Page 16 of The Naughty List
Three boxes. Each one a different type of restraints.
“These have the highest rating online,” Hollis informs me, pointing to the black box with red script on it. “KeKe, the manager, says the leather ones pinch and the soft velcro ones are actually her favorite. I couldn’t test them on my own but I tried them around my ankles and wrists and she’s right. The soft ones are the best. She said you can put the straps under the mattress then—”
“Enough,” I roar, because the image of her restrained is too much. Zeus lifts his head in concern so I lower my voice. “Take your toys and go. You’ve made your point.”
With a self-satisfied smirk, Hollis empties the rest of the bag containing fuzzy handcuffs, vibrating anal plugs, and edible underwear onto my desk.
“These are the best sellers. We can make a list of what you’re into and I can customize future shopping lists to your needs. Whips, blindfolds, riding crops, collars, whatever you prefer. They had a really impressive selection.”
I’ve had all of this that I can take.
I stand, adjusting myself so the tightening in the crotch of my pants isn’t obvious, and smirk at her in a way I know she finds annoying.
“This is really cute, Hollis. I appreciate the effort. Truly, I do.” The confidence begins to fade from her eyes. “I know it probably took a lot of courage to face the big bad dildos, but your little list isn’t going to change anything. This position isn’t for you and deep down you know I’m right.”
Zeus stands and moves toward Hollis protectively. He doesn’t like me talking to her this way, intimidating her. That makes two of us.
“You’re wrong, Jonah,” she says evenly, patting Zeus on the head, signaling him to relax. “You’ll see. No one could do this job better than me. We have a meeting at three-thirty today. I put it on your calendar. Meet me at the address I specified. I’ve put the directions into your GPS already.”
Exhaling heavily, I cross my arms. “I told you, I’m not playing these games. I have more important things to do.”
She flinches, barely. But I see it.
It’s impressive that she keeps her chin up even as I tear her efforts down.
“No games. After this meeting, if you still don’t think I can handle the job, I’ll drop it. Swear it.”
There has to be a catch. “What’s the catch?”
She shrugs one shoulder noncommittally. “No catch. I’m putting my best foot forward at this meeting. If you still don’t see that I’m a better choice than the pizza boy, I’ll drop it. Forever.”
She’s trying to be nonchalant but there’s an undercurrent of fear beneath her calm exterior.
“Okay then. One meeting. Why can’t we do it here?”
Meet here.I should’ve saidmeethere. Note to self, don’t saydo itto your sexy dog walker. Ever.
She doesn’t seem to pick up on my discomfort. “Because…the meeting needs to be on location. There are wardrobe changes involved and it’s important that you get the full effect of my presentation.”
I rake a hand through my hair. I’ve got to pull it together. I’m even stressing Z out. It would be easier to calm myself if there wasn’t a desk full of sex toys between us.
“Fine. Three-thirty. I’ll be there. And you’ll drop this insanity afterward?”
She nods. “If you really don’t think I’m the right person for the job after our meeting, then yes. I will.”
“Hollis…I’m serious. I appreciate the point you’re trying to make but—”
“See you later, boss,” she says, whirling away from me. She clips a leash onto Zeus and they leave me alone with a desk full of new toys.
* * *
Later that afternoon,my GPS leads me to a store with a French name I don’t recognize.
A mannequin in the window wears pale blue lace lingerie and a fancy hat.
What the hell has Hollis gotten me into?
This has to be that damn list. Her sister or sister-in-law or whoever’s crazy scheming ideas about how Hollis could prove she deserves the position as my assistant.
