Page 117 of Office Intrigue (Office Intrigue Duet 1)
I somehow managed to make the drive without defying his instruction. But the moment I stepped inside my apartment, I tore into the package. Inside the box was one of the sexiest little black dresses I’d ever seen and a black lace thong. Because of the backless, spaghetti-strap design of the simple silk dress, I wasn’t able to wear a bra. That wasn’t a terrible inconvenience, because my breasts weren’t all that big to begin with.
Knowing I didn’t have much time, I managed to shower, then dried my hair and worked it into a sexy updo, leaving some strands hanging around my face and curling them for effect. I opted for my favorite strappy black heels.
And the moment Master’s eyes slid over me, I knew he liked what he saw.
“You look stunning, pet,” he whispered when he greeted me, his hand cupping my cheek. “You’re lucky I don’t strip that off you and ravish you right here on your table.”
I forced a smile and kept from blurting out that I’d be more than happy for him to do that.
“Do you have a coat?”
Crap. I hadn’t been thinking about the fact that it was cold outside and what I was wearing certainly wasn’t appropriate for the weather. I mentally ran through all the clothes in my closet and smiled.
“I do have one. I’ll be right back.”
I returned a minute later with the faux-fur black wrap that I’d bought on sale a couple of years back. I liked the way it looked on me although I hadn’t had the opportunity to wear it. Until now.
“Very nice,” he said as he placed it over my shoulders. “Did you pack a bag?”
“Yes, Master.” I reached for my small duffel, but he took it from me and then led me out of the apartment and down to the parking lot.
There was no limousine waiting for us this time.
Master walked over to a sleek red sports car and opened the passenger door.
Once we were on the road, I turned to him, my curiosity getting the best of me. “Can you share with me the name of the author we’re meeting tonight?”
Master cast a quick look my way, then reached down and took my hand, linking our fingers together.
“TJ Arlington.”
Well, holy crap. My eyes widened. “The TJ Arlington?”
Master chuckled. “I’m sure he doesn’t include the when introducing himself. Then again, he’s rather eccentric, so maybe he does.”
I had been introduced to TJ Arlington’s work by Master. However, it hadn’t taken long for me to figure out that he was one of the most highly anticipated BDSM authors because of his accurate depiction of the lifestyle. “He’s highly respected in the BDSM circles.”
“That he is,” Master confirmed.
“Sir, do all of your clients write BDSM?”
“Most of them, yes. Several don’t have labels for their particular style, but it all revolves around kink and various fetishes.”
Well, that made sense considering he was into the lifestyle.
“Do they all…uh…are they?”
“Participants in the lifestyle?” He chuckled again. “No. They are not. However, TJ is and you’ll find that he’s rather strict when it comes to his parties.”
Eccentric and strict. Interesting combination.
I swallowed hard, my nerves getting the best of me. I had no idea how I was supposed to act. There was something I’d read about high protocol, but I had no clue what that really meant. I’d read tons of information about how submissives were to act with their Doms. Some were very extreme while others were more lax. I had no idea what Master wanted from me and the last thing I wanted to do was disappoint him.
Master squeezed my hand. “You’ll be fine, pet. I have complete faith in you.”
I was glad someone did.
“Can you tell me what your expectations are?” I asked, jumping right in with both feet.
“Once we’re inside the house, you will not be allowed to speak.”
“Like, at all?”
“Not at all.”
Okay, I wasn’t sure I liked that.
“You’ll remain with me throughout, so you won’t have to worry about being on your own. However, should you go to the restroom or anywhere by yourself, you have to remember, you are not allowed to speak. It doesn’t matter what you see or who tries to engage you in conversation. Do not talk.”
“Yes, Sir. No speaking.” I understood that part.
“You are also not to make eye contact with anyone.”
I inhaled sharply.
“From the moment we step inside, keep your eyes on the floor. I will introduce you as my pet, but I will not use your name. At this dinner, you are merely arm candy.”
The idea of that was horrifying. Hadn’t women spent decades trying to fight this exact thing?
Master pulled the car to a stop at a red light. He turned to face me, curling his hand around my neck.
“This is the way TJ wants it. And while we’re in his home, we will respect his wishes.”
