Owned (Office Intrigue Book 8) Nicole Edwards (classic english novels TXT) 📖

done completely in dark mahogany wood. In the center of the main floor was my desk, clear of all clutter aside from a phone and a laptop, which sat upon an oversized, absurdly expensive red rug. The desk and chair were the only things in the space aside from the fireplace.

“This … suits you,” she said softly.

“Yeah?”

“Warm, masculine, minimal.”

I wasn’t sure warm would be used to describe me, but the other adjectives I could see. I was fond of my office, had it designed with my minimalistic taste in mind. There weren’t any chairs for congregating, because I didn’t invite others to join me in here. When I worked, I wanted to be alone. If and when I invited my possessions inside, they would kneel on the floor.

“What’s up there?” She gestured toward the loft overlooking my desk.

“My private play space, accessible from my bedroom. Would you like me to show you?”

“The play space? Or your bedroom?” she countered, a hint of amusement in her words.

Yes, I did like her. “Your choice.”

Her cheeks took on that pretty pink tint. “No. Thanks. I’m good.”

“Later then,” I promised, grinning and ensuring she saw it. “Would you care to see your office?”

Braelyn turned to face me. “My office?”

“Of course.”

“I haven’t even accepted the job and I’ve already got my own space.”

“One of the perks of having an in with the boss.”

I loved that she blushed so easily.

“I’m sure there are plenty of those,” she muttered.

“You’d be correct in that assumption.” I motioned toward the door we’d come through. “Down the hall, last door on the left.”

I’d decided her office would be on the farthest end of the floor from mine. Safety precaution, of course. I wasn’t one to give in to temptation very often—not when I worked, anyway—but I figured if there was anyone who could provoke me, it would be Braelyn. Since this was ultimately a workspace, it was safer for me if I kept her at a distance.

She led the way, and this time I remained a few paces behind her so I could admire her walk. She had a graceful gait, those long legs tempting the beast within me. It was difficult not to imagine them wrapped firmly around my waist while I was buried deep inside her.

What made it more difficult was the outfit she’d selected. When I had decided on them from a variety a personal shopper had chosen, I hadn’t expected Braelyn to approve. Then again, I hadn’t expected her to be a dirty girl, either, and I was almost certain that was a fair assessment. Only time would tell, I figured.

“Talon?”

Clearing my throat, I realized I’d gotten lost in that fantasy.

“This one?” Braelyn asked, peering back at me over her shoulder.

“Yes.” I nodded toward the closed door.

When she opened the door, the room was dark beyond.

“Lights on,” I commanded. “One hundred percent.”

“All automated?” Braelyn inquired. “Like the house?”

“Every inch of it, yes. You’ll notice there aren’t any switches anywhere.” I nodded toward the wall. “There are electronic panels throughout, used to manage functions, as well as logs from my possessions.”

“Logs?”

“It’s how they communicate. Their way of keeping me updated on their tasks, as well as tracking things they need for orders that are placed.”

The room brightened, highlighting a completely empty space. The only thing in the room was the electric fireplace—utilized more for ambience than warmth—as well as a set of doors leading out to a private patio.

“There’s nothing in here, Talon.”

“Did you think I’d take the liberty of decorating for you?”

“Because you don’t know my taste?” Braelyn turned around. “Or because you can’t be bothered with a menial task?”

I stepped toward her, closing the distance until she was peering up. “Don’t underestimate me, Braelyn. I’m a man of many talents.”

Unable to help myself, I brushed the backs of my fingers along the smooth, soft skin of her cheek.

“I believe that,” she said in a husky whisper.

We stood there for longer than I’d intended, caught up in the moment. I wanted to touch her, to taste her. I’d been fighting the urge since I left her last night, and it was beginning to become my sole focus.

Braelyn cleared her throat, stepped back, and ducked her head. “All right. So you’ve taunted me with a ridiculous salary and an office that’s bigger than my apartment.” She looked up. “But you’re forgetting one thing.”

I could’ve told her she was wrong, but I decided to play along. “And what’s that?”

“Where am I supposed to live? Or do you expect me to take a flight into work every day?”

“You’ll live in the main house,” I said simply.

“No. I couldn’t… You said guests don’t stay there. I can’t impose like that, Talon,” she said quickly.

“It’s not an imposition.”

“But it’s your private space. That you share with your possessions.”

I could tell she was determined to keep me at arm’s length. I’d wondered if she would after what had transpired between us last night.

“We’ll discuss living arrangements later,” I decided. “Work might be a moot point, anyway.”

Her head cocked to the side, eyebrows angling downward. “Why’s that?”

“I figure you’re not cut out for what we do here.”

Yes, that was me taunting her a little. Two could play this game.

“Then you underestimate me.”

“Would you feel the same if I told you the seven possessions you’ve seen don’t come close to how many are actually on this island?”

She snorted, as though I’d told a joke. “I can handle your fetishes, Talon. Have you met my brother? When it comes to fetish-fueled fantasies, I think I’ve heard just about all there is from him.”

“Not even the tip of the iceberg,” I said, keeping my voice low. “As for your brother … his extracurricular activities are tame in comparison.”

“Does he know that?” she countered.

“Let’s just say I’ve made a similar business proposition to him, as well. He’s considering my offer. Now, would you like me to finish the tour or have you seen enough?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Okay, fine. I’ll bite. What is it you do here?”

“Are