Something in my chest cracked at the hope in his face.
His voice dropped, low and careful. “Don’t tease me, Emma.”
“I’m not.” Heat crept into my cheeks. “It feels… comforting. I wouldn’t feel alone ever again.”
There it was. The truth I kept buried deeper than anything else. Loneliness was my oldest, cruelest companion. And this—this bond—felt like the first thing in years that could drown it out.
A tentative smile curved his lips. “No.You’ll never be alone again.”
I smiled back—just as tentative. Just as real.
He laughed softly, hand raking through his hair. “I’m going to be honest—I never thought we’d be having this conversation.” His voice was rough with wonder. “But holy hell, Emma. Thethought of you wearing my collar—my ownership—allowing me to guide you, to help you—”
“Collar?” I cut in.
“A collar is a symbol of ownership. It’s worn like jewelry. Something subtle. Meaningful. Only noticeable to those in the lifestyle.”
I raised a brow. “Damien, I can’t go to work wearing a dog collar.”
He laughed—deep and honest. “Nothing like that. Think necklace. Something elegant. A symbol, not a leash.”
I exhaled, settling into his words, letting the idea of it—of all of it—unfurl in my mind without fear.
This wasn’t about sex.
This was about choosing something—someone—who offered stability, care, and something like peace.
Something I hadn’t felt in years.
Something I didn’t know I was allowed to want.
His smile faded into something steadier, something that reached into the places I kept hidden. “Emma,” he said. “You don’t have to decide anything right now.”
I nodded, grateful for the space he gave without stepping back from me.
“I know,” I whispered. “But I want to think about it. I want to understand it.”
“And I’ll help you,” he promised. “You set the pace.”
My heart fluttered—nervous, hopeful, terrified.
“Damien… what happens next?”
His answer was simple.
Gentle.
“We take it one step at a time.”
And God help me—for the first time, I wanted to follow.
Chapter 33
***
Emma
The air seemed to tremble around us.
