Page 73 of Lords of Ruin: Owned

She leans against my desk, her arms crossed loosely over her chest, the tip of her finger tapping against the edge of the table asshe watches me with those wide eyes, like I’m some puzzle she’s trying to solve.

“Are you okay?” she asks softly, her voice betraying a hint of concern.

I lean back in my chair, not answering right away. I don’tdookay. But she doesn’t need to hear that. Not from me.

“I’m fine.” I give her my bestdon’t push itlook, but she only quirks an eyebrow, undeterred.

“You don’t look fine.” She’s quick to sit down on the couch, curling her legs under her as if the space between us is just a formality. The Jane Austen book, probablyPride and Prejudice, is placed on the corner of my desk.

I watch her for a moment, and I can’t help the half-grin that tugs at the corner of my mouth. “And you are at my desk why?”

“Because you don’t look fine.”

“Are you saying I am ugly?” I tease.

“No, but you know I am not asking about that type of fine.” She answers seriously, her eyebrows scrunched as she looks at me again.

“Willow.”

“Cast,” she mocks.

“You keep saying that you’re fine,” she mutters, staring at me like I’ve got all the answers. “But it’s like I can see through you.” She crosses her arms tighter, the tip of her finger tracing the edge of my desk again, but now there’s a hint of frustration in her movement.

I can feel her gaze on me, the way she studies me with such intent, like she’s determined to find out what's beneath the surface. It's irritating, but... somehow, I don't mind. At least, not when it’s her.

"Fine, you wanna know?" I lean forward, dropping my voice an octave lower, the kind of dangerous tone I know she can't resist. "I'd be better if you were naked. Here. Right now."

Her eyes snap to mine, and for a moment, she says nothing. Just stares, as though she’s trying to decide whether I’m joking or dead serious.

“I don'tthinkyou’re serious," she says, her voice too steady for someone who knows how to play this game.

I smirk, that same half-grin creeping up. “You don’t think? Maybe you should test me.”

The tension between us shifts, thickening in the air like something electric. She stands slowly, every move deliberate, a hint of something daring behind her eyes. I can tell she’s not backing down now.

Her fingers trail up the buttons of her loose blouse, each one undone with an almost painful slowness.

“Only when it’s worth the effort,” I reply, my gaze darkening as she begins to slide the fabric off her shoulders. The way she undresses—so effortlessly, so confident—puts a grin on my face. I’d never admit it out loud, but she knows how to draw me in.

Willow’s blouse hangs loose, the fabric slipping off her shoulders with a deliberate slowness that makes my jaw tighten.She’s good at this, I think, watching her as she lets the garment fallto the floor. Her fingers trail down her sides, teasingly slow, and then she hooks her thumbs into the waistband of her shorts.

“Only when it’s worth the effort,” I repeat, my voice low, my eyes steady on hers. She smirks, that damn smirk that always seems to pull me deeper into whatever game she’s playing. The shorts drop, and she stands there, completely bare except for the diamond collar, her confidence radiating like a challenge.

Without a word, she kneels beside my desk, her body folding into that submissive pose I know so well. Knees tucked, back straight, head bowed just enough to show she is waiting. Her breathing is steady, but I can see the faint rise and fall of her chest, the subtle tension in her shoulders.

I don't say a word. Instead, I lean back in my chair, my fingers drumming lightly on the desk. My phone buzzes, the screen lighting up with an incoming call. I glance at it, then back at her. She doesn't move, doesn't even look up, but I can feel the heat of her gaze on me.

I pick up the phone. "Yeah?" I say, my voice calm, professional, as if I'm not sitting mere inches away from a naked woman who is practically begging for my attention.

On the other end, one of the members starts talking, their voice blending into the background as my focus shifts entirely to Willow. Her breath hitches, just slightly, as I reach out and let my fingers graze the curve of her back. She shivers, but she doesn't move, doesn't break her pose.

"Mm-hmm," I murmur into the phone, my tone neutral as I trace a line down her spine. My fingers dip lower, just barely brushing the swell of her ass. Her muscles tense, and I hear the faintest exhale escape her lips.

I continue the conversation, my words automatic, while my hand explores her body with a deliberate slowness. My fingers trail lower, teasing, until I finally press them against her wet heat. She gasps, her body jerking slightly, but she stays in position, her nails digging into her thighs.

"Yeah, I'll look into that," I say into the phone, my voice steady even as I slide a finger inside her. She clenches around me, her breath coming faster now, but she doesn't make a sound. I push deeper, my thumb circling her clit as I listen to the drone of the voice on the other end of the line.

Willow's breath hitches again, her body trembling as I work her slowly, deliberately. I can feel her trying to hold back, to stay quiet, but it's getting harder for her. Her hips twitch, her back arching just slightly, but she keeps her head down, her face hidden.

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