Page 90 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim
I’m shaking so hard that there’s no way I can believe him.
“Get dressed for us. The evening is young. And I don’t make promises I can’t keep. You’ll see…”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Isla
The emerald-colored dress fits me like a second skin.
I can’t believe that Dorian expects me to leave the cottage dressed so scandalously. For a moment, I’m tempted to disobey him. But I know that wouldn’t go well for me.
Drawing a steadying breath, I pull back my shoulders and cross the bedroom to open the door.
Both men stand as I enter the living room.
Self-consciously, I tug at the hem of the dress and wrap my arms around my middle.
“Stop.” Dorian’s voice is sharp and laced with pride. “Own it.”
Does he have any idea how impossible that is?
As I stand before them, Dorian sweeps his gaze over me, slowly, deliberately. There’s a spark of hunger in the steel-gray depths of his eyes that holds me riveted despite my urge to flee.
“Damn.”Brennan traces my body with an appreciative intensity that sends awareness racing through me.
“You’re stunning,” Dorian murmurs, his voice a velvet blade.
“He’s right.” Brennan flashes a rare, crooked smile that does funny things to my insides.
Maybe I should be grateful they’re letting me wear undies beneath this scrap of fabric.
“Come to me,” Dorian says, voice low, a command wrapped in silk.
As I move toward him, Calypso lifts her head and blinks at me lazily before letting her eyes drift shut again.
When I’m less than a foot in front of him, Dorian sets his glass down and reaches for something on the side table.
Instantly I recognize the delicate silver collar that he bought at Mademoiselle’s shop. He can’t mean…
“You won’t have to always wear it.”
“Promise?”
“If that makes you feel better.”
His answer is not reassuring.
Gaze on him, unable to believe my own compliance, I slowly nod.
“At other times, I’d have you kneel.” With his fingertip, he tilts my chin back.
Desperately I search his face, hunting for a crack in his steely resolve, but there isn’t any. Instead, there’s just firm, unyielding intent. “But for tonight, I’ll give you a reprieve.”
“How kind.”
At my sarcasm, he lifts an eyebrow. “You may want to consider showing your appreciation. Otherwise…”
He leaves his threat hanging on the jasmine-scented evening air.
