Page 164 of The Owner's Temptation

But for my purpose, he’s perfect. An older man, even more so than Lucian. Also handsome. Also rich. Also one that likes to dominate.

He’s talking to one of the senior companions. Laughing politely.

I wait until she’s called away before I begin moving toward him but he’s already spotted me.

Mr. Langston lifts his glass in a quiet acknowledgment, his eyes trailing down my body in that professional, not-so-professional way some men have perfected. I cross the patio toward him with a soft smile, the breeze tugging playfully at my skirt, brushing it against my thighs.

“Miss Knight,” he greets, ever the gentleman. “Summer looks good on you.”

“And you, Mr. Langston,” I reply, letting my tone land somewhere between flirtation and grace. “It’s a perfect day, isn’t it?”

He smiles, sipping from his glass. “I assume training under Lucian Vale has been… instructive?”

“I only wish it were a little morehands-on,” I murmur, reaching for the champagne a server passes behind him. “But he’s very busy, as I’m sure you can imagine.”

That does the trick.

Langston leans in slightly, voice dropping as if he’s the one initiating something forbidden. “Well… some sponsors do make arrangements for a few opportunities with trainees they didn’t win. If the interest is mutual, of course.”

“That would be wonderful,” I say, stepping a little closer. My bare shoulder brushes against his arm resting on the bar, and I make no move to correct it.

As if on cue, the wind lifts the hem of my skirt a bit too high. I reach for it—but so does he.

His hand grazes down the curve of my hip, steadying the fabric, lingering longer than he should before pulling away.

“It is a beautiful dress on you,” he says, voice low. “Though I imagineeverythingis.”

I glance up at him, lashes low. “Perhaps dinner?”

Langston’s smile deepens. “I’d love that. I can log it into the system. Tonight, if you’re free.”

I tilt my head, eyes gleaming. “Well then… I’m all yours. Lucian’s out of town, after all. I think it’s safe to say my sponsor won’t be needing me.”

And that’s when I feel another presence join us.

A man steps into our orbit like he’s always belonged there. I haven’t seen him before. Not at any event, not in any file.

Which is strange.

Because events like these areexclusivelyfor Ledger sponsors. But perhaps he is a new sponsor. I hear they are evaluated as each group of trainees moves on, before a new orientation begins.

“Apologies for interrupting your conversation with the striking Miss…?”

His voice is smooth. Rich. Intentional.

“Knight. Sienna,” I say, offering my hand.

He takes it delicately, shaking it like we’re on the edge of something that doesn’t need words yet.

“Miss Knight,” he repeats. “I couldn’t help but overhear—you’re being sponsored by Lucian Vale?”

“I am,” I answer, still holding his gaze. “It’s been… very educational.”

His smile sharpens. There’s something about it that feels too knowing. Like he’s seeing beneath my skin. Like he’s already decided what part of me he’ll bite first.

“You must be a remarkable Companion to catch the attention of Mr. Vale himself,” he says, eyes trailing just a little too long.

Langston clears his throat, polite but firm. “If you don’t mind, Miss Knight and I have a few things to discuss.”

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