Page 112 of On His Terms

“Your mouth looks attractive when it’s gaping open like that. Makes me want to put a gag in it. Or my cock.”

She shut her mouth.

“I’ve always particularly enjoyed your intelligence,” he said. He took hold of her elbow and guided her toward the door. “Say goodnight to Gavin and Jennifer,” he instructed her. But he gave her no time to say a word.

Instead, she glanced over her shoulder and waved.

Jennifer smiled. Gavin nodded approvingly.

At Chelsea’s insistence, Alexander paused long enough to gather her belongings from the kitchen and then led her to the parking lot where the valet already had his vehicle waiting.

Not surprising her, he saw that she was safely seated and buckled tight before sliding into the driver’s seat.

Master Alexander flipped a switch to turn on her seat heater. Always thoughtful.

The drive home was filled with discussion about the event, which she appreciated, and she gave him the approximate amount they’d raised and noted the things she’d heard from others, including the fact that her favorite online magazine, Scandalicious, had been in attendance and would be running a story in the coming days, filled with lots of photos.

“You impressed me.” He looked at her. “As expected.”

A ripple of pride ran through her.

“Mind if we go straight home?”

Shocked, she wiggled around so she could study him. “What do you mean by that? Your house?”

“Ours.”

Her heart roared, drowning out her thoughts. He couldn’t mean that. She didn’t dare allow herself to believe that he did. “Look, Alexander—”

“We’ll have plenty of time to talk.”

She should insist on heading to her apartment, that way she would be on familiar ground, but the set of his jaw was implacable. “It’s going to be a waste of time.”

“Let’s see about that.”

When they entered his home, her breath vanished. “What is this?”

The great room was filled with balloons in all shapes and sizes, some hanging from the ceiling, others attached to walls, the mantel, and dozens covered the floor.

“Come with me.”

He guided her toward the fireplace.

Now that she was closer, she noticed even more balloons on the couch and chairs.

A huge bouquet of red roses sat on the hearth, and a bottle of champagne chilled in an ice bucket.

“This is something.”

In front of the fireplace he took both of her hands. “I heard what you said earlier, that your submission must be earned by a man you love, one who loves you in return and wants forever.”

Self-protectively, she wrapped her arms around herself.

“I’ve realized a lot since we’ve been apart. The truth is, Chelsea, I love you, and I don’t want to live without you.”

“You…” She hugged herself tighter. Is this real?

“Everything you want, so do I. Love. Forever. Marriage. Children.”