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

“I’ll look it over and let you know.” Memphis stood. “And thanks for the heads-up about Tiegan.”

It was my turn to laugh. “Good luck.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’m gonna need it.”

Yes. Yes, he was.

Turned out, I was the one who needed the luck. Not that all the luck in the world would help me now as I went head-to-head with a very upset woman.

“I cannot believe you would do this to me,” Tiegan hissed, pacing the spacious conference room. “I deserve that promotion.”

Because I knew she was merely venting, I didn’t respond. Had I, I seriously doubted Tiegan would’ve appreciated what I had to say. For one, I didn’t think anyone deserved anything. Certainly not from me. I believed I was more than fair in my business dealings, paying my employees far more than they would earn in the same position elsewhere.

On top of that, I provided them amenities they’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Tiegan came to an abrupt stop, spinning to face me, her hands on her hips. “If I’m not getting the COO position, who is?”

“I’m offering it to Ransom.”

The glare she sent me should’ve singed my hair at the very least.

“And the CMO position?”

“I’ve offered it to Memphis.”

Her teeth snapped shut and I waited for her to explode.

I didn’t have to wait long.

“So that’s what this is? The good ol’ boys’ club? I’ve done every damn thing you’ve ever asked of me, Talon. And what thanks do I get for it? I’m relegated to—”

Her eyes widened as it all sank in.

Tiegan’s words were loaded with disbelief when she said, “I’m going to report to Memphis?”

“If he accepts the position, yes.”

“You know he will.”

I knew nothing of the sort, nor did I tell her as much.

“He’ll jump at the chance to—” She cut herself off, clearly realizing she was about to reveal what they’d worked so hard to hide for the past few months.

Deciding we were going to make no progress, I got to my feet. “I’ve got—”

“I won’t take it,” she declared, glaring at me. “I don’t want the job. I’ll stay right where I am.”

“Unfortunately, that’s no longer an option.” I started for the door.

Tiegan intercepted me, staring up, teeth bared. “Just because you’re fucking her doesn’t make it right. She’s too damn young for you, Talon. Too naive. And we both know you’ll get sick of her soon enough. What do you plan to do then? Make her one of your play toys? I can see it now, Braelyn—”

Before she could say something she would regret, I leaned down and got right in her face. “I’m warning you, Tiegan. And I’ll only do it once.”

Her face was red from her anger when she took a step back.

In an effort not to make matters worse, I continued to the door. No sooner did I turn the knob thanTiegan spoke, her words cold as ice.

“She thinks you’re a freak, Talon. It’s written all over her face. You just can’t see it because you’re all about the pussy right now.”

I took a deep breath and walked out of the room. If I hadn’t, God only knows what I might’ve done.

But as I walked toward my office, I couldn’t help but wonder whether there was a grain of truth in her statement.

TWENTY-FOUR

Braelyn

I had just ventured out of my room, going in search of dinner, when I saw Talon stepping into the house through the open veranda doors in the living room.

He looked good, and I was beginning to realize that was always the case with him. His clothes were similar to those he’d had on earlier: dark faded jeans and a charcoal-gray T-shirt, both tailor-made to fit his enormous body. Not the same clothes he’d worn earlier, because those were still in my room, in the shower, as a matter of fact, right where we’d left them.

It was difficult not to admire him, his incredible physique, long, lean, and layered with the perfect amount of muscle. His chiseled features, angular jaw, the midnight-black hair. All of it came together to form one fine male specimen, and just seeing him set my nerves into riot, my desire for him reigniting in an instant.

I was smiling when he intercepted me, stopping me by pulling me into his arms and pressing his mouth to mine.

Although I could feel tension in the way he held himself, I sighed, sinking into him, surprised by how natural his kiss felt now.

I’d spent a little time attempting to rationalize the feelings I was developing for him after our earlier encounter. I’d had no luck figuring it out until finally I gave up. It didn’t feel like the time or place to try and determine where this was going. It was too new, and there were so many variables I hadn’t taken into account, namely the seven possessions Talon owned. It seemed naive for me to try to insert myself into this on some sort of permanent basis, which was why I’d decided to let it play out. At the very least, enjoy the sex.

“You hungry?” Talon mouthed against my lips.

“Depends on what you’re suggesting.”

His smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, was like light in the darkness, warming me from the inside.

“I was thinking dinner.” He took my hand. “Then I’ll have you for dessert.”

I shivered, a fact he obviously realized because he smirked.

“This way,” he urged, releasing my hand and placing his on the small of my back.

The table in the formal dining room was set for two, complete with an enormous vase of fresh flowers and two tapered candles, the flames casting small shadows in the dim setting.

Talon pulled out my chair, assisted me, then took his seat on my left, at the end of the table.

For the first few minutes, we engaged in small talk while his possessions delivered wine, water, and the first of what Talon said would be a four-course meal.

“Is this how you eat every night?” I asked, picking up my salad fork.

“Dinner’s a