Since Monday, I’d spent a good majority of my days dealing with the ins and outs of Owned, Incorporated, learning something new every single day. Turned out, it took a lot of effort to run a company this size. If someone thought it was easy to manage an app catering to something as sinful as owning a possession, they’d be wrong. Talon was very strict when it came to those who were allowed to be part of this world, and it required a team of competent people to keep things running smoothly. And if anyone ever thought Tiegan did not pull her weight, boy, were they wrong. The woman was a genius when it came to managing Talon and everything he expected to be handled. I could only hope I’d become as efficient as she was.
Luckily, I had some nice people willing to help me out. Unfortunately, Tiegan wasn’t one of them. I’d attempted to reach out to her on Monday afternoon, but she had yet to reply to my email. I was tempted to ask Talon about it but decided it would look too much like tattling, and that was the last thing I would be accused of doing. If Tiegan wanted to respond, she would. If not … well, I’d figure it out on my own.
No sooner had I sent an invite to one of the current Owners for a brief conference call to get an update on the status of their possession than Talon passed by my office door, barking a quick, “Join us. We’re in the conference room.”
Immediately I was on my feet, grabbing my laptop so I could take notes during the morning update. I found it far easier to type the details of these meetings than it was to handwrite them, something I’d recently learned I wasn’t all that fond of.
I strolled into the large conference room just a few feet behind Talon in time to hear Zion say, “Well, boss, you look well rested.”
Instantly I looked away, feeling several eyes shift toward me, including Talon’s.
Talon didn’t look any different than he did every other day. At least in my opinion. However, there was something different about him. He claimed it was my fault. And he’d told me this with a twinkle in his eye. Since the night in the pool, we’d spent every single night together. I was no longer residing in the guest room but had been moved into Talon’s bedroom without even realizing I had been. He’d simply had my clothes moved there. I wasn’t sure what that meant for us as far as a future went, but for right now, I was content to live in the moment.
I’d honestly thought nothing of it, because what was going on between us seemed somehow effortless, despite the rocky start we’d had. It appeared he was accepting I had a learning curve where his lifestyle was concerned. I wouldn’t quite say I was used to seeing him with one of his possessions, but it was no longer as surprising as it had been. In fact, I’d go so far as to say I looked forward to those moments. Especially since I was almost positive Talon was setting them up for my benefit now. Like yesterday, when I’d accidentally walked by the main living room to find Talon reclining in a chair while Sim had been giving him a blow job. I might’ve lingered a little longer than was normal, but hey. It’d been hot.
“Where’s Ransom?” Talon questioned, taking a seat at the head of the conference table and accepting a cup of coffee from Corvin, the possession assigned to him today.
“He’s dealing with an issue,” Zion informed him. “Nothing he can’t handle.”
I watched Talon, wondering if he would question it. After my discussion with my brother, Ransom had confirmed with Talon he would accept the position. Under one condition, of course. My brother was nothing if not a negotiator. He’d insisted his office be relocated to the resort since he would be responsible for overseeing operations. After that, my brother had jumped right in with both feet, and I’d heard him and Talon conversing more than once since then about some major improvements Ransom was looking to make. It appeared Ransom had some interesting suggestions as to how to manage the possessions and the resort better. For a man who was used to being in complete control, I’d say Talon was taking it in stride.
“Who has an update?” Talon prompted as Corvin detoured over to me, offering a cup of coffee.
I knew Talon frowned on it, but I offered a polite, “Thank you,” anyway. Corvin did not say anything, but I thought for a second I saw a hint of pride in his emerald-green eyes. It reminded me of the morning when Bram had been in Talon’s room, the way he had—
“Braelyn? Something on your mind?”
My gaze darted over to Talon and I felt warmth infuse my cheeks. “Huh?”
His eyebrows rose and I saw humor dancing in his eyes.
He’d busted me.
“No, I’m…” I cleared my throat, opened my laptop. “I’m good, thanks.”
Gideon kicked things off. “Laura Dunbar turned in one possession sometime close to dawn. She opted to keep the other for a little while longer, but I don’t think it’ll make much of a difference. If I had to guess, she’s no closer to making a decision than she was the last time she came here.”
Talon did not appear surprised.
“And Brad and Leah?” he asked.
“We could send them home today with their possession,” Zed answered with his easy, laid-back charm. “They’re locked and loaded.”
Talon jotted something on the notepad in front of him. “That’s good news. What about Mr. A?”
I took a sip of coffee, listened to the back-and-forth. Zed Lynch was an interesting man, I’d come to learn. As seemed to be his preference, his long, rangy frame was clad in a comfortable T-shirt, legs covered with denim. He wasn’t wearing his signature cowboy hat, but his dark brown hair was mussed as though he had been.
I liked Zed. Far more than I expected to when I first met the man. He was older than the others, I’d been told. In his late forties, and apparently had a wealth of life experience to go along with his age. Two ex-wives, four grown children, seven grandchildren, two former male partners—how Talon had referred to them—and a number of Professional Bull Rider buckles to signify a life hard-lived.
According to what I’d learned, the Texas-born country boy had come to stay on Sapphire island two months ago after he’d made his first visit and left empty-handed. After another week on the app, interacting with a few possessions who’d captured his attention while he was here, Zed had approached Talon with a request for a longer-term stay. At that point, Talon had listened to his reasons and conceded to his request. According to Talon, Zed had not found what he was looking for yet, and he’d admitted he wasn’t sure he would. When I attempted to get more details, he hadn’t elaborated.
“And the others?” Talon asked.
While Gideon went into his lengthy update regarding the status of the Owners currently visiting, my attention shifted to Talon. I enjoyed watching him work, the way he gave his full attention to whoever was speaking. He was very efficient when he spoke, getting right to the point and expecting others to do the same. I remembered his conversation with Memphis on Tuesday, the first meeting I’d been invited to, along with Zion. They had walked through what, in my opinion, was a phenomenal benefits package. Unlike Ransom, Memphis hadn’t negotiated; however, he did warn Talon he wasn’t sure Tiegan was going to be continuing in her role.
To my shock, Talon had insisted Memphis get her under control. He was not willing to lose her as an employee, and he expected Memphis to do what was necessary to retain her. I got the feeling, based on Talon’s responses, it would be the personal relationship between Memphis and Tiegan that would be the saving grace. I’d yet to hear how that was going.
“Take me through the plan for today,” Talon stated when Gideon was finished.
While Gideon and Zed gave an update on the possessions in training and what they would be doing throughout the day, I listened closely, careful to take detailed notes. I’d learned yesterday that Talon was very interested in what went on, and he’d started to ask me for updates. It had become my job to seek out Gideon, Zed, and Ransom for additional details as the day went on.
Since I was eager to show Talon I was suited for this job, I figured it was in my best interest to stay on top of things.
After
all, it seemed to please him immensely, and oddly, that was becoming something I was eager to do. Please him.
*
TALON
Gideon and Zed were finishing up their update when Ransom strolled into the meeting room looking concerned, his full attention on me as he took a seat. Because there was nothing else to gain from this meeting, I dismissed everyone, with the exception of Braelyn and Ransom. I had a feeling I knew what was bothering Ransom, and I figured it would benefit everyone if Braelyn heard it now rather than later.
“Close the door on your way out,” I instructed Zion, who had Micah at his side.
He gave me a questioning look, and I simply shook my head to let him know it wasn’t anything he needed to bother himself with. Zion trusted me enough to know I would pull him in whenever necessary.
“This issue you were dealing with…” I prompted, looking at Ransom. “Did it have to do with Trent Ramsey?”
I could see Braelyn’s confusion as her gaze shifted back and forth between me and her brother.
“He called the resort directly. When they passed me the call, I had no idea it was him,” he said, looking uncomfortable.
I sighed.
“So he does know we’re alive,” Braelyn stated.
Ransom nodded, his eyes focused on his clasped hands. “He put two and two together after running into you at TJ’s party, apparently.”
That much was true, plus it was my fault. He’d overheard me on the phone with Tiegan, when I had mentioned I was taking them to the island.
“He won’t say anything,” I assured Ransom. “However, I do think we’ve got to deal with him.”
Two sets of brown eyes—one amber, the other many shades darker—looked at me.
“Trent was there the night Braelyn came to TJ’s,” I explained to Ransom.
“I know.”
“He’s a smart man,” I continued. “He doesn’t believe the two of you died in that fire.”
“He knows it for fact now,” Ransom stated.
“He’s got a solution,” I informed them both. “One he’d like to pursue, but he’s waiting for my approval.”
Ransom’s eyes narrowed on me. “Your approval? What do you have to do with this?”
I could hear the frustration in his tone.
“For one, you came to me for help. Not to Trent. Being that you technically work for him, he had expected more.”
Ransom continued to watch me, but I saw the understanding there.
“While he’s a man intent on getting his way, Trent understands loyalty. And I’ve informed him my priority is to keep you both safe. I have the means to do that, but it requires that no one else know the truth.”
“You said he has a solution?” Braelyn asked.
I held her gaze as I explained. “Turns out, Trent has some favors owed to him. Keep in mind, his fame garners him some very powerful friends. He’s done some digging, and he knows of someone who can deal with your parents.”
Braelyn’s eyes widened as she looked to her brother then back to me. “Deal with them? What does that mean?”
“Whatever you want it to mean,” I said simply, looking at Ransom.
“If you’re talking about taking them out, it won’t work.” He shook his head. “I know how they operate. Something happens to them, they’ve got people who won’t stop until they figure out what happened to us. They’ll start by digging into who those two people in the fire actually were.”
Which would prove that they were still alive, I knew.
I shook my head. “Won’t be necessary, from what I understand. But it will get them off your back once and for all.”
It was a rather elaborate plan, if I did say so myself. One that involved some Texas mobster who could and would put the hurt on their parents should the need arise. I wasn’t opposed to the idea, but these weren’t my parents, so ultimately, it wasn’t up to me.
“And Jimmy?” Braelyn asked, her eyes wide with fear.
“He’ll be dealt with.” Unlike their parents, that man’s demise was imminent. After what he’d done to Braelyn … he didn’t deserve to live.
Ransom sat up, planting his elbows on the table. “You’re aware of this plan?”
I nodded. “Trent’s been a pain in my ass since I brought you here. He’s determined to help you. Says he owes you.”
“Me? What the hell for? He gave me a job, not the other way around.”
“Something about you saving one of his submissives? Clarissa, I think.” I honestly didn’t know all the details other than Zeke and Ransom had played a part in taking care of things. I hadn’t bothered to ask for more information.
Ransom sighed, seeming to relax. “He owes me nothing.”
“Well, he doesn’t see it that way.”
Ransom was shaking his head. “I don’t want him involved. He does this, I’ll owe him. I owe enough people as it is.”
“You owe me,” I stated firmly.
“Trust me,” he huffed. “I’m aware of that.”
“And this is me calling in that favor.”
Ransom frowned.
“I want you to accept Trent’s offer.” I looked at Braelyn briefly, then back to her brother. “For your sister’s sake.”
As I expected, Ransom peered over at her, his face softening. I knew he would do anything for her, and as it turned out, so would I. I’d already made the decision to have Trent put his plan in motion, but I had wanted to discuss it with Ransom out of respect for Braelyn.
“Say I agree,” Ransom said, his gaze swinging back to me. “What’s to say it’ll be final?”
“From what I gathered, he’s got a line to another Mafia boss, one who’s not keen on some of the things your parents have been doing. You can get the details from him, but he’s adamant it’ll be taken care of.”
“What would that mean for us?” Braelyn asked, hopefully.
“You’d be free,” I informed her. “To live your lives without looking over your shoulder. You wouldn’t have to fake your deaths.”
“Ransom? Is that true?”
“You know as much as I do,” he told her. “But yeah … if I know Trent, he’s certainly got the connections to pull this off.”
“Yes,” Braelyn blurted, locking her eyes with mine. “We’ll let Trent help.”
I felt a strange churning in my chest. Did she want this so she could go back to her old life? Leaving me behind?
There was an actual ache in my heart at the thought of losing this woman.
Especially since the only thing I wanted was to keep her forever.
THIRTY-FOUR
TALON
On Saturday morning, the last full day for the Owners to be on the island, I was eager to get out of the office, to spend some time with Braelyn. Ever since Braelyn had insisted Ransom have Trent implement his plan, we’d been busy. Some of that had been playing phone tag with Trent. The rest was determining exactly how Trent intended to handle things.
As far as I was concerned, it was imperative this work and not backfire in our faces. After all, we were still working under the guise that Ransom and Braelyn Bishop had died in that fire. If things went sideways, there was a real possibility the ruse would be revealed, and they’d once again be targets. I wasn’t willing to do that, no matter how much Braelyn wanted the opportunity to go back to her normal life.
I figured I could take today to enjoy myself. Come tomorrow, the Owners would be leaving, and we’d deal with whatever chaos Trent might’ve caused. For now, I didn’t have to think about either.
“Hey, you got a second?”
I looked up from my desk to where Ransom was standing in the doorway. I motioned him inside as I leaned back in my chair. He glanced over at Ari then back to me.
“If you’re worried about discretion, there’s no one he can speak to, so it’s fine.”
Ransom nodded then closed the door behind him. “I thought I’d give you a heads-up.”
“I already know,” I informed him. “Trent ca
lled me earlier.”
He stared back at me, his eyes having gone cold and hard.
“Do you know this guy?” I inquired, glancing at the notepad on my desk. “Maximillian Adorite?”
Ransom stood before me, hands going into his pockets. “Only what I’ve looked up.”
That meant Ransom would’ve known that Maximillian Adorite was the head of the Southern Boy Mafia. He had ties to organized crime from Texas to New York, and over these past couple of years, ever since he took over the family, he’d been growing his business, strengthening his network. Sounded to me like he would welcome getting a better grip on Chicago, and dealing with the Bianchi family would allow him to do that.
“Appears he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty,” I said.
“It’s the only way.”
I nodded in agreement. “Trent called in that favor to a…” I looked at the paper again. “Travis Walker. Travis in turn called Max. They’re taking care of things.”
“Which means I’ll owe Trent.”
I stood to be on even ground with Ransom. “I don’t see that being the case, but even if it is, does it matter? Your sister’ll never have to look over her shoulder. She’ll never have to worry about some asshole holding a gun on her.”
Just the thought had fire burning in my veins. I wanted that asshole dealt with once and for all. A fact I’d happily shared with Trent.
I studied Braelyn’s brother, wondered how difficult it’d been for him to fake his own death as well as his sister’s. Not once but twice. To give up all they’d worked for, all they’d built for themselves. As much as 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.
Owned (Office Intrigue Book 8) Page 39