Chapter 28
Ian turned her and once again addressed the audience. “My beautiful wife has pleased me in more ways than I can tell you. Her beauty radiates from her soul all the way to the surface and shines so that it warms everyone around her. Because she is so extraordinarily special, I have chosen something unique to show the world that she belongs to me. I wanted something that leaves no doubt that Callie McGregor is the most important person in my life.” Jace had picked up the velvet box from the side cabinet and opened it for him. He saw Callie’s unfocused gaze land upon the contents.
Ian had worked closely with the designer making sure her beautiful ring, the arm bracelet, and matching ankle bracelet were perfect in every way. The Celtic designs reflected his Irish heritage and were also reminiscent of their trip to Ireland months ago. The McGregor family crest was stamped in the design as were the words “Ian’s Carlin.” The arm piece would effectively camouflage the scar that Callie was so self-conscious of as well. The pieces were magnificent. Literally, one-of-a-kind masterpieces that would likely be featured in every fashion magazine for weeks—along with speculation as to what the unique jewelry represented.Let them wonder.
Ian saw Jace whisper to Gage and the other man glance to the side of the room and then nod. Following their line of sight, Ian had to smile to himself. He knew who Gage had just been sent to secure, and he was glad Jace was finally going to make a move on the woman who had caught his eye so many months ago.
Looking back at Callie, he saw her eyes widened with appreciation and love and then filled to overflowing with her sweet tears. “Callie, by accepting these gifts, you are acknowledging me as your Dom, your protector, your mentor and provider, and your lover. I want to remind you that as my submissive, you will follow my orders, keep no secrets, and you will trust that every decision I make is made with my love and commitment to you in mind. You own my heart, my love.” Ian slid both bands into place before snicking the hidden locks closed.
“Yes, Master.” She kissed the small titanium key he held to her lips, and then he dropped the chain holding the small octagon shaped key back inside his shirt. Smiling to himself, Ian thought about all the hours he and Jace had spent designing the hidden locks and the look of fascination on the young jeweler’s face as they’d explained the drawings to him. Ian had given each man one half of the royalties off the design they had patented. He’d lend his name and the Club Isola endorsement so the lock would probably be worth millions to each of them for several years to come. His only request had been that the young jeweler break the molds for Callie’s pieces.
As they’d planned, Jace stepped to the front of the stage and spoke to the applauding group. “Ian and Callie will be taking a few minutes to themselves, and then they are hoping to greet each and every one of you at the reception. In the meantime, the bar is now open, the food has been set out, and it’s time to celebrate. Here’s to a very special union, good friends, and future celebrations filled with whips, chains, leather, and lace.” Ian had laughed out loud at his friend’s boisterous start to a party that would certainly last until dawn’s first light…but first, he had a newly collared bride to attend to.