It had taken hours of study of her childhood in Charlotte, and the kind of precision analysis that Freud himself had utilized, to reveal those subconscious myths. Mia had suppressed the cruelest memories and twisted them into another reality, then shoved what really happened so deep not even she could recall it.
This work was an exact science. What I had done was break her down in order to explore her shadow complex, using her authenticity as a mirror, setting her soul free from the pain that bound her to the past. The sessions had been intense…even cruel. But I’d balanced them with blinding pleasure to ease her through them. Her reward for enduring her captivity was a well-lived life.
She’d willingly stepped into that dungeon. The promise of breaking out of her chrysalis was too tempting an offer; though she’d had no reasonable grasp of the method, I admit to that.
This was my truth, my reality.
Doubt crept in where it had never been before, and watching Henry storm away with disgust, I’d never felt more like a monster than I did now.
Yeah, fucking great, here was that earthquake I’d subconsciously predicted. With my head bowed I made my way out and changed back into my jeans and sweater. I didn’t want to stay here one more second.
Maybe I’d even talk to Mia about all this.
Halfway to my Ducati motorbike, my phone rang and Shay’s number came up. I froze, staring at the screen hoping he wasn’t the one whispering crap about me. No doubt he was holding a grudge after I’d told him I needed more time to decide whether or not to hold a session with him. This last hour had tainted my mood. What had almost become a yes to a session had since clicked over to a fuck, no.
I answered my phone. “Cole.”
“Got the results on the cake,” Shay’s voice faded in and out. “It wasn’t poisoned, but the order did track back to The Dionysus Club.”
“Who sent it?”
“We go back to the club together, okay? If that’s your plan.”
I rolled my eyes. “Who the fuck is messing with me?”
The call dropped and I glared at the screen.
SEE BEYOND THE ORDINARY.
Read the omens. Examine the clues. This is what Cameron had taught me and this is what had brought me to The Chatwal Hotel in the heart of Manhattan’s Theatre District.
She was here…McKenzie Carlton, my fiancé’s ex-girlfriend, who had inflicted more damage to his psyche than Cameron cared to admit. She’d swept into his life and devastated it.
“Your intuition will direct you,” Cameron had once told me. “You won’t always understand at first what it’s communicating, but follow it, follow your intuition. Trust that feeling.”
Cameron was spending precious time with Henry, and I couldn’t have been happier knowing they were having fun playing squash and letting their hair down. They both needed more times like these.
“Accidently” bumping into McKenzie felt a little intimidating, but it was necessary—and despite Cameron’s advice about following my gut, he was going to be greatly displeased when he found out.
If he found out.
Especially when he discovered how I had misappropriated Shay’s connections in the investigations department. I’d managed to track down the enemy and had learned she was having lunch here in The Lambs Club. Apparently, Zie lunched here every Sunday with the gallery owner, who displayed Zie’s art, selling it from the midtown showroom.
Zie had been hailed as a talented artist by The Huffington Post, an article I might have come across when scouring the Internet for gossip on her.
The biggest hurdle had been shaking off Clint, who’d been tasked with tracking my every move. I’d told him I was visiting the hotel to meet a friend and had asked him to wait outside.
With the dress code being sophisticated casual, I’d worn an elegant Ralph Lauren dress and black boots. I’d styled my hair so that it flowed gracefully over my shoulders, with my make-up natural to highlight my youth, therefore giving her a seeming advantage.
Her gaze met mine from across the room, and it seemed to reflect hate. I needed to know why that wedding dress was such an issue for Cam, and something told me I’d find answers here. If Cameron was having second thoughts it could be related to her.
A hunk wearing a tailored dark suit stepped into my line of sight.
I bit the inside of my cheek—Shay looked as sexy as hell, and he was glaring with the same frown he reserved especially for me.
I kept my voice low. “What are you doing here?”
“That’s my line, Missy.” He turned to glance back at Zie.
Her intrigued stare was on us both now.
“I’m here for lunch.” I tried to sound chirpy.
“Right. What are you up to?”
“Nothing.”
So Clint wasn’t enough now. They’d sent in their big guns—this dangerous alpha to trail me, too. The indignity I felt at being followed by him caused my stomach to churn nervously.
“Firstly,” he began, “your bodyguard has been lied to. You’re not meeting a friend here because you don’t have any.”
“That’s unfair.”
“Secondly, this place isn’t on your itinerary.”
All I had to do was share what had driven me here, but then Shay could possibly avoid the question altogether and I’d be left with no answers. “I need five minutes with her.”
His eyebrows rose. “You arranged to meet?”
“She doesn’t know it yet.”
“Well, this is a stupid idea.”
“I have a right to do whatever I want, whenever I want.”
“That’s a nice fantasy. Look, you can’t keep secrets from me, Mia.” Shay reached out and took hold of my arm. “If you use my people I’m going to find out.”
His grip was so strong I had no choice but to walk with him out of the restaurant and along the hallway. Feigning I wasn’t being manhandled, I smiled at the friendly looking staff.
I finally yanked my arm out of his grip. “This is a private matter.” I knew what was coming next, though…some lecture that if it’s connected to Cole it has everything to do with Shay.
He pulled me toward a quiet corner. “Spill, Missy.”
I huffed out my frustration. “I overheard you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“‘Bitch, you’re not wearing that fucking dress,’” I repeated his words verbatim.
Shay’s eyes widened in horror. “You were eavesdropping?”
“I was about to knock, Shay. Invite you to have breakfast with us.”
“I’m not that brave, Mia.”
I didn’t laugh at his joke at the expense of my cooking.
“Why didn’t you discuss this with Cole?” he asked.
“I think he’s having second thoughts about me.” My voice wavered.
He looked amused as he glanced toward the restaurant door. “Sometimes you can be quite intuitive, and yet infuriating.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’re here. About to face off with the reason those words were spoken—” He grimaced. “Here comes Cruella Deville herself. Act natural. Better yet, play dead.” He winked.
“Mia?” Zie’s perfume hit me first.
I turned to face her and inhaled sharply. The stunning brunette was arrogant enough to wear ripped skinny jeans and a pink Chanel jacket to a restaurant with a strict dress code. This woman oozed the kind of class that put her in the same league as Cameron.
“Such a sweet face.” She reached out and brushed a lock of hair behind my shoulder, her cold fingers caressing my skin. “Such innocence…naïveté, even.”
Shay gave her a convincing smile. “How are you, Zie?”
“Just perfect. Would you like to join us?” She gestured back to The Lambs Club. “I’m lunching with a friend. She won’t mind.”
Shay held his grin. “We were just leaving.”
“How’s Cam?” She purred his name.
Shay sidled up next to me. “Great, thank you
.”
“And Chrysalis?” She arched a perfect brow. “I do miss it. Those days were fun, weren’t they, Shay? We were all fucking like rabbits back then. Particularly Cameron. That man’s appetite for debauchery is insatiable.”
“Really?” Shay stared at her with disapproval. “You’re actually going there?”
“Well, Mia knows, right? It’s not like her man’s past is a secret.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” he whispered, “but you can be a cunt sometimes.”
Her lips twitched. “I can see why Cole likes having you around, Gardner. You can’t compete with him.”
“That’s not true,” I said.
She ignored me. “That night where you all swept through the club was legendary. Which I found strange, because you all got up to what I was accused of.”
“He was single by then,” I snapped in Cam’s defense.
I was questioning why I’d thought this meeting was a good idea. Zie’s persuasiveness made me realize this was one hell of a mistake.
She smirked. “But does she know Cameron’s secret?”
“Come on, Mia.” Shay grasped my arm.
“Well, that’s insightful.” She looked triumphant. “His little woman has no idea.”
“Know what?” I couldn’t leave without hearing it.
“They call him a Master of the Dark Arts.”
I forced a smile. “I know.”
She feigned shock. “So he’s shown you his true nature?”
“I’ve experienced his cage.” Boom, you stupid bitch.
Her smile turned sinister. “You have no idea do you?”
“This has been nice.” Shay pulled me away from her. “But we have to be somewhere.”
“Your marriage won’t last, Mia. Cameron needs a submissive who can tolerate his fucked-up kink. A woman willing to submit entirely.”
“I have,” I snapped, walking away.
She laughed mockingly. “His reputation, Mia, have you never questioned it?”
I turned to look back at her.
She lifted her chin. “Ask him about Hillenbrand.”
Shay’s grip tightened around my arm. “Stop talking to her.”
I dug my heels in and continued to face off, calling back, “We’re perfect for each other and you can’t stand that.”
“Ask him about his time with Danton Belfort, Mia,” her voice trailed behind us. “Ask him about that relationship.”
Shay led me through the foyer and out into the cool air.
He opened the passenger door of the SUV idling on the curb. “Get in, please.”
I dipped my head as I got in and flopped onto the leather seat, drawing in a sharp breath.
“What is she talking about?”
Of course I knew about Danton. Cameron had taken care of his friend when he’d been dying and Scarlet had been there, too. They’d named Chrysalis in memory of him.
“Back to the penthouse,” Shay barked the order to Clint and then gestured that he wanted the glass divider up. “Don’t play with a Scorpion and be surprised when it stings you.”
“Did he take Zie to Hillenbrand?”
“No. It was way before her. Look, we’re not discussing any of this without Cameron present.” Shay rested his head back and stared out of the window. His jaw ticked with tension.
“I’ve seen Cameron’s dark side.”
He cringed. “Right.”
“Don’t tell him I went to The Chatwal.”
“What were you thinking?”
“Why doesn’t he want me to wear a wedding dress?”
“This is why you shouldn’t listen in on other people’s private conversations.”
A wave of depression flooded over me.
Shay held my stare. “How much do you love that dress?”
“It’s pretty.”
“McKenzie’s wedding dress was by the same designer as the one you chose.”
“Same dress?”
“No. But it was a Vera Wang. She cut the dress up and scattered it all over his bedroom.”
Oh, God.
It all made sense now as I recalled Cameron nudging me to wear something else when we’d visited Marcella’s fashion house. He couldn’t tell me the reason because he didn’t want me to be disappointed after I’d thanked him profusely for the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen.
Relief settled in. “I can find another dress.”
Shay’s expression turned sympathetic and he pulled out his phone, scrolling through it and then punching a number.
He handed it to me.
I listened to the ringtone and assumed it was Cameron’s. “I won’t do it again.”
Shay chuckled. “I should think not.”
With the phone still held to my ear, I swallowed my discomfort.
Shay shrugged. “Maybe you’ll get to see Cole’s darkest side after all.”
WITHIN THE HOUR, I HAD changed out of my suit and tie and into jeans, a sweater, and a leather jacket, the perfect clothes for speeding down 34th Street on my Ducati.
Weaving around the other vehicles with Shay right behind me, I sped toward The Dionysus Club. This was not how I’d imagined my Monday.
We left our bikes and helmets in the subterranean parking structure and headed up in the elevator. Within a minute, we’d entered the club’s main foyer and I was standing before the reception desk facing off with their young employee, the same one who’d tried to seduce us in the pool. She really was stunning and I imagined this was why she was being showcased so much.
“Hello again.” She gave me a big smile.
“What’s your name?”
“Nadine.”
“And you’re real name?” She held my stare without answering. “What are they paying you?” I leaned on the desk.
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
“Come work for me and I’ll double it.” Shay hadn’t come up with a plan to rescue her so it was down to me. “Ever thought of joining the corporate world? Chance of a lifetime.”
Shay was staring at me in astonishment.
“Great decision,” I threw in. “Mr. Gardner here will get you situated.”
She bulked at my forwardness. “I didn’t say yes.”
“So providing deep throat blowjobs is your long-term career plan? Do they throw in healthcare?”
She looked stunned.
“Didn’t think so.” I turned to Shay. “Give her your card.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” I gave him a matter-of-fact smile.
“Shouldn’t we interview her?” He was currently conducting a background check but she didn’t need to know that.
Her gaze jumped to Shay and then back to me. “Are you serious?”
“Totally.”
“Mr. Cole?” It was Galina, and from her expression she didn’t look happy about us being back.
“I’m here to talk with your boss,” I told her. “Helete Merrill.”
The owner of this place and the one person I’d pushed from my consciousness so I could clear it from the debris she’d brought to my world. A once member of Chrysalis and purveyor of anarchy.
I glared at Galina and she relented. “Come this way.”
I didn’t move. “I’m not here for more bullshit.”
“Just to steal our staff?”
“Only the illegal ones. Look, I’m all out of fucks. Tell Helete I want to see her.”
She stared past me at Nadine. “Go visit our VIP. See if he needs anything. Make sure his visit is extra special today.”
“You’re kidding?” I snapped.
She ignored me and threw a smile at the girl. “Now, please.”
Nadine hurried off and when she glanced back, her gaze was filled with hope. I threw her a reassuring smile to let her know I was sincere about my offer. Turning back to Galina, I closed the gap between us until her back was pressed to the wall. “Tell me where Helete is or I will make your life a living hell.”
“I happen to be a
fan of hell, Mr. Cole.”
“Don’t, not with me.” I rested my fisted hand on the wall near her head. “I know it was you who sent that cake to my home. I imagine Helete put you up to it?”
“It was merely to suggest that you keep quiet about our practices.” She raised her chin defiantly. “And our employees. They are all of legal age, I can assure you.”
“I’m not. Reassured that is.”
“Perhaps you should take it up with our legal team?”
“Trust me, I will.”
“Get out.”
“You know what I’m capable of, Galina.”
“Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Cole.”
“You’re sleeping with Helete’s husband. She and Lance are not divorced yet. Your affair could be considered discourteous.”
She began to protest, giving herself away and proving my hunch. When I’d bumped into Lance over a week ago, right here where we were standing now, I’d noticed the way he’d glanced at her for a little too long. He’d admitted he was no longer a member of the place and it now made sense why he’d be visiting. He’d always had a thing for Europeans, though he’d obviously grown weary of Helete’s fuckery.
Galina’s beaded nipples gave her away. Evidently, she liked to be dominated by men who didn’t succumb.
“Where’s Helete?”
She weakened. “Do not tell her, please.”
“You have my word.”
“The Belgravia Club. She is giving a talk at a luncheon. You won’t get in.”
“I’ll get in.” I headed for the elevator.
“Who told you about us?”
After a push of the DOWN button, I glanced back over at her. “You acted as though you didn’t know each other. I hope you’re more creative when around Helete?”
“Please.” She came toward me. “Helete’s dangerous.”
“True. And she doesn’t mind Lance cheating. She just wants to be there when it happens. She likes watching him fuck other women. You broke her rule. The consequences are going to be dire.”
“I am sorry about sending that package.” She sounded sincere. “I hope the cake did not upset Ms. Lauren?”
“She doesn’t do vanilla.” I gave a thin smile. “Lucky for you.”
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