The Bound Bride Read Online Free Page B

Cassandra.”
    What did she look for? What did she want ? On a superficial level, she wanted beautiful. Who didn’t? She wanted firm and strong and eager against her hands.
    But she wanted more.
    She wanted smart. She wanted kind. She wanted strong when she was threatened. She wanted comforting when she was scared. She wanted smart and funny. And maybe a little crazy now and then. She wanted someone who would hold her close. And never let her go. She wanted to stay with whoever he was forever .
    “I…”
    “Come on, Cassandra. Just like you did in your application.”
    So the single sentence had done the trick. And now she had to keep it going. Somewhere, someone , was in the market for all that she was. And he didn’t need a paragraph. Cassandra took a deep breath and stared into the camera. She could already feel her face, glowing, before unknown eyes. A single pair might hold the key to all that she wished for.
    Make it brief.
    “I… I want someone who’ll keep me… safe .”
    She bowed her head as Mary Lynn held her focus. Then she snapped the camera off, made an unseen note on the printout, and offered Cassandra a card with a smile.
    “Very good.”
    Cassandra tentatively took the stiff piece of paper. She saw her zip code and an array of Lab Corp collection sites. One was barely a stone’s throw from her front door.
    Convenient.
    “I’m… I’m supposed to… what am I supposed to do with this?”
    Mary Lynn’s smile grew wider.
    “Take a piss. Need to make sure you’re clean. But somehow I think we don’t even need the test. I’m guessing you’re safe.”
    She was. No needles in her veins. No STDs lying in wait. But…
    “I drink.”
    Mary Lynn looked to the printout.
    “Yes. Yes I know. Beer. Some boys like that. It’s okay. It’s permitted. But you might want to expand your tastes. Fine wine is the flavor of the day.”
    Cassandra signed the necessary papers and went for the test. She was told that the results would reach Mary Lynn in no more than two days. Or less.
    Twelve hours later, she was a Leased Lady . She whirled about her studio and clapped at the prospect of men and money. She emailed Mary Lynn Masters and inquired about what would come next. Cassandra was already waxing and primping at the thought of an instantaneous date. She received a reply and fell to her keyboard.
    Welcome, Trixie.
    So she really couldn’t shake the username.
    We are pleased to inform you that you are now a part of the LeaseALady family! Your profile is now LIVE for our customers. Who knows? Your first date could be TONIGHT!!!
    Cassandra moved from her computer with a joyful squeal.
    Tonight!

 
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
    Oliver Chambers needed a partner. It was the Met’s gala opening night. He had business to conduct. It would look better with a Lady on his arm.
    Faye entered his office, ivory walls surrounding maroon furnishings, with a glass of lime tinged water on a tray. She peeked over his shoulder and saw him clicking through a series of familiar photos.
    “I liked the redhead,” Faye said.
    Oliver looked up at her with a wicked smile.
    “You would.”
    Faye set the glass down and grabbed his mouse. She clicked back to the redhead. Mallory.
    “Yes, sir,” Faye said. “She’sa keeper.”
    Oliver looked at the soft face, all blue eyes and freckles. He liked Mallory. He’d had fun with Mallory. But it was been there, done that.
    “Then you keep her.”
    Oliver took the mouse back and continued clicking through the pics. Faye sat on the edge of his desk and tousled his hair.
    “Ollie, you’ve been through the entire catalog.”
    He’d used the services too many times to count. It was convenient and quick and entirely affordable when he needed a pretty companion to smile at him and everyone else .
    “Faye—”
    She slapped his hand away from the keyboard.
    “Enough, Ollie. You spend more time on this than you should. If it’s just a dinner date, heck. Even Icould fit the bill.”
    Oliver