Page 14 of Unexpected Redemption

“Lettie, I’m not proposing right now. However, this is something I want to do from here. Okay?”

Her eyes take a hike to the back of her pretty little head, and a deep groan rumbles from the depths of her chest. Dramatically, which is exactly how I prefer her, she flings herself onto her back. “Fine. Stay there and play with my emotions.”

Biting the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing, I rise partly and tug her arm to bring her upright. “Sorry, sugar. Just trust me on this one.”

She crosses her arms, eying me down with a playful glint in her eye.

It hits me then. That’sanotherthing I love about her. Never put a fine enough point on this thought before. But here it is, nonetheless.

Her spirit and playfulness fulfill something I didn’t experience in my youth. The joy of being young and in love. Happy in your skin and so wrapped up in your partner that you can be silly and even a little immature with the comfort of knowing they’ll still love you. Maybe they’ll even love you more for it.

Never had this before. My father robbed me of all happiness from as far back as I can remember.

Lettie’s effervescence makes up for it tenfold.

Damn. Maybe Ishouldpropose right now?

Nah. I have bigger plans for that. This is enough.

For the moment.

With a steadying breath, I fill my lungs. Some of her intoxicating scent lingers. I inhale again, desperate to have as much of her as possible.

“This is the gift I planned to give you on our anniversary. The night you distracted me by showing up looking like a goddess from my wildest fantasies.”

Seems like a lifetime ago.

She doesn’t speak, only narrows her eyes at me.

Opening the package, I turn it around to present it to her. Her gaze timidly falls to the velvet box and what’s inside. A delicate gasp sails through her rounded lips.

“A necklace?” she asks, voice shaky.

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

Inside the box is a thin white gold choker encrusted with diamonds and purple jewels—sapphires, amethyst, and tanzanite. Little butterflies are etched between the gemstones. A tiny white gold padlock rests in the center.

She traces the collar with her dainty fingertips, barely touching it. “It’s beautiful.”

“Lettie, this is more than a necklace. It’s a collar. It’s a promise and a vow.”

She holds my stare. “A collar? As in ownership?” Her nose wrinkles. “Like a pet?”

“I don’t see it that way. But in the kink community, some do.”

“Who cares what other people think? I only care howyousee it.”

“To me, this represents a deep commitment. It’s a promise that I will love and cherish you, care and be there for you. I’ll never turn my back on you, always supporting you. Anything you need, I will provide. Or I will find a way to get it for you. For as long as you want me and as long as you choose to wear this.”

Something mischievous dances behind her eyes.Here we go.

My heart fucking smiles in my chest as I eagerly anticipate whatever she’s about to say.From the smirk she’s sporting, I can tell it’s going to be sassy.

“So itissort of a proposal. With a ring around my neck instead of my finger. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Sweetness, I already said I’m not proposing until the other two things are handled.”

She glowers at me, the faux anger so at odds with her sugary disposition that it’s downright comical.

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