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.