She had to blink through her tears to be able to finally take the small box from him and open the lid.
When she did, she couldn’t help but gasp at what she saw. A large marquise-cut diamond set in a silver ring and surrounded by beautiful green emeralds. It was perfect.
Dex cleared his throat, and there were chuckles and a few catcalls from the crowd.
“Not to rush you, but I’m waiting for an answer down here.”
She laughed as she realized she had been standing there, crying and gawking at the ring like a fool.
She kicked off her heels and knelt in front of Dex. “Dex Alexander, I love you too. We are perfect for each other, and I would be honored to spend my life with you.” Her tears started again and he pulled her against him and leaned down for a searing kiss.
She distantly heard more catcalls and cheers from the crowd, and when Dex finally pulled back from the kiss they were both breathless.
“Put the ring on her, boy! Make sure it fits.”
Kate recognized that voice, but she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She looked out to see her father standing and motioning for Dex to get on with it.
Kate was astonished by how much her life had changed in the last four months.
Dex helped her to her feet and slipped the ring on her finger, which fit perfectly. There were more cheers from the crowd, and then Dex turned toward them and said in a loud voice, “The bar is now open!”
Still more cheers as the large curtains in the back of the room were pulled aside to reveal a few fully stocked bars and several tables full of decadent food.
Immediately, the guests rose and moved toward the alcohol and the food, leaving her a few minutes alone with her new fiancé.
“I love you, Dex. You’re wonderful. And this,” she gestured around them, “was amazing.”
He slid his hand into the hair at her nape and pulled her head back before he leaned down to nip her neck and then whisper into her ear. “Why don’t we go join the guests before we head up to Dungeon Two to try out the new floggers I had made for you?”
A sensual shiver ran through Kate’s body, pooling in her pussy and making her wet for him. “Yes, sir.” She paused and then said, “You’re going to make me wait that long?”
“You need food to keep up your stamina. It’s going to be a long night. I promise you.”
“A baker’s dozen?” she asked hopefully.
Dex laughed, and the sound boomed across the room.
“If you’re a good sub, yes, a full baker’s dozen. I’ll be happy to pleasure my new fiancée.”
Dex smiled at her and then leaned down to nip her throat and suck the fragile skin into his mouth, making her gasp as moisture flooded between her thighs.
Kate accepted his mark and couldn’t wait for all the others that would join it before the night was done.
To the love of my life, my husband Jon, for gifts beyond measure.
Acknowledgments
Huge thanks go to my very patient and extremely supportive editor, Sue Grimshaw. Thanks for all you do! And many thanks to your Random House support team, especially Ashleigh and Erika, who spoil me…and I love it!
To my agent, Paige Wheeler, who has been with me since the very beginning of my New York writing career and continues to cheer me on through every book. I wouldn’t be where I am now without your support and guidance over the years. Thank you. You’re the best!
To my critique partners, Cheyenne McCray and Kayce Lassiter, for their unfailing support, late-night brainstorming sessions, amazing critiques, and girls’ weekends for writing, motivation, and butterscotch martinis.
To my wonderful longtime critique and promotions group, The Butterscotch Martini Girls. You ladies are terrific, and I’m so grateful for your love and support!
BY CASSIE RYAN
Club Desire
My Obsession
My Addiction
PHOTO: ? LOU WEGMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
CASSIE RYAN (aka Tina Gerow) started her career writing steamy paranormal romance under another pen name. However, when one of her critique partners suggested she try her hand at contemporary romance, she gave it a shot—and Cassie Ryan was officially born. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and besides being a write-a-holic, is a frequent speaker on several writing and motivational topics.
Web: https://authorcassieryan.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?Tina-GerowCassie-Ryan-163504537087060/
Twitter: @TinaGerow
Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/?CassieRyan/?e/B001PL8708
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/?author/?show/?592924.Cassie_Ryan
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Read on for an excerpt from
Surrender to You
An At Your Service Novel
by Shawntelle Madison
Available from Loveswept
Chapter 1
Carlie