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“I have something else for you that just came in,” Carson says. Only his voice is a little sharper than it was a moment ago.
He steps away from me, rubbing the back of his neck as he leaves the kitchen without saying another word. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to follow him or not. He returns a minute later with a gift-wrapped box. My brows knit as I stare at it. The dimensions aren’t right for another book. And it’s too big to be something like a pair of earrings.
“Open it.” He steps away and crosses his arms over his chest.
That means he’s nervous. What on earth would he be nervous about? Scraping my nails across the paper, I rip off the pretty wrapping and open the lid to a velvet box. There’s a silver necklace inside.
“It’s a… a collar…” Carson clears his throat. “I had our initials carved into the lock.”
My heart thuds hard enough to make me feel dizzy. “What’s this mean?”
I think I know, but I want to be sure.
“It means what we both already know, Mak. I’m yours and you’re mine. I got a matching one made for me… if you’ll have me.”
There’s no if about it. I’ll have this man until the day I die. Then I’ll crawl into his casket so our bones can turn to dust together. “Can I see yours?”
He pulls a heavier chain out of his front pocket. “I had yours made daintier so it fits your features better.”
And Carson’s is bigger to fit his.
They’re stunning. “Do I get to keep your key?”
“Yes,” he says softly.
“Does this mean we’re together, for always?”
“The symbolism for something like this ranges in every dynamic, but yeah, Mak.” His boots scuff the floor as he draws closer to me. “I want this to be forever.”
Tears burn my eyes. Blinking, I set them loose and place the box on the table by the book. “I love it.”
“Is that a yes, then?” His tone lifts with what sounds like hope. “Will you wear it for me?”
“Absolutely.” I gather my hair up while he takes the necklace with shaky hands and fumbles with the latch twice before he’s able to clasp it around my neck and lock it into place. It feels solid against my throat and the tip of my collarbone. “Do people know what this means?”
“If they’re familiar with this lifestyle, yes.”
“Let me put yours on you.” I take it out of his hands and marvel at how heavy it is. Staring at our entwined initials, I honestly can’t think of a better way to share a connection with someone. “It’s beautiful, Carson.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
I stand on a chair to put it on his neck. Once it’s locked, I run my hands along the backs of his shoulders, loving how firm and big he is. When Carson turns around to face me, I cup his cheeks and kiss him.
This is the best day of my life.
“Better get going.” He grips my ass and helps me off the chair. “We have to leave in an hour.”
“I have plenty of time to get ready.”
“It takes you an hour and a half just to pick out an outfit.”
“Because you’re constantly taking all my clothes off. I have to make my outfit choices Carson proof.”
“Carson proof? Psht. That’s not even a thing.”
“It should be.” I poke his chest. “You tore two of my shirts clean off my body just last weekend.”
“I replaced them.”