Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
He laughs and lifts me again. We’re off to the bedroom, or the dungeon, or wherever he decides. It doesn’t matter, as long as I’m with him.
25
Rex
* * *
I’ve never enjoyed weddings. After years of delving into the dark secrets of New Rome citizens, I know too much. Everywhere I look in society, I see sinister motives bubbling under the superficial smiles. It’s hard to make small talk with the mayor’s wife when you know he’s cheating on her.
On the other hand, if someone was good and pure-hearted, they held no interest for me.
I didn’t trust any show of happiness. Most of it was fake, and when it was real, it was bland.
This wedding is different. This one is mine. I stand at the altar, vibrating with readiness. The guests murmur to each other in their seats, but I can’t hear or see anything. I’m waiting for Inara.
The string symphony starts up and the guests quiet. Inara appears, and my heart stops.
She’s breathtaking in a white sheath and gold jewelry. Her right hand now bears a ring with the Roy crest, the roaring lion. It’s obvious to everyone she belongs to me.
What the guests don’t know is that my wife’s ass has cane marks all over it. Remnants of our revelries last night. They don’t know that even now, she also wears a harness of soft white leather crisscrossing over her entire torso because she is rarely out of bondage anymore. They don't know that the golden circlet at her neck is really a collar. Or maybe they do. St. James is smirking in the corner. The bastard invited himself like we thought, and I don’t even care.
Inara walks toward me. I want to run to her. I want to banish all the guests and make her crawl to me.
Maybe later.
She meets my gaze, and the rest of the world ceases to exist. There’s only the two of us and our promise to each other.
Will you let me hold you?
Yes.
Will you let me collar you?
Yes.
Will you let me keep you?
Yes.
Every step she takes is another affirmation of her commitment to us. Yes, yes, yes. She draws near and I take her wrist, pulling her closer. The officiant starts officiating, but I can’t hear a word. I can only hear my little bird saying I love you over and over again.
Inara
* * *
Before Rex, I’d never been to a wedding, much less imagined one for myself. This one is more beautiful than I could’ve dreamed.
Nadia and her team outdid themselves again, transforming the lawns of Roy Manor into a jasmine-scented paradise. Giant urns are overflowing with flowering vines, and peacocks stroll past the guests. They installed seven new fountains and extended the labyrinth.
I feel like I’m floating. As soon as Rex took my wrist, my feet left the ground. I’m flying and never coming down.
When it’s time for our first dance as a properly married couple, I take Rex’s hand, noting how his eyes crinkle when he pulls me in. His back straightens, and his chest swells, and I know he’s feeling triumphant. Just like he did the first time we danced.
“No gloves,” he murmurs.
“No.” I never want anything between us again.
He spins me around, and I glide easily in the direction he guides me. My back twinges a little, reminding me my muscles are sore from our scene last night. But the leather harness I’m wearing holds me together. It’s a reminder of both Rex’s care and control. I’ll never be without it again.
We dance and drink and laugh under the stars, surrounded by our friends. When it’s time for the guests to dance, I see Victor’s white-blond head across the way. He’s dancing with a dark-haired diva who’s wearing red lipstick and a form-fitting navy dress.
Mina and Lacy are sitting in places of honor. They’re my first stop when I make the rounds.
“Damn, girl.” Mina waves her drink around, making champagne slosh everywhere. “Is this your house?”
“It is now.” I grin at her, then turn to Lacy and give her a hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispers.
“Thank you,” I whisper back.
I notice Hamish has seated himself between both of them. I drift away, confident that Hamish will take care of drunk Mina. Although he seems to be more interested in keeping Lacy’s glass filled.
Silva waves at me when I pass. He’s got not one, but two dates, both masc-presenting and gorgeous. Bonds is seated at their table, watching the throuple with an amused look on his face.
Our Fraternitas guests have their own table, as far away from my cop friends as possible.
“Look.” I nudge Rex. “St. James came.”
Rex grunts. St. James raises his glass in a toast to us. I wave while Rex seethes.
“At least he’s behaving,” I say.
“Unlike those two.” Rex points out Victor, who is leading his lady toward the labyrinth. “Shall I send security to break up their fun?”