by H. L. Swan
He cups my cheek. “No job will ever come before me, understand? Don’t rush to say goodbye to me again.”
I gulp at the way his eyes burn into me.
He kisses me passionately before pulling away with a smile. “Good luck, baby.” He leaves me, breathless, as usual.
I glance at the sign in black cursive.
La Patisserie. A quaint French pastry shop tucked in a small corner of the busy Portland city streets. Modern and beautiful.
Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and walk in. I’m instantly hit with a melody of aromas. Fresh espresso and an assortment of pastries and sweets that line the glass counters. I’m getting excited just imagining all the techniques I’ll learn from Avery.
Do I call her Miss Avery, or just Avery? Maybe by her last name?
I’m sweating, thinking of all the things that can go wrong and my confidence flies out the window.
A woman eyes me as she walks up to the counter before smiling. Mid-twenties with beautiful blonde hair. She’s very accomplished to be so young with her own storefront in the city.
“You must be Ms. Banks,” She greets with a wide smile.
“Yes, but please call me Emilia.” I shake her hand.
I don’t usually use my full name, but I have to admit it sounds fancier. I like it when Aiden calls me by my full name. Hearing others say it will remind me of him.
She gestures to the back. “Right this way, Emilia.”
We walk through the small yet spacious shop towards a backroom.
Avery is so friendly I feel like this interview will be a breeze…until she opens the door to reveal an office with a man sitting behind a mahogany desk.
His deep voice bellows through the room. “Ahh, thank you, Miranda.” He looks over at me. “This must be Ms. Banks.” He smiles.
I try to think of something to say, but he looks so intimidating. “Hello, Mr…” I look at his nameplate. “Moreau.”
As soon as Miranda steps away, I walk over and extend my hand.
I’m thankful when he smiles. He looks less intimidating, more youthful. Not that he’s older by any means, he just looks so serious. Maybe in his late twenties. Attractive.
His black hair is slicked back, his tan skin creates a sharp contrast with his white outfit. “Please have a seat.” He gestures to the leather chair. His French accent isn’t too heavy and it’s easy to understand him.
We go through the usual mundane interview questions. I sit nervously, trying not to fidget, as he looks over my resume.
“So, you have no experience,” He says without looking up from the papers.
I straighten. “While I don’t have any hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, this is my passion. I would love the opportunity to show you what I can do.” I smile, proud of myself for being so confident.
His eyes rise from the papers and he looks me over with a smile. He stands. “You’re hired.”
I shoot up from my chair. “Really?” I squeal softly, which makes him laugh.
“Yes, can you start tomorrow? I would say today but…” He looks over my dress. “I wouldn’t want you to ruin that dress.”
I almost squeal from the happiness I feel, excited about my first real job and to have such an amazing opportunity. He could hire anyone with experience or a degree, but he hired me on the spot just like that.
“Tomorrow is great!” My smile lights up the office.
I can’t wait to tell Aiden the great news, but I’m not going to tell him Avery is a man right away. He has to see why this is okay. Nothing will happen.
He has nothing to worry about.
∞∞∞
I fly into the massive building while Howard, my guard, runs behind me. Too excited to knock, I fling Aiden’s office door open, a bright smile on my face. I instantly regret it as my stomach drops.
A woman is seated in front of Aiden. She looks so casual and comfortable sitting across from him, it makes me nauseous. Her short gray dress is hiked up where her legs are crossed. Her brown hair swings as her perfect face turns to look at me.
The smile fades from my face as I stand by the doorframe.
“Excu–” Aiden’s eyes shoot daggers at the door, ready to scold whoever just walked in without knocking.
His expression softens when he sees me. He excuses himself and ushers me outside, closing the door behind him.
He places a hand on my arm. “Baby? Why do you look so sad? Did they not hire you?” His face contorts with anger.
“I’m so sorry I barged in like that.” I shake my head. “It’s nothing. I got the job,” I say in a small disinterested voice, looking at the floor.
Aiden lifts my chin. “What?”
I don’t want to sound childish or stupid. I gesture to the door quietly. “Who is she?”
A smile takes over his face and I swat him.
“You’re jealous.” He states in an arrogant tone.
I roll my eyes. “No,” I lie.
He places a hand on my shoulder. “Baby, I need an assistant.”
Why one so pretty? Before he sees my sad features, I smile. “It’s fine.” I assure him. I trust him. Seeing such a beautiful girl in his office just caught me off guard. It really isn’t a big deal.
He raises his brow. “If you don’t want me to hire her, I won’t.” He opens the door and steps inside.
I grab his arm as he edges into the doorway. “No!”
But it’s too late.
“Ms. Meyer, thanks for your time.” He says simply, shaking her hand. “I have to attend to something important. My front desk associate will call you if you’ve been hired.”
With that, she smiles and walks out.
Aiden ushers me in and closes the door, leaving Howard to stand guard outside.
I sigh. “Is she qualified?” I try not to sound bitter.
He shrugs. “Not really. I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter.”
I look at him with a serious expression. “If she’s qualified, you should hire her.”
He shakes his head. “I have a lot of applicants to go through. We will see but I don’t care about that.” He wraps me in a tight hug, lifting me off the ground. “You got the job!”
I can’t help but smile. I nod. “I did! It’s so cute too. Just what I would imagine a bakery would look like in France.” I swoon over the decor and tell him every detail of the rustic exposed brick that lines the shop. “I can’t wait to see the kitchen!” I practically jump out of my heels.
“Well, your boss must have really liked you.” He smiles. “Avery, is it? Was she nice?” He lifts a brow.
I hesitate. If I tell him, what will he do?
I don’t want to lie. I promised myself I won’t be dishonest with him ever. I’ll tell him after a week…once he sees it’s not a big deal, I’ll do something sweet for forgiveness.
I want him to trust my judgment and he’s been so busy lately that I don’t want to worry him.
“She’s great! I start tomorrow.”
∞∞∞
I push the doors open, inhaling the sweet aromas wafting in the air. Howard dropped me off. While I hoped Aiden would have, he was already gone when I got up.
“Ahh, Ms. Banks.” Avery smiles, then coughs once. “I mean Emilia. Come.” He gestures to the back.
I smile, excited to see the kitchen.
“This is for you.” He hands me a white apron, La Patisserie in black scrolled across the front.
I put it on with a smile, reaching around awkwardly to tie it.
Avery takes the strings from my hands. “I’ve got it.”
I’ve heard horror stories of chefs who yell at their assistants. From the looks of it, I think Avery will be a nice boss. He looked so intimidating at first, maybe I shouldn’t judge someone so quickly.
“Thanks!” I wait for instructions, dancing impatiently on the balls of my feet.
He laughs, tying his own apron, “Eager, are we?”
I nod. “This is my dream.
I can’t wait for you to teach me everything you know.” I smile.
He places a hand on the small of my back and guides me over to a working station. I shift from his touch, he’s friendly by nature I guess but I hope he gets the hint. “First step. Always wash your hands when you enter the kitchen.” He turns the water on. “After you touch anything, you always wash your hands.” He checks the temperature.
I do as instructed.
Avery shakes his head. “You need a better lather. Here, let me help.” He reaches out, bringing his hands under the water, and rubs the soap up and down my arms.
I instinctively pull away, a little uncomfortable with that type of hands on learning. I don’t want to think too much on it, I’m sure he’s just a nice man who gets excited about baking.
The day goes by fast, as I learn everything about the kitchen as well as a new technique on kneading dough.
“I know you just started, but as you can tell by the oven, we are in need of upgrades. A company is coming in over the week to install new appliances.” He smiles.
I can tell how excited he is. Everything looks beautiful and new in the polished kitchen, but it takes thirty minutes to start and preheat the oven. That won’t do when we are busy.
“That’s awesome. I bet you’ll love having it preheat quickly. So, when will I come back?”
“Friday.” He decides after a while.
We continue to work until my hands are sore from kneading dough.
When I slide into the back of the SUV and check my phone, there’s one text from Aiden.
I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up for me.
Again?
Wonderful.
Twenty-One
It’s Saturday night and I’m sitting alone on the couch, waiting for Aiden to get home. Howard is at the kitchen table, deep in work on the laptop and quiet as usual. The elevator dings and Ashley burst through the apartment.
I’m happy but my body sighs, I really miss Aiden.
She rolls her eyes as she stands in front of the couch. “Hoping I was someone else?”
I shake my head and feign a bright smile. “Aiden’s just been busy. But I miss you too! Come sit so we can catch up.” I pat the couch.
A sinister smile takes over her features.
I instantly shake my head, taking her in. Hair done, make up perfect, short dress on. Oh no.
“No club,” I warn her.
She grabs my wrist, pulling me towards the bedroom to change. “No clubs. Ricky’s throwing a party. Come on!”
An idea pops into my head. I want Aiden’s attention. I’m too chicken to tell him that. He’s busy with work while trying to keep us safe with the new apartment and all. But I miss him.
If Ricky or Howard tells him that I’m at a party, he will come.
Bingo.
“That one.” I say as Ashley flings clothes out from the closet.
She nods in agreement before tossing it to me. It’s a silver party dress, the back and front are both cut low. If I want to catch Aiden’s attention, this is the dress to do just that.
Ashley pokes Howard’s chest when we step out of the bedroom, all dolled up. “Listen here, buddy.” She snickers as she tries to be serious. “We’re going to Ricky’s. You call my brother and you’ll have to deal with me.”
For the first time, I see a smile form on Howard’s face.
He looks over to Ashley’s bodyguard and nods, “I’ll drive the girls.”
∞∞∞
The party is more packed then I had expected. Music blares throughout the large, upscale apartment and there are people everywhere, all dressed nicely. I’m glad Ash is somewhere safe and, from the looks of Ricky pouring drinks on the bar top, they party the same way too.
I watch as Ashley’s smile brightens when he catches her eye. So cute!
I rest my elbow on the bar top. He still hasn’t seen me because he’s too busy eyeing Ash. I love it.
He hands her a drink and pours one for himself.
Needing liquid courage, I grab it from his hands, which makes Ashley laugh. His eyes snaps to me before widening.
“Hey Ricky!” I greet with a sly smile.
He stares at me as though I’m an alien in his apartment. He gives me one long drawn out “hey”, before turning and pulling out his phone.
Updating Aiden, I’m sure.
Just as I planned.
Aiden
∞∞∞
I’m drowning in a mound of paperwork. None of the people I interviewed even came close to earning my trust.
I wish Emilia would have just taken the job. But I get it, she’s following her passion. I just wish she’d go to culinary school where she can go somewhere with it. Working in the pastry shop can only do so much. But as long as she’s happy, it’s whatever.
I’ve been waiting for her to tell me about Avery. Hasn’t she realized I’ve done an extensive background check on her boss and all his employees?
Fuck. I want to be mad at her, but she’s trying to prove that she can handle it herself. I’ll lie low until she needs me.
My phone buzzes against the hardwood. My tired eyes watch as it vibrates on the mahogany before I grab it.
A text from Ricky.
I laugh as I read it.
Hey man, Em’s at my party.
I don’t believe it for a second. She would have called me.
He sends me a picture of Emma standing by the counter, a glass of wine in her hand. But that’s not what makes me leave my office immediately. Her dress is cut so low, I can see her delicate back and curves way too easily.
Fuck stopping by the house to change. Guess I’m going to Ricky’s party in a suit.
It takes me a few minutes to arrive.
I push my way through the crowd. That’s when I see her sitting cross legged on a bar stool. The amount of men surrounding her makes my fist clench. It takes everything in me not to pull up the front of her dress to hide her cleavage. But if I do, her dress will ride up. It’s short, too fucking short.
A wide smile takes over her features when she spots me.
I make my way in front of her in a few long strides. This girl needs to understand that she’s mine. Only fucking mine. I will not tolerate this behavior. How does she not get this even now? From the way she brings her bottom lip between her teeth, I can tell she does.
“Come.” I demand. Not waiting for her to stand on her own, I grab her arm and pull her up, keeping her body flush to me.
I push through the crowd towards Ricky’s room. I open the door to see two naked people on the bed. Thank God it isn’t Ashley, or my eyes would be scarred. I shield my girl from the view. I bark at them to get out, watching as they gather their clothes and exit quickly.
I turn to Emma, admiring her full lips and how good she looks tonight. Besides the make-up. She doesn’t fucking need it. I wipe the deep scarlet shade off her lips. She’s too innocent to be wearing such a promiscuous color on her perfect pout.
“You don’t need it,” I assure her.
She gives a small smile before heading to the now-empty bed.
“No,” I growl.
She looks at me silently, questioning me with her gaze.
“There was another man on that bed. I don’t want you on it. Come.” I demand. She walks toward me slowly. I notice my lock necklace and smile.
By the wide smirk on her perfect face, I think she has planned this all along.
So, my girl wants to play?
A smirk takes over my face. She didn’t wear this short fucking dress for anybody’s eyes but mine. “Do I need to teach you a lesson?”
She nods.
This girl drives me crazy in the most perfect way.
Of course, my perfect girl didn’t come to a party to flirt with other guys. She did this to get my attention. I’ve been so busy dealing with finances, extra security and moving us that I’ve neglected her. This is her way of getting my full attention.
Well, she’s got it.
E
milia looks up at me, the sweetest words escaping her full lips. “I missed you.”
That is all I need.
I cup her cheek. The black ink on my wrist is a stark contrast against her perfect and pure skin and the sparkle of freckles that adorn her face. My tongue slides into her mouth, her familiar taste making me harden. I grab the thin material of her dress and rip it down the middle, satisfied when it falls to the floor between us.
“Hey!” She tries to sound serious through her ragged breathing.
“Too short,” I state, looking her up and down as I admire her naked breast. No bra but she has panties on. She looks exposed. Exposed, only for me.
She slips off her panties herself, biting her bottom lip as she looks into my eyes.
Fuck.
I lift her into the air, her thick thighs wrapping around my waist. I can’t wait any longer. No foreplay.
I want to fuck my girl, to own her.
She gasps as I ram into her tight, wet pussy. It turns me on knowing she’s so ready for my cock. My hands grip her ass as I fuck her standing up. The feeling of my arms around her body as she bounces up and down on my dick is intense.
“Aiden.” She moans, throwing her head back as I pound into her.
I relish in the feeling of my throbbing cock ramming inside her. This girl is fucking mine. “You like the way I fuck you, baby?”
She moans my name.
“The way I control your body like this?” I growl, gripping her waist as I slide her up and down my shaft.
She is speechless through her desperate moans.
“Tell me who owns you,” I demand.
“You…You do.” She moans.
I can tell she’s getting close.
“Look at you. So obedient. Fuck, baby. That’s it. Do you like me pounding into your tight pussy?” I grip her waist, lifting her up and down my throbbing cock. I enjoy how she bounces against my body. I feel her coming undone beneath me. Her body goes slack as my strong arms hold her up.
