My damp knickers became soaking with how deliciously dangerous he was. How bruised and damaged and sore.
Dropping my hands, I let my corset and lingerie shine. I was no longer self-conscious. I was what Q wanted most.
I was the ultimate prize. I was his. And he … he was my master.
My flesh tingled. I know what Suzette is doing.
Suzette clapped her hands and the marquee suddenly left the day, welcoming the night instead. The transformation was seamless-choreographed to perfection. White silk fell as if slaughtered by angels. Velvet black drapery replaced it, covering the ceiling, turning sunshine to stars.
White heaven fell into a devil's lair. Black. Everything turned to black. Even the white roses around the room somehow changed to black dahlias.
It was magical. It was surreal. Suzette completely outdid herself.
She turned to face me. "Now do you understand?"
I shook away my stupor. Taking her hand, I whispered in her ear, "I'm his ultimate possession. He's shared his heart. Now it's time for me to share his ultimate wish."
Suzette's shoulders slumped in relief. "I'm so glad it makes sense." She moved away-very aware of Q bearing down upon me.
He yanked my elbow, demanding my attention. "Are you okay?" His eyes burned with undiluted need. He bit his bottom lip, consuming my ensemble. "Fuck, Tess, you look incroyable." His accented voice stroked my nipples, drawing more wetness to gather. His touch turned to a vice; power and lust and love glowed on my skin.
My eyes fell to his trousers, my heart skipping a beat as I followed the outline of his erection. He wanted me. I wanted him.
"I'm fine. Q-you're … " Stepping into his body, I whispered, "I'm so wet for you, maître. Seeing you like this. Knowing you're as hot for me as I am for you … it jumbles my thoughts. All I can think about is kissing you."
His arm wrapped around my waist, slamming my hips against his. "I'm thinking of more than just kissing, esclave. I'm going to bruise you with how much I need you."
I pulled away, gathering my scattered decency, trying to ignore the lava in my veins. "You're forgetting you're hurt. I'm not letting you touch me tonight. You need to rest."
"Rest?" He chuckled, pressing a kiss on my cheek. "You'll need to rest after I'm done with you. Your throat will need to rest from your screams."
I couldn't breathe; the corset squeezed tighter. I couldn't take my eyes from Q's brilliant tattoo, teasing me through the richness of his blazer. It looked incredible on him. Out of the two spectrums, Q belonged in black. He wasn't an imposter in black.
Lust heat-waved around us, granting sensual power. I stood in front of people in lingerie. I stood blatantly showing my desire for this man and I didn't care. I didn't care because this was our world.
It was no longer hidden.
By making us dress this way, Suzette had brought us from the shadows and into the light.
"Goddammit, you're a stunning creature, Tess." Q couldn't tear his eyes from my raised cleavage.
I'm only stunning because of the way you love me.
I dropped my gaze. "I couldn't wait for you to see me in this-I just thought it would be for after-"
"It was never meant for after the wedding," Frederick said, sandwiching himself between us, taking my hand and placing his other on Q's shoulder. "It was always meant to be this way." He guided us back to the altar and the smiling celebrant.
Q smiled curtly at the celebrant, shrugging himself free from Frederick's hold. "I wish someone would explain what exactly all of this means. And I would've preferred a heads up rather than being stripped like a fucking prisoner."
Frederick smiled. "This is to wed both sides of you-the good and the bad, the light and the dark. We're giving you exactly what you need."
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.