Gage and Colt walked toward Holly’s hotel room to pick their ladies up for the ball. Gage could tell his friend was anxious. Colt hadn’t stopped fidgeting with his tie since they met up.
Gage stepped ahead and stopped Colt in his tracks. “Okay, fess up. What’s wrong? You’re making me nervous.”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“Lier.” Gage chuckled, knowing that was the one thing Slade and Colt would say to each other calling out their bullshit.
“You sound like Slade.”
“I know. He’s not here. He’s home with his wife and new baby. So, I’m here as your surrogate bestie until he gets back to watch over you.”
Colt rolled his eyes. “I think that’s usually the other way around. And don’t call it bestie. It’s creepy. We’re not giggly teenage girls.”
“Well, right now you’re acting like an angsty teenager. You’ve been stressed out since the baby was born. What’s wrong?”
Colt looked around the hall to make sure no one was listening. “I need some advice.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“How do you ask a woman to marry you?”
Gage narrowed his brows, looking at Colt like he was stupid. “You just ask and hope to hell she says yes. Wait. Are you planning on asking Holly?”
Colt said nothing. He just stood there looking like a lost puppy.
“Oh, man. Brother, you got it bad.” Gage ran his hand through his long hair. “Listen. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think you should ask for her hand first. Talk to Wraith and Cyrus.”
“Hell no! Cyrus will kill me.”
“So, you would rather disappoint him if you didn’t have enough respect to ask?”
“It’s not about that. I’m… afraid she will say no. I’ll deal with Cy after I ask her. I already talked to Wraith.”
Gage sighed. “Well, at least that’s something. Speaking as someone who is part of this crazy-ass family, they are close. Family means everything to them.”
“I know. I thought of that. I just don’t know how to ask her. We’ve hinted about it, but what if that was just talk?”
Gage looked up at the ceiling, shaking his head in disbelief. “You are truly an idiot. Just like your buddy Slade. You couldn’t tell if a woman wanted you if she slapped a Post-It on your forehead.’
"Holly is madly in love with you. Everyone sees that. Even Cyrus. He may act like an ass over this, but he knows you are going to end up together. He was the same way with Isis and me. It scared me shitless to ask them too.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But when they found out, they were all in.” Gage patted his shoulder. “Trust me. They’ll be happy that Holly is happy. Besides, everyone in this company knows you are the most stand-up guy around. If it were my sister, I would be glad to have you in the family.”
“Thanks, Gage.”
He leaned toward Colt, looking him directly in the eyes. “But if you hurt her, you will have me to answer to.”
“If I ever hurt her, I’ll accept my fate. It would kill me if I ever did anything to make her even so much as cry.”
“And that is why I know you’re perfect for her, because you acknowledge that. Now, let’s head to this party. I’m dying to see what sexy ass dress my wife has on tonight.”
“Oh, Gage?”
“Yep?”
“Why does Isis always wear those choke collars? Is it a fetish thing?”
“Internet search is your friend. I’m not your damn personal kink tour guide. It’s personal.”
Colt smirked. “I thought it was just a rumor. You dog. It’s true. You really are her dom.”
“Master. Now, shut the fuck up.” Gage looked around to make sure they were still alone. “I don’t want Cy finding that out. He may cut my junk off. I think he might already be on to me. He got us some weird shit for our wedding gift.”
“Master? So, she’s your sex slave?” Colt got starry-eyed. “People actually do that?”
Gage seemed unaffected. “Yes. They do, and FYI, I think you would be the sub. Not the other way around. Holly would have you on your knees licking her boots.”
Colt laughed. “If she asked, I would. As long as I get some sexy time after. I’m okay with role play.”
Gage snarled his nose. “You have issues, dude.”
“I have issues? You make your girl wear a dog collar.”
Gage grabbed Colt by the back of the neck and pushed him toward the hotel room. “Let’s just go before I kill you.”
“Do you spank her? Do you have toys? Isis told Holly that you do.”
“Shut up.” Gage walked past Colt, trying to ignore him. He knew when Colt got started teasing someone, it would never end.
“Holly wants to know what a flog is for. Also, Isis said you have a butt plug? Does it go in her or you?” Colt teased.
“Damn, you’re annoying. I’m going to kill you.”
Colt just laughed. “Not scared. So, do you have a dungeon now? I heard you’re building one.”
“Shut. Up.” Gage knocked on the hotel room door.
“Do you…?” The door opened, and Colt instantly shut his mouth. Holly was standing there looking like pure sex in her red sequin backless gown with a deep v-cut neckline. “Heaven help me. There is a God.”
Gage was checking her out too. “Not bad, Holly. You look hot. Now, where is my beautiful wife?” Gage pushed past, seeing Isis looking just as sexy in a sleek black evening gown. “Hot damn!”
Isis walked up and kissed him, rubbing her hand over his chest. “Like what you see, Daddy?”
Gage grabbed her waist and peppered kisses down her neck. “Um-hum.”
Holly and Colt turn to them quickly. “Daddy?”
Holly scrunched her nose. “Gross. I did not need that visual.”
Colt laced his fingers with Holly’s, pulling her back to him. “You look beautiful.” He handed her a box with a corsage inside. “I know it’s corny. It’s IWX tradition for the guys to get the girls a corsage for the party. For the ones who don’t have dates, Davis gives them one at the door. It’s nice.”
Holly’s face lit up seeing it. “I love it. I never went to prom, and it feels like it. This is so sweet.” She was almost bouncing in her place. “Put it on me!”
As Colt slid it on her wrist, he kissed her cheek as Gage and Isis watched them.
Gage leaned in to whisper to his wife. “I remember us being like that.”
Isis looked up at him, smiling ear to ear. “We still are. I think we always will be.”
He gave her a wink. “You can bet on it, love.”
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Author note: Some prior chapter numbers my look out of order but it is just the chapter titles. The actual chapters are correct. It was a typo while I was loading chapters to the app.