“That would be great. Thanks, Nad. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. Any questions, just give me a call.”
“Will do. Have a great day.”
“You too.”
When I end the call, I start to wonder if giving Aspen an ‘opportunity’ at Venom would be a selfish endeavor. Telling Nad that I want to pay it forward isn’t wrong, but it’s also not my only driving force. Aspen is a beautiful woman with curves inallthe right places. But what turns me on even more is her passion for food. I’m not a feeder, but I’m happy to feed myself using a woman’s body as my plate.
I won’t go there with Aspen.Her face is angelic—sweet and innocent. Perfect in every way. I’m well aware that she doesn’t belong in a place like Venom, but if I impose the right restrictions on Rooftop, then maybe I can make it work.
I lose myself in prepping for dinner service for the next few hours, pushing the image of Aspen cooking in my kitchen earliertoday to the back of my mind. There’s a lot to do, and I have plenty to keep me busy.
As the staff start to appear, we fall into sync, my concentration fixed on the menu. I almost convince myself that I’m making a mountain out of a mole hill until Aspen walks into the kitchen, dressed in her new whites. Fuck me, she looks sexy. What I wouldn’t give to have her in my playroom wearing only her whites.
“I’m ready to be put to work, Chef. Where do you want me?”
Splayed out naked on this countertop so I can bury my face between your legs.
“Chef Stevens? Where do you want me?” Fuck. Get it together, Ryder.
“You’re with Leonard tonight. Watch, learn, and do whatever he needs assistance with. Don’t get in his way.”
“Yes, sir.” Jesus, this was a bad idea.
I pull Leonard to the side, making myself clear. “I do not want her under my feet. You keep her busy. Understand?”
“Isn’t she a server? Why is she here? Are you banging her?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I’m not. She’s here because she cooked for me today, and it was better than anything you’ve ever made me. So, I suggest you keep your fucking opinions to yourself in the future. Got it?”
“Yes, Chef. It won’t happen again.”
“If it does, you’ll be looking for a new job.”
“Sorry, Chef.”
I send him on his way, my hackles up as I avoid Aspen like the plague. This kitchen is my happy place, where I can let loose and create anything I want. There is no expectation—at least not one I find intimidating. The only other place in the world that makes me feellike meis Venom. It’s why I need this new restaurant to be perfect. If my worlds are going to collide, I have to make it work.
Leonard does as I ask, keeping his new shadow busy all night, and as far as she’s concerned, I’ve left her to it. In actuality, I’ve been keeping a close eye, seeing if she can handle the pressure.
By the end of the night, the kitchen staff has embraced Aspen—not an easy feat—praising her attitude under pressure. I watch entranced as she gladly accepts it. She thrives on praise. I wonder if the same would apply in the bedroom.
“Chef Stevens…” She appears at my side.
“What?”
“I’m sorry, sir. Have I done something to upset you?”
“As long as you do your job, we won’t have a problem. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I drop what I’m doing—like a total dick—and leave her to finish cleaning up with the rest of the staff. I need a fucking drink.
Before I head to the club, I instruct my driver to take Aspen home when she’s done. She can be pissy with me about it tomorrow, but he’s under strict instructions not to take no for an answer. If she wants to keep working in my kitchen, she’ll need to get used to it.
Walking to Venom gives me a chance to cool down. This is so unlike me, and who better to focus my attention on than a woman I know I can’t have? Someone who would never be in the lifestyle. It’s a pathetic cliché.
When I arrive at the club, I’m met with a sly nod from Eli toward the corner of the bar to where my ex sits cozied up with her new Dom. It’s just the kick in the teeth I didn’t need tonight. Choosing to ignore them seems like the best way to go.
“My usual, Eli, and keep them coming.”
