As I stride for the staircase, Aspen’s body relaxes over my shoulder. She’s content as a submissive. Asmy submissive.I don’t know what the fuck I did in a previous life to have found her, but I thank my lucky stars every damn day.
She giggles as I jostle her up the staircase. Her squeal of joy is music to my ears as I step out onto the voyeur floor. I don’t bother with a quiet corner. My girl likes to be front and center these days. I navigate my way to the center of the room before setting Aspen down on her feet. If she wants to put on a show, I’m more than happy to oblige.
“Get on your fucking knees, baby girl.”
Epilogue
RYDER
It’s opening night at Dulip 2.0, and my girl is the captain of the ship tonight. I will be her sous chef as we launch our first restaurant together. All of our friends and family are here, unlike the Rooftop launch. It feels good to see my siblings and parents in the dining room. They are chatting with Aspen’s parents, and it warms my heart to see.
“Are you sure I can do this? It’s opening night. I want everything to be perfect.”
“You’re ready, baby girl. This is your night. A lifetime in the making.” I pull her into my arms. “I wouldn’t let you if you weren’t skilled enough. You’ve been the head chef at Rooftop the past six months.”
“There wasn’t the same pressure. This place is packed with Manhattan’s most influential people. It’s your Michelin Star above the door. I don’t want to let you down.”
“Look at me.” She does as I ask, always an obedient submissive when it counts.
“This isourrestaurant. We are going to make this place the go-to restaurant in the country. I may have taken Manhattan by storm, but you are the reason we will be a national sensation.Your food is excellent.” I capture her lips with mine. “You’ve been taught by the best.”
“Such a high opinion of yourself.” She chuckles.
“Oh, you’ll pay for that when we get home tonight.”
“Promises, promises, Sir.”
“I’m going to enjoy turning your ass a pretty shade of red.”
As everyone takes their seats, I take her hand in mine. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
I take a microphone to address the room.
“Good evening, everyone. I can’t tell you how happy Aspen and I are that you have come out in force to support us. As most of you know, Dulip went up in flames close to a year ago now, and if it weren’t for this woman right here…” I say, gesturing to Aspen with her shy smile, “… I wouldn’t be here now. She saved my life that night at great personal cost, and it has been a joy watching her blossom as a chef. It is a great honor for me to call her my business partner, my friend, and the love of my life. Aspen will be running the kitchen here tonight, and I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass to toast her success.”
Aspen walks to my side, leaning her head against my shoulder.
“To Aspen. May you prosper as the chef you were always meant to be.” Glasses clink all through the dining room, and my heart is full. I’m so fucking proud of her.
“We hope you enjoy your meal tonight. Drinks are on the house.” Applause spreads through the crowd as we take our leave and head for the kitchen.
“Thank you, Ry, for making all my dreams come true.”
“You got yourself here, Aspen.” The kitchen staff is already prepping for a long night as I take to Aspen’s side, and she puts me to work.
I spend the entire night in awe of the woman who changed my world. She is strong and assured in her commands, rallying the staff when needed and solving any problems that arise. I told her before we came here tonight that she could use her safeword at any time if she were overwhelmed, and that I would take the reins to let her catch her breath. I knew she wouldn’t need it, but having that option gave her the freedom to lead as she sees fit.
The night has been incredible with so many compliments to the chef. By the time we’re ready to lock up, Aspen is still riding the high of her accomplishment tonight, her smile radiant.
“I can’t believe we just did that!”
“Youdid that tonight. You were fucking amazing. I’m so goddamn proud of you, baby girl.”
“I’m so wired. Pinch me. I need to know that this is real.”
“How about I take you back to Venom and shackle you to the St. Andrew’s cross to convince you tonight was real?”
