Page 115 of For the Sub

Her heart stopped as she accepted the gift and removed the lid.

A silver necklace lay there, its pendant a circle.

Immediately she recognized the triskelion, an ancient Celtic symbol, and she knew it’s significance, representing BDSM.

Friends and acquaintances who knew him as Master Niles would also garner its meaning. Others, though, would think it was nothing more than a stylish piece of jewelry. “Master Niles, I’m speechless.”

“Thank you is the customary response when you receive a present,” he said wryly.

“It’s more than a gift,” she said.

It wasn’t a collar. It wasn’t gold. And there were no diamonds.

But still, it meant something to him. To them both.

“It will look beautiful with the dress.”

“You’re right about that.” The neckline called out for adornment, and now she realized why he’d selected this particular dress.

“It doesn’t have to mean anything more than you want it to. It’s a stunning accessory. It also says you’re with me. I want you to know how much you mean to me. And I want you to wear it, but I’ll understand if you choose not to.”

With him standing so close, she could hardly think.

Though she ached to feel the weight of the jewelry on her, she worried about its implications.

He’d never suggested they make their relationship anything more than friendship, and even if he did, she wouldn’t accept.

“What do you say, Brandy? Will you wear the triskelion for me?”

Chapter Seventeen

With interest, Niles watched a dozen different reactions dance across her face.

When he’d offered the box, she’d kept her hand at her side, making a fist.

Obviously, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

When he’d purchased the necklace and had it wrapped, he’d hoped she’d smile with delight or joy.

Instead, she’d studied him, tipping her head to one side suspiciously.

That was the one reaction he hadn’t been prepared for, though maybe he should have been.

In her life, with men—and Doms—she’d been through a lot.

Then when she’d seen the necklace, she’d started to smile, but the expression had faded as she’d taken in its shape.

When he’d entered the jewelry store, he’d been uncertain what he was looking for, just something suitable to go with the dress. When he’d seen that particular necklace, he’d stopped looking.

He had to have it.

Niles Malloy was a Dom.

Nothing would change that.

Call it passion or possession. She was with him tonight, and he wanted to be sure everyone knew it.

Although the piece wasn’t a collar—after all, he’d never collar a sub again—it did have multiple meanings.

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