Page 26 of Taking The Virgin

Chapter10

Eventually I makemy way back to the jet’s bedroom to strip off the bed sheet. When I find my duffel bag on the mattress, I wonder if the flight attendant put it thereor…

No, I highly doubt Owen would’ve been so considerate.

At any rate, I put on some dry clothes. Then I return to the front of the jet where Owen is focusing on his tablet yet again.

He looks up as I take a seat across the way from him. I’m already plugged into my music, and I’ve pumped it up as loud as possible. I hope he hears it even through the earbuds.

I hope it’s annoying the ever-loving heck out ofhim.

After we land, the limo ride to his mansion is just as strained, except for the fact that he actually asks me if I’m feeling well. I’m pretty sure that’s the Owen Gregory way of wondering if I’m in the mood to get fucked again, or maybe he truly is concerned.

Doubtful.

I tell him I’m pretty tired after today, and he accepts that. Since I haven’t signed my new contract yet, I have no obligation to do anything withhim.

When we arrive at his mansion, it’s late. Nat isn’t around to greet us, and that’s a relief. It means I can go straight to myroom.

After I close the door, I wait to see if there’s a knock, but it never comes. I crawl into bed as soon as I can, pulling the covers around me and wondering if there’ll ever be another time between Owen and me like our wonderful romp in the shower.

Early the next morning, after yet another rough sleep, I contact Nat on the intercom. It’s no use trying to get more shuteye, so I might as well start myday.

She brings a breakfast of fluffy waffles, bright fruit salad, and freshly squeezed orange juice on a silver tray that’s decorated with a rose in a vase. I’m still in bed wearing a lacy shift from the walk-in closet, and I lean back against the pillows that are bunched behindme.

“Thank you, Nat,” I say as she positions the tray and its stand over my lap. “I meant to be ready in time this morning to have breakfast downstairs with you, but I’m slow to get out ofbed.”

I don’t ask if Owen has already gone into work. I really don’tcare.

“No apologies necessary,” Nat cheerily says. She has a leather binder tucked underneath her arm, and she efficiently opens it, then takes out a clipped bunch of creamy papers. “You have a bit of reading to do during your meal anyway. This is your new contract with Dr. Gregory.”

So he hasn’t gone back on his offer. I’m still his unfeeling sex toy for the month.

Nat busies herself by straightening the light fixture, intercom, and clock on my nightstand, then takes out her ever-present cloth from her serviceable dress to dust off the surfaces. Afterward, she moves on to another piece of furniture. Meanwhile I read the contractover.

Well, look at that—there’s a reference about my having to agree to keep all of my personal affairs to myself and to refrain from speaking about anything of a personal nature to, or in front of, Owen.

Anger spreads over myskin.

“Any questions, Miss Hope?” Nat asks, turning to me and neatly tucking the cloth back into her pocket. I can tell she’s eager to bring the regular maid in here to arrange my bed, keeping everything in tip-top shape for theogre.

“No, no questions.” I flash her an unconcerned smile. “Everything seems in order except for one item of business.”

“What would thatbe?”

“I’d like you to call me Juliet.”

She smiles. “Can I tell you how happy I was when Dr. Gregory informed me that you’d be returning for a month? Welcome back, Juliet.”

There’s a twinkle in her eye, but I’m not feeling it. Not after the tiff I had with Owen last night.

But I sign the contract anyhow since I need the money, even if I’m well on my way to hating theman.

* * *

After breakfast and a leisurely bath,I spend my day getting more acquainted with my ostentatious surroundings. Nat also brings me a new laptop computer and tells me that Owen has granted me the use ofit.

Isn’t he just a peach for giving me this little treat? It’s as if he’s expecting sex or something when he getshome.

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