True sensuality lay in the suggestion of what was to come. I walked over to a display of silky kimonos.
Out of the corner of my eye, a blue dressing gown caught my attention. Its sheer silk-crepe flowed elegantly on the hanger, its loose silhouette punctuated by delicate, black lace. “And I’ll take this. Please don’t crease it.”
“Of course.” She bustled off to ring up my purchases, leaving me to look longingly at the rest of the shop.
A few moments later, I stepped out clutching two pink shopping bags. Brex opened my door, taking the bags to stow in the back.
As we approached Holland Park, he cleared his throat. “Will you be needing me this evening?”
I suspected that no matter what I said someone would be keeping an eye on our home for the night. I’d taken to inviting Brex for dinner just to punish Smith for making the decision to bring in outside security without my consent.
“Take the night off,” I told him brightly. I was going to be occupied. “We’ll order in.”
“As you wish.” He looked on the verge of laughter when we finally pulled to the front of our house. Smith wasn’t home yet, so Brex accompanied me inside. He swept each room for any signs of intrusion and checked the security feeds while I found myself nibbling on leftover cake from my baby shower. Spontaneous eating of cake ranked fairly high on my list of pregnancy perks.
“Everything looks good,” he informed me.
I held up the platter of petit-fours from the fridge. “Want one?”
He swiped one and hitched a thumb toward the door. “I’ll stick around until Smith gets home, but maybe I should…”
“Thank you.” At least, he knew how to read the room.
After Brex stepped out, I finished my treat, placed an order for curry from a spot around the corner to arrive in a few hours. Then, I went upstairs to get ready. Removing a box from each bag, I untied the black ribbon securing them and lifted their lids. Checking my phone, I discovered a message from Smith. He’d be home soon, giving me just enough time to freshen up.
I laid out the robe and collar before shucking off my clothes. Checking the mirror, I found my hair and make-up only needed a little help. I applied a fresh coat of red lipstick and spritzed a hint of perfume on my wrist. I didn’t really need to do more.
I’d told the shopgirl that my husband wouldn’t appreciate anyone else collaring me, but he was going to have to make an exception tonight. I couldn’t wait for him to do it, because I wanted to present myself to him as a gift but also as a reminder that I belonged to him, completely and utterly.
Sliding the knot down, I loosened the collar until I could easily slip it over my head. Then, I carefully tightened it, leaving two lengths of black rope hanging between my breasts. I felt a warm surge of arousal between my legs as I thought of him grabbing hold of the rope like a leash. I was drawing the sheer robe over my shoulders when I heard the front door open and Smith’s voice carry through the otherwise empty house.
“Beautiful?”
I bit my lip, tying the belt of the dressing gown, loosely under my breasts, allowing it to hang open enough that the collar was properly displayed. I wasn’t nude, but not an inch of me was covered. I moved into the hall swiftly, padding quietly on bare feet as he called out for me again. I heard his shoes on the bottom step just as I reached the top of the staircase.
“I’ve been…” his words died on his lips.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” I simpered. “I should have come more quickly.”
He kept staring until I raised an eyebrow. Then he took the steps two at a time until he was close enough to reach for me. He stopped there, his fingers dancing over the silk robe hanging between my breasts in invitation.
“Come quickly?” he repeated. “It’s too late for that, beautiful. I think I’ll take my time.”
“About that,” I purred. “Take your time, but don’t be gentle.”
“Belle,” he said, his voice pitching slightly with alarm, but I saw his eyes darken. He craved this as much as I did.
I placed my index finger over his sculpted lips before he could raise an objection. “We’ve made love every day since we found out I was pregnant. Tonight I need you to fuck me. Own me.