Page 39 of Strength in Submission
"I mean it's time to make this permanent. Time to make sure everyone knows you're not just some woman I'm seeing—you're my woman. My old lady."
Her eyes widen. In the club, being someone's old lady is a serious thing. It means protection, respect, family.
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
She smiles, bright and beautiful and full of joy. "Then yes, I'll be your old lady."
As I hold her in my arms, I think about how much my life has changed in just a few days. A week ago, I was just a lawyer by day, biker by night. Now I'm a man in love with a woman who makes me want to be better, stronger, more than I ever thought possible.
Derek won't be a problem anymore. Violet is safe, and for the first time in a long time, the future looks brighter than I ever hoped.
Chapter Thirteen
VIOLET
Before I know it, somehow it's Monday. A mixture of anticipation and dread settles in my stomach like lead. I'm finally going back to work after nearly five days away, and everything feels different. Hell, I feel different.
Santiago's arm tightens around my waist as my alarm goes off, pulling me closer to his warm chest.
"You sure you're ready for this?" he asks, his voice rough with sleep.
"No," I admit, turning in his arms to face him. "But I can't hide forever. Besides, I have something I need to do."
His dark eyes search mine. "The conversation with Victorio?"
I nod, anxiety fluttering in my chest. "My birthday is Friday. If I'm going to tell him, it needs to be soon."
Santiago cups my face gently, thumb tracing my cheekbone where the last traces of the bruise have faded to a barely visible yellow. "You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."
"I know. But I am ready. For the first time in my life, I feel strong enough to handle whatever happens."
He kisses me softly. "That's my girl."
The possessive warmth in his voice sends heat through me, reminding me of everything that's changed between us. I'm hisnow, officially. His old lady, his submissive, his woman. The thought should terrify me, but instead it makes me feel powerful.
"Help me pick out what to wear?" I ask.
Santiago's eyes darken. "Stand up."
The command in his voice makes my pulse quicken. I climb out of bed, completely naked from our activities last night, and stand beside the bed with my hands at my sides. He studies me for a moment, and I feel that familiar thrill of being assessed by him.
"The black dress," he says finally. "The one that hits just above your knees. With the black heels. No panties."
My breath catches. "Santiago?—"
"Sir," he corrects, sitting up in bed. "When I'm giving you instructions, it's Sir."
"Sir," I correct myself, heat pooling between my thighs. "I can't go to work without underwear."
"You can, and you will. Every time you move, every time you sit down, you'll remember who you belong to. You'll remember that I could command you to come to the bathroom and fuck you against the sink, and you'd do it without question."
The thought makes me squeeze my thighs together. "Yes, Sir."
"Good girl. Now get dressed. And Violet?"
"Yes?"
