Page 40 of Exquisite Temptation

After three hours of shooting with brief breaks here and there, a hurricane sized headache grinds behind my temples. I limp to the refreshment area and find a pot of freshly brewed coffee. A whiff of the fragrant, herbal aroma of the dark roast soothes me better than Tylenol. Christopher ordered me not to have any coffee today to let my body rest, but he isn’t here, so I down my coffee in two large gulps.He can’t punish you for something he doesn’t know, my inner brat sniggers. I pack my gear and exchange quick goodbyes with everyone, promising Master Kaito I’ll email him the photos.

As expected, Christopher waits for me outside the building. I silently thank God for his punctuality. He rushes in my direction and grabs my heavy bag. "Go inside the car, pet. You look like you are about to faint." His dark eyes flash with concern. I nod, giving him a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Sir. I’m absolutely beat. I can’t wait to get home." Jesus Christ! Did I just say that? "I mean, get back to yours," I blurt out, cringing inside.

"I know what you meant, pet." He chuckles and turns around to leave my bag while I jump inside.

We spend the drive back in a companionable silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. As soon as we arrive, I make a straight run for the house, fighting hard not to look at my destroyed car. I collapse on the comfortable couch and let my eyelids shut down as waves of heaviness and weakness in my muscles crush through me.

"I took photos of your car for the police report, which I’m happy to help you fill in after we have dinner."

"Thank you, Sir. I have no energy to lift a spoon, let alone think."

"You stay here, rest, and I’ll make dinner." I incline my head, too tired to even speak. He picks up the blanket resting over the other couch and drapes it over my legs, before swaggering off to the kitchen.

Isis brushes against my legs, releasing a series of bone deep purrs. Remarkably, she has accepted me, and we have become best friends. Jumping on my lap, she kneads the blanket covering my legs and plops down, curling into a ball. I pet her soft fur, her soothing purrs lulling me into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 25

Christopher

Danexpelsadeepbreath, tightening the black silk tie of his tuxedo. After weeks of unexpected delays, Katie and his collaring ceremony has finally arrived. They have opted to invite only their closest friends and have a white wedding with their families and relatives. Sebastian opens the champagne bottle with a mighty pop and sends the cork flying. He pours the fizzy liquid into long-stemmed glasses, handing us one each.

"How are you feeling, man? Where is your mind at now?" I shoot a grin at Dan.

He twists his neck as if it’s sore. "I am nervous…excited. Thinking about the good and bad…everything we have been through together. To be honest, at this point I just want to see her and put the Goddamn collar on her neck, make her mine until death do us part and beyond." Poor guy, if that was me, I’d be nervous as hell. The collaring ceremony should be regarded as a serious event because it binds the hearts and souls of two people in this life and beyond.

"I’m so happy for you. You two belong together." Heaviness settles in my body as inexpressible sadness crushes my chest when the memories of Amelia’s and mine collaring ceremony hit me like a tsunami. It was a gorgeous summer day, just like today.

Sebastian raises his glass and glances at me, his eyes flickering with concern. I curve my lips into a grateful smile to let him know I’m okay. He nods, smiling back. The bond between us runs deep, and we don’t need words to understand each other.

"Love believes, endures, and hopes. And above all things, love never fails. To Dan and Katie."

"Hear, hear! Now, let’s get you married, bro." I cheer, draining the glass in one gulp, the cool liquid sliding down my burning throat.

Dan smooths the invisible crease on his sleeve. "All right, let’s get down to business. We all know what we’re doing, right?" He blows out a sharp breath.

"Chill, man. Everything will be just fine." Stepping outside the spacious Teepee, I glance at the one erected opposite Dan’s.

In the space between them, Katie has created a sacred circle with large pink, purple, and white crystals and flower heads. Her collar, two contracts, a white pillar candle, ball of water, bundle of sage leaves, and feather lay on the tall altar draped in royal purple silk and facing north. It’s great to see that they have incorporated both of their spiritual beliefs in the ceremony.

Sam, Ben, Julian, and Zoe, dressed to the nines, sit on the wooden benches with drinks in their hands, waiting for us to make a start. I crane my neck at the sound of Alexandra and Micaela giggling as they come out of Katie’s Teepee with their arms linked. My hungry eyes roam over her figure clad in an alluring deep purple dress, showing off her shapely legs and perky breasts. She raises her eyes, catching me gawking at her, and quirks her lips into a self satisfying smirk.You can smirk all you want now, but later, I tear your scanty dress off you, bratty little princess.

With that thought in mind, I take my position on the south side of the circle, prompting Sebastian to play "So I can find my way" by Enya, one of their favorite songs. The dying rays of the late summer sun beam through the canopy of the trees, bathing the lavish garden in an amber glow. Katie steps out carrying a single white rose in her hand. Her long crimson dress with high slits and a plunging neckline swishes around her feet as she makes her way to meet Dan in the middle of the circle. For a long moment, they gaze deeply at each other’s eyes. I clear my throat, feeling like a dick for breaking their spell.

"Welcome, everyone. I invite you to share this day with Master Dan and Katie, who will join their hearts and souls." Dipping my hand in my pocket, I take out the piece of paper. "Before we start, I’ll read the Apache wedding prayer Master Dan chose."

Now you will feel no rain,

For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,

For each of you will be a companion to the other.

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