One year later

 

“We the jury, in the matter of the State of Texas versus Steven James Halston, find the defendant guilty of attempted murder and kidnapping.”

I clutch Malakai’s hand next to me as the jury renders a guilty verdict. This time around, I had to go through the whole trial process. My testimony, Malakai’s testimony, Steve’s defense. His attorney tried to offer a deal that included his commitment to a state hospital for mental health treatment, but the prosecution rejected it. The ordeal was stressful, but Malakai was there every step of the way. He truly is my rock.

“Love,” he whispers in my ear, “it’s finally over.”

“I know,” I whisper back trying to hold back tears of joy and relief.

We peer over at Steve sitting next to his attorney. His face pales in reaction to hearing his fate of imprisonment. The judge addresses the courtroom, and then dismisses everyone after a deputy detains Steve and escorts him out. Malakai and I step out into the hallway and he crushes me to his chest in a fierce hug. A hug that feels so cathartic, I get the sensation that I’m floating.

“Let’s get out of here. I have a surprise for you when we get home.”

About three months ago, I agreed to move in with him after an intense nine months of being together. I wanted to make sure it was the right move for me, and I am happier than I’ve ever been.

The walk back to our building is a comfortable silence. We stride arm-in-arm, just enjoying being in each other’s company. One would think after a year of this, that things would settle in to this boring, albeit comfortable, routine. Hardly the case. Malakai and I grow closer every day, especially with the ongoing stress of the trial. In my moments of anxiety, he is right there to bring me back down to earth. And the sex? Well submission has never felt more right than it does when I’m with him. His dominance and control are exactly what I need to feel fulfilled.

“What’s this surprise, Malakai?” I ask, breaking the quiet moment.

“Now you know better than to ask that. If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?” That fucking smirk is back. I lean up and bite his lip playfully.

“And what was that for?” He asks with mischief in his voice.

“That look on your face. That smirk you do drives me crazy every time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. But for now, you just earned yourself punishment young lady.” He banters back, but also lowering his voice to his dominant tone.

“I look forward to it.” I wink at him with that retort.

Malakai pulls me through me the front door of the building and into the elevator, seeming a little nervous. Very unlike him. Of course, I start to worry.

 “Should I be nervous? Because you are giving off some weird vibes here, babe.”

“No, no. Everything is fine. I promise, love.”

Once we get inside the apartment, his demeanor changes, back to that domineering side I absolutely adore.

“Carrie, my love, I want you to get on your knees for me,” he commands. My body shivers all over at the thought of being at his mercy. He proves time and again to be my Master.

“Yes, Sir,” I submit. When I am at his command, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

“You’ve been my lover, my partner and my submissive for some time now.” Malakai goes to the buffet in the dining area and pours two fingers of scotch into a tumbler. He knocks it back like a shot and opens one of the doors, reaching beyond some of the dishware. I lower my head to remain in the correct pose and hear his footsteps close in on my position in the living room. As he stands directly in front of me, I see him lower to his knees, nearly eye to eye with me. Malakai lifts my chin, and I see never-ending joy and unconditional love shining in those chocolate-colored eyes.

“What are you doing, Sir?” I ask, confused.

“I told you I have a surprise for you, love. Don’t rush me.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“As I said, you’ve been many wonderful things to me over the past year. My everything, really. This is not an aspect of the lifestyle we have ever discussed, but I would be honored if you would wear my collar.” He opens a small, red velvet box and inside is a silver necklace with a small, ruby-encrusted padlock charm. My eyes start to water with unshed tears. “I know we kind of jumped head first into this dynamic, but I want you to know I have never taken advantage of your gift to me. And this is my gift to you.”

I’m nodding wildly with affirmation, but can’t seem to form the words he wants to hear. This man. My world. He knows how I sometimes struggle with the permanence of a lifelong Dom/sub relationship. He picked out something beautifully subtle that I can wear all the time without feeling self-conscious.

Finally, the answer comes to me.

“Sir, you already own my heart and soul. I now give you permission to own my submission, forever.” With that, he touches his lips softly to mine, at first, then more hungrily. Malakai breaks the kiss to stand up, holding his hand out to help me up from my kneeling position. Like he did that first night he carries me upstairs to possess me. This time, though, he has every piece.