Free Cameron's Control by Vanessa Fewings Page B

the patio seating. I was reminded again why I loved this place. This beachside town was a reflection of the best life had to offer.
    When I spotted that soft plaid blanket on the back of a lounger, I lifted it and carried it over to Mia, laying it over her legs to keep her warm. The morning chill lingered. She snuggled beneath it.  
    Venice was already thriving with eclectic energy. Beyond the pathway that ran along the back of the property was the view of a golden sandy beach, and beyond that ocean. Off to our right a basketball game was underway. A small crowd had gathered to watch. Surfers were taking advantage of the swell.
    “How are you finding the noise?” I asked Henry.
    “Doesn’t bother me.”
    At night, tourists strolled along the boardwalk. I’d been surprised when Henry had told me he wanted to stay here and not at my Beverly Hills home, but he’d lived alone for so long and told me he didn’t like the idea of bumping into my staff.
    “Heard you had fun with Shay on his new boat?” I said.
    “Yeah, he and Arianna invited me.” He smirked. “She tried to set me up with her girlfriend but she was way too young.”
    “You always did go for older women,” I said, smiling.
    He tilted his head and grinned at Mia.
    Yes, thank you for that, Henry. Since our days at boarding school, he’d known about my penchant for women wearing tartan skirts and FMB’s who liked nothing more than being mastered.
    Funnily enough, the first time I’d been intimate with Mia she’d been wearing that very outfit. I’d made her come in front of Richard and we’d both been left bewitched by the girl with no idea of the power she held.
    Glancing over at Mia, I wondered if my obsession would ever end. My body stiffened telling me a definitive no .  
    “I want to introduce Henry to Scarlet,” said Mia.
    My brows shot up with the thought of Scarlet and Henry in the same room. Henry wouldn’t submit to any woman, even a sophisticated dominatrix like Scarlet Winters. Though she would be intrigued by the challenge.
    “Any chance she might be a switch?” Henry’s lip curled.
    “She is,” said Mia, looking over to me for confirmation.
    A term Henry learned during his visit to see me at Harvard. I’d shamelessly displayed my collection of books on BDSM.   
    With me, all the domina’s at both Enthrall and Chrysalis relented their power, but that was unusual for the scene. That kind of trust and respect had been earned. I ruled over Chrysalis with a firm hand but honored their power. They really were like a second family to me.
    “I can talk with Scarlet?” I went along with Mia’s meddling with a smirk. “If you like?”
    “Sure,” said Henry.
    The scent of ocean and fresh coffee filled the air.  
    “We need to talk,” he said.
    “About?”
    Henry arched a brow. “ It .”
    “Come on, big brother.” My tone was laden with affection. “Let’s surf.”

CHAPTER 10
     
     
    FOR CHILDREN BORN into an empire, their ‘ it’ is the threat of inheriting the seat of power looming over their heads since childhood.
    No matter their own dreams, loves, or wants, their destiny is set. Dad had allowed Henry his brief foray in the military and my ‘dabbling in medicine,’ but there’d been an understanding we’d eventually leave behind our reckless bachelor ways and take up the honor of ruling the billion dollar domain known throughout the world as Cole Tea and Tempest Coffee. Our family franchise ranked at the top of the fortune 500.
    The price was my dad’s unwavering dedication to maintain the company’s position at any cost and his lack of attention while we were finding our way in the world. With both Henry and I being sent off to boarding school at age five, Dad had already influenced us in ways both powerful yet vague.
    We’d made our way through the wreckage of our lives to flourish, despite it all. Henry had been there for me every time I’d needed him. No matter what.
    This wasn’t about us not