Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,207

in this club knows to stay far away from her.

Kiersten raises her brow and I add, “no offense.” I don’t at all mind giving the submissive whatever amount she desires and the club the same. The money goes towards the women’s shelters. It’s a good cause I already donate to. For the same reason Kiersten’s chosen it.

It’s not about the money. It’s about ensuring that I’ll get exactly what I want.

I’ve been wanting to take her away from here. I don’t have an interest in engaging in activities here, but I want her. I want to break her. That sweetness about her, I crave it. But I covet her tears of desire more. I see the way her back arched as the braided tails of the whip smacked against her skin. The way she touched the marks with a reverence after being lashed. I could show her so much more. I could give her indescribable sensations, things she’s never dreamed of. And I want to.

All in time, but not here. She’s taking things slowly and going under the radar. I need to take her away now.

“May I ask who?” Kiersten asks with a teasing smile on her lips. She knows exactly who. She’s going to take credit for this, I know she will.

“Lilly.” My flower.

“I’m sorry Joseph, but the rules are in place for a reason, and Lilly is still finding her limits.” Kiersten looks as though she’s ready to leave, and if it were anyone else, I’m sure she would. But it’s me. So she rocks on her heels, waiting for my response.

I know Lilly is still learning, but she can handle everything I want to give her. She’s perfect.

I clench my fists, hating that I’m living by these sets of rules.

Since when did my life revolve around the commands of others?

I’ve lived my life making demands and seeing that they’re met. I’ve murdered, committed crime after crime and lived a life without consequence. I have more power than any man in this room. More wealth.

I do whatever the fuck I want, when I want it.

But in the last few years, I’ve simply been biding my time in this empty world I’m living in. I don’t feel at all like the man I used to be.

It’s time for a distraction. And Lilly is the perfect candidate.

“Don’t give me that look,” I hear Kiersten’s soft voice, laced with sympathy. “I know you’re hurting Joseph,” she says just beneath her breath.

I scoff at her. “This has nothing to do with that.”

“If you want Lilly, you can approach her and ask to be her Master, although I’m not sure she’s ready. If she goes up for auction, you may claim her that way as well. But there will be no deals outside of that.” Her voice is strong although her face is an expression of compassion. I hate it. I hate that she knows me better than I know myself.

A couple’s footsteps echo in the hall as she speaks. I concentrate on the patter of the submissive’s bare feet and clacking of her partner’s shoes. I’m sick of being here. Surrounded by other people I don’t give a fuck about. I want Lilly where she belongs. In my home, in my bed, in her cage when she forgets to call me “Sir”.

“Joseph?”

My eyes snap to Kiersten’s, her soft voice bringing me back to the moment.

“Are you sure you should be taking a slave? Outside of the club, that is?”

My heart sputters in my chest and my blood runs cold. I know why she’s asking. But I’m tired of waiting and living in this limbo. I’m done living by their rules. I’ve never known anything other than the environment I’ve grown up in, but that doesn’t mean I can’t care for Lilly. I know I can.

“I’m certain.” My words don’t convince her, and I know Kiersten’s unhappy, but I don’t care.

I want Lilly.

And I’m going to take her.

I’m going to own her.

Chapter 9

Lilly

I blow my bangs out of my eyes with a sad sigh as I go through my emails and work documents. I’m trying to make sure that my lesson plans are ready for my new students. My heart breaks when I think about them. They’re just middle schoolers, but they’ve already been through so much. I’ve read over each and every one of their files and I can’t believe what they’ve lived through at such a young age. Some of the kids already have a record, some of them coming from