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

cupping my face and staring intently into my eyes. “Once Auberon gets everything ready, he’ll leave you be. Will you be all right?”

“Of course.” I could see his skepticism, so I plastered on a smile. “Really.”

Talon nodded, then turned and left the room, leaving the doors open on his way out.

Auberon—what kind of name was that?—returned a moment later, walking toward me with purpose.

It took effort not to look at his muscular chest, his rippling abs. No doubt, the man was a feast for the eyes, but knowing he belonged to Talon made me feel wrong for admiring him, so I immediately looked away, focusing on the far wall.

Without a word, he continued out into the hall, securing the doors closed behind him, leaving me alone in the opulent space.

The room, which I took to be Talon’s private quarters, was designed with rich, dark wood and expensive linens. The cream-colored carpeting in the sleeping area was plush, the bedding luxurious. I took it all in. There were two recliners on one side positioned with a small table and a computer monitor mounted to the wall on a retractable arm between them. I would bet there were seat belts hidden, for use in the event of turbulence or something.

Not that I knew the first thing about airplanes or turbulence. I’d never been in one before. Everything I’d learned had come from movies. That was my way of seeing the world.

Everything in this room was secured in place, including the shelf of books—spy novels, from what I could tell—that formed a headboard, the electric fireplace set in the wall, as well as the big-screen TV.

The bed appeared larger than normal, and I figured it was custom-made to accommodate Talon’s long body. As I stared at the mocha-colored duvet and the soft cream sheets, I wondered if anyone had been in that bed with Talon. Auberon, probably. Others? How often?

Shaking off the thought because Talon’s personal life was none of my concern, I headed into the bathroom.

“Holy crap.”

Yes, that was me on repeat, but I couldn’t come up with anything more to say. The floor was tiled, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if it was heated. There were double sinks mounted in stone vanities, a double-sized shower, a walk-in closet, and yes, even a separate area for the toilet.

“Probably has instant hot water.” I turned on the sink and found that, yes, I was right.

Seeing that there was a plush black robe hanging outside the shower for when I was finished, I opted to get in. The steam rising up and over the clear glass beckoned me, promising warmth.

As I disrobed and stepped into the lavish shower, I wondered if the experience of taking a shower on a plane was any different than anywhere else.

I smiled, and this time it felt sturdier. “I guess I’m about to find out.”

*

TALON

An impromptu trip back to Sapphire Island required effort to accommodate, especially on a major holiday.

Not that any of my employees would ever complain, but I was well aware of what went into it. Hence the reason I pitched in to make the required calls to get things in order, including one that had Tiegan making a quick trip to get Braelyn some clothes. Because she was incredibly efficient, I knew my assistant would be prompt, ensuring she didn’t delay takeoff. Since we were still waiting for Zion and Ransom, a few minutes could be spared.

Once that was done, I considered getting situated in my office and taking care of a few things while Braelyn completed her shower but changed my mind when my curiosity got the best of me.

I was not a man prone to curiosity, mind you. Rarely did anyone or anything pique my interest enough to divert my attention from important matters such as the businesses I’d dedicated my life to. Turned out, Braelyn Bishop was an exception, as I’d learned over the course of the past year, which was how I found myself in my private quarters, lurking.

Rather than settle into one of the recliners and wait for her to finish, I wandered into the bathroom, past the glass-enclosed shower, and into the walk-in closet to change. I traded the tuxedo for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, no shoes. While I had a professional persona I maintained meticulously, this was the attire I preferred, although rarely did anyone ever see me in such. At least not people who were not closest to me.

On my way back to the bedroom, I came up short when I caught a glimpse of Braelyn in the mirror. She was still in the shower, hands raised as she rinsed shampoo from her hair, the bubbles sluicing over the tips of her small, upturned breasts, then down her long, slender form. I was captivated by the sight, completely enthralled, unable to look away.

Now, I’d seen plenty of naked females in my life, but rarely did one capture my attention in a manner that had my jaw unhinging. Short, tall, thin, thick, light-skinned, dark-skinned, I’d seen them all, and I appreciated them all, never before having a preference. From a sexual aspect, I enjoyed both men and women of all races and nationalities, but there was something profoundly sensual about the woman standing in my shower. The way she moved, her long limbs graceful as she went through the motions.

I wasn’t sure if I made a sound or if Braelyn simply sensed my presence, but she turned around and looked into the mirror, her eyes meeting mine in the reflective glass.

Based on what I knew of her, it wouldn’t have shocked me if she had squealed in alarm, tried to shield her nakedness from my intruding gaze. She didn’t. In fact, she continued on as though she hadn’t caught me watching her.

For a brief moment, I wondered if that was the case, but then she spoke.

“Do you like what you see?”

She was teasing me; I could hear it in her tone. But beneath