Page 195 of The Owner's Temptation

“Check out the bag attached to that one,” she says, letting out a low whistle.

I do. And yeah… it’s obscene. Like, buy-an-island-and-still-have-change-for-a-helicopter obscene.

She scrolls down with her finger. “Exclusive contract. Long-term, but with a required courting period. Submission preferred. Wants to build trust before committing to full dynamics.”

“He’s methodical,” I murmur.

“More than that,” Eve says, still studying. “He’s new. One of the latest additions to the invite-only tier.” She taps the note. “Looks like a personal referral… from Lucian.”

I don’t let my expression shift. Not outwardly.

This can’t get any more perfect and I suppress the shit-eating grin that wants to surface.

A personal referral.

That means Lucian will know him on a deeper level. More so than an average client and that is exactly what I need.

“And,” Eve continues, tilting her head toward me, “this one’s destination-based. Contract specifies a full week at his estate in the Caribbean for the trial phase.”

She flops back into her chair and kicks her legs up on the edge of the polished table. “I mean, I wouldn’t say no to cocktails on the beach and a payout like that…”

She trails off. “But it’s your first contract.”

“It’s perfect,” I say before she can keep going.

Eve studies me for a second. Not in judgment—just curiosity. Then she nods.

“You know what?” She smiles, a spark of respect in her voice. “I think it kinda is.”

Eve taps the screen on the console beside her and places the contract on hold. Then, with a smirk that sayswatch and learn, she hits the speaker icon and dials the number listed on Dominic Salvi’s private file.

The line rings once. Twice. My heart does a nervous backflip. By the third, my palms are slick, and my breath is shallow like I’ve just been called to the principal’s office—except the principal is a billionaire with a penchant for control.

Then a deep, measured voice answers.

“This is Dom.”

Of course it is. No last name. No frills. JustDom. Short, sharp, commanding.

Eve slides into her polished, diplomatic tone like a silk glove. “Good morning, Mr. Salvi. This is Eve with The Black Ledger. I’m reaching out regarding your recent contract listing. We have a compatible Companion available and ready to accept. Her name is Miss Sienna Knight.”

There’s a pause on the other end. My stomach knots.

Then: “Miss Knight?” His voice warms, just slightly. “Now that’s a name I was hoping to hear.”

My lips twitch.Gotcha.

“She made quite an impression at the luncheon,” he continues, thoughtful. “I was hoping she might become available. I’d be honored to have the opportunity to host her.”

Honored.The word rolls around in my head like a tiny, private victory. Let Lucian seethatin the client reports.

“I do have one condition,” Dom says, casual but firm. “I’m departing for my island first thing tomorrow. If Miss Knight is available, I’d prefer to host her for the flight.”

Eve raises one brow at me. I nod immediately.Yes. Hell yes.

Eve covers the receiver with her hand. “It’s sudden,” she mouths, skeptical.

I nod again, harder this time.The sooner, the better.

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