“Yes, Alpha,” I said, unable to ignore how much I liked it when he tried to boss me around.
A thrill zipped up my spine as Kaelen’s hand settled on the small of my back, guiding me over the threshold into the restaurant. His potent blend of whisky and espresso expanded as we moved inside.
Silk brushed against my fingertips as I tugged at the hem of the custom Marc Jacobs dress Kaelen insisted I wear. Beside him, I felt like a movie star. Every eye in the room landed on us. I leaned in closer, resting my palm on the lapel of his bespoke suit jacket.
I didn’t belong in a place like this with someone like him. As if sensing my unease, he tucked me into his side and purred—a velvety, decadent sound that made me want to do the same.
Lips rested on my temple as he drew circles on my hip.
The touch steadied me, reminding me of who I was.
I was Willow Finnegan. The most powerful woman in Boston. I belonged here. I belonged with him.
And he belonged with me. My hold on his forearm tightened. I swore something akin to pride glittered in the dark specks of his eyes.
A tall man with a pointed nose greeted us, shrinking under Kaelen’s unrelenting glower.
“Reservation for Finnegan.”
For a second, it appeared the host forgot how to breathe, nearlychoking and bowing so low I thought he might snap in half. The man wordlessly gestured for us to follow him through the lavish dining room. Kaelen threaded his fingers with mine, bringing my knuckles to his lips and kissing them.
Blush burned my cheeks as every head turned, eyeing us before quickly snapping away. Hushed murmurs followed our footsteps, and my heart raced. Soon, the whispers melted into a reverent silence, some people dipping their chins in our direction.
Unease pitted in my stomach as I instinctively nestled further into Kaelen’s hold, chasing his sinful scent. The odd combination of awe and fear among the guests made my skin prickle. Kaelen, however, thrived in it.
With an arm slung around my waist, his palm splayed possessively across the jut of my hip.
Lips brushed over the shell of my ear, and I sighed, almost forgetting my discomfort.
“It’s alright, mo chroí. Embrace it. This is your power now. Mine and yours. Let them see it. Let them fear it.”
The quiet affection resonated in my gut, sending a different warmth through my veins.Trust.Something stirred within me, willingly accepting the power Kaelen was offering. The power of belonging, and the satisfaction that I wielded as much of it as he did.
My chin lifted almost imperceptibly. Kaelen let out a pleased groan that did terrible things to my panties.
“Good girl,” he cooed.
“Can we go home?”
“Needy thing. No. I haven’t finished spoiling you yet.”
“You spoil me plenty.”
“Not even close to enough,” he said, lightly collaring my throat and tipping my chin back with his thumb. “Not until you’re naked in my bed with priceless jewels adoring your body.”
I squirmed, another needy sound whispering from me. We arrived at a secluded table in the depths of the restaurant, illuminated by candles and brass lamps on the walls.
“Mrs. Finnegan, if I may,” the host said, gesturing to a chair.
I offered him a reassuring smile, only for Kaelen to slap hishand away.
“Mr. Finnegan. Sir… Apologies. I did not mean to offend.”
Kaelen dismissed him with a half-hearted wave of his hand, pulling out my chair for me instead.
“That was unnecessary,” I said, rolling my eyes as I sank into the cushioned seat.
“No one takes care of my omega except me,” he said, pushing my chair in and kissing my pulse point.
