Page 15 of Bound to the Chef

“That's my good girl,” I purr, helping her up from the toilet seat. “Now how about you and I get some much-needed sleep?”

She doesn't even have to answer me. The staggering in her steps says it all. Holding her close, I lead her into our shared bedroom and help her get in under the covers. Between the pain pills and a good night's sleep, she should be much better by tomorrow.

With a soft smile, I take the collar out of my pocket and set it on the nightstand next to me. I didn't have a chance to give it to her, but I know a way that will make it all the more memorable.

CHAPTER8

JASON

Sunlight pours into the window, fighting past the blinds and curtains to flood the room with its ungodly brightness. Groaning, I flop my hand over my face to block it out. But it's no use. I'm awake now.

Looking over to the side, I smile as Rhylee still sleeps, her soft snores just another adorable facet to such an amazing woman. Thankfully, it gives me time to put my plan into action.

I pull out my phone and message Aaron, needing his help to get everything set up. Though the club is no stranger to collaring ceremonies, there's still a lot of work involved. Knowing Michelle the way I do, however, she'll move heaven and earth to make it happen.

With a soft grin, I hide the collar in the nightstand and make my way to the kitchen to prepare Rhylee some breakfast. With each step I take, I’m confronted with the life we’ve lived in this house. Even though this place is full of memories, it really is too small. When I first bought it, I only had myself to think of. Part me wonders if Rhylee never put her mark on this place because she was worried about over filling it.

Even now, as I let my mind wander, she only has what's necessary to live. If she wasn't with me all night, every night, I'd think she still had an apartment somewhere with the rest of her stuff. Hell, I probably never noticed because my heart always feared she would never be able to stay.

This new house signals a new begging for both of us. She's more than allowed to take up space in my home and in my heart, and it's high time she realizes it. My mind continues to whirl, never stopping, as I set the bacon to sizzling and scramble the eggs.

“Mmmmh. Something smells good in here,” Rhylee moans as she makes her way into the kitchen. “Does your sous chef need to help prepare anything?”

“No, but she can certainly get her cute butt back into bed and keep resting.”

“Is that a suggestion or an order?”

I turn to her and give her a wolfish grin. “It's a suggestion you will really want to take.”

Her lips part into a wide smile as she giggles. “Noted. The invalid will go back and rest her arm.”

“Good girl. Grab another dose of pain meds while you're there.”

“Yes, Master,” she calls out.

It never fails to get a primal response out of me. As much as I want to tackle her to the ground and fuck her until she has trouble walking, I need to take her needs into consideration. And right now, that's breakfast.

As I plate up the food, my phone pings with a message from Aaron. Perfect. It's all coming together.

Rhylee's eyes light up as I set the plate in her lap and give her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Tell me honestly, how is it feeling today?”

“It’s really not as painful as I thought it would feel. I don’t know. It feels sort of bruised, but no worse than a heavy session with you.”

“That's good. I want you to get well as soon as you can, so I can leave other marks on your delectable body. In the meantime...” I open my phone and make a swiping motion toward the flat screen on the wall. “While you eat, I was thinking we could look at houses.”

“So you're serious then? You weren't kidding last night?”

“Baby,” I murmur, dipping my head down to give her lips a gentle kiss. “I will never joke about our future. It's too important.Youare too important. Now then, I've put in some search parameters, and these are the results. I also wasn't joking when I said I wanted a dungeon in the basement. No objections, I hope.”

She swallows her bit of egg as her scent of arousal perfumes the room. With a chuckle, I pull up the first listing. “Didn't think so.”

For the next several hours, we look through house after house until my heart starts to sink. Next to me, Rhylee, ever the optimist, continues wriggling about in the bed after finally catching house hunting fever. But so far, nothing is sparking either of our interests.

“Oh,” Rhylee whispers, her heart pounding in time with mine.

I look up at the screen and stop. “Perfect,” we say in unison.

Not only is it in our price point, but it's very close to work and our friends. Now, instead of relying on the club to get together, we can have them over at our place. Through the bond, I feel her excitement grow.

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