Page 108 of Into the Blue

You could say that I’ve been using my newly acclaimed power to do… just about whatever I want.

It feels good to be Queen.

The changes that I knew needed to be made were being checked off a very organized list. Cleaning up all the trash that Junior had created in his shitty reign was more work than I first suspected from the outside. But now that I’m here, I can do what’s necessary to mitigate the impending demise for Lafayette with precision. I was having a great time doing it, as well.

There were even new ideas I had and wanted to put into action as soon as I was done with the meeting that would begin in just a short while.

Off Topz is empty aside from the kitchen and Chanel who was more than happy to work tonight. Several of my new personal guards are here making sure that nothing happens tonight.

I sent Lee and Lidia back to Atlanta to keep watch over The Chrome Flame until I needed to make the changes I had planned for it.

There’s a mess of writhing black fabric being carried to the table I’m sitting at. I remain quiet while they place him in the chair and readjust his restraints before finally removing the bag from his head.

It takes a few moments for his eyes to adjust, then he focuses on me. Muffled words form behind his tape.

Guess he didn’t come quietly.

I expected as much.

His energy is a ravenous thing through the space with how upset he must be right now.

It’s a welcome presence that I missed, actually.

Standing, I walk over to him in my silver tailored sheath dress and red bottom heels. Makeup fierce, like I might be on the pole tonight. My hair thick and wavy around me. I look like sin and his savior all in one. With careful movements, I remove the tape from his skin.

He doesn’t say anything after I remove it, just watches me walk over to the bar top where Chanel has left the main speakers’ control tablet.

I ask, “Shall I put something on for us, baby?”

I make it back to the table where he sits, fingers hovering over several different options. I decide on something low and sensual, really setting the mood.

“Not your baby,” he states calmly. “Blue.”

My head tilts, taking him in. I’ve never seen him restrained before and I’ve got to admit that I like how the tables have turned. “I think I prefer Milo,” I purr.

“What the fuck is this, Racquelle?”

“So you agree, Milo and Racquelle are having a nice dinner?” I ask, undeterred by his attitude.

“Whatever,” he says, checking his surroundings. Then, they land on me, assessing.Smart.

I’m still the most dangerous thing in this room.

I reach into my handbag and pull out a familiar item of his and his eyes sharpen to points on me. “Why do you have that?”

I’m careful to remove the blade from its sheath, serrated teeth shining in the club lighting. It's the knife he used for his claim on me.

Though we both know it was there with and without the scarring.

Placing the knife on the table between us, I say, “It wouldn’t be a date without one of these.” I pause for a moment, looking deep into his eyes. “Between us anyway, right?”

“How am I supposed to eat with my hands tied?” He asks, chair rockingwith the movement.

I smile and clasp my hands under my chin while I look at him. He looks good in a long sleeve navy tee and black tactical vest. At least he’s been keeping up with his exercise routine in the month we’ve been apart. Strong shoulders and biceps still cutting obvious lines through the sleeves. “We’ll just talk for now. Once we get that out of the way, I’ll decide whether you can eat.” I wink at him and sit back in my seat to cross my legs.

“Racquelle,” he says carefully, trying to find patience, as he is the one tied up at my mercy now. “Why am I tied to a chair in my own club? What is this?”

“Remember how I said that I was free to sit and talk business over dinner? I just found out that you’re also free right now. I love how that’s worked out for us.”