Page 44 of Submit

“Mineral water for me tonight,” Adam answered.

“I’ll have a whiskey.”

“Coming right up.”

“Roan, how’s the new dungeon coming?” Adam asked his friend.

“It’s going to be spectacular. This island resort is really something. I want you both to come with your girls when we open.”

“I’ll look forward to it. And meanwhile, thank you for offering your place in Sedona to Skye and me after tonight.”

“Glad to. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Built the dungeon room myself, of course.”

“You know we will.”

“We need to make a toast,” Roan said, lifting his glass, and Shaye joined him.

“To the happy couple. May you exist in kinky harmony for the rest of your lives.”

“Thank you, my friend.”

They clinked glasses and drank while Adam considered Roan’s words. He had every intention for them to be happy together. Forever. That was what tonight was about—a ritual to make that commitment to each other. His stomach tightened, but it really was anticipation more than nerves. He could hardly wait to get his hands on Skye after the ceremony, but even more, he couldn’t wait to start this next chapter of their lives.

Together. Always.

They had become two of his favorite words, and it was all because of his favorite girl in the world. What had he ever done without her? What would his life have looked like? Thank God he’d never have to find out.

He raised his glass once more.

“Cheers, friends. To the best night of my life.”

“Skye! Oh, your hair is so gorgeous!” Devin proclaimed as Esme led her into the red and black dressing room upstairs. “I’m so excited that Master Hawke agreed to preside tonight. How are, hon? Are you nervous?”

She had to laugh at her friend’s excited chatter, knowing the gleam in Devin’s green eyes reflected her own. “I’m fine. I think.” She waved a helpless hand. “No, I’m great. Just… the importance of tonight is making me a little shaky.”

“That’s why we’re here with you, my darling,” Esme said. “We’re your handmaidens for the night. Now, what have you been told to wear?”

“Shaye picked it up from Adam the other day. I have it here,” Devin said, turning to open a tall black lacquered cupboard against one wall and pulling out a garment bag.

She unzipped it and Esme gasped as Devin pulled out a long, narrow sheath in white silk with a draped, Grecian neckline.

“It’s gorgeous!” Esme crossed the room and put out a tentative hand to touch the fabric. “I could never fit my curves into this, but it’ll be stunning on you, cous.” She turned to Skye, then rushed to her side. “Oh, no tears, ducks. You’ll ruin your makeup.”

Skye nodded, sniffing. “It’s just so beautiful. And so like him.”

“To be honest, I was expecting more leather,” Devin said with a wink. “But this is really gorgeous. Come on, let’s get you dressed and perfumed. Master Hawke wants to begin at nine sharp.”

Skye sat on a red velvet tufted bench and let the girls fuss over her. Knowing the meaning this night held, her head began to sink into subspace as they brushed her long hair, as Esme slipped the tiny gold hoops into her ears and Devin touched up her lip gloss, then they drew the silky dress over her head.

“Oh, cous,” Esme murmured, awe in her voice.

“Go look, Skye,” Devin said.

They both stood back as she moved to the enormous iron-framed mirror on the back wall of the room, and her breath caught. Somehow wearing this dress, the one he’d chosen for her, brought home everything this night was about.

Both the girls came up behind her and Esme took her hand. “Perfection. And somehow your bare feet look even more naked with glamor of the silk, the way it lays against your body. He’s going to swoon. Come on, now. It’s time to go downstairs. Are you ready?”

She squeezed Esme’s hand. “I think I’ve been ready for this my whole life. I just had to meet him.”

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