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

RANSOM

After leaving Jasper, I returned to my villa to find Talon and Braelyn had already left. It gave me time to shower, to dress—in new clothes I found provided for me in my closet—and to get another cup of coffee.

It was then I noticed a folder sitting on the kitchen table. I flipped it open, glanced at a sheet of paper with a number on it. A very large number.

I turned the page, saw what appeared to be an offer letter.

Chief operating officer of Owned, Incorporated.

Sitting down became necessary as I read the bulleted items outlining some of the job responsibilities, followed by a few brief paragraphs requesting I consider accepting this position with a promise of that very large number being my salary. It was signed by both Talon and Zion. On the inside back cover of the folder, Talon—I assumed it was him—said we would meet to discuss further.

A job offer.

One that would allow me to remain here on Sapphire Island and to save more than enough money to ensure my sister never had to worry about anything. I wasn’t sure what to think, but considering it was certainly my top priority. I mean, my life was technically over thanks to my staged death, so what did I have to lose?

My thoughts shifted to Jasper, and I had to wonder what he would say if I told him I would be residing here permanently. Would he be pleased? Would he hate the idea? Would he finally break down and tell me why he’d abandoned me all those years ago? As for the last, did I even care to know why?

So much to think about.

Because I was getting text updates from Zion, I knew the Owners had arrived, so I ventured over to the Owners’ Retreat to see how it was all going down. For the most part, it appeared no different than check-in at a big resort. Only difference being that there were a limited number of people arriving here.

Once everyone dispersed, I met up with Gideon, who provided me with a rundown of how it worked upon arrival. He also informed me that Memphis would be leaving the island—he didn’t explain why—so one of the visiting trainers would be taking over his spot. I offered to help out should they need me, and Gideon gladly accepted my offer.

I was surprised by how much information Gideon supplied, almost as though he was reporting directly to me. Had Talon mentioned it to him? I had to think he had, although I didn’t know how my new role would affect his or what exactly my day-to-day duties would be.

Did Talon automatically assume I would take the position? Considering I didn’t have much of a choice in the matter, and I was getting tired of sitting on my ass, I was definitely leaning in that direction. But I wouldn’t make a final decision until I had a chance to discuss it with Braelyn. She deserved to have a say in it. If she chose to leave the island, to start over somewhere else, I wouldn’t hesitate to leave all this behind and go with her. She was and always would be my top priority.

My first official task came when Talon appeared with my sister at his side.

“I’m going to start delivering the possessions for inspection,” he explained to me.

I tried to pay attention to his words, although I was distracted by the way he was holding Braelyn’s hand. It took effort not to stare, and the only reason I managed was because Braelyn glared at me when I would.

Looked as though they’d made up. Good or bad, I wondered.

“Should you opt to take the job, this—”

“I … uh…” I interrupted. “I’ll need to discuss with my sister first.”

“Of course. In the meantime, this would be one of the duties I’ll pass on to you. The delivery of possessions upon the Owners’ arrival.”

“In that case, I’d like to join you as you do that,” I told him, my gaze still darting to Braelyn. “Will you be tagging along?”

“Unless you have a problem with that,” she said, her tone polite, but I detected the curt undertone.

“No problem.” I figured if it was too much for her, she was smart enough to take her leave.

“The first step is to inform Gideon as to the order of delivery,” Talon stated. “That way he’s able to ensure the Owners are aware of the schedule. I’ve done that already, so our first delivery is to Brad and Leah Townsend.”

When Talon motioned for me to follow, I fell into step with him, moving through the main floor of the resort and over to the elevators.

“Technically, Leah Townsend is the Owner, her husband her submissive,” Talon explained. “This is their first time to the island, although they’ve been active on the app for nearly two years.”

We exited on the third floor, heading to the left. From what I’d gathered, there were four guest rooms on each floor and another ten or so rooms where the possessions and on-site trainers stayed. I made a mental note to get better acquainted with the resort and the different rooms. I was one who liked to have as much knowledge as possible.

Talon rapped his knuckles on the door marked with a brass number three.

I heard nothing beyond the door, and I wondered if that was because the guests were quiet or because there was significant sound-proofing. The latter, I realized when the door opened and a pretty copper-haired woman smiled. There was music coming from within, which told me that, yes, there was definitely sound-proofing.

“Mrs. Townsend,” Talon greeted politely. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

She held out her hand and Talon shook it.

He motioned to me. “I’d like to introduce you to the resort’s new manager. He’s in the process of taking over.”

I was?

Braelyn looked over at me and I shrugged and shook my head. Definitely not official.

“It’s a pleasure,” Mrs. Townsend said, offering her hand to me.

I returned the gesture. “The