My rough fingers brush against your neck. You react instantly - goosebumps spread across your skin, and a sharp shiver runs down your spine.
I wrap a heavy, stiff band of black leather around you. Beneath my hands, I can feel your heart hammering wildly, the pulse in your neck beating so hard it feels as though it might burst the collar from the inside.
I bring the ice-cold steel buckle closer.
I pull the strap tighter. You hear the rough, low rasp of leather sliding against leather, right beside your ear. Your whole body tenses to its limit, your muscles trembling with the strain and anticipation.
Then comes the sharp metallic scrape of the pin searching for purchase in the tight hole.
Your lips part wider in a silent plea for air.
And then comes that sound.
A dull, sudden click as the clasp locks into place.
I watch the strength drain out of you at once. Your shoulders go slack, and a long, trembling sigh of relief escapes your lips.
You're locked in...