Page 63 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

It’s adiamond-studded, leather collar.

Electricity heats my skin as I stare at it. I’m overwhelmed by the idea of wearing such a thing. Such a clear and unquestionable symbol of my submission, of my devotion. The thought of her claiming me this way makes me weak in the knees, brings me pleasure that I can’t even begin to process right now. I try to speak, but nothing comes out. It’s like my brain has short-circuited.

“Do you like it?” Crimson asks.

Tongue-tied, I nod.

She raises an eyebrow. “Would you…like me to put it on you?”

I nod again.

Her lips curve into a smirk. She takes the supple leather in her fingers and I push my hair back so that she can put it around my neck.

It’s soft, and perfectly snug against my throat. The sensation is incredibly satisfying. I run my fingers over the hard, tapered diamonds.

“It’s not…they’re notreal…”

“Of course they’re real,” Crimson replies. She fixes her cool gaze on me. “Only the best for you.”

I break her gaze, biting my lip.

Crimson says sharply, “What’s the matter.”

“It’s nothing, sir,” I whisper, feeling silly.

“It’s not nothing,” she replies, her voice hardening. “Paige, what’s the matter?”

I blink back up at her. It’s the first time she’s ever used my name. It sounds strange, but wonderful, on her tongue.

“My king, please, just forget it,” I tell her, giving her a tight smile. “I don’t want to ruin this moment. This was so thoughtful, I appreciate it. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

She frowns. “But there’s something bothering you.”

The moment stretches out between us, undeniable now. I have to say something, even though it seems so ridiculous to be bearingmyself to her like this.

“I know that you…must have so many others,” I stutter, unsure of how to phrase this.

But I don’t need to clarify further. Realization dawns on her face.

“Ah,” she says, running her thumb along the line of her jaw.

I wait for her to laugh at me, to tell me that I’m being insecure, to make excuses, to lie…

But instead, she gives me that look again. That look like she’s seeing me for the first time, all over again. Like she’ll never look away.

“I can’t deny I’ve had others,” she says. “But I don’t claim just anyone. I don’t give collars to just anyone…”

She pulls me in, with the strength of her gaze, with the tone of her devotion.

“You’re precious to me, Paige,” she says. “And you’remine. For as long as you want to be.”

My chest aches when she says I’m precious. Nobody’s ever said that to me before, and I wasn’t expecting it. “I don’t have to leave after three months?”

“You may stay however long you wish.”

I swallow, trying to let myself be reassured by her words. I’m glad she can hear my heart, because I want her to know how her words steal my breath away.

But a small, nagging part of me still feels unsure. “And what does it mean…that I’myours?”