“Wow. That’s a big step. Are you sure? Business and pleasure…”
“Are fucking awesome,” Flex interjects. “I’m excited for you.”
“Have you really thought it through?” I know Dalton is all business when it comes to this sort of thing, but I’m choosing to lead with my heart over my head.
“Would you own a company with Nadia?”
“Of course, she’s my wife.”
“And someday, Aspen will be mine. She is it for me. I wouldn’t put everything I’ve worked for on the line for a passing fling. When people say their relationship has been forged in fire, it is literally true for us. We’re bound in ways that go far beyond a marriage license.”
“Fair enough,” he says with a smile. “Congratulations!”
Everyone lifts their glass to congratulate me, but I’m scanning the room for Aspen.
“Where’s the new location?”
“Same block as the Waldorf Astoria.”
“Perfect. Just the clientele you’re looking for. Not that you need to make a name for yourself. The minute word spreads that Dulip will be making a comeback, you’ll be booked solid for six months.”
“That’s the plan. In the meantime, I’m going to take a back seat here at Rooftop and let Aspen get a feel for running the kitchen. Her food is second to none, and I’ve taught her well.”
“The place wasn’t the same without her.” Pierce only has good things to say about Aspen. He and Freya spent some time with her while she was in the hospital. I will never be able to adequately thank them for watching over her. I would have been a wreck without them.
“Don’t I know it.”
“You handled the situation well with her. Burns are a tough recovery, and to see her shine here at Venom, confident and happy, it’s an amazing thing. You became the Dom she needed you to be, and you seem happier than I’ve ever seen you.”
“I am. There’s a peace with her that I’ve never experienced before.”
“She’s your person.”
“Yes.”
A year ago, I looked at all the guys at this table, wanting what they had, and believing it might never happen for me. To be sitting here now after everything that’s happened feels nothing short of a miracle.
We shoot the shit for a couple of hours before the girls come in search of us. From the wicked grin on Aspen’s face as she stalks toward me, I can tell she’s a little tipsy and a whole lot of horny.
Genevieve follows close behind Aspen as she sidles up beside me, her hands roaming before I get the chance to say hi. “Your girl is getting restless. She mentioned something about hogties.”
“On your knees, baby girl. You will wait until I’m ready to use your body tonight.”
She drops into the position with a knowing grin on her face. She knows exactly what she’s doing, which is why I didn’t bothergiving her an excuse to get on her knees for me. Shewantsit, and that is hot as fuck.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Tell me, baby girl. What do you want me to do to you tonight?”
“I want you to take me upstairs so everyone can watch as you strip me, hogtie me, and fuck me so everyone knows I’m yours.”
I fist my hand in her hair before yanking her head back, forcing her to look up at me with those doe eyes. “Then ask nicely.”
“Please, Sir. Show everyone that I’m yours.”
“I can do that.” Without hesitation, I reach down, hauling Aspen up and over my shoulder in a fireman’s lift before smacking her ass.
I turn my attention back to my friends, “Come and join us if you want to see my baby girl scream my name until she’s hoarse and thoroughly fucked.”
