Uncharted Territory (The Compass Series Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

are snarling over. Two very well-mannered, tastefully dressed, and impeccably groomed dogs, but dogs nonetheless.
    “Next time you bring something this tempting to a party, I suggest you keep it on a tighter leash. Tobias was about to sink his teeth into her, and nobody wants that.”
    Hunter’s bored tone has returned. Why is he talking about me like I’m a thing? That’s not how he was talking to me earlier. I know technically I’m Rey’s property as far as people here are concerned, but really?
    “Ben was supposed to keep an eye on her.”
    “And he’ll suffer the consequences.”
    Is it wrong that when Hunter says “consequences,” a delicious chill runs through me? They glare at each other, and my eyes shift between them.
    “Don’t let it happen again.”
    Hunter releases my hand and nudges me toward Rey with a hand at the small of my back. When I’ve taken a few steps, I stop. We’ve been playing a game, Rey and I. He calls it Mindreader . It might look that way to other people, but really it’s just paying attention. If I’m tuned into him, the tiniest signals are like the torches ground crews direct planes with: come to me, sit here , and my favorite— kneel . From the way he’s looking at me, it’s game on.
    Rey tips his chin, and I walk toward him, not breaking eye contact. When I’ve nearly reached him, he looks at the floor in front of where he’s seated before looking back to me. I blink in acknowledgement and come to my knees where he’s indicated, with my hands folded in my lap. He cups my face in his warm hands. “Are you all right, little one?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Did he hurt you?”
    “No, sir.”
    “Were you afraid?”
    “Yes, sir.” My voice is quiet and strained with the confession, and I look away. Admitting that is so hard. But being here, with this man and the collar around my neck, compels me, strips away my defensive layers.
    He strokes his thumb across my cheek, so I meet his eyes. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
    I just blink, but he knows I’ve accepted his apology. Maybe I don’t need to be so hard because Rey will protect me. He starts to stroke my hair, knowing how much I like that. Hunter’s been watching our exchange. Why is he still standing there? He’s returned me to my “owner,” and he’s scolded Rey. Surely his work is done. There are a few beats of silence while Rey continues to soothe me. I’m wondering if Hunter will ever leave when he interrupts the less-than-charitable thoughts I’ve started to have about him.
    “How long have you been working with her?”
    “In earnest?” Rey drags his eyes away from mine, continuing to pet me.
    “Of course.”
    “I haven’t started yet.”
    Rey looks incredibly smug. I wish I could see the look on Hunter’s face. I bet it’s good because he’s been stunned into silence. It’s all I can do to keep from grinning, but I think he’d be able to tell and that would ruin the effect.
    “Well, let me know when you do.” He tries and fails to affect the disinterested cool he’s put on so effortlessly before, his voice like polished silver that’s been a bit smudged. “I’d be interested to see how she turns out.”
    I hold my breath until the latch on the door catches and then put my hands to the floor to steady myself. A huge grin is lighting up Rey’s handsome face.
    “You’re brilliant, India. You should’ve seen the look on that fucker’s face. Oh, god, that was satisfying. Come here.”
    I come off my knees and deposit myself in Rey’s lap, resting my head on his shoulder and curling my hand into what little of his T-shirt I can gather between my fingers. I’m tired and feeling fragile. It’s nice to be held.
    “Are you ready to go home?”
    I nod into him.
    “We’ll leave in a few minutes. I want Hunter to wonder what I’m doing with you.”
    “He knows you’re gay, Rey. Everyone knows you’re gay.” My cheek pushes against his hard chest as I smile. He won’t mind