Page 32 of Mayhem
“Tuesday,”Paetyn responded. We should also start looking for equipment and décor. We only have about three weeks to finish everything before her birthday, and I want everything done on time.”
Cruz nodded, even though he knew Paetyn wasn’t looking at him. He didn’t anticipate them having any issues with getting it done unless things they ordered were delayed. They would make sure they had a backup plan in that event.
Cruz knocked once they reached Erin’s apartment, and they only had to wait a moment before the door opened. Cruz placed his hands on the doorframe to keep them from grabbing her when it did.
“Fuck,”Cruz groaned out lowly.
“I’m being tested,”Paetyn stated at the same time.
She stood in front of them in a short red satin robe that slipped open as she opened the door, revealing the black lace panties she wore underneath it…and nothing else. Erin was tying the sash back, and Cruz was aware they’d only gotten a brief glimpse, but it felt as if it lasted much longer.
“I’m sorry,”she stated, stepping aside to let them in. “I went out looking for a supply shop earlier and got turned around. So, I’m running a little behind.”
Cruz knew she was talking; her lips were moving, but all he could think about was ripping that fucking robe off of her and making her their dinner instead. At times like these, he was reminded that at some point, Paetyn was a monk in a past life, as the other man spoke.
“It’s no problem, Angel. Take your time.”
Erin nodded at them. “I just have to get dressed. Give me ten minutes,”she requested as she headed down the hall.
Cruz watched her go and hadn’t realized he’d been following her until he felt Paetyn’s hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at him.
“Trust me, you aren’t the only one,”Paetyn told him. “But let’s try to at least get through the night first.”
Cruz thought over Paetyn’s words and smirked at the other man. Years ago, he’d learned that it was often what Paetyn didn’t say and not always what he said. He wanted them to get through the night, but once that was over, Cruz could have what he wanted if consent was given. What he knew Paetyn wanted as well.
They sat on the couch as they waited for Erin. While they did so,Cruz decided to find a tattoo chair supplier and bookmarked a couple of them so he could read their reviews later and research the quality of their products.
When Erin returned to the living room, she wore jeans with rips at the knees and a long-sleeve black shirt that she’d tuckedinto them, leaving half the buttons undone. Her hair was pulled up the way it had been when she’d opened the door, pieces pulled down on either side of her face. Cruz felt his dick stir the same way it had when she’d answered the door.
He’d long ago come to accept that it didn’t matter what she wore; his response would always be the same because there was nothing she could put on that she wouldn’t look perfect in.
“I’m ready,” she announced.
Cruz stood as she approached, placing his phone in his pocket. “You look edible,”he told her with a smile, and Erin laughed.
“He isn’t wrong,”Paetyn stated. “But you look beautiful, Angel.”
“Thank you. Both of you,”Erin responded.
Paetyn led them out of the door, and Erin stopped to set the alarm and lock it. They’d only made it a couple of steps down the hall when Cruz felt her slip her hand into his. He laced their fingers together and glanced down at her as they approached the car.
Cruz opened the passenger side door and gestured her in before entering the back seat behind her. The ride toThe Pitswould take a little over half an hour. So, Cruz leaned back in his chair, listening to soft music filtering throughout the car.
When they pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot, Erin realized they’d driven a while to get there. It wasn’t like she had to get up and go to work early or at all the next day, so she didn’t mind. Since they’d brought her, Erin assumed they didn’t mind either, though the same couldn’t be said for them.
Cruz opened her door, and Erin took his hand, helping her out of the car and intertwining her fingers with his. Paetyn cameto their side, and after a brief hesitation, she looped her arm through his. Erin wasn’t sure if they were supposed to keep their relationship under wraps for the moment since it was still hot off the presses. But neither of them said anything, and they headed towards the entrance.
The outside of the building was nice, but there wasn’t much to it other than the name on the building. Two long horizontal windows on either side of the door were high, so you couldn’t see what was inside.
Paetyn pulled the door open, and Erin removed her arm from his as she walked inside, pulling Cruz with her. She’d only taken three steps into the restaurant before she halted. The space was beautiful. The back and left walls were made entirely of glass, and she felt as if she were outside. You could tell it was a restaurant, but something else about it took Erin a minute to put her finger on. When she finally did, she nodded.
“A beautiful restaurant with a lounge feel. That is ingenious,”she stated. “So many restaurants would have more business if they adopted this strategy. I’m sure it’s hard to balance correctly, but it would be worth it for them to try.”
“Mr. Silva, Mr. Adair. I see you’ve brought beautiful company with you tonight,”the hostess said, walking up to them. Your table is ready as always, and I’ll let the server know you’re here.”She turned to leave but stopped. “Oh, the kitchen implemented the new desserts this week as instructed.”
Erin turned to look at Paetyn, who stood on her left when she walked away. “And you own the restaurant. Of course. How did I not put that together?”she questioned with a shake of her head. Erin then smiled at him. “But I meant what I said.”
“Thank you, Angel,”Paetyn responded, taking her hand in his, and Erin followed him as he led the way to their table.
