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

first time in quite some time, luck seemed to be on my side. Thanks to a competent Uber driver, I was able to make it downtown in record time, walking into Brax’s with a couple of minutes to spare. The elegant restaurant with its gleaming dark wood and white linens was welcoming, as was the pretty hostess who greeted me with a warm smile. When I mentioned Tiegan’s name, that smile seemed to brighten all the more.

“Right this way, Miss Bishop.”

I followed her as she led the way through the restaurant, noticing most of the tables were full even this early on a Thursday. Then again, I’d heard good things about this place, most of which had come from my brother. Brax’s was owned by world-renowned chef Braxton McBride, who happened to be one of two submissives Zeke Lautner had claimed as his own. And while I didn’t spend a lot of time with Zeke, he was the only friend of Ransom’s who actually knew of my existence. I wasn’t sure exactly how long Brax’s had been open, but I knew it had been making the rounds in the culinary circuit as the best steakhouse in Chicago.

As I approached a table near the window, a striking woman got to her feet, smiling. And holy heavens, was she striking. From her wine-red hair to her nearly perfect bone structure, highlighted by meticulously applied makeup on her flawless skin. Her lips were full, painted a matte maroon/purple, the same color as her hair, her glittering green eyes matching the button-down blouse she wore.

No way to deny I was a bit intimidated by her. Who wouldn’t be?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bishop,” Tiegan said, her words spoken with a conciseness that seemed at odds with her beauty. There was no accent, no drawl or twang, nothing obscuring the perfect cadence of her voice.

When Tiegan held out her hand in greeting, I shook it, not at all surprised by the firm grip. Definitely no floppy wrist for this woman. She oozed sex appeal and dominance in a way that I was familiar with thanks to my brother. Traits I had no hope of mastering, even if I’d had the desire to try.

“Please, have a seat.” Tiegan motioned toward the chair across from her.

While I got situated, Tiegan rattled off a wine order and requested the waitress give us a few minutes to make our meal selection.

It didn’t surprise me that the waitress didn’t ask me if there was something I preferred. Tiegan had taken control, and unless I spoke up, that was how this lunch meeting would continue, I figured. Something else I was familiar with thanks to my brother. It didn’t bother me. Not in the least. My naturally submissive side sought someone who would make those decisions for me. Even if it was a woman who would likely become my boss.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” I prompted, attempting to relax a little, “how do you know me?”

“Through an acquaintance of your brother.”

Well, that told me nothing at all. My brother had a lot of acquaintances.

“How did you know I was seeking employment?” That definitely wasn’t something she could’ve learned from any acquaintance because it hadn’t been fact until moments before Tiegan had called me.

“I keep my ear to the ground.” Her plump lips drew back, bright white teeth flashing. “And when there’s something the boss wants, I make sure I’m prepared to acquire it.”

“You’re not the boss?”

Those green eyes glittered all the more. “Depends on who you ask. But no, I do not own the company.”

“You said you work for Owned, Incorporated?”

“Yes. I’m going to assume you haven’t heard of it.”

“No.” I forced a smile. “I’m sorry, I haven’t.”

A sommelier appeared, pouring wine while we continued to talk.

“I would’ve been surprised if you had,” Tiegan said.

“Why’s that?”

Without being prompted, Tiegan performed all those fancy tricks wine connoisseurs did when preparing to drink—swish, swirl, study—then took a sip and considered it a moment. When she finally nodded toward the man awaiting her approval, he filled both glasses, offered a smile, and left us alone again.

“Let’s just say we cater to a specific clientele.”

“What is it that you do?”

Tiegan waved a manicured hand. “All in due time, Miss Bishop.”

I took a sip of wine—it was dry and a little bitter—as I attempted to gather my thoughts. Tiegan didn’t rush me, simply remained calm and cool, waiting for me to make the next move while I did the same.

Clearly she wasn’t going to cave, so I did because I was confused as to how I might fit into whatever role she had slated for me.

“If you’re not going to enlighten me, what is it you want me to do for your company?”

“We have several positions open, including one dealing with web and app coding.”

Well, she knew what I did, at least.

The waitress appeared, setting down two glasses of ice water and retrieving her notepad.

“Do you know what you’re having?” Tiegan asked, her shoulders squared, her keen gaze raking over me.

My eyes lowered as I opened the fancy leather-bound menu and quickly scanned it. While I did, Tiegan rattled off her order. When she was finished, I hadn’t yet made up my mind, so I opted to have a salad. Simple, easy.

“May I ask how you heard about my … uh … professional skills?” I asked when the waitress left us.

“Like I said, I travel in the same circles as your brother,” Tiegan answered.

Yes, those were alarm bells beginning to ring in my head.

“So Ransom told you about me?”

“In a roundabout way, yes.”

Although I had decided long ago I wouldn’t look for trouble around every corner, I couldn’t deny when someone made me wary. And this woman fit the bill, especially after that admission.

“Ransom doesn’t tell anyone about me,” I stated, keeping my voice low and even.

Tiegan didn’t seem fazed by my statement. “I’m well aware of that, Miss Bishop. And until today, I was unaware of your existence.”

Sitting up straight, I realized