Page 5 of Enthrall Climax

“Who is it?”

“Now, please.” There came no touch of affection this time, merely an insistent look of concern.

I grabbed my clutch purse.

He whispered, “Accept my apology.”

“No need.”

“Last night was inappropriate.” He looked surprised about my attitude. “You’re about to become my wife. You need to be treated with decency.”

“Where did my Cameron go?”

He shook his head. “He’s protecting you from himself.”

“From what, exactly?” How long had I yearned for that level of passion and I wasn’t willing to let all that groundwork slip away. I looked him straight in the eyes. “It was like our very own Chrysalis.”

“We’ll discuss it in the car.”

I gave his arm a squeeze to reassure him and strolled toward the door, leaving him behind. Unable to resist, I glanced back…

A rugged-looking, tanned man with a crooked nose, who seemed out of place wearing his sophisticated pinstriped suit, had approached our table and launched into a conversation with Cameron. Their friendly sparring seemed cordial enough. I wondered who he was. He’d certainly unnerved Cameron enough to send me out of the restaurant.

The stranger had a self-assured demeanor and his salt and pepper hair gave him a distinguished air. His grey eyes fixed on me, sending a chill up my spine.

Cameron followed his line of sight and threw me an insistent glare. I hurried out through the foyer, my forearms prickling with unease.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, I took in the sight of the surrounding New York City high-rises, feeling the never-ending vibrancy and aliveness, bursting with a palpable excitement. I breathed in the warm air, picking up the scent of expensive perfumes wafting from the guests who were heading into the Ritz. I missed L.A., but there was an allure to this city that was beginning to steal my heart.

My fingers traced over my Rolex and I counted the seconds until Cameron followed me out. This watch had a special meaning, and not just because it was the first gift Cameron had bought me when we’d arrived in New York. He’d admitted to placing a tracker within it. I didn’t mind, not really, I had no secrets from him and it seemed to make him happy.

I sensed someone staring and turned to see Clint, my security guard, lingering beneath the Ritz’s awning, tasked with following my every move. I smiled his way to show my thanks and he gave a nod back. He gestured for me to get in the waiting car.

When I settled in the back of the SUV, I gave a wide smile of greeting to Ben, our chauffeur, in appreciation for him waiting for us. He returned my warm smile in the rearview mirror and then looked away out of respect for my privacy. All the city’s noise and chatter dimmed in here. I glanced through the back window, no longer seeing Clint.

Cameron soon joined me in the passenger seat, engrossed with texting, his mood even pricklier. Peering over at his phone’s lit screen, I read Shay’s name and could see they were discussing the man Cameron had just spoken with in the restaurant.

“Who was he?” I asked.

“Divider up, please.” Cameron gestured his order to Ben and waited for the privacy glass to rise before turning to face me. “We were discussing the gala. It’s time for your friends and colleagues to know about us, Mia.”

I cringed inwardly, afraid that everyone would assume my new promotion was because of my relationship with this fine man and not garnered from hard work. “You didn’t answer my question, Dr. Cole.”

“It’s Mr. Cole. At my father’s behest I’ve left psychiatry behind indefinitely.” His fingers traced along my gold-beaded hem. “That’s a pretty dress. A little short, but I’m sure I’ll benefit later.”

His hand brushed my thighs and caused them to tremble. I literally felt weak when he turned on this level of burning intensity. I had to force myself not to visibly swoon.

“Are you cold?”

I shook my head. “Cameron, who was that man?”

“Lucas Chastain. I met him in France during my Harvard years. We didn’t see eye to eye. I was surprised he came over.”

“Why didn’t you introduce us?”

“He runs in dangerous circles.”

“What kind?”