My eyes widened when her words registered.
“Relax, pet. Don’t overwhelm our guests before you even offer them something to drink.”
“I’m sorry, Master,” Luci stated quickly, a blush stealing over her youthful features.
“She’s not usually quite this chipper,” Luci’s Master stated. “She’s a little star struck when it comes to Trent.”
Trent’s hand was still on my back as he motioned to the handsome man who had joined us. “Clarissa, this is Langston Moore. He’s the Master in Luci’s Master and Sir.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tinsley,” Langston said, offering his hand.
I shook it respectfully and smiled up at him.
“My brother’s around here somewhere. Luci, why don’t you show them to my office while I wrangle him up.”
Based on that accent and the colorful words, I would bet my bottom dollar Langston Moore was from Texas. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to ask before Luci was steering us to the office on the farthest side.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Luci offered the three of us. “Coffee, tea, water?”
“I’ll take water if you don’t mind,” I told her. I would’ve preferred coffee, but my hands were already a little jittery. Probably best to lay off caffeine.
“And I’ll have coffee, Luci,” Trent said, his hand guiding me toward a leather sofa.
I took a seat on the opposite end. Trent sat directly beside me with Troy on the other side. I distracted myself by admiring the space. The room had a rustic flare, accented by the furniture. It was nice, spacious. A relaxing spot for an interview.
I was just managing to get comfortable when the door opened and Langston appeared. Behind him trailed a man who was evidently his identical twin. They were mirror images of one another, with the exception of the glasses the other man wore.
“Landon, meet Clarissa Tinsley.”
Before I could stand, he was at my side, reaching for my hand. “Please, don’t get up on my account. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to stay for this meeting.” His eyes cut to Trent. “I hate to impose, Trent, but I was wondering if you and I could meet for a bit.”
Trent didn’t move. “About?”
“Well, your proposition, actually. Something’s come up and I think now would be a good time for us to jump in with both feet. I know you weren’t expecting that today, but I’d like to outline a few things with you. After Langston’s finished with Miss Tinsley, I’d like to ask her a few questions as well. Then I’ll introduce her to our business partners.”
Trent peered over at me. “Do you mind?”
I shook my head. “No. Not at all.” In fact, it would put me at ease. Not that I told him that. I think Trent liked the fact that he kept me tightly wound when he was around.
“Thank you for understanding, Miss Tinsley. It’s not often we can get Trent in the building for this type of conversation. It’s been in the works for a while, and I think it’s time we put our money where our mouth is. I look forward to speaking with you in a little while.”
“Thank you, Mr. Moore.”
“We’re not formal here. Please call me Landon.”
“Of course.”
Landon turned and left, Trent and Troy following behind him. Before he stepped out of sight, Trent offered me a smirk and a wink.
Luci bounded into the room with a bottle of water—it was in a fancy glass bottle—as well as a glass with ice cubes. She set it down in front of me, then turned to Langston.
“If you need anything, Master, just let me know.”
“Thank you, little one.” He watched as she closed the door on her way out before turning to me.
I couldn’t help but smile. “I can only assume Luci is the submissive you and your brother have recently collared.”
“Word gets around,” Langston said as he took a seat on the opposite couch. “Not only did we collar her, we also married her.” He had a very commanding presence, I noticed. Not much on smiling, but at least he wasn’t frowning.
“Congratulations,” I said with a smile.
His face was beaming when he said, “Thank you.”
“I had no idea your submissive worked for you.”
“That she does.” He grinned, and I realized then it probably was a good thing Langston Moore didn’t smile often, because it transformed him from handsome into something lethal. “It’s an opportunistic arrangement.”
I felt my cheeks warm, understanding all too well what he was referring to.
“Do you have a Dominant, Miss Tinsley?” he inquired.
That was a rather personal question, but for whatever reason, it didn’t bother me. Considering I’d launched right into his personal space, I figured it was only fair.
“No, Sir. I do not.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“Excuse me?” That seemed a rather rude thing to say.
“Oh, no. I apologize.” He appeared sheepish. “You misunderstood. It’s not because you do not have a Dominant. I’m simply not surprised Trent has his eye on you.”
