“Not that I know of. You’re not alone in this. The bar manager, Eli, who Flex said he’ll introduce you to next time we’re there, is a great guy. He’s not in the lifestyle, but he’s not afraid to ask if there’s something he wants to know.”
“I don’t want to be disrespectful, so I just want you to know ahead of time. If I say something stupid, it’s not said with any malintent.”
“Duly noted.”
We ride the rest of the way in silence, but I can’t help myself when he stops in front of my building. “Are you a Dominant?”
He stares straight ahead, his hands at ten and two. “Yes,” he growls.
My breath hitches at the one word that changes everything I know about him. It was clear at the club, but hearing his confirmation slams into me like a Mack truck.
“Goodnight, Ryder. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Chapter 10
RYDER
The second Aspen disappears through the doors to her building, I peel away from the curb at breakneck speed. What the hell am I doing? I shouldn’t have confirmed her suspicions. It’s not difficult to connect the dots, but I should have lied.
I couldn’t.
And I don’t know why.
I drive around the city for over an hour, weaving in and out of traffic. I’m going to kill Flex. He all but confirmed that I’m a Dom when he mentioned my private room. I think Aspen already figured it out, but telling her outright is something else entirely.
Where do we go from here?
Our relationship has to be strictly business, but I feel like we’ve already blurred the lines. Or at least, I have. I don’t see her the same way I do the rest of my staff. She’s different. And God, do I want her.
Having her at Venom was a fresh kind of torture, knowing my private room was an elevator ride away. Every time she calls me Sir, my cock stands at attention. I don’t know what the fuckI’m going to do working so close with her, but I won’t ruin this for her. She’s too talented.
By the time I head home, I know what I need to do—find a new sub. I have to channel my desire for Aspen elsewhere. I’m not talking about a serious relationship, just a little fun between a Dom and sub. There’s a tightness in my chest as I contemplate bedding a woman who isn’t Aspen. It’s sheer stupidity on my part, but she’s the only woman I want beneath me.
Those hips would be so fucking sexy riding my face, and those lips of hers—perfect for wrapping around my cock.I’m so screwed.
As soon as I unlock the door to my penthouse, I head straight for the shower, my cock aching at the mere thought of Aspen’s naked body laid out like my own personal feast. Staring at myself in the mirror as the room fills with steam, I can see the war waging inside me.
The second I step under the rainfall showerhead, I run my hand down my stomach to fist around the base of my growing erection, slowly working the length as I close my eyes and imagine Aspen on her knees. I bet she’d beg for it like a good girl.
It doesn’t take long for me to shoot my load, my cock still hard after I come. It’s going to be excruciating to work so closely with Aspen. There’s just something about her that has me totally captivated.
Dulip is running seamlessly, just as I know it will while I’m at Venom. Today, Flex called to let me know the kitchen is ready to go, and I’m both excited and apprehensive. Every time I set eyes on Aspen, my cock is hard as a rock. She’s been at work for a few hours, and I’ve yet to see her. We’re about to be in very closequarters at Rooftop, so I gave myself a break until Flex called. I can’t wait to get over there and see my vision come to life.
I sling back a Scotch neat before heading for the kitchen. Leonard is hard at work with Aspen on his left.
“Hey, Leonard. Can I borrow Aspen for a few minutes?”
“Sure thing. But I need her back fast. She’s found her groove in here, Chef.”
As I look at Aspen, she gives me a conspiratorial wink. Sassy little thing.
She follows me back to my office.
“What can I do for you, Chef?” My eyes drop to her perfect, pouty lips. There are so many things she could do for me, and none of them involve the kitchen.
“Flex just called. Rooftop is ready. You and I will start putting the menu together tomorrow.”
“Really?” A radiant smile spreads across her face, lighting up the room.
