Cameron's Contract (3 page)

 “I’ll make it clear,” I said. “Tell Adrian I know what he did to Ms. Lauren when she was fourteen. I know he murdered her mother. I have the documented evidence to support this. I also have the D.A.’s involvement. Tell Adrian we have men watching his every move. The statute of limitations may be over for what he did to Mrs. Lauren, but if he so much as steps out of line, I will have him incarcerated for life.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You’re blackmailing Ms. Lauren. You assaulted her.”

“Didn’t.”

“You ripped off her choker.”

“She gave it to me.” He glanced toward the bedroom. An unspoken threat he’d let his dog lose.

“I saw the scar you left on her neck.”

Though it was nothing compared to the one on her heart.

Decker’s face flushed with fury. “Bet Dr. Cole doesn’t want the press to find out she’s the daughter of a crack addict.”

“It’s over, Decker,” I said calmly.  

“Fuck you. Get out.”

I stepped closer. “If either of you ever go near Ms. Lauren again, I will eviscerate you.”

“That’s disembowel,” said Shay. “He talks posh.”

Decker glanced toward the bedroom again.

“If you attempt to contact her, I will find you and I will end you.”

“Who the fuck are you?” he snapped.

“Your worst nightmare.”

“Are you…”

“I am.” I turned on my heel and left.

Breathing in the cool night air, I was grateful to leave that stench behind. Shay followed me out.

He patted his jacket. “Collar’s intact.”

“Thank you, Shay. Brilliantly executed.”

I hated the thought of them ever touching anything of mine.

“What about the dog?” I said halfway down the pathway, envisioning the animal let loose and taking a bite out of one of us.

“Tranquilizer.”

“Ingenious.”

“Have my moments.” He smiled. “He gobbled up the steak laced with the sedative.”

“You really do think of everything.”

“Dog protocol.” He pulled a face as he tapped his pocket. “My jacket’s going to need a dry-clean.”

“Throw it away. I’ll buy you another.”

“I like this one.”

“I’ll buy you the same one.”

“It has sentimental value.”

“I’ll buy you a boat then.”

“You just did.”

“Okay, a house.”

“Now you’re being ridiculous.”

We turned the corner.

The SUV, BMW, and Bugatti Veyron were just up ahead. Shay’s men looked menacing as they stood guard. They’d attracted the attention of several gangbangers by the look of things, and they lingered not too far away on the street corner, no doubt intrigued by the flashy wheels and flashier entourage.

“That was a big fucking dog,” said Shay.

I patted his back in admiration.  

“All men accounted for,” he said. “Not a bad day.”

“Let’s find Adrian.”

“Well we know where he is now.”

“Where?”

“You’ll never guess what I found in his bedroom.”

My phone buzzed and I snapped it to my ear. “Henry?”

“Where are you?” he said gruffly.

“Are you in the air?”

“Fuck, no. Waiting for you.”

I hurried toward the cars. “I’ll be there in twenty.”

“Good. How’s Mia?”

“How did you know?”

“I’m your brother.”

“The issue’s been resolved.”

 “Hurry up. I don’t know how your evening’s going, but mine’s grueling.”

“In what way?”

“Our air stewardess is a bossy bitch. She has a swastika tattooed on her body somewhere. Ass probably. I’ll put money on it.”

CHAPTER 4

MIA SLEPT SOUNDLY, but those disheveled sheets indicated remnants of a nightmare. My heart ached for her.

Our luxury 747 had reached cruising altitude several hours ago and we were well on our way to New York. The Cole plane had every luxury—this private bedroom, a conference area, an office, and a small lounge where, right now, Shay and Henry were going over the documents my father’s team had emailed us.

His executives were equally immersed, with legal, business, and corporate staff burning the midnight oil to try and salvage our sinking ship.

A break from the intensity was needed and here lay my serenity. I set the ice-filled glass of water down on the night stand.

The minimal décor provided some respite. Those two chairs, the walled TV, and the artwork were all well secured. The deep blue comforter provided the only color.

Very gently, I brushed a stray hair out of Mia’s eyes. She stirred awake and blinked up at me.

 “How are you feeling?” I said softly.

“Sleepy.”

“Keep sleeping. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

She took in the deepest breath. “What’s the time?”

“Midnight.”

She rubbed her eyes. “Are you going to get some sleep too?”

“Have some work to do.”

“I’m sorry, Cameron.”

“What for?” I handed her the glass.

She pushed herself up. “We’re on the run again.”

I smiled at her. “We’re not on the run. And we weren’t on the run from Lance. We were merely putting distance between that rogue and us.”

She drank. “Why are we going to New York?”

“Business.”

“You’ve relented then?”

“I have.”

“What did Adrian say?”

“He wasn’t there. Decker was though. He was very compliant.”

“You persuaded him?”

“I did.”

“Did you give him money?”

“No.”

“Good.” She blinked at me. “I’m so glad you got the collar back.”

“Me too.”

“I was terrified they might have sold it.”

“That would have been hard.”

“Because it’s stolen?” She took another sip.

“Yes, and it’s worth fifteen million.”

She had trouble swallowing. “I would have spanked myself had I known. You could have told me.”

“I wanted you to enjoy wearing it.”

“Oh, God.”

“It’s insured.”

“Yes, but it belonged to Aunt Rose.” She looked pained. “How did you find out about Decker?”

“Staff shared that with Zie. Told her you’d met someone at Charlie’s. She told me during her therapy session. I almost believed her.”

Mia hugged herself tighter.

My body tensed. “You were seen huddling together.”

“We were whispering. I didn’t want anyone to overhear what he was saying about me, about my mom. I was embarrassed.”

And I’d walked right out of his house without punching him. My hand balled into a fist instinctively.

“He looked familiar, and when I realized who he was…” she said.  

The thought of it had almost destroyed me.

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Same reason you didn’t tell me about Decker and Adrian. We were trying to protect each other.” I kissed her forehead.

“I thought I could handle them.”

“You don’t handle these kind of people.”

“I really thought if I gave them what they wanted they’d go away. It was only a few thousand at first…”

“Until Decker saw your choker.”

She winced.

“It’s over,” I soothed.

“I’m sorry I lied to you at dinner.”

I reached for her hand. “Never lie to me again.”

“I promise.”

“Mia, I need you to listen. These kind of threats come in every day. That’s why we have Shay and his team. They handle all security. If anything ever comes up again, you must tell me. Or Shay, if I’m busy. Straight away. No delay. You never handle any issue alone. Am I understood?”

“I was scared you or your family would suffer because of me.”

“Am I understood?” I repeated firmly.

“Yes.”

“Mia, I own Chrysalis. Let’s be grateful they didn’t find that out.”

“Could you be connected to it?”

“The ownership goes under a corporation. We call it ‘The House’ when discussing any details in public. Very ambiguous.”

“So it can’t be traced back to you?”

Amused, I arched a brow. “That’s the benefit of a secret society.”

“Thank you for making that go away.” She still looked scared.

“It’s because of me you were there.”

“I’d never forgive myself if my actions hurt you.”

I wanted to say, ‘Mia, that man murdered your mother. How in God’s name could you not have told me? How could you even talk to his brother?’

But I knew the answer. She’d buried her pain to protect me.

“Mia, if anything ever happens to you, it will kill me. Do you hear me? You are the most important part of my world.”

She sighed, her face full of worry from those filth drenched hours that still clung to her, threatening never to leave. I wanted to soothe her and remove all anxiety and have her free of the pain that had caught up with her again.

That work I’d done with her in Chrysalis’s dungeon had gone a long way to heal her, but the threat had reemerged.

I could see it her eyes.  

Those bastards had stirred up a hornet’s nest of memories for her, and I refused to allow their effect to linger one more second.

She needed my strength above all things.

I rose from the bed and went over to lock the door. Yes, I was needed out there, but Mia needed me too. As I stripped off my clothes, I vowed I’d give my family every second of every minute of time when I was in New York.

Whatever they asked of me and for however long.

“I don’t think you truly comprehend how your happiness affects mine,” I said.

“Am I still your submissive?”

“Without question. It’s the only way I can keep you out of mischief.”

Her eyes widened and she held that caught in the headlights look I adored.

“Cameron, that’s a lot of money for a piece of jewelry.”

“Not when it comes to you, Mia.”

“Your idea of comfortable and mine are two different things.”

“I’m not easy to live with. I have unusual needs.”

“Like what?” She scraped her teeth over her bottom lip.

“Well, for a start, I demand complete obedience.” I took the glass from her and set it down.

She sat up, wrapping the sheet around her, and bowed her head.

“That’s a good start. As you know, my submissive must obey me.” I tugged back the sheet and exposed her, reaching for her bra and easing it low to reveal both breasts. “She must respond to all orders swiftly.” Taking my time, I tweaked her nipples, playing with one and then the other.

I climbed onto the bed and moved back up against the headboard, pulling Mia toward me. She straddled my lap and faced me.

“You need a cuddle,” I whispered, and buried my head into her nape, breathing her in.

“I love you,” she whispered.

I pulled her away from me. “I told you I’d protect you.”

“How did you find me?”

“Your love was a beacon.”

She thumped my arm.

I laughed and reached for my jacket and pulled out that envelope I’d stuffed in there before leaving home. I slid out the contract and unfolded it. Arching a curious brow, I reviewed her signature.

Then I saw the number. “You amended the document on the hard drive?”

“Might have.”

She’d taken off the last two zeros of the amount offered in the NDA agreement, lessening the settlement to 2,500 dollars. A small token should we not work out, and the legalese to protect me from a ‘tell-all’ down the line.

Though Mia would never do that to me. I knew this with certainty. It was Dominic, my lawyer, who insisted on it.

Mia peeked down at the form. “I’ll only need a few thousand for a deposit on an apartment. If we don’t work out.”

“Don’t say it like that.”

“Well that’s what’s it’s for, right?” She shrugged. “I’ve always been independent. That’s never going to change.”

“I warned you of the consequences.”

“Something about punishing me with your—” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“No, I distinctly remember telling you there’d be no further access to my most valuable asset.”

“Should have been clearer.”

“You took a risk.”

“Goes both ways, Cameron. If you want a pass to my pussy, you’re going to have to—”

I kissed her hard. A fierce fucking of her mouth with my tongue that silenced her rebellion.

“Remove your panties.”

She slipped them off, her gaze moving from me then back to her nakedness. Her vulnerability was glaring.

With my hands on her hips, I directed her sex along my cock, and she trembled with pleasure as her clit stroked back and forward along my full length.  

“Enjoying that?” I asked huskily.

“Yes.” Her lips parted and her eyelids lowered.

“I’m a man of my word, Mia.”

She titled her head back slightly to better look at me.

The hum of the plane’s engine and the warmth in here lulled us.

I gripped her hips and lifted her so she stood on the bed looking down at me.

“I’m merciful at least.” I kissed her sex.

She leaned against me, pressing both palms on the curved wall for balance.

I devoured her, suckling, swirling my tongue over her, and her thighs trembled, her breathing grew ragged. I imagined she was silently begging me not to cease my flicking and I gave in to her need, ignoring my own. Flicking faster, now and again I stopped so I could gently nip her clit. Then I let go, allowing that delicate nub to engorge and bring a wave of pleasure. Her soft moans willed me on. Mia rocked her hips, caressing herself over my tongue. Her shuddering was endless as she came hard, with a long moan stifled as she bit down on her hand.

She lowered herself and sat on my lap and reached for my groin.

I grabbed her wrist and pulled it away. “As soon as you sign the original document.”

“You’re not serious?”

“I am.”

“But Cameron?”

I kissed her nose. “You’ll cave.”

To show she was up for the challenge, she arched her brows defiantly.

“We’ll see, Madam,” I said.  

She twisted her mouth thoughtfully.

“Mia, never again keep anything from me. Understand?”

“Yes.”

I cupped her face with both hands and stared into her eyes. “I demand honesty from you. It’s the only way I can protect you.”

“I’ll never let you down again.”

“It’s not because I’m some egotistical bastard who likes to keep track of his lover to the point of obsession. It’s because of the family I was born into.”