Page 78 of Savage Promises

Or claw someone’s face off.

Shane leans against the dresser across from the bed. My bed. A bed he won’t share with me, though.

“All your clothes are already folded and put away. Ifthings are not in a place to your liking, move them around, or ask Liz to do it when you meet her on Monday.”

“I’m sure it’s fine.” I pet Hawk, who squirms from my arms to sit on the windowsill and stare longingly at a tall tree with bare branches. “Will he be allowed to roam free?”

“Of course.” Shane picks up a small stack of items from the dresser. “This is for you, too.” He hands me keys, credit cards, and a leather-bound notebook with codes and other details about the house. “Use the credit cards for whatever you need. I’ve secured a garage for your car nearby. Your guard has been briefed on everything he needs to know about the house and the block. He’ll do security rotations with the other guards.”

I finger the black credit card that reads:Lennox Quinlan.

Feeling overwhelmed, I say, “Shane, I have my own credit cards.”

His unyielding stare pins me in place. “You’re my wife. I take care of your needs. You can have whatever you want. So long as you give me what I want.”

I narrow my eyes. “And what’s that?”

He steps closer, his fingers tilting my chin up.

“You. All of you.” His thumb brushes my bottom lip, and I shiver. He releases me just as quickly, stepping back with a smirk. “Be in my bedroom in five minutes.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he’s already walking away. “And Lennox,” he calls out over his shoulder.

“Yeah?”

“There’s a gift for you in the closet. Don’t keep me waiting.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Lennox

Hawk investigates the room, then settles in quickly, claiming the cushioned bench beneath the window. His sleek gray fur, stark against the pale upholstery, makes him look regal. That tree he’s eyeing hungrily outside sways gently in the winter breeze, casting moving shadows on the walls.

Hawk lets out a deep, contented purr, kneading the fabric before curling into a tight ball.

“At least one of us is completely at ease,” I whisper, running a hand along his back.

Pulling my fingers away, I go to the attached bathroom and wash my hands so I don’t aggravate Shane’s allergies.

In the closet, I see my wardrobe lined up, organized by type. On the back wall, there’s a shelving unit for shoes. Just like I’ve always wanted. With soft shelf lighting, even my crappy shoes look elegant.

I gasp, seeing lingerie on the back of the door. The sheer nightgown has lace appliques in strategic places. The designer label takes my breath away. These cost at least one thousand dollars.

There’s a note pinned to it:Wear this for me, wife.

It’s stark white. And it’s more delicate than anything I’d normally choose for myself. I kick off my shoes and strip out of the lace wedding dress, setting it securely on a satin hanger. Losing my panty, too, I slip on the sheer nightgown and watch it fall softly over my curves.

The full view of me in the mirror behind the door startles me. The lace appliques cling to me in all the right places. It feels like a second skin. It’s beautiful, but it’s also terrifying to be this barein front of Shane.

Sober, anyway.

I stare down at myself as the visual skews into something darker. Christ, I don’t recognize myself. Whoever that is looks...vulnerable.

Is that what Shane wants? Or does he want me sensual and undeniably confident? Unusual for a man who takes whatever the hell he wants.

How did I get here?

I run my hands down the sides of the nightgown, smoothing it out, and pushing away the doubts creeping in. Shane chose me. Not Neve, not anyone else.

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