Page 16 of The Damaged Billionaire's Obsession

She rubs her chin thoughtfully. “Well, all things considered, it may be worth the sacrifice. Good for you, Bonnie.”

Stella and I look at each other and then at her. Stella, like me, is self-employed and has never had an office-based job.

“Sacrifice? What does that mean?” I ask.

“It means, Bonnie, you’ll have to play by someone else’s rules while on their time. When you start work, when you finish, and, to an extent, what you wear has to conform to the image they’re trying to project.”

She looks pointedly at my tube top, skinny jeans, and spiked, leather jacket, which isn’t the most appropriate for the December chill, but my style is my style.

I marvel at how much Brooke already knows about me in the short period we’ve been friends, specifically about me wanting to play by my own rules. I’m still digesting the part about workplace constraints when she adds, “And when Ethan or Jordan says jump, you’ll have to say ‘how high?’”

I sputter into my drink, almost choking. Stella bursts out laughing.

“Hell to the fuck no!” I declare

“I knew you’d say just that!” Brooke joins Stella in laughter. “Actually, it’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s more like they will ask nicely, and you’ll have the power to say no, but essentially, that’s the bottom line. The bosses call the shots. Think of velvet-encased steel,” Brooke says after she stops laughing.

“Sounds like hell,” I say with a deadpan expression.

“But look on the bright side, you’ll no longer have to think or do all the legwork before money comes in. You’ll make friends, learn a lot from being in a team, you’ll get promoted regularly. And get this—paid holidays. Sick and maternity leave.” She places a hand on her swollen belly. “What do you think?”

“It sounds like being a submissive,” Stella announces.

“Only you, Stella, would compare having a job to a sexual preference. Don’t listen to her, Bonnie.”

“But Stella’s right, though. I might as well get collared,” I argue.

“So, how would you like your pain today, little one?” Stella’s dom baritone is so ridiculous that we both cackle loudly while Brooke only shakes her head.

I wouldn’t call myself a dominant, I just like my men a little… docile. I like to be on top, looking down as I fuck their brains out, waiting for that moment of perfect vulnerability to flash across their faces.

I don’t get any physical pleasure from having sex. The only pleasure I get is the mental satisfaction, the knowledge that as a man unravels in orgasm, I’m responsible for it. In that moment, I’m Aphrodite, and he’s my supplicant, enraptured in worship.

“I’ll have you know, girls”, Brooke interrupts my musing, “I happen to love my job and enjoy working for my boss.” Brooke is an elementary school teacher and rarely ever complains about the kids or her colleagues.

“Stockholm syndrome, anyone? I wonder if that’s where the whole ‘collared job’ came from?” Stella is on a roll.

“Now you’re just being dramatic, Stella. Bonnie, it’s not that bad, I promise. Stella hasn’t even worked in an office before.”

“Thanks Brooke, for the clarity, as always. I’m not sure I’m ready for it, and I’d like to hang on to my freedom for now. Did you know that Jordan told me right off the bat that Acercraft would have exclusive rights to my work, so all my clients will either have to come under Acercraft or I’ll lose them? There’ll be no side gigs.” I shudder just thinking about it.

Stella cocks her head as if to say “see what I mean,” but she doesn’t say anymore. She doesn’t need to. I already know what she thinks of this Acercraft job interview.

“Okay,” Brooke says. “I’ll just mention one more thing, and whatever you decide, you’ll have our full support right, Stella?”

Stella nods.

“Acercraft is a really big deal, hon. And if, as you said, your job is to ultimately replace Jordan, I’d say it’s worth a shot. Being atop executive at a multibillion-dollar company has to be worth the hassle.”

I consider that point. I would be making my own money, and lots of it. And I wouldn’t need to be ‘found’ by money, as my father often put it. I’dbethe money.

Now, wouldn’t that be something?

“What have you got to lose? It’s just an interview. You might not even be selected. And if you are, you can always say no. Even if you do decide to work there, it’s not like you’d be sharing the same office with Ethan, is it?”

Brooke is right.

I remember Jordan’s text:“most people fail it, anyway.”