ChapterNineteen
Carla
I run my fingers across the collar at my neck like a concert pianist across the ivories. To say I was shocked when he opened the jewelry box and I saw the collar is a gross understatement. And the design of it was exactly something I would’ve made for myself. It’s not an obvious collar, not that I am ashamed of my relationship or it’s dynamic, a lot of people do not understand a dom, sub relationship. People like the sex portion but not the regular day to day of this type of relationship. I have to make so many decisions in my regular life that it is a relief to be able to leave that at the door. He’s provided me a security and trust I have never had with another person in my life. Everything he’s said he was going to do he has done, many without me asking. He does not demean me in any way, and respects my independence, but when I am with him all I have to do is enjoy.
I am so proud of Asher; his vision is coming to fruition, and it is a resounding success. The restaurant remained full since he opened the doors, Jaasiel has been back and forth to the kitchen to make sure things are running smoothly. It’s been nothing but rave reviews and clean plates. Some of the people I see in here are the crème de la crème of Mississippi society, and more. The gondola ride, in addition the food, has been the talk of the night. I’ve been proud to be by his side all night greeting his guests and making sure everything is running smoothly. When he first asked me to accompany him to greet people, I tried to demur, but he was not having it.
“Those diamonds around your neck means you are mine, dove, and not just in the bedroom, but everywhere. Meaning wherever I am you are too. Understand?”
“Yes Oishin.” I say and watch the always burning spark in his eyes roar to a burning flame.
“I can’t wait to take you downstairs, little one and make you pay for that. Is the dress custom?” when I shake my head no, he continues, “Good that’ll take less time to have it replaced cause it’s not going to last the night, and neither are those drenched panties. Stop playing with me baby, you’ll never win, I’m way better equipped than you are.” He whispers so close to my ear his warm breath is causing more than just my ear to get warm.
So that is how I end up at Asher’s side all night. But I am definitely not complaining especially when I see the way the women are devouring him with their eyes, letting me know I am alright catching a case. In typical Asher fashion all he does is pull me closer and that usually gets them to not get fucked up. However, you always got one who’s too stupid to care about the warning signs and of course we ran up on one.
“Oh Asher, can I call you Asher? The restaurant is amazing, and the gondola ride was such a special treat. I’d love to get a chance to experience all the joys it could provide with you one day. What do you think?” this blond haired, blued eyed, size zero, fake-tittied bitch has the nerve to purr at Asher while I am standing right next to him. Then has the nerve to look at me and say, “Oh sweetie, you can go and check on the other tables. Your boss and I have some things to discuss,” not bothering to even spare me a glance.
“This—” I begin but a look from Asher stops me.
“Karen, was it?”
“Um no it’s—”
“Karen, there are only a couple of things I can’t and won’t tolerate—one is disrespect, and the second is desperation and you have managed both in two sentences. So let me answer your question in the most disrespectful way possible, I wouldn’t let you suck my dick clean after I finished making love to Carla. The joys you’d share with me tonight or any other night is getting the fuck out of my restaurant, and don’t come back. You’re not welcome here. Fuck outta here! and take your minis with you.” He motions for one of the security men to escort them out. If I was wet before it’s nothing compared to the flood between my legs now.
we’re in our private elevator heading to the top floor to visit Bree’s lounge, Velvet. Only a select few got an invitation to her opening night. She opened after the restaurant closed so they didn’t compete on their opening night. When the elevator opens, I’m immediately impressed with the ambiance and décor we walk into. The interior is all velvet, leather, black, cream and gold. Beautiful sectional booths surround tables with candles. The lighting is low but not so low you can’t see clearly. One side of the club is a bar area and on the other side is a humidor for those who smoke cigars. In the middle of the club is a stage, allowing everyone to have a great view of the performers no matter where you sit. In front of the stage is a small dance floor, for the patrons to dance to whatever music is being played. Bree created a VIP section for us that puts us directly in front of the stage. The rest of the family is already seated and Ash, and I rush to our seat since the show is starting.
“This is gorgeous!” I whisper to Bree.
“It should be! Your man helped me design everything down to the minutest of details.”
I nod my head in understanding. “Well, you both did a spectacular job.” Before we could continue, the music begins, and I turn my attention to the stage. This group is amazing, and I am shimmying in my seat to the music. The lounge is packed as well and appears to be as big of a hit as Gluttony was. A few people hit the dance floor enjoying the live music, including some of the family, like Peter and Lennox; that is until Jabarri cuts in. Asher pulls me to dance and leads in a Chicago style two step. Will this man ever cease to amaze me? I almost can’t keep up, I’m so entranced with his dance moves. He is just freestyling his moves and he’s such a good lead he makes sure I am with him the whole time. The song ends and I am laughing so hard and having a great time. The beginning notes of the next song comes on and I almost scream when I recognize the song. I love J.T. and this is one of my favorite songs by him. Once the lyric begins, I don’t recognize this version.
“Is this a live version?”
“Something like that.” And he spins me around, so my back is pressed to his chest with his arms wrapped around me tight and I am so grateful when I realize I am face to face with none other than J.T. and my knees buckle as I slap my hands across my mouth to hold back the scream threatening to escape. He sings My Love like he’s singing it’s directly to me.
“Surprise baby!” Asher says in my ear.
J.T. takes my hand as he goes to the stage while he continues singing. The song ends and the lights go on and I realize Asher is no longer holding me. I turn to see where he went and freeze. Tears fall without warning as I take in Asher behind me on his knees holding a ring box. I look around to realize the club wasn’t that full after all it’s filled with our family, friends, business associates and—Omg! My dad and stepmom are there too. My eyes drop back down to him holding the ring and I say, “yes!”
Asher
“Baby doll, I didn’t ask you anything yet.”
“Were you going to make an elaborate speech and then ask me to marry you?” she asks me excitement bubbling over.
“Yes, yes I was.”
“Can we skip that? The answer is yes.”
Then she begins making grabby motions with her hands for her ring. It’s ten carat cushion cut purple diamond with purple and white diamonds covering the band. I stand, pull the ring out the box and place it on her finger. She winds her hands in my hair and kisses me like it’s the last thing she’ll ever do in life.
Our family explodes with cheers and congratulations and J.T. begins singing Rock Your Body and our family joins us on the dance floor in celebration.
“I love you baby,” I tell her as we dance together and with our family. Then we switch partners and Carla is in Josh’s arms and I’m with Savvy. After a while we switch again. Eventually it’s just Carla and me on the floor with our parents. I’m dancing with her stepmother Renée, Carla is dancing with Hemi, and my mom Bria is dancing with Carla’s dad, Sidney. Overall, it’s been the night I envisioned in my head. Only better.
J.T. stays to sing a few more songs, then comes over to offer us congratulations but as he hugs Carla I debate on if I could get away with making him disappear. He held that hug a little too long for my liking. Once he is gone, we open the club to the public and the real party begins. Both sets of parents go home, along with Peter and Lennox and T’Aundrea and Angie since Malachi is with a babysitter. The rest of us, party. We dance and laugh and talk and celebrate until it’s time for Carla and I to leave and have our own private celebration. We say our goodbyes which takes almost another hour and head downstairs. The club will be open for a few more hours but Hedonism Two is open for business, at least for me and Carla.