Cameron's Control (8 page)

“I don’t have a hangover.” She popped the pills into her mouth and picked up the glass of orange juice and sipped. “I’m just achy from that Olympic sport you call sex.”

She made me chuckle.

“You went for a run?”

“I did, and as a merciful master I didn’t make you go with me.”

“That would have been fun to watch,” she said. ‘Me trying to keep up with you.” She looked down at the tray. “My suspicions have been clarified. I did die and go to heaven last night.”  

“I did warn you.” I poured piping hot coffee into the two mugs. “When you’re in the vault, there will be certain expectations to adhere to. My rules. When out of there, I’ll have the privilege of spoiling you.”

She took the coffee and wrapped her hands around it.

“Careful,” I said, pulling off my shirt. “It’s hot.”

She arched a brow as her stare roamed over my body.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Good, you?”

“Great.”

“All I can think about is going back into your vault. Never thought those words would ever come out my mouth.”

She blinked at me and it made me smile.

I sat beside her and buttered a slice of toast and then handed it to her.

“Thank you.”

“I’m going to spend some time with Henry this morning.”

Mia paused mid-bite and then relented with a nod.

“I’d love for you to come with me. If you like?”

“I would love that,” she said brightly. “Sure you don’t want some brother time?”

“Henry’s looking forward to seeing you.”

“Are we going to Venice Beach?”

“Yes. I told Henry the place is his. He’s been secluded for so long. Venice is a real contrast.”

“Perhaps he could come and live here?”

“He knows that.” I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.  

She shifted her gaze to the wall where Thomas Rafael’s portrait hung—a lighthouse in the middle of an East Coast storm. I’d found comfort in it.   

She looked back at me. “I need to talk to you about McKenzie.”  

“If we must.”

“McKenzie was curious about how you knew Andrea. I didn’t tell her we gate-crashed. She wanted to know what you’ve been up to. I really did try to avoid her questions.” Mia traced the edges of her collar. “She saw us arrive so she assumed I was your sub.”

“Why hide in that closet?”

“Needed time to think.”

“About?”

“Stuff.”

“What did she say?”

“Apparently I’m not your usual type.”

“My tastes have evolved. She wouldn’t know that.”

Mia took a bite of toast and chewed thoughtfully.

“Go on,” I said.

“McKenzie told me I haven’t begun to see your dark side, Cameron.” Mia’s eyes lowered. “She told me you’re the most hedonistic man she’s ever met.”

“I own Chrysalis. That tells you everything.”

“She told me…”

“Yes?”

“I’m your living fantasy.”

“Well she got something right.”

Mia’s hand nervously massaged the comforter. “Do you have a cage?”

“Yes.”

“Here?”

“Yes.”

“Behind that red door? Are you going to lock me up in it?”

“The problem with Zie is her jealousy.”

“You are, aren’t you?” Her breath stilted. “You’re going to lock me away and…”

“Cage work is part of our world, Mia.”

She pushed the tray away.

“As my submissive, you must trust me to provide what is right for you. To know exactly what you need and provide it.”

“I don’t need that, Cameron.”

I raised my glare to hers. “Clearly you do.”  

CHAPTER 8

THERE CAME A sinister joy in seeing Mia vulnerable, silenced.

She grabbed her pillow and pounded my head with it. “You’re fucked up,” she screeched playfully. “It’s not right.”

“What is it with you and pillows?” I reached for one myself and tapped her head with it. “And mind your language.”

“I’m freaking out.”

“And how beautiful you look.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Careful.”

She looked at me coyly.

“Better.” I pulled her toward me, pressing my lips against hers and kissing her deeply, tasting coffee and juice as I swirled my tongue around hers, tasting Mia. I cupped her face in my hands. “Still trust me?”

“Always.”

I hated Zie for interfering and hate was a rare emotion for me. My next call would be to warn her to stay away from Mia. To stay away from us both.

“So you enjoyed what happened in the vault?” I said.

“Yes,” she burst out with excitement and nuzzled into me, her arms wrapped around my neck.

“Every piece in there is created for your enjoyment, Mia.”

“I’m excited.” She took my hands in hers. “Only…”

“What?”

“I’m not sure about exhibitionism?”

Mia had every right to ask that. I’d taken her on a brief tour of Chrysalis and showed her the way of the house. At a hedonistic party there, Mia witnessed two of our members in the throes of a public display of passion. Shay had accompanied us that evening and he too had joined the sexual fray and heated up the scene in spectacular fashion. At the time, Mia had accepted what she’d seen, though I’d had my hand down her panties to enhance her thrill and bring her into the sensual display.

What had followed that night was the most mind-blowing vanilla sex I’d ever had, proving Mia was an exceptional conquest. The rarest find. The way she submitted was the purest elixir, and when she pushed back in that feisty way all my cock knew was her.

She looked up at me, still waiting for my answer. “Cameron?”

“You’re young now,” I reassured her. “Perhaps later you’ll crave variety? Want to experiment?”

She gave a wary nod.

“To be honest, Mia, this is new territory for me too. I’m not sure I want anyone looking at you.”

“Have I tamed the great Cameron Cole?”

She earned herself a spanking.

It was a good thing the house was empty other than us. Her screams mixed with laughter would have brought the staff running. With her lying across my lap, her nightdress hitched waist high, my hand came down hard on her butt. She writhed and squirmed through her punishment.

“Obey,” I demanded.

She stilled and settled into subspace.

Her reward was my lowered hand delivering softened strikes upon her pussy. The spanks sent her the rest of the way and she shuddered as she came.

“Thank you, master,” she managed breathlessly.

“You are so very welcome.” I delivered one final hard spank to her butt.
“Don’t joke about taming me, Mia. Understand?”

She gave a cautious nod.

I pounced on her and we tussled upon the bed sheets.

And it made me laugh.

We settled eventually, with Mia resting her head on my chest and me enjoying the quiet. Mia had this way of losing herself in her own thoughts with no need to fill the silence.

“Mia,” I said softly. “I understand this is a delicate issue. I feel we should talk about it.”

She raised her head to look at me.

“Your father,” I said.

She knitted her brow together. “What about him?”

“Should you ever want me to arrange a reunion—”

“No. And please don’t tell me the only way I’ll ever become a truly self-actualized person if I resolve that part of my life.”

“Perhaps we should explore your feelings?”

“It hurts.”

“I wish I could take it away.”

“I question why he left and didn’t come back. It’s hard to shake it. I go round and around trying to work out why…”

“Absolutely nothing. Taking the blame is usual for victims.”

“You’ve helped me see it wasn’t my fault, Cameron,” she said. “I’m not sure I want him in my life. I choose to do what’s healthy for me. That’s my prerogative.”

“He lost the privilege of knowing you. Any relationship would be on your terms.”

It was good to see Mia opening up and we talked a little more, exploring her feelings and working towards soothing her heartache. We were some way off her healing, but it was a start.

With an unfamiliar serenity, sleep pulled me down again.  

I stirred and raised my head to peer down to watch Mia sleep, trying to wrap my mind around the fact this exquisite young woman was really mine. Mia woke soon after and we wallowed in bed, stirring to greet what would start out as a leisurely morning. We showered together and it was a challenge to keep my hands off her.

Eventually we pried ourselves from the house.

I drove us to Venice in the Bentley convertible. We both went for casual, with me in jeans and a shirt and Mia in jeans too and a sweater she’d pulled from one of the suitcases that Richard had dropped off at my place earlier.

The remnants of Mia’s life were stored away in boxes and several suitcases. They’d been left in the foyer for her to unpack later.

She’d stared at them warily on the way out and I’d reassured her we’d find a place for all her things. I wanted her settle in as soon as possible. Having Mia feel at home was my priority. I loved sharing all I had with her.

“Not sure my stuff goes with your stuff,” she said.

“Well there’s always Goodwill.”

“How about we get rid of your stuff and keep my stuff.”

“And have my interior designer on my case? I don’t think so.”

“Fire her.”

“She’s a he. How about this as a viable option? I pull the car over and spank you again?”

She twisted in her seat. “Will you always be this bossy?”

“Yes.”

“How many cars do you own?”

I steered us onto Elevado Avenue. “I’ve lost count.”

“That’s silly.”

She’d yet to see my subterranean collection of vehicles beneath the house.

“Not as silly as being gifted a BMW and giving it back.”

She shifted to look at me. “Those were unusual circumstances.”

“In what way?” But I knew.

“It’s just that I’m without a car now.”

“Deal’s off I’m afraid. Now all you’re getting is a 1999 beat up old Mini to replace your last one.”

“That was a 2006.”

“I should have paid more attention. Oh well.” I beamed at her.

“Maybe I can borrow one of yours?”

“As if.”

“Then you’ll have to come with me to a car dealer.”

“Choose a color.”

“Really?” She squealed with delight and tugged on my shirtsleeve.

It made me laugh.

“We can’t buy a brand new one though,” she said. “A car loses its value as soon as you drive it off the lot. Like thousands.” She glanced over at me. “You probably know that.”

“I’m sure we can work something out.”

She giggled and slid down the seat.

With a push of a button on the front screen, I said, “Call HQ.”

Suri responded
: “Calling HQ”.
 

“The house,” came Dominic’s gruff reply.

“Dom, good morning. You’re on speaker. Mia’s in the car.”

'“Good morning, Dr. Cole,” said Dominic. “Good morning, Mia. I trust you had a wonderful New Year?”

“We did, thank you,” I said. “How was yours?”

“Playful. Our bash at Chrysalis went without a hitch. You were missed, sir.”

“Good to hear. Look, Dominic, I won’t keep you long. I want you to enjoy your day, but I have an issue.”

“Consider it dealt with.”

I smirked at his confidence. As a loyal friend and attorney and the man who stood in for me at Chrysalis when I couldn’t be there, he’d proven invaluable. “One word. Or should I say name.”

“Go on.”

I glanced over at Mia. “Carter.”

“As in McKenzie Carter?” he said.

“Afraid so.”

Mia’s gaze rose to meet mine.

“I see,” said Dominic.

“No further contact,” I said. “That’s my stipulation.”

“We’ll slam her with a restraining order.”

“Let’s proceed delicately.”  

“Delicately it is,” he said. “Plans for today, Cam?”

“We’re visiting Henry in Venice. You?”

“I have ponies to feed.” He chuckled. “All in a day’s work.”

“Have fun.”

“Well I’m here at your den of iniquity, so it’s a surety.”

I laughed and pressed the screen to hang up. “Mia, you didn’t hear that last part.”

She pressed her hand against her chest, her accent pure southern bell. “Why sir, I am shocked to my core. You’re the devil himself.”

“Guess what?” I reached for her hand and kissed it.

“What?”

“We’re going to sleep together tonight,” I whispered it.

Mia melted into her seat.

CHAPTER 9

MY HAND FOUND its way back to her.

It rested on her inner thigh then slid up her dress. Her silky skin was perfectly smooth beneath my touch.  

Mia blinked at me. “Cameron, thank you for letting me visit Henry with you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine.”  

She was a breath of fresh air and a wonderful distraction from all the usual testosterone fueled business dealings I’d been engrossed in lately.

I’d spent the last few days taking a slew of conference calls with my father, owner and CEO of Cole tea and Tempest Coffees. We’d strategized together on the best way forward with the impending advertising campaign.

The shareholders had been getting antsy and the board of directors had all but placed the thumbscrews on my father, demanding he cut costs and improve profits.

My dad had always insisted the company take care of its employees and honor its charitable responsibilities, which had been a real influence on me. Charlie’s Soup Kitchen in Santa Monica was testament to that. The small restaurant that served the homeless had been my first philanthropic endeavor. I’d started it in my twenties, so it held a special place in my heart.

Mia had expressed a desire to take more shifts there to help out, and though I didn’t need any validation on why she was perfect for me, her desire to help others was it.

I’d built my life on that philosophy. My psychiatric practice in Los Angeles was thriving, though lately I’d been juggling too much. Mia was proving the best remedy. Her playfulness, her intuition to know what I needed and when, had turned my life upside down. All for the better.

Her interference in my older brother Henry’s wellbeing when she visited him in Big Bear, and somehow tempted him out of seclusion, verged on a therapeutic miracle.