Page 72 of They Are Mine

And beside it?

His tags.

I picked white because this is about his peace. About the purity of our love.

It’s a promise to never hurt him.

Not like that bitch did.

I trail my fingers over the tags, soft, reverent.

Then, before I leave, I take a detour to the bathroom.

Because I need one more thing.

His cologne.

I find it on the counter, simple, expensive.

I pick it up, press the nozzle, let a small spritz land on my wrist.

I close my eyes, breathe it in.

Oh. Oh, it’s perfect.

Masculine but not overpowering. Dark. Smooth.

Just like him.

I note the brand in my phone because men like gifts too.

And when I give it to him? When I press it into his hands like it was just a random thought?

He’ll think it’s coincidence. He’ll think it’s fate. He’ll never even question it.

I smile to myself. Then, I slip out the door, locking it behind me.

I’ll be back.

Chapter Twelve

Juliet

Noah is already home when I get there.

Dinner is quiet, easy, familiar.

I tell him all about Tammy’s meltdown, the dog tags, the way she completely unraveled.

I leave out the part about touching myself in Orion’s bed.

Because I don’t hurt my men with things that serve no purpose.

They’ll both know when I sleep with Orion.

But I won’t rub it in their faces.

Because I love them.