“Yes, Sir.”
“Because you trust me.”
“I do.”
And when the release came, it wasn’t stolen.It was granted.It was earned.
Later, when the intensity eased and my body finally relaxed against his, he rested a hand at the nape of my neck, grounding me there.
“That,” he said quietly, “is what following instructions looks like.”
I breathed him in, steady and full, my voice calm when I answered.
“I understand.”
When he pulled away, it was with care.
The absence hurt, but only because I’d opened so deeply.
I lay still, trembling, breath ragged, but whole.Heard.Known.
Rebuilt.
Creed was gone for now.But what remained was our agreement.Not just in the collar, but in choice, the connection, and the discipline of being truly, willingly his.
Chapter 5
Iwoke slowly, my bodyweighted by the remnants of fitful dreams.
Not disoriented.
Aware.
The first rays of sunlight slipped through the gauzy curtains, spilling gold across the room, but it did little to loosen the cold knot in my stomach.Last night lingered at the edges of my mind.
Structured.
