“So?” Kendra said, a small worry pucker appearing between her eyebrows. “Tell me you don’t already have that one.”
It was a gorgeous corset made of emerald green satin with lace overlay, long, thick sashes in the back for cinching. “No,” Abbie said, running her finger along the line of one of the bone stays, “I don’t have this one. I absolutely love it,” she added, giving her cousin a big hug. “I’ll wear it tonight.”
“It goes perfectly with your gorgeous red hair,” Maya observed.
“That’s what I was thinking,” Kendra agreed. She grabbed Abbie’s towel, playfully pulling it away. “Now, let’s get you cinched into this thing and go down to the party!”
~*~
Ryan looked around with satisfaction and pleasure. Ella and the others had outdone themselves pulling together this impromptu beach party. Resort guests and all the staff that could be spared had been invited to the fun. Folks had brought their gear bags along, and dozens of scenes were already in progress.
The palm tree trunks had been wrapped in strings of tiny twinkling lights. They also adorned the portable St. Andrew’s crosses and whipping posts that had been set up on the wooden platforms they used for outside demonstrations and BDSM play. Extra staff from the BDSM-friendly mainland company they used for special events had been ferried to the island. Ella had even rented a popcorn cart, which lent to the carnival-like atmosphere of the celebration.
Bonfires crackled and glowed. Adam had joined Caelan at the fire play pit, and volunteers were lining up to feel the fiery kiss of their Kevlar whips.
Ryan glanced around, searching for Abbie. As if summoned by his desire, she appeared beside him, looking hot as hell in a tightly cinched satin corset, her perfect breasts nearly spilling from the bodice, her long, muscular legs bare. The garnets of her slave collar glittered with reflected light from the myriad tiny bulbs strung overhead. Her long, flaming red hair flowed around her shoulders and her eyes were bright with excitement.
“There you are,” he said, pulling her into his arms for a long, delicious kiss.
When they parted, Abbie said breathlessly, “Wow. I can’t believe how fast everyone pulled this together. I loved our week together more than anything, but it’s so good to be back, right?”
“It’s great,” Ryan agreed. “It’s like coming home to family. And I’m so proud to have you by my side, Abbie.”
She sank to her knees and dipped her head to kiss his boot. Looking up at him, she said softly, “And I’m so honored to kneel at your feet, Sir.”
“Thank you, Abbie,” Ryan said, his heart clutching with love.
As she rose to stand beside him, Ryan heard Ella’s familiar voice and saw her emerge from the crowd. Ella was regal and elegant as always, dressed in a form-fitting black gown, her silver hair swept up in a chignon braided with tiny, glittering crystals. Maya was by her side, completely naked save for a gold chain that swung from the small hoops that pierced her pert nipples.
“There you are, Ryan,” she said, approaching them. “We have a special surprise for you.” She stepped aside to reveal the couple following just behind her.
It took Ryan a second to recognize them. When he did, he did a doubletake, his mouth falling open. “Oh, my god,” he blurted. “You’re not supposed to be here until next spring.”
Miranda Steadman, still beautiful at seventy something, beamed mischievously at him. Beside her was Gordon Williams, her lifetime partner, also grinning. “When Ella told me you’d finally come to your senses and chosen a slave girl, Master Gordon and I dropped everything to come congratulate you.” She moved toward him. Ryan opened his arms, tears filling his eyes as they embraced.
When he let her go, Miranda turned to Abbie, who was smiling shyly. “You must be Abbie. I’m Miranda.”
“Your collar,” Abbie exclaimed. “It’s like mine. And just as beautiful.” She turned to Ryan. “Is Miranda the woman you told me about? The one who makes these beautiful collars?”
“One and the same,” Ryan agreed with a laugh.
Abbie touched her collar as she addressed Miranda. “I absolutely love this collar. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned.”
“I’m delighted to hear it,” Miranda replied with a smile. Turning to Ryan, she added, “I can’t believe you’ve held on to that all these years.”
“As you can see,” Ryan said with a grin, “I took your advice. I waited until I found the right woman for me.”
He reached for Abbie’s hand, still in awe that she now belonged to him. Until this past week, he hadn’t been sure there actually was any one woman out there who was able to give herself completely to him, without hesitation or reservation. A woman who could give him not only the intense, sexual thrill of a Master/slave power exchange, but also quench the longing for true love he’d always quietly carried in his soul.