Owned (Office Intrigue Book 8) by Nicole Edwards (bill gates book recommendations txt) 📕

honey, I could own stock in the sex toy industry. It’s not the same.”

“You’re a beautiful woman,” Braelyn told her. “I doubt it’s difficult for you to find someone to … sate your urges.”

“I work a lot of hours, don’t have time for the annoyance that comes with dating. The men I work with are absolutely off-limits. Plus, I’m looking for a certain type of companionship. I’ve attempted to go the fetish club route but found it time-consuming and lacking. I prefer one who’s dedicated solely to me.”

“To each his own,” Braelyn said, her smile still in place.

Laura glanced at me. “I like her.”

“I do, too,” I replied. “If you don’t mind…”

I steered Braelyn away from Laura and over to the bar.

“She’s an interesting one,” Braelyn said. “A little crass for my taste, but I like that she knows what she wants.”

“Most Owners do. It’s how they end up finding us.”

“If you’re not advertising, how do people find you?”

I motioned for Taurus to pour us a drink, and he moved easily behind the bar, set about making them.

“Word of mouth,” I told Braelyn. “In our circles, it goes a long way.”

“BDSM circles, I assume?”

“Partially, yes.”

“Aren’t you a member of Dichotomy?”

I was surprised Braelyn knew that little detail about me. Then again, I was friends with her brother, and as close as they were, it only made sense that Ransom would’ve spoken to her about me.

“I am.”

“Do you take your possessions with you when you go?”

“Never. It’s more of a place for me to socialize.”

“Does that mean you don’t … indulge while you’re there?”

“I do, yes. When it suits me.”

“Is that often?”

I could tell she was fishing now. I liked that she was curious.

“I haven’t been to the club in … probably six months or so.”

“But you were at TJ’s New Year’s party.”

“I was. I’m invited to many social functions. I go when it suits me, but the club is not one I’m particularly fond of. I could take it or leave it.”

“I heard a rumor you were going to work for Trent Ramsey. At some fetish resort he’s about to open.”

That was a rumor that had made its rounds, yes. One I knew had been perpetuated by Trent on purpose. “That’s exactly that. A rumor. Trent dropped the information in an effort to manipulate a situation to his liking. It worked.”

Braelyn chuckled. “Sounds like Trent. Or rather what I’ve heard of him. Until I crashed that party, I’d never met any of Ransom’s friends. Except Zeke, but he grew up with my brother.”

By design, I figured.

I glanced over to see Ransom talking to Laura Dunbar while Jasper made his rounds, as well. Every now and again I caught Ransom looking our way, likely trying to determine what my intentions were with his sister. As far as I was concerned, the man had asked me for a favor. I’d come through for him. He had no right to advise me how to handle this relationship I was establishing with Braelyn. I only hoped he was smart enough to leave it alone.

When Taurus passed over our drinks, Braelyn thanked him before turning to face the room.

“I have to admit, this is tamer than I thought it would be.”

“And what did you expect? A giant orgy?”

She brought the glass to her lips, and I could see the blush on her cheeks. She had thought that.

“It’s still early. While there aren’t any orgies, it’s possible you’ll stumble upon a scene that you don’t expect.”

Braelyn’s head turned toward me. “Is that how it is in your private residence? With your possessions?”

“If you’re asking whether I take liberties with them, the answer’s yes. Whenever and wherever I want. So, yes, as you very well know from experience, you’ll see something you don’t expect to see.” I turned to face her now. “Does that bother you?”

Her eyes locked with mine. “Two days ago, I would’ve said I don’t know. Now…” She glanced away. “No, it doesn’t.”

I pulled her to me, pressed my lips to her head, and spoke near her ear. “I do like that you’re a dirty girl.”

She huffed a laugh and turned her face into me. Admittedly, I liked having her this close.

“When the time comes, again, perhaps you’ll tell me exactly how it makes you feel.”

She smiled, looked away. “Do they watch you have sex? With someone who’s not your … possession?”

“Before you, they have not. I don’t bring others here, so the opportunity’s never presented itself before.”

The color in her cheeks rose, and I knew she remembered how Ari had been there the first time I fucked her, the time I couldn’t help myself.

She took a sip of her wine, looked away. “You’ve never brought a date here?”

“For one, I don’t date.”

“Because you find it annoying like Laura?”

I smirked. “Because I don’t have the time or the inclination.” I stepped in, touched her cheek. “Until now.”

Her breath hitched again and her eyes lowered to my mouth.

“Talon…”

I held her gaze, willed her to speak her mind.

“What’s going on here?” she whispered. “Is it just me or…”

“Or what?”

“Or is there something going on between us?”

“There’s most definitely something.” I leaned in, allowed my lips to lightly brush hers.

Only because this was a business function did I refrain from pulling her into me and kissing her more thoroughly. I’d spent most of the day wishing I could sneak away with her, get lost for a few hours. Resisting her wasn’t easy, that was for damn sure. And that was saying something considering I was a man who relied on my self-control in every aspect of my life.

I was a gentleman, pulling back before it went too far.

Braelyn reached up, swiping her finger over my lower lip.

She smiled, her eyes glittering with humor. “You look kinda good with glossy lips.”

I wasn’t too worried about it, but I enjoyed how she ensured to get it off. Of course, my thoughts drifted to another way to gloss my lips… my mouth between her thighs, her hips gyrating as I