Page 81 of Cameron's Contract

“Davis didn’t like to lose.”

“I wished you’d told me. I’d have killed the bastard.”

“Which was why I didn’t tell you.”

He looked horrified.

“I got my own back,” I said.

“Do I even want to know?”

“No. Your opinion of me would be changed forever.”

“Talking of scandals…”

“I know.”

“Do you think you can give it up?”

“I’m heading back to L.A. first thing tomorrow to begin the process of handing over the clinic.”

“I meant Chrysalis.”

Of course he did, and it pained me to think of closing that door after I’d so carefully constructed this sanctuary for likeminded people who dared to ignore the confines of society and explore the dark arts in all their glory.

The lifeblood of Enthrall and Chrysalis ran through my veins, and soon I’d be faced with the inevitable. My enemies could not be given any ammunition to destroy me and my past had to be carefully orchestrated, wiped clean—my public persona redesigned to fit the corporate world.

I’d be giving up so much, but the promise of what this city had to offer, and what I knew I could do for our company, was an unexplored yearning.

Henry pointed to a swan. “That one just gave you the stink eye.”

“I think he was giving it to you.”

“He’s a she.”

“How can you tell?”

“Seriously?”

I couldn’t remember laughing like this in a long time. My gaze turned toward the house and I needed to go find Mia, needed to tell her how much she meant to me and thank her for standing by me during all this.

“We’ll talk every day Henry. Promise?”

“That won’t get tedious at all.”

“I’m serious.”

“Go on then. Go find your girl.”

I pushed myself to my feet.

He stood too and opened his arms. I fell into his embrace.

Our bond had transcended the years and had endured too much torment. But we were still standing, still moving forward, and our future felt safer than ever before.

I headed off to find Mia.

First I stopped off at the office safe where I retrieved that flat square velvet box.