Page 21 of Possess Me

My inner voice was correct.

“Alright, Fallon. So you are aware, I anticipate the schedule will remain the same. I have a very important business meeting tomorrow, which I suspect will run long. Please enjoy yourself while you’re here.” While his eyes remained locked on mine, he addressed the receptionist once again. “As I said before, make certain anything Ms. Zimmerman orders is on my tab.”

“You can’t do that. That’s not how this works.” My defiance was stronger than before. I even added punctuation by placing my hand on my hip.

He was even more amused.

“Oh, really? Then please tell me how this is supposed to work.” The wafting of his aftershave created a high that I wasn’t prepared to fight.

“I have money, Mr. Dmitriyev, and quite frankly, I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t treat me as if I wasn’t capable of taking care of or entertaining myself.”

I could tell by the flash in his eyes I’d fallen into a slight trap.

“Oh, I can tell you’re perfectly capable of entertaining yourself. However, should you become bored, I’d like to show you around the island. If that wouldn’t be objectionable to you.”

“As you’d already noticed, I have a couple good books I’d like to finish while I’m here. I’m certain you’ll find an attractive woman who wouldn’t mind being your… escort for the few days you’re here. In the meantime, I’ll purchase whatever I need.”

“You have no choice in the matter. For two days, you belong to me. At least with regard to the purchases you make.” He lifted his arm and for no reason other than I didn’t know anything about him, I stiffened. He noticed, hesitating before curlingthree of four fingers, raking the tip of the other through a strand of hair that had become plastered to my remaining lip gloss. “And remember, my name is Vissarian.”

Holy crap. Had he just said what I thought he’d said?

Belong.

Yes, he’d allowed his arrogance to fly high and proud. He was very lucky that I didn’t tell him exactly what to do with his money and clout.

But I didn’t.

Money.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

The word ‘belong’ stuck in the back of my mind and sadly, for a few horrific seconds I replaced his handsome face with the scarred one of my stepbrother. A cold chill swept through me.

“Yes, sir.Vissarian.” I would never belong to anyone. The words slipped from my mouth. Maybe they’d stop him from making any further overtures. I wouldn’t be able to hold my tongue if he did.

With his hands in the air as if surrendering, he grinned and backed away, cocking his head as he finally turned and headed toward his cottage.

As soon as he disappeared into the thick foliage encasing the cobblestone path, I took a deep breath. Talk about being formidable. The man was a powerhouse.

And far too attractive.

My skin continued tingling even after he’d disappeared. I’d make a point of staying out of his way.

As soon as I walked inside, a tiny squeal flew from my mouth.

“Wow.” I wasn’t easily impressed, maybe because my tastes were simple. But this was… amazing.

I dropped my bag on the tile floor, shocked at the accommodations. Calling the tiny home a cottage didn’t have an adequate ring to it.

The living room had the most incredible furniture, soft and inviting with pillows on both the loveseat and matching chair. The kitchen was small, but was fully operational with a breakfast bar, the sleek granite counter in a shade matching Vissarian’s eyes. I noticed a Keurig machine and did a little happy dance.

Coffee was a lifeline, wine a soothing concoction.

From where I stood, I could already see sweeping views of the ocean given the elevation. After the tense two weeks, this was exactly what I needed.

I headed to the deck, gasping as I took in the spectacular view. The corner spot allowed for a perfect one-hundred-eighty degrees. On one side was a tropical jungle shadowing the craggy mountains and on the other was an incredible sun-kissed shimmer of the ocean.

There were two wicker chairs with cushions and a table the perfect size to hold a glass of wine, a book, and a snack.