Epilogue

Kate looked around the living room. It seemed like a thousand years since she’d sat here with a timid young man delivering his first submissive experience.

You’ve both come a long way.

She allowed herself a satisfied smirk before turning back to the work at hand.

“I’m glad you liked the images. Yes, I think they’d be excellent in the new expansion.” Alex swiveled around in his office chair to give Kate a thumbs-up. “She’s a fan and a talented artist, so I figured she’d be a great resource for the project. Add in my coding, and you know a new contract would be the right way to go. Lock us in as a team, and we’ll jack the game up to a whole new level.”

Kate beamed as Alex turned away, lowering his voice as the negotiations began.

This was the second contract she’d signed with him as a creative partner, working her art and knowledge of the games they both played into a profitable arrangement.

She sat on the couch with her sketchpad, feet drawn up under her as she worked on her newest commission, an owlbear creeping toward an unwary party camping in the woods. It was from one of Alex’s associates, a fan who enjoyed putting odd monsters in his games and loved Kate’s artwork.

He wasn’t alone. Her other works had generated even more contracts, more customers seeking out her unique artwork. It’d become a full-time job and still remained fun when she added in the extra assignments to create artwork for the computer games.

Her cell phone rang.

Kate picked it up and studied the caller identification.

Wendy.

She glanced at Alex’s back before tapping the button and putting the phone to her ear.

“Hello?”

“How are you doing?” Wendy’s tone was warm and soft. “Sorry I didn’t chat with you more on Wednesday at the club. I see you’ve become quite the regular visitor. Both of you.”

Kate smiled. “We haven’t seen you there.”

“Oh, I’m there. You just can’t take your eyes off that sweet thing you’ve got hold of.” Wendy laughed. “Are you happy?”

“Yes.” The answer was automatic. “I’m damned happy.” She glanced over at Alex. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. I appreciate it.”

“You did it all, Kate. I only gave you the freedom to do what your heart wanted.” A low murmuring came over the line. “Business calls. I’ve got to go.”

“No problem. Be sure to stop on by and say hello some time, okay? Alex owes you a drink or twenty.”

“Sure,” Wendy replied. “Talk to you later.”

Kate hung up the phone as Alex turned around with a wide grin.

“Just got a six-month offer. They want us as a team with my coding and your concept art. They’re sending the contracts over by courier; should be here in a few hours.” He watched her as she got up and approached him.

“Fantastic. I’m looking forward to it.” She cleared her throat. “I’ve got something I’d like to show you.”

His eyebrows rose, and Alex licked his lips.

“Down boy. Stay put.” She went into the hallway and retrieved the small box she’d bought only that morning, picking it up while out grocery shopping so he wouldn’t realize where she was.

“What’s that?” Alex asked.

Kate smiled. “I know you like your collar. And the silver bracelet when we’re at the club.” She gestured toward the well-worn leather strap sitting on the nearby table. “But I thought you’d like to upgrade.” She handed him the black box, her pulse racing. “I hope you like it. I thought it’d be a nice six-month anniversary present.”

Alex opened it carefully. “Whoa.”

He withdrew a long, thick silver-braided chain.

“I know it’s not the usual collar—we can get another leather one anywhere. I wanted to give you something you could wear out in public, anywhere we go.” The lump in her throat threatened to silence her. “I wanted to show you—”

She choked up.

Alex placed it around his neck and stood up, beaming. “It’s perfect.” He touched it again, running his fingers along the thick, twisted cord. “I love it, Mistress. Now everyone will know I belong to you.”

“Not everyone,” she said. “Just the ones who know us.”

“On that point.” He held up his hand. “Just stay there. Please.”

Alex dashed up the stairs as Kate watched, curious what was going on.

She heard him opening and closing drawers in the bedroom. A low curse reached her ears.

Finally he reappeared at the top of the staircase, sweaty and grinning.

He took the steps two at a time on his return, almost falling more than once as he came back into the living room.

“I was going to wait until Friday at Delmonico’s, in front of Ann and Eric. But now is a much better time.”

Kate gasped as he slid to his knees in front of her, holding a ring box.

He fumbled with the small cube and almost dropped it. “I hope I’m not being too forward. I mean, I didn’t exactly court you like the books say, and I didn’t do much in the way of date nights other than at the club.” Alex sighed. “Not that I didn’t enjoy it and—” He stopped babbling as her hand fell on his head.

“It’s fine.” She smiled. “You should know by now I’m not impressed by what’s on the outside.” Kate leaned down to kiss his forehead. “It’s what’s on the inside that’s important. And you—” The words caught in her throat. “You complete me. Inside and outside.”

“Good. Because I want everyone to know you do the same for me.” He flipped the box open to show off an engagement ring, the diamond sparkling as it caught every aspect of light in the room and returned it with interest.

Alex reached up and took hold of her hand. “I want everyone to know I’m yours and you are mine. I want years as your submissive, as your soul mate, as your lover and as your business partner. I need all of those, Katherine.” His eyes met hers. “Please give them to me. Please marry me.”

She felt the tears rising and blurring her vision. “Yes. I will.” Kate sniffled as he slid the ring onto her finger. “But you’re going to pay for making me cry in the middle of the day. Go to the bedroom and strip. We’ll discuss your impertinence at the end of my flogger.” She pointed at the stairs with her right hand. “Position three should be a good place to start.”

Alex kissed her fingers. “Yes, Mistress.” He couldn’t help laughing as he got up and headed for the bedroom.