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I feel this man in my veins.
And if I’ve learned anything since the moment he first backed me into a wall and claimed me, it’s that time knows nothing about connection.
I’ve felt the way he’s handled my body like it’s a gift, and my heart like it’s breakable.
I’ve seen the way he listens when I don’t even know I’m speaking, and the way he knows what I need before I do.
And when the world came for me, he didn’t flinch.
So, no, this might not look rational from the outside. But love rarely does.
And if this collar means what I think it means?
I want it.
God, I want it.
I lift my chin just enough.
Find his eyes.
“Put it on me.”
The moment I say it, his eyes flare.
It’s not desire.
It’s not possession.
It’s devotion.
He lifts the collar from the box slowly, like it’s precious. Sacred. Then he steps behind me, his body close. One of his hands moves my hair aside, careful not to rush. Then he fits the collar gently around my throat, cool silver meeting warm skin.
I shiver. Not from the cold. From everything this means.
“You sure?” he murmurs, and even though he’s asking, I feel every ounce of his need for me to say yes.
I touch the collar. “Yes,” I whisper.
He doesn’t speak again. Just fastens the collar with the tiny tool. And when it’s secured, he kisses the back of my neck, his lips taking their time with my skin.
I feel everything that kiss says.
You’re mine, and I’ll spend the rest of my life proving I deserve you.
He turns me to him, eyes scanning my face like he’s never going to forget this exact version of me.
Then, his gaze drops to the collar. He trails a finger over it, slow and reverent. Lingers there. “The diamonds are for special occasions unless you want to wear them every day.”
His thumb grazes the edge again, and I swear my man’s going to have trouble taking his eyes off it. “I didn’t think you’d want diamonds every day though.”
“Gage,” I breathe, stepping into him, desperate for the proximity.
His eyes meet mine. My hand finds his jaw. And then my mouth finds his, and I’m kissing him like I need it to live. Like I’m coming out of my skin just to get closer.
This man.
This beautiful, intense, passionate, loving man.