His to Claim

by Sierra Cartwright

  Epilogue

  “Mason!” Hannah scolded as he caught her and picked her up. He carried her across their bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. “We don’t have time for this, Sir!” But she ruined her ferocious scowl with a giggle. She didn’t want him to keep his hands off her, and in fact she guessed he’d respond exactly like this when she grabbed hold of his dick through his tuxedo pants.

  “I always have time to ensure my beautiful sub behaves herself.” Holding her tight so she couldn’t get away, he upended her over his lap.

  Hannah reached toward the floor in a desperate attempt to keep her balance.

  He tugged up the hem of the gorgeous gown she’d bought for his mother’s wedding, then rubbed her right ass cheek so gently she sighed.

  When his touch became rougher, she tensed. Silently he was communicating what she should expect. She thought he’d be gentle, a tease and a promise of what would happen later tonight. But he fully intended to ensure the aftereffect of his actions lingered for a good long time.

  “How big is my dick?”

  What? She grinned. “Bigger than it was a minute ago, Master Mason.”

  “Smarty pants.” He spanked her hard.

  “Uhm… Nine inches, Sir?” Upside down like this, the blood rushed to her head, making it difficult to think. And he was being deliberately provocative. “Ten!” Then she became even more outrageous. “No, it’s eleven, right?”

  “We’ll go with that. Since you awakened the beast, you can have one spank for each inch.”

  “Oh, it’s seven inches, Sir. I know it! I was stroking your ego.”

  “You were certainly stroking something.” There was love in his tone, but it was underlaid by his implacable Dominance, which pushed a shudder through her.

  Mason was perfect for her.

  She’d left her job in Austin and stayed with Fiona until Judith’s apartment rental was built. Then Hannah had rented that. It was an efficiency—about the size of a nice hotel room—but it was enough. She spent most of her time either at Mason’s house or at the Sullivan Construction offices anyway.

  The home improvement network had green-lit several test episodes of their show. Producers had been intrigued by Mason’s long ties to the New Orleans area, and the fact that he was courting Hannah added a dimension they thought might intrigue their audiences. When Mason announced he was going to do everything possible to get Hannah to agree to marry him, the production team had looked at each other, then nodded as they asked for rights to film the wedding and the release of exclusive photos.

  Mason had agreed, so long as any proceeds went to his charity.

  Planning, filming, buying properties, dealing with the city, and all the inevitable construction delays was as exhausting as it was exhilarating. Mostly, though, she loved working with Mason.

  He was a perfect gentleman.

  Except for when he wasn’t.

  He raised a knee, tipping her forward enough that she flattened her palms on the floor. “We are supposed to be at your mom’s place in twenty minutes!”

  “You should have thought of that sooner.”

  Judith and Norman’s autumn wedding was being held in the courtyard of the renovated cottage.

  A camera crew from the home improvement network was going to be on hand. And the reception would be in the home itself—the first time anyone had seen the inside. Judith hoped that pictures and the buzz about the renovation would help the rentals get off to a good start.

  Mason lit up Hannah’s ass.

  She gasped from the sudden shock. “Good God, Sir! What the hell was that?”

  “Your new paddle.” He held it in front of her face.

  It was short, somewhat stout, and polished to a high gloss. And his name was carved into it.

  “Do you remember, that first night at the Quarter? You liked one of their paddles?”

  “Vaguely.” It was difficult to think of anything past the shock to her rear end.

  “I was going to buy it for you, but I decided right then that I wanted to make one for you. Something unique to us. Something memorable.”

  “This is why you’ve been spending so much time in your workshop?”

  “A present for you, Hannah. Yes.”

  A present?

  He paddled her again.

  She screamed.

  “I should have taken you upstairs. Keep it up, and I will.”

  He blazed her again, and she clamped her mouth closed.

  For a moment, he stopped and traced the shape of an M on her skin. At least she thought that was what he was doing.

  Mason delivered a swat that seared all the way through her body, rocketing tension deep into her muscles.

  Unceasingly he continued. After each stroke, he outlined a letter of his name. “Your ass is so damn red.”

  Often he would give her some strokes on her upper thighs, but this time he was relentless in catching her in almost the same spot over and over again. The diabolical Dom probably intended that his full name be visible through the entire wedding.

  When he stopped and rubbed her skin, she was sobbing. Her hair had come loose from its updo, and she was sure mascara was streaked down her face. Still, his touch reassured her and helped their connection to grow. Even though it shouldn’t be possible, every day she loved him more.

  After a few moments, she tried to push herself upright, but he placed a hand on her middle back to force her back down.

  Hannah struggled for breath as he traced his entire name across her buttocks.

  “We should start every day like this.”

  “I’d never be able to sit down, Sir!” she protested.

  “Oh, Hannah. I can solve all your problems. It just takes some creativity. For example, you can kneel, stay like this, bend over the spanking bench, or in a pinch, I can secure you to the Saint Andrew’s cross.”

  Another gift he’d given to her.

  “At all other times, we can stay in bed.”

  “You really have thought it through, Sir.”

  He helped her up, then and kissed her deeply, with his own promise for their future. True to his word, he had never pushed her to move in or even accept an engagement ring. Instead, he allowed her to set the pace, coming over when she wanted, staying if she chose. As a result, they were almost never apart. In this moment, content and protected, she knew she wanted to be with him forever.

  “Congratulations, Mom.”

  Judith adjusted the boutonniere on the lapel of Mason’s tuxedo jacket.

  Guests had already arrived for her wedding and were seated outside in the courtyard of her recently purchased vacation rental home.

  For two days, the crew that Hannah had hired spent their time decorating both the inside and outside of the house. The pergola was wrapped with tiny twinkling fairy lights and white ribbon, and each post was adorned with a large bow.

  The triple-tiered fountain was a gorgeous focal point of the yard, and the area surrounding it was ablaze with colorful flowering plants. No detail had escaped her eye, and even the chairs were decorated.

  “There. That’s better,” Judith said.

  Even though it was her day and he was preparing to escort her down from the master bedroom that was being utilized as the bride’s room, she was still his mother. He grinned. “I’m happy for you.”

  “I know the adjustment has been difficult, and I’m sorry for that.”

  “Maybe it was.” He shrugged. But Hannah had helped him see the situation from a different viewpoint. Gentler. Move loving. “Norman’s a good man.”

  Judith looked at her engagement ring. “After your father…” She paused to blink away sudden tears, and he saw her life in a whole new light…her loneliness and heartbreak.

  His parents met when they were both in high school and had been sweethearts all through college before marrying straight afterward. Their love and support for one another had been unconditional. Impossibly, it seemed to grow deeper with each of their struggles. In all ways,
they’d been devoted to each other.

  “Well… I never thought I’d fall in love again.” She gave a sunny smile. “It’s not the same. No one could ever replace your dad or his place in my heart. But to have someone to share life’s ups and downs?” She took his hands. “Someone who cares for you and shares the journey. I wish that for you also, Mason.”

  The experience with Deborah had hardened him. But Hannah’s gentleness had replaced hurtful memories with new ones.

  In the beginning, he saw how deep she’d buried her secrets, and he’d been determined to excavate them.

  But her steadiness had changed him.

  He spent time thinking of ways to make her life better, encouraging her, being there at the end of a long day, trying to make himself into a man who deserved her love.

  “Oh, and he makes the coffee every morning.”

  He grinned. Trust his mom to put everything in perspective. “That’s worth a lot, right?”

  There was a knock on the door so loud that it could only come from Thoroughgood’s large hand. “We’re ready for you!”

  “Come in,” Judith called.

  “Wow.” He blinked. “You look radiant, Ms. Sullivan. Soon to be Mrs. Williams.”

  “Why, thank you, John.”

  “Anyway.” He ran a finger behind his collar, then twisted his bow tie. He’d beamed when Norman asked him to stand as best man. But he’d objected often and loudly about needing to wear a penguin suit, complete with a pretty pink boutonniere. “Your groom is pacing out there. He’s afraid you changed your mind. Might want to show a little mercy.”

  Judith smiled. “Can’t have him fretting.”

  “I’m gonna head back down, reassure him. Hold him up if necessary.”

  “Ready?” Mason asked once Thoroughgood left the room. “New beginnings.”

  Downstairs, she picked up the bouquet of flowers that was waiting on an end table.

  “I love you, Mom.”

  “So proud of you, Mason. And so was your dad. I love you.”

  He opened the back door, and when they were both outside, she tucked her arm into his.

  “Please stand for the bride,” the minister said.

  When Norman saw Judith, he beamed.

  Yeah. Everyone deserved happiness.

  “Shall we?” Together, they walked down the path.

  Hannah was seated in the first row, and she took Mason’s breath away. It wasn’t just the gorgeous gown or her smile. It was the love reflected in her eyes.

  He couldn’t wait to make her his.

  Mason and his mother stopped in front of the minister, beneath the pergola.

  “Who gives this woman to be lawfully wedded?”

  Mason glanced at his mother, then Norman, before proudly announcing, “I do.” He transferred her arm to Norman’s, then stepped away to sit next to Hannah.

  She reached for his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

  The ceremony was short, the vows they’d written were beautiful, and the day was good practice for the wedding he hoped to have soon.

  After the bride and groom were introduced to the guests and everyone clapped, he leaned toward Hannah. “You did a beautiful job. Willing to bet bookings for this house soar. And it will be a great wedding destination.”

  “It’s about hiring the right experts.” She grinned. “And I totally know the best in the business, Mr. Sullivan.”

  “I’m proud to have you by my side.”

  A catered meal was served. Then, as the sun set, fairy lights came on, twinkling along the edges of the pathways, the gardens, and the pergola. Floodlights illuminated the breathtaking fountain, and a live band struck up music. Later, when they began a ballad, he stood and offered his hand. There was only one way this evening could be any more perfect. “Will you honor me with a dance, my beautiful Hannah?”

  “I would love to.”

  Though there were two other couples on the makeshift dance floor, it was easy to pretend they were alone beneath the stars and partial moon.

  He pulled her into his arms, then brought her just a little closer still. “I’m in love with you, Hannah.”

  She looked up, a tendril of hair curled onto her cheekbone. “Oh, Mason. I love you so much.”

  “Marry me?”

  Hannah missed a step, and he was there to steady her. “Marry you?”

  “Surely it can’t be a surprise.” He struggled to suppress his grin at her wide-eyed expression.

  “But…” She looked around.

  “This is about us, not anything else.” The proposal had been prompted by the romance of the evening, but he’d been planning it regardless. He intended to spend the rest of his life with her, treating her with the appreciation she deserved. He’d learned from his mother that life did mean risk, but love was worth it.

  He moved her off to one side, where they had a little more privacy from the lights.

  “You caught me off guard.”

  “But?” His heart rate turned sluggish. Did she need more time?

  She tipped her head back. Her stunning eyes were more gold than ever, and tears swam in their depths. “This whole night is magical.”

  “Oh God, Hannah. Tell me that’s a yes. Please?”

  “Mason, from the moment you bought me, there’s been no one else for me. You healed places I didn’t know were broken. Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, I want to be your wife.” Her voice cracked with emotion, and her beautiful tears splashed onto her cheeks. “Yes, I want to be your submissive.”

  He thumbed one of them away. “And my partner? The person I trust more than anyone in the world? The woman who will share her deepest secrets and greatest desires?”

  “A thousand times yes.”

  Then in privacy of their own making, he claimed her mouth. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”

  “I never imagined life could be this wonderful, Sir.” She surrendered to a second kiss.

  “We’ll shop for a ring tomorrow?”

  “And announce our engagement later, so we don’t take anything away from your mom’s day.”

  “Agreed.” Mason had been right earlier. Having her agree to marry him had made the evening perfect.

  She placed her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her. And then he realized it wasn’t just a perfect evening. She’d made his entire life perfect.

  Come to Me

  If you like two sexy, dominant alpha males, a steamy touch of BDSM, some great suspense, and a heart-wrenching second chance at love, this is the story for you! It’s a standalone novel with my personal guarantee of a magical happily ever after!

  “The chemistry in this is off the charts hot!” Goodreads reviewer

  Sneak Peek of Come to Me

  Wolf Stone, no matter how drop-dead gorgeous he was, was out of his freaking mind. And an asshole to boot. “You left Nate out there?” Kayla Fagan demanded. “Have you seen the weather?”

  “He’s not made of sugar.”

  “If this is how you treat your fellow operatives, what do you do to your enemies?”

  He shrugged. “None of them left alive to tell.” He smiled, and it did nothing to soften his features. The quick curve was more wicked than anything, making his eyes darken, reminding her of those few moments of twilight before the sky devoured the sun.

  He strode from the kitchen, and she followed. “Mr. Stone—”

  “Wolf, or just Stone.” He didn’t slow down. “And I’m not worried about how I’ll sleep tonight.” He crouched in front of the hearth, tossing kindling into the empty fireplace grate.

  Even though she was stunned by his bad behavior, she couldn’t help her fascination as she watched him. His shoulders were impossibly broad. Long black hair, as wild as he was, was cinched back with a thin strip of leather. And Lord, he had the hottest ass she’d ever seen.

  Thunder cracked, and she worried about Nate. “I think you should at least invite him in until the storm passes.” Even though it was summer, w
eather could be extreme at this elevation.

  “Save your breath.” Stone struck a match, filling the room with the sharpness of sulfur. “My mind is made up.”

  “You can have a heart, just until the weather clears. Then you can go back to your regularly scheduled…” She stopped short of saying assholeishness. “Grumpiness.”

  His mouth was set, brooking no argument. “Let it be.”

  Huge splatters of rain hit the floor-to-ceiling windowpanes.

  Wolf might be able to sleep at night if he left his comrade out there, but she would toss and turn with worry.

  Decision made, Kayla crossed to the hallway closet, pulled open the gigantic golden oak doors, and took out a raincoat. She also grabbed her gun and checked it before tucking it into her waistband. She snatched up a pair of compact binoculars and a compass and was shoving her arms in the sleeves of the yellow slicker as she walked through the great room on the way to the back door.

  “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “Exactly what you said. I’m saving my breath.” Kayla spared him a glance. “I decided not to argue with you.”

  “Stop right there.”

  He spoke softly, but his voice snapped with whiplash force. Despite herself, she froze. She’d faced untold danger, but this man, unarmed, unnerved her. A funny little knot formed in the pit of her stomach.

  Kindling crackled as fire gnawed its edges.

  “Turn around.” His voice was terrifying in its quietness. “Look at me, Fagan.”

  Struggling not to show the way she was trembling, she turned.

  He stood. “I will be very clear, Ms. Fagan. You are here at my pleasure.” He took a single step toward her. “I will not be disobeyed.”

  His statement was loaded with threat.

  Wildly she thought of the room in the basement, the one with crops and paddles hanging from the walls. The one she’d been forbidden to enter, and the door she’d opened the first time he’d left the house.

  She locked her knees so she didn’t waver. “I’ve never been much for obedience.”

  “Nathaniel Davidson is far from helpless.”