And Shay’s involvement in my erotic torture of Mia just now had its own objective. I imagined his steely guard would falter and lead to a confession of what he was keeping from me.
I was about to find out.
Shay’s voice carried from outside my office as he chatted with Sue.
The door opened and he closed it behind him, strutting in like a man who’d just discovered a new country. That pinstriped suit looked great on him. His Armani shoes were overly polished, though, and this concerned me.
“Well, that was different.” He came toward my desk.
I sat down behind it and leaned back in my chair. “She won’t wander off again.”
“I’m glad you’re happy.”
I could tell his adrenaline had spiked and, from a cursory glance at his pants, he was still in a state of appreciation. This was good—this was something I could work with. Shay had stepped on the landmine I’d set for him.
“You followed my orders?” I pushed myself up and rounded the desk. The inches of height I had over him gave me an unspoken advantage.
“To the letter.”
I waved that off. “All that’s behind us now, Shay. So savor these moments when I deem you deserve them.”
He exhaled a steady breath as he fought with his inner demons. The same ones I’d just beckoned with an incantation that would make the Mayan sex gods proud.
“I’m not sure how Mia handled it,” he finally said.
“Leave that to me.”
“She looked shocked.”
“Good.”
“Might want to take this conversation to the roof.” He used his thumb to point toward Sue’s desk.
“Here is fine.”
“I know what you’re doing, Cam.”
“Really?”
He spun one of the chairs around and sat in it. “You’re trying to use your psychological shit on me. You know I hate it when you do this.”
“I’m so transparent.” I waved my hands in defeat.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“I’m listening.”
“Arianna and I are no longer together.”
I knew this as my contacts at Chrysalis had informed me of their flailing relationship. I’d been waiting for Shay to tell me. “I’m sorry to hear that.” I sat in the chair opposite his. “What happened?”
“She loves the west coast and refuses to relocate.”
“If you feel like your place is with her in Los Angeles, you have my full support, Shay.”
“My place is here with you.”
“You’d still work for me.”
He blew out a sigh. “My thing with Arianna was never going anywhere. She’s rebellious. I’m more pedantic. Methodical.”
“She’s out of your system?”
He held my gaze. “Thank you for being so cold.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“Obviously I still need time to process it.” He shrugged. “You picked up on this. I should know I can’t keep anything from you.”
“Very true. You can talk to me, Shay. Anytime. You know that.”
They’d been good together, but long-distance relationships were hard and Arianna had the kind of needs only a full-time master could provide. She’d been a steep learning curve for Shay but he’d excelled as her Dom and he had been great for her. She’d not touched cocaine since she met him, and he had been elevated to one of the most talented masters because he’d learned so much from her. I’d suspected they’d be temporary, but I was still moved by Shay’s melancholy.
I’d called Richard two days ago and told him to watch Arianna and make sure she had everything she needed. Getting her a new Dom had been a priority. Still, I didn’t want anyone making a move in that direction until Shay had made his decision, and there would be no circling back around to try and resuscitate their relationship.
“Thank you for understanding,” said Shay.
There came a knock at the door.
“Come in,” I called out.
The door opened and it was my assistant, Sue. “Sir, your 10:00 A.M. is here.” She threw a smile over to Shay.
He threw one back as he pushed himself out of the chair. “Cole, I’m assuming you want to handle this alone?”
“Actually, Sue will be taking notes.” I rose and gestured for her to enter. “Invite Ms. Lauren in.”
Shay’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Mia’s showing me the new brand designs,” I clarified.
Shay glanced over at Sue and raised his brows. “Right.”
“Take the rest of the day off.” I stepped forward and tapped his arm. “Let’s have dinner tonight. We’ll talk.”
“I’m good, really.” He waved it off.
I turned toward Sue when she came back into the office. “Book us a table.”
Shay snapped his gaze to mine. “I’m not compromised because of this.”
“I know.”
His focus narrowed on me as he tried to read what I was thinking. If he thought he’d thrown me off the trail leading to the truth he was wrong.
“You work too hard.” I turned to the door and watched Mia enter.
She wore a modest smile and her blue eyes sparkled. I noticed that her cheeks were flushed, presumably from the jewelry.
I turned to my assistant. “Sue, book a table for three at Remy’s Steak House. 8:00 P.M. works for me.” I held Shay’s stare. “You?”
“Works for me, too.”
“Got it, Boss.” Sue flashed us a warm smile. “I’ll send a car for you, Mr. Gardner.”
“No need.”
“The car will pick you up at 7:30.” I nodded to confirm this was non-negotiable.
Shay’s jaw tensed. “Okay, then.”
“Who is the third person?” asked Sue.
I held Mia’s gaze for a beat. “Someone very special.”
“Shall I arrange a car for your other guest?” she added.
“No, just concentrate on getting us a private booth.” Gesturing toward the seating area, where a leather sofa and several sumptuous chairs were strategically positioned to make that part of the room cozy, I fixed my attention on Mia as she followed Sue’s lead.
Her careful steps toward the sofa proved she was still wearing her accessory. She placed her beige folder on the coffee table and eased herself down onto the leather couch.
I suppressed a smile. “Sue, take notes, please.”
Shay glanced over at Mia and then looked at me. “Let me know if you need anything.” He wasn’t addressing me.
He knew subspace and he’d recognized it in Mia. He probably also saw she was struggling with staying present.
Shay headed out and threw her a reassuring glance. Mia’s frown deepened as she realized this was going to be a formal meeting.
I sat on the arm of the leather chair close by. “What have you got for me?”
She swallowed hard and opened the file in front of her, spreading out ten designs. She made eye contact with Sue, and gave a polite smile as she discussed the merits of each one.
This pretending we didn’t even know each other was asinine and my annoyance rose. I respected Mia’s desire to prove her independence and be successful in this company despite me, but what would happen when it came out we were engaged? What then? When Sue recalled these interactions between us they could be construed as deceitful. Worse still, Mia could be considered a spy I’d placed to watch over my other employees. This debacle was meant to end in two weeks, but I wasn’t sure I’d make it that long.
I massaged my brow to ease the tension. “Mia,” I said softly, silently pleading with her to end this façade. “Anything else you’d like to share?”
“I appreciate you taking the time to see me, Mr. Cole.” She held on to the lie.
I leaned over and reached for one of the designs. “Is that my father’s signature?”
The packaging was sophisticated—a deep blue oblong box with Raif Cole curled along the side and the swirling Cole
Tea logo beneath. It was classy, clean, and a perfect addition to our brand.
“It should be your signature, sir,” Sue piped up.
I threw the design back with the others.
Mia’s pupils dilated and her breath stuttered. This was her design. Only Mia would have known this new tea had been personally crafted by my father in the midst of a hostile takeover—right before I’d altered the course of history. Only Mia would know that such a gesture wouldn’t bruise my ego.
I gave a nod. “There are a few that are an easy no.” I let my gaze drift back to her design. “Thank you for stopping by.”
“I’ve been asked to run the meeting,” Mia said, smiling. “I mean later.”
I gave her a look of indifference.
“Thank you, Ms. Lauren.” Sue pushed to her feet. “I’ll see you out.”
Mia’s gaze shot to mine. “Are there any designs that you particularly like?”
I turned my back on her and strolled over to the desk. “That will be all, Ms. Lauren.”
Mia followed Sue toward the door and glanced back. Whatever she’d expected from this meeting hadn’t happened. I watched her leave and began a mental estimate of how long it would take her to reach the elevator.
I dragged out my phone and swiped through the apps until I had the security camera up in the VIP subterranean parking lot. Shay climbed into a red Lamborghini. Mine. Nothing unusual there, but he usually preferred the Bentley.
My ruse had worked. Shay being tasked with directing Mia in a stunning erotic ritual, and then being summoned to my office in an aroused state had delivered the gift of a boner that kept on giving, triggering the kind of response that would bring answers.
I buzzed Sue at the desk. “Cancel the rest of my meetings.”
“All of them?”
“Do I need to repeat myself every single time?”
“No, sir, I can do that,” was her chirpy response.
“Have Ms. Lauren return.”
“When would be a good time?”
“Now.” I hung up and stared at the door.
I TREMBLED WITH NEED WHILE waiting for the doors to the executive elevator to open, ready to descend into tears, barely able to sustain this nonchalance. He knew he’d sent me spiraling. He knew what basking in his presence would do to me.
Being bound in his jewelry had me right on the edge—and he’d denied me the kind of release that would return my vitals to normal. I was so wound up even my neck burned with a soft blush.
Every last submissive back at Chrysalis had fought for their chance with him, because no alpha came close to the power he wielded or the pleasure he bestowed; the very same pleasures he was denying me now. And for goodness sake, these chains were yanking my pussy like I had a cheerleading squad down there celebrating the Super Bowl.
For months I’d wanted to keep us a secret, but right now I doubted that decision, having forced him to pretend we meant nothing to each other.
The button pinged and the doors slid open.
“Ms. Lauren?” Sue stood a few feet away.
“Yes?”
“We have a question about one of the designs.” She looked triumphant.
With my throat dry, I made my way back to her. “Oh?”
“Putting his dad’s name on our packaging was a bad idea. Was it yours?”
“I can explain.”
She gestured toward his office. “Off you go.”
My body shuddered and she must have caught it because she misinterpreted it as dread and smirked at my expense.
I paused in the office doorway.
Cameron was leaning back against his desk. “In.”
I hurried forward and stopped a few feet in front of him.
He walked past me and kept going until he reached the door, calling out, “Sue, no interruptions. Hold all my calls.” He shut the door and I heard the click of a lock.
I kept staring straight ahead, my nipples perked in response to his firm tone, my adrenaline surging and my entire body tingling in anticipation.
When I sensed him behind me, I shuddered.
“Do you understand your punishment?” he asked, snatching the folder out of my hand. “Have I made myself clear, Ms. Lauren?”
“Yes, sir,” I replied, my voice trembling. “I’m not to leave home without letting you know.”
I remembered what my best friend Bailey had once told me. “There’s rich and then there’s needing a bodyguard rich,” she’d said, laughing.
But this was my reality. Cameron was so wealthy we couldn’t go anywhere without a security detail. I couldn’t go anywhere or do anything and it was starting to feel like a self-made prison. Shay made sure his men were discreet, but I knew they were there.
“Obey,” he growled.
I straightened and struck a submissive’s pose with my hands behind my back and my gaze down. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“You’re referring to your presentation?” He threw the folder onto the desk.
“Um…” That, too, but all this had made me forget about my design faux pas as I stared at the offending file.
“Does it look like we are discussing this issue now?”
My gaze snapped forward again.
His fingers worked the catch at the back of my skirt’s waistband and it slid over my hips and pooled at my feet, leaving me naked from the waist down. The pretty jewelry shimmered in the fluorescent light and those delicate chains exposed me entirely.
Yes, oh, please let me stay in this room forever.
Cameron reached his desk and turned to face me. Leaning back against it, he stared at me with appreciation. “Very good, Ms. Lauren.”
“Thank you for my punishment, sir.”
“Did you find it pleasing that it was delivered by Mr. Gardner’s hand?”
“If it pleases you, sir.”
“I’m asking you.”
What was I to say? Should I share that having such an interaction with Shay had aroused me? Didn’t this mean I was betraying our trust? It was best to remain silent.
“Play with your clit.”
My eyelids closed as his words tore up my sanity, my groan revealing what his order meant—that I was at last allowed to reach down, like I was doing now, and sweep my fingertip over that sensitive swell, teasing it. A jolt of pleasure shuddered through me.
“Slower.”
I obeyed as the promise of relief neared.
“Hands behind your back, Ms. Lauren.”
Dragging my hand away, I assumed my pose and waited through the excruciating seconds as the ache in my core intensified. I was certain he’d see me throbbing down there.
He folded his arms across his chest and continued to study me. My nipples beaded and the ache below was like a constant pulse of need. I licked my lips to ease their dryness.
On my left was the glass-fronted liquor cabinet he kept his expensive selection of booze in, and to my right was the luxury leather furniture I’d just sat in. Behind his desk were neatly lined books on an impressive mahogany bookcase. Yes, this ordeal was easier if I didn’t look at him.
“Circle your clit again,” he demanded.
With the tip of my finger, I did as he commanded—though this time my pace was leisurely; I resisted letting these sensations own my pussy. But it became overwhelming, and I had to cup my breasts to ease the pang in my nipples.
With a nod from my master, I again assumed the pose with my hands clutched behind my back; the sting of my fingernails in my palms helped ease the desire I was feeling.
He was right there, standing tall and stunningly handsome, his hands shoved into his pockets in a casual but threatening pose, as though he were the ruler of the air itself.
It became too much. “Mercy, sir.”
“Come here.”
I stepped free of my skirt that had pooled at my feet and hurried over, leaning against his firm chest and breathing in his cologne. His heady scent of power and control demanded my surrender.
Wit
h my body crushed to his, Cameron reached around my back and grasped the chain at my lower spine. He began a rhythmic pulling of the links that were attached to either side of my labia, stretching them well enough to tug at my clit in measured pulses. Tipping my chin up, my lips opening wide, I begged him with my eyes to kiss me.
His mouth lingered dangerously close to mine, his hot breath teasing me as he leaned closer—but not close enough. I was on my tiptoes now trying to meet his lips and each time he eased his mouth away in denial. This was the cruelest punishment of all, and I mewled in frustration, rocking slightly in response to that consistent tugging.
“Don’t come,” he said calmly. “Don’t come.”
I was whimpering now as he held me on a precipice, my clit so sensitive that one word from him would make me fall.
“Have I made myself clear, Ms. Lauren?”
“Yes, sir.”
He let go of the chain and pulled away. “Get dressed.”
Shaken and unsated, I went over and scooped my skirt off the floor, pulled it on, and refastened the hook at the back. This felt like a punishment so fierce that I’d never find my way back from it.
With the chains tugging me and wetness dampening my thighs, I turned to face the door.
I had to ready myself for my walk of shame past Sue.
“Ms. Lauren.” Cameron grabbed my attention, “At 5:00 P.M. there will be a car waiting to drive you home with a security detail. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Swooning still, I headed toward the door.
“Well done, Ms. Lauren.”
My hand froze on the knob and I turned and whispered, “Thank you for my punishment, sir. I promise to be a good girl.”
“This pleases me.”
A rush of adoration struck me as I studied those sharp features that made his stark beauty so intimidating. His chestnut gaze watched me intently, a ghost of a smile appearing that hinted of affection.
Hurrying back toward him, I dropped to my knees and stared up with an expression of wonderment, grateful for these last seconds I had with him. He leaned low and slid his thumb into my mouth, easing it in and out with slow steady thrusts of his hand against my chin, and I suckled, tasting him.
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