Page 88 of Ravish

“According to Jordan, bail will be revoked for all of them. Between the kidnapping and violation of the no-contact order, and the additional blackmail charges, they’re going to be in jail for a while.”

Lara couldn’t drum up much sympathy. They wouldn’t listen to anyone. “It won’t make my parents happy, but that’s not my problem.”

“You got that right. Grab your stuff, and we’ll go down the police station and get that done.”

“All right.” Lara slipped out of his arms. After closing out the register and cleaning up, Lara grabbed her purse. “My car is in the alley.”

Colby held out his hand, and she dropped her keys onto his palm. It was getting easier for her to let him drive her vehicle, but also her trust in him was absolute.

Two hours later, they were in her duplex. A great weight had lifted from her shoulders. Her family was dealt with as far as this last incident. She may have burned her bridges with them, but it wasn’t her fault.

“Want me to call for pizza?” she asked Colby as she walked into the living room after changing into comfortable clothes.

“Come here.” Colby patted the cushion next to him on the sofa. Lara tilted her head, but sat down next to him.

“My timing is going to suck.” He let out a sigh. “But I can’t hold back any longer. I love you.”

Lara blinked. “You love me?” It wasn’t that she didn’t believe it, but…what?

“I do, and I have for a while now.” Colby drew her into his arms.

“Why?” The word slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it.

He tilted her head back to rest on his shoulder, his green eyes serious as he gazed down at her. “You are strong, beautiful, and independent. You are a woman who knows who she is. You don’t need a man to complete you, but you’re willing to let me into your life. You aunt loves me, and my mother loves you.”

A giggle escaped.

Colby tapped her lips in a playful gesture. “You don’t mind the bikers; you aren’t upset about my leather shop or motorcycle.”

“Those are all part of you.” Lara lifted her hand and cupped his cheek.

“You are a part of me, now.” His hand slipped behind her neck. “I love you so much.”

Lara’s eyes filled with tears as she leaned back in Colby’s embrace. “I love you too.” She did. “I love your store, your motorcycle, your tenderness, and your Domness.”

“Domness? I think I like that.” He grinned at her.

“Of course you would.” Her lips quirked. “I do love you, Colby. It was a slow progression, but you’ve shown me I can be strong and sexy.”

“You bet.” His lips captured hers.

“I picked a lousy time to say it,” he said when he broke the kiss.

“It’s fine.” She cupped his cheek. “This is also the perfect place for us to declare our love for each other for the first time.”

* * * *

Saturday night, Lara paced inside the ladies’ room at the club.

“Are you sure?” Sierra asked.

“Yes.” Lara was sure. She’d asked Sierra for help days ago. Tonight, she was going to be Colby’s sub for his flogging demonstration. Not that he knew that. He’d already told her he’d use Regina. Not on her watch. Not anymore.

Since the blowup in the café on Tuesday and their declaration of love, she wanted to show him how much she had changed. Her family’s needs were not a factor anymore. Appearances meant nothing to them; otherwise, her brothers and ex wouldn’t have done what they did. Nope. She was done with all of their bullshit. She was her own woman, and she was going to do what she wanted.

Lara wanted to make Colby—and herself happy. Being his sub in the club during a flogging demonstration was another step in her freedom. She turned to the mirror. Her hair was gathered on top of her head to keep it out of the way. The purple lace baby doll outfit made her catch her breath.

The fabric was pretty thin. In fact, she could see the purple thong she was wearing underneath, though the lace cupped her breasts. Covered, but if someone looked hard enough they could see her nipples.

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