Ryan silently accepts her hug before she moves over to embrace me. “We’ll have you over sometime soon. Catch up properly,” I say. Taking Ryan’s hand, I give them all a small smile. “We’re going to head off.”
Ryan murmurs, “If you can—”
Detective Ashley nods. “I’ll let you know the outcome.”
“Thank you.”
* * *
It’s just past three when we get home. Ryan didn’t eat much of his breakfast this morning. I’m not going to punish him for it, because I couldn’t eat either. Emotions and nerves were too raw and neither of us had much of an appetite. Now though, Ryan’s involvement in the trial is over. He’s done. We can move ahead from this. What Ryan had to go through won’t be forgotten; there will be bad days for him. But we’ll face them together.
“Go have a shower,” I order. “I’m going to make us some lunch.”
He hesitates. “I can help make—”
“Pup. You’ll feel better after a warm shower. Clean up, relax, then come find me. I think after lunch we’ll watch a movie.” I want to cuddle with this man. To hold him in my arms and know he’s okay. He’s safe. He’s mine.
A smile slowly forms on his face. “Yes, Sir.”
With a peck on his forehead, I push him gently towards our bedroom. God, I love saying “our” bedroom. I love that he’s living here with me. Striding into the kitchen, I go make us a simple vegetarian pasta dish with olives, basil, and tomato. Putting together a salad and cooking some garlic bread, I’m looking forward to watching him eat. I think, now that it’s over and we’re home, he’ll have his typical hearty appetite. At least I hope so.
Just as I finish setting everything on the table, Ryan walks in wearing a baggy T-shirt and sweats. The overall comfortable look, along with his wet hair, turns me on. Adjusting myself, I murmur, “God. The things you do to me.”
Ryan chuckles. I love how he gets when I compliment him or tell him how much he affects me. “Thank you, Sir.” He pulls a chair out for me, and I sit before telling him to dig in. “And thank you for suggesting a shower. I just wanted to curl up and cuddle with you, but you were right. I feel better now.” He runs a hand through his hair before giving me a soft smile. I’m glad I’ve done well in taking care of him. He seems more relaxed.
“Good. Rest assured, after we fill ourselves up, we’ll definitely be cuddling.”
As we pick our forks up, I once again enjoy being right. Ryan’s appetite is back with full force as he digs into his meal enthusiastically. “This is so good.”
“Thank you.”
“Henry?”
“Yes?”
“You know how much I love you, right?” he asks, moaning as he puts some more bread into his mouth.
“Yes. I do.”
“That’s good.”
After our bellies are full, I have a quick shower and we slide into bed. I choose a movie on Netflix and wrap my arms around Ryan. He’s my life now. Everything revolves around him. Sure, I have this house, and the gym with my brother, and there are friends and family who mean a lot to me. But this guy? He’s my world. I wanted to find love, and I thank whichever deity is watching over us that I found it. I found Ryan. And as much as I love his submission, his love makes it all the more sweet.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Epilogue
It’s July 9th, three months after Ryan and I signed our first contract. I’ve never felt this anxious. A few days ago, I reminded Ryan that the end of our contract was coming up. It’s Sunday night, and I’m waiting for him to come home from a work dinner. To his adorable confusion, his boss called that morning to see if he’d be free. Although it threw my plans out of order, I had a good feeling about whatever they were discussing. It’s just gone nine o’clock, and he messaged fifteen minutes ago to tell me he’s on his way home. My nerves are getting the better of me. I don’t know why though. I have full confidence in what Ryan and I have together.
Since the opening, the gym has been flooded with customers and people wanting to become members. Bromley Brothers Gym is going great, and Ryan’s settled in with me, Trav, and Dakota. As a Dominant wanting to provide for his man, I’ve refused to ask him to pay rent. But he’s been begging me to help us out and I’m considering changing my mind. As much as I don’t want him paying, preferring him to save up his money, my pup wants to contribute. And I’ve learned I can’t really deny him what he wants.
Living with Ryan is going great. Really, unless we’re at work, we’re together. I’m fucking loving it. I never want to be apart from him, and I know now he feels just as strongly for me. Trav and I decided we should have one more person move in. Our house is big enough for five, so why not have another guy move in? In a year or two, Trav and I will sell the place, but until then, we might as well make use of the extra room.
Detective Brown called Ryan a couple days ago to tell him Mark Dickson was found guilty. He’s going to jail for ten years, with a potential parole in six. It’s a relief to know he can’t harm anyone else.
Twining my fingers together and pacing in the living room, I take a deep breath. Nerves have my heart beating rapidly. I’m not sure how much time we’ll have together until Trav and Dakota come home. I imagine we won’t get the house to ourselves very often in the near future with so many roommates, but we’ll make it work. And if I know we’re going to be loud, there’s always the club.
When Ryan finally walks through the door, I turn to face him. Standing by the dining table, I have a full view of Ryan as he shuts the door and lifts his head with a wide smile. “Hey.”
“Hey, baby. How was your day?”
“Great. I have good news.”
“Oh? Come tell me.”
Ryan removes his shoes at the door and places his keys in the bowl on the table before stopping inches from me. He smiles cheekily before tilting his head down to place a kiss on the hollow of my throat. Wearing a V-neck has never proved to be so rewarding. I chuckle and let him pepper kisses up my neck until he reaches my lips. At this point, I take control. The moment our lips touch, he sighs and it’s such a beautiful sound. Like he’s finally home. It pleases me and makes me fall even more in love with him. Holding his face in both hands, I push my tongue inside and fuck his mouth with my tongue. The kiss is hungry, passionate, and amazing.
I pull back. “Kneel for me, pup.” Without question or hesitation, he does. He gazes up at me. “What’s your news?”
Ryan’s eyes shine. “I got a raise. A decent one. So now you can feel even better about letting me help pay to live here. I’ll be happy with anything. Even if it’s only one hundred a week. Please, Sir?”
Watching him silently for a moment, pride fills my heart and I smile at him. “Congratulations on the raise. I’m proud of you. You must be doing a great job at work. And, I’ve decided to grant your request to help with payments. Only because it’ll make you happy. Do I make you happy, pup?”
He nods. “So happy, Sir.”
I swear the object in my pocket is burning. The need to pull it out and show him is intense. I just hope he likes it. A quiet, deep breath helps me gather my thoughts.
“You make me happy too, pup. Do you know what today is?”
He bites his lip. “Yes, Sir.”
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
Ryan considers what to say before he starts to speak. “Our three months is up. I’m wondering when we’re signing another contract. Whether it’ll be for another three months, or more. Whether we’ll be playing tonight….”
“You have no doubts we’ll be signing another contract?”
“No, Sir.” He tilts his head. “We love each other. You’re my Dom, and I’m your sub. You’re mine, and I’m yours.”
“God, I love you.” I trap his chin between my knuckle and thumb. “I love your confidence in yourself and us. And you’re right. You’re mine, and I’m yours. Forever. I’d like for us to sign an indefinite contract.” Sliding my right hand into my pocket, I take out t
he silver chain necklace. “I believe you know what this is?”
He gasps. “A collar?”
“Yes.” Holding the necklace in both hands, I show him the charm holding two gems. “This is a blue topaz.”
Understanding hits him. “Your eyes. I said your eyes were like blue topaz. You remembered.”
“I did. And nestled beside it is a smoky topaz.” I shrug with a grin. “Closest I could get for your eye colour.”
He swallows thickly. “It’s absolutely beautiful, Sir.”
“You’ll wear my collar, pup?”
“Yes, Sir. With pride and gratitude and love.” His eyes won’t leave the piece of jewellery. “And I’ll sign a new contract.”
Elated, I chuckle. “Good. I want you to wear this. Always.”
“Of course, Sir.”
Opening the clasp, I let the stones, which are forged beside each other, rest just below his collarbone as I lock it into place. Stepping back, I take in the vision of him wearing the collar. Some might describe the necklace as pretty, but I think it’s the perfect balance of feminine and masculine. “It’s beautiful on you. Especially the contrast of the silver against your skin.” My fingers caress the chain and stones. “Now I’ll be with you. Always. Even at work, if you ever feel you need me, I’m with you.” I move closer to cradle his face. “Plus, it tells the world you’re mine. You’re taken.”
Ryan licks his lips. “I love when you’re possessive, Sir.”
“You do?”
“Oh, yes.” He frowns for a second. “I wish there was a way for me to mark you as mine as well though. To show the world you’re mine. That you’ve taken someone.”
Kissing his lips slowly, I smile against them. “Don’t worry too much about that. The next thing to happen will be me putting a ring on your finger. That way we’ll both wear symbols of commitment.” I pull Ryan up until he’s standing.
His eyes shine with happiness. “I love the idea of that, Sir.”
“Me too.”
Suddenly, the front door opens and two men struggle to make their way inside without falling onto the floor. Of course, it’d probably help if they were looking where they were going instead of eating each other’s faces. It takes me a few seconds to realise it’s my brother and Dakota. Their lips are fused together, and they still haven’t realised we’re in the room. When they finally manage to close the door and collapse on the couch, I grab Ryan’s hand and lead him into the bedroom. I’m happy for my brother. He’s been pining for our roommate ever since we met him. It’s nice to know the feeling is mutual.
When we’re in bed, Ryan climbs on top of me, kneeling between my legs and kissing my chest. “Thank you, Sir.”
I caress his shoulders and arms with my fingers. “For the collar?”
He shakes his head before resting it on my chest. “For healing me.”
Hand on his nape, I pull him up my body. “You’re welcome, pup. But you know what? I think we kind of healed each other. For me, something was missing until I met you. Like my life, my heart is whole now. I was waiting for you.”
“Well, you have me.” He slowly leans down to peck my lips chastely. “Can I have permission to show you how much I appreciate you, Sir?”
I rest my head in my hands, elbows bent as I smile at him. “You may.”
Ryan proceeds to grin and slide down my body. His mouth on me is amazing. But the vision of him, his naked body between my legs while he sucks me off wearing his collar? It’s the most stunning sight. And the sensation of his collar teasing my skin as he moves his head? Amazing.
Ryan Scott is my lover, my submissive, and my pup. This man is mine. Forever.
“You know, not that I’m complaining, but I did have different plans for this evening,” I say.
Ryan lifts his head only long enough to reply. “It’s okay though. We’ve got all the time in the world, Sir. The rest of our lives.”
“That we do, pup.”
I hold his hair off his face, wanting a clear view of him as he pleasures me beyond expectations. This man surprises me every time we’re together. To know that by being with my pup I helped him blossom, makes me proud. It’s better every time, because we continue to learn each other, and with that comes a sensual confidence that is forever growing.
Ryan’s right. We have the rest of our lives together. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us.
The End
About the Author
Thanks for reading Healing Him . I do hope you enjoyed Henry and Ryan's story. I appreciate your help in spreading the word, including telling a friend. Before you go, it would mean so much to me if you would take a few minutes to write a review and share how you feel about my story so others may find my work. Reviews really do help readers find books. Please leave a review on your favourite book site.
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Other Books by Laura
If you loved Healing Him , you might enjoy the other emotional, sexy, and romantic stories and books I have published.
LIST OF BOOKS
Timeless Love Series: This Time
Time for Love
The Last Time
Bromley Brothers Series
Trusting Him
Healing Him
Stand-alones
Forever You
Hard Fight
Acknowledgments
The author acknowledges research information was provided by:
https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Your-Safety/Sexual-assault
Thank YOU! Thanks for buying this book and delving even further into the brothers’ journeys. Healing Him is the second book in my Bromley Brothers series and my first attempt at writing a BDSM romance. I love these guys, and I hope you enjoyed reading about Henry and Ryan. Up next is the third brother, Travis’s story!
To Becky, Kayla, Justine, Kolleen, Donna, Claire, Barbara, and ALL the ladies at Hot Tree Publishing—including everyone who beta-read my story—thank you so much for all of your help and guidance in making Healing Him the best it can be!
To my parents, family, and friends who support me and my writing dreams, thank you!
Love, Laura xx
About the Publisher
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Hot Tree Publishing opened its doors in 2015 with an aspiration to bring quality fiction to the world of readers. With Hot Tree Publishing’s focus on romance and a wide spread of romance subgenres, we have since opened Tangled Tree Publishing, our crime, thriller, mystery and suspense imprint.
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