Page 68 of Arran's Obsession
“So precious,” an awed voice came, echoed with a smattering of applause.
Accepting Arran’s help, I peered wide-eyed at the warehouse. There was no bouncer on the back door this time, but a group of people stood at the corner, clubgoers by their smart or skimpy outfits.
“Congratulations,” another called.
“Beautiful,” said a woman.
Arran produced a smile so natural it gave me shivers.
“Thank you,” he called back.
We neared the group. A woman reached out and touched my shoulder. “I saw everything. Honey, that was so wonderful. You held out for him. My heart!”
I produced my own slightly stunned grin but kept on going.
We rounded to the front of the building, and Arran interlaced our fingers, lifting our joined hands as people in the queue shouted out for us.
“Oh my God,” I muttered. “How do they know my name?”
He leaned in. “Told you. Shade made us public. We’re a hot topic. Don’t worry. The fuss will die down.”
Except we were very much in that moment, just as he was very clearly leading me in the front entrance. Everybody wasstaring. I tugged at the hem of my short shorts then brushed back stray hair that had escaped my messy bun.
“I wish you could’ve warned me. I’d have put makeup on. I don’t look like I belong here.”
“Part of the attraction. You’re beautiful.”
That offhand compliment had no business making my heart swell. He only meant it as an outsider’s observation, not from his heart.
Inside, Arran received slaps on the back from his team and strangers, people smiling at me, too. Making introductions, he gave me names I tried to store away.
“I need to spend some time with my team, then I’ll give you a proper tour.”
A kiss pressed to my temple earned sighs from the spectators. Then we were in the management suite, and I could finally relax. He didn’t let go of my hand, though, and in his private office, where a selection of his crew waited, he directed me with him around his desk, sitting me on his knee while he reclined. I went to stand, but he towed me down on his lap, banding an arm around me in a possessive hold.
I gave up the struggle and relaxed, enjoying the almost immediate prod of his dick against my ass.
Subtly, I scanned the room for the picture that Cassie told me was here. I spotted it on a shelf by the door. That same child, the one I knew and had played with. Another memory rose—Dad had a printed photo of us somewhere. He had a wall of pictures, sentimental over his family, friends, and ex-girlfriends. I was reasonably sure I’d seen it there. When I had time alone with Arran, I’d tell him.
At last, I regarded his crew. What a change from last time I’d been here. No masks, only interested expressions. Except one woman, whose jaw was clamped shut. Alisha, though in a red wig this time rather than blonde. She’d shown me around andcalled me a clean little thing. I wondered what her problem was now.
Arran extended a hand, gesturing to each in turn. “Shade, Alisha, Manny who’s head of security, and Lara.”
The younger woman peered at me with unabashed interest. I recognised her. She’d brought me back to the office. I raised an awkward hand. “Hi, everyone.”
Both men dipped their heads. Lara waved gleefully.
Alisha stepped forward, her sky-high heels making her legs appear endless under her dressing gown, the outline of lacy lingerie clear. Arran had described her outward appearance as a disguise. To me, it gave her armour I wished I could have. I pined for ten minutes with my hairbrush and the makeup in my bag.
“Congratulations, Arran,” Alisha forced out, though her expression didn’t match her words. “A lot has happened since you disappeared.”
Arran drifted his thumb up and down my waist. “I didn’t disappear. I was very enjoyably present.”
“Not where you were needed,” she said.
“You’re wrong. I was exactly where I was needed.” He switched his gaze to Shade. “Anything happen that you couldn’t handle?”
“Nothing big. We were all just happy for ye to honeymoon in peace.”