Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“Jesus, I can’t wait to fuck you.” Rafe brought their mouths together in a teasing kiss. “Later.” He smacked Hop’s ass. “Get to work.”
Hop groaned but jumped off the bed and began unpacking.
A week after Rafe’s big apology, he and Prince had come to an agreement. Now that Rafe’s ties to Lockwood had been severed and Prince owned forty-five percent of the club, it didn’t seem logical to host his launch party anywhere else. They’d agreed to terms and signed a contract ensuring the party of the year would take place at Switch.
Since then, the Sassy Boyz had been in rehearsals working on their acts for the party and their opening number for the actual runway show.
It was hard work, but they were too excited to care.
Four days ago, with Rafe’s encouragement, Hop had finally found the balls to submit his portfolio to an art school. It would take months before he heard back, but just making the first step was something to be proud of. At least, that’s what Rafe kept telling him. Every chance he got, Rafe bragged about his boyfriend’s amazing talent. Hop had never been starved of support, but there was something about the way Rafe couldn’t hide his pride that gave Hop a new confidence.
By sunset, they’d managed to empty all but three boxes. After a thank-you dinner of pizza and wings, Rafe and Hop said goodbye to their friends. As soon as the door closed behind Mark, Rafe pinned Hop against the wall.
“Ready?”
Breathless with anticipation, Hop said, “Yes, sir.”
Rafe kissed him slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. When he finally pulled back, his lips were plump and shiny. “I want you naked and kneeling beside the bed.”
Hop skipped down the hall, shedding his clothes in a colorful trail for Rafe to follow. When he reached their bedroom, he lowered to his knees—trembling in anticipation.
Rafe came in seconds later. “I will never get tired of that sight.”
The soft swoosh of fabric hitting the floor drew his attention. He couldn’t resist the chance to see Rafe’s body, especially after days of surviving on video chats, quick kisses at Switch, and late-night emails.
“I have something for you.” His voice shook, reminding Hop of the night he’d said I love you in front of an audience.
Was he nervous?
Wearing only his boxer briefs, Rafe pulled a box out of his drawer and held it out to Hop.
“What is it?”
Rafe’s lips quirked and he shook the box at him. “You’ll have to find out for yourself.”
Time stopped at the first glimpse of the solid rose-gold choker with three small diamond studs set in the center.
“A collar?”
“Do you like it?”
Hop lifted it from the case and ran a finger over the cool metal. Like it? He loved it. He blinked up at Rafe and knew his whole heart was in his eyes. “I love you.”
Rafe sat on the bed. “See there?” He pointed to an engraving on the inside of the band. Pet.
“It’s perfect.” Hop couldn’t help the quiver in his voice.
“It’s subtle enough to wear every day, but still flashy because you’re you.” There was a note of humor in his tone even as he smoothed a palm lovingly over Hop’s hair. “And the clasp locks.” He released it with a special wrench. “Only I can remove it.” He held the collar up at both ends.
Hop met Rafe’s dark eyes as the full meaning of the gift danced between them. This was Rafe’s way of telling him he was in this forever. Once they locked the collar around his neck, Hop would never have to worry about being alone again.
Hop gathered his hair and bowed his head so Rafe could slip it on. When the clasp clicked into place, a sense of absolute peace settled over him.
Rafe kissed him. “You’re all mine now, pet.”
“And you’re mine, sir.”
* * * * *