Page 28 of Collars & Kittens
She nods weakly and gives me a faint smile. “I kneed him in the nuts and then twisted them.”
A surge of amusement flows through me. “That’s because you’re my brave Kitten.” When another wave of tears threatens to spill, I murmursoothing words again. “Shh,” I croon, hoping it helps calm her. “Nothing can hurt you now.”
“I’m fine, I swear,” she whispers, using my shirt to dry her face. “It must have been Sierra who called the sheriff. I need to thank her.”
My heart swells at her courage. “When you do, give her my thanks as well, and tell her that my feisty Kitten kneed someone in the nuts.”
Planting a soft kiss on her forehead, I feel her snuggle further into my embrace, her compact frame fitting into my arms as if we were made for each other. The need to keep her safe that washes over me is indescribable.
She giggles softly. “I won’t ever twist your nuts...unless you ask for it.”
“That’s good to know,” I laugh, the sound resonating from deep within me.
We lapse into silence, my fingers drawing patterns on her back, as she relaxes against me. Eventually, I whisper into her ear, the words both a promise and a claim. “You’re mine.”
Her acknowledgment is soft kisses on my neck and a featherlight whisper. “And you’re mine.”
I hug her close. She is mine, and I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
When I brush my lips against hers, she deepens the kiss, moaning and pressing closer against me. I return the kiss, letting her feel all the passion I have for her yet knowing I’m not taking it any further right now. Tonight is for softness and cuddles.
Breaking the kiss off, I cup her cheeks and study her. She’s flushed, and my stomach clenches as the seriousness of the situation hits me. “I don’t know what I would have done if you’d been hurt.”
She replies with a quiet yet strong assurance. “Come to find out, I know how to defend myself.”
“Kitten, you’ve got claws, and they’re sexy.”
The grin on her face elicits a sense of relief within me. She didn’t freeze up in fear, and I’m proud of her for standing up for herself. I make the decision to talk to the sheriff about organizing self-defense classes in the spring. Get someone qualified to train anyone who wants to learn. Itmight seem like a little thing, but I’ll feel better knowing she has some training if she wants it...even if she already knows how to knee someone.
She sighs and rests her head against my shoulder. My heart squeezes, and I want to bundle her up and keep her with me forever.
“Dalton,” she whispers, “I love you.”
Her declaration leaves me momentarily speechless. I didn’t know how badly I needed to hear it. Pulling her closer, I press a light kiss on the top of her head. “I love you too.”
She loves me. The sense of completion and belonging that washes over me as our lips meet again is overwhelming, filling every inch of my soul. We have a joint interview with the radio station in a couple of days to talk about our date, and I’m ready to tell the entire town I’m head over heels with Olivia. I want everyone to know she’s mine.
She suddenly giggles. “So, are you hungry? I vote we order pizza again.”
“Okay.” I smile at her. “But first you’re going to call Sierra and tell her she’s awesome, and then we’re going to eat andonlywatch a movie. No funny business.”
Her nod of agreement and radiant grin tell me she’s going to be okay.
“That sounds perfect, Teddy.”
Because it is, and Olivia is perfect for me. She’s my Kitten, my equal, my partner, and somehow, impossibly, we found love in the air.
Epilogue
A Year Later
OLIVIA
Right before closing, I strut into the clinic in a trench coat and four-inch spiked heels. Luckily it’s raining today so my coat isn’t out of place. What I have on underneath—or rather, what I don’t have on underneath—makes my outfit special. I’m naked and I’m ready for Dalton to fuck a baby into me.
As soon as I get inside, Sue smiles and raises her eyebrows at my shoes. “You two have a hot date tonight?”
I smile and shake my head. “Just a surprise for Dalton.”
