I took another sip of my drink, letting silence fill the moment just enough to tease her. “How much?”
She smiled sweetly. “Don’t ruin the moment, baby.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Go for it. Whatever you want.”
She leaned across the table pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I knew you loved me.”
I sucked her bottom lip between mine, making her gasp slightly. "That's without question."
She smiled at me before picking up her wine glass. "Also…can we go to Cabo this summer, baby?"
I laughed, leaning back in my chair, dragging a hand down my face. "Damn, woman. You are relentless ain't you?"
She just batted those eyes and nodded, completely unapologetic. "I deserve it. Don't you think?"
Our eyes locked, an unspoken conversation taking place that had nothing to do with the playful back and forth banter.
"You do." I nodded once, decisive. "Cabo it is." I signaled for the check.
An hour later, we arrived back home. The twins were already in bed and the house was quiet.
Eva’s sister stood near the door, keys in hand, giving us a tired smile. “Night y’all,” she said.
“Appreciate you,” I nodded.
She hugged her sister, waved and stepped out, the door closing softly behind her. I followed Eva to the room; she was already yawning like she had the longest day in the world. The twins were a handful for sure, but on weekdays Eva spent most of her day making sure our home was perfect and spending my money on frivolous shit to her heart's content.
She kicked off her heels and stretched. “I’m exhausted,” she said peeling off her dress.
“Take a shower and get some get some rest, love," I replied preparing to head back out.
She didn’t respond right away. I caught her watching me in the mirror as I brushed my waves, then reached for my cologne, giving myself a few light spritzes.
Her tone lowered. “You’re not coming to bed?”
I met her gaze in the mirror. “Got something to check on.”
It was vague. It always was. But she didn’t question it. That trust…or maybe that choice not to dig sat between us.
She nodded slightly, stepping closer before pressing a light kiss to my cheek. “Don’t stay out too late,” she murmured. Then she turned and disappeared into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind her.
I waited until I heard the shower running before grabbing my keys.
Next stop—paradise. For the night anyway. My car rolled quietly through the late-night streets; the city life scenery tapering off until I was surrounded by nothing but open road as the desert stretched in front ot me.
I pulled in front of a four-story mansion, well-lit but still discreet. Inside was where the fantasy lived. After the security check, I stepped through the door and one of the hosts greeted me, her smile soft and warm.
“Good evening, Mr. Avery.”
I nodded once.
She looked down at her tablet before looking back up at me. “I’ll let Monroe know you’ve arrived. Would you like to wait for her at the bar?"
"Yeah. I could use a drink." I didn’t need to be led; I knew my way around. I had been a member at Siren House for a little over two years. I didn’t indulge often—once or twice a month. But when I did, Monroe was always the women I came to see.
She was a walking contradiction—soft and dangerous, sweet, and sinful. The kind of woman you didn’t try to keep…you just experienced. In another lifetime, I could've made her mine. But as it stood, our relationship where it was now was a welcome distraction when I need to release some pressure.
I headed to the bar and took a seat. There were a few other clients there waiting for their entertainment for the evening. A football game was on. I took a seat and the bartender made my favorite. He placed it in front of me without a word. I sipped as I watched the game, waiting.
