Page 51 of Revenge & Truth

To the average person, no one would believe this man when everything else he’s written is clearly all conspiracy. This, however, was right on the money, and now I understood why Ivy was so adamant this gala was going to be important. If I could start the wheels turning on having Domenico on my side, then getting the De Santis family off my back would be easy. Tapping my pen against my chin, I leaned back, trying to figure out the best way to approach Domenico.

Would it be smarter to do it before the gala? What if he won’t take my call? Did meeting at the gala risk warning the other families we were talking? The more I looked at this problem from every angle I could think of, none of the answers were the right fit. There had to be a way to use this moment. Maybe Ivy would have an idea for me if she was willing to talk business while shopping, but something told me that woman preferred to compartmentalize matters.

“Astin,” Braxton called as he knocked on my office door.

“Come in,” I said, absently looking over the invitation I’d been sent, wishing it had the answers I needed.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled me from my thoughts. Glancing at the door, I found Jace was there as well with a scowl on his face. “What’s wrong?” I asked, sitting up.

“You didn’t eat,” Jace stated, pointing to the untouched tray.

“Aanndd?” I questioned, drawing out the word. “That doesn’t explain the mood you’re in right now. Did something happen last night that I don’t know about?”

“No, everything’s fine,” Braxton assured me. “I just came up to get you since your first meeting is in ten minutes.”

My gaze flicked to Braxton who had a slight smile on his lips and a glint of humor in his eyes as he observed Jace. Closing my computer, I stood and walked over to Jace, whose gaze was tracking my every move.

“Jace, I need you to talk to me. Have I done something to upset you? I thought last night went rather perfect, but it appears you might not agree,” I commented.

He blinked, his face scrunching up in confusion. “What? No. Last night was amazing, and I loved every second of it.” Reaching out, he gripped my arms, searching my face as he spoke. “The problem I’m having is that you chose not to come down to breakfast, and you haven’t touched a speck of food. Atticus also mentioned you had trouble sleeping last night which just added to my worry.”

“Why would you be worried?” I pressed, which earned me a disapproving look. “Hey, I’m not trying to be difficult here, but nothing you’re saying makes sense.”

Braxton snickered. “Told you.” That comment got Braxton a glare from Jace.

“Jace, I’m gonna need you to tell me what’s going on in your brain, or you’re gonna have to put a pin in the topic and talk to me later,” I explained.

Closing his eyes, Jace took a deep breath and let it out slowly as if trying to calm his emotions. “When I was young, my mom had terrible depression with all the shit my dad put her through. One of the signs things were getting bad was not eating, secluding herself, and insomnia. You’ve been through so much the past few months it makes sense if you were depressed. I guess, in a way, I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop and some unknown problem strikes causing you to snap. The way you’ve been able to keep moving forward after all this isn’t normal, and it scares me.”

This was the last thing I expected to hear coming from Jace, but now understanding his family history, it made sense.

Leaning in, I hugged Jace, feeling how tense he was. “I’m sorry I’ve worried you, but this is fairly normal for me before I have a thieving job. My brain tends to fixate on the job, playing it over repeatedly in my head, making sure I’ve figured out every detail. The stress puts me off food, and it’s hard to be around people talking and asking me questions. I just needed the morning to settle things in my head before I started the day.”

His whole body relaxed as he returned my hug, squeezing me tightly. “Thank you for explaining that to me. It makes perfect sense you’d need a little space. Sorry I freaked out and assumed worst-case scenario. You’ll learn rather quickly that when I care about someone, I get a little intense.”

“A little?” Braxton scoffed.

“Watch it, pup. I’m always counting,” Jace warned, his tone darkening to something that sent delicious shivers through me. “Did you like that, princess?” Jace asked, whispering in my ear.

My hands fisted his shirt as my breathing quickened at the feel of his lips brushing the shell of my ear. “What are you doing to me?”

Jace stepped back and caught my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “Giving you what you’re actually craving right now. Your mind is searching for someone else to be in charge, freeing you from your overwhelming responsibilities. Unfortunately, we don’t have time to delve into this now, but I do have a suggestion that might help.”

“What would that be?” I asked, full of curiosity at the reaction my body was having to this whole situation.

Using his grip, he turned my face to look at Braxton. “He’s yours, right? Well, channel that need to control things into taking care of your sub. Braxton is your assistant today, and the one thing he craves most is to be of service to you, so let him do that.”

As if on cue, Braxton dropped to his knees, head bowed and hands resting on his thighs. I glanced up at Jace, slightly unsure how to proceed, but he gave me a reassuring smile and shifted to stand behind me.

“Pet, what is my schedule today?” I asked.

“To start, you have a meeting with the leaders of the Rebel Order MC about distribution. Following that, you set aside time to check in with the Old Guard. Depending on how long that takes, you have a thirty to forty-five-minute break before you’re forced to deal with Edgar. He didn’t give any reasoning for his meeting, but knowing the bastard, he wants to see how much he can get away with now that there’s a new Boss,” Braxton shared, not lifting his head. “Once you’re finished with his meeting, then it will be time for you to meet with Ivy to go shopping.”

Contemplating who I was meeting with today and what would be needed, I laid out the rules for my pet. “You will not speak unless I ask you a question or give you the freedom to share your thoughts. Each guest will be offered a tray with a glass of water, scotch, coffee, or tea for them to choose from. They only get one drink unless I say otherwise. When not assisting, you will stand at my shoulder, ready to help with any need I should have. Should there be a situation where you require my attention right away, rest your hand on my shoulder or refer to me as ‘My Queen’ if I’m not close by. Do you understand and agree to all these rules, pet?”

“Yes, Mistress. I am honored to be of service,” Braxton answered, looking up at me, showing me the peace and contentment this gave him.

“Let’s go,” I ordered, signaling him to stand. Turning to Jace, I cupped his cheek and drew him close enough to kiss. “Thank you for worrying about me and coming to check on me.”