Chapter 9 #2
“And now that you know kink is real…” Flex whispers with a chuckle, “… are you curious?”
“I… I’m not… I don’t…”
“Ignore him, Aspen. Flex is just messing with you.”
“She wanted a tour!” he says with a panty-melting grin.
“No. She’s here to work. Nothing else.”
Flex holds up his hands. “I’m just messing with you. Fuck me, Ry, you’re a bit touchy tonight.”
“Can you grab a copy of the NDA for employees while I finish up with Aspen?” His question is a command, and the firm set of his brow says there’s no room for discussion.
“Sure.” Flex turns to me. “It was nice meeting you, Aspen. Welcome to the team. When Ry gets his panties out of a wad, you’ll find a good crowd here. Next time, I’ll introduce you to the bar manager. He’s a great guy, and he’ll be able to answer any questions you may have about this place.”
“Thank you. I look forward to it.”
He gives me a sly wink before clapping Ryder on the back. “I like her. Don’t fuck it up.”
It’s strange to see Ryder outside of the kitchen. Seeing someone mess around with him. That doesn’t happen at Dulip. Ryder is an amazing boss, but he commands a level of respect that doesn’t lend itself to joking around.
“Sorry about him. Don’t worry, you won’t have Doms accosting you at every turn. Flex just likes to get a rise out of me.”
“It’s nice that you work with friends. I thought he was funny. I never for a second thought he was trying to flirt with me or anything. Besides, didn’t you say he’s married?”
“Yeah. Helena. She’s great. They have a little girl, Gracie. She’s got every last one of us wrapped around her little finger.”
“Wow. I wouldn’t have guessed that someone living…” My words trail off as I realize how judgmental they were going to sound.
“The people who frequent this place are just like anyone else, Aspen. They live, work, laugh, love, and have families. Having a kink doesn’t negate everything else.”
“I’m sorry. I never meant to upset you. I am a curious person by nature. I’m just interested in learning something new.”
“Let’s just focus on the restaurant. Come. I’ll show you the kitchen. It’s really taking shape.” I fall in step with him, keeping my mouth shut. Everything seems to be coming out wrong. I don’t want to talk myself out of this opportunity.
When the double doors swing open, I catch a glimpse of paradise. Pristine white walls, glimmering stainless steel, and beautiful spider burners. It’s a chef’s wet dream come to life.
“What do you think?” His voice snaps me out of my daze.
“It’s stunning. Incredible. Can you pinch me?”
“What?” He frowns
“I can’t believe this is real. You really want me to come and work here?”
“Yes. I think you’ve got a lot of potential, and working with me will only make you better.”
“Yes, sir.” His jaw twitches. “Ryder. Sorry.”
My cheeks flush at the knowledge of what that means here. I really need to remember not to call him that.
“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?”
“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.”