Page 263 of Enthrall Shadows
“Sit down,” said Cameron, sinking into a high-backed wicker chair. “Please.”
I plopped down opposite him, feeling defeated.
“Pendulum is a dangerous place,” Cameron began. “It always had a reputation for recklessness, but over the years it’s gotten worse.”
“You purchased Pendulum?”
“We.” He pointed over the balcony at Atticus, Greyson and de Sade.
“You’re the silent partner?”
“Yes.”
“Richard?”
“I told him immediately after you both left here.”
“How did he take it?”
“Took it well.”
“He’s your best friend, why didn’t you consult with him on this?”
“I made a decision. I’ve made it my life’s work to honor our specialty. Richard respects this. He’ll continue to run Enthrall and Chrysalis. I’ll work behind the scenes there, as well as at Pendulum.”
“And Mia?”
“She’s supportive. As always.”
“You chose me as your dominatrix?”
He tilted his head. “Because you are undoubtedly the best.”
“But—”
“But now, they own you. I own you. We’re all happy, right?”
“You chose me.” I repeated the words to find clarity.
“I chose you,” he said, smiling. “Glad it all worked out.”
“I messed up with Henry.”
“That’s a shame.” He crossed one long leg over the other. “Welcome aboard.”
“We could never have been together,” I reasoned. “Didn’t that scandal break?”
“You shouldn’t have left the party, Cinderella.”
My chest tightened with grief. “Protecting Henry was the most important thing I could do. No one will ever hear the truth about us.”
“We appreciate that.”
“It’s imperative no one suffers because of the choices I made.”
“That won’t happen,” he said kindly. “The leak to the press about your profession came from our side.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “Who?”
