Giving my hand a squeeze, he said, “And we couldn’t tell you before, because you wouldn’t have done it. You’re both shy. But we’re your friends—your family. And we don’t judge. We just wanted you to know that.”
Letting me go, he looked at the celebrant. “Please, we’re ready to continue.” Giving Q another smile, he moved away, taking his place by Franco. Suzette and Angelique returned to their positions behind me and the chaos settled back into love-swelled beauty.
I wasn’t nervous. I’d guessed what would come next. I’m ready. I’m ready to stitch my life permanently to his.
The celebrant looked at Q. “Are you ready for the final part?”
Q’s face twisted and for the longest moment I feared he’d walk out the door. He looked uncomfortable—very aware his dark persuasions were bold and brash and there for everyone to see.
We couldn’t hide any longer—not that we had anything to hide. This isn’t for me. It’s for him.
Reaching for Q, I froze as he stepped away.
He moved to the side where a small chest rested. Plucking it from the floor, he brought it back, placing it at my feet. Taking my hand for balance, he ordered, “Climb up.”
I wanted to ask so many things but obeyed, climbing onto the small pedestal placing me above Q’s height.
“Q, what…”
His eyes met mine, full of endless love The corset once again ceased my breathing.
“You’re mine to worship now and for always, Tess. I’ve put you above me, so everyone knows I value your life above all else. You are the reason why I exist. The reason for my happiness.”
I swallowed hard.
His eyes tightened, battling so much inside. His fingers trembled in mine. “I’m ready,” he murmured. “I’m ready to proceed.”
We never looked away. Locked together. Padlocked by souls.
The celebrant said, “I believe your best man has the next requirement.”
Frederick stepped forward, his hands clasped around something. Passing it to Q, he spoke in his ear, slapping him gently on the shoulder. I couldn’t make out what transferred but Q stiffened, shaking his head.
Masculine whispers snapped in the silence followed by a curse. Q finally snatched the gift with a sharp nod.
Q raised his arm, showing me what he’d been given. My heart leapt into my throat.
A collar. A black diamond-studded collar with a gold ring at the front.
Of course. My heart thundered.
His eyes implored me. Please…I’ve never asked you to be less than human.
And he wasn’t now. He was asking me to announce to everyone present—to him, to me, to the sanctity of marriage, that he was my master.
He is. In every way.
In an effortless move, I swayed forward. “Collar me, maître. Keep me forever,” I murmured, scooping my hair off my shoulders, waiting for him to fasten it.
Q leaned forward, his fingers shaking against my skin. His eyes swam with adoration, body trembling with love and need. “You’re given me the ultimate fantasy, esclave. You’re giving me the right to collar you. You’re giving me something I’ve always wanted but have always been too afraid to take.” His lips pressed against my temple. “Thank you, Tess. Du fond du cœur.” From the bottom of my heart.
He wrapped the soft leather around my neck and over my brand. It irritated, but the discomfort was nothing to the surging possession in my heart. Q might collar me but I collared him in return. My ownership was invisible—wrapping him in unseen chains—chains unlocked only by my soul.
I shivered as his knuckles brushed the back of my skull. He carefully cinched the buckle, marking me as his. Marking me as belonging.
Tears dripped down my cheeks as he pulled away. His eyes were liquid too, matching my love ounce for ounce. With immense tenderness, he licked my tears away, washing my face clean of happiness. “God, I love you.” His voice was barely there, but I bloomed bright and radiant.
The celebrant cleared his throat. “Do you, Quincy Mercer, take this woman Tess Snow as your lawfully wedded wife, now and forever, from this day forth?”
Q clenched his jaw. “Je le veux.” I do.
My lips spread into an awed smile.
I do. I do. I do.
“I believe your maid of honour has the next requirement,” the celebrant said softly.
Suzette gently tapped my hip, bringing my attention to her. In her hands rested a looped leash and something hidden. Pressing the small unknown item into my palm, she whispered, “You’ll know what to do with the leash, mon ami.”
I nodded, thanking her silently. I knew. Of course I knew.
Turning back to Q, I held both items in shaking hands.
The celebrant asked, “Do you, Tess Snow, take this man Quincy Mercer as your lawfully wedded husband, now and forever, from this day forth?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. If I spoke or moved my body would explode into a gazillion dazzling sparks. This must be how it felt to have dreams come true. This homecoming.
I revealed the gold and titanium steel band for the first time. I held my hand out.
With a small smile, Q placed his palm in mine, spreading his fingers, giving himself to me. His touch was just as unsteady.
Nerves made everything intense. Nerves made everything real.
This is real.
My eyes glassed, softening lines, blurring edges. Carefully and solemnly, I slid the ring Suzette had sourced over Q’s wedding finger. My heart increased its beat. The ring slipped into position—a golden symbol forever marking him as taken.
Mine.
The symbol of our unity sent tears swelling behind my collar. I couldn’t swallow the salt, too overwhelmed. I managed a whisper. Just a whisper. “I do.”
Letting Q go, I unravelled the leash, clipping the end onto the ring of my collar. Threading the soft leather through my fingers, I ceremoniously handed the end to Q. “Toujours.” Forever.
He fisted the leash. His fingers turned white, his body shaking with amazement. “Toujours.”
We’d exchanged our vows in numerous ways. We’d proven our words weren’t empty against sickness or health. We’d solidified every promise. Brought truth to every claim.
We wore each other’s brand and mark.
We were no longer separate people. We were one.
One of the same.
My heart thrilled faster as Q tugged me downward, a hard smile on his lips. His mouth landed on mine and the marquee, guests, and everything else shot from comprehension. His tongue entered, dancing in a ceaseless waltz.