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

again, he brought me damn close to orgasm only to pause at the last second.

Jasper’s grunts grew louder, his moans mingling with mine until we reached the point of no return. I held my breath as the pleasure overwhelmed me, my balls drawing up tight to my body. And when I exhaled on a low groan, I came deep inside him. And then he was coming, too, his hands never gripping his cock. I found it erotic as hell to watch him, to know that he’d found his release without stimulating his dick.

It wasn’t the most creative scene I’d ever engaged in, but I had to admit, it was a damn fine introduction.

THIRTY-SIX

Braelyn

Saturday night’s party started in the ballroom of the resort. It was a grand affair, not entirely unlike the first night, with the exception there was no dinner being served.

Not indoors, at least.

As had become custom, I’d had a choice of three different outfits, all expensive gowns, all a bit skimpier than I was used to. There was red, there was white, and there was black. The moment I saw them, I knew that my selection would be telling, what I assumed was Talon’s point in giving me options.

Question now was which one did I go with?

Now, everyone knew black was more slimming, but that didn’t necessarily make it my first choice. When I saw it, I figured that would be the one, but then I stepped back and tried to think about what Talon was really saying with these selections. And based on the bikinis I’d had to choose from this week, I knew Talon was the one picking out my options.

So I had given some thought to what each one might mean. Not that I knew Talon well enough to decipher his thoughts, but I was getting to know him, picking up on certain nuances. In Talon’s eyes, I imagined white would reflect sweetness, perhaps virginal. While black would be simple and sexy. Red being mischievous and fun.

While I really liked the white one because of the beaded neckline, I knew that one was out. Virginal was not my goal for tonight.

I wasn’t sure I was mischievous and fun, although I truly wanted to be. It was a side of me that Talon had brought out, a side I happened to really like.

Yep. That was the one I’d opted for. Red.

Now as I made my way into the ballroom, my arm twined in Taurus’s, who requested to walk me to the party, I felt as though all eyes were on me. I could practically see myself stumbling in these heels, so I focused on each step until I’d made it across the room. It was there Talon greeted me, gently taking my hand and pulling me closer until I was nearly pressed up against his big, warm body.

“You look … edible,” he said softly.

“I was going for mischievous and fun,” I said with a grin.

“I definitely hope to explore that mischief later.” He leaned in. “For hours.”

His lips brushed mine and I fought the sigh that threatened. I was getting used to this man. To the point, I was having a difficult time remembering what my life had been like before him.

Talon took my hand, holding it near his chest as we strolled through the enormous ballroom. Unlike the first night when it was casual and elegant, tonight’s theme was darker, more sinful. The lights were dim, strobes dancing across the room. The deep, throbbing bass gave an air of sensuality that suited the way the others were dancing. Leah and Brad were in their own little world on the other side of the room with their possession. At the moment, Leah had her husband kneeling before her, watching as the possession ran his hands over her body.

In the center, Laura was dancing alone, her possession kneeling nearby, his eyes on her. Her body swayed and shifted, her hands running over her curves as she watched him intently. I couldn’t deny I admired Laura’s spirit. The woman knew what she wanted, and she didn’t hesitate going after it.

To my surprise, Zion was also on that dance floor. He had his arms wrapped tightly around Micah’s bare chest, their bodies sliding sinfully together.

“This seems a bit subdued,” I told Talon as he led the way to a table in the far corner.

“And what would you have them doing if this were your party?”

“Well, for one, I would have more Owners here,” I told him, accepting the chair he pulled out for me.

“More?”

“Yes. I think I’d go for double this size.” I’d actually given it some thought these past few days. “You said these are infrequent.”

“They are.”

“And how often do you get new possessions at the island?”

“Minimum of one delivery per month.”

“How many at a time?”

“It fluctuates. No fewer than three, sometimes up to five. Depends on the pipeline.”

“Gideon said there are thirty plus in residence right now.”

“Correct.”

“And I assume it’s your objective to move them through. I’m sure it’s rather expensive to take care of them while they’re here.”

Talon held my gaze.

“What percentage of Owners usually leave with a possession when they visit?” I asked.

“Fifty percent. On a good day.”

“If you increased the number of potential Owners, plus mixed in some previous clients who would be showing off their own possession, I think you’d increase the amount leaving. Plus, if you allowed guests to come and go more frequently, you’d potentially be able to reduce the number staying here for any length of time.”

Talon grinned. “And I thought you were a programmer.”

“I’ve got a few other skills,” I admitted.

“I think Zion would be most interested in chatting with you.”

As he was the CFO of Owned, Inc., I figured Zion and I would get along relatively well. I knew all about budgets, mostly because I’d been on a strict one all my life.

“I do think you need to find a way to get more females in here,” I told him. “They should make up at least fifty