Page 102 of Shadow

Her fingers trembled when she opened the jewelry box and found a pretty silver necklace laying in the velvet lining. But it wasn’t just a necklace, something told her it was a collar. He wanted her to wear his collar and signify to everyone that she was his.

She lifted the piece out of the box and examined it. There was a small charm hanging in the center of it and upon closer inspection, she realized it was an L and an R intertwined for Liv and Ripley.

“Ripley, it’s beautiful. Is it...?”

He nodded and held his hand out so she could lay the necklace in his palm.

He moved behind her and lifted it around her neck. “It’s a collar. I had it made just for you, but if you want to redesign it or add another charm, we can.”

Olivia touched the charm sitting against her throat and shook her head. “No, Daddy. I don’t want to change it.”

“And if you’re not ready to wear it, just tell me. But if I put this on, you’re mine and it doesn’t come off without my permission, understood?”

“I’m yours even without the collar. But it’s perfect. Thank you.”

He fastened the necklace and tenderly kissed the back of her neck. “I tried to make it as perfect as you are.”

She giggled. “I’m going to remind you that you said I was perfect the next time you call me a brat.”

His hand landed hard against her bottom, and she yelped.

“You’re perfect for me. Bratty, sassy, and all.”

She turned to face him and flashed him a bright smile. “I love you so damn much. I’m looking forward to life with you after all this gets settled.”

“Get your shoes. We don’t want to be late for our reservation.”

“Heels or flats?”

His gaze flitted the length of her legs, and he grinned. “Heels for sure.”

She ran to the bedroom barefoot and grabbed the pretty red heels and slipped them on. Back at the door, he tangled his fingers with hers and pulled it open. She couldn’t help the little thrill she felt as they stepped out into the hallway to start their date.

Chapter 28

RIPLEYheldOlivia’shandas they walked through the hotel lobby and out to a waiting car.

At first, he wasn’t sure if now was the right time to give her the collar. It might have been better if he’d planned something elaborate and waited until this mess was behind them.

But that wasn’t how they operated. They lived in the moment and did what felt right. And when she walked out of the bedroom with no jewelry around her neck, it just felt right.

“Where are we going?” Olivia asked as he held the door of the backseat open for her.

“It’s a surprise,” he teased, sliding in next to her and pulling his seatbelt on. “Buckle up, baby girl.”

When they were settled, he slid an arm around her, and she laid her head on his shoulder.

“Is it weird that I’m insanely happy right now, even with everything going on?”

He kissed the top of her head. “It’s not weird at all. And I’m glad you’re happy. Seeing you happy is my top priority.”

The drive to their first destination of the evening was a short one, and they soon pulled up outside of a small but upscale fusion restaurant.

In the foyer, Ripley gave his name and the woman who greeted them lit up. “Ah yes, Mr. Ripley. We’ve been expecting you. Chef Vance is delighted to cook for you and your lovely girlfriend this evening, I’ll escort you to your table.”

Olivia raised an eyebrow. “More of your powerful friends?”

Ripley laughed. “What makes you think a chef is powerful?” The question was out of his mouth before he even considered her ex-husband.

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