Page 57 of Enthrall
“They ate at Vai,” said Cameron.
“Yes, have you dinned there?”
“Not yet, but I plan to. Love the Upper West Side.”
My attention spiked with the intelligence I was gathering on Cameron and I wondered what else I’d learn.
Cameron sensed a shift in my demeanor and his hand slid up farther. I tried to nudge it off but his grip tightened and his thumb caressed. I tried to squirm free but the senator’s scolding glare made me freeze.
The conversation between them flowed, their casual dialogue revealing a friendship that went way back. This easiness they shared gave away they knew each other well.
Senator DeLuca’s BlackBerry pinged.
“I have to get this.” He offered an apology and slipped away.
Richard had told me off for using my phone at work, and here was our guest using his at dinner. Still, the rich always had concessions, just like the assumed right Cameron seemed to think he had with my thigh. With my thumb and index finger I eased up his pinky, gaining leverage.
Cameron offered the senator a friendly nod and watched him walk away. He snapped his head round to look at me. “You do realize I’m into pain?”
I reached for my glass and took a few sips. This would all be a lot more bearable if I got tipsy.
“Mia, hold your glass by the stem,” said Cameron.
“Why?”
He picked up his glass to show me. “Otherwise you warm the champagne.”
I was devastated to be schooled like this. “He’s probably gone off to arrange a hit on someone.”
“Stereotyping?” Cameron shot me a look. “Something tells me you’re quite the expert.”
Scrunching up my nose, I regretted my outburst. It was actually kind of fun to hang out with someone so prestigious. “Sorry. I’m a bit nervous.”
“You’re doing great.” Cameron took a sip of champagne.
I held my glass by the stem.”I’m not saying anything.”
“Exactly.”
“You’re like Richard only craftier.”
“I’m in no way like Richard. He’s got the biggest heart I know. Pity someone had to go and eviscerate it.”
“A lover?”
“You get over a lover.”
The waiter reappeared and placed our meals in front of us, having memorized who’d ordered what. The server had annoyingly interrupted, and once he headed off I waited for Cameron to continue talking about Richard. He merely leaned back and sipped champagne.
“Why didn’t you let me order my own dinner?” I said.
“To let you know who’s in charge.”
“You know there is such a thing as women’s rights.”
Cameron turned in his seat to better look at me. “Care to elaborate.”
“Women have died for the right to speak and for equality.”
