Page 105 of The Assignment: Room 3

“You’rebeautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“Good girl. Learning to accept a compliment.”

“I want to be your good girl, Master.”

“Why? I’m not worthy of you. You’re here with me right now, and that is case in point.” He leads me to the living room. “Can I get you a drink?”

“White wine if you have it.”

“Make yourself at home.” He wanders over to the kitchen in the vast open living space.

I set my raggedy rucksack on the floor and settle myself on hisoversized couch. There’s a television the size of a freaking movie screen. Everywhere I look has the highest quality finish. It’s a beautiful penthouse. I don’t have another to compare it to, but I love seeing Flex’s personality.

He says it’s cold, but I disagree. There are pictures of him with friends—his Navy comrades—and he looks so fucking hot in his uniform. I need him to wear that one night in the playroom. I’d be happy to get on my knees and beg.

There are some pictures of him with Dalton, and I assume the woman with them is Dalton’s mom. I knew Flex was close with her, and it has me thinking about his reaction to my mom tonight. He seems so confident, and then a single sentence derailed our evening. I have no right to ask him to explain, but I still hope he’ll talk to me.

Flex hands me a glass, looking at the photograph I’m admiring. “She was a force of nature.”

“I’m sorry.”

“She didn’t deserve the hand she was dealt. She was so kindhearted and treated me like one of her own. When I got back from active duty, she and Dalton were all I had here in New York. They helped me make a life for myself.”

“I could tell you guys were close at the club. You’re always laughing and joking with each other, but then I could walk in another night and see you deep in conversation.”

“He’s my brother in everything but blood.”

“I love that you have someone like that in your life. I don’t know what I’d do without Freya.”

“We’ve all seen how close you two are,” he says as a wicked grin creeps at the corner of his sinfully sexy lips.

“You know what I mean. She and I met at a difficult time for me. She just let me be myself.”

“I get that. Friends are important. We’re friends, right?”

“Isn’t that what our arrangement was based on?Friendswith benefits.”

“I want more from you, Celest. I know I have no right to, but I’m not being hyperbolic when I say I love you.” I shift uncomfortably,taking a moment to sip my wine. “I’m not expecting you to say it back so you can relax.”

“Flex, the last man I said those words to… broke me. Beyond repair.”

“Gracie’s dad?”

“Her sperm donor. He doesn’t deserve the title of father, dad, or daddy.”

“Did he know you were pregnant?” He’s the first person to ask that question. Others assume that it didn’t work outafterI had her.

“Yes. We weren’t together by the time Gracie was born, and that’s the way I wanted it. She didn’t need him in her life to be a crushing disappointment. I know she isn’t living in the lap of luxury, but she’s safe and loved beyond measure.”

“I think you’re doing a great job. She’s a credit to you.”

“Thanks.” He takes a seat at my side, his thigh brushing mine.

“I’m sorry about earlier.”

“My mom was just being friendly. She’s not trying to marry me off or anything.”

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