Page 122 of Bid For Me

Ever since she asked – demanded – that I take her virginity this weekend, I’ve not been able to think of anything but.

Every day this week, I’ve snapped open the navy leather jewellery case and stared at the exquisite diamond collar, imagining myself placing it around her slender neck and binding her to me in a way that’s far more permanent than any ring or contract or wedding certificate. A symbol of ownership that makes her mine for good, but that also makes me hers.

I shouldn’t collar her during her first time.

But I fuckingwantto.

It’s still too soon for that.

But I’ve known her forever, we love each other, so why wait?

Fuck it, I think. I can take it with me and decide in the moment.

The diamonds sparkle under the soft light of my bedside lamp, a glimmering symbol of everything I want to claim.My fingers brush over the velvet-lined case once more, and I imagine her reaction – wide eyes, flushed cheeks, lips parted in surprise. Elle might think she knows what she’s asking for, what she’s ready for, but this? This is another level entirely.

I close the case with a snap, locking away the temptation before it gets the better of me. She asked for this weekend, demanded it with all the fiery conviction that drives me insane. And god help me, I want to give her everything. Every dark, wicked thing she’s craving.

But I need to be sure she’s ready.

I pace the length of the bedroom, the tension coiling in my chest. This week has been torture. Every glance, every brush of her hand, every laugh during our dates, has been a reminder of how much I want her. How much I’m holding back.

Elle’s trust in me is fragile, delicate. I can’t afford to break it.

Still, her words echo in my mind, igniting a visceral response I can’t ignore.I don’t want special. I want you to fucking ruin me, Seb.

Christ. If she knew what those words do to me. Little does she know, I plan to make our first time together memorable and special, while stillruiningher.

I exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair. I’ve been patient – more patient than I’ve ever been in my life – but this weekend, I’m done holding back. If she’s ready, then so am I. But she’ll understand exactly what she’s asking for before we take that final step.

A knock on my door pulls me from my thoughts.

“Seb?” Her voice is soft, tentative.

I open the door to find her standing there in one of my shirts, the hem brushing her bare thighs. Her hair is loose, her cheeks flushed, and the sight of her steals the breath from my lungs.

How the hell am I meant to resist her when she’s baiting me like this?

“Elle.” My voice comes out rough, my control slipping just from the sight of her.

Her eyes dart to the jewelry case on the bedside table, curiosity flickering across her face. “What’s that?”

I step aside, letting her into the room, but I don’t answer right away. Instead, I watch her as she moves closer to the bed, her fingers brushing over the leather case.

“It’s for you,” I admit, my voice low. “But not yet.”

She glances at me, her brows furrowing. “Not yet?”

I take a step closer, closing the space between us. “Not yet.” My hand cups her chin, tilting her face up to mine. “Maybe once you’re fully mine you’ll be ready for what’s inside that box. It’s not something to take lightly.”

Her lips part, but she doesn’t pull away. “I’m ready.”

I nod, my thumb brushing over her cheek. It’s not her words that are my undoing, but the look of total sincerity and trust in her eyes that does it. I capture her lips in a kiss that’s both a promise and a warning, pouring every ounce of restraint and desire into it. Her hands grip my shirt, pulling me closer, and I have to galvanize my self control not to throw her on the bed and say to hell with my plans for this weekend. Tonight. Only a few more hours and then Elle will finally be mine. For good.

When I finally pull back, my forehead rests against hers, both of us breathing hard. “Tonight, Elle,” I murmur. “If you still want me to ruin you, you’d better be ready for everything that comes with it.”

She nods, her eyes bright with determination. “I’m ready.”

We’ll see.