“Thank you for coming out in support of this new venture tonight. Enjoy and know that the same level of discretion youare afforded anywhere else in Venom extends to this restaurant. Now, without further ado, welcome to Rooftop.”
There’s a small round of applause as I step away from the doors, ushering everyone inside. I heave a sigh of relief when I see my friends’ faces, smiling brightly as they take it all in.
“This place looks phenomenal,” Flex exclaims as he pulls me in for a hug.
“Thanks, bro. I’m really pleased with how it turned out.”
“As you should be,” Dalton says with his arm wrapped around Naddie’s shoulder.
“I’m going to be fat as hell with this place at the club.” Pierce laughs.
Viv stands in awe, her face lighting up as she looks at every small detail. I close the space between us, wrapping my arms around her. “Thanks for coming.”
“I am so proud of you, Ryder. It’s stunning.” Viv and I have always been close. We knew each other at the club I used to frequent. It was nowhere near the opulence of Venom, with half the facilities, but she and I became friends in minutes once I realized she wasn’t a submissive. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to her then, but now we have a comfortable, honest friendship, and it means the world to me to have her here tonight.
“Come and take a seat. I reserved the best table for you.” Warmth blooms in my chest as I survey this wide-open space in the city I love, with the people I love. When they are all seated, I head for the kitchen, taking a moment to watch them laugh and joke, and I consider myself so lucky. Venom is the place I can’t share with my family, and yet I’ve found family within these walls. I have a girl waiting for me in the kitchen, who I adore, but I’m still reticent to open up to her. If she sees the gnarled parts of me that crave something darker, she might walk away.
Anything she asks of me, I’ve given her honest answers, but I’ve told her none of what actually matters. As I step into the kitchen, Aspen looks up, her smile so genuine. She’s right where she needs to be, and I love that I get to experience this new adventure with her.
“First orders placed, Sir.” Fuck me, I want to throw her over my shoulder and take her to my private room like a caveman. She knows exactly what she’s doing to me when she says that.
“Excellent.” I walk to her side before taking the reins.
“Call me that again, baby girl, and you’ll end up over my knee,” I whisper as I graze the shell of her ear with my lips.
“Promises, promises.” We fall into an easy rhythm that keeps the kitchen running smoothly as orders pile in. The rest of the kitchen staff is excellent, and I consider the evening a massive success. There’s nothing like a busy kitchen. It’s such a high when you get to the end of the evening and all the guests are happy.
I gather everyone at the end of the night to congratulate them on a job well done, only to find Flex and Helena waiting in the dining room.
“Best meal I’ve ever eaten,” Flex says as he shakes my hand and pulls me into a hug. “Aspen must have cooked our meal.”
“She fucking rocked tonight.” He gives me that look—the all-knowing smug grin, and I can’t even begin to hide it.
Helena gives me a huge hug. “I adored the tiramisu.”
“Aspen actually made that. It’s my old family recipe.”
“Give her my compliments.”
“Even better…” Flex interjects, “… bring her downstairs for a drink. Everyone is down there and ready to raise a glass to you.” It sounds like a great way to end an amazing night. I’ve missed hanging out with everyone since Aspen and I started dating.
“I’ll ask. I need to finish up a few things first, but I’ll be down in thirty minutes.”
“Sounds good, bro.”
As soon as they disappear into the elevator, I go in search of Aspen, who I find crying in the kitchen. I rush to her side.
“What’s wrong, baby girl?” She wraps her arms around my waist and continues to cry. “Tell me. Are you okay?”
“I… tonight was everything I ever dreamed it could be.” She tilts her head up to meet my gaze.
I lean down, capturing her lips with mine. “You did so well. I’m so proud of you. Flex and Helena were just singing your praises.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. You nailed my tiramisu. I can see that being the dish I’m expected to bring to any event now.”
“I just… it was such a rush, Ry. I don’t even know how to explain it.”
