When she turned around, he manufactured an innocent expression that she didn’t buy for a single second.

Shiori cocked her head and snapped her fingers.

Fuck. Maybe he should be worried about this gift. He rolled off the bed and walked to where she waited. Then he dropped to his knees. And the really fucking weird thing about it was it didn’t feel weird.

“Give me your left hand.”

He did as instructed but kept his head bowed.

Cool metal circled his wrist. “Now you can look.”

The bracelet had thick chains on either side of a flat metal plate. It reminded him of cheap ID bracelets from junior high, but the weight and the color indicated it wasn’t cheap by a long shot. His belly fluttered when he considered what this might be—what it might mean.

“I know we haven’t talked about anything long-term between us. But I wanted you to have this.”

Stunned by the gift and the emotions racing through him, Knox squinted at the kanji on the flat metal plate. “What does it say?”

“Watashi no.”

“What does it mean?” His gaze met hers.

“Mine.”

Holy fuck. Holy, holy fuck.

She traced the metal links with the tip of her finger, and all the hairs on his arm stood up. “It’s up to you whether or not you wear it. It’s not a collar, just a reminder.”

“Of what?”

Those serious golden eyes hooked his. “Of me. Of what we are to each other.”

“Mistress. I’m . . . humbled and flattered.”

“As am I every time you drop to your knees for me.” Her thumb rubbed the kanji, almost like she were polishing it. “Be aware that since I bought this in a BDSM shop, people in the life will know what it means.”

“That I’m submissive?”

“Not only that, but you are taken.”

“That I am, Nushi. I’m very taken with you.” Knox took her hand and kissed her fingertips, then her palm, then the inside of her wrist up to the bend in her elbow. “I will wear this with pride. Thank you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

KNOX tried not to pace, but sitting in the conference room with his leg bouncing up and down must have been just as annoying because Shiori put her hand on his knee to stop it.

“It’ll be fine.”

“I’m not so sure. Especially when we tell him that Ronin wasn’t involved.”

“Let’s see that as a plus at this point, okay? Maddox’s salary is guaranteed for a year. If Ronin pitches a fit, then he can buy out the contract. Maddox takes the money and moves on.”

“And Ronin fires me.”

Shiori straddled his lap. “Wasn’t your money or your name as the signer for Black Arts.”

“Jesus. I hope you’re right and this doesn’t blow up in our faces.”

“Maybe this will help.” She curled her hand around his throat and leaned in to kiss him.

Her willingness to indulge in public displays of affection still surprised him—and delighted him. He spread his hands across her back, urging her closer yet.

“God, seriously? I have to watch you two make out again? Christ. I’m shocked y’all don’t have blisters on your lips,” Deacon complained.

She broke the kiss with a smile. Then she stood. “Deacon. Glad you could make it.”

“What am I doin’ here besides interrupting your game of grab ass?”

“Supporting Black Arts, Yondan,” Knox said.

“So do I have to kiss his ass, or can I act normal?”

“Normal meaning . . . a surly asshole? I don’t think any of us would know how to act if you had a change of heart. Or showed that you actually have a heart.”

Deacon rolled his eyes. “That ain’t ever happening. And I liked it better when you two were at each other’s throats instead of tryin’ to get into each other’s pants.”

“You’re more prickly than usual,” Knox said. “Did your favorite stripper get fired or something?”

“No, she went to jail.”

“Knock it off. Both of you.” Shiori slid off his lap. When she walked past Deacon, she kissed the top of his bald head. “Don’t worry. Maddox will want to work with you. You’re an untapped talent waiting to explode.”

Knox watched in amazement as Deacon squeezed Shiori’s hand and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Seemed his little She-Cat could calm the raging beast in Deacon too.

Shiori took her phone out of her pocket. “Maddox is at the front door. I’ll get him and bring him up.”