Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,65

Dahlia’s shoulders, consumed by the need to touch her and protect her, my desire just to have her close.

A soft noise from behind us gains Isaac’s attention.

“I’ll be right back,” he says with his eyes on the sweet little thing who just walked into the room, her hand gently settling on the bannister, bracing herself. Her eyes are large and full of shock and wonder. There’s no collar around her neck and she’s walking aimlessly in the room, searching for where she belongs. Her short jumper looks out of place, further making her stand apart from the crowd. But what captures my attention are the thin silver scars on her back. So thin, they wouldn’t be visible if not for the exact placement of the sconces in the dining hall.

I watch as Isaac approaches her and she falls slowly to the floor, never looking him in the eyes. It’s obvious she’s been trained before. But not by anyone here.

“It’s all so overwhelming,” Dahlia’s soft voice brings me back to her. My sweet treasure. She doesn’t belong here, but not because she doesn’t fit in. She does, so well. She doesn’t belong here because she should be home with me. Healing and working on feeling whole. I hate that I ever acted in a way that contributed to her pain.

No matter what she says, I did.

I took her in a way that resulted in her being in pain. It’s unacceptable. I need to make this right. But there are only weeks left.

I need more time.

“You’re coming back with me, and I want you to stay with me.” I say the words as a command although it toes the line of the freedom I’ve given her thus far into the contract. I can see her protests in her eyes, although she remains quiet. She’s thinking that I think less of her. That I think she’s broken. That I pity her. But I don’t. She’s strong and capable, just like she was yesterday. But I can offer her solace. And I want to. I desperately crave to fill those needs that she’s ignored.

“I’m your Dom. I need to fix this so you can better serve me.” It’s easy to make it sound selfish. I am a selfish man. And I’m pushing her. But that’s what I’m supposed to do. My role is to push her to her limits. She can handle this. She’s strong enough.

She hesitates and looks around the dining hall, as if only now realizing where we are. Her beautiful eyes raise to meet mine and she softly agrees, “Yes, sir.”

Chapter 20

Dahlia

I’m your Dom. I need to fix this so you can better serve me.

Sitting at my desk at work, I mindlessly finger the necklace, a gift from Lucian, at my throat. I have emails piling up that I need to respond to, but I can’t get my mind off my current dilemma; I think I’m falling for Lucian. I know I shouldn’t be, given our complicated pasts, but I feel like he’s the first person to ever truly understand me. I’m still in shock that he didn’t call off our contract after learning my secret. Or that he didn’t shy away from my claims of being broken. It seemed to only make him more determined to help me.

I can’t believe that he’s willing to take on my emotional baggage when he can just walk away and find himself another Sub who doesn’t have the same hang-ups. He doesn’t have to waste his time with me, he can have any woman he wants. But it shows that he cares. And I want his help. I need his help. Even if it makes me seem weak. I don’t care.

Still, I’m worried that I’m setting myself up for disappointment. I can feel myself being weak for him. I’m relying on him, and that’s something I don’t do. I feel there’s a good chance Lucian won’t be able to help me and I’ll end up with an aching heart. To add to my insecurities, last night definitely gave me doubts about our future.

I suck in a heavy breath at the memory.

I’d tried to give Lucian a blowjob when it was time for bed, but he claimed he was tired and needed to sleep. He gently brushed my hair away from my face and told me to lie down. I did as I was told, but I hated it. I wanted to accept him at his word, but I couldn’t stop thinking he just didn’t