Page 45 of Owned (Office Intrigue Duet 8)
“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 was already leaving a mark on me.
I leaned down and let my lips linger over hers. Another impulsive move on my part. I could’ve said it was meant to gauge Braelyn’s intentions, but I knew better. Ever since I’d brushed my lips over hers a short time ago, I’d wanted to kiss her again, wanted to feel those soft, plump lips on my own.
There was no hesitation on her part as she leaned into me. I was impressed by the fact she kept her hands at her sides, not reaching, not attempting to take the lead, although I would’ve welcomed her touch.
I didn’t deepen the kiss though I was tempted. But I was still on edge here, and being that I hadn’t kissed anyone in … God knows how long … I feared it would be my breaking point.
Instead, I stood tall, let my finger glide down her neck, over her collarbone and dip beneath the edge of the robe. I lingered there for a moment, gently tugging on the cotton so that it gaped enough to see the swell of her breast, a hint of her apricot-colored nipple.
Still looking up at me, Braelyn said, “Would you like me to take it off?”
Once again, she surprised me.
“I most definitely would,” I assured her, but before she could do so, I stopped her hand. “But not yet.”
She nodded, her golden eyes glittering, her lips parted. I could hear the rasp of her breath, see her pulse pounding in her neck.
“I shall leave you to it, then,” I said as I backed out of the closet, smiling to myself.
ELEVEN
Braelyn
I went the comfortable route, opting for a pair of leggings and one of the oversized sweaters. Because I wore nothing beneath, I still felt naked, but at least these gave the illusion that I was fully dressed. Probably helped that my breasts weren’t on the large side. I wouldn’t say they were even on the medium side, so going without a bra didn’t make much of a difference aside from feeling like I was missing something.
