Page 31 of Owned (Office Intrigue Duet 8)
Because I was curious, I watched where we were going.
“How big is this thing?” I said under my breath as we continued along a wide corridor that spanned one half of the jet and continued for a good distance.
Granted, the only thing to remind me I was even on an airplane was the rows of windows that lined the outer walls of the fuselage. Without those, it would’ve been easy to get confused, believing one was in someone’s luxury home.
“Big enough,” Talon responded as though it had been a serious question.
Talon stopped just inside a set of white wooden doors. “Holy crap.”
With gentle movements, Talon set me on my feet. I held tight to the coats, praying my knees wouldn’t buckle as I admired the masculine decor. The other man was making his way across the decent-sized bedroom, disappearing into what looked to be a bathroom.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Talon said, 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.
