Owned (Office Intrigue Book 8) by Nicole Edwards (year 2 reading books TXT) 📗

knew me well enough to know I wouldn’t heed it. Braelyn was as important to me as she was to him. The difference was, I wanted to make a life with her, and I was not going to back down from a fight if he wanted to bring one.

“Don’t hurt her,” he finally said, his voice low.

“It certainly isn’t my intention.”

“Then you might consider giving up the side pieces,” he bit out, his eyes darting to Ari. “This is a world she’s not familiar with.”

“I disagree,” I said evenly.

I expected more of an argument, but Ransom held his tongue and turned back to the door.

When he left, I glanced over at Ari. “Locate Auberon. Have him join us.”

While he went to summon the other possession, I ventured out onto the veranda, observing Zion as he sauntered over to Brad and Leah, obviously getting in some face time, checking in with them. It was in our best interest that they remain happy. We didn’t have much repeat business due to the nature of it, but we did get a lot of referrals. After all, like was drawn to like, and many Owners had friends with the same desires.

I heard footsteps behind me, turned to face Auberon. “You, Ari, and Taurus will be with me and Braelyn today. Distribute those chores amongst the others.”

After nodding, Auberon strolled away, and I turned my attention back to the pools in time to see Braelyn walking down the steps away from the house. She was wearing a thin cover-up over her bathing suit, and I was curious as to which one she had selected for the day. I’d had three delivered, none of which were a one-piece. I’d done so because I refused to force her to be naked in front of others. If she decided to discard it, of course, that was a choice she could certainly make.

I watched as she moved toward one of the lounge chairs, stopping when Leah waved her over.

When I heard footsteps behind me, I didn’t bother to turn. I knew Taurus had come out to join us, awaiting his instruction.

“Taurus, you’ll stay with Braelyn today. Should she need anything, it’ll be your responsibility to get it for her. Ari will tend to anything I need, and Auberon will be there to assist.”

With that, I headed down to the pools. As I approached, I could feel Braelyn’s eyes on me, knew she was watching as I stopped to talk to Laura Dunbar, who was reclining on one of the lounge chairs, her naked possession seated behind her, rubbing oil over her skin.

“You look relaxed,” I said in greeting.

Laura smiled up at me. “Most certainly. And I’m looking forward to doing a lot more of that today.”

I nodded. “If there’s anything you need, just ask.”

I didn’t bother stopping to talk to Brad and Leah, because they were now conversing with Braelyn. I paused to chat with Drago Marx, the Owner who was currently on his third visit to the island. Drago was an interesting character. He was in real estate, his home base in New York. He’d worked his way up, establishing a very successful brokerage firm that had made him a lot of money over the years. As far as possessions were concerned, he knew exactly what he wanted, but he had a difficult time pinning down what would make him happy. Considering it was rarely possible for one person to tick every single box, it appeared Drago was having an issue prioritizing his needs and coming to a final decision. Based on the update I’d received this morning, it appeared he had overcome his uncertainty this time around.

“Drago. It’s good to see you out and about today.”

The older man shielded his eyes as he peered up at me. “I figured today would be my true test,” he said easily. “As much as I enjoy your hospitality, I think it’s time for me to make a decision.”

I agreed with him but didn’t say as much.

“Are you finding what you need?”

“I believe I have. Finally.”

The male possession at his side was kneeling on a towel, his eyes lowered, hands clasped behind his back. Because he was naked, his current state of arousal was clear, something that was not uncommon around here.

“Enjoy your day,” I told Drago before walking away, Ari following close behind me.

I headed over to Braelyn, noticing Taurus was already at her side, his full attention on her.

“I’m glad you could make it down,” I told Braelyn by way of greeting.

Her smile was dazzling, filling me with warmth.

I peered at Leah. “I hope you don’t mind that I’m going to steal her away for a bit.”

“Not at all,” she said, flashing pearly whites.

I held out my hand to Braelyn, assisted her to her feet when she placed hers in mine.

“I’m not sure you’re aware of this,” she said, a teasing note in her voice, “but you have an entourage of possessions today.”

I grinned. “I do. However, Taurus is here for you today.”

“Oh.” I felt her hand tense. “I just thought you’d be here with me.”

“I will,” I assured her. “I’ve carved out the entire day for my dirty girl.”

When I stepped into one of the empty cabanas, Ari immediately began tying the curtains back on all sides so that our view wasn’t hindered. Before Braelyn could sit, I pulled her into me, bringing her onto my lap as I took a seat on a thick-cushioned sofa.

“You’re not getting away that easily,” I whispered into her ear.

“Is this appropriate for a business meeting?” she countered, her eyes already scanning our surroundings.

“Who said anything about business?” I tightened my arms around her, not to hold her in place but simply because I wanted to touch her. “Today, I’m simply another Owner out to enjoy myself.”

“So this is the last full day for them?”

“It is.”

“And the next retreat? I didn’t see it on anyone’s calendar.”

“Hasn’t been scheduled yet. End of February, maybe.”

She smiled at me. “I assume you’ll let your