Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Pierce had finished handing out the last of his Halloween candy to the greedy trick–or–treaters when Patrick pulled into his driveway.
“What seems to be the problem here, Officer Jameson?” Pierce teased.
“I’ve received reports of you having an inappropriate relationship with a child, and I’m gonna need you to answer some questions.”
“I swear she’s 18, Officer Jameson,” Pierce chuckled, playing along with Patrick’s antics.
“Good enough for me. What time is the car supposed to be here?”
“About thirty minutes or so.”
“Is your date meeting us there?”
“Yeah, she had to go in and help decorate and shit. She was supposed to have the day off, but as usual, Arianna has difficulty telling her boss no.”
“Does she have to work all night, or will she be able to enjoy the party?”
“She only has to work until ten. She’s not too beat up about it, especially since she somehow convinced them to pay her triple time.”
Patrick let out a low whistle. “She is a hustler.”
“Who you telling? She knows how to stand up for herself and knows her worth. It’s admirable, really.”
“While we wait, show me the guestroom she redecorated that you can’t stop raving about,” Patrick demanded, following Pierce into the house.
All week Pierce had been chatty about his newly decorated room. Hell, if Arianna performed as well as Pierce said she did, then Patrick might hire her to re–do his house instead of paying a professional. It would be a win–win situation for both of them. He would save money; she would get the practice she needed and have something else to add to her portfolio.
“Are you ready?” Pierce excitedly asked once they stopped outside the bedroom.
“Chill out, Pierce. You’re acting like we’re at a gender reveal or something.”
“I am a proud Papa,” Pierce boasted.
“I see. Hurry up and show me the room before the car arrives,” Patrick impatiently urged.
Pierce opened the door, and Patrick didn’t know how to react. He loved everything about it, from the light fixtures‘ soft glow down to the matte black paint on the walls. The room oozed masculinity, but it still had a touch of softness brought from the potted plants, the fabric choices, and the silver
accents.
“So, what do you think? Take your time answering. I was speechless as well when I first saw it. I don’t know what I expected when I handed her my credit card, but I’m blown away by her talent, especially for her age. Now, don’t get me wrong, Amara did a bang–up job, and it was worth every penny, but this just screams…me.”
“Yeah, gone head and send her to my house when you get a chance,” Patrick said, still taking in the room. “How much do you think she would charge
me?”
“Five grand per room; that’s the price I’m putting in place.”
“You sound like a pimp,” Patrick chortled.
“And you know what they say…pimpin‘ ain’t easy.”
Patrick snorted. “I’m lovin‘ this new Pierce. I hope he sticks around. By the way, I forgot to tell you that I dig the costume. What is Arianna?
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Chapter 30
“Medusa.”
“I’m excited to see that. It’s actually perfect because of her braids.”
“Yeah, you and me both. I haven’t seen her costume yet.”
“Ooh, the anticipation must be killing you.”
“You have no idea,” Pierce sighed. He had been wondering what Arianna’s costume looked like. Would it be gory, or would it turn him on and make him say fuck the party and everyone else and drag Arianna back home. Much to Pierce’s dismay, Arianna returned to her apartment Sunday night, and it sucked. His nights were now lonely and quiet again without her warm body and loudass snoring.
“The car is here,” Pierce said after answering the text from the driver.
The two men climbed into the back of the Escalade that was sent for them.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I saw Stella at the club the other day, and she’s now a full–fledged member. She’s more than likely going to be there tonight, so be on the lookout,” Patrick confessed.
“I’m not worried about her.”
“I know. I just felt like I should give you a heads up.”
“Thanks, Patrick. You’re a true friend.”
Pierce entered Elite SA with Patrick close behind. He instantly searched for his melanated goddess, but she was nowhere to be found. He followed the music to the ballroom and loudly sighed when he realized the ballroom was almost at capacity. It would take forever for him to find her.
Arianna spotted Pierce as soon as he entered the ballroom. It was like a sixth sense she had when it came to him. She giggled to herself as she continued to serve beverages, wondering how long it would take for him to notice her. Arianna decided to wear a server’s uniform until she clocked out. Mr. Bruce was so impressed with her work that he would allow her to knock off thirty minutes early, and he would still pay her for the entire hour.
Arianna had a great time decorating the ballroom, and she might seriously consider party planning if she loses her job for dating Pierce. Pierce had plagued her mind the entire week. Arianna missed him when he wasn’t near, and before him, going to sleep at night used to be a walk in the park. Now she spent her nights fitfully tossing and turning. One thing that bothered Arianna was that they hadn’t had the “talk” to define their relationship. She was hesitant to refer to him as her boyfriend, but then again…was a title really necessary? They understood what they meant to each other, and that was all that mattered. She wouldn’t say anything. She’d wait until Pierce introduced her to someone and run with that. Arianna would hate for Pierce to introduce her to someone as just his friend because certainly, he thought of her more than a friend with benefits.
Pierce finally locked eyes on Arianna and couldn’t help the megawatt smile that spread on his face. Arianna sent Pierce a deviush smirk from across the room and found herself leading him on a chase, weaving through the bodies of drunken patrons. Pierce didn’t mind the hunt. He found it thrilling and couldn’t wait until he could get his hands on her. He finally caught up with her and pulled her towards a corner of the room.
“I really want to kiss you right now,” Pierce admitted.
“Oh yeah? Wait until you see me in my costume,” Arianna teased.
“Yeah, when is that happening? I’ve been dying to see it,” Pierce confessed, pulling Arianna into his body.
Arianna shivered at his touch. She found it easy to forget they weren’t the only people in the room and quickly found herself about to engage in inappropriate behavior while on the clock. Pierce gazed into her eyes and wanted nothing more than to bend down and taste her soft, plump lips that he had missed since the last time he saw her.
Arianna let out a breath of relief when Jesse interrupted them.
“Good evening, Mr. White. Who are you supposed to be?”
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“Perseus.”
“Of course. Where would Medusa be without her Perseus?” he lightly teased.
“Alive,” Arianna giggled, accepting a glass of champagne from Jesse. Pierce raised his eyebrow but remained silent. He didn’t mind if she drank, but be figured that would be breaking some sort of rule.
“Don’t worry, Pierce. I can’t get in trouble if the owner’s grandson supplies the alcohol, now cart !?”
“I guess so. Do you know how to handle your alcohol? I don’t want the night ending with me having to carry your drunken body back home.”
“I don’t know. I guess we’ll see,” she replied with a playful wink.
“That’s…just…great,” Pierce drawled. “Who are you? James Bond?” Pierce asked Jesse.
“The one and only. I wanted Arianna to be my lady, but it seemed she already had a partner. Arianna, your shift is almost over. You should change and enjoy yourself. I’ll catch up with you later,” Jesse said, making a beeline through the crowd to the bar.
Arianna drained the rest of her champagne and placed the glass on the table beside them.
“I’m gonna change. I already put our name down for the contest. They’ll judge at midnight. I’ll
I be right back.”
“Alright, sweetheart,” Pierce said, giving Arianna a quick peck on the cheek.
AD
