Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,47

cold, but all she has is a thin cardigan and a cream chiffon blouse. Her skirt covers her legs to her knees, but I imagine she’s going to be cold.

I don’t have a single item for a woman in this house. I should’ve been more prepared, but I had no intention of taking her out. Next time I’ll be ready. I’ve already sent a text to Linda with Dahlia’s sizes and everything I want for her. The thought takes me off guard that there will even be a next time. But I can’t deny that I’m already thinking about taking her out again. Just the mention of dinner made her obviously happy.

I love the look on her face, and I want to keep her satisfied.

I know Madam Lynn has extended contracts in the past, so perhaps my Dahlia will be happy enough with the same arrangements.

I slip my jacket off my shoulders and place it around hers even though we aren’t outside yet. She turns in the foyer, her heels clicking on the marble floors to look at me.

“I’ll be alright,” she says sweetly.

“That’s not the correct response, my treasure,” I leave a small note of admonishment to linger and she recognizes it although it’s mostly meant to be playful.

“Thank you, sir.” The soft blush to her cheeks makes her look innocent.

My fingers itch to reach out to her, but I resist. I know it’s harder on Submissives to see the lines between a traditional relationship and what we have.

Dahlia’s doing so well though. Especially for someone who’s never participated in this lifestyle. “How are you enjoying this so far?” I ask as I slip my wallet into my back pocket and grab the keys off of the table.

“This?” she asks me, gesturing between the two of us.

A smile is forced onto my lips at her confusion. “Yes, Dahlia,” I open the door and splay my hand on her lower back to lead her out, “how are you enjoying our arrangement?” I lock the door behind us and pull out my phone to send a text to Andrea letting her know we’re leaving.

“I’m liking it so far,” she says softly, the color intensifying in her cheeks. The sight of her shy beauty captivates me. I’ve loved every minute of pushing her boundaries and exploring the curves of her body.

“Good.” I smile down at her and she rewards me with a sweet soft hum as she rocks back and forth on her heels, waiting for me to lead her away.

“You’re excited for dinner?”

“I am,” she replies and her smile widens. My chest swells with pride that I can put that beautiful look on her face.

My hand rests gently on her lower back and I lead her along.

She’s quiet as we walk down the hallway and get into the elevator. The lighthearted feelings wane as I think about where we’re going. It’s late, but the paparazzi will be there, Andrea assures me in her text back. We won’t even know they’re there. A late-night candlelit dinner for two in a private room. It should be enough to satisfy the PR firm.

I clear my throat and consider what Dahlia will think of this. She needs to know this is a stunt and nothing more, but the thought of telling her the truth sends a prickle of unease down my skin. I don’t want her to know any more than she has to. I also don’t want her to be disappointed. She’s genuinely happy, and I don’t want to take that away.

“We’ll be dining alone tonight.” I have to set the ground rules for her. This isn’t a date. I’m not an eligible bachelor. This is simply a dinner that she’s attending with me as a Submissive, although, things will obviously be different.

“The rules are different outside the playroom, Dahlia,” I tell her as I key in the code in the elevator chambers to take us to my floor of the garage.

She huffs a small laugh and her eyes slowly rise to meet mine. “I’m not even sure I know the rules in the playroom,” she says softly.

Something about the look in her eyes makes me weak for her.

“Of course you do. You’re perfect in the playroom, treasure,” I say and cup her chin in my hand and run my thumb along her lower lip. They beg me to kiss her, but there are lines I’m not yet ready to cross. I don’t want to lead her on, and this is already pushing it.

“You