Page 16 of All The Happily Ever Afters

“For you,” I answer with a smirk. Really, he’s the patient one. It took me ten years to accept that I wanted this. Ten years for me to let him show me how much I’d love it.

The bed groans as he crawls closer to me. He’s hiding something in his hand and excitement courses through me at the thought of what it could be.

“I got you a present,” he says seductively. I smile broadly and let my teeth sink into my bottom lip to try to conceal my elation.

Ever since our second night together, he brings me little gifts while I’m tied up. That second night was Christmas Eve and he gave me a collar. It’s beautiful and I love it. I wear the necklace, another gift from Joshua, outside of Club X, but inside and in the bedroom, I proudly wear my collar.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Uh uh, close your eyes.” I smile sweetly at him, my eyes darting from his handsome face to his closed hand.

I close my eyes and wait patiently. My blood heats and my breath stills as he leans over and slips a cold metal ring onto my ring finger.Oh my god.

“Marry me Cherry.” Joshua says in a voice that has a hint of insecurity.

I keep my eyes closed. Still in disbelief.

“Say yes.” He gives me another command.

I slowly open my eyes and stare back at him.

“You’re mine, Alena. And I want you forever and for everyone to know it.”

Tears prick my eyes and I nod my head. “I love you,” I say as he bends down, kissing me sweetly. He breaks our kiss and says in the hot air between us, “you need to say yes.”

“Yes,” I whisper. He takes my lips with his and groans into my kiss. I have to pull away and struggle against the damn binds pinning me down. I just want to hold him.

A rough chuckle rises up his chest as he reaches over and unties my wrists and then my ankles.

It’s then that I get a good look at the sparkling ring on my finger. It’s a beautiful cushion cut with perfect clarity and at least three carats. I stare at it in awe.

“I had to tie you down and make sure you’d say yes.”

I shake my head, my shoulders shuddering with a small laugh, “you had to know I’d say yes.” I’ve never wanted anything more than this. My life feels truly complete. “You collared me for Christmas,” I jokingly say back to him.

He shakes his head and looks at the gorgeous engagement ring on my finger. “For life my cherry.”

---