Chapter Twenty-Six Sloane #2
His eyes darken as his grip tightens slightly. “If you want dark,” he murmurs against my ear, “I don’t have to kill anyone to make that happen.”
The promise in his voice sends heat racing through me. “Prove it.”
His response is to pull me fully into his lap, one hand tangling in my hair while the other finds the zipper of my dress.
“I have something for you,” he says, licking my collarbone. “A gift.”
“A gift?” I murmur, tilting my head to allow him better access.
“Something I want you to wear tonight.”
His lips find mine in a searing kiss, stealing my breath. I melt into him, fingers pulling on his hair to pull him closer. Need coils tight and hot in my core.
When we finally break apart, his eyes are molten, burning with intensity. He starts by removing my necklace and setting it down on the table next to me. Slowly, deliberately, he stands and walks over to a table drawer and withdraws a box wrapped in crimson paper.
My heart pounds as he places the small gift in my hands.
I tear off the wrapping paper to reveal a black velvet box.
Lifting the lid, I gasp at the exquisite necklace nestled inside.
.. a collar, much different than the one I was wearing.
Metal and slick. My fingers tremble as I lift the collar from the box.
“A collar?” I begin. “You know... jewelry designers shouldn’t wear another designers work,” I tease, still trying to process exactly what it is he gave me and the possible meaning.
“ I designed it,” he says. “For you.”
“You?”
He nods but says nothing more.
“Is this a—” I swallow. “ Collar collar. Like the ones submissives wear—”
My voice catches in my throat as the realization dawns. The necklace is no ordinary piece of jewelry, but a collar. Sleek and uncompromising, forged from gleaming steel. My fingers trace the cool metal links.
Cole watches me with heated intensity, his eyes dark with desire. “Put it on for me,” Cole rasps, his voice rough with need.
“What does this mean? What—” I pause, fingers tracing the cool metal. “Do we need to sign some kind of contract? I mean, I’ve read... things.” I feel my cheeks heat. “About collars and BDSM agreements.”
A hint of amusement crosses his face. “I thought one contract between us was enough.” His thumb traces my bottom lip. “But if you want something more formal...”
“God no.” I laugh softly. “The merger paperwork was painful enough.” I swallow hard, trying to remember how to form words as his mouth moves against my skin. “Don’t we need... um... a safe word?”
He pulls back slightly, eyes dancing with wicked amusement. “Do you want one?”
“I mean... isn’t that how this works?” I’m blushing furiously now. “Though I refuse to use ‘red.’ That’s so... basic.”
“Basic?” His laugh is low and dangerous. “All right then, creative one. What would you prefer?”
“Cryptocurrency?”
He arches an eyebrow. “You want to yell ‘cryptocurrency’ in the middle of sex?”
“It’s definitely a mood killer,” I point out. “Which is kind of the point, right?”
“Fair enough.” His fingers trail down my neck. “If you say ‘cryptocurrency,’ I stop.”
I laugh, the awkward, not pretty-sounding laugh.
His expression turns serious as he cups my face. “But this isn’t about rules, safe words, or contracts, Sloane. It’s about trust. About you surrendering control to me, and me taking care of you. Just for tonight...” His eyes search mine. “At first.”
My breath catches at the promise in those last two words.
His fingers brush my cheek, igniting sparks beneath my skin.
“You’re mine,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends tremors down my spine.
He leans forward and traces his tongue along my neck where the collar will rest. “And I protect what’s mine. ”
I should be afraid, alarmed by the promise of such complete domination. But as I gaze into the depths of Cole’s eyes, I see only scorching desire and a silent plea—trust me. My hesitation melts away, replaced by a yearning so primal it steals my breath.
With trembling hands, I fasten the collar around my neck, the metal cool against my feverish skin.
As the final link slides into place, I feel the weight of Cole’s possession settle over me, binding me to this man in a way I can’t fully comprehend yet.
But I don’t need to understand, not right now.
All I know is that I’m his, utterly and completely.
“Good girl,” Cole growls in approval, and the praise sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my core.
He pulls me flush against his hard body, claiming my mouth in a searing kiss that leaves me dizzy.
His hands roam hungrily, possessively, leaving trails of flame in their wake as he maps every curve, every inch of his new territory.
When he finally releases me, I’m panting and aching for more. Cole’s eyes blaze with raw hunger as he takes in the sight of me wearing his collar. “On your knees,” he commands, his voice laced with dark promise.
I sink obediently to the plush carpet, the collar feeling impossibly tight and deliciously restraining as I gaze up at him. Cole’s fingers trace the line of the collar almost reverently before gripping my hair, tilting my head back to expose the line of my throat.
Cole’s eyes burn with primal hunger as he takes in the sight of me kneeling before him, collar gleaming against my skin. His grip on my hair tightens, holding me immobile as he leans down to trail scorching kisses along my neck.
“Mine,” he growls against my pulse point, teeth grazing delicate flesh. “As long as you wear this collar, you are mine. In every way.”