Page 121 of The Assignment: Room 3

I chuckle as I rest my head on his chest, brushing my fingers over the smattering of hair on his pecs. “Really?”

“Positive.” He leans down and kisses the top of my head before tucking my errant, damp tendrils of hair behind my ear.

“Me too.” My voice comes out squeaky, and I’m immediately embarrassed.

“What was that?”

“Sorry. I’m just… this all feels so new. I know we’re both experienced, but this seems different. New. Exciting.”

“That’s because it is. I’ve never been in a relationship like this before, Celest. You consume my mind, body, and soul. When I’m with you, I can’t get enough of you, and when I’m not, I think about you. I awake from dreams of you and rest easy at night with you in my arms. I know we said you staying at my place is temporary, but I don’t want it to be. Will you think about it?”

A sudden pang of fear grips my chest. “I’m scared. It’s not just me.”

“I want it all. You. Gracie. Even your mom. If you want her with us, then we’ll make it work. If you want her close, I have a vacant apartment two blocks away. I was about to look for a new tenant.”

“That’s sweet of you, but she could never afford the rent in yourarea. I don’t think we could afford it if we pooled both of our wages.”

“I don’t want her money, Celest. I want her to have a safe place to call home that you’re comfortable with and she’s still close for Gracie. Family is everything.”

“Have you ever thought about having kids?”

“Not until I met you and Gracie.”

“Well, you met me two years ago.” I do wonder sometimes—why now?

He slips his finger under my chin, tilting my face to plant a featherlight kiss on my lips. “But I was an idiot back then. When I finallysawyou for the first time, you had me hook, line, and sinker.”

“I always saw you,” I jibe. It’s hard not to when you’re walking around looking… like this,” I gesture to his glorious naked body. “You’re sort of gorgeous, sexy as hell, and with all that charm. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a sub who wouldn’t climb you like a tree.”

“Are you planning on pimping me out?”

“Not a chance. No one touches what’s mine,” I say with resolute authority.

“You are so fucking cute.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know. I just find it adorable. I’ve had subs who wanted to get their claws into me but never one who would cut a bitch for looking at me the wrong way.” He’s laughing, but I don’t crack so much as a smile.

“Do I need to say it, pet? You already know. I just asked you to move in with me.”

“I still want you to say it.” I pout.

“There will be no other subs, Celest. I’m madly in love with you, and everyone else can kick rocks.” That makes me smile.

“Good.”

“And…”

“I won’t be going near another Dom. You know that.”

“And what about another sub?” It’s a valid question. I’m well-known for enjoying my time with Freya.

“That depends on you. I’m not going to do anything with Freya and her Master without you.”

“So, you’d be okay if you were doing what you did before, but with me fucking you at the same time?”

“I…” I’m not sure what to say.

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