“I’m not trying to be an arrogant asshole, but I know my worth. That’s lesson one. You need to know yours. Believe that this kitchen will become your home away from home. You deserve this chance, and if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Got it?”
“Yes. And thank you so much. I am truly grateful, and I look forward to learning from you.”
“Do you need some time to think it over? I know it’s a lot to take in. And an NDA means you can’t tell any of your friends or family what goes on here. It may not seem like a big deal right now, but it’s something you need to factor in if you choose to take the position.”
I hadn’t thought about that, but could I give up this chance just because I can’t tell Jude I work at a kink club? I already know my answer, not that she’d care.
“I don’t need time. I will sign anything you ask. I want this job, Ryder.” His face lights up, and I could get lost in those ice-blue eyes, his radiant smile making them sparkle.
He holds his hand out, which I shake, my pulse racing at the touch of his large, strong hand in mine.
“Excellent. We’ll be up and running in a few weeks. Doors will open for patrons in two months, but you and I have a lot to do in preparation. You’ll be cooking in this kitchen with me in two weeks. I’m going to craft the new menu and teach you every dish. Are you ready to work harder than ever before?”
“Yes. I’m ready when you are.”
“Good. Now, let’s get out of here. I’ll drop you off at home.”
“You don’t have to go out of your way. I’ll be fine.”
“Do we really need to have this discussion again?”
“I don’t want to put you out.”
“I’m offering. When I’m with you at closing, I want to drive you home. Please. My mom would read me the riot act if she found out I let you get the subway at this time.” Is this guy for real? Not only is he talented beyond belief, he’s also chivalrous.
“Well, I’d hate to get you in trouble with your mom.”
“Yeah, she’s scary when she gets mad.” That makes me laugh.
“Mine too.”
There’s a sweetness in his smile as we leave Venom. Just thinking that seems like an oxymoron—a sweet Dom. At least I’m assuming that’s what he is. I can’t imagine him being subservient to anyone.
As we descend in the elevator, I really want to know what the rest of the club looks like, but Ryder is probably right—baby steps. I don’t want to scare myself out of accepting this incredible opportunity.
You could cut the tension in the elevator with a knife, it’s so palpable. The air is heavy with the weight of my decision. Knowing what this means, and the price I will pay with the NDA. Not the legal ramifications, but those that will apply to my friendship with Jude. I tell her everything. How will I keep such a big secret?
I ponder it as we walk back to Dulip and Ryder’s car. I can’t take my eyes off him as he rounds the hood and slides into the car with a confidence I admire.
As the engine roars to life and we pull into traffic, he asks me what’s on my mind. “So, what did you think of Venom?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t get to see what it’s really about. I love the rooftop, and you know the kitchen is every chef’s dream. It’s got everything.”
“Can you trust me that you don’t need to see the rest of it? I know trust is earned, but I hope I’ve shown as a boss that I always have my staff’s best interests at heart.”
“You have. This is just overwhelming, and I can’t talk to my best friend about it. I can’t talk to you about it either.”
“Why not?”
“Because you said we’re not talking about it. Do you have short-term memory loss?” I quip.
“Okay,” he says, gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turn white. “While we work on getting the restaurant open, you can ask me anything you want to know, but once we open, there will be no more talk of the kink club. The rooftop is a separate entity for all intents and purposes. Do we have a deal?”
“Deal.” My mind is racing, but I’m not going to ask him anything important tonight. I want some time to read up before I decide what I do and don’t want to know.
“Then shoot.”
“Is any of the staff at Venom in the lifestyle?”
