Chapter 15
KEELY
Keely had spent the last few weeks proving that Jesse was as stubborn a man as ever lived, and he was a lousy patient.
He healed fast—too fast, really. The doctors had said he needed time, but Jesse being Jesse, he’d spent the better part of the recovery process grumbling about being trapped at her house. He was bored. He wanted action. He wanted to move.
To step foot in The Iron Spur again. Keely had been patient. She’d let him get away with his grumpy bullshit while he was recovering, but now? His excuses were gone, and her waiting was over.
Which was how she found herself standing in front of him, hands on her hips, trying her best to glare him into doing what she wanted.
Jesse just crossed his arms, watching her from the couch with that infuriating, too-calm expression. “I said no.”
Keely huffed. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“No, darlin’,” he said, his voice deep and sure. “I’m being smart.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Explain that logic to me.”
Jesse dragged his hand over his jaw. “I don’t need to go to the damn club to prove anything to you.”
“It’s not about proving anything,” she argued. “It’s about us enjoying what we do together.” She stepped closer, planting a knee on the couch beside him. “Jesse, you and I both know this is part of us. It’s what we want. What we are.”
His eyes darkened. She saw the way his jaw flexed, the way his fingers twitched like he wanted to do something to her. She had him.
Keely trailed a hand down from his chest, her voice softening. “Come with me.”
Jesse grabbed her wrist before she could go any lower, his grip firm but not punishing. “You don’t fight fair, baby.”
Keely grinned. “Never have.”
Jesse stared at her for a long moment, then let out a rough breath. “Fine.”
Victory surged through her, but before she could celebrate, Jesse yanked her down, flipping her onto her back in one swift move. Keely gasped, blinking up at him as he pinned her wrists above her head.
Jesse’s voice was all grit and promise. “But when we go, I want every damn person in that club to know who you belong to.”
Her whole body lit up.
“Yes, Sir,” she breathed.
Jesse grinned, slow and wicked. “Good girl.”
The Iron Spur was packed with people.
The energy in the air crackled, a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and intense anticipation. Keely had always loved the feeling of walking into the club. But tonight? Tonight was different.
Because tonight, she wasn’t just one of the subs who came to play; she was Jesse’s sub and his collared sub at that. He’d wasted no time finding an exquisite collar to place around her neck, which he’d done at home with her brother and the rest of the team in attendance.
Keely had never been nervous a day in her life. At least, that’s what she’d told herself. She’d faced down killers, walked into the lion’s den with nothing but the team at her back, and somehow had stayed alive. But this? This moment, in the quiet sanctuary of her home, surrounded by the people who had become family—this had her heart pounding in a way nothing else ever had.
The living room was warm, intimate, the soft glow of candlelight flickering across the walls. Jesse stood before her, a little less steady than usual, but his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that stole her breath. The others—Hawke, Dawson, Gavin, Roxie and Reed—stood just beyond them, silent witnesses to the moment that would change everything.
Keely inhaled deeply, trying to calm the rapid beat of her pulse. She wasn’t nervous because she had doubts. No, there wasn’t a single hesitation in her bones. She was nervous because this was real. Because Jesse, the man who had fought beside her, bled for her, loved her, was about to place a collar around her neck, claiming her in a way no one ever had before.
He lifted a hand, running the back of his fingers along her jaw before gripping her chin, tilting her face up to his. “Look at me, Keely.”
She met his gaze, falling into the storm of possession and devotion that burned there.
“You’re mine,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “Have been from the second you walked into my life. And tonight, I make that permanent.”
She swallowed hard, nodding once. “I’m yours.”
Jesse reached into his pocket, pulling out the collar he had chosen for her, and the moment Keely saw it, it took her breath away.
It was stunning.
A delicate chain of platinum, woven like the intricate links of a lasso, adorned with small but brilliant black diamonds nestled between the metalwork. The centerpiece, resting just at the throat, was a single, deep blue sapphire, cut into an elegant teardrop, framed by the faintest etching of western scrollwork. It was a collar designed for her—strong, refined, undeniably beautiful, but with an edge of raw power beneath the surface.
Jesse had thought of everything.
He held it up, his fingers deftly working the clasp as he stepped closer. “This isn’t just a collar,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble only she could hear. “It’s a promise. That I’ll protect you. That I’ll love you. That I’ll own every damn part of you.”
She let out a shuddering breath, her hands instinctively reaching for his, not to stop him but to feel him as he placed the cool metal against her skin.
Jesse wrapped the collar around her throat, securing it with practiced precision before brushing his thumbs along the sapphire at her throat, a silent gesture of ownership.
Keely’s body softened, a deep sense of home settling in her bones.
Hawke let out a low whistle. “Damn, that’s a hell of a piece, Bryant.”
Dawson crossed his arms, nodding in approval. “Suits her.”
Gavin chuckled. “She looks like she was born to wear it.”
Reed, however, said nothing. He studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, then gave Jesse a slow nod. “Take care of her.”
Jesse’s grip on her chin tightened just slightly, his voice pure steel. “Always.”
The ceremony was simple. No grand speeches, no unnecessary theatrics—just the presence of the men who mattered, the weight of the moment sinking into her bones, and the man before her, claiming her in the only way that had ever mattered.
Jesse’s fingers slid into her hair, tugging just enough to make her eyes flutter shut. “Say it, Keely.”
She breathed out, letting the last of her resistance go. “I’m yours.”
He kissed her, stealing her breath and sealing the vow already written in their bones. And as the others raised their glasses, as her brother silently accepted what had always been inevitable, Keely knew—this was just the beginning.
She had expected him to be stiff when they walked into the club, maybe even a little reluctant, but the second they stepped inside, he owned the space—literally and figuratively. His presence was undeniable, a walking storm of dominance and confidence. The club noticed, too. He was already wearing his leathers. She’d dressed at home as well, wrapping a coat around her for the trip from the house to the club.
Once inside the Iron Spur, conversations stalled as Jesse took her coat, revealing her blue corset with a black lace overlay and matching thong. Submissives stole glances his way. Keely could feel the curiosity burning in the air—because everyone in this place knew Jesse. He’d been a part of this world for years, but he’d claimed no one. Until now.
Keely swallowed hard, her pulse hammering as Jesse’s hand settled low on her back, guiding her forward. People watched, and Jesse grinned. Possessive sonofabitch. He led her straight to the bar, his fingers trailing along her spine as he ordered a drink.
“Something for you, darlin’?” he asked, his voice rough against her ear.
Keely barely heard him. She was focused too intently on how people looked at them—or how Jesse practically dared them to look. But when one man, a Dom she vaguely recognized, let his eyes linger too long, Jesse moved.
Keely let out a startled gasp as he spun her on the barstool, dragging her between his legs.
The club stilled.
Jesse gripped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “You wanted to be here, didn’t you darlin’?”
She swallowed. “Yes, Sir.”
His thumb brushed her bottom lip. “Then let’s be real clear about something.”
Keely barely had time to breathe before his mouth crashed against hers. The kiss was brutal, claiming an undeniable mark of ownership. Jesse’s fingers tangled in her hair, holding her still as he deepened the kiss, his other hand gripping her hip.
The club watched. Keely shivered.
When Jesse finally pulled back, his gaze burned into hers, his voice rough enough to scrape.
“They all know now,” he murmured.
Keely’s chest rose and fell, her lips tingling, her body buzzing.
“Neanderthal,” she whispered.
Jesse tilted his head toward the hallway leading to the private rooms. “Come with me.”
Keely obeyed.
Jesse took her to one of the privacy rooms and shut the door behind them. Keely barely had time to blink before she was against the wall, Jesse’s hands gripping her thighs, lifting her until she was wrapped around him.
His tone was pure dominance as he growled and snatched her thong off, revealing her now bare pussy. “Fuck, baby.”
Keely grinned, but it faded the second Jesse’s hands tightened. He carried her to the bed, laying her down like she was something precious—then he was on her.
His fingers traced the leather cuffs hanging from the headboard.
Keely’s breath hitched.
Jesse’s eyes flashed. “Color.”
“Green, Sir,” she breathed. “Always green.”
Jesse didn’t hesitate. Within seconds, he had her wrists secured, her body stretched beneath him, her chest rising and falling as anticipation curled through her veins.
Jesse’s voice was deep, steady. “You trust me?”
She nodded.
“Words.”
“Yes, Sir,” she whispered.
Jesse dragged his thumb along her jaw. “Good girl.”
His hands explored, his mouth teased, his body commanded. He treated her as if he owned her pleasure, and Keely surrendered beneath him.
She gasped, writhed, begged—and Jesse took his damn time, making sure she felt every second of it before he removed his leathers.
He positioned himself above her body, between her legs, where he could stare at her hungrily. He hooked her knees over his elbows, spreading her wide, and when he finally entered her, it wasn’t fast or hard. It was deep—slow—intimate. It was too much, and she closed her eyes.
“Open them,” he commanded. There was no hiding from him. There never would be.
Obediently she opened them, and the look of pure lust that met her gaze made her gasp. He watched her as he pushed all the way in until she could feel his balls snug up against her. He groaned, savoring the moment… the connection.
He drew back and thrust in again, this time slamming into her so she moaned. She loved the ferocity with which he loved her. He held nothing back as he pounded into her savagely, whispering low, dirty promises. He was ruthless in the way he used her, and Keely reveled in his ability to so completely command her—heart, mind, body and soul.
She could feel his cock swell and begin to twitch as he gave a final, harsh thrust and ground himself against her, his cum jetting into her as she fell over the edge and screamed in ecstasy, her pussy spasming as she clamped down hard, as she writhed in his hold.
He didn’t untie her right away. Instead, he kissed her. Soft. Reverent.
“I love you,” he murmured.
Keely’s heart stopped.
Then she smiled. “I know,” she whispered.
Jesse chuckled, finally reaching up to free her wrists. The second she was loose, she curled into his arms, letting the world fade away.
Because here, in his arms, she wasn’t just Keely Malone. She was his. And nothing was ever going to change that.
Keely was still catching her breath, her body humming with satisfaction as she lay sprawled across Jesse’s chest. His heartbeat was strong beneath her cheek, steady and sure, as his fingers traced lazy circles on her bare back.
She didn’t want to move. Ever.
But she knew Jesse. Knew that while he’d given her everything inside this room, he still had one more thing to say.
His deep voice rumbled against her ear, low and full of certainty. “You’re mine for good, Keely.”
A thrill shot through her, not just from the possessiveness in his tone, but from the truth in it.
She tilted her head, meeting his gaze, her lips curving into something soft. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Keely grinned, but she knew if they stayed in here much longer, she wouldn’t let them leave. She pressed her lips to his one last time before rolling off the bed, grabbing a robe from one of the hooks.
“No need for that,” he rumbled.
“You ripped off my thong. It’s not useable.”
“Like I said, no need.”
“I can’t walk back into the club with nothing on but my corset.’
“Let me give you a choice—you can go like you are or you can go with no corset and an ass that’s a lovely shade of red.” Seeing her distress, he softened. “You’re glowing, darlin’.”
Keely tossed her hair over one shoulder. “That’s what happens when you’re thoroughly wrecked by a dominant cowboy.”
Jesse chuckled as he stood, pulling on his leathers before coming up behind her, his hands bracketing her hips. “Damn right it is.”
She sighed, leaning back against his warmth. “Are you really going to make me walk out there with nothing on but my corset and that mine look all over your face?”
Jesse kissed the side of her neck, his lips brushing her pulse. “I gave you a choice. Besides, do you think there’s anyone in the club who doesn’t already know?”
Her heart tripped because he was right.
Everyone had seen what he’d done at the bar. Everyone had seen the way he’d claimed her. And there was no way anyone could miss the collar or the sapphire and black diamond engagement ring that sparkled on her finger.
And now, they were about to walk out there and make it permanent.
Jesse caught her chin, tilting her head so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “You ready?”
Keely took a deep breath, then smiled. “Always.”
He took her hand and led her back to the bar. Looking around, she realized she wasn’t the only sub who had little of anything on. In fact, some of them had nothing at all. Roxie was naked and sitting between Gavin’s legs.
The moment she and Jesse stepped into the main lounge, a roar went up. Keely blushed as people turned, as a few subs sent her knowing looks, as some of the club’s long-time Doms raised their glasses in silent approval. But the best reaction came from the Silver Spur team.
Gavin whistled, Hawke leaned back in his chair with a slow shake of his head, and Dawson lifted his beer in salute.
And then there was Reed.
Her big brother looked pained, staring at them like he needed something stronger than whiskey to get through this moment.
Keely arched an eyebrow. “Say something, Reed.”
Her brother raked a hand through his hair. “I need a goddamn drink.”
“There’s one in front of you,” laughed Gavin.
“I need another.”
Laughter erupted around the seating area reserved for them. Jesse’s arm tightened around her waist, his voice easy, steady. “Don’t worry, Reed. I’ll take good care of her.”
Reed narrowed his eyes. “You better.”
She saw something pass between them—something unspoken, something solid. Keely let out a slow breath. Reed would always be overprotective, but he knew Jesse. Trusted him, and that was enough.
Gavin grinned. “With that settled, it’s time for a toast.” “To Jesse and Keely. May their fights be short, their make-ups be legendary, and Reed not have a stroke.”
Dawson laughed. “May Keely always find lots of new ways to make Jesse’s life interesting.”
Hawke chuckled. “Like she needs help with that.”
Jesse shot him a look, but Keely just beamed, taking the drink Dawson handed her.
She turned, standing on her toes to press a slow kiss to Jesse’s jaw. “Ready for forever, cowboy?”
Jesse’s voice was dark with promise as he vowed, “I’ve always been ready.”
Ready for Hawke and Vanessa’s story.