Page 111 of The Assignment: Room 3

My heart sinks, not because I disagree with him, but because I do.

“I’m saving for a deposit on a house somewhere nicer for Gracie.”

“Would you let me help you?” His expression is so open and honest.

“We’ve not been together that long.”

“I’m not telling you to come and live at my place… although I would be totally down for that. I’m saying that I can lend you the rest of the money you need to move. You can repay it as soon as you have it, or you can leave it to me in your will. I don’t care about that stuff, Celest. I genuinely just want for you, Gracie, and your mom to live somewhere that I don’t need to whip my gun out.”

“You love whipping it out.” I need to lighten the moment. This is too much for me right now.

“So much innuendo, Ms. Monroe. You have such a dirty mind.”

“And you love it,” I say with a smile.

“Yes, I do, pet. I love everything about you.” Flex is the first man to ever say that to me, and yet I can’t bask in the glow because he doesn’t know everything about me. Not even close.

“Thank you for the offer, but I can’t accept your money. I need to do this myself.”

“Well, the offer is there if you ever change your mind. And, one day, when you’re ready,weare going to buy a house together.”

My heart skips a beat. “You seem so sure.”

“I am.”

“Kiss me, Master.”

“Demanding little thing. I’ll kiss you after you agree to the security system.”

“Do you think you could hold out if I say no?” I lean in, knowing my perfume gets him riled up.”

“Sorry, pet. Yes or no?” His breathing quickens as he closes the distance, our lips mere millimeters apart.

“Yes, Master.” No matter how self-sufficient I am, I won’t put our safety at risk. It makes me wonder if I should let Flex help me get Gracie out of this neighborhood as soon as possible, but it is a step too far. I gave up control of my own life with Gracie’s sperm donor.

Becoming a submissive gave me back control of my life. It saved me from my demons, and I can’t be financially beholden to Flex because I know it will tear us apart eventually.Iwould tear us apart.

“Good. I’m going to have Luther come out now and get it set up.”

“You’re really worried about this.”

“Pet… don’t freak out.”

“Tell me.” Adrenaline courses through my veins, and my knees start to shake.

He rests his hand on my leg, attempting to calm my nerves. “Someone followed me into my parking garage the day I took you out on my motorcycle. I’ve had extra security at my place ever since.”

“Oh my God. Why didn’t you tell me about this before?”

“Because I have it under control. There isn’t a square inch of my building that isn’t on camera. Now, someone was in your backyard. I’d be a fool to think it’s not connected in some way.”

“Who would be stalking you?”

“I’ve made plenty of enemies in my time, pet. Like I said, I’ve got it under control. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t prefer to have you stay at my place until I get this figured out.”

“Is it that serious?” I’m afraid. The kind of fear I haven’t let take root in years. The thought of anyone wanting to hurt Flex makes me feel physically sick.

“Probably not, but I don’t want to take any chances. Whatever you decide, I’m going to have round-the-clock security detail on you until I find out who’s doing this.”

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