Page 12

The past week, as lovers and Dom and sub, has been wonderful for Alexandra and me. When we weren’t working, we were strengthening our connection through learning about each other, playing, and having sex. It was, without a doubt, the best and most fulfilling relationship I’d ever had in or out of the lifestyle. She was vocal about feeling the same way. We were determined not to let anything ruin it. However, not everything was perfect.

Two nights after our visit to Lustz, I received a call from Cady. I thought I knew what it was about, but I answered it and pretended as if I didn’t.

“Hello, Cady,”

I said. I put it on speakerphone so Alexandra could hear. She was sitting next to me. We’d been watching television.

“What the hell, Carver? What the hell!?”

she yelled.

“You’ll have to be more specific than just repeating what the hell, sis. Why are you calling and yelling at me?”

I was grinning. Good thing she couldn’t see me.

“Don’t play games with me, Carver! You know what I mean. I got a call from Tajah. She said that Mikhail and Reuben talked. Guess what Reuben told him? That my brother and my friend were at Lustz on Friday night.”

“Yes, we were. You knew we were going, so what’s the big deal?”

“Hush. You said you were going there to play, but never said you planned to play with each other. Reuben informed Mikhail that the two of you are together. And it’s not just to play together. Tell me Reuben was wrong or pulling one over on them.”

“Reuben shouldn’t have said anything, but he wasn’t wrong. We were there, and we did play together, but it was more than that. Alexandra and I decided we wanted to be in a full relationship together. That was our first outing after agreeing. We were waiting until we saw you to tell you about it. I should’ve asked Reub to keep his mouth shut. It’s a wonder Iker didn’t blab to Hoss.”

“Iker was there and knew, too!”

she hollered.

“Cady Cat, calm down and let your brother speak. Yes, Iker was there and saw them. He told me. I was waiting to allow your brother and Lexi a chance to tell us themselves,”

Hoss said calmly in the background. Her outraged gasp was loud.

“You knew and didn’t tell me!”

she snapped at Hoss.

“I did. He called an hour ago to discuss Reef and to ask if I wanted his men to continue watching him. It seems Lexi thinks it’s a waste of time and money. He mentioned seeing them.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t say anything. It’s bad enough that my brother and supposed friend didn’t, but you didn’t either. See if I let you touch me any time soon, Big Man,”

she muttered darkly.

Alexandra appeared worried and contrite. I was about to reassure her when Hoss replied to my sister’s threat.

“You’ll let me touch you whenever I want because I can hold out longer than you, Tiny.”

She made a strangled screaming sound and then got quiet.

“If you’ve stopped having a tantrum, you’ve got Alexandra sitting here, worried you hate her and won’t be her friend anymore. You can be upset with me, but don’t make her feel bad,”

I ordered.

There were a couple of seconds of nothing, then Cady spoke. “Lexi, I’m sorry. I’m not going to kick you to the curb as my friend. I’m just disappointed others knew before I did. And I know somehow it has to be my rotten big brother’s fault. I want him to feel guilty and bad, not you.”

Alexandra’s tension eased as her lips twitched. “I’m glad to hear it, Cady. It wasn’t intentional to leave you in the dark. We were waiting to see you in person, and the same is true for Tajah. As for Carver being at fault, I guess, in a way, you can say he is.”

“What?”

I asked in surprise.

“Yes. See if he wasn’t addling my brains with amazing sex—”

The grin on her face was huge as she was cut off by Cady’s shriek.

“Noooo! Don’t say another word.

I don’t want to know about it.

I can’t.

It’s bad enough that intellectually, I know you two are doing whatever it is that you do.

Nope.

Hoss, honey, I need to bleach out my ears.”

Her silliness made me, Alexandra, and Hoss laugh while Cady harrumphed at us.

After that, we were able to have a conversation with them.

Alexandra asked Hoss to stop paying Iker to have Reef watched twenty-four-seven.

He argued against it but finally agreed to give it another week, and then we’d figure out something else.

She was happy with it.

I was ready to change it up.

After we hung up with them, we called to speak to Tajah and Mikhail. They were much calmer and didn’t growl at us, though they did laugh when we told them how Cady acted.

However, all that was a fond memory, and I’d do it on repeat a thousand times to avoid tonight.

Yes, the time had come.

Our parents were in town, and we were commanded, not invited, to go to dinner with them, and the potential client Father wanted to impress.

It was going to be a horrible night.

When I asked Alexandra to come with me to make it better, she agreed.

Besides her presence, I was looking forward to another thing.

It was to watch our father pretend he was delighted to meet his son-in-law.

I had no doubt he’d pretend this wasn’t the first time if we didn’t get there before his guests.

Maybe he’d choke on dinner, and we’d be free early.

When I told Alexandra what I was hoping, she shook her head and rolled her eyes but smirked.

I did reach out to our mom so she would know I was bringing a guest.

Cady let her know that she wasn’t coming without Hoss.

Mom had replied that we should bring whomever we wanted.

Her response made me wonder if she would warn Father.

We’ll see.

Dinner was at a five-star restaurant in downtown Nashville.

We were to meet them there at seven-thirty.

Knowing how he would judge and not wanting to put up with more of his cutting remarks than I had to, I dressed carefully.

In preparation for the night, Alexandra and Cady went shopping after work during the week.

Tajah joined them.

Hoss, Mikhail, and I went along to serve as their escorts.

Alexandra was dazzling when she walked out of the bedroom, set to go.

I showered and then left her to get ready in private.

I hadn’t seen the outfit she bought.

She hid it from me at the store and refused to let me see it.

It was a satin dress that hit mid-thigh.

It had what she called a faux-wrap front with a deep V-neck, which tastefully highlighted her incredible breasts.

It had large, puffy sleeves and was a gorgeous crimson red that stood out against her skin. She paired it with a small silver handbag and strappy heels. Her jewelry was a necklace and earring set consisting of rhinestones and synthetic rubies. Seeing them, I knew I would get her a real set one day. They were perfect on her. Her hair was elegantly twisted up on her head. Her makeup was tastefully done, emphasizing her green eyes and lush mouth. The red lipstick matched her dress.

Earlier, she went through my closet and picked out the suit she wanted me to wear.

Now, I understood the red tie she’d handed me then.

She got it when she bought the dress.

I wore a black suit and dark charcoal shirt paired with my red tie and my black dress shoes.

My hair was in its usual waves, which would piss Father off.

He thought a man should have hair no more than a couple of inches long all over.

He’d criticized my hair all my life. He always said it made me look queer.

As I admired Alexandra, she ran her eyes up and down me, then sighed. “You look so handsome, Carver. And if it wouldn’t mess your hair up, I’d run my fingers through it. You have the loveliest and softest hair. I bet women always tell you how jealous they are of it.”

“Thank you, baby. Many have, although according to my father, it makes me look queer. He hates it. And I’m nothing compared to the stunningly beautiful woman who will be on my arm. Every man in the place will envy me. If it wouldn’t mess you up, I’d kiss that mouth and play in your hair.”

“You’re making me hot. Stop. No matter how hard you try, we’re not staying home. Your sister needs us. And I would like to meet your mom. At least she sounds tolerable. As for your dad, if he gets too insulting, I’ll punch him.”

I laughed. “I’ll pay you to do it. And since you refuse to let us play hooky, we should get going. Traffic will be heavier tonight. And we’ll never hear the end of it if Hoss and Cady get there too long before us. As bad as Father is with me, he’s worse to her.”

She smiled and took my arm. On the drive there, we talked about what we were in the mood to eat. We’d checked over the menu ahead of time. We made it with time to spare. I was out of the car, taking the ticket from the valet, when my phone buzzed. Removing it from my pocket, I wasn’t surprised to see it was from my sister. I grinned at her message.

Cady: WHERE ARE YOU!?

I responded before giving my arm to Alexandra. The valet had opened her door first.

Me: Outside. Give us a minute.

Tucking the phone away, I assisted my date out of the car and wrapped her arm over mine. Walking in, I felt dozens of eyes land on us seconds before Cady mobbed us. Hoss was walking sedately behind her when she reached us. He wore an amused expression.

“Thank God, I thought you’d never get here. What took you so long?”

“Babe, we’ve been here literally five minutes,”

Hoss reminded her.

“Are you sure? It feels like an hour. Should we get a drink to make this possibly easier?”

she asked.

“No, reserve it for the table. You look beautiful, sis,”

I told her as I kissed her cheek.

“And may I say how lovely you look, Lexi?”

Hoss asked.

“Yes, you may. Thank you, Hoss. You and Carver are both very handsome tonight. We’ll have to fight off the ladies,”

Alexandra said in return.

A few more words and compliments were exchanged before we settled down to wait. It wouldn’t be long until they were here. Thinking of that and knowing how Father liked to be early made me go to the hostess stand.

“Good evening. Do you have a reservation?”

the woman asked politely.

“We’re actually meeting someone. I believe the reservation is under Anderson, Carter Anderson.”

She looked at her tablet and then nodded. “Here it is. Part of your party is already seated. I’ll show you to their table.”

Knowing we had to do it sometime, I nodded and gestured for the others to come over. When we were all there, the hostess led us into the dining room. Low conversations were happening all over. It was full. Many appeared to be couples, though larger groups were scattered around the room. She kept going and didn’t stop until we were outside a small private room. Leave it to him to reserve one.

“Have a wonderful evening,”

she said before walking off. Through the doorway, I saw Mom and Dad sitting at a large round table. Across from them were a man and a woman. The man was the age of our father. The woman was significantly younger—I’d place her around my age. I could imagine what Father was thinking. He scorned couples where one was considerably older than the other.

“Into the mouth of the lion, we go,”

I muttered softly to our group.

I heard the women suppress giggles, and Hoss snorted. I squared my shoulders and walked in first. Father and Mom’s eyes shifted to us. I saw the smile Mom wore. His face was creased in a welcoming smile, but I saw how he eyed me. He came to his feet, and so did the man with them. I knew the moment he saw Hoss. His right cheek twitches. It was his tell when he was furious. I smiled wider.

As we approached, I was the one to break the silence. “Good evening, Father, Mom, and guests. Thank you for inviting us to an evening out.”

“Good evening,”

the man said.

“Thank you for agreeing to come,”

Father said.

By then, we had reached our parents. I kissed Mom’s cheek and then shook hands with Father. Cady ended up doing the same. I didn’t know why he persisted in these kinds of displays. You’d have to be stupid not to feel how unnatural we were with him.

Before I could introduce Alexandra to Mom, Father hurried to introduce his guests. “This is Reginald Perry and his lovely wife, Anastasia. Reginald, this is my son, Carver, and my daughter, Cadence.”

He paused.

Nodding across the table at Perry and his wife, I introduced my date. If I didn’t, she might not be asked who she was by Father. “Mr. Perry, Mrs. Perry, it’s a pleasure. Let me introduce my girlfriend, Alexandra.”

Right on the heels of it, Cady introduced Hoss. I was watching out of the corner of my eye when she did. Mom appeared calm. Our father, on the other hand, was fighting to appear like he was.

“Mr. and Mrs. Perry, welcome to Nashville. Let me introduce you to my husband, Magnus, although everyone calls him Hoss,”

Cady said.

There was satisfaction in her tone as she did, and you could tell she loved him by how she looked at him. The tick worsened on Father’s cheek as his skin became redder. He usually had a ruddier complexion, but it was darkening. I thought it was due to the alcohol he consumed and his temper.

“It’s so wonderful to meet you both and your significant others. Please be seated. And no need to stand on ceremony. Call me Reggie, and my wife goes by Ana,”

Reginald said jovially.

As we situated ourselves behind the empty seats and Hoss and I pulled out chairs for our ladies, I caught Father whispering in Mom’s ear.

“Reggie and Ana, it’s very nice to meet you. We’ve been waiting for this dinner since Cady’s dad mentioned it to Carver. I understand you live in Knoxville like they do,”

Hoss stated.

“We have a home there, but don’t live there full time. My wife is originally from that area. Our regular home is in Arlington, Virginia. I do a lot of business in DC and New York. I like to get to know the personal side of those I do business with. I arranged to meet your parents here after discovering their children lived in Nashville. I can’t wait to hear more about you and what you do. But first, I think we should have a drink,”

Reggie said.

Several minutes were taken up by chatter and ordering. It wasn’t the worst dinner date. Reggie seemed to dominate the conversation, which I was more than okay with. His wife seemed to be rather vapid. She struck me as arm candy, although maybe I was being unkind. The women tried to engage her in conversation with Mom while the men discussed the business Reggie owned and how our father’s company might be able to help him. It was hard not to tell Reggie to go with one that might still be in business in a few years. From what I knew, our family’s business was dying off fast.

After drinks arrived, we perused the menu so the waitress could take our meal orders. Once that was out of the way, the conversation turned to other things. Again, Reggie led the discussion.

“Carver, I understand that you’re a lawyer. Your dad didn’t say which kind of law you specialize in.”

“I am. I specialize in intellectual law.”

“I told him there was money in criminal law if he did it right, but he wasn’t into that. I thought when he said he wanted to be a lawyer, he meant he wanted to practice real law,”

Father said dismissively.

And now it was to begin. He’d held his tongue as long as he could. It must be some new record for him. I knew defending my choice or telling him I made an excellent living and had my own law firm would mean nothing, so I kept my mouth shut.

“I think intellectual law could be exciting. And he’s ideally placed living here where so many record companies, music stars, and songwriters live. I bet you make a good living,”

Reggie countered.

“As a matter of fact, I do. I was able to leave my original law firm and create mine three years ago. I’m consistently growing and adding staff.”

“Congratulations. Carter, you never told me your son owned a business. I thought he worked for someone else. What about you, Cady? You’re a veterinarian, I believe. How is that? I bet you stay busy.”

“I am one, and I’m constantly busy. I just recently moved my office to a new location and brought on a second vet and more staff. It’s in a different area of town, and I have more customers. It’s all due to Hoss.”

She smiled at her husband.

“All I did was help you see what you could do if you had a bigger practice and a new office,”

Hoss said, diverting her thanks.

“Both children own businesses, which is even more impressive. You have to be so proud of them. That is an accomplishment. I love hearing young people making something of themselves and loving what they do for work. What about you, Alexandra, and Hoss? May I ask what the two of you do for work?”

he asked nicely.

Hoss gestured for her to go first. “I’m a registered nurse. My specialty is neurology. I work for a neurologist who is part of the VA. I’m originally from Florida, but I love that I moved to Tennessee. I was fortunate to get the job I have.”

“I admire nurses so much. I could never do what you do,”

Ana said. I feared she might’ve forgotten how to talk, but I guess not. She sounded sincere, and I saw respect on her face.

“Thank you. It is hard at times, but I find it worth it,”

Alexandra informed her. They exchanged smiles.

“And your job, Hoss?”

Ana asked.

“I’m a computer program designer,”

he said. He didn’t mention that he owned a top tech company and was a multi-millionaire. I thought I heard a snort from my father, but I couldn’t be sure.

The arrival of our food interrupted any further talk. We sat eating in relative silence, other than remarks on how it was. I had no complaints there. The food was delicious. As we got close to the end of the meal, Alexandra leaned over and whispered in my ear. I was next to Mom.

“I think your dad is about to have a heart attack. He’s pissed, I can tell. He doesn’t like you and Cady being complimented and doesn’t like that you brought me, or she’s married to Hoss.”

“He hates anything that takes the light off him or makes him feel inferior. It took me years to realize that. He tries his best to belittle what we do. But he won’t say the truly cutting stuff in front of Reggie. He’s hoping to sucker him into hiring his company. At least we got a good meal out of it,”

I whispered back.

“What’re you two whispering about? I raised you better than to do that when in company,”

Father snapped.

“Alexandra asked me a question that wasn’t for everyone, Father. I was merely answering her. Everyone else was busy eating. I was ensuring she didn’t need anything, and her meal was to her liking.”

“What would she have to complain about regarding the meal? If she’s complaining, maybe you should’ve left her at home. This is an important dinner. I recall inviting you and your sister.”

Honestly, his words and attitude didn’t surprise me, but the fact that he did it in front of Reggie did. Unlike when he took his irritation out on me, I wouldn’t allow him to do it to Alexandra.

“You did invite Cady and me, and we chose to bring our significant others with us. This would be the opportunity to meet our parents. Saying what you just did and drawing attention to us murmuring wasn’t appropriate. Someone who calls others out on proper manners would know that.”

His eyes almost bulged out of his head. Reggie and Ana were glancing at each other uneasily. I turned to them.

“I apologize if our family dynamics make you uncomfortable. That’s not my intention. We’re enjoying your conversations. It’s always nice to hear of other places and other work people do. If you’re staying a few days in Nashville, we can give you a list of places we think shouldn’t be missed.”

I didn’t want to make the Perrys feel distressed. They seemed like nice people.

Cady was next to Ana, and until we were called out for whispering, she and Ana talked and smiled. Unfortunately, Hoss was next to our father, who hadn’t said a word directly to him since we arrived. Not that Hoss was missing out.

“How dare you say such things!? I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful of your elders or betters, Carver,”

Father thundered. Mom gasped, putting her hand on his arm, but he shook it off.

“And who exactly are our betters, Dad? You? Don’t make me laugh. Let’s be truthful for once tonight. We were told we had to be here for this dinner, Reggie. My dad informed Carver and had him tell me I had to come and that I had better be on my best behavior. Why? Because—”

“Cadence, you will stop this instant!”

Father thundered.

And that was what got Hoss to step into the conversation. “Mr. Anderson, you will not yell at my wife. I didn’t want to believe what she told me about you, but I see it’s true. No wonder you weren’t invited to our wedding or didn’t even know that Cady was engaged and getting married. The truth is, the only reason they came was so they would get a chance to see their mom. We could’ve gotten through the night pretending if you could contain yourself. However, we see that’s not possible.”

“The reason my daughter didn’t tell me about you and this ludicrous marriage is that she knew I would disapprove. And your laughable attempt to look like you belong and could fit in with people like us is pathetic. I bet you had to rent that suit. Your talk about being a computer programmer is no doubt a lie. I bet you work at some lowlife bar as a bouncer,”

Father sneered. The veil of civility was ripped apart, and it was all coming out.

Cady came to her feet. “Actually, he’s more than he told you. He can buy and sell you and your pathetic company, which you and our uncles are running into the ground, and shortly will bankrupt a hundred times or more. He was being polite and didn’t want to make anyone feel that he was boasting. Well, I’ll boast for him. My husband is a wonderful, successful, and loving man,”

Cady said angrily.

“Cady Cat, there’s no need for you to say anything,”

Hoss told her.

“Like hell, there isn’t. Carver and I have been treated like dirt all our lives by this man, and so has our mom. I’ll be damned if he’ll make you or Lexi feel like you’re nothing. And he sure the hell won’t do it to our children,”

she hissed.

“Reginald, please excuse my ungrateful children. They were given everything, and it turned them into spoiled brats. It’s my wife’s fault. She refused to allow me to discipline them,”

Father lied.

“I’ve heard enough. Ana and Reggie, please excuse us. We need to leave so you can finish your meal in peace. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the bill is covered. Have dessert if you want. The menu has several that sound amazing,”

Hoss added.

Father was sputtering. Mom was teary-eyed. Cady and Alexandra were both upset, and I wanted to punch my old man in the face. Hoss wasn’t happy, but he was controlling his feelings and masking them the best. As Hoss stood up to join Cady, I rose to pull out Alexandra’s chair. We all froze when Reggie spoke.

“Hoss, do you mean to tell me that your father-in-law didn’t know you were his son-in-law, and he also has no idea who you are?”

Hoss shook his head. “No to both.”

Reggie turned to glare at our father.

“You have two well-educated, successful, and bright children.

And they’re doing what they love.

They have lovely partners who are the same.

They’re a father’s dream.

You’re an idiot, Carter.

I heard talk about what kind of man you were and how the company was in trouble due to the piss poor way you and your brothers have been running it since your dad died.

I thought I’d give you a chance to prove those rumors wrong. I see they were correct.

“You look down your nose at a self-made man because you think he’s beneath you. After all, he hasn’t been handed his money, and I dare say it’s also because he’s not white. I have no desire to do business with a racist buffoon like you. The smartest thing your children can do is never speak to you again. If your wife is smart, she’ll finally leave your ass. Oh, and let me introduce you to your son-in-law. His name is Magnus Sacket, and he is the owner of SacketEdge Technologies, one of the top computer application companies in the United States. His net worth is in the millions. It’s been an honor to meet all of you. I hope we might get a chance again to talk and relax together, just the six of us. Hoss, I’m greatly interested in your company and what you do. I’d like to talk about potential business if you’re willing. I believe that’s all. Ana, we’re leaving.”

And just like that, all of us except my parents were on our feet, and we walked out.

Father was almost purple when we passed him.

He was so furious.

I hated to leave Mom there crying, but as long as she was with him, we couldn’t talk.

As we went outside, Reggie offered us his business card with his personal cell number.

He said he’d love to hear from us about places to see and, if we were willing, to have dinner another night.

Handshakes were exchanged, and then we went our separate ways as the valets brought our cars.

Not the way I expected the night to go, but I’d take it.

I was too old to let our old man try to make me feel bad about myself, and having someone else stand up for us felt great.

Alexandra held my hand the entire way home.

I had plans when we got there, and they included her naked in my arms.