The collar arrived on a Tuesday.

It came in a black velvet box, delivered by a silent assistant who left it on Lila’s desk without a word. No note. No explanation. Just the box, cool and mysterious, sitting on her keyboard like a dare.

She stared at it for a long time.

It was slim. Black leather. A single silver loop at the front. No name tag. No key. Just simplicity and control.

Her fingers brushed over it. Her thighs clenched.

She didn’t open it until she was ...