“Yeah,” I said. “But you also know sometimes the wild ones need a hard hand. Or they run themselves off a cliff.”
Bronc took a deep breath. “You’re right. Sometimes. But you care about this one, so I’m telling you—don’t go too fast. Don’t give her more than she can handle. She’s strong, but not invincible.”
I looked him in the eye. “We have rules, Bronc. Safewords. Boundaries. She’s not just my sub—she’s my partner. My mate; fated to be so. She’s fucking amazing at it.”
He watched me for a long second. Then he nodded and clapped me on the shoulder.
“I believe you. Just promise me you’ll talk to her. Not at her.”
“I will,” I said. “Tonight, actually.”
He grinned. “That’s my boy.”
I started to go, but he called after me. “One more thing, Gunner. If she says red, you stop. No matter what.”
He was starting to piss me off. I’m a fucking good Dom. I don’t need another one questioning me.
“Due respect, Alpha. Don’t question my ability to be a good Dom to my sub. I’m impeccable when it comes to her safety and well-being. If I ever feel like I’m out of control or need a refresher; you’ll be the first one I come to.”
He nodded, satisfied. “Apologies. Go get her, son.”
I left Bronc on the porch and headed for my truck, the sun already burning off the last of the dew. I had a night to get ready for, and a girl to win over for good. Bronc’s words continued to tumble in my head. My mate and I weren’t playing at Kazimir’s club. This was real life.
I didn’t plan on losing.
Brie arrived early, in a dress this time, blue and soft as a spring sky. She wore boots, but the rest of her was pure trouble: legs bare, hair loosely tousled with blue-streaked brunette waves falling to her shoulders. And I fucking swear she had on a lipstick that God help me was as pink as her pussy. She carried a tiny bakery box from Aspen’s place and a bottle of wine that looked expensive enough to require an owner’s manual.
“You’re early,” I said, trying not to stare.
She grinned, eyes dancing. “You said seven, but I was starving, so—”
“Come on in,” I said, opening the door all the way. “Food’s hot. And you look…” I trailed off, lost for words.
She gave me a once-over, taking in my shirt (a white pearl snap, ironed to hell), jeans, and the boots I’d polished for the first time since last Christmas. “You clean up nice, cowboy.”
I flushed. “Yeah, well, when I got a woman who looks like you, I had to try to keep up.”
She followed me to the kitchen, set her stuff on the counter, and immediately started poking through the grocery bags. “You got the cake,” she gasped, pulling out the Buttercream & Blessings box. “Italian creme?”
“Best in the county,” I said. “Maybe in the world.”
She popped the lid and ran her finger through the icing and dragged it across her tongue. “You know the way to a woman’s heart is through cake, right?” She groaned around her finger, and I thought my cock would bust my zipper.
I arched a brow. “Dammit, that’s all it took? I could have saved myself a fuck ton of trouble.”
She laughed, pure and bright, then caught my eye. “What else did you get?”
I got my raging dick under control and started unpacking. “Ribeye steaks. Creamy mashed potatoes. Carrots in something sweet and orange; don’t ask me what. And the sprouts are for me, so don’t feel pressured.”
She eyed the spread, then me. “You’re feeding an army.”
“You eat like a bird,” I said, “so I had to make up the difference.”
She hip-checked me. “Maybe I’m just polite.”
I set two plates on the table, while Brie grabbed the silverware.
“Look at us. Just like a real couple. I like it.” She paused, then grinned. “Sir.”
