Page 48 of The Tycoon
“Since the shops are closing, and I still have some time before we have to pick up Sweetie from the groomer, why don’t we have a late dinner? There’s an upscale delicatessen right around the corner. They have the most delicious caviar service!”
I stumble in my heels as my brain registers her words. Catching myself before I truly fall, my face scrunches as I mentally dry heave.
“Caviar service? Caviar…as infish eggs?”
Turning her head, she gives me the oddest look. For a split second I wonder if I’ve said something truly ridiculous.
“Yes, caviar. Youhavehad caviar before, haven’t you?” she asks.
Shaking my head, I do my best to contain my immediate disgust. Even if I had been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I doubt that particular delicacy would be appealing. I’m not a picky eater, but I really don’t want to eat fish eggs.
“No, Mama, I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Huffing a laugh, she leads me towards the restaurant on the corner. She seems flabbergasted that I’ve never had something that sells for hundreds of dollars per ounce. I guess I can’t fault her too much for her shock. She was born into an upper echelon of society that only the one percent ever get to experience. Extravagance and wealth are all she’s ever known.
“Well, my sweet girl, it’s time you are introduced to the finer things. Caviar service and a couple glasses of champagne will do us both wonders! And don’t worry, I won’t tell my son about the bubbly,” she says, giving me a wink.
...
Scooping another dollop of ebony caviar onto her creme fraiche topped baby potato, Mama eagerly pops it into her mouth. I watch her with a smile as she savors her morsel, humored by the way she closes her eyes in ecstasy.
Thankfully, she has allowed me to order a steak and salad. I think she noticed the fear on my face as I watched the table next to us enjoy their caviar before we ordered. I am beyond grateful she didn’t force me to eat it.
“Just so you know, this is really good for your body. It’s full of omega-threes and amino acids. Nutrients you’re going to need to give my son healthy babies…and according to Sutton, there might be one in your belly right now so, you really ought to try it.”
I nearly choke on my water from her comment. Recovering as well as I can, I look at her with wide eyes.Oh, God.Is this why she wouldn’t allow me to order champagne even after suggesting it?What the hell has Sutton told her?
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly. What, Mama?” I ask, my voice high-pitched and strained.
Rolling her blue eyes, she gives me a knowing look. Dragging her gaze from my face to my neck, she lifts her hand to point at one of the love bites that have peeked out from my mock turtleneck.
“I know you and Sutton have been…active. Now, I’m notthathappy about it but I know you two are going to do whatyou're going to do. But you must know that Douglas men have…veryhealthyswimmers. They’re a virile bunch! I swear, if I wasn’t fixed after my baby Lincoln, I’d have ten more. Papa Sutton isinsatiable.”
Swallowing hard, I force myself to remain seated as she continues to talk about how active the Douglas men are in the bedroom. Every cell in my body is telling me to run for the hills. It’s still hard for me to talk about sex withSutton,I am not equipped to talk about it with my future mother-in-law! God, I wish I could melt into my velvet chair right this very second.
Sensing my uneasiness, Mama lets out a sigh. Reaching across the table, she grabs my hand.
“Oh, Dolly. It’s ok! I promise you, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m only being so honest and accepting with you because I know you’re going to be one of us soon,” she says, giving my hand a squeeze before releasing it. “And you should know that I haveneverbeen this open with any of the women my boys have brought home. They’ve all been whores but you? You’re a good,respectablegirl. And you’re keeping my baby boy satisfied, I can’t fault you there.”
Bringing my lower lip between my teeth, I bite down to make sure I’m not hallucinating. My heart beats faster as she continues, I can feel the heat of my blood as it rushes into my cheeks. I hear her trail off, her face turns serious as she notices me zone out. We both sit for a couple of minutes, simply staringat each other in silence as we awkwardly eat our dinner. Finishing her champagne, she waits for me to swallow my bite of steak before she speaks yet again.
“I apologize for making you uncomfortable, Dolly. And I apologize in advance for making you uncomfortable again, but I do have to tell you something about my family.”
Taking in a breath, I meet her eyes. An odd shiver runs down the length of my spine as I pick up on the slight change in her body language.
“And what’s that, Mama?” I ask, leaning in towards the table.
Holding my gaze, she commands all of my attention. I begin to tremble ever so slightly in anxious anticipation.
“My family…my husband, my boys…even myself. We all have certainappetitesthat some people in our society might find to be…unique. Some might even find them disturbing. Just know that when you seal yourself to Sutton, you seal yourself to all of us. Youwilluphold our family’s secrets, no matter what. Our family comes first. Our familyalwayscomes first.”
My face twists in confusion as I listen to her. I have no earthly idea what she is talking about, but it seems nefarious in nature. Is she warning me, or threatening me? I honestly can’t tell.
“Ok but, what kind ofappetitesare you talking about?” I ask, my voice lifting with a hint of fear.
“Ah, and there’s the rub. That’s something Sutton needs to tell you. I’m simply giving you a little bit of heads up. I don’t want you to be completely blindsided,” she replies, her Southern accent thickening with every word. “So, take this time while Sutton is on his business trip to search inside your heart. If you love my son…truly love him...you will accept what he tells you.”
I'm even more confused, and anxious, by her answer. What the hell is the Douglas clan involved in? Ritual sacrifice? The Mafia? Insurance fraud? Human trafficking? Drug smuggling? My mind is going wild with the possibilities. I know I love Sutton, I feel it in my very soul, but could I accept it if he’s done something truly heinous?