proved futile, I’d ventured out.
My midnight stroll had led me to what I could only describe as an elaborate resort courtyard complete with waterfalls and climbing rocks, swimming pools, an outdoor kitchen, and more space than any single individual should ever need. Not to mention, a naked Talon and an equally naked possession of his engaging in what looked to be a rather fulfilling late-night swim. At least the blow job had seemed fulfilling, something I’d found myself watching despite my lack of desire to do so. There was just something about Talon that drew me. It wasn’t sexual by any means. The man did nothing for me in that way. However, it was possible I was in awe of him. In all that he’d built for himself and how he managed his life. Of all the people I knew, Talon seemed to be the one who had it all together.
And today, I was hoping to take a deeper dive into what it was he had going on here. If I was lucky, I would be able to wrangle Jasper into giving me a personal tour of the grounds, perhaps introduce me to those responsible for running this place like the well-oiled machine it appeared to be. Although the idea of some downtime was appealing, I was not a man who did well with idle time.
A knock on the door had me peeking my head out of the kitchen, wondering if I’d summoned Jasper simply by thinking about him. “It’s open.”
“I take it you’re feeling better.”
Not Jasper.
When Talon appeared, I smiled and nodded, continuing to pour my coffee. “Almost as good as new.”
“Liar.”
Okay, fine. I was lying. I felt like I’d been hit by a Mack truck. Or perhaps like I’d gone headfirst into a tree.
“Maybe not one hundred percent,” I admitted, ignoring the ache in my shoulder as I replaced the coffee carafe. “But better than I was two nights ago.”
“That I believe.”
“Care for a cup?”
“I’ll hold off until breakfast.”
“Suit yourself.” I took a sip, fought the urge to close my eyes because this was perhaps the best coffee I’d ever had. “What brings you by?”
“Thought I’d give you a glimpse of what goes on here.”
It appeared I wouldn’t have to wrangle Jasper after all. I would get the inside scoop straight from the horse’s mouth.
“Bring your coffee,” Talon said with a smile.
I topped off my cup one final time, mock toasted Talon, then followed him to the front door. Since Talon was dressed down from what I’d seen him in previously, wearing a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt, I figured my attire of athletic shorts and T-shirt—what I’d found in the dresser—were appropriate. And because he was sans shoes, I opted to do the same.
“We’re casual here,” Talon said, obviously noticing that I was checking out his attire. “I leave the suits and the shoes in the closet.”
“Can’t say I blame you there.”
“I’m sure you’ve got questions,” Talon prompted as we left the villa, heading for the path that led to the courtyard.
“Only a few dozen.” I went on to tell him how I’d gotten a brief glimpse of the grounds last night, purposely leaving off the fact I’d witnessed his playtime.
“Possessions in training,” Talon explained. “That’s what we’re responsible for here.”
Nodding as though I understood, I hoped he would continue.
“Where you’re familiar with Dominants and submissives, even Masters and slaves, what transpires here is a bit more … regimented. We refer to them as possessions because that is what they are. And those who seek to obtain them are known as Owners.”
“Owned, Incorporated,” I mused.
“I’m not big on subterfuge as you can imagine.”
No, he was not.
We walked down the short path toward the center of the enormous resort, as Jasper had referred to it. “And this is where you what? Train people to become possessions?”
“To put it simply, yes. But not just anyone. Only those who’ve proven themselves worthy of becoming something owned by another. The process only works if the person has a deep-seated desire to be such. The same goes for Owners. I’m incredibly selective about those who wish to partake of my services.”
“Do tell.”
Talon stopped along the slate-tiled walkway that surrounded the interior courtyard, wrapping around and following the lines of the buildings that formed a U around the space.
“That’s my residence and the main office.” He motioned across the way to the four-story house that cascaded down so that the third floor was actually ground level, then pointed to the bottom