“Aye, we will,” I say.
“When I found him, he was so broken,” he mutters in my face. “I built him back up and trained him exactly how I want him. You won’t take him away from me. Not after you were the one who broke him.”
“He’s not a fucking dog, you arrogant prick,” I growl in return.
“Maybe not,” he replies before leaning in and whispering next to my ear, “But I’m the one who makes him howl like one.”
I shove him away as he laughs, and it takes everything in me not to punch him in the face. Colin walks up with two drinks in his hand, giving one to each of us.
“Is everything all right?” he asks.
“Yes, baby,” Pierce replies, kissing him on the side of his head while staring at me. “Now, why don’t you go dance with our host? I want to watch you two together.”
Colin watches me skeptically before I turn sideways, gesturing to the small dance floor. I shoot back the fresh whiskey before dropping the glass on a nearby table. Colin looks nervous as he lets me lead him out to the crowd.
The music has a steady beat, and most of the people are writhing together, so I hold Colin around the waist and pull him against me. I’m not one for dancing, and you’d never catch me on any dance floor, but I’m making exceptions for him. I will always make exceptions for him.
Colin’s arms wind around my neck as he sways his body along with mine.
“Why are you doing this?” he asks, concern etched into his features.
“Shakespeare, you know why,” I mutter as I stare into his eyes.
“I think I need to hear you say it, Declan.”
As we move, I tighten my grip on his body, tugging him closer. Then, I bring my mouth close to his ear as I prepare myself for what I need to say. When the words come, they feel right and long overdue.
“Tonight, I intend to remind you what it feels like to be mine. I’m doing this to prove to you that I’ve changed. I’m not afraid of fighting for you anymore. I’m not afraid of telling the world just how much I love you. And I’m not afraid of trusting you to do whatyouwant. Shelby, when you leave him for me, it won’t be because I told you to; it’ll be because you want to.”
He pulls away and stares into my eyes. “He wants you to challenge him.”
“I don’t give a shite what he wants,” I reply. “I only care about what you want.”
“And what if I choose him?” Colin asks timidly.
“If that’s what you truly desire, then I’ll let you go. I’ll live the rest of my miserable life on the greatest memories anyone’s ever been gifted.”
“And we’d be friends?” he asks.
I squeeze him tighter again. “I don’t want to be your fucking friend.”
The corner of his mouth lifts in a subtle smirk, and I realize just how long he’s been waiting to hear me say that. I just hope it’s not too late.
There’s a whistle from across the room, and we both turn to see Pierce watching us with a smug grin.
“I have to go,” Colin says, but I don’t release him.
“You do not have to go,” I say. “Especially not when he fucking whistles.”
He turns his gaze up to mine, and there’s something apologetic in it. “Pierce gives me what I want, Declan. You might think it’s bad to be treated like someone’s property, but I like it. Ineedit.”
“I’ll give you what you need,” I say with a growl as I hold him against me.
“Prove it,” he replies, holding my gaze.
“I intend to.”
With that, he pulls himself from my arms, but before he can escape my reach, I grab his arm and tug him closer. Putting my face in his, I mutter, “I’m not fucking you here with an audience. If they want a show, I’ll give them one, but the next time I’m inside you, Colin Shelby, you’ll be mine for good. After all of this, if you truly believe I’ve done enough to prove how serious I am about you, I want you upstairs in my studio. Understand?”
