Page 118 of Enthrall
I walked my plate over to the kitchen table and sat beside Cameron, who poured English breakfast tea into three fine china mugs. After using the syrup, I handed it to Richard and he squeezed copious amounts of thick, sweet sauce over his pancakes. He still seemed subdued but now and again broke into a grin.
“He’s different at home, isn’t he?” said Cameron, turning to look at Richard. “He’s still moody but with a hint of charming.”
Richard used his fork to point at Cameron. “And you’re a bossy bastard no matter where you are.”
“True,” agreed Cameron. “It’s not easy always being right.”
Richard rolled his eyes and took a syrup soaked bite of pancake.
“How did you two meet?” Of course I knew they’d met at Harvard but wasn’t sure how.
“An ex-girlfriend of mine introduced us,” said Cameron. “Her roommate complained her boyfriend Richard was into some kinky stuff and they came to me for advice.”
“What did you tell her?” I said.
“I didn’t,” said Cameron. “I found Richard and advised him about their concerns.” He shrugged. “It may look like a big campus but word can spread overnight.”
“What did you think of that?” I asked Richard. “I mean this guy turns up out of nowhere and starts talking about your private life?”
“I asked him what club he went to.” said Richard. “Dumped the girl and joined the club.”
I sat back. “And then you moved to New York?” I pointed to Richard. “And you moved to California.” I peered over at Cameron.
“Worst years of my life being separated from my buddy,” said Richard.
“They were actually my best,” joked Cameron.
“He’s the best chef I know.” Richard took another a bite. “Amongst other things. This is good.”
Cameron crinkled his face into a smile.
There was something comforting about their friendship, yet at the same time it was hard to understand the dynamics. My mind wandered with thoughts of what kind of things they got up to together down in that dungeon without it being considered same-play, their desire for non-sexual domination and submission impossible to grasp.
I didn’t feel ready for that conversation.
Richard pushed his half eaten plate aside. “I found New York suffocating and followed him here.” He gestured to Cameron. “He persuaded me to come on board full-time at Enthrall.”
“My second in command,” said Cameron. “Rules with an iron fist.”
“Hardly,” said Richard. “Still, I’ve never been happier.”
Cameron’s face lit up.
“I know those photos on your wall are of you,” I said to Richard.
“There’s something very therapeutic about facing off with fear,” he said. “Challenging life back.”
“Isn’t life hard enough?” I said.
“So jaded and oh so young,” said Richard playfully.
I liked this tingle curling in my chest when his held my gaze, these sparks of excitement.
“Mr. Booth, something tells me you fancy your secretary?” said Cameron in a flawless English Cockney accent.
“You might be right, sir,” said Richard, matching his accent and shaking his head in amusement.
Cameron turned his laser sharp attention back on me. “We’re all friends here, right?” his voice back to normal. “We can talk frankly?”
