They pulled up in front of the pawnshop. There was a crowd of people gathered all around, spilling onto the street. A camera crew from the local news station was there to capture the ribbon cutting. Davencourt Treasures was a landmark in the old neighborhood. Once one store was rejuvenated, it gave new life to the area.
Drake parked and walked around the car to help his pregnant wife out. She looked stunning in her blue dress. The color matched her eyes. Her blonde hair fell down her back in loose curls. They held hands as they approached the door. Onlookers began to clap.
One of his top marketers gave a short speech, then he followed by introducing Mira. He’d never been so proud when he watched her cut the ribbon.
They walked through the doors together, and Mira gasped, covering her mouth with both hands as they entered.
“How did you do this in two weeks? How?”
“Money talks.”
Everything had been overhauled from the POS system to the displays and décor. It was functional and with help from his team, it would thrive.
“It’s amazing. My father would pass out if he saw this. It’s unreal.” She kept touching everything, walking and spinning to take in every detail.
“Are you happy?”
“More than happy. You’ve made all my dreams come true.”
He pulled her close, kissing her hard on the mouth. What he wanted was some alone time with his woman, to eat her pussy, and fuck her until she begged to come. She’d been avoiding him, and he couldn’t take it another day.
Drake whispered against her neck. “Your tits are fucking heavy. I want to see them sway while you ride my cock.”
“Stop, Drake. It’s too soon.”
“I’m not going another day without tasting that pussy.”
She scowled and crossed her arms.
“Get ready for tonight, baby girl. After dinner, you’re mine.”
Mira bit her lower lip, staring at him straight in the eye. She wanted him almost as much as he wanted her. Even when someone approached her with a question, she couldn’t pull herself from their bubble.
“Mira, someone’s talking to you.”
She pulled herself to the present and turned her attention to the crowd filtering in the newly opened store.
They stayed another hour, getting accustomed to all the new gadgets and items. The store would be mostly staff run as Drake wanted Mira by his side at the office most of the time. Being in a less savory part of the city, Drake also didn’t feel comfortable with her being in the shop too much without him, even with all the security.
Drake had reservations at one of the A-list restaurants downtown. Today was a day of celebration. He sat across from her, a candle flickering, creating shadows across her face.
“This is too much,” she said. “You’re spoiling me.”
“You deserve to be spoiled.”
He stared at her, completely in love with this woman. “I have something for you.”
“What is it?” she asked.
Drake grabbed the envelope from inside his lapel and slid it across the table toward her. “Open it.”
She had a child-like wonder in her eyes, such sweet innocence. He watched her open the envelope and pull out the paper inside. This wasn’t easy for him.
Mira read the paper, not saying a word, no reaction on her features.
“Thank you,” she said. “And nothing changes.”
She set it back on the table, but this time, he took it and ripped it down the center twice.
“I won’t hold you captive. Won’t allow myself to live in fear of losing you. I just want you to know this is a big step for me.”
The contract that originally bound them together was now torn to pieces. It had been his sense of security, his insurance policy. He had been unlovable since he was born, but he could buy what he needed and bribe Mira to stay in his life. But it wasn’t healthy, none of it. Not for him, Mira, or their children. It would take time, but he was learning what real love looked like. He had to make an effort.
“I know it is, Drake.”
“I’m winging it. Everything. But know this, I’ll always give you my all.”
Her eyes looked watery. She didn’t reply.
“I’ll be a better father. Break the cycle, you know? We’ll do it together,” he said.
“I can’t believe you were once my bully. And now I couldn’t be more in love.”
“Bred by the bully.” He smirked.
“We’ll see.”
She was flirting with him again as his cock was uncomfortably stiff in his pants.
“I can’t wait,” he said.
“You won’t die, Drake. I promise.”
“You’d be surprised,” he said. “Humor me?”
He winked as he stood up, beckoning her to follow him. When he looked back over his shoulder, she was getting up from her chair.
Once he entered one of the bathrooms, he waited. As soon as she entered, he locked the door. It was quiet inside. After a quick check, he ensured they were alone.