Page 4

Chapter four

Ryder

I lead Ava to one of the more intimate rooms we have here. Despite the show we put on and her bold demand, I can sense she is still nervous—she's stepping into uncharted territory, and we both know it.

Pausing outside a black door with a calla lily painted on it, I turn to face her, drinking in the sight of those gorgeous eyes slightly widened. She might be hesitant but she’s also excited.

"This is one of the introductory rooms. You can tell by the calla lily," I explain. "It’s a space where someone new to this lifestyle can explore with an experienced Dom.

"And exactly how much experience do you have? How many women have gotten down on their knees, pleading for you to touch them?" She questions with sass in her voice.

“Is that a question you really want to know the answer to? Because that question is a Pandora's box. Once you open it, you can’t close it.” I say as I move closer to her, placing my hand on her hip, and gently pushing her back against the door.

We lock eyes for several moments until she brakes the silence. "Hold onto those mysteries for the time being, Ryder. Instead, explain what we'll find in there."

"Inside, you'll find instruments used for sensation play, impact play, and more. Much, much more." I start kissing her jaw line. "But don’t be scared. Everything you find in that room will bring you pleasure. Only ever pleasure," I tell her as I pull her flush against me and open the door.

I walk in behind her watching her take in the room, carefully gauging her reaction as she steps inside. The various whips, floggers, and ropes hang neatly on the wall. Paddles of different sizes and materials are arranged on a nearby shelf, while a St. Andrew's cross stands in one corner. Her eyes dart around the room, not landing on one particular thing too long as she processes the sight before her. I've been in this room countless times but seeing it through Ava's eyes makes it feel brand new again.

Reaching out, I trace the delicate line of her jaw with my fingertips. "In this dynamic, I am the dominant partner. You will answer every question followed by the word ‘Sir’. Anytime you direct anything to me, you will call me ‘Sir’. Do you understand?”

Ava nods her head. “Yes, Sir?”

That went straight to my dick.

“Very good, exactly like that. You will be placing yourself under my control, submitting to my guidance and commands. But your safety and wellbeing are paramount. We'll establish a safe word that will bring everything to an immediate halt if you become uncomfortable or feel overwhelmed. What would you like your safe word to be?" I ask, my voice low but sounds louder in this quiet room.

Ava appears slightly confused. "Pineapple?" The word comes out like a question rather than a response. She nervously tucks a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.

I can't help but laugh, "I take it you are a Kevin Hart fan.”

Looking a little embarrassed, Ava averts her gaze, her cheeks flushing a delightful shade of pink. "Yeah, it's the first thing that popped into my head," she admits, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

“I watched that comedy special too. He had me dying laughing.” She smiles but still looks nervous. I reach out, gently tilting her chin up so her eyes meet mine. "For now, we will use pineapple. It'll be easy enough for you to remember." I can see some of the tension leaving her shoulders as she nods. "And hey, you did good. You didn’t say something you would forget. That has happened to me before.”

And it had. A woman struggled to choose the right word, eventually settling on ‘penguin’. When she needed to use it, she couldn’t recall it, but fortunately I picked up on the clue and halted the scene before it became too o verwhelming for her.

"We are going to begin now. Undress for me," I instruct her, my voice firm but not unkind. I watch her carefully, gauging her reaction to this first real command.

She just looks at me, her brown eyes wide with disbelief. "You're joking, right? You want me to just undress for you right here?" She scoffs.

"Yes, Ava," I reply, my voice unwavering. "I give you a command, you then obey. There will be a punishment if you don't do as you are told." I warn her, deliberately waving my hand towards the wall adorned with various whips and floggers. It doesn't go unnoticed that when I used the word ‘obey’, she winced slightly. That is something she is just going to have to get over if this is going to work.

"Don't forget," I add, softening my tone slightly, "You can use the safe word anytime you want this to stop. You say the word 'pineapple', and all play stops immediately." I remind her, wanting to ensure she feels safe and in control, even as she gives that control over to me.

"There's one last thing we need to get straight before we proceed—your hard limits and soft limits." I try to keep my voice steady and authoritative.

"Hard and soft limits?" She echoes, and I can tell she is uncertain of what I’m asking.

"Yeah, hard limits are things that are an absolute no-go for you. Take knife play, for example. It's a common hard limit for most people." I explain, trying to gauge her reaction. Shit, now she looks terrified. I quickly add, "I'm not into knife play. It's just something people enjoy."

"No knife play. That's absolutely off the table."

I continue, "Soft limits are things you're curious about but would need to approach with caution."

She considers this, then offers a noncommittal shrug. "I don't know."

"Let's start with a few possibilities for today's session, and we can discuss a broader range of options later. How do you feel about being tied up?"

"Yes," she confirms without hesitation.

"So, it's a no limit for you. Are you comfortable with any type of restraint?" I probe, needing to know her boundaries.

"Yes, no limit."

"Being whipped or spanked—with my hand, a paddle, or a flogger?" I question, raising an eyebrow.

"Umm… no limit," she replies, a nervous edge creeping into her voice.

"I already know you enjoy choking and biting," I remind her, a smirk playing at my lip.

Her face flushes a pretty pink at my comment. "I'm open to exploring that without restrictions."

"Anal play with fingers, toys, plugs, or my cock?"

Her eyes go wide, "I don't know about that. I've never done that before."

"Okay, why don't we put that under soft-limits. We can explore it, but it'll be a soft introduction.

"A soft limit then," her gaze drops shyly to her feet.

"Hey," I murmur softly, tilting her chin up so our eyes meet. "Don't ever be embarrassed to share your limits with me. Your comfort and pleasure are what matter most. I want to explore your desires, not push you beyond what feels enjoyable. Understand?"

She gives a small, "Okay."

"All right, then how about clamps on your nipples, lips, or clit?"

She bites her lip, "You want to put clamps on my lips?"

"Not those lips, gorgeous."

Her eyes go wide in surprise, "Oh! Um, yes. No-limit with that."

“What about fisting?” I ask just to see her reaction.

“Like, the whole thing?”

I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “Yes Ava, like the whole thing. We could try anal fisting too, that's always an option.” If I thought her eyes went wide before, I was completely wrong.

“Hard limit! I don’t know the range of hard limits, but the hardest they get—that’s my hard limit on anal fisting.”

“So, va ginal fisting is on the table?”

“No. Any fist, anywhere inside me, is a hard limit. Like hard, Ryder.”

“Duly noted Miss Jade.” Although this conversation was quite entertaining, my amusement and interest slowly fades. It’s time to give Ava her first command and test how she responds. “Now that we’ve gone over your limits, we are going to begin. Remove your clothes.”

Ava’s shoulders tense and her movements are hesitant. She seems almost confused on what to do first.

"Okay, how do you want me to do it? Do I do a sexy little dance for you, try to seduce you, or do you want me to just take them off?"

She is starting to sound a little annoyed now. I know it's just her nerves.

"This time, just take them off like you were undressing for bed."

I can see the anxiety building in her. Her teeth worrying her bottom lip, a telltale sign of her nerves. She’s done that since she was a kid. Undressing in front of a stranger is intimidating, and I don't want her to feel pressured or exposed. This first step is always the hardest, but I want to make sure she knows I'm not expecting a performance. At least not this time.

Standing to my full height before her I issue the command again. "Undress for me now, Ava."

This time she starts to move. Her movements are hesitant but she does what is asked of her. Each article of clothing falling to the ground with a soft thud, revealing her beautiful body inch by tantalizing inch.

She stands before me, exposed and vulnerable, but also powerful and alluring in her nakedness. A slight blush starts covering her skin before she moves to cover herself with her arms.

"Stop.” She looks at me confused. "Don't hide yourself from me, Ava—never hide yourself." Stepping closer, I trail my knuckles along the soft skin of her collar bone. "You’re beautiful, never doubt that."

I take a handful of her hair and tug gently, tilting her head back to reveal the delicate curve of her neck, where I begin to place soft kisses. Her lips part with a quiet gasp.

I trace the back of my fingers along the side of her neck. "You'll discover pleasure in obeying and allowing me full control of your body." I assure her, continu ing my descent as my fingers glide over the curve of her breasts. I pinch her sensitive nipples between my finger and thumb, eliciting a soft moan from her lips, her body arching into my caress.

"That's it," I croon in approval, thoroughly enjoying how she responds to my touch. "So responsive." Moving my fingertips down the soft curves of her body. I see her squeeze her thighs together seeking friction. I'll let that go for tonight.

"I'm going to restrain you now. You will not be able to move your hands or legs once I’m finished."

I don't give her the chance to overthink it. I secure her wrists together behind her back with padded handcuffs. There's something intoxicatingly powerful about controlling this brilliant, feisty woman's movements, rendering her physically vulnerable before me.

"On your knees, Ava.”

"With my wrists behind my back like this?"

I see her hesitation, she's afraid she is going to fall.

"I'm right here. I would never let you fall or allow anything bad to ever happen to you. I promise."

Very slowly, she lowers herself to her knees, and the triumphant smile she gives me, makes my heart skip a beat. So does the sight of her on her knees for me—her hands bound tightly behind her back and looking up at me. Damn this woman is fucking beautiful.

Reaching down, I curl my fingers into her hair and pull her head back to get her attention. "Look at you." I run the pad of my thumb across her full bottom lip. Imagining how she would look in this position wrapping her lips around my cock. "You are so beautiful looking up at me like this."

Her chest rises and falls when she inhales a deep breath. I can practically see the storm of emotions flickering across her face—arousal, uncertainty, defiance.

I decide to go ahead and remove my clothes. I can't wait to have her mouth on me. I watch her eyes follow every movement I make. As I pull down my boxers, I hear her gasp. I look at her and her mouth is hanging wide open.

"Have you never seen a hard cock before?"

"Uh, yeah . I've seen them before," she says, her voice shaking. "It's just... I mean... you're so much bigger than I expected. I don't know if... I don't think it's going to fit." Her eyes darting between my face and my erection like a ping pong ball.

"Believe me, I'll fit. I plan on stretching every one of your holes. Maybe not all tonight, but it's coming. Now be a good girl and open that pretty mouth of yours."

I trail the thick head of my cock along her parted lips. Loving the feeling of her hot breath on my cock.

"Show me your obedience. Take me deep."

Ava's lashes flutter closed as she opens wide for me, the wet heat of her mouth wrapping around me. I can't contain the groan of satisfaction that rumbles from deep within my chest.

"Good girl," I moan, thrusting my hips forward to sink deeper into her open mouth. "That's it Ava, just like that." She swallows my hard cock down her throat, and I have to pull on her hair to stop her eager attempts to make me come. "Take it slow. I want to savor the feel of your mouth around me."

She takes my length back into her warm mouth, sucking gently and teasing as she works me with her mouth. Her wet lips glide up and down my shaft, applying pressure that has me straining for more. But when I sense my release approaching, I tug gently on her hair, forcing her to stop. She responds by moving her attention to the tip of my cock, swirling her tongue and kissing the swollen head.

Now I’m wishing I hadn't tied her hands. The thought of her hands on me while her mouth works its magic. "Ava, put my balls in your mouth," letting her hair slip from my hand as I speak.

As Ava sucks one of my balls into her mouth a little too eagerly, I wince. "Easy," I murmur, and she instantly relaxes her suction, her mouth taking in one ball at a time, as her tongue works its magic. I stroke my cock slowly, enjoying the contrast between her soft, wet mouth suckling my balls, and my rough hands.

I can’t take it anymore. I need my cock back in her mouth. "Suck my cock, baby. Nice and slow. Keep your eyes on me. I want to see how much you love taking my cock."

Then, I guide my throbbing cock towards her awaiting mouth. “Open your mouth w ide and relax your throat,” I tell her. Without hesitation, I push past her lips and plunge deep into the warmth of her mouth, filling her completely. I grab her head to keep her in place.

Ava's eyes widen in surprise, and then they squeeze shut as her throat constricts around me. I feel her gag reflex trigger as I hit the back of her throat, her body's natural response to my forceful intrusion.

"Relax your throat, Ava. Submit to me completely." My eyes lock with hers, conveying the intensity of my desire and my expectation of her obedience.

Ava takes a moment, her breath shallow, and then I feel her throat muscles relax and expand around me. She submits to my demand, allowing me to penetrate even deeper into her throat.

“Such a good girl,” I whisper to her.

Slowly, I begin to move, withdrawing slightly before thrusting back into the wet heat of her mouth. I set a relentless pace, using her mouth as I please.

I feel her gagging on my cock. It just makes me push in further. Watching the tears stream down her face fills me with satisfaction. She chokes again, so I pull out a little allowing her to catch her breath.

I watch Ava with hooded eyes, a lazy smile spreading across my face as she works.

"You're doing amazing, baby. You like taking me deep like this, don't you?"

Ava hummed her enthusiastic agreement around my length, her eyes fluttering closed as she takes me even deeper. "That's it," I groan, tangling my hand in her hair. "You love taking me down your throat. It makes me so damn hard when you do that."

My body tenses as I near the brink, my breath quickening, “Slow down, I don’t want to come yet.” I slowly pull my cock from her lips with a pop.

"Good girl. From now on, when I instruct you to suck my cock, I want you to do it exactly like that, understood?"

“Yes Sir,” she replies, licking her lips.

I take hold of her arms to help her stand and then lead her toward the bed. As I carefully release her wrists from the handcuffs, I deliver a light smack to her toned, shapely ass, enjoying the slight jiggle. She gasps softly but r emains still, waiting for my next command. I'm impressed by how quickly she has adapted to this, I can’t wait to spank her.

Just thinking about that has my cock throbbing. I have it fucking bad for this woman.

"Get on the bed, lie down on your back, and spread your legs wide.” Without hesitation, she hops onto the mattress and positions herself as I asked. Propping herself up on her elbows, giving me a puzzled look, I can't help but admire the way her body is sculpted to perfection.

"Are you overlooking something, Ava?"

She looks at me in confusion, unsure of what I’m asking.

"No?"

"No, what?" I press her.

"No, Sir." There is a little bit of annoyance in her tone.

"Whenever I issue an order, you will respond with 'yes, Sir’. That's one infraction. One more slip-up, and you'll receive a punishment."

I carefully fasten the ankle restraints, hanging like tendrils from the ceiling to her ankles. Circling the bed, I secure the wrist restraints from below, ensuring she is completely immobilized and under my control.

Standing at the foot of the bed, I am mesmerized by the alluring sight before me. Ava's legs are suspended in a provocative "V" shape, her light skin radiating under the dim light of the room. The rich smell of her desire fills my senses as I see the wetness collecting there.

I position myself on the bed, beginning at her toes and caressing down her calves, then her thighs. Cupping her backside, I give it a firm squeeze.

"I'm going to taste every inch of you." I lightly trail my finger over her puckered opening. "From here..." I slowly slide my finger up, teasing her, until I reach her clit. I pause, my finger applying a little pressure, "All the way to here."

A soft moan escapes her lips as I begin tracing circles around her clit. "Oh God..." she breathes, her body tensing with anticipation.

As promised, I glide my tongue down, teasing and tasting every inch of her. I swirl my tongue around her tight hole, loving the gasp that falls from her lips. "You are so wet for m e."

I slip two fingers inside her dripping cunt, feeling her clench around them as I curl my fingers in a come-hither motion. She writhes and moans in pleasure, her hips moving in time with my fingers. I slowly withdraw my fingers, slick with her arousal, and gently spread her juices down to her ass—circling her asshole, teasing, as her moans fill the room.

I eat her pussy, taking my time to savor her sweet taste and arousing scent. I begin to push one finger inside her. Her entire body tenses at my touch, her muscles clenching tightly around the tip of my finger.

"Wait… Sir."

"One finger for now, we’ll work up to more. Just relax baby, I'll take care of you." As the words leave my lips, I slide my finger inside a little further, slowly moving in and out. It elicits moans from her. I continue to eat her pussy, working her clit.

I increase my pace, knowing she is getting close to coming—but I have other plans.

"Do not fucking come, Ava. Do you hear me?"

"Please, Sir. I don't think I can hold it."

"You can and you will. You will not come until you've earned it, and I give you permission. Do you understand?"

“Yes Sir.” She begins to shake.

The sight of her so needy and desperate—I can't fucking take it any longer. I run my free hand up and down my hard shaft to take the edge off.

"Please, Sir. I need to come. I am so close," she pleads.

I stop, giving one final lick of my tongue before moving to her right thigh. I sink my teeth into the soft skin. Not hard enough to hurt her, but hard enough that she'll remember every ounce of pleasure I've given her when she looks at my mark.

"What the fuck!" Ava cries out in frustration that I didn’t allow her to come. Despite her protest, I maintain my hold, determined to leave the perfect impression of my teeth on her thigh. She is mine now, and I'm going to make sure she and everyone else knows it.

"Ruining every orgasm is probably the meanest thing anyone has ever done to me," she complains. I quirk an eyebrow at her and she hurries to add, "Sir. "

I get off the bed and walk over to the wall. After selecting a small flogger, I trace the leather up and down her legs. She looks at me, her eyes going wide.

"Don't worry, it won't be as bad as you think. You'll like it, I guarantee it. You always have your safe word." I give the thigh I didn’t bite, a light slap with the ends of the flogger.

She flinches on instinct but then a look of surprise crosses her face.

"Another?" I ask.

"Yes, please, Sir." She nods her head eagerly, her breath coming in short gasps.

I bring the flogger down again, this time with a bit more force, and she responds with a throaty moan, her back arching to present her breasts. I circle the bed, raining gentle blows on her thighs and then moving up to give each nipple light flicks. She arches further, her moans getting louder.

I love the way her skin flushes pink under the kiss of the flogger.

"That's my good girl." I caress her skin tenderly. "Can you handle more? Something a bit harder?"

"Yes, Sir," she pants. I grab the double-sided paddle from the wall, knowing the leather side will mark her skin with a bright crimson hue.

I bring the paddle down sharp and fast, aiming for the luscious curve of her thighs where they meet her rounded ass. The impact echoes through the room, and she reacts beautifully.

"Ahh..." she cries out, her voice filled with a mixture of pleasure and pain. I pause for a moment to take in the sight of her—the way her skin flushes, the rise and fall of her chest as she pants, and the darkening stain of her arousal spreading across the sheets beneath her.

I deliver a succession of swift smacks to her ass with the paddle, each strike marking her perfect flesh and eliciting a symphony of gasps and moans. I smile, knowing that the impression of the paddle will be there long after our play ends.

As her ass cheeks glow a rosy red, I pause, eager to see the handle of the paddle buried deep inside her pretty pussy.

I positio n the handle against her slick entrance. With a firm push, I ease the handle inside her. Watching it disappear inside her inch by inch; it's the sexiest fucking thing I've ever been witness to. She lets out a deep groan, a combination of satisfaction and need, and pulls desperately at her restraints.

Wanting to heighten her pleasure, I begin to work the handle in and out, slowly at first, then with increasing the pace and depth. I watch her face, her eyes closed, her mouth slightly open as she focuses on the sensations flooding her body.

With my free hand, I roll her hardened nipple between my thumb and forefinger, tugging and twisting, enjoying every sharp intake of breath.

“Oh, God. Please.” She moans loudly, so lost in pleasure she's not even aware what she is begging for any longer.

"Do you like your pussy being fucked by the paddle, Ava?" Her moans are the only response.

"Answer me," I order. My voice taking on a hard edge.

She manages to stutter out a breathless, ‘yes, Sir’, her body arching against her restraints.

My cock twitches as I admire the crimson welts scattered across her delicate skin. I begin to stroke myself, edging closer to release as the veins pop out and my cock throbs insistently. Noticing her starting to tense, I force myself to stop and pull the paddle out—causing Ava to whimper in response.

"Sir, you can’t keep doing this. I need to come." She is nearly crying now. "Please, make me come."

Her begging is a turn-on, and my control slips a little more.

I position the tip of the paddle handle against her lips. "Be a good girl and suck this clean, taste how fucking sweet you are. Make me proud and I might just let you come when I fuck that pretty pussy."

She doesn't hesitate to take the handle into her mouth, sucking and moaning as if it's the best damn thing she's ever tasted. I push the handle further into her mouth, enjoying the sight of her full lips wrapping around it. I watch as she takes it in until she gags. But she doesn't stop or pull away. Instead, she tilts her head back, relaxing her throat to take it deeper. It's an erotic fucking sight, and I can't tear my eyes away.

When she finishes, I lay the paddle on the bedside table. I make my way to the wall and select four clamps connected by a small chain, and a silk rope.

I place a clamp on each of her nipples, then move to do the same with her pussy lips.

"Sir, where are you putting those?" Ava asks, obviously worried about where these clamps are about to go.

I smirk at her, “I’m going to place them on these pretty little lips. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No, Sir.”

I finish placing the clamps. She moves slightly but doesn’t protest. Next, I loop the silk rope around her neck, feeling her pulse flutter beneath my fingers.

My eyes meet hers, “Trust me,” I whisper. Then I wrap the ends of the rope around my hand.

Positioning myself, I align my cock with her entrance and enter her with one hard thrust. "Oh fuck," she cries out. I still, savoring the moment and the power I hold over her. "Do you trust me, Ava?"

"Yes, Sir. I trust you."

I wrap my free arm around her legs, anchoring us together as I begin to move inside her again. "You are so tight," I groan, feeling her heat envelop me. I start to move faster, harder. Then, I gently begin pulling on the silk rope around her neck, watching as her eyes widen in response. Her breath catches, and I know I have her—all of her.

“Relax,” I whisper. “Feel it, Ava. Feel how good it can be when you let go and give all your control over to me.”

The silk rope tightens a little more with each stroke. I feel her body start to coil and tighten around me, her walls fluttering as she nears the edge. I'm dangerously close to the edge myself, but I need her to come first. I want her to shatter with me.

"That's it, Ava. Let go. Let yourself fall." Then I feel it, her body bowing taut, a living, breathing instrument in my hands.

My pace quickens, and I tighten my grip on the rope just a little more.

"Come, Av a. Come for me now."

And she does, crying out my name as her pussy grips my cock in tight, pulsing spasms. Her warm release covers me, and I follow my own release just as intense. My heart is pounding, and I feel lightheaded as I pull out of her heat, both of us groaning at the loss of connection.

I had planned more, wanting to draw out this experience, but for our first time, this is perfect.

I reach out, trailing my fingertips along the glistening sheen of sweat that coats her skin. Enjoying the red marks that still cover her body. She flinches ever so slightly when I go over one of them. I take in her disheveled state, her wrists still bound by the restraints, and I feel my dick twitch.

Behave, she has had enough for one day.

I can see her mind working. She is about to ruin this. Before she can find her voice, I silence her with a finger pressed firmly against her lips. "Don't," I caution, holding her gaze. "Don't try to rationalize what happened between us."

"I wasn't going to rationalize anything. I was just going to say that was amazing. I didn't know sex could be like that."

That sure as hell isn’t what I was expecting and I’m a little taken back by it.

"This is only the beginning." I lean in to kiss her before I go to retrieve a wet hand towel from the bathroom.

As I clean her up, I make sure my touch is soft and tender, a stark contrast to the roughness that had just transpired between us. Removing the restraints, I check her wrists and ankles for any marks or bruising. She winces slightly as I apply some soothing cream to the redness that remains.

"Do you need some time to process, or are you ready?" I know that sometimes subs need to reflect on what has happened the first time.

"Ready?"

"Yes, to get up and get dressed."

"I need a minute please." There is a little vulnerability in her voice.

"Do you w ant me to stay here, or go?"

"Do you mind going? I'm sorry. It's just that I…"

"Don't apologize for telling me what you need, Ava. This type of relationship only works if you are honest with how you are feeling. Take all the time you need. I'll be at the bar if you need me." I get dressed and press a tender kiss on her forehead before making my way to the bar.

Entering the bar area, I nod a greeting to the bartender as I take a seat on one of the stools.

After about 20 minutes Ava emerges from the hallway leading from the room we were just in. Even from across the room, I can sense the turmoil beneath her composed exterior. Fuck, she has been overthinking what happened this whole time.

As she approaches, I notice her fingers are rapidly tapping away at her phone, her face pinched in concentration as she types out a message. There's an almost frantic quality to her movements.

"Ryder, I need to go."

"Running so soon?" I’m trying to figure out if the problem is with whoever she is texting, or if she is already regretting what happened between us. "I thought we could at least have a drink..."

“I’m sorry, I can’t. I have to go. I’ll text you later.” She gives me a quick kiss on my cheek before turning towards the exit.

I grab her arm to stop her from bolting, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. There are just some things I need to take care of.” Her eyes are locked on where my hand is gripping her arm. I let go, and she walks out the door. I watch her like some lovesick puppy. Fuck my life.

Lovesick? What is wrong with me?

As I go b ack up to the office Chase, Ethan, and Keith are gathered in the conference room when I enter, reviewing the details for a lucrative new security contract we're trying to land.

"There you are," Ethan greets, raising an eyebrow at my appearance. "Everything okay?"

I wave off his concern, my mind still preoccupied by what could be wrong with Ava. "Everything is fine."

As the discussion turns to the specifics of the new potential client, my thoughts keep drifting back to Ava. I can still smell her on me.

"Earth to Ryder," Chase is snapping his fingers at me from across the table. I look around the table and notice the eyes of every man in the room is on me.

"Is there something you want to share with the class Ryder?" Chase asks.

"Nope, not at all. Go on." I wave my hand, motioning for him to proceed.

"He had a visitor downstairs. That might be why he has that shit eating grin on his face." Ethan happily announces to the guys.

"Fuck off Ethan," I say as I throw a pen at him. He really is like an annoying younger brother.

"Can we please just focus? I do have other shit to do." Keith is the responsible one. Always trying to keep the rest of our asses in line.

Chase calls us to order, "All right guys. Back to business. We are setting up a team in Russia right now. The team will be doing all the groundwork and then report back to us on what they find out. We don't want to get over there and step on the wrong toes."