Page 97 of The Assignment: Room 3

By the time I pull back, my breathing is shallow and my eyelids are heavy, drunk on the sensation. I could kiss Flex for hours and not tire or push for more.

Our bubble is burst when Russell announces our arrival. I just want a few minutes more with Flex tonight. If I lived alone, I’d already be inviting him into my bed for the evening, but since I don’t, I have to say goodbye.

“Wait a sec, I’ll get the door for you,” Flex says, the rise and fall of his chest telling me he’s as affected by our kiss as I am.

I gather the pages of the contract, gripping them tightly in my hand as Flex opens the car door and helps me out. “You don’t have to walk me to the door. It’s fine.”

Flex scans the street, his brow furrowed as he looks a few doors down from my house.

“Which of your neighbors does that car belong to? They’re not New York plates.” It’s dark, so I can barely see what he’s referring to, and I’m wondering if he has superhero vision.

“I don’t know. I’m not close with any of the neighbors. My mom might be able to answer that. Why does it matter?”

“I’ve just noticed it a few times. It seems a little out of place. Call it a gut instinct.”

“Is this how you’re going to try and sneak into my house? Under the guise of being my security guard.”

“Sorry. Hazard of the job. Everything and everyone are potential threats.”

“I’m fine. Go home.”

He slides his hands up into my hair, his lips a whisker away from mine. “Don’t forget who makes the rules here, pet. I’m in charge.”

“I…” Any thought of protesting dissolves with his passionate kiss.

“Be a good girl and sign your contract. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Sweet dreams, pet.”

“I only want the wicked kind. You, me, and your playroom.”

“Don’t worry, that won’t remain a figment of your imagination. As soon at the waiting period is over, I’m taking you to Venom, chaining you down, and fucking you seven ways till Sunday.”

“Promise?” I say with a playful tone.

“Hell yeah.” He gives me one last kiss. “Goodnight, Celest.”

“Goodnight, Flex.”

He waits until I unlock the door and head inside, his car idling outside my house until the locks are in place and Flex is satisfied that I’m safe for the night. He’s got me wondering if I’m vigilant enough. I haven’t noticed anything strange in my street. Maybe I’ve grown complacent. We don’t live in the best neighborhood, and I tend to think if we keep to ourselves, then we’ll be fine. It’s better to blend into the background.

I watch his car leave through the living room window, and within a few seconds, a car pulls out and goes in the same direction. It’s not a big deal, but there’s a kernel of concern budding in the back of my mind. The house is quiet, so I slip out of my shoes and pad down the hallway to Gracie’s room.

She’s sound asleep, her soft little snore tugging at my heartstrings. Everything I do in life is for her. She’s the reason I’ve been saving as much as I can to get her out of this house and into somewhere we can call home for the rest of her childhood. I’m at least ayear away from that, and I need a car, but I don’t let it deter me. Iwillmake it happen.

I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and now is the time. Seeing Flex react to my surroundings makes me uneasy. He makes a living from assessing danger and protecting his clients. It confirms my thinking.

It’s time to get a second job and expedite a move. I need to talk to my mom about how many nights I can realistically work while she watches Gracie. I don’t want to be away from her more than I already am, but it’s the only way to give her the life she deserves.

Gracie looks angelic as I tuck her in and kiss her forehead. “Love you, Gracie. More than you’ll ever know.”

“Thank you so much for meeting with me, Carter. I appreciate it.”

Carter de Rossi is a good friend of Flex’s, and I feel bad meeting him behind his back, but I need this job.

“Is there a reason you didn’t want to meet at the club? What brings you to my vanilla nightclub empire?”

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