Page 157 of Until I Own You

“Step back for me. Let me see you.” Seth extends his arms to create my catwalk.

I back up and give him a pose.

He beams and takes a deep inhale.

I wonder if the blood is rushing to his pelvis as we speak.

“Turn for me.”

I do so, slow and steady, so he can see every angle.

“My god, you look stunning.”

“Deborah gave it to me.” Of course, I’m wearing blue. It’s his favorite, and I will do anything possible to please him, whether it’s as small as a favorite color or as big as bending over right here and…

“Deborah…Angelise? Well, that was nice of her. What’s the occasion?”

I bite my lower lip, holding in a smile. “I have news.”

Seth’s eyebrows jump. “Well, let’s sit, and you can tell me everything.”

Seth is, as always, a perfect gentleman, leading me to my seat, pulling it out for me. I mutter my thank yous and receive a soft kiss on the crown on my head before he takes his place across from me.

As soon as we sit, we are attended to by two servers. One takes my roses to keep in water while the other pours us both glasses of champagne. Seth’s favorite, Dom.

Why am I not surprised?

“So, tell me everything.” His demands are not forced, but I can always tell they are demands.

They send shivers down my spine. “Well, she was able to get me an audience with Cora Sherwood who is the current CEO of the Sherwood umbrella of brands. She was very interested in my pieces and by the end of the meeting, I’d signed a contract to be represented under the umbrella. Which means everything is about to change with my business. I’m going to have employees and a studio and marketing and–”

“That’s fantastic, Bridget.”

“It’s…” I let out a long sigh. “Yes, it’s fantastic.”

“You deserve it.”

I flush. “Well…”

“Don’t discount it. You’ve worked hard for it. I know you’ve worked very hard to get to where you are. And without a degree at that.”

I scoff. “Well, no one needs a degree to sew.”

“Is that what you call what you’re doing? Sewing?”

“No. It’s more than that.”

“So…” He holds out his hands.

I resist rolling my eyes.

“Say it. Say you’re amazing.”

Excitement flares in my chest. Who knew domination could come with a lesson in self-compassion? “I’m amazing.”

Seth lifts his glass of champagne. “You’re damned right you are.”

I lift my glass too.

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