Page 44 of Owned (Office Intrigue Duet 8)
Teach me to jump to conclusions.
I glanced down the narrow hallway that led back to the room where I’d left Ransom. I should probably return there, or maybe go in search of where the others were. Talon had said there were several more people on this flight, but I’d yet to see anyone except for Talon, his submissives, and my brother.
Before I could make up my mind on which direction to go, the door to Talon’s room swung open all the way, and then I was face to chest with the larger-than-life man.
“Miss Bishop.”
I swallowed and made an attempt to meet his gaze, praying he wouldn’t see the guilt in my eyes. I figured it was broadcast all over my face.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Talon glanced behind him, then back to me. “You didn’t. Did you get a chance to speak with your brother?”
“I did, yes. He’s not feeling well. The doctor was going to see him.”
Talon stepped into the hall, stopping directly in front of me. I was forced to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. I noticed there wasn’t an ounce of guilt on his face, and I felt even worse. Why would he feel guilty? He was in his private bedroom with his submissives. They had every right to be … doing what they had been doing. I was the one in the wrong, the one who’d been intruding.
“What’s on your mind, Miss Bishop?”
“Nothing,” I said on instinct.
Once more, Talon pinned me with that knowing stare, the one that reflected his disapproval.
“I’m hungry,” I blurted.
At least it was the truth. Not the whole truth, but it was a start.
“Perhaps you’d like to get dressed prior to joining the others.”
Dressed?
“I’ve had some of your things put away,” Talon noted.
Things? What was he talking about?
“Clothing,” he clarified, a smirk forming on his mouth. “In my closet.”
Ah. Right.
Probably shouldn’t greet the others in only a robe. Heaven knows what conclusions they would jump to if I did.
“Thank you.”
The smile Talon gifted me with made me want to say more, but there was nothing left to say, so I moved past him and into his bedroom. I noticed Rolphe and Auberon were once again kneeling, their hands clasped in their laps, heads tilted down.
I probably should’ve found it strange that they were doing that, but I didn’t. I knew enough about the lifestyle from Ransom and from my own brief stint into Domination and submission to understand that some Dominants had protocols that they expected to be followed. Based on their reactions to Talon, I could only assume he had plenty.
I continued to the bathroom, fighting the images of what they’d been doing earlier as I went in search of my clothes. When I stepped into the walk-in closet, the lights came on automatically, brightening the dark wood that housed Talon’s clothing.
Hanging from one of the bars were several outfits I didn’t recognize. Certainly not my things like Talon had said. Then again, I had abandoned everything I owned in favor of saving myself. I skimmed the assortment of skirts, blouses, leggings, and oversized lightweight sweaters very similar to what I tended to wear. And yes, it was a little odd that his selections mirrored my own considering he didn’t know me. Maybe Ransom had told him? But when could he have?
Opening the drawer beneath, I was hoping to find panties and bras but came up empty. I searched another drawer. The same.
It wasn’t until a throat cleared behind me that I turned to see Talon standing there, his big shoulder leaning against the doorjamb.
“Missing something?”
“Underwear. Do you happen to know where it is?”
“Hmm.” He peered behind me before meeting my gaze once more. “I’ll have to check on that.”
Narrowing my eyes, I turned to face him more fully. “You do not expect me to interact with others without underwear.”
It wasn’t a question, but I got the feeling there was most certainly an answer.
“What would you say if I told you that’s my preference?” he countered, one black brow lifting slowly.
Swallowing hard, I stared at him, trying to figure out what was happening. I’d known this man for only a couple of hours, and here he was making suggestions as to how I should dress. Shouldn’t I be appalled by the notion? Perhaps even insulted?
My thoughts drifted to the two submissives in the other room. Being that Talon had them, what did he want with me?
Talon stood tall and stepped into the closet with me. I held my ground, watching as he neared. My breaths were labored, and that warmth was trickling through my veins again.
“I don’t know what it is exactly, but you tempt me, Miss Bishop.”
Why that made me feel good, I had no idea.
I inhaled sharply when he curled his finger beneath my chin and tilted my head back so I was forced to maintain eye contact.
