the left. From what I’d gathered, there were four guest rooms on each floor and another ten or so rooms where the possessions and on-site trainers stayed. I made a mental note to get better acquainted with the resort and the different rooms. I was one who liked to have as much knowledge as possible.
Talon rapped his knuckles on the door marked with a brass number three.
I heard nothing beyond the door, and I wondered if that was because the guests were quiet or because there was significant sound-proofing. The latter, I realized when the door opened and a pretty copper-haired woman smiled. There was music coming from within, which told me that, yes, there was definitely sound-proofing.
“Mrs. Townsend,” Talon greeted politely. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
She held out her hand and Talon shook it.
He motioned to me. “I’d like to introduce you to the resort’s new manager. He’s in the process of taking over.”
I was?
Braelyn looked over at me and I shrugged and shook my head. Definitely not official.
“It’s a pleasure,” Mrs. Townsend said, offering her hand to me.
I returned the gesture. “The pleasure’s mine, Mrs. Townsend.”
“Please, call me Leah.” She looked at Talon, then Braelyn. “And your lovely friend, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Braelyn offered a smile, but didn’t shake hands, nor did Mrs. Townsend offer.
It was then I realized Talon was not sharing our names for a reason. Considering Ransom and Braelyn weren’t common names, it would be easy for someone to put two and two together if they’d happened to hear the news of our deaths. And since these people were only temporarily on the island, the less they knew, the better.
Smart man.
“Come in,” Leah said, stepping back out of the way.
Immediately, I noticed that she was in fact the Dominant in the relationship. Had Talon not mentioned it, I would’ve figured it out myself. I couldn’t say exactly what clued me in—maybe her walk, her tone, the way she stood proudly when presented with a man as formidable as Talon in front of her.
“We’re here to deliver male two-nine-four for your inspection.”
“Perfect.”
I glanced over at Talon, curious as to where this male two-nine-four actually was.
My silent question was answered when a soft knock sounded outside in the hall. It was then I noticed Talon had not allowed the door to close.
Gideon was there, motioning for the male possession to step into the room.
Talon led the way, Braelyn still close to his side. He released her briefly when he stopped at an electronic panel on the wall and keyed in some information.
A big-screen television came on, a picture of the possession flashing on, along with some basic information alongside it.
“Can you confirm this is the possession you’ve selected?” Talon asked.
Rather than answer, Leah reached for a portable electronic tablet, reviewed it, and then tapped the screen.
Talon had just stepped out of the way when there was another knock behind us. I turned back to see Jasper and Cody stepping into the room, bringing with them a padded foldout table and a large leather duffel bag.
Now it was getting interesting.
Talon introduced both of them as part of the staff here at the resort, referring to Jasper as Dr. Tate and Cody as Mr. Chastain.
They joined us in the spacious living area, nodding at Leah rather than shaking her hand.
“Would you like to do this in here, Mrs. Townsend?” Jasper asked Leah directly, his tone smooth as silk. “Or would you prefer we move out onto the balcony?”
Leah considered it, glancing out the wall of glass before scanning the room. “I think in here will work nicely.”
“Very well.” Jasper motioned for Cody, who then set up the table before stepping back.
“Join us,” Leah called out.
A moment later, a man stepped out of the bedroom, head down, hands clasped behind his back. He was naked as the day he was born, and I immediately looked at my sister to see her reaction.
If she was bothered by the sight, she didn’t show it, nor did she give him much attention, keeping her eyes on Mrs. Townsend.
The man—presumably Mr. Townsend—eased down to his knees on the floor beside the sofa, eyes still cast downward, a submissive through and through.
“Two-nine-four has been advised to converse with you should you instigate it. Otherwise, he has been trained for silence here at the resort,” Talon told her, snapping his fingers, signaling the man to step forward.
“Would you prefer I lead?” Talon offered. “Or would you like to handle the inspection