Page 177 of Kings & Queen

“What is all this? It’s not even my name day celebration.”

Our girl didn’t celebrate her real birthday, only the day Owen Taylor and she picked out her new name.

“We know, that’s in April,” Alek said. “Now do us a favor. Right next to you on the table are five cards. Pick one and flip it over.”

“Okay,” she said warily. “What’s on the other side, though?”

“You won’t know, baby girl, until you turn one over. No peeking, though,” I teased.

She flashed me a brilliant smile and then grew serious. Her brows furrowed in the cutest way. My heart beat with excitement and anticipation.

“Hmm, decisions, decisions. What if I choose this one and it’s not the right one? I’m not going to have to streak down the beach naked, am I?”

“Ms. Taylor,” Marcel, ever the therapist, chimed in with a touch of seriousness. “There are no wrong choices here. Trust your instincts. Remember, your Kings said your body is for their viewing pleasure only.”

“Yes, Sir. I remember, but it’s a private beach, so it’s a possibility.”

“It’s not, little love. Would you just pick a card and turn it over already,” Ivan commanded. He was so anxious to give her his gift, it was comical.

“Eenie, meenie, miny, mo—” She pointed at the cards while I laughed. If she only knew those were my favorite words to say when I tortured someone.

“What? It’s the way it’s done, you know. Now, where was I?” She finished the tune and then stopped as the last word fell from her lips.

Her hand landed on a card. With a deep breath, she turned it over. The underside was purple with a pixie holding a wand. She looked up, confused. Marcel stood and walked over to the gifts.

He chose the purple bag covered in glitter. As he walked over, understanding dawned in her eyes. She sat up straight and did a little dance in her chair.

Marcel cleared his throat. “First, I want to say how incredibly proud I am of you. You’re so strong. Every day, you face your inner demons with a level of courage that truly inspires me. Even on your hardest days, you press on. It’s a strength I deeply admire about you.”

He handed her the gift. “This is something to remind you that while your journey is ongoing, it doesn’t have to be heavy all the time.”

She carefully pulled the tissue paper out, her eyes widening in surprise as she pulled out the journal first. Embossed across the top were the words “My Dreams.”

“I know it’s your favorite color, and that one is strictly for happy thoughts. I expect you to fill it up. The rest is just a little something to tell you how much you are a light in our lives.”

A playful glint shone in his eyes. She pulled the remaining items out and showed us each one while she laughed.

“Alek, look!” she exclaimed, showing him the stationery with the words “From the Desk of the Naughtiest Kitty Ever” embossed in gold across the top.

She jumped up and hugged Marcel. He kissed the top of her head and pushed her back toward the table. “Pick another card.”

Now that she knew what was happening, she skipped back over. Her gaze darted between the cards. With a theatrical sigh, she reached for her second. Her fingers hovered over one and then moved left.

“All right, this one is next.” She held it up. Her eyes were filled with excitement as she looked to see who was going to stand up next. This one was purple with a skull on it.

Bash stood, and she jumped up and down, unable to contain herself as she danced. God, she was everything. I couldn’t help but stare in astonishment. She felt my stare and met mine, blushing beautifully, so I blew her a kiss. With the biggest grin, Bash pulled out the bag that matched the card.

“Front and center, tiny tot. It’s time for the best gift you’ll get for the day. I’ve dubbed it ‘The Ultimate Submissive’s Bundle.’”

Her eyes twinkled with mischief as he handed her the bag. “Go on, dive in headfirst,” he encouraged her.

She pulled out the day planner, and I laughed. Leave it to Sebastian.

“It’s got a place for all those goals Nik wants you to track. Some stickers because who doesn’t like a little sparkle in their life, right? You can track your habits, whose night it is, when you’ve booked the playroom. We need a master schedule, by the way.”

“Bash,” she said, flushing.

“There’s a place for your contracts, some safety guidelines, your aftercare instructions. Even in our wildest dreams and adventures, it’s always best to be organized and plan ahead.”