Page 15 of Cameron's Contract

“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.”