Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 92334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“It’s definitely a mood killer,” I point out. “Which is kind of the point, right?”
“Fair enough.” His fingers trail down my neck. “If you say ‘cryptocurrency,’ I stop.”
I laugh, the awkward, not pretty-sounding laugh.
His expression turns serious as he cups my face. “But this isn’t about rules, safe words, or contracts, Sloane. It’s about trust. About you surrendering control to me, and me taking care of you. Just for tonight . . .” His eyes search mine. “At first.”
My breath catches at the promise in those last two words. His fingers brush my cheek, igniting sparks beneath my skin. “You’re mine,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends tremors down my spine. He leans forward and traces his tongue along my neck where the collar will rest. “And I protect what’s mine.”
I should be afraid, alarmed by the promise of such complete domination. But as I gaze into the depths of Cole’s eyes, I see only scorching desire and a silent plea—trust me. My hesitation melts away, replaced by a yearning so primal it steals my breath.
With trembling hands, I fasten the collar around my neck, the metal cool against my feverish skin. As the final link slides into place, I feel the weight of Cole’s possession settle over me, binding me to this man in a way I can’t fully comprehend yet. But I don’t need to understand, not right now. All I know is that I’m his, utterly and completely.
“Good girl,” Cole growls in approval, and the praise sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my core. He pulls me flush against his hard body, claiming my mouth in a searing kiss that leaves me dizzy. His hands roam hungrily, possessively, leaving trails of flame in their wake as he maps every curve, every inch of his new territory.
When he finally releases me, I’m panting and aching for more. Cole’s eyes blaze with raw hunger as he takes in the sight of me wearing his collar. “On your knees,” he commands, his voice laced with dark promise.
I sink obediently to the plush carpet, the collar feeling impossibly tight and deliciously restraining as I gaze up at him. Cole’s fingers trace the line of the collar almost reverently before gripping my hair, tilting my head back to expose the line of my throat.
Cole’s eyes burn with primal hunger as he takes in the sight of me kneeling before him, collar gleaming against my skin. His grip on my hair tightens, holding me immobile as he leans down to trail scorching kisses along my neck.
“Mine,” he growls against my pulse point, teeth grazing delicate flesh. “As long as you wear this collar, you are mine. In every way.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven Sloane
Mine.
The weight of his words settles over me like a physical force. Desire floods through me at the thought of belonging to this man so completely—even if it’s just for tonight. For now, that feels like enough. More than enough, actually; it feels like everything I never knew I needed until this very moment.
Cole must sense my acquiescence because he rewards me with another fierce kiss before stepping back and beginning to undress slowly—almost tauntingly so—revealing inch after tantalizing inch of tanned skin and solid muscle beneath his clothes as I watch breathlessly from my submissive position on the floor at his feet.
He stands there, completely bared to me, and I can’t help but stare. He is magnificent, every inch of him radiating power and confidence. A bead of sweat trickles down my spine as I anticipate what’s to come.
“You’re overdressed,” Cole says, extending a hand toward me. I take it, allowing him to help me to my feet. His other hand reaches for the zipper of my dress, pulling it down the rest of the way slowly, revealing more skin with every inch. The fabric falls away, leaving me standing in nothing but my lingerie.
Cole’s eyes rove over my body, taking in every curve, every line. “Perfect,” he murmurs, almost to himself. He steps closer, his bare skin brushing against mine, making me shiver with anticipation. His fingers trace the edge of my panties, then slip inside, finding me already wet for him.
“Good,” he growls, his breath hot against my ear. “You’re always ready for me.” He pulls away abruptly, leaving me wanting. “But not yet,” he adds, a wicked glint in his eyes.
He picks me up as if I weigh nothing, carrying me to his bedroom. Cole lays me down on his large, four-poster bed, the velvet comforter soft against my skin. His eyes never leave mine as he climbs onto the bed, settling between my legs. He trails a hand up my thigh, slow and teasing, before hooking a finger under the edge of my lace panties and pulling them down.
“Cole,” I breathe, my voice barely above a whisper. I feel vulnerable, exposed, but also incredibly desired. It’s intoxicating.