Page 101 of Beyond the Cage

She laughs even harder. “I don’t even want to see what you’ll be like in the morning. She’ll be leading you around on a leash!” She grabs her stomach, leaning forward.

I glare at her, and she tries to compose herself. After managing to calm down to short bursts of giggles, she begins fixing my tie. A leash. Fuck that.Ain’t no woman putting Gage Hunter on a fucking leash. After tonight, she’ll be the one following me around like a love-sick puppy. I smirk to myself, imagining the night ahead. It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for this day, and it’s finally here. Tonight, I really make her mine.

“There,” Ellen taps my chest. “Prince Charming in the flesh.”

“Thanks, sis…for everything.”

“My pleasure.” She slides her palm up to my cheek. “I just want you to be happy, and it’s obvious Raven makes you happy.”

I kiss her forehead, and then we make our way downstairs.

“I’ll see you at the club,” Ellen calls over her shoulder as she leaves. “The flowers are on the table. And open her doors!”

Fuck me. I’m not a hopeless cause. Raven might think I’m a Neanderthal but I’m not. I’ve just never met anyone who was worth the effort. Not until her. With a deep breath, I grab the flowers, and head out.

***Raven***

I practically run to the door when I hear the knock. I’ve been ready for a while…since I called him. I just didn’t want to seem too eager. Stopping at the door, I take a deep breath, and compose myself. When I open it, my heart catapults itself into my throat.Ho-lyfuck!I thought he was hot before, but in a suit? Molten lava. Sex god, level infinity. Fuck. Me. As I take in every inch of the man before me, he does the same, staring at me in wide-eyed awe.

“Fuck,” he mumbles.

“I second that sentiment.”

“You look…absolutely beautiful.”

“Thanks.” I slide my palms down the front of my dress. Ellen did a great job. I totally would have picked it out myself. It’s the perfect shade of blue, and shows the right amount of skin – legs, breasts, back, and the curves of my waist. “You’re very handsome. Combed hair and all.”

He smiles, handing me a gorgeous bouquet of red roses.Roses. From Mr. I-Don’t-Do-Romance. Baby Jesus. This is already the best birthday ever.

“I can clean up pretty well.”

“I see that. Let me put these in some water then we can go.”

I quickly find a vase, then hurry back to him, anxious to get this night underway. After what happened last night, I know tonight will be absolutely incredible.

“Ready, babe?”

“Yup,” I reply, grabbing my clutch.

After I lock the door behind us, he offers me his arm like a true gentleman. With a giddy smile, I slip my hand through the crook of his. He leads me to the Bimmer, opening my door so I can slide in. Watching him as he walks to the driver’s side, I can’t get over how beautiful he is.

“I know I already told you but you look amazing, Gage,” I tell him when he joins me.

“Good. Because all of this”—he sweeps his hand over his body—“I did for you.”

“I love it. Can’t wait to get you out of it, though.”

“Funny. I thought the same thing when you opened the door.”

Fuck. “Can we just skip the party and go back to your place?”

“Don’t tempt me, doll. We’re doing this right. I have a few surprises for you.”

“What surprises?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.

“You’ll see.”

With that cryptic statement, he laces his fingers through mine, and pulls out of the driveway. Ever so often, he squeezes my fingers, and tosses a smile my way. This Gage is strange to me. It’s not just his appearance, but his whole demeanor. He hasn’t said one dirty thing to me, and he’s being so quiet. I figured I’d be hearing about all the things he’s going to do to me tonight. Regardless, I have to admit, I like this side of him, too.