Sleep Token’sProviderspills into the room, low and reverent, like a hymn meant only for us. One hand flies to her mouth, the other knocks against mine, clinking the cuffs.
Pink anemones and white rose petals scatter along the floor. I commissioned a candle maker, giving them the soft vanilla-and-floral perfume she wears when she thinks I won’t notice. I always notice.
The bedroom door stands slightly ajar, revealing crisp white sheets, a plush throw at the foot of the bed, and champagne chilling in a silver bucket beside a plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries.
The smile lighting up her face is worth a thousand sunrises. A thousand lifetimes.
Her cheeks flush a deep, lovely pink, excitement and nerves dancing together in her expression.
“Liam,” she whimpers, my name a prayer and a surrender.
She surges forward. Her hands are everywhere—yanking at my tie, dragging my jacket from my shoulders, fingers fumbling at my buttons with a desperation that makes a laugh tear from my chest. It takes a bit of doing, but she finally unveils all mytattooed, chiseled muscles. And we only crack our handcuff-fasting a wee bit.
“Easy now, Darlin.” I set a hand at the small of her back. “We’ve got all the time in the world, so we do.”
And tonight, I intend to prove it.
Shirtless now, I bring her to the kitchen table, where I’ll remind her exactly who is in charge. Her mouth falls open as I set her down on the wood, but she doesn’t pull away. Then, she beams, looking like an angel in the middle of a storm.
By morning, the kitchen will be covered in the scents of home. Everything is prepared for a gourmet brunch, a repeat of our first dinner together. And more. We’ll share tea and discuss our dreams—dreams I may fulfill for her, for us both.
I dive for her mouth, kissing her so hard and fierce, it leaves us both panting. “By the time I’m finished with ye, Lexie…you’ll be famished. And I’ll be spoiled.” I wink.
I don’t give her a chance to respond. I sweep her back into my arms, the blue silk of her dress rustling against my suit pants, and move toward the far wall of the living room.
“Liam, what are you?—”
I give her arse a light, sharp slap. “It’s ‘Sir’ to you now, Luv.”
She squeaks, her face turning a magnificent shade of crimson, but she doesn’t fight me as I set her down by the old, cold radiator. Grinning wickedly, I reach into my pocket and pull out another handcuff I’d had in my pants, prepping for this moment.
I unlock it with a sharpclackand cuff one side to her other wrist and the other to the radiator pipe.
Lexie’s jaw drops. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
I wag my finger and click my tongue. “Such a naughty girl, Darlin’. I believe some…punishment is due for all the times you’ve sassed me and tempted me these weeks. Now…” I take thenew throw pillow from the sofa and place it on the floor beneath her. “Kneel,” I command.
Lexie is quick to please tonight. I help her with the dress until it’s gathered where I need it to be. I tilt my head, taking her in—pink cheeks, red-gold hair, the rise and fall of her chest with excitement and feigned outrage. Fuck, she undoes my soul.
“Belt or the book, Darlin’?”
Lexie deadpans with me for a second before her lips part, and she taps the radiator three times.Both.
Heat rushes to my groin, adrenaline humming in my veins.
“Aye.” I turn to the nearby shelf where I’d hidden my chosen weapon. “I thought ye might say that.”
I select a unique book this time, one I’d found in a small used book shop near my newly- renovated penthouse. I hold it up so she can see the title.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Faith, Hope and Miracles.
Lexie lifts a brow, pure, sweet confusion on her face. “Chicken Soup? Liam, really?”
“Ye be my miracle, Lexie. But more than that…you are my heart and soul. And that…”
I drop to my knees before her and cup her face, my thumbs dragging over those high cheekbones.
“…is your ultimate trope, Darlin’. Soulmates.”
