Page 113 of Protected
She took the arm he offered and together, they walked out of the bathroom. He led her down the hall and through the doors into the main play space. Her breath caught when she saw who was standing near the small platform that had been set up for the occasion. Peter sat on a chair on the platform, and Carrie sat on the front row.
“Peter is part of this ceremony?”
Michael grinned down at her. “Bradley asked him to officiate.”
“God, I love that man.”
He chuckled. “I sure hope so.”
Glancing at his watch, he said, “It’s time, sweetheart. You better get to your spot.” He kissed her cheek and released her arm so she could move to the stage. She blew a kiss at Carrie on her way.
Not having a hand in planning the ceremony was hard for her, but Bradley had asked her to give him this power and she had agreed. She was only following directions when she took her place standing on the left side of the stage. The butterflies in her stomach seemed to multiply as she stood and observed people milling about the dungeon talking and laughing. She had no idea where Bradley was, and she found herself wondering if this is what the groom felt like at a traditional wedding. Gage came to the stage and took the microphone that was laying on a small table. He switched it on and offered her a wink before speaking.
“Can I have your attention please. Bradley and Darci want to say thank you for coming. If you would please find a place to sit so we can get started, I would like to invite one of our own to the stage to officiate the ceremony.” He looked in Peter’s direction and offered him the microphone.
Peter moved onto the stage and took it from him. Into the mic he said, “Hey, Kitten.” She smiled through the tears that had begun to fall and offered him a tiny wave.
“Hi.”
“Come on over here and let’s get this party started.” She giggled and walked into his open arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
As Peter released her from his hug, Bradley stepped out of one of the side rooms and her pulse quickened. He was wearing a black button-down shirt and a pair of gray slacks that hugged his hips just right. In his hand, he held a small velvet jewelry bag, and she knew that was the collar he intended to place around her neck. The rest of the room faded away as he made his way to the stage. Once he was in place, Peter began to speak.
“We are here today to celebrate two people coming together in a unique way. Many of you already know how special the bond is between a Dominant and their submissive, and it is that bond we are honoring today. I’m just here to make things look official. Bradley and Darci are the ones doing the real work.”
She grinned at him as Bradley squeezed her hand.
“Bradley, let’s start with you since I hear you wouldn’t let your girl plan any of this.”
Bradley chuckled and took the mic. “Strip and kneel, baby.”
Her hands shook as she lifted her dress off and let it fall to the floor near them. She slowly sank to her knees and looked up at him.
“You and I have had a lot of talks over the last few months about what power exchange is and what it isn’t. We’ve also fallen madly in love, and I want nothing more than to make you mine. I bought this for you not long after we met, because I knew that one day, I would be placing it around your neck. I’m just glad you’re not making me wait any longer.”
She grinned as a tear slid down her cheek.
He handed the mic back to Peter.
“I’m going to ask you both a series of questions and we’ll start with Bradley,” Peter said, facing the man. “You’ve both acknowledged that you are entering this union as equals with separate roles to play. Bradley, do you accept your role as Dominant and leader?”
Bradley nodded, “I accept.”
Peter turned and looked down at Darci. “Darci, do you accept your role as submissive?”
“I accept,” she whispered, her voice shaking.
Bradley settled his hand on her shoulder, calming her. “You’re doing good, baby.”
“Bradley, do you promise to love, protect, and guide Darci in this partnership, and do you promise to treat her as your treasured partner and not your property?”
“I promise all this and more,” he said boldly.
“Darci, do you promise to love, follow, and obey Bradley in this partnership, and do you promise to bring your fears to him so that he can build you up when you’re struggling?”
“I promise,” she said. This time her voice was stronger and louder than a whisper.
