Chapter One

Violet

I’ve been staring at the box since it arrived this morning, my curiosity piqued, but uncertainty coils in my chest. It's sitting there on the kitchen counter, innocent enough on the outside, but I know exactly what’s inside—and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. Paxton wasn’t kidding when he said he was getting us a bed bondage system for our wedding. He even had the nerve to include a cheeky card with just two words: ‘You’re Welcome.’

I haven’t opened it yet. I’ve been debating whether I should wait for Callum or take a peek myself. The longer I stare at it, the more my fingers itch to tear it open, but I keep hesitating. It’s not that I’m afraid—Callum and I have already dipped our toes into this kind of thing. We’ve played around with blindfolds and scarves, experimenting with a little power play. But this…this feels different. It feels like the next level.

And I’m not sure if that’s dangerous or thrilling.

I can almost hear Paxton’s laughter in my head, imagining the look on our faces when we open the box. Typical Paxton. I chuckle to myself, but the nerves don’t go away. What if this takes things too far? What if Callum thinks it’s too much or feels pressured by it?

Then again, what if he loves it?

The idea of giving up control completely, of letting Callum take charge in such an intimate way, sends a shiver down my spine. My heart races at the thought of him seeing me—really seeing me—vulnerable, trusting him fully. There’s something about that kind of submission that excites me but also terrifies me a little. What if I can’t handle it? What if I’m not enough?

I bite my lip, my thoughts spiraling in different directions. I’ve always trusted Callum. He’s never given me a reason not to, and I know he’d never push me past my limits. But this still feels like a step into unknown territory.

I reach out, my fingers brushing the edge of the box, and a jolt of anticipation runs through me. Maybe I should just open it. Take a look. After all, it’s just a gift, right? And Paxton can’t possibly know what we’d do with it—what we’re ready to do with it.

But something in me still hesitates. Maybe this is the kind of thing Callum and I should explore together. Maybe opening it without him would take away from the experience, from the shared excitement and discovery.

I hear the front door creak open, and my heart skips a beat. Callum’s home. My eyes dart to the box, and I can feel my pulse quicken, suddenly aware that in just a few minutes, this little box could be so much more.

“Hey, baby, what a day,” Callum groans as he steps through the door, running a hand through his messy hair. “Some days I wonder why I thought it would be a good idea to work with my siblings.”

I can’t help but giggle, glancing from him to the box on the counter that’s been taunting me all afternoon. “Well, you may want to start questioning a few more things if that’s the case,” I reply, my voice light but teasing, my eyes still glued to the package.

Callum’s brows knit together in confusion as he walks toward me, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the chair next to me. He looks utterly irresistible—his tie loosened, the top button of his shirt undone, giving me a glimpse of that strong chest I know all too well. His sleeves are rolled up just enough to show his forearms, and everything about him, from his slightly disheveled hair to the confident swagger in his step, makes my heart skip a beat. No matter how many times I’ve seen him like this, it never fails to make my pulse race.

“What’s going on?” he asks, his lips quirking into a half-smile as he follows my gaze to the box on the counter. “And why do you look like you’re about to either laugh or run away?”

I bite my lip, trying to suppress a grin. “Oh, you know. Just a little gift we got today from your brother. Paxton, to be exact.”

His smile widens, a knowing gleam in his eyes. “Oh no. What did he do this time?”

I motion to the box with a dramatic flair. “Well, let’s just say Paxton decided to be... thoughtful. Apparently, he thinks we could use a bed bondage system as part of our happily-ever-after.”

Callum’s eyes widen, and he lets out a deep, hearty laugh. “You’re kidding.”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest and nodding toward the card that came with it. “He even sent a card. It says ‘You’re Welcome.’ Very Paxton.”

Callum shakes his head, clearly amused as he steps closer to the counter, inspecting the box like it’s some kind of strange artifact. “Only Paxton would think that this is an appropriate wedding gift.”

“Right?” I say, rolling my eyes. “I mean, scarves and blindfolds are one thing, but this? I wasn’t sure if I should wait for you to open it, or if I’d end up accidentally tying myself to the bed and having to call you for help.”

His laugh deepens, and he shoots me a playful, mischievous look. “Well, I’m very glad you waited for me. I’d hate to miss that phone call.” He takes a step closer to me, his hand sliding up my arm, sending sparks through my skin. “But now I’m curious. Should we open it together?”

I bite my lip again, my mind torn between nerves and excitement. “I don’t know... this seems like it could be dangerous.”

He leans in, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. “Dangerous, huh? You mean exciting.”

My cheeks flush, but I manage to keep my playful tone. “Depends on your definition of ‘exciting.’ I mean, Paxton probably thinks this will make for some good stories at family dinners.”

Callum smirks, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear as he whispers, “I’m sure we could come up with a few stories of our own.”

I can’t help but laugh, swatting his arm lightly. “You’re terrible.”

He grins, leaning down to kiss my cheek. “Only when it comes to you, Mrs. Atwood.”

We both glance at the box again, and Callum steps back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I say we make it an adventure. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Don’t tempt fate, Callum.”

He chuckles, grabbing the box and holding it up. “Okay, baby, let’s see what Paxton thinks we’ve been missing in our lives.”

A jolt of excitement hits me as Callum tears into the box, his hands moving with a kind of eagerness that sends a thrill through me. I watch him intently, my heart racing with anticipation. He peeks inside, his brow furrowing as he examines the contents.

"What? What is it?" I ask, leaning in, my curiosity bubbling over.

He shrugs, still staring into the box, and then glances at me with a bemused expression. "It’s just… not what I expected."

I crane my neck to see, and he pulls out what looks like two sets of handcuffs attached to some sort of bungee cords.

"Oh," I say, tilting my head to the side, trying to make sense of it. "That’s definitely not what I was imagining."

Callum chuckles, holding the setup in front of him as if he’s trying to figure out exactly how it works. The bungee cords stretch out between his hands, and for a second, we both just stand there staring at the contraption like it’s some kind of puzzle.

Finally, he grins, that playful, mischievous spark lighting up his eyes as he lifts an eyebrow. "What do you say, cowgirl? You wanna try it out?" His voice drops into that low, teasing tone that always sends a shiver down my spine.

I roll my eyes dramatically, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Oh, so now I’m a cowgirl? I thought that was reserved for when we’re fixing fences.”

He steps closer, swinging the handcuffs playfully between us, his grin widening. “Well, you’re my cowgirl, aren’t you? Besides, I figured you’d want to test your lasso skills. You know, for research purposes.”

I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head at his ridiculousness. "For research, huh? And what exactly do you think you're going to learn from this... experiment?"

Callum’s expression grows a little more serious, though the playful glint never quite leaves his eyes. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his body. His breath brushes against my cheek as he murmurs, "I’m hoping to learn a lot about what you like."

The words hang between us, thick with tension, and my stomach flips in anticipation. I bite my lip, trying to play it cool, but the truth is, just the idea of exploring this new side of our relationship with him has me breathless.

"Well, if this is for research," I tease, pressing a hand to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart under my palm, "then I suppose it’s my duty to help you with your... studies."

Callum’s grin turns into something darker, more intense, as his fingers tighten slightly around my waist. “I’m a hands-on learner,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear in a way that makes my knees go weak.

I laugh softly, my hands curling into his shirt as I lean into him. “That’s good to know,” I murmur, my lips hovering just inches from his.

He leans in to kiss me, but before his lips can touch mine, I pull back slightly, grinning mischievously. “But maybe we should start slow. You know, ease into it.”

Callum chuckles, shaking his head as he looks down at the handcuffs still dangling from his fingers. “You drive me crazy, you know that?”

I smile up at him, my heart racing as I stand on my toes to press a quick kiss to his lips. “Good. Keeps things interesting.”

With a playful tug on his shirt, I step away, glancing at the handcuffs and bungee cords one more time. “All right, cowboy. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

His grin returns, wider this time, and I can feel the excitement bubbling between us, a mix of playful banter and the promise of something more.

Once we step into the bedroom, the playfulness disappears and is replaced by an intense want. Callum lifts the mattress of the bed, putting the bondage system underneath. Now I can easily see how it’s used. Hands and feet are bound, leaving me spread wide for him.

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t turn me on.

Callum turns to me and the heat in his eyes is unlike anything I’ve seen before. He grabs me and crashes his lips to mine. It quickly becomes frantic as the kiss becomes rougher. We’re grabbing at each other’s clothes, pulling them off and dropping them to the floor. Our hands are exploring as Callum continues to fuck my mouth with his tongue.

I’m so worked up I can feel my panties getting wet and I let out a loud moan when his hand brushes against my aching pussy.

He breaks the kiss and searches my face, both of us breathing heavily. “Fuck, I need to be inside you. Are you good with being tied up like this?”

The way he cares for me causes my heart to squeeze in my chest. He always wants to make sure I’m comfortable and it’s not just in the bedroom. It’s incredibly sweet and one of the things I love so much about him.

However, right now it’s unnecessary. The thought of being completely vulnerable is exciting.

“I’m definitely good with it, cowboy. I need you so bad.”

His eyes darken as he rips off my bra and panties in the most possessive way. It’s fucking hot.

He places me on the bed and secures my wrists and my ankles, leaving me spread wide for him.

“Holy fuck,” he growls, staring down at me as he pulls off his boxers. His huge cock jets out in front of him and I moan taking in how damn sexy my husband is. “Violet, I will never get enough of this view. You spread out before me like a fucking prize. You look so sexy.”

His deep voice wraps around me and I try to pull my hands but they only move a very little.

“Oh naughty girl, stay still and let me take what’s mine.”

“Fuck, please Callum, I need to feel you,” I beg, arching my back.

He wastes no time giving me exactly what I need. He climbs on the bed, grabs my hips and slams into me without so much as a warning. I cry out in pleasure and he digs his fingers into my hips as he drives into me.

“Oh fuck, your tight, greedy pussy feels so good wrapped around me. This is fucking exciting, baby, dangerously exciting.”

“Yes, oh God, yes. Don’t stop, please,” I cry out, unable to move my arms and legs.

It is dangerously exciting. I can feel my body already getting close to release and I know I’ll want to try this again and again.

Callum’s muscular body flexes as he pounds into me fast and hard. It’s the most erotic sexual experience we’ve had and it’s pushing me to the edge faster than normal.

“I’m so close,” I scream, pulling against my restraints.

“I feel you, fuck, do I feel you. Don’t fight it, baby. Give me your orgasm, it belongs to me,” he hisses, fucking me at a speed I didn’t know was possible.

He reaches between us and rubs my clit, causing me to arch off the bed as I shout out his name. I can’t fight it, it’s impossible as I feel the first wave of my orgasm crashing over me.

“Callum!” My release hits me hard and fast, completely unstoppable.

“Fuck yes, that’s right, give it to me, give it all to me,” he groans, still driving into me.

My body feels as though it’s been ripped in half as my orgasm continues on and I know from the sounds he’s making to the tight grip he has on my hips that his release is right there.

“Violet, fuck,” he whispers, stilling as he fills me with his release.

We’re both breathless staring at each other before he closes the distance and kisses me. It’s soft and gentle, the complete opposite of the way he just fucked me.

My body begins to relax as he reaches over and unclasps my wrists from the restraints. I immediately wrap my arms around him and sigh against his lips.

He presses a few light kisses to my lips before resting his forehead against mine. “That was the hottest moment yet,” he whispers, smiling at me.

“I completely agree. This should just stay in place,” I say, grinning as my eyes bounce between his.

He groans as he shakes his head. “I completely agree. This was just the first of many experiments.”

We both laugh lightly as he reaches down and releases my ankles. He rubs where the restraints were. It’s such a sweet gesture, so very Callum. Possessive one second and a big pile of mush the next.

“Well, I guess Paxton was right,” I say, laughing as I pull the blanket up to cover myself. “We did need this in our lives.”

Callum groans dramatically, turning his head to face me with a mock-serious expression. “Baby, I love you more than life itself, but if you ever bring up my brother’s name again while I’m still naked and the scent of sex is still in the air, I may have to stab a pen into my ears.”

I burst out laughing, shaking my head as I snuggle deeper into the covers. “Okay, deal. No more Paxton talk in post-coital bliss. But seriously… he was right.”

Callum lets out a deep sigh, pulling me into his arms, his warm body pressed against mine. “He was right," he admits, his voice low and begrudging. "But we are never telling him that. He already has a big enough head without adding ‘sex guru’ to his list of obnoxious titles.”

I grin, resting my head against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. “Agreed. Last thing we need is him showing up with a PowerPoint presentation on why we should be thanking him for our improved sex life.”

Callum chuckles, his fingers trailing lightly up and down my back. “You know he would, too. Probably invite the whole family for a viewing.”

I giggle. “Oh God, he’d bring snacks.”

“With ‘Paxton’s Sex Seminar’ on the cups,” Callum adds, his deep laugh vibrating against me. “And T-shirts. The man would make T-shirts.”

We both dissolve into laughter, the kind that makes your stomach ache and tears sting the corners of your eyes. As the laughter dies down, Callum pulls me closer, our bodies fitting together like we were made for this—made for each other.

The moonlight spills in through the window, casting a soft glow over the room as we lay there, wrapped in each other. The air feels thick with contentment, with love, and the kind of peace you only find in moments like this.

“You know,” Callum says after a long pause, his voice softer now, “life with you is pretty unpredictable.”

I smile against his chest, my fingers tracing lazy patterns on his skin. “I could say the same thing about you, Callum Atwood. You keep me on my toes.”

He shifts slightly, turning his head to kiss the top of mine. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way, would you?”

I look up at him, my heart swelling as I take in the playful grin on his face. “Not for a single second,” I whisper, my voice full of sincerity.

Callum wraps his arms around me tighter, his gaze drifting out the window as we lie there, staring out at the stars. “Well,” he murmurs, his voice low and steady, “as unpredictable as it’s been, I’m grateful for every second of it. And for you. For this crazy way we ended up together.”

I rest my head back on his chest, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. Life with Callum has been anything but ordinary, and that’s what I love about it. About us. We’re unpredictable, a little wild, but we fit. And I’m grateful for it—every laugh, every argument, every ridiculous moment in between.

“I’m grateful too,” I whisper. “Every single day.”

We lie there in comfortable silence, holding each other close, knowing that no matter what comes next, we’ll face it together. And knowing that Paxton will never know he was right.

It’s so sad to see the series end, right? BUT don’t worry because the Atwood crew will be making MANY more appearances over the Moore Brothers Series (Willow’s brothers) and again in the baseball series. Will Millie finally find her father?