Page 79 of Savage Promises

Me.

That thought alone steadies me enough to pull the pins from my hair, letting it fall loose around my shoulders. My nipples harden with the erotic thoughts of Shane flooding my brain. I’m giving him what he wants and that excites me.

I glance back at Hawk, who’s already half-asleep.

“Don’t wait up,” I whisper, my heart pounding, knowing I’m the one who will be kept up all night.

With a trembling hand, I leave what is now my bedroom and pad softly down the hall. The thick carpeted runner feels like velvet under my bare feet. The anklet Shane bought me months ago dangles softly on my foot. I never took it off, like I promised.

He claimed me way back then.

Each step makes my heart pound in my chest harder and more intense. I pause in front of the dark wooden door at the other end of the hallway. I smooth my palms down the sheer nightgown one last time. Then I lift my hand and knock lightly.

“Come in,” Shane’s voice is muffled on the other side of the door.

I know the moment I step inside, nothing will ever be the same again.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Lennox

Shane’s bedroom is a colorblock masterpiece of blues, whites, and grays. His bed, a cherry sleigh frame, rests against a wall of blue leather tufted squares. Cream vertical panels surround the design with brass sconces lighting the bed in a soft glow.

The whole room is trimmed in glossy black molding with a blue and white area rug and a black leather tufted bench against the footboard.

I glance around looking for Shane, marveling at the unique and handsome room, until I spot him, sitting in one of two black leather club chairs in front of a large window. He has an ankle across one knee, his dress shirt is open, and his trousers sit low on his hips, exposing a beautiful rack of chiseled abs.

“Lock the door, Mrs. Quinlan.”

The order paired with my new name sends shivers through me.

“Is locking it necessary?” I ask, closing it. “Are you keeping someone out, or me in?”

“You in.”

I smile. “But I can always unlock it.”

“You won’t want to leave once I get started with you.” He stands and inside this room, he seems taller.

“Your bedroom is decorated exquisitely,” I offer a compliment.

“I’m sure the designer will appreciate hearing that when you call her to redo your room.” He gets to his feet and prowls toward me.

I glance at him curiously. “What? My bedroom is fine. It’s beautiful. Just not...”

He stopsbefore me. “Not what?”

“Not me.”

“Then make it you.” He rolls up his sleeves like he’s ready to get down to some intense business.

“This nightgown is very me, if you can believe it.” I twirl to show it off. “I’m not very frilly.”

“I like that about you. I don’t need frilly. I don’t want girly and soft. I need a strong wife.”

I clear my throat and drop my hands. “I hope I can be that for you.”

“The sheer fabric against your skin looks beautiful on you.” He strokes the satin-trimmed neckline and laughs. “Of course, it’ll be a wadded-up ball in the corner in a minute.”

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