Page 98 of The Woman

I could stop her and demand that she finish what she started, but unfortunately, there is a car waiting for us downstairs.

After watching her disappear, I shake my head and make my way to the foyer, adjusting my tux and bow-tie in the mirror, as well as my cock.

As always, my eyes gravitate to the large painting situated above it. It was one of the first large acrylic pieces she did after doing so many sketches. One that I didn’t want her to sell. She has painted and sold many since that one under a fake male name we created.

Most of her inspiration comes when she’s out at the compound, but occasionally, she’ll paint some here as well.

Playing the piano and painting are just two of her many talents. She seems to pick up on things quite easily, and I couldn’t be more proud of her desire to try different activities.

“Okay. I’m ready,” she announces, stepping into the foyer and taking my breath away.

My grip on Avery’s hip tightens as we make our way further into the ballroom. No matter how many times we’ve come to these events, I still get agitated every time another man lays his eyes on her. Unfortunately, it’s only gotten worse since those early days when I simply didn’t like them doing it.

I remember having a problem with it even back when I still insisted that I didn’t want or need her – how times have changed.

Leaning into me, Avery gives me her subtle reminder for me not to overreact. I glance down at her and force my grip to loosen.

Dressed in a long violet gown that matches her eyes, she’s a sight to behold. Her hair is pulled into a low, twisted bun, and although I’d love to set it free and run my fingers through it, I’ve left it alone. No jewelry was necessary, leaving her neck completely bare, and my eyes catch on the marks I left on her skin earlier tonight, pure satisfaction making my chest expand.

It’s mostly the same scene here – men dominating the space, with some of them accompanied by a female.

Avery’s face is blank, that fucking empty half-smile I hate so much plastered to her lips. She has become so much better at pretending than she was before that sometimes, even I’m fooled, and I have to force her to do something just to get some sort of reaction out of her.

I know right now she’s not simply staring at nothing, though. She’s keeping an eye out for others like her. We’ve been doing our part alongside my father and the others, helping where we can right under the noses of those who work to keep things the way they are.

It’s not often that we find any at events like this, but it has happened, and that’s the only reason I continue to bring her along. We use any outing in the city as an opportunity to find other WOUNs, and if the chance arises, we make contact to find out if the man she’s with knows about it.

Making our way through the crowd, I stop to say hello to a few of the usual before making it to my grandfather. He’s standing with one of his friends, but they excuse themselves when we arrive.

“Phoenix, there you are. I have a few people to introduce you to.”

He doesn’t even spare Avery a glance, which I’m grateful for. He was content with the paperwork he received and being told she was changed to ‘normal’ and hasn’t bothered looking any deeper or checking for himself. So sure he is that he would never be deceived or lied to. I guess that works in my favor. As long as I’m fucking her and doing my job, he seems to be happy.

“They’re from up north and could be our chance to get our feet into Canada.” After giving me one of his pointed looks, he adds, “Just don’t screw anything up.”

Only now do his eyes drift to Avery, but only for a moment, probably thinking of my biggest screw-up in his eyes – picking a WOUN and not having it rectified myself. Or perhaps it’s the fact that I don’t share her with anyone like he had wanted me to. At least he has stopped insisting on it.

“If you doubted my abilities, you wouldn’t be introducing me,” I respond coolly.

He grumbles something in reply and then indicates for me to follow. He knows I’m right. I’ve been exceeding his expectations, and for the most part, the clients he has handed over have been happy to work with me.

An hour later, several introductions have been made, and many glares have been given from me for their constant interest in Avery. We already have a few meetings arranged, so I excuse myself, pulling Avery behind me until we make it to an empty round table in a quieter area.

I’m feeling a little possessive right now after watching their eyes eat her up, plus I’d like to know if she’s seen anyone who might be a potential. I’m also getting sick of her silence and want to see something more than a vacant stare from her.

I sit, tugging Avery to sit in my lap, but not perched sideways. No, I want her straddling me. That way, I can see her reactions right in front of my face. There are only restrooms behind me, so she’s also in a good position to keep hidden.

The slits on either side of her dress make it so her thighs are exposed, but it doesn’t cause her dress to bunch up at her waist. I immediately reach for the smooth skin, sliding my hands back and forth along the creamy surface.

Her hands land on my chest, sensually trailing a path up to my shoulders and neck. But her face is still blank as she looks somewhere past my face.

I shift her so that she’s flush against my crotch, catching the quick intake of her breath when she feels me getting hard.

“Did you see any possibilities out there?”

Her lips part when I press her down harder onto me.

“No,” she whispers.

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