“I’m the only man who gives you pleasure.”
“Are women fair game then?” I giggle.
“I’m not fucking around here, Aspen.”
“It was a joke. Let me ask you this. Does it work the other direction? Am I going to be the only person sating your needs?”
“Of course.”
“Then I can live with rule two. I’ll let you ‘persuade’ me on rule one.”
“You’re a little firecracker, aren’t you?”
“Maybe.”
“Oh, this is going to be fun.”
“Goodnight, Ryder.”
“Sleep well, baby girl. You’re going to need it.” A thrill courses through me as I end the call and set my phone on the nightstand.
I mull over our conversation, thinking and overthinking Ryder’s word choices.Tell me you want to be mine.I wonder what that means in his world. Am I a possession to own? And if so, why the hell does it turn me on?
I’m not sure if I should be relieved or concerned that he has no desire to make me his submissive. I don’t know how many relationships, if any, he’s had with regular women. I don’t want to go into this only to find out he needs me to be something I’m not, but I already know I’m a lost cause when it comes to Ryder. I want him, no matter the cost, and it scares the shit out of me.
After that conversation, there’s no way I’m getting to sleep anytime soon, so I grab my phone and start searching the internet for more information on Dominant/submissive relationships.
Chapter 12
RYDER
Tonight is a rare night off, and Aspen has invited me over to her place for dinner. Her roommate is out of town, and it would be nice to fuck my girl in a bed. I want to take my time. We’ve been stealing moments here and there at Rooftop, and I’m sure we’re violating multiple health and safety regulations, but I can’t get enough of this woman.
Working with Aspen is so rewarding. She’s like a sponge, soaking in every word, and her cooking is phenomenal. Regardless of how we feel about each other now, I know I made the right decision hiring her as my sous chef for Rooftop. She’ll be running it in no time, and I have every faith that she’ll do a stellar job.
On my way over to her place, I stop at the liquor store, buy a bottle of tequila, and grab the rest of the ingredients for margaritas from the local market. I’ll be licking the salt off her naked body tonight. Slowly.
When I have everything I need, I head to her building and ask the concierge to let Aspen know I’m here. As the elevator doors ping open, a sullen-faced man looks me up and down before brushing past me into the lobby.
“Watch where you’re going.” I express as I hit the button for Aspen’s floor. He turns back with an angry look on his face, and I chuckle. I could take this guy with a blindfold on and one hand tied behind my back.
“Sure thing, pretty boy.” He’s lucky the doors close before I set my bags down and teach him a fucking lesson.
I shake it off, not wanting to sour my night with Aspen, and as I step out of the elevator, she’s waiting at her apartment door with the biggest smile on her face. “Hey, Ry. I told you not to bring anything,” she says as she takes in the sight of the bags in my hand.
“I thought some tequila was in order.” I lean in and capture her lips with mine before moving to her ear and whispering, “I’m going to make your naked body my very own serving tray.”
She shivers at the thought, and it has me rocking a semi already.
“I made us dinner. You should eat.” Her voice trembles.
“Oh, I’ll be eating, baby girl.” I’m going to devour every square inch of her body tonight, but for now, I follow her inside.
“Welcome to my home. Jude went back to Connecticut to see her folks for a few days, so we have the place to ourselves.”
“Wow.” I take a look around as I set the bags on the countertop. “Your apartment is amazing. Am I paying you too much?” I chuckle.
“Why do you think I have a roommate? I like my creature comforts.”
