Page 115 of The Masquerade: Room 2

“Okay,” I breathe out a sigh of relief.

“Were you really that worried?”

“Yes. She’s your mom. If I made a terrible impression on her, I would never ask you to choose between having a relationship with your mom or me. The bond you have is sacred.”

“It is, and I feel truly blessed to have had a happy childhood.” She interlaces her fingers with mine as we leisurely walk back to our place. “But, my mom always taught me that her job was to get me safely to adulthood, and as much as she’s my champion in everything I do, there comes a time when you have to make a choice about who your family is going to be. That if I met someone who sets my world on fire but would also be there in the quiet and sad moments, I would need to put that person above even her.”

“That’s so… selfless.”

“She may not have gotten her happily ever after with my dad, but she has a man in her life now who loves her the way she’s supposed to be loved. I could never fathom anyone even coming close to how much I love her, and then you walked into my life, and everything changed.”

“How so?” I push her for more, eager to understand how she sees me because tonight felt different. Official in some way. Confirmation that this is really happening. This woman has picked me to navigate this life with.

“Because no matter what, I choose you. It’s always going to be you, Daddy.”

“Say it again.” I stop her in her tracks, pulling her into my arms.

“It’s always going to be you, Daddy.” She pushes herself up onto her tiptoes, planting a kiss on my lips. “You’re mine.”

I pick her up and throw her over my shoulder. “Change of plans, little one. We’re not going home. I’m taking my fiancée to the club.”

She squeals with delight, and it’s music to my ears. I’ll never tire of the way she makes my heart take flight, and I’ll never stop loving her with everything I have.

Chapter 24

FREYA

Time has seemed to fly by these past six months. My fifth year of residency is almost at an end. I adore working with Pierce, savoring every word of wisdom he has bestowed on me, but now is the time for applying to other hospitals.

I don’t know what’s going to happen, but we’ll figure it out. Pierce encouraged me to apply to hospitals in other states, assuring me we can make it work. It’s not like we aren’t committed to each other. We’re engaged and have set a date for the wedding.

I’ve been going to interviews across the country, but my heart isn’t in it. Every hospital I visit, I’m acutely aware that I left a part of my heart behind in New York with Pierce. He’s open to moving if I get the right offer, but in truth, I don’t want to move out of state. We have a life here in Manhattan. Friends. The club.

We spend as much time in the club as we do in the hospital. Pierce takes my submissive training seriously, adamant that I should continue to learn and explore the lifestyle. We had a long talk about the night he brought Flex to the playroom. I love him for allowing me the opportunity, but I love him even more for the sigh of relief he heaved when I declined.

Recently, I discovered that I really enjoy it when Daddy hog-ties me. We’ve tried everything on the original list he had me fill out, except for anything involving another person. It’s special to me that Pierce is the only man I’ve ever been with, and I know he loves it. When he tells me how precious I am as his submissive, it makes me so proud and happy that I waited.

I know so much of it came from a place of discomfort. There was always something missing. Something I worried was wrong with me. Since meeting Pierce, my life has become a rich tapestry, finally allowing me to see the bigger picture. I know where I fit in. I’m not odd or weird. I’m cherished and praised for being unique. Everyone deserves that level of acceptance from the one they love. I consider myself so lucky to have Pierce be the man who loves me unconditionally.

When I emerge from the first surgery of the day, I’m paged to the Chief of Surgery’s office. Dr. Milligan stepped in while Pierce was suspended during the trial, and I have grown to admire him. He was Pierce’s mentor, so I knew I would learn so much from him.

Unfortunately, they have been interviewing a number of candidates for an attending position here, and they are coming from some of the best residency programs in the country. I didn’t expect any special treatment, and I voiced that to Dr. Milligan when I applied for the job.

My pulse quickens as I reach the Chief’s office, wrapping my knuckles on the door before entering.

“Come in.”

As I step inside, I’m unable to read the esteemed doctor as he beckons me to take a seat.

“I know you’re aware I’ve been interviewing the top neuro residents in the country for a position in Pierce’s department.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you both entreated me to make the best decision for the hospital and not what suits your relationship, which I appreciate. It isn’t my job to play matchmaker.”

“Of course.”

“That being said, you are an impressive candidate, and I gave you the same consideration afforded to all who applied.”

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