48. Camille

Chapter 48

Camille

“ H ey, Sienna!” Ryker called out. A gorgeous girl with long wavy dark hair glanced over. She lifted a hand, and her face broke into a smile as she walked in our direction. I was secretly relieved she and Kage were cousins, because she was hot, her curvy figure looking stunning in the red string bikini she was wearing. I certainly felt overdressed in my little black dress.

“Happy birthday!” she sang out, spreading her arms wide. “You like?”

“No. I wanted something small?—”

“Nobody likes small,” Sienna declared. “It’s your birthday, enjoy it and have fun.” Her gaze fell on me. “This must be Camille. It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” she gushed.

When Ryker and Declan said Kage should say hi to some people, Sienna grabbed my hand. “We just met. Don’t take her away so soon!”

Kage looked reluctant to leave me, but there was no way I was letting his cousin think I was scared of her. “It’s fine. Go enjoy yourself.”

The moment Kage was out of earshot, Sienna’s whole demeanor changed. “I love your outfit,” she said, her voice syrupy sweet. “Did you pick that up at Goodwill?”

I stared at her in disbelief. Was this girl for real? “Actually, Kage bought it for me,” I said.

“How sweet,” she muttered, rolling her icy blue eyes. “I never knew Kage was so passionate about helping the needy. He really is a catch, hey? Dangerous, gorgeous, sexy... rich ,” she said, putting emphasis on the last word, making me sound like some kind of gold digger.

Before I could respond, Callum stepped forward and put his arm protectively around me.

“Back off, Sienna,” he told her. “Or I’ll tell Kage what a nasty bitch you’re being to Camille.”

Sienna’s eyes narrowed at her cousin, but then she smiled and flicked her hair over her shoulder. “Relax, Callum. Obviously, I was just joking. It’s not my fault Camille doesn’t have a sense of humor.”

Before Callum or I could say anything, Sienna waved at someone across the room. She flashed us a fake smile and excused herself, disappearing into the crowd. I stared after her in shock.

“What the heck is her problem?” I muttered.

“She’s Team Dahlia,” Callum explained. “Which means I’m pretty sure she hates you by default.”

“Oh,” I whispered, feeling the blood drain from my face.

That made sense. Kage’s ridiculously hot cousin and fiancée were friends. Of course.

“I’ll tell Kage and he’ll bounce her ass.”

I quickly shook my head. “Don’t. It doesn’t matter. It’s not like we’ll be hanging out.”

Callum frowned. “Camille,” he began, and I hated the sound of pity in his voice.

“It’s fine, Callum. Kage and I are together until graduation.” I forced myself to shrug. “I’m not going to let Sienna ruin this night for either of us.”

Callum shook his head. “I get why Kage loves you so much. And for the record, I’m Team Camille.”

With that, he steered me to a group, this one much friendlier. Within minutes, Kage was by side. As the night went on, the music pounded, a relentless beat that you couldn't help but move to. I caught myself laughing at something Declan said, a joke about Ryker's inability to handle his liquor, which, given the way Ryker swayed on his feet, didn't seem too far off the mark.

Sometimes Kage would get pulled away from me again, but not long. Every now and then, he'd slip his hand into his pocket, and I'd feel a sudden buzz from the egg inside me, a reminder of our little secret. I'd jump, shooting him a glare that he'd answer with a mischievous grin, making my heart race for reasons other than the surprise. It was a game, one that had me on edge, but in the most exhilarating way.

As the evening wore on, the crowd thinned out, leaving only those closest to Kage. That's when the drinks came out in earnest, and someone suggested a game.

"Truth or drink," Callum announced, holding up a bottle of something clear and potent.

"I'm in," I replied, grabbing a shot glass. The pressure of the egg inside of me had me feeling daring, ready to do anything. Kage flashed me a grin, like he could tell where my head was at.

The game started off easy enough, with questions about embarrassing moments and harmless secrets. But as it went on, the questions got more daring, and the shots kept coming. I surprised myself with how well I could hold my liquor, each shot burning less than the last.

“Camille, truth or drink?” Sienna said with a wicked glint in her eyes.

I thought about it, then said, “Truth,” surprising her. I wasn’t going to let this bitch intimidate me.

“How do you want Kage to fuck you tonight?”

Uh, seriously?

“Camille, don’t answer that.” Kage glared at Sienna. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Oh come on, Kage, don’t be a prude.”

I looked down at the bracelet on my wrist. It was the one Kage had given me on Casino night, the Cartier white-gold bracelet studded with diamonds. The interlocking rings along the chain still reminded me of handcuffs…and Kage’s words that he would love to tie me up. It was what I’d been planning to give him for his birthday tonight, but the truth was, it was a selfish gift. One I’d been wanting for myself for a long time, even since Kage had shown me the bondage pictures in that book in the library.

“It’s fine, Kage,” I said as I looked up. Kage’s gaze shot to mine.

“Rebel,” he growled warningly.

I kept my gaze on Sienna’s as I lifted my wrist and ran my finger over the bracelet. “Let me tell you something, Sienna. I was a virgin when Kage first fucked me.”

Sienna snorted. “Believe me, that doesn’t surprise me.”

“Then I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you that Kage is an amazing lover. All the rumors about him—that he can make a girl his slave with just a flick of a finger or touch of his tongue, let alone with what he can do with his cock—are true. He makes me pant. He makes me beg. He makes me come so hard I’m a sweaty, limp mess by the time he’s done with me. The one thing we haven’t done is used restraints. Because even though I’ve begged him for it in the past, Kage said I wasn’t ready.”

As I spoke, Sienna’s expression had lost its mockery. She and the others were staring at me, captivated.

“That’s who Kage is. A powerful lover, but most of all a good, and honorable man. Have you ever had a man like that, Sienna? One who’d deny himself his dirtiest fantasy because he treasures you, not just for your body but for all you are?”

I turned to face Kage and—yikes!—the guy looked like he wanted to devour me whole. “That’s what I have. We might not have forever, but I have him right now. I have him tonight. And when we leave here, I’m going to ask him to restrain me when he fucks me. And he’s going to do it. He has to. Remember, Kage?”

Kage licked his lips before stepping up to me and cupping my face in his hands. “I remember.”

“Tell everyone why you have to give me what I want.”

“Because I once told you you’d only be ready for that when you could ask for it without shame. Even in public.”

I smiled. “I’m asking for it.”

He lowered his forehead to mine, his breathing rough and loud. “You’re going to get it. And I promise you this, Camille, I will never restrain any other woman again. Not for the rest of my life. That part of me is just for you now.”

As I stared into his eyes, I saw the truth there. When he kissed me, I felt it. I wasn’t sure how long we kissed, his tongue plunging inside my mouth, his hands caressing me, before he pulled back. In his eyes, there was still hunger, but there was also wonder and something else, something I couldn’t quite figure out.

“Jesus,” Declan said with a cough. “I think we need to take a break so the rest of us can get ourselves in order.

Kage didn’t look at him. “If any of you beat yourselves off to what Camille just said, I’ll make you wish you were dead. Now continue the game.”

When I laughed, he smirked. “I hope in addition to smacking down my cousin, you actually meant what you said, Rebel.”

“Of course I did. I’m ready for you, Kage.”

We continued to play for a while longer then started another drinking game. Suddenly, Kage stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "I need to step out," he said, his voice cutting through the noise. "You okay here?"

I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment at his departure but also a strange sense of independence. He’d never leave if he didn’t think I could handle myself. “Yeah, I'll be fine."

“You,” he said to Sienna, pointing at her. “Out. Now.”

“What are you?—”

“Now, Sienna. Don’t test me. You won’t like what happens.”

With a scowl, Sienna grabbed her purse then stormed out with Kage following.

As he disappeared, Ryker slid into the seat beside me, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know," he began, his voice surprisingly sober, "Kage's never been like this with anyone."

“And I’ll enjoy it until graduation.”

Ryker smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. “There’s still a part of you that hopes for more, though, right?”

I opened my mouth to deny it, then closed it without saying anything. He was right, and the realization hit me hard. I was still holding out hope. How pathetic.

He leaned closer. “Now that Sienna’s gone, every single person here is rooting for you. Just thought you should know.”

My heart squeezed at his words. If nothing else, that Kage’s friends accepted me made what we had together seem even more real.

When Kage came back, there was a subtle shift in the room. Conversations wound down, and one by one, people started to leave.

Kage didn't say anything at first. He just eyed me, and there was something in his gaze that felt like a dare and a promise rolled into one. When we were alone, he suddenly swept me into his arms and deposited me onto his lap as he took a seat on the couch. I nestled in and cuddled close.

"Did you enjoy your party?"

“Minus Sienna being a bitch, yes, I did," he said. "But the best part is yet to come."

My mind raced to the obvious conclusion—me tied up. “I’m looking forward to it, Kage.”

“Good. But before I tie you up, Rebel, I want something else from you.”

“What’s that?”

“All of you. Every piece of your heart, including any part you’ve been afraid to give me up to now.”

I stared at him. “Kage,” I said tremulously. Why was he asking for this? Why now? He had to know I needed to keep some part of myself closed off. Otherwise, I’d never survive when he left.

“Give it all to me, Rebel, so I can give you all of me.”

I froze, the words hitting me harder than I expected. "What does that mean?"

"It means," he began, his hands finding mine, entwining our fingers together, "that we could never be temporary. I was an idiot to ever believe otherwise. But tonight I stepped out to make a call. I told my mother I'm not going to marry anyone but you."

My heart pounded in my chest, thumping so loudly I was sure he could hear it. This was the Kage who had been adamant that we couldn’t have a future together beyond graduation. This was the same man who had told me repeatedly that his place in the mafia was set, that our relationship couldn’t interfere with the plans his family had for him.

How did I respond to this? How could I communicate the relief yet fear that he’d changed his mind. Or the fear that he’d be giving up something he might later resent me for?

"What changed your mind?" I finally asked, barely able to get the words out.

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "It’s my birthday," he began, his voice steady but soft. "And you made it special. And if there was any doubt in mind, how you handled Sienna proved how fierce you are. It showed me I needed to step up my game and be as brave as you are. All night, I’ve been trying to imagine celebrating my birthday without you next year, and the year after that. And you know what I saw? A vast, empty loneliness that nothing could fill. I would waste away without you, Camille. I need you in my life. I’m willing to give up anything to be with you. That includes my family and the life I was born into.”

The sincerity in his voice hit me like a punch to the gut. This was Kage, laying it all out, offering me a future with him. He was willing to leave it all behind for me. And as much as I wanted to leap into his arms and say yes, I hesitated.

"I... I’d never ask you to do that," I said softly, my throat tight with emotion. "Your loyalty, your dedication—that’s what attracts me to you, Kage. I don’t understand everything about the mafia or your life, but I’d never want you to give up who you are. Like I told Dante, you have to choose what is right for you. And if you choose to continue with your legacy, I won’t give you up. So long as… Will you protect me and guide me, so I can stand by your side through it all?"

"Yes," he said without hesitation, his voice firm and certain. "I will always protect you, Camille. I’ll make sure you’re safe no matter what happens. And if you want to stand by my side, be my Queen, I’ll guide you through it all."

A weight lifted off my chest, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe again. This wasn’t just Kage offering me his heart—he was offering me his world, and I was choosing to step into it.

"I want that," I said, my voice stronger now. "I want you. All of you."

Kage’s eyes darkened with emotion as he pulled me into a tight embrace, his lips brushing against my ear. "You’ll have all of me, Camille. Every part of me."

We stayed like that for a long moment, just holding each other, the world outside fading into the background. When I finally pulled back, I looked up at him, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions—love, hope, excitement, and a little bit of fear.

“This is happening so fast. Aren't you scared?"

“The only thing I’m scared of is losing you. But that’s not happening. I’m all in, Rebel. So, how about we focus on the 'best part' of my birthday that's still to come?" he suggested, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes.

I laughed a little too loudly as I allowed happiness to burst through me. "Yeah, let's focus on that."

Slipping out of the party felt like we were escaping into our own world, leaving the noise and the few remaining people behind. Back at Kage’s place, we didn't waste any time. His hands found mine, pulling me close with a look that said everything. The intensity in his eyes was enough to send shivers down my spine. There was a promise there, a silent vow that this wasn't just another night. It was the beginning.

His body pressed into mine possessively, which was nothing new for him, but the way it was now was less dominant and more devoted. That changed by the time he tied me up.

* * *

Kage pulled the strap tight, locking my wrist in place. My other wrist was already bound to the headboard, my feet tied to a bar, keeping my legs bent despite being secured to the footboard.

He had stripped me naked before tying me up, and I was already dripping with anticipation as he walked back and forth, watching me squirm. He had his shirt off, his muscles rippling in the low lighting. Eventually, he stopped in front of me and climbed onto the bed, kneeling between my legs.

"Beg, Rebel," he murmured with a low growl, flashing a smile through his perfect teeth.

I made a show of clamping my lips shut, daring him to push me further. He raised a challenging eyebrow.

"You want to play it like that?"

He slowly began undoing his belt, the quiet click of the metal making my clit pulse with anticipation. My mouth watered as he took his precious time undoing the button, then the zipper of his jeans. His ever-impressive cock strained against the fabric, and I was desperate to taste him.

"Yes. Please, Kage. Please feed me your gorgeous cock."

He wasn’t in the mood to give me what he wanted, not yet. It felt like it took him an eternity to pull down his pants and boxers, presenting me with his length, the piercings on the underside of his cock catching the light.

He stroked himself before he rubbed his cock against the slit of my pussy. I raised my hips, preparing for his thrust.

“Fuck, you really are a dirty girl, aren’t you? You want my cock so bad.”

“Yes! I need it, Kage!”

I watched him, his words still playing in my mind. Could I spend forever with this man? Was he capable of giving me that, really? Did he even know what he was promising...?

Every move he made was purposeful, carefully thought through. It wasn't rushed or impulsive. It was full of reverence. It was worship. And it was everything I'd hoped for.

When he entered me, I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips. We fit together perfectly. Like pieces of a puzzle, or two halves of a whole. This was more than sex. It was so much more. Our bodies moved together, his heat wrapping around mine.

I looked into Kage's eyes as he moved inside me, a small smile playing on his lips. With each stroke, my pleasure grew more intense. In seconds, it exploded into an overwhelming rush that left us both breathless. My entire body trembled with aftershocks. And then he collapsed beside me, cradling me in his arms.