I wanted to believe they’d both be happy here whether the world thought they were dead or not, I knew it would be easier for everyone if they didn’t have to worry who might discover them. Hell, they’d been living that life for the past fifteen years. Had to be an exhausting way to live.
“I’ve already let Braelyn know it’s being taken care of. I told Trent to keep me updated.” He turned to leave.
When Ransom made it to the door, I called out for him.
He didn’t turn around, which made me believe he already knew what I was going to say.
“Braelyn’ll be with me at the pool today. It might be wise for you to be somewhere else if it’s going to bother you.”
He turned to face me, and oddly, I was glad that he did. It told me a lot about his relationship with his sister.
Neither of us said anything for a solid minute, and I could practically see his brain working. He likely wanted to warn me away from her, but he knew me well enough to know I wouldn’t heed it. Braelyn was as important to me as she was to him. The difference was, I wanted to make a life with her, and I was not going to back down from a fight if he wanted to bring one.
“Don’t hurt her,” he finally said, his voice low.
“It certainly isn’t my intention.”
“Then you might consider giving up the side pieces,” he bit out, his eyes darting to Ari. “This is a world she’s not familiar with.”
“I disagree,” I said evenly.
I expected more of an argument, but Ransom held his tongue and turned back to the door.
When he left, I glanced over at Ari. “Locate Auberon. Have him join us.”
While he went to summon the other possession, I ventured out onto the veranda, observing Zion as he sauntered over to Brad and Leah, obviously getting in some face time, checking in with them. It was in our best interest that they remain happy. We didn’t have much repeat business due to the nature of it, but we did get a lot of referrals. After all, like was drawn to like, and many Owners had friends with the same desires.
I heard footsteps behind me, turned to face Auberon. “You, Ari, and Taurus will be with me and Braelyn today. Distribute those chores amongst the others.”
After nodding, Auberon strolled away, and I turned my attention back to the pools in time to see Braelyn walking down the steps away from the house. She was wearing a thin cover-up over her bathing suit, and I was curious as to which one she had selected for the day. I’d had three delivered, none of which were a one-piece. I’d done so because I refused to force her to be naked in front of others. If she decided to discard it, of course, that was a choice she could certainly make.
I watched as she moved toward one of the lounge chairs, stopping when Leah waved her over.
When I heard footsteps behind me, I didn’t bother to turn. I knew Taurus had come out to join us, awaiting his instruction.
“Taurus, you’ll stay with Braelyn today. Should she need anything, it’ll be your responsibility to get it for her. Ari will tend to anything I need, and Auberon will be there to assist.”
With that, I headed down to the pools. As I approached, I could feel Braelyn’s eyes on me, knew she was watching as I stopped to talk to Laura Dunbar, who was reclining on one of the lounge chairs, her naked possession seated behind her, rubbing oil over her skin.
“You look relaxed,” I said in greeting.
Laura smiled up at me. “Most certainly. And I’m looking forward to doing a lot more of that today.”
I nodded. “If there’s anything you need, just ask.”
I didn’t bother stopping to talk to Brad and Leah, because they were now conversing with Braelyn. I paused to chat with Drago Marx, the Owner who was currently on his third visit to the island. Drago was an interesting character. He was in real estate, his home base in New York. He’d worked his way up, establishing a very successful brokerage firm that had made him a lot of money over the years. As far as possessions were concerned, he knew exactly what he wanted, but he had a difficult time pinning down what would make him happy. Considering it was rarely possible for one person to tick every single