Page 60 of The Assignment: Room 3

“No.” It’s a simple answer, and I see that Flex wants more than a one-word answer, but I don’t want to relive my past. “And Dalton already barred him.”

“You deserve so much better, Celest.”

“And you want to be the man to give it to me?”

“In more ways than one.” There’s a dark promise in the low, rumbling tone of his voice that makes me press my thighs together, and suddenly, I’m well aware that I am wet for him.

The food is phenomenal, as expected, and we chat back and forth about surface-level topics. My backstory isn’t something I ever discuss, and especially not over lunch. I’ve never met anyone I trusted enough to share. Freya knows more than most, but I still left my best friend in the dark.

“For someone who is visibly open when it comes to your body.”

“A slut.”

“Don’t ever say that again.” His tone is curt. “I mean, you enjoy the voyeur floor, but you are a closed book when it comes to getting to know you. I’m trying, and as much as we’ve talked on the phone, you still don’t trust me.”

“Do you trust me?” It’s an accusation rather than a question, and Flex is quick to retort.

“Yes, I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

“Oh.” I don’t know what to say, so I just start pushing food around my plate.

“Would you give me a chance to get to know you, Celest? To earn your trust?” I need to guard my heart for his sake as much as mine, but as I stare into his emerald eyes, I find myself wanting to let this man know me.The real me.

“There’s so much I haven’t told you.”

“And I you. This is just the first step. Friends getting to know each other better. What do you say?”

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course.” He looks at his watch. “I’ll need to take a rain check on some public debauchery. You need to be back at work in ten minutes.”

“How do you know that?”

“I asked Dal when your next meeting starts.”

“You really did your homework.” A pang of fear unfurls in the pit of my stomach. Flex’s whole business is based on security. Being prepared. What if he checks up on me? He could find out that I’m not the good little sub he thinks I am.

“Always.” My stomach lurches at one small word that could derail everything.

Chapter 12

FLEX

Celest and I have been spending more time together outside the club, but always in a public place. She seems reticent to even come to my place for dinner, and I don’t know why. I’m quickly losing control of this arrangement, and I’m not even sure I want to pull it back in line.

Tonight is easy. We’re meeting at the club, and we have no problems when it comes to sexual compatibility. She’s probably the most compatible sub I’ve ever had, and we don’t even have a contract yet. I think it’s time to broach the subject, but whenever I think it’s the right time to discuss it, she distracts me with her body or that filthy mouth of hers. I’ve never been one for phone sex or sexting, but shit, Celest knows what she’s doing. Saturday nights are the only time we can act on all that pent-up sexual tension, but I always make sure I drop her home knowing who fucking owns her pussy. I can guarantee that she’s sore every Sunday morning, just the way she likes it.

I offered to pick her up, but she insisted on taking the subway. The only reason I let it slide is because I told her I’m driving her home. This is another reason I’m beginning to think we need a signed contract. A nonnegotiable for me will be having her drivenhome after work at night, and I’ll take her myself on the weekends. I’m not even comfortable with her riding the subway during the day, but I’ve been taking baby steps. It’s time to make this official.

I’m sitting drinking a Coke when Ryder comes striding into the bar. “I hear you kept things almost completely PG at the restaurant a few weeks back. Are you losing your touch, Flex?” he jests.

“I’m starting to wonder that myself.”

“Fuck. We need drinks if we’re going to delve into the fall of Flex Navarro.”

“Shut up. Where the hell have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Work. Planning to open a new location. I’m just deciding where I want it to be.”

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