it a point to, yes.” Once more he looked down at me. “This is something that’s important to me. I understand the needs because I have them myself.”
Another thing I liked about Talon. His conviction.
“Was Mr. A going to join the party?” I asked, looking around but not seeing him.
“He’s outside on the patio.”
There was something in his tone that had my curiosity piquing, but I didn’t ask for details. I figured there would be plenty of time to observe everything that went on at one of these events.
Eventually.
*
TALON
I found it interesting to watch Braelyn interact with the various people in attendance. At times it was difficult to remember she was only twenty-four years old, a fact I’d had a hard time wrapping my head around when I’d first found myself infatuated with her, although she’d been a year younger at the time. Being that I was thirty-six, that was quite an age gap.
Then again, age was merely a number as far as I was concerned. I’d learned that when selecting my possessions. Auberon was thirty-one—making him twenty-five at acquisition—while Sim was the youngest at twenty-three, twenty upon arrival. Initially, I’d been concerned age would be a serious factor but had learned as I went along that it didn’t matter provided they were legal. At a point, maturity developed naturally, based on one’s upbringing. And though I didn’t have all the factors related to Braelyn’s upbringing, I knew enough to realize she’d been forced to grow up early.
She certainly carried herself well, could talk about most anything, and all the while she maintained a pleasant smile, even when I detected she wasn’t keen on the topic. For example, Laura Dunbar’s insensitive way of referring to her potential possessions. Based on our background checks, the woman was well respected in her community, was held in high esteem as the CEO of a major conglomerate, and even had a penchant for donating to charities for the underprivileged. On the other hand, she had a harsh method of communication and seemed to have no filter.
Then again, Braelyn had asked the woman why she was interested in acquiring a possession in the first place. Sometimes it was better not knowing.
“I’m a highly sexual creature,” Laura was saying. “And I find that dating is an impossibility. Not only because I’m married to my job but also because it’s difficult to find a man who understands some women simply need to fuck. Sometimes multiple times a day.”
Braelyn’s gaze bounced over my face before returning to Laura. “Why not invest in a dildo?”
Laura’s harsh laugh rang in the open space. “Oh, honey, I could own stock in the sex toy industry. It’s not the same.”
“You’re a beautiful woman,” Braelyn told her. “I doubt it’s difficult for you to find someone to … sate your urges.”
“I work a lot of hours, don’t have time for the annoyance that comes with dating. The men I work with are absolutely off-limits. Plus, I’m looking for a certain type of companionship. I’ve attempted to go the fetish club route but found it time-consuming and lacking. I prefer one who’s dedicated solely to me.”
“To each his own,” Braelyn said, her smile still in place.
Laura glanced at me. “I like her.”
“I do, too,” I replied. “If you don’t mind…”
I steered Braelyn away from Laura and over to the bar.
“She’s an interesting one,” Braelyn said. “A little crass for my taste, but I like that she knows what she wants.”
“Most Owners do. It’s how they end up finding us.”
“If you’re not advertising, how do people find you?”
I motioned for Taurus to pour us a drink, and he moved easily behind the bar, set about making them.
“Word of mouth,” I told Braelyn. “In our circles, it goes a long way.”
“BDSM circles, I assume?”
“Partially, yes.”
“Aren’t you a member of Dichotomy?”
I was surprised Braelyn knew that little detail about me. Then again, I was friends with her brother, and as close as they were, it only made sense that Ransom would’ve spoken to her about me.
“I am.”
“Do you take your possessions with you when you go?”
“Never. It’s more of a place for me to socialize.”
“Does that mean you don’t … indulge while you’re there?”
“I do, yes. When it suits me.”
“Is that often?”
I could tell she was fishing now. I liked that she was curious.
“I haven’t been to the club in … probably six months or so.”
“But you were at TJ’s New Year’s party.”
“I was. I’m invited to many social functions. I go when it suits me, but