Wild Submission(25)

I try to pull away. “Fine,” I stutter, buying time. “I’ll meet you there. I just have to—”

“No.” Brent scowls.” I want everyone to see you on my arm. Especially your precious Cam McCullough.”

I have no choice.

Brent steers me back toward the music and twinkling lights of the party.

My heart breaks in two.





FOURTEEN: CAM


I look around, bored, trying to seem engaged with the uptight businessmen around me. The party is in full swing, but without Isabelle at my side, everything is a dull blur.

I need her too much, but I can’t help it. She makes everything vivid and new, like I’m seeing the world for the first time.

And there she is.

I catch sight of her moving towards me. Even in the crowd of hundreds, she stands out. Gorgeous.

But her face is tense. Then I see the man beside her. Brent. His arm around her waist, his body tight against hers.

What the hell?

Something’s wrong.

I try to move away from the CEOs and VPs all around me, but before I can break free, one grasps my arm and asks how Ashcroft’s fiscal quarter is looking. I mumble a reply and pull away, lunging towards Isabelle and Brent.

“You better get the hell away from her,” I growl at Brent, the fact that we’re in the middle of a crowded ballroom the only thing keeping me from punching his face in. “Get out!”

“Cam, don’t!” Isabelle steps between us. “Calm down, you’re making a scene!”

“What’s he doing here?” I demand. “Why are you defending him?”

Isabelle’s chin trembles. “Please, Cam,” she says again, not answering my question. “People are looking.”

“To hell with people.”

But Isabelle looks around us. She flashes a tense smile, acting like everything’s fine. It’s not.

“Let’s go,” Brent barks. He holds out his hand, and actually has the nerve to snap his fingers at her.

Isabelle won’t look at me. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. Then she turns to leave.

With him.

“What’s going on?” I demand. “Tell me, now. That’s an order,” I add.

But Isabelle doesn’t obey. She finally meets my eyes, her expression blank. “Thank you for your hospitality,” she says politely. “But I belong at home.”

“No.” I growl in frustration. “I’m not letting you leave like this.”

“Tough shit,” Brent smirks. “That’s not your decision. It’s mine.”

“No,” Isabelle speaks up calmly, “It’s mine. And I’m choosing to go with him.”

“Part of our contract is for me to keep you safe. You don’t have to be afraid.”

Isabelle lowers her voice. “No, Cam. You were right. Your world, it’s not for me. The truth is…” she wavers, but then her face sets with determination. “It’s sick. You disgust me, you and your games. I want no part of it.”

.I watch as she takes Brent’s arm and walks away. I feel like my whole world is walking out that door, and I can’t understand why. I can hear whispers around us and I can’t be responsible for ruining her event. Not when it means so much to her.

I know she’s lying, but why? I’m not going to embarrass her in front of all these people and demand she stay, but something’s got her running scared, and I’m determined to find out what it is. Our connection is real. The way she felt, moaning in my arms, that’s real, and she needs me. Whatever hold Brent has over her, I’ll find a way to break it. I’ll release her from his chains and set her free, where she belongs.

With me.