I gasped as someone undid my hair with a sharp tug, spilling the careful up-do to waterfall down my back in lazy waves. The black feathers stayed, quivering in my strands.

Q shoved Frederick off him, his mouth gaping. “How dare you f**king touch her!” He stomped forward, undeterred by agony, zeroing in on me. But Franco wrapped an arm around his shoulders, holding him steadfast. Frederick recaptured him, mumbling in his ear.

“I don’t care. I want none of this. What the hell are you doing!” Q wrenched his arm free from Franco’s hold. “This wasn’t your decision!”

Don’t hurt yourself! My heart hurt for him. We were so private about our world. So sure no one would accept what we needed—so used to keeping it hidden.

To have his trusted friends expose us.

It hurt. A lot.

Standing in kinky lingerie sent embarrassment twisting my stomach, but it would be worse for Q. He hated others seeing me undressed. Especially dolled up like the slave he’d always wanted.

Wait…

My heart leapt. Is that what Suzette’s doing?

I had to go to him—to give him comfort. I might understand what all of this meant.

“Tess. Stay.” Suzette planted a firm hand on my sternum. “It’s not over yet.”

“But—”

“Let her go!” someone yelled. “Crikey, what the hell is going on here?”

That voice. Oh, my God, I knew that voice.

My eyes zeroed in on Brax.

Brax!

Q followed my moon-wide gaze, bristling with rage. He didn’t look as if he’d survived a torturing session, more like ready to jump in the ring with anyone stupid enough to get in his way.

Shit. I feared for Brax’s safety.

My ex-boyfriend jumped up from his chair, pointing a shaking finger. “Stop!” He wore a pastel blue blazer and jeans, his floppy brown hair slicked with gel. He looked older than the last time I’d seen him, more of a man than a boy.

Brax pushed a girl—our old neighbour Bianca—out of his way, stomping into the aisle. “What is the meaning of this? You don’t strip the bride—it’s awful. Stop the ceremony. Right now!”

Q shoved Franco off him, taking a calculated step toward the reckless boy from my past. His hands curled beside his hips. He spoke softly but it rippled down the aisle, skewering Brax in the chest. “You have no f**king authority here, boy. I suggest you sit down. Shut the f**k up. And don’t give me a reason to escort you off this island with my fists.”

My heart catapulted from frantic to chaotic. What had Suzette done? She’d ruined an amazing wedding…she’d upset everything.

I bent down, scooping up my discarded dress. “Suzette, let’s fix this. Help.”

Q reached for me, flinching as his body was dragged backward by Frederick. “Calm down, Q. Jesus, let us do what we’re doing okay?”

Q threw his arms up, livid anger mixing with the painful sheen on his cheeks. “Whatever you’re doing, I demand it to be over. Someone cover Tess, goddammit.”

Suzette ignored my plea to fix my dress. She winged down the aisle, shoving Brax back into his chair. “Don’t interfere. You’re the only outsider here, so sit down and hush up.” Turning, she headed to Q. Terror glowed in her eyes, but determination lent strength to her features. “Please. Stop fighting. Let us do this. Trust me, Q. Please! Give me one minute, then you can kill me, smite me, whatever you want. Just let us do this.”

Q snarled, “How about you stop. Right now. I’m f**king done with whatever is going on here!”

I huddled, waiting for an explosion. The atmosphere in the room sparked with ignition—ready to blow up at any second.

The celebrant’s voice was the persona of calm in the horrendous storm. “Excuse me, everyone, but I have been made privy to this new arrangement, and I suggest you take the lady’s advice and let her proceed.”

Everyone froze.

Q breathed hard, his energy levels depleting. He stood panting, his face contorted with agony. “This is ridiculous.”

“I agree. You fighting is ridiculous. Stand still for one damn moment.” Frederick took his hands carefully off Q. When Q didn’t sprint out of the marquee or punch him, Frederick took the opportunity to rip the white blazer from his shoulders.

At the same time Franco tore at Q’s trousers. The material fell away, revealing shiny black slacks. In a blink, Q was disarmed of the illusion of pureness and re-dressed in darkness. His tie came undone, waistcoat, and shirt all ripped from his bruised torso.

What are they doing?

Q stood half-naked and I couldn’t control the desire spooling in my blood. The dampness between my legs multiplied staring at the man who owned my heart. The damaged man who needed to lie down and let me lavish him with love.

My eyes fell to the scarring ‘T’ above his heart, barely visible amongst fresh bruises. My heart flurried. My self-consciousness and doubt faded away, drinking in his perfection.

Frederick turned to a hidden pedestal, returning with a black blazer beautifully tailored with embroidered crimson sparrows.

“What the f**k are you doing?” Q demanded as the new blazer was shoved up his arms and positioned over his shoulders. His na**d chest and tattoo stayed visible through the gaping of the fabric.

Frederick growled, “Giving you a memory you will never forget, you bastard.”

Q’s face darkened. “I had everything I wanted before you f**ked it up.”

Franco shook his head. “You had the white wedding, but you and Tess are more than that. You come alive in the dark. And that’s what we’re giving you. Believe me, you’ll want this.”

Q gritted his teeth, shrugging the new clothing into position. He transformed from angel to monster. My monster.

Q’s eyes landed on me, striking the match, blazing gunpowder to my core. My stomach fluttered as his gaze devoured me. I wanted to run my tongue down his chest. I wanted to tear off his trousers and worship him with my mouth.

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 ni**les, 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 h*ps 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 cle**age.

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 f**king 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.

We couldn’t hide any longer—not that we had anything to hide. This isn’t for me. It’s for him.

Reaching for Q, I froze as he stepped away.

He moved to the side where a small chest rested. Plucking it from the floor, he brought it back, placing it at my feet. Taking my hand for balance, he ordered, “Climb up.”

I wanted to ask so many things but obeyed, climbing onto the small pedestal placing me above Q’s height.

“Q, what…”

His eyes met mine, full of endless love The corset once again ceased my breathing.

“You’re mine to worship now and for always, Tess. I’ve put you above me, so everyone knows I value your life above all else. You are the reason why I exist. The reason for my happiness.”

I swallowed hard.

His eyes tightened, battling so much inside. His fingers trembled in mine. “I’m ready,” he murmured. “I’m ready to proceed.”

We never looked away. Locked together. Padlocked by souls.

The celebrant said, “I believe your best man has the next requirement.”

Frederick stepped forward, his hands clasped around something. Passing it to Q, he spoke in his ear, slapping him gently on the shoulder. I couldn’t make out what transferred but Q stiffened, shaking his head.

Masculine whispers snapped in the silence followed by a curse. Q finally snatched the gift with a sharp nod.

Q raised his arm, showing me what he’d been given. My heart leapt into my throat.

A collar. A black diamond-studded collar with a gold ring at the front.

Of course. My heart thundered.

His eyes implored me. Please…I’ve never asked you to be less than human.

And he wasn’t now. He was asking me to announce to everyone present—to him, to me, to the sanctity of marriage, that he was my master.

He is. In every way.

In an effortless move, I swayed forward. “Collar me, maître. Keep me forever,” I murmured, scooping my hair off my shoulders, waiting for him to fasten it.

Q leaned forward, his fingers shaking against my skin. His eyes swam with adoration, body trembling with love and need. “You’re given me the ultimate fantasy, esclave. You’re giving me the right to collar you. You’re giving me something I’ve always wanted but have always been too afraid to take.” His lips pressed against my temple. “Thank you, Tess. Du fond du cœur.” From the bottom of my heart.

He wrapped the soft leather around my neck and over my brand. It irritated, but the discomfort was nothing to the surging possession in my heart. Q might collar me but I collared him in return. My ownership was invisible—wrapping him in unseen chains—chains unlocked only by my soul.

I shivered as his knuckles brushed the back of my skull. He carefully cinched the buckle, marking me as his. Marking me as belonging.