Page 104 of The Assignment: Room 3

“Then I’m coming with you. Give me five minutes.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Please, Master, promise me you won’t leave.” It’s the one thing she knows I can’t ignore. She asked as my submissive, and I’m helpless to refuse her.

“Fine.” I slip into the driver’s seat of my Porsche 911 and slam my hands into the steering wheel. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” I’m such a piece of shit. I wanted Celest no matter the cost, and seeing her tonight only serves to deepen those feelings, but I know it’s not fair to her. Or Gracie. Or Nora. People I love die.

I sit in silence, my heart hammering in my chest, my adrenaline pumping. If I were a better man, I’d start the car and put this street in my rearview mirror, but I’m the playboy Dom. The bad boy. Good for nothing but a good fuck.

The passenger door opens, and Celest sinks into the seat next to me, a rucksack in hand. “Let’s go.”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m coming home with you for the night.” Hope blooms, but I’m quick to shut it down.

“No. You have Gracie. I’m not taking you away from her.”

“She’s already sound asleep. I sang her a song, and she was out like a light.”

“What’s with the bag?”

“I just told you. I’m coming to stay at your house tonight.” We’ve never actually slept in the same bed before. It’s pathetic, really. I fell in love with this woman, and yet I still keep her at arm’s length. I’m the same scared little boy I once was.

“No. I’m not taking you away from your daughter.”

“My mom is with her. She’ll be fine. I think we need to have an honest conversation, and it’s going to take more than a few minutes in your car.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Master. I’m sure.”

The engine roars to life, and the lights illuminate the cars parkedin the street. We speed through the streets and across the Madison Avenue Bridge, the radio providing the only respite from the silence. I don’t even chance a glance in her direction.

By the time we pull into the underground garage of my building, the tension between us is palpable. “I’ll get your door.”

I kill the engine, get out, and walk around to the passenger side to open Celest’s door. She slips her hand into mine as I lead her to the elevator and up to the penthouse. She doesn’t speak, her grip tight as she leans into me.

When the elevator doors close, whisking us up to the top floor, Celest pulls my hand up to her lips, pressing an achingly soft kiss to my skin. It’s such a tender action. “Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For letting me come with you.”

“I don’t deserve you, pet.”

“Don’t say that. Maybe this is our chance for something more.”

Before I can answer, she pushes up onto her tiptoes and captures my lips with hers. It’s not frantic like every other kiss we’ve shared. She has my heart in her hand, capable of protecting it or crushing the life out of me. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m a truly selfish man. If I weren’t, I’d have refused to bring her here. Once I have her in my bed, in my arms, I won’t let her go. Right or wrong, it’s inevitable.

Chapter 20

CELEST

“Oh my God.” The words slip out before I catch myself. I knew Flex was successful, but his penthouse is next-level filthy rich. Every detail is stunning, reflecting the man himself. On the drive here, I was sure I’d made the wrong decision, but I feel a sudden sense of calm as Flex keeps a tight grip on my hand.

“Welcome to my house. I know it’s a bit cold. To be honest, I don’t spend much time here. Working keeps me busy.”

“It’s beautiful, Master.” It confirms that I was right to be mortified at him seeing my house today.

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