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Chapter Thirteen

Harper

It was the simplest of pleasures with Sonnet that meant so much, such as our walk last night.

Every date with her had been nothing short of amazing, and the stroll through the park and dancing under the moonlight was…

heavenly. It wasn’t about money with her, it was time together, enjoying one another’s company.

She didn’t want flashy jewels and expensive meals, she just wanted someone to love her for who she was, and I was thrilled to be that and so much more to her.

With her artwork installed, the last of the remodeling was officially complete, and I couldn’t wait for our members to see it.

Their kind words would surely boost Sonnet’s self-esteem, and I insisted she be here for the unveiling Saturday night.

Purposely I chose that day, as it was our busiest. For now, the artwork inside the club was covered in black linens the only paintings visible were the ones for sale in the lobby.

While I understood why Sonnet defended her uncle’s unconventional methods of raising her, the challenges it brought forth in the form of her lack of self-confidence angered me. But was my anger misplaced? Was Sonnet just too kind and possibly na?ve?

The jury, AKA myself, would decide once I met the man.

“The artwork is incredible,” Simon said as he stepped inside my office and took a seat. “Your girl is talented.”

“That she is. Did you see the pieces in the lobby she has for sale?” I shook my head, recalling the finished canvases in her storage closet. “That’s only a fraction of what she has done and gathering dust.”

“I’ve got my eye on a couple for my place. I swear, Sonnet could make a dilapidated farmhouse appear sensual.”

The laughter flowed so freely I surprised not only Simon, but myself. “You have no idea. I wonder what she’d turn a bowl of fruit into.”

“Harper, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you this happy. You deserve love, so don’t let your stubborn pride get in the way and ruin it for you.”

“Here! Here!” Patrice shouted from her desk.

“Hey, this is a no-heckling zone!” I shouted back though my words held no malice. Clear as day, even with the wall between us, I knew Patrice’s middle finger waved wildly at me. “Don’t make me cut that finger off, woman!” Her evil cackle filled the air, solidifying my assumption.

“The young, full of life, ready to take on the world Harper that I met in college is back. I couldn’t be happier for you, my friend. Being in love is a wonderful look on you.” Simon sighed. “I wonder if my true love is waiting somewhere out there for me.”

“They are, Simon, I can feel it. When you find them, don’t let go. Give it all you’ve got and live it up. Oh, speaking of which, I’d like to plan a vacation with my Kitten.”

“Vacation sounds wonderful. Where are you off to?”

“Not a clue, waiting for Sonnet to give me some ideas. Simon,” I sat back and waited for his eyes to meet mine.

“We’ve worked ourselves into a lonely existence, and now it’s our turn to live and love and enjoy the fruits, or in our cases, wealth of our labors.

We sacrificed much to build Menotté, and now it’s time to entrust those we’ve endlessly trained to run it in our absence.

Life is far too short to be filled with what-ifs or regrets. ”

“Too true, and it’s been forever since I’ve visited my family in France.” He got that faraway look in his eyes. “Maybe when you get back I’ll plan a trip.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. Your parents would be thrilled to see you. Now, I have made a change in the consignment portion of the contract with Harper. I forewent our cut of the deal in exchange for ten percent being paid directly to Patrice.”

“You did what?” Patrice’s shrill voice came through loud and clear before her body appeared in the doorway. “Why in the world would you do that?”

“Because you’re handling the transactions, and you’ll be properly compensated for it.” That I’d not budge on. “End of discussion.” This time the finger was visible, as was her smile which accompanied it.

“That could equate to thousands, Harper. My time isn’t worth that much.”

“Your time is worth far more than that,” Simon corrected her. “Use it to take your family on vacation, splurge on the kids. The long hours you work taking care of us can never be fully compensated.”

Patrice hugged Simon as best she could with him currently sitting. “Wait, he gets a hug, and I get the finger. What gives?”

Around the desk she came and plopped down in my lap, peppering my face with kisses.

“Did I miss something?” Sonnet’s voice brightened my smile, as though it could widen any further without breaking my face.

“We just gave Patrice the good news about the commission, and aside from an errant finger, this was the round of thanks. Come in, my love.” I hoped she wasn’t upset by Patrice’s display, but given Patrice pulled her into a tight hug on her way out, I believed all was properly settled.

“Come, sit on your Mistresses' lap, it is yours, after all.” There, a potential crisis averted as my Kitten blushed and took what was rightfully hers.

“Sonnet, darling, your artwork is exquisite,” Simon praised her.

“Harper mentioned you have more than what’s on display available, and I wondered if I might see it.

Quite a few pieces already caught my eye.

” Simon caught my glare and quickly backtracked.

“With your Mistress there, of course.” Good save, Simon.

I loved the man dearly, but he had a penchant for all things beautiful.

While I didn’t believe he’d make a move on Sonnet, I wouldn’t dare chance it either.

“My beautiful Kitten has many and each are a brilliant display of her talent.” And many others that were reserved just for me.

“I’ll just leave you two be. Check with Patrice, she has my schedule.” Simon left us.

Sonnet’s fingers trailed along the cleavage of my shirt. “My bed is lonely without you in it, Mistress.”

“Mmm, is it now?” I tucked her hair over her shoulder and nibbled down her neck.

“Don’t you miss me when I’m gone?” The pouty lilt in her voice brought out my protective side.

“I do, and so does that lovely new set of handcuffs I bought just for my Kitten.”

Sonnet gasped as I hit a sensitive spot. “Handcuffed with you. No place I’d rather be than with my Mistress doing naughty things to me.”

“All the naughty things, my love. I’m so glad you came by the office.”

“Shoot,” she popped up. “Which reminds me why I came by.”

“It wasn’t to see me?”

“Well, that too, but my uncle wants to meet you.”

That’ll kill an erotic interlude, just as I’d imagined taking Sonnet atop my desk. Her words threw ice over that party. “Might want to start from the beginning and fill me in on what exactly was said.”

Her little fingers nervously worked, dipping in and out of my cleavage. “He called to check on me and asked how I was doing. I told him I was seeing someone, and it's serious, and I love you's were exchanged, and he said he wanted to meet you.”

Somehow I doubt that was everything, but I’d let it slide. For now. “And when is this meet and greet taking place?”

“I know we have the unveiling Saturday night which I’m super nervous about.”

“No need to be, my love. You’ve already heard Simon’s opinion, and he’s a picky fucker.” For all but sexual partners, it would appear.

And that adorable sigh came out. “I’m like this before every event, just ignore me.”

“I’ll do no such thing. What kind of partner would I be if I wasn’t there to support and calm my Kitten? Now, our gathering?” That busy bee mind of hers was easily derailed.

“Oh, sorry. Would Sunday night work? He offered to cook, but I declined on our behalf, you can thank me later for that.”

“Let’s meet for dinner at Pier Twenty-Seven at eight p.m. My treat. Does he like seafood?” I hadn’t heard of many who lived this close to the ocean who didn’t, but to each their own.

“Let me check.” She slid her phone from her pocket and fired off a text. “Now, where were we?”

“As much as I’d love to continue this, I have to meet a new client.”

“You’re not taking on too much, are you, Kitten?” I’d do my best to be lenient, though we’d finally gotten those pesky dark circles under control and there was no going back on that. I’d put my foot down already.

“I promise,” she gave me a quick kiss and hopped off my lap. “But he’s not too far from here, so I decided to pop in and ask in person about my uncle.”

“Mmm, hmm,” she caught my eye roll and giggled.

“Let me know how it goes and if you’ll be back this way tonight.

I’ve got that huge, empty bed calling your name.

” Was it too soon to make her a key and alarm code?

I’d get Patrice to arrange it all. She was far better with the damn electronic gadgets than I was.

As soon as I heard Sonnet bid farewell to Patrice, I logged on and started shopping for the surprise studio I decided to turn my solarium into for her.

It had the best views and natural light.

Already I pictured her there, muse hard at work as she painted and sketched to her heart's content. Well, within reason deemed by me.

“What are you working on?” Patrice popped in a few hours later.

“A surprise for Sonnet. Speaking of which, could you get a key made for her and an alarm code?”

“Wow, you’re really serious about this girl.”

Where was this going? Anger flittered inside, fearing my dear friend would say the wrong thing. I managed to tamp it down, but only just. “I am.”

“I’m so happy for you. Now it all makes sense. I couldn’t figure out why you didn’t want to take on subs anymore. Sonnet is the sweetest thing. You’re perfect for each other.”

Whew… “Thank you, I feel the same. I fell hard and fast, but without a shred of doubt, I know she’s the one for me.

” I should’ve known better than to doubt what Patrice would say.

Had she had an issue, it would’ve been brought to my attention in the beginning and not weeks later. She was loyal to the bone, that one.

“You finished work before Sonnet showed up, what are you so engrossed in now?” Nothing got past Patrice.

“Well, if you must know…”

“I must.”

“Of course you do, sassy woman. I’m turning the solarium in my place into a studio for Sonnet.

” Wouldn’t require more than supplies. The comfy furniture could stay for her to relax in while she sketched and what not.

“Which reminds me, there will be far too many deliveries coming. Could you just have security take them up to my place?”

The smart ass curtsied. “Yes, Mistress, I’m at your beck and call.

” I launched a notebook at her. “You missed!” She sing-songed as she skipped out of my office.

I’d see to it that man of hers paddled her ass good and red.

The only problem was, she’d enjoy it, but I’d enjoy tormenting her each time she hissed as she sat.

Oh, my evil side was so delightfully naughty.

As I finished the order for the easels, my phone chimed.

Sonnet: Sunday night works for everyone.

Me: Excellent. I’ll make the reservations. How was the client meeting?

Sonnet: Weird. I’m headed back your way. Dinner?

Me: Order in?

Sonnet: Sounds perfect. See you in a few.

I waited to head upstairs until Sonnet arrived. My mind locked on those new handcuffs and a few other delightful finds during my online shopping spree. Sensory play was one of my favorites, and I hoped to make it one of Sonnet’s as well. I wonder how she feels about candle wax…