Our lifestyle is who we are—”
“It’s complicated.”
“My specialty.”
“Do you remember that night in the Duoppioni Room? Back at Chrysalis? It was the evening you officially gave me Arianna.”
“I remember.”
“It was you, me, Arianna—”
“And Ryan Dolton.”
The dom who’d trained her.
Shay shook his head. “My first time taking on a sub and I was so damn excited. My heart was bursting out of my chest. I’d only been a member of Chrysalis for a month.”
“You did great.”
He turned away to hide that soft blush.
That late night scene had been meticulously crafted…
The lighting dimmed, the music soft and alluring…
Ryan, Arianna’s dom, had admirably prepared her. With years of experience as a submissive, Arianna had needed little preparation. Though she still challenged any master, and I knew she’d be a great first submissive for Shay.
He’d asked me to be with him that evening. See it through with him. I’d honored his request for there to be no audience.
Arianna had been tied down to the central table in that grand dungeon, a ball gag in her mouth to prevent her cursing. She lov
ed using expletives, which always got her into more trouble. More punishments had to be dished out.
That evening was no exception. Legs splayed, her pussy flinched in readiness. Her thighs were soaking wet from her dom playing with and teasing her sex for the last hour. She’d been disobedient, and her punishment was endless clit play with no relief.
Arianna’s toned, naked form was exquisitely inked. A living, breathing unique piece of art. Her bellybutton and clit piercings caught the light.
She’d shuddered in pleasure when Shay had caressed her calves lovingly. His hands shook subtly as he explored her clit ring.
The time had arrived for him to take his place as her new master.
He’d stood between her thighs, his poetic words spoken to her as he promised his commitment. The master’s pledge to protect, love, and serve. His deep, booming voice lulled her into submission and she’d gazed at Shay, yearning to be fucked by him.
Ryan Dolton had willingly handed her over. His work was done. His goodbye to her was him coming over her breasts and, much to Arianna’s delight, Ryan rubbed his cum into her nipples, sending her into a writing bliss.
“I couldn’t get my condom on I was shaking so badly,” whispered Shay, proving he too was back in that moment.
Stepping up that day, I’d naturally assisted Shay by taking the condom packet from him, ripping it open, and pinching the end of the rubber before slipping it over the full length of him, grasping firmly as I rolled it down his impressive cock. He’d stiffened further beneath my grip and gave a soft moan of pleasure.
Gripping him for perhaps a few seconds longer than I should have to calm him.
And it had.
On my nod of approval, he’d stepped up, his erection sliding into Arianna’s pussy all the way. His slow steady fucking drew out the ritual and solidified its meaning.
She’d bucked as she came. He’d yelled out his orgasm and, afterward, he’d been a changed man. Or so he’d told me during those long hours we’d continued his training as a dom. He’d shown reluctance to cease playing with his new sub.
Shay gave a nod, as though confirming his point was being made even though no words were being spoken.
“When I fucked her,” he said wistfully, “I had my eyes closed because part of me wanted it to be you.”
“I know.”
He looked over at me. “I’m thrown.” He made a gesture.“It’s not all this. It’s…”
I neared him and rested a fingertip beneath his chin, tipping it up, looking deep into his eyes. “Will you do something for me?”
“Anything.”
“Go take a shower and jerk off nice and slow. Come hard. Then take a dip in the pool and swim off all this tension. We’ve been pushed to the limit the last twenty-four hours. We’re having lunch in an hour. I want you there.”
He looked defeated. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
“Check the wardrobe. Penny ensured we’d all have what we needed upon our arrival.”
His gaze shot to the wardrobe. “For me too?”
“For everyone.”
“When?”
“I made the call from the plane. She made it happen. It’s what Penny does. You know that.”
“You’ll never want to fence with me again.”
“On the contrary. It’s what we both need. As soon as we get back to L.A. we’ll fence.”
“Cameron, my feelings for you—”
“Cancel your replacement. This is not the time for strangers.”
“What if this puts you at risk?”
“You’ve been nothing but professional.”
“Until now.”
“I value honesty.”
“I just have to face you again.”
“Shay, you faced off with a Rottweiler for me.”
“Exactly. I’m thinking with my balls, Cam.”
“Your submissive side’s rising to the surface, Shay. I take full responsibility. You and I both know you’re a switch. I’m going to find you a male dominant to satisfy you.”
“I always fight it.”
“As expected. A challenge any worthy dom revels in.”
“You need—”
“You focused. Your expertise is essential. Promise me your best.”
“Dr. Cole, you have it.’
“Shay, your passion is the loyalty I need.” I gave a warm smile.
And left the room.
CHAPTER 10
CARRYING THAT MAMMOTH document with me, I went in search of Mia.
My suspicion of which room Mom might have placed her in was right. The smallest of all the guest bedrooms. Mia knelt on a chair facing the window, ear buds in, listening to music. Her gaze focused on the garden.
She hadn’t heard me enter so I took advantage of enjoying watching her.
I placed the file on the bedside table.
The décor leaned toward a country theme and I wondered why this one had been chosen for her. Deep green draped window frames, a soft Persian carpet, damask wallpaper, and that Sèvres porcelain vase standing alone on a long thin shelf.
And then I saw it, hanging on the far wall.
Monachine in Riva Al Mare—the painting by Vincenzo Cabiance— ‘Little Nuns by the Sea.’ A group of sisters from St. Vincent de’ Paoli, standing and chatting with each other on a hill overlooking the ocean.
This house and these preordained rules of who was welcome and who wasn’t. A class system with its formulated prejudices had no place in the world I’d created around me.
I no longer belonged here. Never had. Not really.
Mia turned and smiled back at me. The sunlight caught in wisps of her hair. Her smile let me in and locked out the world. As it always did.
She was my peace, my serenity, and I needed her now more than ever. Mia would always represent innocence to me. She’d always be just as pure as those Italian nuns on that hill. But Mia would know the love of a man, feel his arms around her, receive his tender kisses and, not unlike God, I’d protect her until my dying day.
Mia had slipped into my life with the ease of a sacred miracle.
I made my way in and stood at the center and stared at her. From her expression, I could see she was trying to read mine.
“Submissive,” I whispered.
She came toward me and knelt at my feet, her head bowed, her gaze lowered, her palms turned up on her thighs, knowing what I needed was this.
“Mia,” I said. “I’m going to have to fuck you very hard.”
I gestured for her to rise.
With a sweep of my hand, I gave my next command.
She dragged her dress up and over her head and quickly removed her panties and bra, standing naked before me.
Blindingly fast, I lifted her off the ground and carried her all the way until her back struck the wall. With one quick movement, I raised her up and she flung her legs around to straddle my waist. Her hands were around my neck, while mine firmly clutched her butt to hold her there.
I thrust inside her.
Ramming hard, pounding fiercely, my anger dissipated. Fury fell away with each stroke inside her.
Mia surrendered in my arms, letting me ride her hard and fast, seemingly knowing this furious man fucking her needed his woman to find himself again, and only through her could there be any solace.
My gaze lowered to watch my slick cock, wet from her sex, slide in and out in endless thrusting. My hips pushed forward to raise the pleasure and find that sweet spot inside her.
She whispered, “I need this too.”
“Mia,” I breathed her name like an incantation.
“Harder, Cameron,” she moaned. “I need it harder.”
Pounding her pussy, delivering these rapid-fire thrusts, I pressed her further against the wall for leverage.
Her teeth embedded in my shoulder and she came. Her sex owned mine and sent me over with her. This all-consuming pleasure of warmth surrounded me and soaked her.
“I can’t be without you,” she said.
>
I lowered her to the ground and stepped back. “Mia, if I change?”
She rested her palm on my cheek. “I’ll always be here for you.”
Mia strolled over to the window and yanked off the gold braid tassel that held the long green velvet drape back. It tumbled closed, darkening the room.
She brought the tassel back to me and offered it up. “Master.”
I took it from her and caressed the fine braid between my finger and thumb.
She held her wrists together. “I’ll always find you.”
Firmly, I weaved the braid around her wrists, binding her, sending her into subspace.
My gaze rose to meet hers. “This is not my home. You are.”
Within seconds, I’d perched on the end of the bed and she sat on my lap with her back to me, her thighs straddling, her sex accepting my length eagerly.
Grasping her by the throat, I demanded, “You will watch.”
A moan escaped her lips as her gaze met mine in our reflection, and then she lowered her eyes to watch how exposed she was, her thighs spread wide, the full view of my cock disappearing inside her sex. Her sensual glide hid me once more, then she pushed herself up slightly to allow the tip to rest at her entrance before she plunged once more, repeating her motion again and again, thighs shuddering, pussy clenching, her nipples erect as I brushed my fingers over them to tweak, squeeze, and pinch.
“Imagine being watched like this?” I teased.
“Oh,” she moaned wantonly.
“Everyone staring at your cunt,” I whispered huskily. “Wondering how you taste, Mia.”
She plunged violently, riding me ever faster.
I’d never seen her so alighted by my words before. Her secret predilection glared, indicated by those soaking wet thighs, her feverish breathing, and her muscles milking me with a crazed need.
A master’s true worth was his ability to lead his sub to the place where she felt safe enough to share her secrets, and, should she prove ready, see them realized for her.
I’d never be willing to share her. I’d always known that—
But showcase her?
“Be still,” I demanded and reached low, easing apart her folds, and again my gaze found hers in the mirror. “See—” I tapped her clit —“How ready you are. How wet? Tight. Are you willing to allow others to share in the beauty of witnessing this delicate flower being fucked?”
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