Page 11 of Enthrall Climax

We were both fans of “TheArt of War” and had benefited from this essential reading material for businessmen who wanted an edge. We’d strived to make running a billion dollar company look easy. He’d dabbled in the family business but more recently I’d sensed a gnawing dissatisfaction.

He gave a polite smile to Mia to let her know he wanted to talk with me alone.

With a look of understanding, she headed back to our table. I watched her walk away and my gaze refused to break away from her devastating stride.

Henry watched her too. “Can’t be easy, pretending to be colleagues?”

“This is important to her.” Though it was soon coming to an end.

“So how’s the wedding plans?”

“I’d marry her tomorrow if I could.”

“Good answer.” He glanced over at Mia. “She went shopping for a wedding dress yesterday with Mom. So there’s no going back now.”

“Escape is always possible.” It came out wrong and I cringed at how it sounded. “Not with Mia though. She’s…”

“Special. I agree.”

Thoughts of my ex-fiancée McKenzie screamed through my brain, dragging all that carnage with it.

Henry slapped my shoulder. “Share that thought.”

I waved it off. “I was thinking of someone else.”

“McKenzie? That shit’s history. File her away in the ‘She Devil Drawer’and get on with your life.” Henry patted my back. “And you say I have PTSD.”

A rush of movement to my left made me step back, water spilling from my glass.

It was Shay, his eerily silent movements reminiscent of his stealth years back in the military. His black tuxedo camouflaged the bad boy image he’d once carried. He’d been one of the officers to storm into enemy territory to save Henry’s life, and that selfless act had bonded them as close as brothers. He was everything a good soldier should be and so much more. When he’d left the SEALS I’d offered him the kind of salary he couldn’t refuse.

More recently, Shay had stood by me when I’d sacrificed everything for Cole Tea to drag it out of its recent nosedive, and I was willing to do anything to keep him working for me. His heroism was now focused on keeping us safe in the concrete jungle of New York.

I might even go so far as to say I loved the bastard.

“Where the fuck have you been?” I asked gruffly.

“Was gonna ask you that.” He waved to the barman. “Diet Coke. You guys want anything?”

“We’re fine.” I gave his arm an affectionate pat. “Have something stronger.”

“I’m on duty.” His tone turned sarcastic. “Thank you for doing my job all night, Henry.” He was insinuating he’d spent a lot of time with Mia.

“Careful,” warned Henry, his glare revealing his friendship with Mia was out of bounds.

An unfazed Shay returned his attention to me. “Everything good for tonight?”

With my nod I reassured him I had everything covered for yet another detour this evening. I’d planned it down to every detail and I’d been itching to see Mia’s response to her surprise.

“What’s going on?” asked Henry.

My glare told him it would soon be my time with Mia.

“I hear she foundthe dress.” Shay woke me from my musing.

I smiled at the thought of seeing her walk down the aisle in a wedding gown. She was going to look ethereal. She’d cured me of my fear of commitment and had me looking forward to a wedding I’d never envisioned.

Henry grinned at me. “You’re a lucky man, Cam. Mom is already calling Mia her daughter. I’m concerned all that happiness might be too much for our mother’s black heart.”