Page 34 of Owned (Office Intrigue Duet 8)
Rather than panic that he’d seen me naked, for the first time in my life, I decided to let the moment play out, finding that I thoroughly enjoyed the way those slate-gray eyes skimmed my body like a physical caress. I could blame it on my self-imposed abstinence for the past year, but I didn’t think it was only that. It was strange, yes, but there was something about Talon that made me trust him.
Speaking of trust…
“Is my brother here yet?”
Talon removed the phone receiver from its mount on the wall beside him. He relayed my question, then was quiet for a moment before finally responding with a quick “Thank you” and hanging up.
“They’re getting him settled in.”
Settled in? Why did that sound foreboding?
“You said he was all right,” I accused, my voice a bit higher pitched.
“He is.” Talon’s tone was smooth as silk. “I assure you, he’s in the best hands.”
“That’s not the same as being all right.” Instantly I was on my feet, wincing. “I want to see him.”
Talon stood slowly, gracefully. Rather than take me to my brother, he stepped closer, tilting my head back so I was forced to look up at him.
“We’ll be taking off momentarily,” he explained. “Once we’re in the air, I’ll take you to him.”
If it weren’t for the sincerity in his eyes, I would’ve argued. For whatever reason, it didn’t feel like Talon was placating me. Then again, if he was … if something had happened to Ransom and he was hiding it, there would be hell to pay.
“The pilots are readying for takeoff,” he said softly. “You should buckle up.”
With the wind once again out of my sails, I eased back into the chair, peered down at the arms, hoping to be discreet while I searched for the seat belt because there was no belt or buckle waiting for me to connect them. Maybe that was just a movie thing?
“Let me help you,” Talon said firmly, leaning down and opening the cushioned armrests on each side of the chair. Sure enough, there were seat belts built in, as well as a dozen other controls I didn’t get a chance to identify. My attention shifted to his big hands as they began adjusting the belt and effectively securing me.
I’d never really noticed a man’s hands before. Talon had nice hands. Like, really nice hands. They were smooth, his fingers long and wide, his nails short and clean. It made me wonder what he was capable of doing with those hands. Namely, what sort of pleasure could be induced by his touch, his…
I inhaled sharply when I looked up to find he was still bending forward, his face dangerously close to mine. I couldn’t see his eyes, but I could feel the smooth skin of his cheek lightly brushing mine.
God, he smelled good. It was a scent similar to that which had been on the leather jacket. Only this was more powerful, but not in an overbearing manner. It was uniquely Talon, a scent that stirred things inside me.
“Comfortable?” he asked, his voice pitched low.
“Yes. Thank you.”
He nodded, his cheek brushing mine again before he stood tall and returned to his seat.
Several minutes passed as a series of announcements came through the speakers strategically placed throughout the space.
A man I assumed to be the pilot gave a brief announcement, including weather conditions, and then a woman—flight attendant?—gave a few instructions over the intercom. All the while, I glanced around Talon’s office, admiring the spacious room, the furnishings, the decor. There was a minimalist element to the room, and it felt as though it suited Talon, though I wasn’t sure how I knew that other than the fact I was sure he contributed to the design choices. He seemed like a man who was in control of every aspect of his life.
“Are there others joining us? I mean, besides the doctor you mentioned?” I prompted when Talon disconnected from another phone call.
“There are, yes. Although I have offices in various US states, my base of operations is on Sapphire Island. While I am prone to splurge on luxury, I prefer not to waste if at all possible. Taking the jet to and from the island is costly, so I tend to keep my staff close.”
“Let me guess, you own the island?” I’d meant it to be teasing, but I should’ve known it was fact.
“I do.”
I did my best not to act surprised. “How long is the flight?”
“Roughly seven hours.”
I smiled shyly. “I’m sorry if it seems as though I’m interrogating you.”
Talon laughed, a deep, throaty sound that made my skin tingle. “I enjoy your curiosity, Miss Bishop.”
My thoughts instantly drifted back to seeing him watching me in the mirror, and I realized I enjoyed his curiosity, as well. Not that I would share that fact with him. It was bad enough my nipples had pebbled tightly and my clit throbbed with excitement. Strange how a couple of hours ago I was in dire straits, escaping the clutches of a madman. And here I was, contemplating what it would feel like for Talon to touch me with those really nice hands.
