Chapter 14
RYDER
It feels like yesterday that Flex suggested I open my next location here at the club, but I’ve put a lot of work into getting Aspen ready for this challenge. She’s going to be amazing. I could see her nervousness when she arrived today, but I know she’ll be great once we’re up and running.
All of my friends are here in support of Rooftop and the club we’ve all come to know and love.
This place feels like a home away from home, and as much as I love what Aspen and I are building right now, I fucking miss Venom.
Not just a drink in the bar. I still hang out and talk with everyone.
I miss the punishment. The pleasure I derive from pushing a woman to the edge of pain before making her feel so fucking good she can’t remember her name.
I promised Aspen that I would entertain the idea of showing her my private room after the opening, but there’s a part of me that is fucking terrified to show her too much of who I am. Who I was before I met her.
Aspen is always on my mind. Whatever I’m doing, wherever I am, I want her with me.
I want to experience life with her. But—and it’s a big but—I can’t get past the idea of bringing her into the lifestyle.
As much as I love kink, I can look back objectively and say that I was pulled into it by someone who should have known better.
I was nineteen. Would I change it? No. Does it color how I see my situation with Aspen right now? Yes.
The parallels are easy to draw. I’m the one in the driver’s seat here. I am the mentor, and I’ve already blurred that line by acting on my feelings for her. She had no desire to find out about kink before she met me. Can I really be that selfish? To give her a taste of Venom?
She’s eager. Inquisitive. And I know if I do this, she’ll be a fucking perfect submissive, but she can’t do it just for me. It doesn’t sit easy in my chest. At the same time, I want her in my private room more than my next breath.
I know if Aspen keeps asking, I will cave in at some point. It’s only a matter of time. I need to know that what we have is endgame. Until I know if I’m in love with this woman, I will not entertain the idea of making her my submissive. When I do, we’re doing the whole nine yards.
Submissive. Collar. Wife. Maybe even a mother someday.
Am I crazy for thinking I could have it all? Seeing what it is to have Aspen in my home, in my bed, and in my kitchen, I want to share so much more with her.
I shove it to the back of my mind to focus on tonight. This opening needs to be a success. I’ve had plenty of career highlights already, but this is a big night for Aspen. I want it to be perfect.
Eli appears at the bar, carrying crates of wine.
“It looks incredible up here, bro. I’m so psyched for you.”
“Thanks, Eli. The nerves are kicking in.”
“That’s why I’m working up here tonight. I’m going to man the bar for Rooftop.” A sigh of relief escapes me, even though I hadn’t given it much thought. Having a friend and manager of Venom up here gives me peace of mind. Eli can handle whatever issues may come up.
When he sets the crates down, I give him a bro hug and a slap on the back.
“That’s amazing. Thank you.”
“Why are you nervous? This place looks incredible, and we know you have the chops in the kitchen. You’re a freaking Michelin Star chef.”
“I want everything to run smoothly. Flex and the others have given me a stake in Venom with this restaurant. I don’t want to let them down.
And I want tonight to be perfect for Aspen.
She’s really worked her ass off the past few months.
Being a sous chef is a big step, but I know she’s ready for it. ”
“How are things going with you two? You’re dating, right?”
“Yeah. Things are good.”
“Say it like you mean it.”
“We’ve just got some stuff to work out.”
“For what it’s worth, you seem happy together. You obviously have feelings for her.”
“That’s a discussion for another day. Tonight is all about Rooftop.”
“Yes, sir. I’m going to finish bringing the last of the champagne up, then we’re good to go.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I’m going to go check on Aspen.”
“Congrats, Ry. This place is great.”
I give him a heartfelt smile before heading for the kitchen. Aspen is standing, running through where every utensil, pot, and pan is. I can see that she’s nervous. Her hand is trembling as she runs it over the countertop.
Walking up behind her, I slip my arms around her waist. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m worried that I’m not ready. I was waiting tables a few months ago, and now you’re trusting me to be your sous chef in the most amazing kitchen I’ve ever seen, in a club that means so much to you. I don’t want to let you down.”
“You’re ready. Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she says, the tension dropping in her shoulders.
“I wouldn’t let you do this if I thought there was even a slim chance of you flaming out. I promise that you’re ready. I’m still running this kitchen, so don’t worry about the minutiae. I am here, and it’s going to be great.”
She turns in my arms, reaching up to rest her palm on my cheek. “Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ry. I don’t have words for how much it means to me. I want to make you proud.”
“I am proud of you, baby girl.” I lean down, pressing my lips to hers in a chaste kiss. “Now go and get your whites on and let’s do this.”
She gives a little squeal as she heads for the locker room, and it’s the cutest sound.
I have to believe that we’ll figure this out.
Us. We made a vow to be honest with each other as we navigate uncharted territory, but I know I’m holding back.
I answer her questions, but I don’t confirm or deny any of my kinks because I know she’d see me differently, and I’m not ready for her gaze to change or the breathtaking smile she gives when she sees me.
Before we open the doors, I gather the kitchen and waitstaff in the dining room.
“Welcome to Rooftop, everyone. As most of you know, I own a world-renowned restaurant here in Manhattan. I expect the same level of service as I do from my staff at Dulip. I’ve handpicked every one of you.
You’ve signed your NDAs, and I need you to know they will be enforced if necessary.
Discretion is the foundation Venom is built on, and Rooftop is an extension of that. Does anyone have any questions?”
My defenses are already up as I anticipate a barrage of questions regarding the club, but it seems I picked my staff well.
“What are the specials tonight, Chef Stevens?” Every last server pulls out their notepad to take down the dishes I walk them through, and relief blooms in my chest.
“If you have any issues this evening, I want to hear about them. Tonight needs to run smoothly, and I’m aware that may involve me being pulled from the kitchen for a moment here and there. My sous chef is more than capable of flying solo.” Aspen appears at my side, a shyness in her smile.
I rest my hand on her arm in a small reassurance.
“I’m nervous,” she whispers at my side.
“Me too.” She rests her hand over mine. “I’d better go and let everyone in. We’ve got a full house tonight. Let’s bring our absolute best to the table.”
“Always.” She pushes up onto her tiptoes and plants a soft kiss on my lips before heading for the kitchen to get everything fired up. I’m not sure if I was this nervous opening night at Dulip. It was a dream of mine since I was a kid, so it meant the world to me, but Venom is different.
It’s not just about me.
My closest friends are here at the club, and they have entrusted me to come in and add value to Venom. I don’t take that lightly. They are all sound businessmen, and I know the bar is set pretty high.
As I weave my way through the tables, I’m struck by how beautiful the sky is tonight. Perfect for opening night here at Rooftop. It’s a stunning backdrop.
When I reach the front doors that lead out to the elevators, I’m struck by the number of friends and acquaintances who are already waiting to be let in.
“Thank you for coming out in support of this new venture tonight. Enjoy and know that the same level of discretion you are 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.