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

“Clothing,” he clarified, a smirk forming on his mouth. “In my closet.”

Ah. Right.

Probably shouldn’t greet the others in only a robe. Heaven knows what conclusions they would jump to if I did.

“Thank you.”

The smile Talon gifted me with made me want to say more, but there was nothing left to say, so I moved past him and into his bedroom. I noticed Rolphe and Auberon were once again kneeling, their hands clasped in their laps, heads tilted down.

I probably should’ve found it strange that they were doing that, but I didn’t. I knew enough about the lifestyle from Ransom and from my own brief stint into Domination and submission to understand that some Dominants had protocols that they expected to be followed. Based on their reactions to Talon, I could only assume he had plenty.

I continued to the bathroom, fighting the images of what they’d been doing earlier as I went in search of my clothes. When I stepped into the walk-in closet, the lights came on automatically, brightening the dark wood that housed Talon’s clothing.

Hanging from one of the bars were several outfits I didn’t recognize. Certainly not my things like Talon had said. Then again, I had abandoned everything I owned in favor of saving myself. I skimmed the assortment of skirts, blouses, leggings, and oversized lightweight sweaters very similar to what I tended to wear. And yes, it was a little odd that his selections mirrored my own considering he didn’t know me. Maybe Ransom had told him? But when could he have?

Opening the drawer beneath, I was hoping to find panties and bras but came up empty. I searched another drawer. The same.

It wasn’t until a throat cleared behind me that I turned to see Talon standing there, his big shoulder leaning against the doorjamb.

“Missing something?”

“Underwear. Do you happen to know where it is?”

“Hmm.” He peered behind me before meeting my gaze once more. “I’ll have to check on that.”

Narrowing my eyes, I turned to face him more fully. “You do not expect me to interact with others without underwear.”

It wasn’t a question, but I got the feeling there was most certainly an answer.

“What would you say if I told you that’s my preference?” he countered, one black brow lifting slowly.

Swallowing hard, I stared at him, trying to figure out what was happening. I’d known this man for only a couple of hours, and here he was making suggestions as to how I should dress. Shouldn’t I be appalled by the notion? Perhaps even insulted?

My thoughts drifted to the two submissives in the other room. Being that Talon had them, what did he want with me?

Talon stood tall and stepped into the closet with me. I held my ground, watching as he neared. My breaths were labored, and that warmth was trickling through my veins again.

“I don’t know what it is exactly, but you tempt me, Miss Bishop.”

Why that made me feel good, I had no idea.

I inhaled sharply when he curled his finger beneath my chin and tilted my head back so I was forced to maintain eye contact.

“Braelyn,” I whispered.

His eyes narrowed, moving over my face.

“Miss Bishop sounds … impersonal.”

“You tempt me in ways I’ve never been tempted before, Braelyn.”

My name on his lips, along with those words spoken in that dark, dangerous baritone had my body going liquid.

“But there are things about me you don’t know.”

Oh, I knew a few things, but I didn’t bother telling him as much.

His fingers held my chin firmly. “Things that might scare you.”

Might? Try did.

Not that I was going to tell him that, either. I couldn’t deny I was as tempted as he claimed to be. Maybe even more so, which made absolutely no sense at all.

Had to be the situation. I’d gone through a traumatic event earlier. Now I was seeking safety and security.

Yep. That was it. And Talon was the only one around to offer it since my brother was temporarily out of commission.

“Are you scared, Braelyn?”

“No.”

He seemed pleased by the response. “Do you understand what I’m asking of you?”

“Yes,” I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.

There was a small smile on his lips, but it reached all the way to his eyes, making them crinkle at the corners. “Would you like me to have some panties and bras delivered?”

Liquid warmth pooled between my legs, my body on fire from his touch, his voice, his nearness. But it was his dominating nature, the one thing I’d desired for so long, that had me saying, “No. I won’t be needing them.”

There wasn’t an ounce of surprise in Talon’s expression as he continued to stare at me, and I had to wonder whether he knew this was exactly what I’d been seeking. It was what I’d thought I had found in Jake but had been sorely disappointed.

But I knew he was not making promises, and strangely, I found I wasn’t looking for any.

At least not yet.

*

TALON

It had been a risk approaching Braelyn this way, but I’d sensed her desire to be dominated, and this had been a test, one she would’ve passed regardless of her answer.

I wouldn’t deny, I approved of her decision, and I looked forward to what that might mean for us.

As for what prompted me to engage her in such a way, I wasn’t sure. I’d never been the impulsive type. And not since my early twenties had I ever pursued anyone, male or female. My possessions were all male, and I interacted with female submissives at the club on occasion. The latter were merely for convenience and as a way to mix things up. My desires ran hot, and I opted for male possessions for the simple fact they could handle me better than most females. I’d never had the desire to take a female possession, still didn’t. However, I did have a penchant for a sexy, beautiful woman. Especially a submissive who was seemingly innocent and eager to please.

Braelyn Bishop was all of those things, and it appeared she