Page 32 of Savage Promises (Quinlan Empire #2)

Lennox

H awk investigates the room, then settles in quickly, claiming the cushioned bench beneath the window. His sleek gray fur, stark against the pale upholstery, makes him look regal. That tree he’s eyeing hungrily outside sways gently in the winter breeze, casting moving shadows on the walls.

Hawk lets out a deep, contented purr, kneading the fabric before curling into a tight ball.

“At least one of us is completely at ease,” I whisper, running a hand along his back.

Pulling my fingers away, I go to the attached bathroom and wash my hands so I don’t aggravate Shane’s allergies.

In the closet, I see my wardrobe lined up, organized by type. On the back wall, there’s a shelving unit for shoes. Just like I’ve always wanted. With soft shelf lighting, even my crappy shoes look elegant.

I gasp, seeing lingerie on the back of the door. The sheer nightgown has lace appliques in strategic places. The designer label takes my breath away. These cost at least one thousand dollars.

There’s a note pinned to it: Wear this for me, wife.

It’s stark white. And it’s more delicate than anything I’d normally choose for myself. I kick off my shoes and strip out of the lace wedding dress, setting it securely on a satin hanger. Losing my panty, too, I slip on the sheer nightgown and watch it fall softly over my curves.

The full view of me in the mirror behind the door startles me. The lace appliques cling to me in all the right places. It feels like a second skin. It’s beautiful, but it’s also terrifying to be this bare in front of Shane.

Sober, anyway.

I stare down at myself as the visual skews into something darker. Christ, I don’t recognize myself. Whoever that is looks...vulnerable.

Is that what Shane wants? Or does he want me sensual and undeniably confident? Unusual for a man who takes whatever the hell he wants.

How did I get here?

I run my hands down the sides of the nightgown, smoothing it out, and pushing away the doubts creeping in. Shane chose me. Not Neve, not anyone else.

Me.

That thought alone steadies me enough to pull the pins from my hair, letting it fall loose around my shoulders. My nipples harden with the erotic thoughts of Shane flooding my brain. I’m giving him what he wants and that excites me.

I glance back at Hawk, who’s already half-asleep.

“Don’t wait up,” I whisper, my heart pounding, knowing I’m the one who will be kept up all night.

With a trembling hand, I leave what is now my bedroom and pad softly down the hall. The thick carpeted runner feels like velvet under my bare feet. The anklet Shane bought me months ago dangles softly on my foot. I never took it off, like I promised.

He claimed me way back then.

Each step makes my heart pound in my chest harder and more intense. I pause in front of the dark wooden door at the other end of the hallway. I smooth my palms down the sheer nightgown one last time. Then I lift my hand and knock lightly.

“Come in,” Shane’s voice is muffled on the other side of the door.

I know the moment I step inside, nothing will ever be the same again.