Page 36 of Immoral

But it always feels so good when we're happy. Like we can conquer the world together.

All I ever wanted to do was move forward with Gianni. I almost tell him I forgive him, but I don't. I can't. I've done it too many times, and each time had worse repercussions than the last. And this will be the cruelest joke of all if I fall for his promises again.

Several moments pass before he moves the collar and secures it around my neck. His gaze never leaves mine. The platinum choker fits perfectly, not too tight nor too loose. It's the most stunning piece of jewelry I've ever worn. Surprisingly, the weight of it makes me feel as if it's a security blanket.

He traces my skin around the metal, and I shudder. His lips twitch, and he grabs the small ring at the front. He leans forward and turns my chin so I'm facing him. "You will submit to me. Not just tonight—all nights. I'm your husband. There's no other person in the world who knows what you need better than I do. And I'll give it to you. Every ounce of what you need will come from me. In return, youwillgive me whatIneed." He clasps the leash on the collar.

I blurt out a confession that makes me cringe as soon as it leaves my lips. "I'm not forgiving you. I-I want to. God, I want to. But I don't know how." My cheeks grow hot. I attempt to turn away from him, but he holds me firmly in place.

His expression wavers between hard and soft, as if he's struggling to know how to respond. He slowly inhales a big breath of air then states, "You will find a way. Your submission will help you."

"I'm only submitting tonight. I know how I'm using my wild card," I declare before I can even analyze the thought that just popped up in my head.

He freezes. "There's no wild card tonight, Cara. I made that clear."

"Tomorrow, then. I'll use it tomorrow. It's going to be no more submission," I warn, too far into this now to not move forward, but my gut dives as I say it.

A tornado of so many emotions swirls in his eyes, including agony. For a brief moment, I wish I could take it back, but I can't let Gianni have the upper hand in whatever this relationship now represents. He'll destroy whatever's left of me.

He stands taller and spins me into him. In a confident voice, he states, "No, tesoro. After tonight, you won't be able to deny yourself all I offer. You already crave me—you've always craved me. But now, I see it in your eyes."

"See what?"

His lips curl, and all the evil I know he's capable of bursts into his expression. He stares at me for several moments then turns me back around so I'm facing the mirror. He moves my head inches from the glass and holds my chin. "Look at your eyes. You see how bright they are?"

He's right. My blue orbs seem to have taken on a brilliant, sparkling hue. Yet, I don't answer, afraid of what my agreement would mean.

He flicks his tongue behind my ear then murmurs in it, "That light showed up the minute you saw the collar. It intensified when I put it around your neck. I own you, tesoro. Your body. Your mind. Your heart. There will be no wild card revoking your submission. You won't be able to resist."

I tear my gaze off my reflection and pin it on him. I attempt to sound strong, but it comes out weak and we both know it. "I'll prove you wrong."

He scoffs. "No, you won't. Deep down, you know I'm right. I may be an asshole, but I know you better than you know yourself. Now, wash the makeup off your face. You're too beautiful for anything to cover you up." He slides his hand over my stomach then drops it and cups my pussy. "And when I come inside you, tesoro, you're going to already be burning for me to do it again." He steps back and releases me.

I spin and fold my arms over my chest.

He walks to the bar and pours a scotch. He goes to the window and drinks half of it. Without looking at me, he challenges, "Are you going to back out of our agreement? I've never known you to not keep your word."

I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin in the air. One thing I never do is go back on a deal. "No. Of course not."

"Then your job is to fully submit. Wash your face. When you finish, strip and kneel in front of the window, looking toward the glass."

My butterflies take off, and I hate myself once again. Without saying a word, I go into the bathroom, wash my face, then remove the bobby pins from my messy bun. My dark hair falls in long waves. I clutch the corner of the counter and close my eyes, taking deep breaths.

I just need to get through this night.

Tomorrow, I'll use the wild card. I'll make it clear Gianni is never again allowed to order me to submit.

My chest tightens at the thought. I silently reprimand myself for wanting any part of this. I finish my pep talk then strip.

When I'm naked, wearing only the collar, I wrap the leash around my fist, staring at myself in the mirror.

I trace the large diamonds, falling more in love with it every second it's on me. Whoever designed it made sure it could be worn anywhere and look like a high-end choker. The ring attached to the leash is small and integrated into the design. If you don't know a leash can attach to it, you'd be oblivious to it. I scold myself again for not only loving the brilliance of it but how it looks and feels on my neck.

Several more minutes pass, and I finally work up the courage to walk out of the bathroom. Candles flicker against the wall. Soft music plays. Gianni sits on the armchair, facing the window. There's a blanket on the floor in front of him. He doesn't acknowledge me other than to point me toward the blanket.

Flutters intensify. I take a deep breath and walk to the window. I glance at him, and he doesn't have to say anything. I know he's daring me to go against my word.

I step in front of him, then lower myself to the ground, facing the window. I bow my head, trying to regulate my heartbeat.

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