“Sov.”
“Yes, my darling?” He reaches over and takes both of my hands into his.
“You know I’m giving up a lot.” He starts to speak but I keep going. “Not that you’re not worth it, but you can’t demand all of my time.”
He stares at me for a long moment. “You scare me. I know what you are giving up, and I fear you won’t choose me. I also know there is no way I could ever live without you.” All of my insides melt. “I will try to be more mindful of my demands. It is hard for me, but I want you to be happy. I promise you this.” He reaches up to touch the necklace he gave me. I haven’t taken it off since he placed it around my neck. It’s a constant reminder that I belong to him. “I think I know you better than you think I do. You’re scared too. You needed a little push. You enjoy my control in a lot of ways.”
“I do,” I agree. I get to let go. It’s freeing in some ways. He loves me. Really loves me, and I know he will take care of me. I’ve been so pissed about him being high-handed and pushy, but I think it’s actually what I need. We really are made for each other.
“Then you’ll wear this.” He pulls a small box out, opening it. My eyes fill with tears again when I see the giant ring. It matches my necklace.
“Did you already have this when you gave me the necklace?” I hold my hand out, and he slips the ring on to my finger. Of course it’s a perfect fit.
“Yes.” He reaches into his shirt, pulling out a necklace with a small key on it. “This unlocks the necklace.”
“What! I can’t take it off?” I never tried, but I had no idea that it was actually locked around my neck. Still I make no move to test it.
“It lets me know where you are.” My mouth falls open. “I’m a powerful man, darling. You are precious and the most valuable thing to me. I want to keep you safe.”
“Then you’re getting a tracker somewhere on your body too,” I huff.
“If it pleases you,” he says easily. I unclick my seat belt and crawl into his lap. He wraps his arms around me, holding me close.
“You please me greatly.” His fingers dig into my ass as I press myself into his cock. He doesn't care about my past or where I came from. It’s me he loves. He’s more than proven that. I have a past, as does he. It’s shaped part of who he is as I’m sure mine’s done the same.
“I’m about to please you more.”
“I do miss sitting upon my throne,” I tease. I’m so caught up in the moment I must miss them saying we can now move around. Sov doesn't. He shoots to his feet with me in his arms. He moves quickly, and a moment later I’m tossed down onto a giant bed.
“Everything off but what I’ve put on you myself.” Meaning only my necklace and engagement ring stay put.
“Or what?” I sit up on my elbows.
“I love you, but I will redden your ass,” he warns. I roll over, lifting my hips.
“Okay,” I bait him. That’s all it takes. He pounces, taking what he wants: me. I take my prince right back.
Epilogue
Sov
“Your Mackenzie dances beautifully,” Mother murmurs in my ear.
My fingers curl more tightly into the wood carvings of my chair. “She should be dancing with me.”
“She can, but you have four more gifts to receive.”
Sometimes I hate my position. “Whoever started this elaborate birthday tradition should be shot.”
“It was your great great grandmother, and since she’s dead, I don’t think your wishes would do much good.” Mother gestures for the next gift bearer to come forward.
A small man leads a procession of four young men wearing black suits and black gloves carrying a huge chest balanced on poles. At their signal, he has them lower the chest to the ground.
This better not be a person. Last year, I received two dancing maids for my birthday from a gang from Quebec. That crew did not get an invite this year. Mackenzie was furious. I haven’t seen the dancers since that day, but I believe Mackenzie shipped them off to attend a finishing school in Europe. Or she could have pitched them into the ocean. It was one of the two.
The leader makes a small bow and gestures for one of his men to open the chest. Thankfully, no humans jump out. Instead, it is a cache of silk.
“DeVain, your gift is welcome and remembered. Thank you for attending.”
“It is an honor, Charmont. May I remark on how beautiful Mrs. Charmont looks tonight?”
“You may not.”
DeVain laughs, thinking I’ve made a joke. I stare stonily until his laughter trails off. Parker steps into the awkward silence that ensues and ushers DeVain, the gift, and his four male attendees away.