Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,55

share with me. But as much as I want to, I don’t think I can bring myself to tell him. I feel like he wouldn't understand. How could he? Being a Dom is just a lifestyle to him, but being a Sub is a need for me.

Feeling sick to my stomach, I shake my head, plaster a fake smile on my face, and answer, “No… I was just thinking I didn’t save room for dessert.”

Chapter 17

Lucian

I lean back in my chair, facing the large window at the back of my office. From here, the skyline is quiet, moving slowly underneath me. Nothing at all like the reality of being on the busy streets of the city. From up here, it’s calming. The steel and glass shine with a sleek beauty that radiates a sense of power.

I tap my thumb along the armrest of the chair, thinking about the other night. The phone on my desk rings and it draws my attention, but I hit the button to silence it. I don’t need any interruptions right now. I rise from my seat and walk to the window. Last night was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. It was a success as well. Andrea and the agency are pleased with the article that’ll be going live at some point today online and hitting the magazines tomorrow.

Most Eligible Bachelor is on the Dating Scene. …how inaccurate. I sigh deeply and ignore the ill feelings stirring in the pit of my stomach. I’d rather stay away from the press altogether, but I’ve chosen this course of action. I’ll see it through.

One thing I hadn’t quite prepared was my reaction to taking my sweet treasure out. Her lack of understanding is drawing me in more than I ever thought it would. I’m actually excited to take her to the club tonight. I never thought I’d get the same thrill from Club X that I once had. But it’s ringing in my blood.

There’s something bothering her though. It was obvious with the way she was hesitating last night. I don’t like it. I don’t like her keeping secrets from me.

I’ve arranged for a private room tonight so I can get to the bottom of it. I’m sure a little orgasm denial will get her talking. Especially considering how disappointed she was last night before I took her out. An asymmetric grin kicks my lips up. She didn’t fuss with her punishment though. She didn’t argue with me. She’s so fucking perfect, and she has absolutely no idea.

It’s hard to believe she had no experience as a Sub before this. I remember our conversation about her ex, and the curiosity rises in me once again.

I walk back to my desk and click on the emails. Isaac should have a good bit of detail for me on Dahlia’s last relationships. She’s had social media profiles for years, so her background check and history will be sent to me shortly. Maybe I should feel ashamed for digging into her past and violating her privacy… but I don’t. Not in the least. She’s my Submissive, and therefore my responsibility.

Isaac’s a professional. He’s worked in security for years, and I can trust him. It’s not the first time I’ve asked him to look into someone and he’s done it with no questions asked.

My phone rings again, and I stare at it with irritation before finally lifting it off the hook and begrudgingly answering it.

“Stone.”

“Mr. Stone, it’s Andrea.” I recognize her voice instantly. Andrea sounds less than her usual chipper self. She sounds nervous, and the realization makes me stand tall.

“Yes,” I say in an even tone.

The sounds of her clearing her throat fill the phone as I wait with tense shoulders. Whatever it is, she can just spit it out. It better not have a damn thing to do with the article or my comment though. “My comment about Miss Days-”

“Mr. Stone, it’s about your wife.”

“Ex-wife.” I’m quick to correct her. Unconsciously my ring finger twitches as I think about how a ring will never lay there again.

“I’m so sorry, sir. Your ex-wife. She’s taking this to a different level now.”

I huff a humorless laugh. “We took care of that problem, didn’t we?” With the photo and an agreement to several articles over the course of a month or so, the magazines are going for the hotter news and bigger paycheck.

I walk closer to the large window and look down at the tiny cars as they move slowly under