A woman dived into the pool as I passed her. I dodged the splash as it sprayed up close to my pant leg. A young man stripped down to his underpants and jumped right in behind her. Their playful screams grated on my nerves.
I paused mid-sip. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Cameron turned to look at me.
He stood at the end of the garden beside Mia, and unlike me they’d honored the dress code. Cameron’s tuxedo was tailored to perfection and Mia’s evening dress followed her curves, the same ones I’d been running my hands over just this morning.
Right before I’d fallen on my sword and given her up.
Cameron beamed back. “Happy New Year to you, too, Richard.”
“Thought you’d be at Chrysalis?” I said.
“We chose this instead.”
“You know Andrea Buckingham?”
He grinned devilishly.
I rolled my eyes. “When you asked me what I was doing tonight I didn’t think you’d gate crash.”
“Booth, we haven’t spent a New Year’s Eve apart in years. It didn’t feel right.”
I gave his back a pat. “It didn’t.”
Relief flooded in that he was here and I wasn’t going be alone tonight.
My gaze fell on Mia. “Pretty dress.” God, her feet looked incredible in those strappy heels.
Just this morning, I’d kissed each pink toe and then fucked her half to death. Had I known it was going to be the last time, I’d have made it more memorable.
It was hard to think straight with her in front of me - she looked so goddamned pretty, so ethereal, all golden locks and innocence.
“Thank you, Richard,” she whispered.
Seeing them together like this was going to fucking kill me.
Perhaps they were here to reverse the curse, and Cameron was here to admit his mistake and give her back.
That affectionate swapping of stares between them put an axe squarely in the middle of that fantasy. They were in love and I couldn’t ever remember seeing Cameron so ridiculously thrown by a woman before.
“I’ll get us some hors d’oeuvres.” Mia removed Cameron’s jacket and handed it over to him.
“It’s good to see you, Mia,” I said, trying to reassure her.
She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. Closing my eyes, I went with this moment. Her soft perfume wafted around me - something expensive that Cameron had bought for her probably - her softness a feminine quality I couldn’t live without.
When I opened my eyes again, her gaze was on Cameron.
I clenched my jaw and swallowed my pride. “Mia, I knew Cameron was visiting the beach house when I dropped you off this morning.”
She peered up at me full of understanding.
This was my doing.
I’d pushed Mia away, turned on my asshole nature and not let her in, not allowed myself to really surrender to her, to what we could have been. My inability to give her what she needed had sent her into the arms of my best friend.
“Mia, I need you to know I wouldn’t have left you alone. I knew Cameron would take good care of you.”
That seemed to comfort her and she smiled and turned, starting toward the glass bay window.
Cameron looked devastated and I couldn’t bear to see him like this. “Quite the view.”
“Richard, I’m so sorry,” his voice broke.
I smirked. “Right to the point.”
“I fucked up—”
“That bracelet told me everything I needed to know. I knew you’d fallen hard for her but that proved it beyond all doubt.”
“You weren’t meant to see what was inscribed on it.”
“Yeah, well, I did.”
“You gave her up for me?”
“Nothing’s changed, Cam. I’ll always love her. Always love you, too, you stupid bastard.” I gulped my beer to loosen the tightness in my throat. “That doesn’t stop me from wanting to shove my fist through your devilishly handsome face.”
“Can’t blame you.”
“Halfway through her training, I realized how she felt about you. It was the way she looked at you…and you her. That time I’d snuck into Chrysalis to visit her, the chemistry between you both was off the charts. I’d hoped it was temporary.”
“This was not my intention.”
“Promise me you’ll take care of her. Don’t hurt her, Cam.”
“Of course not. Mia’s my priority now. Over everything.”
“She really broke through to you, didn’t she?”
His gaze searched for Mia. She was shoving a canapé in her face, as though trying to comfort herself. Seeing me again so soon was just as hard for her, too, apparently.
Her blonde locks looked ruffled from the breeze, her mouth pouty and petulant.
“You can’t tame her, Cam. You know that, right?” I mused out loud.
“It’s fun trying.”
“She’s so infuriating. Which means she’s perfect for you.”
Cameron looked worried and it made me smile.
“She’ll be fine.”
He turned back to face me. “How about you, buddy? How are you doing?”
“Well, wouldn’t mind a session with you. Help me dig out this excruciating pain in my heart.”
“Richard, I—”
“Have you ever considered that I want you to be happy, too? That despite all this confusion, there’s actually a good outcome.”
“I’ll make it up to you.”
“Just stop interfering in my life, okay?”
“I really did mean for this to work. For you and Mia—”
“Arrogant fuck.”
I leaned into his embrace not caring if anyone noticed our affection. This was the man who’d saved my life too many times to mention, and I wanted him to be happy even more than I wanted happiness for myself.
My thoughts drifted back to Andrea.
She felt like a goddamned dream, softening the edge of angst. The way she looked at me, her voice low and husky. If she ever got into BDSM seriously she’d make a stunning sub with her desire to please. The ease with which she obeyed made me realize she’d be relatively easy to train.
In comparison, Mia had been a goddamned car wreck.
Only with Cameron’s expertise had she found her way. Despite having to admit it they really were perfect for each other.
Cameron’s stare was fixed on me.
“This is a nice house,” I said, trying to break the tension.
“How did you pull off an invite?”
“I was packing my stuff for a jump and debating whether to use a parachute,” I said, grinning, “when I got a call from Andrea Buckingham’s personal assistant inviting me here tonight.”
“Just like that? Out of the blue?”
“We met briefly at a charity event I attended with Hope. Andrea had an entourage and we didn’t talk for long. Didn’t think she’d remember me.”
“You’re very memorable.”
“Not sure how they got my number. I was too surprised to ask. Andrea’s around here somewhere.”
If she’s roused from her post-climax nap.
It made me smile. “I’ll introduce you. Tell her you’re my plus one so you don’t get kicked out.” I laughed. “Might just drink her beer and take a dip in her pool. No doubt Mia will be in there by the end of the night.”
“Where’s our host now?”
I shook my head as though unsure. “Andrea summoned me into her office to talk privately.”
“About?”
“She wants to research BDSM for a role.”
Cameron looked amused. “And how did she find out you’re connected to Enthrall?”
“Through a friend of a friend, apparently. I’ll find out who and ban the bastard.”
Of course that would never happen and Cameron didn’t need to know it was Ethan. I wasn’t in the mood to explain just what Andrea was asking of me. I didn’t want to hear training her was a bad idea.
“What did
you tell her?” he said.
“For a woman who’s used to getting whatever she wants, I left her shell-shocked. Her assistant Sienna’s more my type. Pure sub material.”
Cameron squinted my way and something told me he didn’t believe my attempt to throw him off the scent of my impending adventure.
“Sounds intriguing.”
“Mia will be fine,” I said, trying to distract him. “She can look after herself.”
“Sure.” He threw back his champagne.
“Let’s go find her.”
“Probably a good idea.”
He made me smile.
We headed on into the house and went in search of Mia. Cameron’s cool demeanor was lost as we moved from room to room.
Another highlight of tonight was watching Cameron’s expression go from concern to mischief as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through the screen.
He texted her.
It was unlike Mia not to respond and we shared a concerned glance.
“Fuck it,” he said.
I peered over his shoulder. “Something wrong?”
Cameron slid the page to the right and up popped a small red dot. The bastard had a tracking device on her.
I rolled my eyes. “Seriously?”
“Don’t judge me.” He waved his phone. “Comes in handy for moments like this.”
Following him, we made our way up the staircase and down a hallway, me muttering to Cameron about what a complete stalker he was and him ignoring me.
He knocked on a door.
I peered back down the hallway, nervous that Andrea might catch us exploring and question our motives.
We stepped inside a room with a queen-sized bed in the middle, along with a lone dress and a couple of landscape paintings - and not much else.
My gaze fell back on his phone. “Is that thing right?”
He strolled over to the closet door and yanked it open - revealing Mia standing inside, her arms crossed.
“Cameron!” she snapped. “Did you stick a bug up my ass when I was sleeping?”
I laughed at her cuteness.
“Please be more selective with your choice of words,” he scolded, shoving his phone in his jacket pocket.
She narrowed her gaze. “Then how did you find me?”
“Why are you in here?”
“Mia,” I said. “Don’t let these people intimidate you.”
“I’m not intimidated.”
“Good.”
Cameron glared at me as though rattled by just how much I was getting a kick out of this. Seriously, even the great Cameron Cole couldn’t tame this one.
“Mia, he’s not handing you back to me,” I said.
She twisted her mouth petulantly. “Where’s the bug, Cameron?”
“It’s the magic of love. I felt your presence and—”
“Cameron,” she snapped.
“Enough of this.”
She rested her hands on her hips. “I knew it.”
Cameron’s back stiffened. “Mia, trust me, a man in my position—”
“Is it in my shoe?”
“One more word and I’ll forbid you to speak for the rest of the evening.”
“Seriously, Mia,” I said, “we were looking forward to the hors d’oeuvres you went to get us.”
“She who cannot be named is here,” Mia blurted out. “I needed a moment.”
“What?” I swapped a wary glance with her. “McKenzie Carlton?”
“She must have seen us arrive,” said Mia. “Because McKenzie took me aside and told me who she was.”
“You two talked?” Cam’s voice sounded strained.
“Yes.”
“What about?” I said.
“Out of there,” he snapped. “Now.”
Mia’s face flushed and she hurried out, nearing Cameron and staring up at his usual stance, her gaze full of obedience, respectful of his command.
“Let’s go find Zie,” I said with a grin.
Cameron shot me a glare.
I gave a shrug. “Or not.”
“How about this?” he said, “Let’s see the new year in somewhere more…”
I arched a brow. “Your place then?”
“I’d like that,” said Mia.
And I imagined Cameron had noticed her aroused state triggered by his commanding presence, her nipples hard and nudging the material.
Turning quick on my heels, I spun round and made my way out.
Cameron and Mia stayed close behind me.
Other guests were blocking the stairs, and we politely asked them to move so we could pass them. The sound of rock music surrounded us, voices raised to speak over the noise, and someone, somewhere, let off a party popper.
I led us toward the exit, psyching myself for the photogs.
I sensed Cameron was no longer behind me and made my way back to see why he’d stopped suddenly.
He’d been trapped by McKenzie Carlton, his expression one of forced politeness. Mia stood behind Cameron as though using him as a human shield.
Yep, Zie had that effect on anyone who knew her well. Cameron’s ex-fiancée was back in town, apparently, and already haunting him.
“Nice to see you, too, Cam.” McKenzie flashed a dazzling white smile over his shoulder. “Hello again, Mia. I so enjoyed our little chat. Very informative.” She could see Mia was wary of her and this seemed to inflame her pride.
Mia’s fingers curled around Cameron’s hand and he glance back with a comforting smile - which seemed to rattle Zie.
“Richard,” she said, “you still working at that place?”
“Yes, if you’re referring to Enthrall.” I raised my voice to retaliate. “How’s the upper east side? All the happier for you not being there, I imagine.”
“We were just leaving,” said Cameron, gesturing to me.
“Congrats on your engagement,” said McKenzie.
Cameron merely smiled back, unfazed.
“Willow broke the news,” added Zie. “We had coffee last week. She didn’t mention seeing me?”
“No, we haven’t spoken recently.”
“I’d heard through the grapevine that Mia was your submissive, Richard.”
“How do you know Andrea?” I asked, feeling protective of her.
“Through Megan Banks. She’s Andrea’s publicist. Megan and I were in the same sorority.”
It made me wonder what kind of people Andrea surrounded herself with.
I sensed her before I saw her.
Through the many faces in the crowd, I caught Andrea chatting with friends. She beamed over at me and I grinned back, struck by her beauty all over again…her warm chestnut brown eyes, that cute, freckled button nose. Her beauty drew the attention of everyone around her.
My cheeks flushed as I recalled what she and I had gotten up to not that long ago. Her perfume still lingered on me.
I regretted not finding out how she tasted.
She pressed her fingertips to her lips, as though she too was remembering how I’d kissed her. Our passion threatened to burn me alive.
A crowd stepped between us and the moment was lost.
I’d been holding my breath.
I needed to be grounded and not allow myself to be pulled into this vortex.
McKenzie’s terseness drew me back—
“I wore it for you in the end, remember? You were very persuasive. I loved that about you.”
Cameron turned to face Mia. “Different choker.”
McKenzie did that thing with her mouth, sliding the tip of her tongue suggestively along her upper lip.
“Well, this has been delightful.” Cameron ran his fingers through his hair. “But if you’ll excuse us, we have somewhere to be.”
“Cameron.” Zie tried to pull him back. “We need to talk.”
His face showed the pain he was feeling.
“Hey, buddy,” I said, patting his back.
“I’m sorry, what about?” he muttered.
“It’s personal.”
He stepped back. “Not a good idea.”
I gave his arm a tug. “We’re gonna be late.”
Cameron tapped Zie’s arm with affection. “Another time perhaps?”
“I have an appointment to see you.”
“At my office?” he said. “I’ll book you in with Dr. Laura Raul. She’s more—”
“I’ve been seeing Laura. She believes an appointment with you will bring closure.”
I didn’t know how Cameron dealt with such fragile people all the time, guiding them through sessions that inevitably healed them but no doubt left a toll on him.
“McKenzie, have a lovely evening,” Cameron said, then guided Mia out.
I threw McKenzie a wave and followed them.
The photographers were all over some young actor who’d pulled up in a Veritas RS III, and who’d just thrown the keys to a worried looking valet.
I waved at Leo, Cameron’s driver, but he’d already spotted us coming out. All three of us scrambled into the back of Cameron’s long black limo.
“I need a fucking drink.” I flopped into the leather seat and reached over for that chilled bottle of Bollinger resting on ice. Mia gathered three crystal flutes.
Cameron looked grey.
Mia held out the glasses and I poured champagne into each one. Mia handed one to Cameron and then took a sip from hers.
“Good girl,” I said, and threw mine back.
I’d never seen Mia so uncertain, and it was too painful to see. I broke my gaze from hers and stared at Cameron, silently messaging him to say something to reassure her.
“Well, that was unexpected,” was all he managed.
“She still loves you,” whispered Mia.
Cameron flinched.
I raised my drink in a toast. “Happy New Year!”
He forced a smile.
Zie Carter had hurt Cameron so badly that it was only now that I realized he, too, had doubted he’d ever love again. Giving Mia up to him had probably saved him. I wondered if Cameron knew how much he truly loved her.
One thing was certain: Zie Carter was back in town and from here on in we’d have to watch our backs.
CHAPTER 7
I TOOK AN Uber home.
I could have had Chrysalis’s official driver pick me up from Cameron’s, but I’d spent New Year’s Eve drinking with him.
Cam had invited Leo, myself, and Mia back to his place for a late night soiree after Andrea Buckingham’s party had gone south when Zie had turned up.
Richard's Reign (Book 6): Enthrall Novella #3 (Enthrall Sessions) Page 4