Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,33

excitement as I stick the last profile on an outfit. There’s still one last pile of clothes that needs to be organized, and there are sticker papers all over the floor. I’m supposed to help Carla clean it up, but if I do, I’ll be late and I’m afraid of angering Lucian before our first meeting.

I can almost picture the anger in his eyes, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

Carla finishes hanging up a white ball gown, and then turns to grin at me. “Just remember to relax and enjoy yourself,” she advises. “A good Dom will make you feel safe in surrendering to him.” She pauses and bites her lower lip, as if unsure if she should say something else. “And let me know all the dirty details tomorrow!” she blurts out.

“Seriously?” I give her a pointed look. “But you just scolded me earlier about the NDA.”

Carla scowls at me with consternation. “Fuck the NDA! Lucian is hot as fuck. I want to know what happens, or else!” She gestures at the leftover work. “Besides, you owe me for leaving me to deal with all this alone. Hopefully Lucian leaves a red print on that ass for me in revenge.” She gives me a devious grin, and I imagine her mind is filled with dirty, depraved thoughts.

I blush furiously and let out a laugh. “My, my, that attitude isn’t very submissive, is it? But okay. I’ll be sure to take notes.”

Carla mimics the thumbs up Debra loves to give when someone is doing a good job. “Good girl.”

I laugh again and leave Carla to clean up our mess and make my way downstairs, my heels clicking against the floor. I walk into one of the work restrooms and make sure it’s empty before I walk over to the mirror. I need to freshen up before I meet with Lucian’s driver. I feel like I can barely breathe as I lean against the granite counter. I would’ve preferred to go home to take a shower after spending all day on my feet, but Lucian had been adamant. He wanted me right at six fifteen, and not a moment after. I shouldn’t be surprised. This is a man who is used to getting what he wants. And he wants me. Again, I can hardly believe this is real. One point six million, with a super handsome and ultra-wealthy Dom willing to fulfill my fantasies. And eight hundred thousand of that money goes to me. It’s just too much to take in.

Anxiety and desire roll through me thinking about the way Lucian demanded that I be available for him. Sitting there in that chair, he looked like a man that was dying of thirst. Like he would’ve done anything in that moment to get a drink of me. And I want to satisfy that thirst. My blood chills at the thought of him looking at me like my last ex did. Like somehow he’ll know I’m not enjoying it. That I’ll be disappointing him if I can’t get off when he wants, how he wants. I take in a steadying breath. No, I think and shake my head. Neither of my exes would’ve even known about my problems if I hadn’t told them. And this is about me pleasing Lucian. I can do this, and Lucian doesn’t need to know about how broken I am.

After several deep breaths, I feel a bit calmer. I finish washing up, and focus on fixing my hair and makeup. When I’m satisfied with my appearance, I leave the bathroom and make my way out into the vast lobby and toward the front exit, marked by two glass double doors.

My heart seems to pound harder with each step, and by the time I reach the doors, I’m out of breath. I can’t stop trembling. I’m filled with anxiety over what’s to be my first sexual encounter in years. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a man, and the last few encounters only left me feeling disappointed and let down. A part of me is afraid this will end up being no different.

Outside, a Rolls Royce with tinted windows is waiting for me by the sidewalk. The driver is leaning against the car and immediately pushes off and straightens his shoulders when he sees me. I don’t even have to guess whose car it is.

I place my hand on the cool silver handles of the glass double doors, steadying myself, my legs feeling