Page 136 of Enthrall Climax

Eventually I became aware of fingers gently stroking my hair. The sound of a familiar female voice carried like a lost prayer. “Oh, dear God, what did he do?”

“We’re here now, Cam.” That sounded a lot like Richard Booth. “Can you sit up?”

I opened my eyes, trying hard to focus and figure out if my friends were really here.

“We came right away,” said Scarlet.

I shoved myself up, taking in Scarlet’s pretty features, her silk dress and her wavy brunette hair.

Richard’s blond locks were ruffled to match his debonair style, and he wore a tuxedo like he’d been invited to enjoy himself. There was a bloodstain on his cuff. I assumed it was mine.

“Come on, buddy.” Richard helped me to the edge of the bed. “Get him some water, Scarlet.”

My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. “Shay?”

“He’s in the ballroom looking for her.”

“I have to help him.”

“You need to rest for a bit,” said Richard. “You’re bleeding.”

I felt for the dampness on my scalp. When I examined my hand I saw the blood. “Can you find me another tuxedo? I need shoes, too.”

Scarlet held a glass to my lips. “Let us handle this.”

I pushed the water away and tried to stand up.

Eventually, after I’d growled one too many times at them, they gave me what I asked for. From somewhere, Richard stole a black tuxedo that fit well enough, despite it being for a slightly bigger man. He also found a pair of shoes I could wear. At least I’d not draw unwanted attention.

Back at the party, with Scarlet and Richard by my side, I looked around for Chastain, worried that he would set his men on us. Still, the place was packed with mingling guests who had spilled out into the garden.

Standing on the short wall, I stared across the mist-covered water toward the woodlands, remembering how I’d failed to reach Mia. As soon as they brought her back, I’d grab her and I’d kill any man who tried to stop me.

I turned to Richard and Scarlet. “Thank you for being here.”

“As soon as Shay called to say Mia was missing,” said Richard, “we jumped on the corporate jet. Scarlet had our flight diverted here.”

“I have to help her,” I said.

Richard was staring at the river, his face contorted in horror.

Scarlet tugged on my jacket. “That boat’s coming in way too fast.”

I let out a shaky breath. “It’s headed right for us.”

“SLOW IT DOWN!” SHOUTED SOMEONE.

I cut the power but the boat still shot toward the wall.

“Hard left!” a man yelled.

I yanked the wheel left, turning the boat sharply, but was still too close to stop in time. People jumped out of the way. The right side of the boat scraped along the wall, causing sparks to fly. The floor of the boat shuddered as shards of wood flew around me. I fell onto my hands and knees to cope with the quaking as the boat threatened to break apart.

Behind me came the thud of someone boarding, and then footfalls closed in fast. I braced for an assault.

A hand rested on the back of my head. “Remind me never to let you drive my Bugatti.”

“Cameron?” My eyes sprang open. I turned to face him and flung my arms around his neck. “I came back for you.” I gasped at the sight of his split lip and dark bruises.