Page 32

Stefanos

The leather collar was in my hand again but it was nothing compared to the handcrafted dark brown leather collar which was encrusted with a layer of diamonds in a pavé setting. She might never want to be my pet again and I could live with her decision because I wanted Amari in any way I could have her. But my hope was eternal.

Time spent with Alcina soothed away the grief of losing my father. To have a relationship with my little sister, thirty years my junior, was an enlightening experience. I tried not to think of my father’s weakness because I would have made different choices. On the other hand, Alcina made me imagine my future children with Amari—the mother of my children.

My god, seeing her with Alcina made me want to breed her—to claim her completely. I missed her every single day. Two months of being apart and I was on edge. With a groan I put the collar down and opened the drawer to pull the jewellery box to see the one I had designed, to imagine it around her neck for the millionth time.

My phone buzzed, and I absently lifted it to look at the screen.

Amari: I want to go to Club X as your pet.

I dropped the collar, holding my phone closer to my face, ensuring I read her message correctly. The timing was momentous. I hesitated before I responded, quickly tapping one word and holding my breath before I hit send.

Me: Rules?

Amari: Your choice.

My breath burst from my lips as I exhaled.

No fucking way!

Me: Any boundaries?

I pressed her, needing to make sure that I understood what she was asking for.

Amari: None. You know exactly what I love.

Me: Keith will pick you up at 8 pm and bring you home before we leave for Club X. I will gag you if you attempt to complain about anything that I do to you.

Amari: Yes, Sir. Woof.

A slow smile spread across my lips before I began to chuckle. Goddamn, this was the love of my life and I’d never been more proud of her.

Me: Thank you for trusting me, agápi mou.

My love.

Amari: Don't make me regret it…Sir.

She was setting the new rules and she didn't even realise it.

***

I had the front door open, and I paced up and down the hall, watching the tracker coming closer. They were around the corner. The day had been long and torturous. I heard the car before I saw it and walked out to greet her. Keith climbed out to open her door.

She wore a dark grey cable knitted dress, legs clad in black tights and knee-high leather boots, and she was holding a small leather purse. Her long hair was tied in a ponytail but her thick curls spread behind her like a fan. It was perfect for the light hand-stitched leather dog mask I had for her.

“Do I pass the inspection, Sir?”

she asked before she gave me a twirl.

“You could wear a burlap sack and still look beautiful, pet,”

I said holding my hand out for her while she looked flustered and pleased. “Are you ready for this?”

Her dark eyes were bright and direct.

“I sure am,”

she said, placing her hand on mine.

I nodded before thanking Keith. I had a pet to prepare.

There were zero pleasantries as I dragged her upstairs, ignoring her snicker.

“Does Thema have a curfew for you?”

I asked as we reached the second floor.

“Nope, I am all yours tonight,”

she said as I led her down the hallway to my bedroom.

She hesitated at the doorway and I looked back at her as a dark shadow passed over her face. Her eyes were facing the window where I stood to tell her my revenge was complete and I was done with her.

“You're in control this time,”

I said quietly before drawing her closer to me, resting my hands on the top of her buttocks.

She put her hands around my waist and placed her head over my chest, leaning into me. It was our first embrace and it felt poignant that it was in my bedroom. The weight of her trust truly dawned on me as I held her—my woman, my pet and my love.

“I vow to you Amari that I will always protect you, love you and care for you—no matter how I dominate you,”

I said because she didn’t want games, manipulation, only honesty.

She squirmed against me but kept her head on my chest, I bent down to kiss the top of her head, deeply inhaling the scent of her perfume and enjoying the sensation of her hair against my lips.

“Towards the end, I loved everything you did to me. You scared me in the beginning,”

she murmured and I released her ass to tighten my arms around her waist.

“I’m so sorry. There is no excuse for my behaviour—I wasn’t in my right mind,”

I said, rocking her, trying to soothe her, trying not to think of what I put her through, but grateful that she was here—with me.

“Just don’t go easy on me,”

she said pulling back to look at me with a smile.

“I wasn’t planning to,”

I retorted, reaching for the hem of her dress.

When I pulled her dress off her my eyes widened and my dick was already on alert from holding her.

“Damn,”

I said, moving back to look at her, gripping her dress in my palm as I drank her in.

She wore black hold ups with a floral pattern at her thighs, no knickers and a black lace bra showing a hint of her beautiful nipples. I slowly stepped back before I turned and reached the bed.

“Amari,”

I said, her name a low rumble. “Come here.”

She hesitated, and for a moment I wondered if she’d defy me. But then she moved—one step at a time and something primal stirred inside me. She was still mine.

“A new collar for a new beginning,”

I murmured, lifting the collar for her to see.

She lifted her hand and traced her fingers over it.

“It’s beautiful,”

she said before looking at me.

“Once it is on no more talking only barking,”

I said with a slow smile when I saw the challenge and excitement in her eyes.

I placed the collar around her neck, for tonight my pet would shine as bright as the stars.