Page 120 of Office Intrigue (Office Intrigue Duet 1)
Conversations around us resumed, and Master was instantly engrossed in a discussion about book release expectations and the notoriety that Master Arlington had garnered thanks to the efforts of Master’s firm. Someone delivered a salad and set it directly in front of Master. I received nothing.
The next thing I knew, he was bringing the fork to my mouth. Not wanting to be rude, I opened, feeling rather foolish for being fed by my Master. This continued, both the conversation and the eating/being fed. Finally, the main course was brought out. I didn’t even bother to look to see what it was. At that point, I didn’t care. I was ready to go home.
While they talked, again ignoring me completely, I kept my eyes down, waiting for whatever I was supposed to do next. Obviously, I wasn’t going to say anything. I was merely an ornament. A freaking ornament.
Master must’ve sensed my frustration because he leaned over, cupping my face and pressing his lips close to my ear. “I’m proud of you, pet. Don’t think I don’t notice how hard this is for you.”
He leaned down and kissed my neck, just below my ear, before returning his attention to the other guests.
His words warmed my heart and the fact that he was acknowledging me, even without acknowledging me, made me feel marginally better. I had to remember that this was his time to shine. Not mine. And I wanted to be here with him, to share this moment. Even if it meant I had to endure…being an ornament.
I guess there could be worse things.
At least I wasn’t a platter.
•
The party turned out to be a humbling experience for me. Granted, Master did not visit Master Arlington’s dungeon, which was a little disappointing. I was immensely curious as to what a dungeon looked like. However, we did cut out rather early, which I didn’t mind one bit.
The drive home was silent. Master didn’t say anything, nor did I. I wasn’t even sure what to say. I doubted he wanted to hear all the questions I had regarding the evening. Why were the submissives treated like objects at Master Arlington’s house? Was it always like that? Was it popular for women to be platters? Did he ever intend to make me into one?
No, I seriously doubted he wanted to go through that tonight, so I opted to watch out the window as we drove.
When we arrived back at Master’s apartment, he led me inside, then down a narrow hallway. He paused at one door but appeared to change his mind and kept going. The next door he stopped at, he opened and pulled me into the room.
I followed obediently. I could tell that something was bothering him and I knew it had to have been something I did. It had been impossible to keep my eyes down at all times. And at one point, I had gasped at something someone said. I knew I’d made the mistakes, but I had quickly corrected my actions, doing the best that I could.
The room that we entered had a bed, but I could tell it wasn’t Master’s bedroom. It was too sterile, too void of anything remotely personal. It had to be a guest room. Which made me wonder where Landon’s room was. More accurately, where Landon was. Was he there in the apartment? Would I see him if he was? Would he join us?
“Remove your clothing and put it on the bed,” Master instructed, then left the room.
I twirled in a circle, wondering what he intended to do to me in this room. Was he going to punish me by making me sleep alone in his apartment? I hoped not because I didn’t want to be away from him. Although I’d been at his side all night, I felt so far away.
Still, I managed to slip off my heels, the dress, and my panties, placing everything neatly on the bed. Well, except for the shoes. I left them on the floor.
Master returned carrying something in his hand. It had a long handle and dozens of leather strands dangling from it. The ends of some of the strands appeared to be knotted.
“What is that?” I blurted.
His eyes lifted to mine. “It’s a flogger. And until I ask you to speak, I expect you to remain silent.”
A flogger? I’d read about them but had yet to see one for myself. I also remembered that it was a tool that could be used for punishment.
Okay, so I was in serious trouble here. If he was going to punish me with that…that…implement of torture, I knew this thing between us wasn’t going to work out. I couldn’t stand the thought of being beaten with an object, regardless of whether he considered it fitting punishment.
Master removed his jacket, then his tie, and finally his shirt. He was bare chested and I couldn’t look away from the magnificent sight. The way his wide chest arrowed down to lean hips, the crisp, dark hair that trailed down beneath his slacks. The way his muscles shifted and bunched as he moved. And yes, I’d seen him naked before, but I was still dumbstruck by how incredible he looked shirtless.
