Page 36 of Provoking Bryan

Sara smiled, pressing a kiss to his chest. “Maybe. But I think I’m getting there.”

He chuckled softly, his arm tightening around her. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere without you.”

For the first time, Sara believed him. And for the first time, she didn’t feel the need to fight it.

BRYAN

The steady hum of voices filled the room as Bryan adjusted his newly made black leather vest. He caught his reflection in the polished mirror lining the hallway outside the main lounge of Club Southside. The tailored fit of his new leathers was undeniably flattering, the sleek lines accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame.

“Well, don’t you look like the poster boy for a midlife kink awakening,” Seth quipped as he leaned against the doorway, his signature grin firmly in place.

Bryan rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the faint grin tugging at his lips. “Don’t start, Seth.”

“Oh, I’m just getting warmed up,” Seth replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “From scrubs to leathers in just a couple of months? Fitz is going to have a field day with this one.”

Bryan turned to face his friend, his expression softening. “You’d do the same for someone who turned your world upside down.”

Seth’s grin faltered, replaced by something warmer, more genuine. “Yeah, I would. I did. And for what it’s worth, Bryan, you clean up well.”

“Thanks,” Bryan said, his voice low.

“Don’t screw this up,” Seth added, clapping him on the shoulder before disappearing into the lounge.

Bryan exhaled, his nerves tightening in a way he hadn’t felt since the day he first set foot in an operating room. Tonight wasn’t just about ceremony; it was about making a promise—to Sara and to himself.

The main floor of the dungeon had been transformed into a romantic sanctuary. Warm, golden light spilled from chandeliers, casting a soft glow over the gathered crowd. Their friends from both Southside and Baker Street filled the space, their familiar faces a mix of excitement and curiosity.

But it wasn’t the crowd that caught Bryan’s attention. It was Sara.

She stood at the center of the room, her back to him, speaking quietly with Miley and Damon. Her custom green silk brocade corset hugged her curves perfectly, the black lace detailing adding an edge of elegance to the striking ensemble. The matching thong left little to the imagination, but it wasn’t just her beauty that had Bryan’s breath catching in his throat.

It was the way she held herself—with confidence, grace, and the quiet strength he’d fallen in love with.

When she turned, their eyes met across the room. The noise faded, the crowd disappearing until it was just the two of them. She smiled, and Bryan felt the last of his nerves melt away.

He stepped forward, the murmur of voices growing softer as the room’s attention shifted to them. Damon and Miley stepped aside, leaving Sara alone at the center.

“You look stunning,” Bryan said, his voice low as he reached for her hand.

“And you look incredibly handsome and dashing,” she replied, her lips curving into a teasing smile.

He lifted her hand to his lips, brushing a kiss against her knuckles. “Are you ready?”

Sara nodded, her eyes shining. “I’ve never been more ready for anything.”

Bryan turned to Seth, who stood nearby, holding a small velvet box. Seth opened it, revealing the collar Bryan had designed especially for her.

The emeralds and baroque pearls gleamed under the light, the square-cut diamond at the center catching every facet of brilliance. Gasps of admiration rippled through the room, but Bryan barely noticed. His focus was entirely on Sara.

He took the collar from the box, the weight of it solid and reassuring in his hands. “Sara Gray,” he began, his voice steady,“this collar is more than a symbol. It’s a promise. A promise to honor you, to support you, and to love you. Always.”

Sara’s breath hitched, her lips parting as emotion filled her eyes.

“Will you accept this?” Bryan asked softly.

She nodded, her voice trembling. “Yes. Always.”

With practiced hands, Bryan secured the collar around her neck. The emeralds and pearls lay perfectly against her skin, the diamond glinting like a star.

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