Epilogue
RYDER
“Are you sure I can do this? It’s opening night. I want everything to be perfect.”
“You’re ready, baby girl. This is your night. A lifetime in the making.” I pull her into my arms. “I wouldn’t let you if you weren’t skilled enough. You’ve been the head chef at Rooftop the past six months.”
“There wasn’t the same pressure. This place is packed with Manhattan’s most influential people. It’s your Michelin Star above the door. I don’t want to let you down.”
“Look at me.” She does as I ask, always an obedient submissive when it counts.
“This is our restaurant. We are going to make this place the go-to restaurant in the country. I may have taken Manhattan by storm, but you are the reason we will be a national sensation. Your food is excellent.” I capture her lips with mine. “You’ve been taught by the best.”
“Such a high opinion of yourself.” She chuckles.
“Oh, you’ll pay for that when we get home tonight.”
“Promises, promises, Sir.”
“I’m going to enjoy turning your ass a pretty shade of red.”
As everyone takes their seats, I take her hand in mine. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
I take a microphone to address the room.
“Good evening, everyone. I can’t tell you how happy Aspen and I are that you have come out in force to support us.
As most of you know, Dulip went up in flames close to a year ago now, and if it weren’t for this woman right here…
” I say, gesturing to Aspen with her shy smile, “… I wouldn’t be here now.
She saved my life that night at great personal cost, and it has been a joy watching her blossom as a chef.
It is a great honor for me to call her my business partner, my friend, and the love of my life.
Aspen will be running the kitchen here tonight, and I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass to toast her success. ”
Aspen walks to my side, leaning her head against my shoulder.
“To Aspen. May you prosper as the chef you were always meant to be.” Glasses clink all through the dining room, and my heart is full. I’m so fucking proud of her.
“We hope you enjoy your meal tonight. Drinks are on the house.” Applause spreads through the crowd as we take our leave and head for the kitchen.
“Thank you, Ry, for making all my dreams come true.”
“You got yourself here, Aspen.” The kitchen staff is already prepping for a long night as I take to Aspen’s side, and she puts me to work.
I spend the entire night in awe of the woman who changed my world.
She is strong and assured in her commands, rallying the staff when needed and solving any problems that arise.
I told her before we came here tonight that she could use her safeword at any time if she were overwhelmed, and that I would take the reins to let her catch her breath.
I knew she wouldn’t need it, but having that option gave her the freedom to lead as she sees fit.
The night has been incredible with so many compliments to the chef. By the time we’re ready to lock up, Aspen is still riding the high of her accomplishment tonight, her smile radiant.
“I can’t believe we just did that!”
“You did that tonight. You were fucking amazing. I’m so goddamn proud of you, baby girl.”
“I’m so wired. Pinch me. I need to know that this is real.”
“How about I take you back to Venom and shackle you to the St. Andrew’s cross to convince you tonight was real?”
A visible shudder runs through her. “I can live with that, Sir.” I take her hand in mine and lead her out before locking up.
When I met Aspen, I underestimated her at every turn except in the kitchen.
She has surpassed all my hopes, and I adored seeing her thrive in the new restaurant tonight.
It was a privilege to be her sous chef. My girl has risen like the phoenix from the ashes of Dulip.
When we enter the bar, Eli is deep in conversation with Nadia’s friend, Jenna, who I understand is as curious as Eli when it comes to Venom. She’s a beautiful woman, and by the way Eli’s looking at her, he would agree.
“Go to our room and get ready for me, baby girl. I’ll be in shortly.”
“Yes, Sir.” She pushes up onto her tiptoes, capturing my lips with hers.
I watch as she sashays through the bar, and I marvel at her resilience. She has come so far since we met. She’s always been self-conscious about her curves, but they are sinfully delicious. After the fire, I thought I might lose her to the negativity pressing in on her at every turn.
“Hey, Eli. Jenna.”
“Hey,” they say in unison.
“Can I get a Scotch neat and a glass of chardonnay for Aspen?”
“Do you want them brought to your room?”
“No. Aspen can wait a few minutes. Builds anticipation.”
Jenna bites on her bottom lip, her eyes looking anywhere but at me, telling me everything I need to know.
“Ask the question, Jenna.” She startles as I call her out, and I’m not wrong.
“How long does it take to become a submissive?”
“Technically, the moment you sign the contract to start training, you’re a submissive.”
“Yours wasn’t in the lifestyle when you met her, was she?”
“No. I wouldn’t normally recommend it, but when ‘the one’ shows up, it can’t be ignored.”
“So, if I were to go to the training suite and ask to be trained, they would be okay with that?”
“I understand you asked Flex to train you.”
“Of course, he can’t help bragging about turning me down.” Her tone is light, so I suppose she’s not that bothered.
“You and Flex?” Eli interjects. There’s a hint of jealousy in his voice, but he’s quick to mask it with a smile and an attempt at nonchalance. I wonder if Jenna realizes Eli sees her that way.
“There was no me and Flex. I’m just curious, and he was a shameless flirt before Helena.”
“To answer your question, yes. You can go up there and talk with the new Master, Theo Randall. He might consider training you, or he’ll put you in touch with some Doms who train subs.
Either way, you can explore. Both of you could.
” I leave it out there, but Eli busies himself behind the bar, taking his sweet time over my drinks.
“Thanks, Ryder.” Jenna has submissive written all over her. A brat for sure.
“No problem.” I lift our drinks. “Now, I have a very naked, beautiful woman waiting to be shackled to my wall. Have a good night, guys.” They both flush at my admission.
“Enjoy.” Jenna’s gaze finds mine, and I recognize the inquisitive sub in her. I’m sure she’ll be a handful for Theo, but I have my own submissive to tend to.
When I reach my room, I stop and take a breath.
Aspen is naked in the position beside the bed. She’s fucking gorgeous.
“On your feet. I want you against the cross, arms and legs wide.” I set our drinks down on the chest of drawers. She’s such a good little sub. By the time I set my keys down, she’s spread-eagled, waiting for the shackles to be fastened.
“You look stunning tonight.” I buckle her wrists first, letting her enjoy the anticipation of being completely at my mercy.
“Thank you, Sir. I’d rather you were naked too.” My little minx.
“If you’re a good girl, I might consider it. Keep your eyes on me.”
“I can’t look away. You’re too beautiful, Sir. I wonder why I’m so lucky to have you as my Dom.”
“That deserves a shirt at least.” I make a show of unbuttoning before discarding it on the floor. Then, I drop to my knees, restraining both of her ankles. She’s at my mercy, and I relish it.
I leave her wanting as I stride over to the nightstand and pull a box from the top drawer. I picked it up after Aspen got home from the hospital and have been holding onto it until the perfect time. I hope that’s tonight. I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous right now.
I place the box on the floor in front of Aspen and start to caress her skin as she waits expectantly.
I run my hand down her left arm, the scars of her bravery still red after all these months, but she doesn’t shy away from my touch anymore.
There’s a soft smile on her face as I press my lips to her skin.
“You are so fucking beautiful, inside and out, Aspen.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“You have me completely under your spell, and I never want that to change.” I take a step back before unzipping my fly and shoving my pants and boxers down my legs. Stepping out, I shove them aside before taking my cock in hand. “Is this what you want?”
“Yes, Sir.” She’s breathless as the rapid rise and fall of her chest confirm how aroused she is, trussed up and ready for me.
“There’s something I want from you.”
“Anything.” Her voice is barely above a whisper as I drop down to my knees.
“I have loved you since the moment you came walking into my kitchen. You’ve opened my eyes to all the ways two people can love each other. I’m supposed to be the seasoned Dom, but you’re the one teaching me what true selflessness means. You saved my life the night you got those scars.”
Tears well in her eyes. “I’d do it a thousand times over if it meant having you with me.”
“You make me a better man, and as we embark on a new business venture together, I can’t help feeling there’s something missing. Something I’ve been waiting to ask until I thought you were ready. I kneel here, naked at your feet, Aspen, asking you to be mine, forever undone by you.”
I reach for the box, flip open the lid, and hold it up to her.
“I would like to offer you a collar. In my… our… world, it carries the same gravity as a wedding ring. I want you to be unequivocally mine. I want people to know that I belong to you. That we are one. I love you more than life itself, and I can’t believe I almost lost you, too proud to admit that I needed more than vanilla.
I realize that I never had absolute peace with a partner before you because my soul was waiting for its counterpart.
You’re my soulmate. Please, say you’ll always be mine, baby girl. ”
Tears stream down her face as I move to stand in front of her, the delicate platinum collar in my hand. “Yes. I’m yours, Sir. Yes!”
I unlock the small padlock and place it around her elegant neck before fastening it shut.
I slide my hand around her throat, my lips taking hers in a gentle caress, claiming her as mine. Forever and always.
THE END