...His eyes were dark, his gaze heavy, especially when it returned to the strip of leather around Jesse’s neck. Gideon lifted his hand and ran his finger along the edge, and though he barely touched the skin, a thrill of anticipation slithered over Jesse’s flesh.

“Be grateful I’ve got you.” His voice was rougher, rich with promise. “Though I’d be more grateful if you were naked.”

“I can do that.”

Gideon didn’t have to tell him twice—in fact, Gideon usually didn’t have to tell him once. If he had given Jesse a few more minutes before following him into the dungeon, Gideon probably would have found him in nothing but his collar. Within moments, his clothes were discarded, and he was standing in front of Gideon, visibly calm, though he knew the vampire heard his heart racing.

Gideon didn’t touch him. He didn’t have to. A flicker of his gaze downward was enough to get Jesse’s cock at full attention.

“Oh, sure, I get all dressed up, and the first thing you do is strip Jesse out of his clothes. I should have guessed it.”

The amused glint in Gideon’s eyes was all Jess needed to know he’d known Emma had been standing in the doorway the entire time. He glanced over, a comment ready on his lips, only to have it fade away when he saw her.

In the process of unpacking, Emma had changed for the fancy late dinner Gideon had promised them. Normally, she wore comfortable clothes, flowing skirts or jeans, soft sweaters or loose blouses. There was the odd occasion when they got the chance to dress up, but not nearly enough for Jesse’s taste. Her attire now only proved him right. A sleeveless black dress flowed over her lush curves, highlighting her porcelain skin, and she’d pulled her dark blonde hair up, off her neck, exposing the black collar Gideon had given her the first month the three of them had been together. In this ensemble, it looked like a simple choker. Only they knew the significance of it.

But what surprised Jesse the most were the heels on her feet. Emma had gorgeous legs, but she rarely wore shoes to highlight them. While changing, she’d slipped on a pair of black patent pumps, with a thin, nearly four-inch heel. They heightened the promise of taut legs wrapped around his hips as he drove into her.

“You probably should have guessed. But I hope he doesn’t strip you just yet. You look…amazing.”

She did a quick pirouette. The dress hugged her ass, molding like a liquid skin over the ripe swells. “Is it okay? I wasn’t going to get the shoes, but the girl at the mall said they made the outfit.”

“They do,” Gideon said. “In fact, I might make it a vacation rule that you’re not allowed to wear any other shoes.”

“I like that rule.” Jesse’s eyes drawn to her legs again. “Those shoes, that collar…the dress wouldn’t even be necessary.”

“You heard the man, Em. The dress isn’t necessary.”

Her brows shot up at Gideon’s almost order. The sudden wave of desire flowing from her was dizzying, but Jesse was riveted by the deliberate lift of her arms, the thrust of her breasts as she reached behind to unzip the garment.

“I’ve got my chains on,” she commented as the dress fell away. It exposed the silver links hanging from the center of her collar to each bare breast, attached to her nipples by small clamps. “Jesse looks naked without his.”

“Hmmm.” He glanced back in time to see Gideon assessing him carefully. “I think she’s right. Where’s your leash, boy?”

“It’s still in my bag.” Jesse nodded at the bench, but didn’t take a step toward it.

Gideon caught Emma’s eye and inclined his head. That was all she needed. She crossed the room, her heels tapping against the floor, and pulled out the long chain that acted as his leash. Jesse kept his gaze locked on her as she threaded it her through her fingers. Each fine, silver link reflected the light from overhead. She walked deliberately across the room, her hips swaying, her nipples tight peaks.

Emma paused when she reached him, looking at him with half-lidded eyes. He offered her a small smile before she snapped the leash into place. The immediate weight around his neck made his balls ache.

“On your knees,” Emma said, her voice husky. Jesse immediately obeyed.