Chapter Ninety-Eight: You Should Always Need Me

With the short, tight leather dress Wyatt picked out this afternoon, I stand before the mirror, holding it against me. We were supposed to shop tomorrow, but we are still going tomorrow because I need boots and a chain. We got the dress today to save some time; something came up for him this morning. While Wyatt recommended boots, I’m leaning towards heels. He might not approve, given his preference for thigh-high boots.

The dress is sexy, but I’m a bit hesitant to wear it. Can I pull it off? I’ve worn leather for him before, but only in front of him. It’s a different experience wearing it in front of a whole house of people. “You can do it!” I whisper to myself.

It fit well when I put it on. It made me feel good, too. My worries are unfounded; overthinking is unnecessary. I am nervous enough about tomorrow night, not only because of the type of party but also because his ex-sub will be there. I’m not sure how I feel about meeting her. A year is a long time.

Was their bond the same as ours, or different? Did she please him better than I do? Am I a replacement for her? He did say he hadn’t seen or spoken to her in a year, if I remember correctly.

Thank God he isn’t here right now to see me spiraling. A business dinner came up for him at the last minute. I offered to go with him as his assistant, but he insisted I don’t. He’ll come over later if the meeting wraps up early enough. He has to wine and dine them; it is a possible future client from Japan. Landing this deal would be a major win for him and the company. He suggested potentially taking them to a private club he belongs to. He might finish by nine or by three in the morning.

I’ll return the dress to the hanger. I’m dedicating tonight to some well-deserved self-care: indulging in a nice bubble bath, wine, Chinese takeout, and cheesy films. I need to unwind and get my mind ready for tomorrow. I might also do some research. Wyatt shared some insights, but I want to be as prepared as possible. Does his friend share the same Dom lifestyle as him? What’s a good way to…grove him? Silly, inane questions like those are constantly swirling around in my head. I want to be respectful. I am still adjusting to certain aspects of my relationship with Wyatt, never mind with complete strangers. Will I be the only newbie?

I groan, clear my thoughts, and grab a large glass of wine. I’ll get some food once my nerves are gone. What made me say yes to going? I would think, after everything I have let Wyatt do to me, tomorrow wouldn’t seem so daunting.

I grab my cell because I had left it in the living room while I was in the bedroom. Wyatt called three times and sent a text message.

“Why aren’t you answering my phone calls? Call me back! I don’t like being ignored.”

I roll my eyes while reading it. He needs to calm down, but I shouldn’t expect anything less from him. Taking a deep breath, I call him back. He answers the phone after only one ring.

“What was the reason for not answering?”

“Why is he so irritated?” Sorry. I was in the bedroom; I left my cellphone in the living room. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, fine, but I worry if you don’t answer. You’re always quick to answer or call me back. I called you nearly half an hour ago.”

“I am fine, Wyatt,” I reply subtly. “What were you doing?” he sighs. “I’m looking at the dress.”

“Do you have any uncertainties about it and tomorrow?” He queries.

“It’s not doubts, per se. I think it’s more nerves—would I actually look good in a dress like that?”

“Yes, you can. Alyssa, we’ve been over this already. Please stop saying those things about yourself. You will look incredibly sexy.”

“Thank you. How’s your evening going? Will we see each other tonight or is it going to be a late night for you?”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to your place tonight, sweetheart. It’s going to be a late night, but I’ll be over first thing in the morning. I can treat you to brunch before shopping.” He makes an effort to hide his disappointment. He can come over whenever he wants; he has a key. He wouldn’t even need to wake me.

“Alyssa, it is business,” he says, frustrated.

“Lalala’s say, anything. I know it is business,” I snap. “The scene is very jam-packed. I’m not that kind of girlfriend who demands your constant presence. I’m aware of the importance of business and its priorities. I am…”

How did our conversation get here? The other end falls silent. “You should need me all the time.”

Wyatt, I need you frequently, but not constantly. “I need to go. I am sorry. I’ll call you later or see you in the morning.”

He hangs up the call. Confusion washes over me as I gaze at the screen. Is he expecting me to rely on him entirely? That’s simply not going to happen. He has a large part of me, but I won’t let anyone possess me completely. I assumed he was aware of that. He might be drunk, but whatever; I’ll wait till tomorrow.

I toss my cell aside, taking a large gulp of my wine. Fighting is the last thing I want, especially since we have plans tomorrow night. I back up ordering my food and getting it delivered in an hour and a half. I pick my…