“Oyasumi nasai(Good night), Sir. Mata ashita (See you tomorrow).”

It was all I could do not to smile at the look of incredulity that crossed his features, but I maintained my composure, turning on my heel, and leaving his office, pulling the door closed once more.

My eyelids felt like lead as I made my way home. Lug Nut greeted me with his usual enthusiasm when I came through the door, and I sent my neighbor another thanks for looking after my boy. Hugging the dog’s neck, I realized that I wasn’t spending enough time with the dog, and it wasn’t fair. I loved him and he loved me, and I needed to show him how much he meant to me. Making a mental note to speak with my boss about keeping more to regular hours, I changed my clothes before making my way into the kitchen.

The dog had an automatic feeder and access to water all the time, so he had already had his dinner. I fed him a piece of cheese while waiting for my Pho to heat. The entire time, I scratched the dog’s head and spoke sweet nothings to him, my heart turning over at the look of pure adoration he gave me. God, I loved this goober.

“I sure wish all men were as easy to read as you buddy,” I said.

Once the soup was as hot as I liked it, I sat at the table and groaned in bliss as the flavors hit my tongue. It was a regular order from my favorite place, Pho Nation. I had it at least once a week. The owners were so sweet and since I ate their food so often, I usually got a complimentary treat or sample in the bag, or on my plate when I dined in person. They also knew aboutLug Nut, so it wasn’t unusual to find a dog safe cookie in my order.

My phone vibrated on the table and a quick glance indicated it was a breaking news alert from the local NBC television station. Another buzz and I got a message from Adrian.

Yoku nemuru (Sleep well), Brynn. Mata ashita (See you tomorrow).

I smiled at that, inordinately pleased with myself that I had left enough of an impression to prompt Adrian reaching out.

“One day, Mr. Benedict,” I mused. “One day I will figure you out. I hope.”

15.Adrian

The next two weeks passed by, and I couldn’t help but notice that Brynn was quieter than usual. At least from my experience with her. When she’d mentioned family matters, I’d wanted to pry and get her to spill it all to me, but she obviously meant to keep it private. I knew all about that, as I’d basically kept my entire life since I was sixteen a secret.

My sister came back to mind, and no matter how many months and years passed, her memory still evoked a certain emotion inside of me. An emotion I’d once thought had died along with my twin, but since hiring Brynn, my façade was crumbling more and more each day.

Thinking about the submissive was a better use of my time, and I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes briefly. A different sort of memory came rushing back, and this one included her naked and bound for me at Lotus. I needed to get her back there soon.

It all seemed simple enough. I’d just provide her with a time and wait for her arrival, but so much more went into it. For one, we had to make sure a room was available. There was also the transportation aspect. So much went into one night, but it was to be expected when part of a secret society. Those rules wereunbreakable, and in place for a reason. It was actually those reasons that drew me to the club.

Well, that and my sadistic needs.I opened my eyes at that, and just in time to see a shadow approach my door. I could tell from her silhouette that it was Brynn, and my dick hardened immediately.

She rapped lightly on the door. “Come in,” I told her.

She opened it part way, then peeked inside. It was obvious she thought I might still be on my late night call. “Are you...” she whispered until she saw me shake my head. “Okay, good.” Her voice got louder as she continued. “It’s after six. Do you need anything else before I leave?”

“You,” I said pointedly.

My blunt honesty must’ve shocked her because she stumbled slightly, but quickly caught herself and straightened back up. I got out of my chair, then moved over to her. She went quickly from standing in front of the open door to being pinned against it the moment I closed it behind her.

Large doe eyes looked into mine, and I could’ve sworn for a moment that she might’ve seen much deeper than I’d intended. Still, I couldn’t help but stare into the pools of chocolate. A different type of water flashed before my eyes, but I focused on Brynn and it all disappeared.

“I need to fuck you,” I whispered to her, unsure as to why I’d admit something so preposterous. The fact that it was true didn’t matter. I was losing control, and the more time spent with her, the faster I lost it.

“Adrian,” she whispered.

I held the side of her face in one palm, then slowly dragged two fingers down her other cheek. Her skin was so fucking soft, and as she dropped her head to the side to allow my hand more access, I realized how amazing she smelled as well.

I traced the throbbing pulse point in her neck, then lowered my mouth for a taste. The moment I did, her small hands gripped me and she moaned. I kissed along her neck, then lower, before raising my head. My intentions had to be known to her because as soon as I went to lower my mouth to hers, she pushed against my chest.

“What is it?” I asked her.

“The cleaning crew is right outside. They need to get into this office. I was... ahhh... I was going to tell you before you distracted me.”

Distracted her. She was a walking, talking distraction. I smirked nonetheless. “I forgot that this is the night they clean every office in the building. Let’s get out of here.”

I had no idea where to go, but she nodded, then slipped out of my grasp. I powered down my computer but didn’t put it in the briefcase like I normally did. I’d be back here in a few hours anyway, so there was no need. Before I could change my mind, she returned with her own bag in hand.

A few minutes later, we walked away from Benedict Technologies, and it was when I realized that I had no actual plan in mind. Again, that was very uncharacteristic of me. We stopped the moment that we reached the garage, and a slight awkwardness fell over us.