Page 163 of Owned (Office Intrigue Duet 8)
“I’ve never really thought about it. I do believe that not every person can give us what we need. So, yeah, I could see how there might be one special person out there for each of us.”
“Doesn’t mean we’ll ever find that person,” she noted.
“Those of us who’re lucky do.” I held her gaze, willing her to see my sincerity when I added, “I do believe you’re that one person for me, Braelyn.”
A shimmer glossed her eyes as she smiled. “I believe that, too.”
When Braelyn pushed her salad plate away, Sim came over to take it. When he reached down, Braelyn touched his arm. “Hold off on bringing out the rest.”
He hadn’t made it two steps away when Braelyn was out of her chair and stepping over to me. Curious as to her intentions, I remained where I was, waited until she held out her hand.
Smiling at the shift in dynamic, I let her lead me from the table and over to the middle of the balcony. She kicked off her shoes, then moved in close to me.
“Do you dance, Talon?”
“As a matter of fact…” I pulled her in close, swayed to the soft music. “If you want to dance, we’ll dance.”
Her smile was blinding.
“Tonight’s all about you, Braelyn. Your wish is our command.”
I saw the twinkle in her eyes. “All of you?”
I nodded, watched her expression, still looking for that hint that she wasn’t content with what I was suggesting.
It wasn’t there. In fact, I was sure I saw approval in her eyes.
“I’ve enjoyed their company these past few days,” she said as we continued to sway together, moving in a tight circle.
“Have you?”
She nodded, holding my gaze. “Thank you for allowing them to speak to me.”
I hadn’t been surprised when she had made the request a few days ago. I knew her relationship with the possessions would be different than the one I’d established with them. She needed different things from them, so it made sense that she wanted to talk to them.
“It’s your choice how you deal with them,” I told her.
“I’ve informed them they’re not to speak to me when you’re present. Your will outweighs mine. I think they appreciate that.”
I couldn’t help it. I stopped moving, cupping her face and leaning in to press my lips to hers. It was sometimes hard to believe she was real. No one had ever understood me so completely, and it made me love her all the more.
When I pulled back, her eyes were sparkling.
“You said tonight’s about me, right?”
“It is.”
“Then I want you to include them. All of them.”
“In what way?”
“Whatever way pleases you, Talon.”
I wasn’t sure whether or not Braelyn realized that was the moment I knew I would move heaven and earth to make her happy. Because she completed me in a way no one else ever could.
*
Braelyn
I’d never felt as bold as I did when I was with Talon. He brought out a side of me I’d always kept under wraps. Perhaps it was because I’d spent my entire life depending on someone else to care for me, to protect me. With Talon, I felt as though I was safe, as though I didn’t need to look over my shoulder, because no matter what was there, he would ensure nothing happened to me.
He also brought out that sensual side of myself I’d always wanted to set free. I knew he would accept whatever my desires, would encourage them even.
“Do you like when they touch you?” Talon asked as he stopped pretending we were still dancing, stepping back from me but not moving away.
“I do, yes.” I never took my eyes off him.
“Taurus. Rolphe.” He motioned them over with his fingers. “Undress my girl.”
I sucked in a breath when warm hands began to slowly move over me. They didn’t rush to discard my clothes, seemingly content to awaken every nerve ending by caressing the skin not covered by my short skirt and the silk blouse I wore.
“The rest of you … naked.”
Instinct had me looking over my shoulder, my inner dirty girl wanting to watch.
“Turn her around,” Talon instructed.
And then I had an unobstructed view of Corvin, Sim, Auberon, Ari, and Bram, all removing their jeans, folding them neatly, and placing them on the table. I had to admit, it was a sensual treat to watch them move, and I wondered if they’d been trained to be so graceful. It was something I’d noticed in every single thing they did, when they walked, worked, even sat still.
I’d had the opportunity to talk to them these past couple of days, something I’d cherished more than Talon would ever know. While I understood his desire to have them silent in his presence, I preferred to get to know them on a deeper level. I’d been careful not to pry into their lives before they’d come here, nor did I ask about their feelings for Talon, but I did inquire about the things they liked to do in their spare time. Auberon liked to read and spent quite a bit of time in the library. Rolphe and Ari had a penchant for video games. Corvin enjoyed spending his time in the gym, while his twin, Bram, spent as much time at the beach as was allowed. Taurus was fascinated by crime TV, and Sim liked to meditate.
