Page 25 of Whispers in the Dark

After showering, I made sure everything was in my briefcase, then headed to Benedict Technologies. Neil was there in the front and I could see him look behind me to the brightening skies then back to me.

“I usually see you a lot earlier,” he remarked.

I smiled politely. “I am running a bit late this morning.”

I didn’t waste any further time as I walked briskly over to the elevator. A few short minutes later, I walked into the enclosed office where Brynn worked. She wasn’t here yet, but that was not surprising. I was actually thrilled that she finally figured out a healthy work and life balance. If only I had the ability to do the same.

“I’d do nothing different,” I mumbled under my breath as I walked past her desk and over to my private office.

Once inside, I moved to my desk and set my briefcase down. I went right to work getting my programs up and running. I had an early morning meeting with some investors in New York City, one of whom I’d attended Yale with some years earlier.

After I had everything I needed pulled up, I leaned back in my seat. That’s when I saw it. I blinked a few times thinking that I was seeing things, but each time I reopened them, the pathetic little tree remained.

“What the hell is that?” I asked aloud.

“Your tree. This office needed a little holiday cheer,” Brynn said, and I wasn’t sure if I was more startled by her presence or her words.

“I’ve already told you that I don’t celebrate the holidays.”

“You’ve also said that you don’t reveal your identity to women at Lotus.”

“I don’t” I admitted, then exhaled. “You don’t take direction very well, Miss Davis. I might have to rectify that soon.”

She smiled at that, as did most submissives when presented with the threat of punishment. I liked things hard and rough which were the reasons I tended to navigate toward masochists. In the beginning, I thought Brynn to be too innocent, but she’d showed me time and time again that she could not only dish things out but take them as well.

I rose from my seat, then walked over to where she had set it. “You know that this can’t stay in my office.”

“Why not?” She asked.

I could tell her question was genuine. I’d never be able to tell her the real reasons I didn’t celebrate anything because I wouldn’t even know where to start. Perhaps the end would be fitting, but I never discussed my sister with anyone. Aria’s death had been when my own life seemed to stop, only it didn’t. Things like celebrating would, however, so I flicked the solitary red ball and watched as it swung from side to side. It was almost hypnotic in nature, and it was only when I felt Brynn’s hand on my arm that I tore my gaze from the ornament and turned toward her.

“Yes,” I said to her as she looked up at me in question.

“I was just asking if you wanted me to bring you a coffee. I noticed that you haven’t taken the time to get one yet.”

She was right. “I just got here. I have a meeting with NYC in less than twenty minutes. A coffee would be nice.”

She beamed at that, then turned and walked toward the door. When she was in the doorway, I cleared my throat. “Would you get me one from that place on the end of the block? Today calls for an extra shot of espresso.”

“I will get that for you, but I want you to promise me something first.”

“I’m not in the business of making promises to my employees. Now, if we were at Lotus and you were naked on your knees, I would definitely have something to promise you.”

“I’m being serious,” she said with a half laugh.

I didn’t even smile as I stared straight ahead at her. “I’m always serious when it comes to the lifestyle.”

“This isn’t about that,” she assured me, and I arched a brow.

“Then what is it?”

“I don’t want you to throw the tree away. I know it’s not your thing, but if you keep it long enough, it might just become your thing.”

I chuckled. “Doubtful, but I do give you my word that I won’t throw it away no matter how tempting that sounds.”

“That’s good enough for me. I’ll be back soon with your coffee.”

With that, she disappeared from sight and I sighed. That damn collection of branches taunted me nonetheless. I picked it up, blanket and all, and was tempted to go back on my word. No one had asked her to get this, and she had taken an undue liberty in doing so.

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