Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,63

on the tip of her tongue, but she doesn’t ask it.

“Member ID?” the woman behind the counter asks softly as I pass her the collar.

“Mister 646D,” I answer. I could use my name, but I still prefer the anonymity.

“And would you like it now, or shall I box it for you?”

“I’ll have it now.” I quickly take it, along with the lock and turn to my treasure. She lifts her thick locks up and shivers as I slip the metal collar around her neck. I’m tempted to put the lock in the front, so everyone can see, but I place it on her as it’s meant to go and run my hands down her shoulders and kiss her hair before slipping the lock into my pocket.

“All set?” I ask the attendant. They charge my tab rather than requiring cards to be used. It's more convenient this way.

“Yes, sir. I hope you two have a delightful evening.”

I can’t help but glance at the collar around my treasure’s neck as we leave. Her fingers gently touch the silver band.

“Do you like it?” she asks me as we walk through the hallway and to the restaurant for dinner.

“I love it, because it shows them all that you belong to me.” Her lips part with a lust-filled gasp, and she reaches for my hand. Before she can pull it away, like she’s done so many times before, I snatch it and give her a gentle squeeze before bringing her hand to my lips and kissing the underside of her wrist.

The hallway is empty, and the faint sounds from the playroom diminish the closer we get to the dining hall. Dahlia looks back twice at the sounds of a whip and then again at the sounds of a loud moan.

Her innocence pulls a smirk to my lips.

I nod at Isaac, the first person I see as we walk through the grand entrance and make my way over to him, proudly leading Dahlia toward him. I watch as he takes her in. She’s not dressed as she should be. But she wasn’t prepared, and I have no intention of taking her to the playroom now. Just dinner, and then home. We’ll come back for a show and she can get a taste of what the club has to offer. But only once I know how to help her better. I need to make sure every action aids in her recovery.

Isaac tips his beer at me as we take a seat in his booth. It’s in the back of the hall and facing the stage with a good view of everyone else. Working security, he’s always chosen seats with ample viewing and easy access to an exit. Some things never change.

Dahlia’s quiet as we take our seats and she’s so tense, it seems she’s not even breathing. “Relax, treasure,” I whisper into her ear and gently kiss her cheek.

“How are you enjoying Lucian’s company, Dahlia?” Isaac asks, and her eyes widen for a split second, wondering how he knew her name. I have no intention of telling her, so she can continue to wonder.

“I’m...“ she pauses, considering her words. “It’s better than I ever hoped it would be.” There’s clear sincerity in her voice, and it fills my chest with a warmth I haven’t felt in quite some time. Pride runs through me.

“She’s a natural,” I say as I gently brush her hair, watching a soft blush rise to her cheeks.

“You got lucky,” Isaac says, tipping his beer at me.

“Where’s-” Dahlia starts to ask, but then closes her mouth and stares down at the table.

“Where’s?” he asks her with a raised brow. She’s slow to reach his gaze, and I place my hand on her back.

“You were engaged in conversation, treasure. You can speak your mind.”

Isaac’s brow furrows as he says, “He’s been keeping you sheltered.” He takes another swig and then leans across the table, closer to Dahlia. “He’s been selfish not to bring you around.” A small huff of a laugh leaves Dahlia’s lips, and she smiles slightly.

My shoulders tense slightly at the accusation, not because I’m jealous of Isaac, not because the humor is lost on me, but because it’s true.

I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to have to wear a mask. I don’t want to hide, and at the same time, I don’t want to be watched. I don’t trust people. I haven’t in years. Most notably because of Tricia.

We came here weekly when we were married. We were known