Owning the Beast(9)

Walking back into the bedroom, I stood over her and watched as she slept. The bedside lamp cast a gentle glow over her, and she seemed to resemble an angel. So fragile, so beautiful and all mine. Debating my choices, I convinced myself that I needed to make sure she didn’t wake up alone and afraid in an unfamiliar environment. Lying down next to her, making sure not to touch her but close enough to breathe in her soothing scent, I settled down to watch over her. Never once taking my eyes off of her perfection, I tried to imprint this moment into my mind so that I would never forget her.

When the first ray of sunlight shone through the bedroom windows, I left her alone in my bed. Showering in one of the guest rooms, I got dressed for the day. I wasn’t sure what to say or do after last night. She angers me, and makes me feel vulnerable. I hated her, yet I was attracted to her.

I still couldn’t understand why the agency would send me a goddamn virgin. I knew what a monster I was and I suspected they sent her just to torture me. But why give me an innocent…her? Was it meant as a punishment for her? Maybe she wasn’t a part of their joke. Maybe she was just as much of a victim as I was in this. She seemed so honest and sincere last night. I was used to being treated as a monster and it’s been hard for me to open up to anyone, or anything. I felt a sharp pain in my chest as I thought back to how I had treated her since she arrived. I needed to make this right.

Standing in the kitchen where she had left me, I was absolutely clueless as to how to handle this situation. I had no idea where in the manor she could have gone to, but I was sure one of my staff could direct her.

Pulling out my cell, I called Logan.

“Yeah, Boss?”

“If she asks to leave before the twenty-four hours are up, tell her no,” I growled into the phone.

“Sure thing, Boss.”

“And stay the f*ck away from her.”

I hung up before he could respond and made my way to my office. I needed to get in touch with the agency and let them know that I wanted an extension on Bella. I also needed to figure out what the f*ck they were playing at by sending her to me, and how to make it up to Bella after last night.

Plopping down behind my desk, I called the agency’s director on her personal number. I’m a high paying client even if I took a few months off here and there.

“Hello, Mr. Stone. How may I assist you today?”

“Cut the shit, Sheila. Why don’t you explain to me why the f*ck you sent me a goddamn virgin last night?”

Sheila Black was one tough bitch and I knew she wouldn’t appreciate my tone, but I was beyond caring because I knew that, in the end, money talks louder than her attitude.

“Excuse me, Mr Stone. I am not sure what Candy told you, or what fantasy she may have been acting out, but I assure you, you were sent a trained professional as per your usual request last night.”

“Candy? The blonde? No. You’re mistaken, Sheila. A brunette called Annabella was sent to me last night. Or at least that’s what she said.”

I heard the rusting of papers and fingers tapping rapidly away on a keyboard before the line went silent.

“Sheila, did you f*cking hear me? I do not feel like repeating myself. I am calling to find out why and also to request an extension on her. I want more time to—”

“Mr. Stone,” she cut me off, “there has been a huge mistake. I need more time to investigate further in to how this mix-up happened, but you, sir, were not supposed to receive Annabella last night. Another client has already purchased her as his bride. She is to remain untouched until her wedding night.”

“What?” I roared. My hand tightened around the phone and I felt it creak in protest under the pressure. I felt a surge of rage bubbling up inside me when the fact that she had been promised to another man registered. I might be damaged and even slightly bent, but she was mine.

“I am so sorry, Mr. Stone. I had no idea. Candy was your usual request. There must have been a mix up. She reported in last night but made no mention of being sent to a new client.”

I remained silent, unsure of what to say. Still white knuckling my phone, I had no idea how to process the situation.

“I can assure you that this has never happened before, Mr. Stone, and it will never happen again. We will issue you a full refund for any inconvenience caused. We’ll send a driver out to collect Annabella immediately. I deeply apologize for the confusion. I understand if you wish to discontinue our services.”

Her words shook me out of my silence, and a tickle of panic crept up my spine at the thought of someone taking Bella away from me. In a matter of hours, I had gone from being suspicious of her to not wanting her to ever leave my side. Giving myself a mental smack, I pulled myself together and spoke as smoothly as I could.

“Let’s not be so hasty, Sheila.” All I could think about was Annabella was meant for someone else. I knew she would leave eventually, but I wanted more time with her. I needed more time with her. I craved her.

Keeping my voice cool and casual so as to not raise any suspicion, I continued, “Since the girl’s no longer a virgin, and that seemed to be her selling feature, I’m willing to pay for another night of service with her. After all, she’s already here so there’s no need to send someone new.”

I might have almost convinced myself as well after that statement.

“That will not be necessary, Mr. Stone. Her buyer will still want her immediately regardless of—”