Owning the Beast(11)

“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—”

“How about I quadruple your normal rate for another 24 hours?” I interrupted. “I’m sure you have enough on your plate today, explaining to your other client how his virgin bride is no longer…pure.”

It made me physically sick just thinking about the other man who was going to touch my angel. I won’t allow it. I wasn’t sure how everything changed this fast, but just thinking about how this might be the last time Bella and I would be together pulled at my stone cold heart. She had awoken something deep inside of me that I thought was long gone.

I could hear the hesitation in her voice. “That would be beyond our policy, Mr. Stone, and highly inappropriate. This is something that might damage our reputation, if it were to get out.”

Oh I heard her loud and clear.

“Exactly, Sheila. This is something we need to keep between just the two of us. I can wire you the funds immediately, and you just have to leave the paperwork for another 24 hours. We can call it a bonus. It’s gratuity for your discretion over the years.”

There was a long pause and I knew I had her. Sometimes you’ve got to throw some money at the problem.

“Very well, Mr. Stone. I will send the driver tomorrow evening to retrieve Miss Annabella. Thank you for your understanding.”

My thoughts kicked in at the use of her title ‘Miss Annabella’ and I quickly amended my stipulation.

“Sheila, while I am wiring the funds, I would appreciate it if you would send Annabella’s file over to me. I would like her full work-up, seeing as how she’d be staying in my home for yet another night, and I wasn’t fully informed of her history before allowing her entrance.”

The small threat was there, and I knew Sheila was a smart woman. She wouldn’t refuse the information I was asking for as I was holding all the cards. I could ruin her business with just a few well-placed phone calls.

“Of course, Mr. Stone. I will email the documents to you immediately.”

I smiled into the phone. “Until next time.”

Hanging up, I finished transferring the money. I’m willing to bet good ol’ Sheila would sell me her grandmother for the bonus she’s about to get. I clicked over to my email and hear the ping of a new message. Sheila’s email contained only the file and a cursory signature at the bottom.

I opened the file and waited for it to download onto my computer. Knowing Annabella was destined to be another man’s bride made me ill. Maybe her file would give me some insight as to why she would sell herself in the first place.

Her file contained basic information with a few other details. This was something any of the agency’s clients could request. It seems my Bella’s file is a little longer than the ones I’m used to. I wonder if it’s because she’s meant to be a bride? The women I usually pay for only have the basics listed. Height, weight, hair color, and sexual abilities; nothing more.