His to Own Read online

  Turning her head, she met his gaze. Well, when all else fails, try the truth, Angela. “You want to control me.”

  A cocky smile touched his perfect lips. “Um, yes, that would be true. I am a Dom.” He pushed a lock of hair out of her face. “You do realize what type of club this is, don’t you, honey?”

  She laughed, realizing how silly her statement had sounded. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. You want a committed relationship. The ‘I own you, you’re my property’ kind of relationship and I’m never doing that again. Ever!”

  His face softened and the scowl disappeared for a short moment. “I own property. Lots of it. And I know the difference between a living, breathing, intelligent woman and piece of real estate. I don’t believe humans should ever be treated in that manner so what’s your next excuse?”

  “I don’t need an excuse. I said no.” She was too susceptible to him to let her guard down.

  Brett sighed. “Yes, and unlike that sad example of a man you chose to scene with this evening, I respect your answer.” He lifted his right hand as if to touch her, then moved both his hands behind his back. “I don’t understand it and I’m slightly offended by it, but I respect it.”

  She wasn’t going there. If she scened with him, she’d cave completely and be right back where she’d been before—a friggin’ possession on a man’s arm, not even allowed to voice her thoughts or opinions. Fuck that. Polite and distant, she continued her mantra. “Thank you.”

  She should have been pleased he accepted her refusal. That’s what she wanted, no, needed, wasn’t it? God, this man frustrated and confused her. “Let me go get my phone and we can get the photo over with.”

  She sat up feeling the strain along her back. After she slid off the exam table, she wrapped the blanket tightly around her.

  Brett opened and held the door for her. “If you’re sure you’re steady on your feet, I’ll wait here.”

  She gave him a quick nod. “I’ll be right back. Thank you.” The blanket smelled of Brett and she brought it closer to her face. What the hell was she going to do about him? He appealed to her in so many ways and yet he frightened her more than any man she’d ever met, even her ex-husband and that was saying something.

  Angela pulled her clothes and purse from the locker before returning to the infirmary. She kept her head down, not wanting to talk to anyone. She just wanted to get the picture taken and head home.

  Brett was seething about Angela’s abrupt dismissal of him. He knew about her past. Hell, he knew just about every fact there was to know about her. The first time he’d laid eyes on her, he’d been interested. They’d chatted for hours that evening and had hit it off rather well. So well, in fact, that he’d run a background check on her. When he found gaping holes in the report, he’d had his private investigator complete an in-depth investigation. Even then, there was a five-year period with almost no data. For the five years she’d been married to Ernest Thompson, small-town big shot, they’d found next to nothing with her name on it, no driver’s license data, no financial records, nothing. It was as if she had dropped off the face of the earth.

  Hearing a tentative knock on the door he pulled it open. Looking tiny and nervous, huddled in the blanket, Angela had him in protection mode.

  “Thanks for waiting.” She looked down at his hand, which he’d attended to while she was gone, then laid her clothes on the exam table. Angela dropped her high heels on the floor and began rooting through her purse.

  He couldn’t read the expression that flittered across her face. Was she annoyed? Angry? He wasn’t sure. “No problem.” He had hoped he’d find some brilliant inspiration, that the words to bridge the gap between them would suddenly form in his mind, but he had nothing.

  Once she found the phone, she held it out to him. “Just push this button and the camera will turn on.” She handed him her phone without looking at him. Angela put her purse near her shoes, then turned around and lowered the blanket.

  He didn’t like that she wasn’t looking him in the eye. Brett took two photos, then opened her address book. “I’m adding my private number to your phone. Call me if you need anything. Sometimes after something like this, the effects linger—nightmares and such. Don’t tough it out alone. You can call me anytime day or night.”

  Once his number was saved, he pressed the call button and felt his cell phone vibrate inside his pocket. Now he had her number as well.

  “Thank you. That’s very kind of you. It’s not that big of a deal. You stopped him before it became too serious.” She pulled a red piece of material from her pile on the table and zipped it onto the end of her skirt effectively adding a swath of color and about six inches to her dress. Next, she draped a red silken scarf around her neck covering her plunging neckline.

  As she reached for her suit jacket, Brett grabbed it first and held it open for her. “Allow me.” Once she had her shoes on, she turned and faced him for the first time since she’d re-entered the room. Holy shit! She was stunning. “That’s quite the transformation. I don’t normally say this, but wow.”

  Angela blushed. “Thank you.”

  Brett held the door open for her. “Have you eaten? After we write up the statements, we could enjoy dinner together.”

  “It’s so kind of you to offer, but I’m tired. I think I’ll call it a night after this.” Her eyes dropped to the floor as she and Brett walked down the two short hallways to Sean’s office.

  “I understand. Maybe another time.” He knew he had to take it slowly, but waiting for her to come to him hadn’t worked so it was time to change plans. He couldn’t go through another evening like tonight. She seemed to be on a self-destruct mission and he was going to put an end to that shit immediately. He just had to do it in such a way that she didn’t find it threatening.

  * * * * *

  Brett knew from the private investigator reports that Angela took lunch alone at twelve sharp. He smiled knowing his timing was perfect. As he swung open the door to the building where she worked, he saw her step off the elevator. When their eyes met, a huge grin spread across her face for just an instant before being replaced by a shy, demure expression.

  “Mr. Mercer, it’s good to see you again. What are you doing here?” Her tone was professional.

  “Please, call me Brett. I’m here to speak with a business associate. What brings you here?” He kept his voice casual though his heart was pounding.

  She glanced up at his eyes then out the glass doors as if she might run from him. “I work here.” She tilted her head upward. “On the third floor.”

  “Are you headed to lunch?” His stomach was in knots and that pissed him off.

  Angela nodded and glanced again out the door.

  Brett stepped directly in front of her blocking her view of the exit. “I’m hungry and this can wait a bit. Let me buy you lunch.” He held his breath waiting for her answer.

  She started to shake her head then stopped and glanced at his eyes once more. “Okay.” She twisted her fingers together, took a deep breath and spoke in a rush. “Yes, I’d like that. I only have an hour though. It’ll need to be someplace close.”

  “There’s a little bakery around the corner. They sell sandwiches, soups and such. How would that work?” He knew she went there most days.

  “Oh I love that place.” She linked her arm through his and began leading the way.

  Brett felt her start to pull her hand away, as if she had just realized what she’d done. He cupped his hand over hers, stopping her retreat. “You look beautiful.” Frankly, her attire surprised him. Her job was a casual clothes environment and yet she was dressed in heels and a suit.

  “Thank you.” She gave a sad glance down at her clothing.

  He needed to find a safe topic. “Have you worked there long? I’ve never seen you here before.”

  “A few months. I’ve just recently moved to the area.”

  He knew she’d lived in Georgia before this. “How did you choose South Carol
ina?”

  “I love the beaches. The water is very relaxing.”

  She took a quick peek his way. If he was reading her correctly, she had more on her mind, so he remained silent hoping she would continue.

  “I went through a nasty divorce a short time ago and needed a change. That and a friend from high school offered me a place to stay until I could get my feet under me.”

  “How’s that going?” He was so pleased she was opening up at least a little.

  Angela chuckled. “Well let’s just say I’ll be getting my own place as quickly as possible.”

  As they reached the restaurant, Brett opened the door for her and was surprised to see the line was ridiculously long.

  “Don’t worry it goes fast. There’s a small park close by; we can go there to eat.”

  The place was not only crowded, it was loud. He wished he’d checked it out before he suggested it. Maybe he shouldn’t rely so heavily on reports in the future.

  He placed her in front of him where he could keep her safe from being jostled. His hands draped over her shoulders and began a light massage. She’d been right; the line moved nicely. “What do you order here?” Bending down and speaking close to her ear, he caught a whiff of her scent. He couldn’t help himself. He turned toward her and discreetly inhaled. She smelled good, damned good.

  “Ham and Swiss on sourdough with a Caesar side salad. It’s very nummy.”

  She smiled at him and his heart skipped a beat. Playful Angela…he hadn’t seen that since the first evening they’d spoken together. “Sounds good.” When it was their turn, he ordered for both of them. Before he made it through the payment line, their food was ready and in no time they were on their way.

  As they walked toward the park, Angela slid her hand around his arm again. It felt right and he liked it. “You know…” He watched her body language, trying to gauge her mood. That she’d taken his arm was a good sign. “We might be able to help each other out. A few of the buildings I’m responsible for have open apartments. It would be better for me to have a renter, even at a discounted rate, than to have it empty.”

  “You manage properties?” She looked up at him guilelessly. “You said something about properties last night.”

  He felt a pang of guilt for purposely misleading her, but he suspected with her background she’d run even faster if she found out he was that Mercer. He knew she was leery of powerful men. Funny how most women were instantly attracted to him because of his money and position of power and yet he had little doubt Angela would be repelled. “I’m surprised after the trauma you experienced last night that you remembered such a trivial thing.” When she shrugged, he continued. “Did you want a place near work?” He hoped he’d avoided answering her query.

  “Yes or the university. I want to start taking classes as soon as I can.” She led him toward a picnic bench under a tree.

  He knew she had married straight out of high school and the P.I. he’d hired hadn’t found any college records. “I have one about in the middle between the two locations. There are a few apartments open. Would you like to check them out and see if one would work for you?”

  “It’s a sweet offer, but I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble.” Angela opened the bag and passed out the food.

  Brett managed to keep a sincere expression and not smile at the notion. He owned a significant number of the high profile properties along the east coast, but she didn’t need that bit of information just yet. “If you could swing three hundred a month, plus utilities, you’d be doing me a favor.” He took a bite of the sandwich and tried his best to look casual, as if it didn’t matter much either way.

  Angela looked at him suspiciously. “I haven’t found a single apartment for anywhere near that amount. How could you rent one for that little and not get in serious trouble?”

  “Whether anyone is in the apartment or not, the owner still pays taxes, insurance and upkeep on the property. It’s exceedingly rare for there to be no vacancies. Three hundred more than covers the costs. It’s better to make a minimal profit than take a loss.” Technically that was the truth. He’d have to make sure it never became known that he had a waiting list for those apartments and they were vacant because they were finishing up a refurb.

  “If that’s honestly the case, then I would love to see them.”

  She was guarded, as if waiting for the next shoe to fall. Smart girl.

  He smiled. “I could meet you after work tonight if you’re free.” He didn’t want her going back to the club until she’d consented to scene only with him. Otherwise, he’d be forced to beat the next would-be Dom to a pulp before he ever laid hands on her.

  “How long would I have the apartment for?” She sounded cautiously optimistic.

  Keep it all business. If the reports on her were accurate, she’d never been on her own. She had to be hungry for a taste of freedom. “Most leases sign for eight months to a year.”

  “So, it wouldn’t be just until someone rented it?”

  “No, it would be yours throughout the term. We could revisit it at the end of the lease.”

  Angela searched his face, for what he wasn’t sure.

  “I’m very tempted. I really want my own place, but I need to lay my cards on the table here.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll admit I’m very attracted to you. After we spoke that first evening, I had a look at your interest inventory. We differ on one very important issue.” She began tapping her fingernail on the table, but she was looking him in the eye. “I refuse to ever get remarried or even tied down in a serious relationship.” Her gaze dropped to the food in front of her. “No one is ever going to dictate my life to me again.” She shook her head. Her voice grew louder as she spoke and a scared, almost hunted look showed in her eyes. “I make my own decisions from here on out. If the apartment is contingent upon anything else, then I will have to decline your offer.”

  While Brett waited to see if she would give him a further glance into her mindset, he began to suspect just what type of marriage she had endured. He would definitely have to move slowly. At least he knew now why she was running from him.

  He shrugged and tried to find a way to reach her. “The apartment is only contingent upon you finding one you like. That’s it, but if we’re going to be completely honest, then I’ll admit I’m very attracted to you as well. And while I would eventually like to marry, I have no plans to do so immediately.”

  Brett paused and waited until her eyes met his. “Casual sex doesn’t do it for me.” He stilled her fidgeting by placing his hand over hers. “I like to get to know my partner, to learn exactly what turns her on, what her needs are and how best to please her. You can’t do that if you’re with someone new every night.” A spark of hope flared when she turned her hand over and linked her fingers with his.

  Angela took another bite of her lunch. “There’s truth in that, but I fear men will get a false sense of ownership if a woman scenes with them more than once.”

  “I’m not like most men, Angela, and I can make a distinction between what you find pleasurable during sex and what works the rest of the time. Personally, I find strength and confidence attractive.” He had to hide his grin when he noticed Angela sitting up straighter. “Weak, mousy women don’t do it for me. I like a woman who is smart and witty but willing to submit to me during sex and only during sex. The rest of the time, I want to hear her opinions. A heated dialogue and a show of intelligence are serious turn-ons for me.” He sensed she was pulling away and he couldn’t afford to lose any footing. “But we jumped topics. The apartment is yours if you want it, without any conditions and regardless of whether or not you scene with me.”

  He had to walk a fine line so as not to scare her off, but he refused to out and out lie to her either. He wanted this to be a long-term arrangement. Perhaps someday she’d become Mrs. Mercer. There was no way of knowing how truly compatible they were if they didn’t take that first step and get to know one another. Life wasn’t fun without someone
to share precious moments with. And she was the first woman he’d met to whom he’d had such an instant and intense attraction. He wasn’t ready to walk away.

  Right now, he needed to take baby steps. If he could get his foot in the door, he’d have a prayer of breaking down the walls she’d built around herself.

  “You’re dangling very attractive carrots for both subjects, but you already know that don’t you?” Angela continued to search his face then shook her head. “You’re killing me.”

  His calm, carefree demeanor slipped. “Seeing you bloody and in pain just about killed me. I guarantee you’d never feel abused scening with me, Angela.” There was so much more he wanted to say but didn’t dare. He focused on finishing his lunch.

  She nodded. “That was a miscalculation on my part. I won’t be making that mistake again.”

  Angela was quiet as they finished their lunch. Occasionally, she would look up at him as if a debate were raging inside her mind.

  Once she’d shoved the trash back into the bag, she told him, “I’m off tonight at five. Is that too late to look at the apartments?”

  “No, that would work out perfectly with my schedule.” As they walked hand in hand back to her office building, he felt he’d scored a major victory. Welcome to my parlor, said the spider to the fly.

  Chapter Two

  Angela waffled several times throughout the remainder of the day. Each time she’d pick up her phone to cancel her appointment with Brett, she’d think about how it felt to walk beside him with her hand on his thick, muscular arm and she’d slide the phone back into her purse. As much as she wanted to focus on the apartment, which she was desperate for, what she was really looking forward to was seeing Brett again. Damn it.

  Every few seconds her eyes shifted to the clock. The antsy feeling that kept her checking the time bothered her. She was too attracted to Brett Mercer. He wanted the whole package, two point five kids and puppies playing inside a white picket fence and she refused to even date. But he intrigued her. When she was with him, she wanted to stay that way. Her independent, sole survivor mentality went out the window. At night, when she closed her eyes, it was Master Brett who held her tight and played the leading role in her fantasies. Maybe spending more time with him would break the spell. Once he started acting like an overbearing jerk, she’d be able to wash her hands of him without any feelings of regret.