Page 41 of Exquisite Temptation

Now you are two bodies,

But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,

To enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Dan takes the wooden bowl and pours water over Katie’s extended hands. "With this water, I wash away your pain, fear, loneliness, and past that has weighed your heart and soul for so long."

Leaving it on the table, he lights the candle and smudge stick. He takes the feather and directs the smoke towards her, working his way from her feet to her head.

"With this smoke, I lift your prayers and dreams to the sky, for all those that are touched by it may know what is within your heart."

"On your knees, Katie," I order while Dan puts the items back.

She lowers herself down, resting on her knees, keeping her back straight, head up, and palms on her thighs. My eyes drift to the platinum choker, engraved with a rose design and sporting a sparkling ruby. Picking it up with care, Dan moves closer and stands in front of his submissive.

"Katie, it is my intent to offer you my collar as a sign of your submission to me. Are you willing to accept my collar?"

"Yes, I do. It will be my greatest pleasure, Master," her voice vibrates with emotion. Reaching out, he places it around her neck, but he doesn’t close the lock. My mobile vibrates in my pants, but I ignore it. Whoever it is, they will have to wait. My friend’s wedding is more important.

"I, Master Dan, take you, Katie, as my submissive and give you my collar of my free will as a symbol of my undying love and devotion. I gratefully accept your submission and willingness to serve me and promise to always remember that your submission is a gift, treating it as such. You encourage me to grow every day. Your love and trust make a better man. Today, I vow to protect you, support you, honor you, and guide you until death do us part."

My eyes slide to Micaela, who gazes at me intently. Narrowing my eyes, I search her beautiful face, looking for anything that would give me a clue to what it’s going through her head, but she gives me nothing. She tilts her lips into an enchanting smile and waves at me innocently.Naughty little pet.I shift my attention to her friend, who draws in a deep breath before she speaks.

"I, Katie, take you, Master Dan, as my Master and accept your collar of my free will as a symbol of my undying love and devotion. I gratefully accept your dominance and your willingness to guide me and promise to always remember that Dominance is a gift and treat it as such. You are my best friend, mentor, playmate, and confidante, but, most importantly, you are the love of my life. I promise to love you, honor you, serve you, and obey you until death do us part."

Bending forward, Dan slides in the key, locking the collar with an audible click before taking her hand and helping his submissive rise. Dan whips a pen from his jacket, handing it to Katie, waiting patiently for her to sign the contracts before he signs them, too.

"Master Dan and Katie, you have now declared your commitment to a lifetime of living as Master and submissive." My mobile buzzes in my pocket again. "Thank you, everyone. Please join me in congratulating the happy couple."

A cheer erupts from the seating area. Micaela, Alexandra, Sam, and Zoe run to their friend, wrapping their arms around her while the men rally around Dan, tapping his shoulder. I whip my cell out, checking my missed calls. It’s Brianna. What the fuck does she want now? Since my father’s birthday, I have been ignoring her calls and text messages. That woman is relentless, but normally she doesn’t ring six times in succession. Strolling away, I dial her number. She answers instantly.

"Christopher, where the hell are you? I have tried calling you millions of times," she sobs dramatically.

"What’s going on? Is father okay?"

"No, he had a heart attack," her voice breaks mid-sentence. "They took us to the Memorial Community hospital-" I stand frozen, my stomach pitting into tight coils as shock grips me. The bleep of the heart monitor filters through her cell, nudging me from my stupor.

"I’m on my way. Should be there in thirty minutes, tops."

"Okay. See you later." I disconnect the call, releasing the breath I have been holding and plod straight to Dan.

He listens attentively as I explain to him what happened and make my apologies. "I’m sorry, bro. Let me know if you need anything or if I can help."

"Will do. Thanks, man."

I trade a glance with Micaela, who grows still to better observe me, before rushing towards me.

"You okay? What’s wrong?" her soothing voice probes me. I comb my fingers through my hair, swallowing the dread lodged in my throat.

"My father had a heart attack. I need to go to the hospital-" My voice trails off. Knitting her brows together, she reaches out and touches my arm tenderly.

"I’m so sorry, Sir. Let me say goodbye to Katie and Dan, then we can go." Her genuine concern and willingness to be by my side spreads warmth through my numb body.

I shake my head, rubbing my forehead. "It’s okay, pet. I don’t want to ruin your evening. Stay here with your friends and have fun."

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