Page 85 of Emergence and Ascendance

I blinked. "What?"

He chuckled. "Niama Bashar. That is who you’re meeting, right?"

"Oh wow, shit. I didn’t make the connection." Then something crossed my mind and I glared at him. "Do you know her?"

He nodded but that was all he gave me so I glared hard. "How well do you know her?"

He gave me an arrogant smile. "Not that well. I've been to the vineyard a few times. She's close friends with Ezekiel and, as far as I know, has never been to Erogenous. You can relax."

I shrugged like it didn't matter but inside I felt relieved. I had this man’s dick in my mouth last night. I was not trying to have lunch with a woman he fucked or spanked. Christian walked around the counter and leaned down near my ear. "You’re jealous but you don't have to be. I'm all yours for the duration of this contract."

Then he left the room.

My stomach twisted because for the duration of this contract was one thing, but what happened after? Who would he belong to then? I pushed the thought to the back of my mind because I didn’t have a dog in that fight and headed upstairs to get ready. Lunch at my favorite vineyard would definitely make me feel better. For now…

I grabbed the keys to the Aston Martin and headed to the garage. The car purred to life and I backed out carefully because the last thing I needed was to scratch this man’s car. The drive to the vineyard was a pure adrenaline rush. I’d definitely look for one of these for myself, and if not this model, then one just like it. I was already addicted.

I arrived at Divine Vines free and clear of damage to Christian’s baby and received a text from my brother as soon as I parked.

Alex: Call me when you can.

I glanced at it, locked the screen, and dropped my phone in my purse, deciding to call him later. Right now, I had lunch plans. I smiled big and waved when I noticed Niama standing by the entrance on my way to the door. She grinned and walked out, offering a hug.

"Hey, girl! Perfect timing."

"Thanks for inviting me. This place is gorgeous. I didn’t realize who you were until you suggested lunch here. Didn’t even make the connection."

She flashed a smile. "I never tell people because they get weird about it and thank you. I still can't believe I own it sometimes."

She led me inside to a corner table by the windows. The restaurant was beautiful and you could see the vineyard from where we were seated.

"That's a nice car."

"It's not mine. I'm borrowing it."

"Must be a good friend to loan that out. It’s limited edition, right?"

I frowned and nodded, wondering if she had seen Christian in it before. "Something like that."

A waiter appeared and Niama waved him off. "I was going to start with lunch, but actually, let's do a tasting first. You game?"

"Absolutely."

She led me to a different room with a long wooden bar. Multiple glasses were set up after a brief conversation with one of her employees who brought out a massive spread.

"Let's start with the whites." She poured the first glass. "This is our Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of citrus and gooseberry."

I took a sip and moaned. It was clean with a subtle undertone of fig.

"It's perfect. Light but complex."

"Pairs beautifully with our goat cheese and herb plates." She gestured to small plates laid out and waited for me to try some.

The combination was perfect. The wine's acidity cut through the creaminess of the cheese.

"Next up, our Chardonnay. This one's oak-aged for six months. It has a full body, is kinda buttery, and has hints of vanilla.”

“Buttery wine?” I reared my head back and she laughed.

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