Dinner Time

*Joseph*

I gave Henry a scolding look. This isn't a joke, I feel like someone set me on fire and left me burning for hours. I looked over to Sandra, who was laughing with him. Dark humor. I shook my head now scolding them both. I will have to discuss spankings with Sandra as well when this is over. I would never trigger her trauma, but I find myself wanting to just run my hand over her cheeks. "I want to have a home-cooked country dinner, Chef." She was still talking to Henry. No one was paying attention to me. "Excuse me, My queen, you need to go find Jay and get some training in," I wasn't trying to give orders, but I wanted her to get as much done as she could before we left to go meet these crazy monsters. Her head snapped towards me quickly and I could see the mischievous thoughts all over her face. "Yes boss, right away boss," she said rolling her eyes and laughing. I stood up quickly walking up to her. I wrapped my arms around her tightly growling into her ear. She melted momentarily before pulling back some. "I will go to Jay my king," She said softly looking up at me with half-open eyes. She was submitting, she was intentionally showing me she had submitted to this order. I licked my lips before saying, "Good girl." She took in a deep breath and pushed away from me. "Where do you think Jay is?" She was talking to Henry who was still standing there. She was intentionally ignoring me. I smirked at her when she glanced back at me walking out with Henry. I sat down staring at my phone. I knew when I called Zeus he wouldn't want to do this. I also know he wouldn't want to leave her. I could tell, I knew she was his now. I don't doubt that they both know that too. It's hard to bring new people into this house. The country house, my haven, is not one I share with just anyone. This is Sandra's friend and I know she trusts her. I have to learn to trust her too. When the phone rang it took a few rings before he picked up. *And it begins* "Hello?" Zeus answered sounding groggy. He was asleep. I didn't know he did that. "Hello Z, we need to talk," I said not bringing up his sleeping. I explained the plan to him. I was right, he wasn't happy. "Boss, I don't think this is a good idea. That guy is a rat, he will scurry around like one. I don't want to leave Tawn, but I am always there for you boss. I will explain to her that I will be back as soon as I can. I might be able to bring her home with me. I will find out. She has done very well all day." His admiration for her was strong in his voice. "Okay brother, Do what you need to do. We aren't heading out until after dinner." I told him to add the time frame we have to work in. He agreed. I heard a very sleepy, "You okay Zeus?" sounding very close to the phone. I caught myself smiling. I knew I was happy for my longtime friend. I laughed a little though, when he hurried off the call.

I sat in my chair for a few minutes thinking about when I knew Sandra was going to change everything. It was before I remembered Ohio before she even showed me her bruises. I was watching her at that banquet. I saw her just miserably handling the people around her, like a professional. I could tell she cared for Captain Monroe, I could see it in her eyes. The way she looked at him. When She looked over at me, I was staged as a server, yet she didn't dismiss me and look away. She kept eye contact with me anyway, Until the detective started getting his attention. I didn't realize it then. I believed they loved one another. Now that I think back I can see she feared him. She was jumpy when he came back to the table. When he cut in on her dance with the captain her eyes grew wider, and her eyes fell to the floor. I should have seen it. When they were leaving, he walked past everyone with charm, while she trailed behind him still with her head down. When they hit the valet, the boy wasn't very old. I watched as Ryan was rude to him, telling him he was taking too long. He specifically told this boy he wanted to take his wife to his bed. He was clearly drinking. I think that's why the boy was moving slowly. I watched Sandra walk up to the boy who was now getting nervous. With a few words I couldn't hear and a flash of that smile, I watched this boy relax. She pulled his anxiety out of him and put some of the confidence where it was. At that moment I remember second-guessing bringing that woman into my house. What could she do to me? Would see be able to get into this armor that I had worked hard building for years. I think at that moment I knew taking her would change things, but I couldn't let go of her. I could not take her. I couldn't get that bastard back for killing Mason. I don't think I knew she would completely break down the walls, but she has, and now I'm glad I didn't listen to myself back at the banquet. I would never want to live my life without her. Thinking so much about her was making me miss her. I grabbed my phone.

To: My Queen
I miss you. I hope training is going well. Don't think I have forgotten your little attitude earlier darling. I won't. If I wasn't afraid it would turn you against me or negatively affect you. I can't do that. I wish to keep happy and protected, I would run my hand across your beautiful ass.
Don't forget that I love you.
- Your king

I laid my phone down on my desk feeling better letting that little urge off my chest. I looked back at my computer screens and started to work on various things that have been very neglected. The numbers are looking pretty good for each territory. The numbers are even a little better in the north. I make a mental note to call and check on Blaze, make sure he is settling in, and see how he is doing. I made a note on my calendar. I can't wait to get past this problem with Ryan and Ark, so I can have some time to really enjoy having my queen. Maybe after everything settles again I can take her on vacation. I need to show her that life with me, or with the brotherhood, is not always this dark and violent. I stood up walking back to my safe. When I opened it I saw that little ring she left on my desk. I had forgotten I put it in there, maybe she will want to give it to him. Not that he will be alive to do anything with it. I can't wait to watch the light leave his eyes. He doesn't deserve to breathe. Monsters like him should also be put down. I figured that out a long time ago. I closed my eyes trying to ignore the memories trying to creep into my mind that I shut out long ago. I grabbed the ring, and my other gun out of the safe. After closing it back up I went back to my phone. Still nothing from Sandra, I deflated some, but I knew she was probably busy with Jay. He will make sure she can defend herself in that hotel. We won't allow anyone to hurt her again. I called for Henry to catch up on plans moving forward. It was almost time for us to eat and prepare to leave. My nerves were getting more raw with time.

Henry told me he was working on dinner, something light, as the night would be too heavy on us anyway. He had already talked to Pan and a few other boys in the south territory. They were working on clearing the streets. The police hardly ever patrol that area but we got in with them when Ryan was fired so we were safe there as well. Captain Monroe, though a man who truly believes in his code, decided that working with me was his best option to protect the city from men like Ryan. Henry was telling me that Candy was still in rehab miles away when I heard my phone vibrate on my desk.

From: My Queen
Yes, boss, training is going well. Jay is a genius as always. Do you want to spank me? Anytime your hands are on me it takes me to paradise, as long as it's just your hands. Go for it boss, if you can catch me. ;) I miss you too. Looking forward to that three days. I will never forget if you don't. I love you too, boss.
-Your Bratty Queen

I sat there for a moment completely amazed by her, no longer hearing Henry speaking. I stared at the message feeling very blissful, despite what we had to do later. I thought she would distract me making me soft. The only way I feel soft is towards her. She makes me stronger in other ways. I was so wrong. I looked up at Henry, who wasn't talking any more, he was just staring at me with a grin on his face. "What?" I said to him trying to hide my smile. "She doesn't make you weaker bro. She makes you stronger. She doesn't distract you, she gives you a break from the chaos. She cares for you in a way that your darkness can accept, because her darkness needs it too. I have never seen you this calm but focused at the same time. She is what you needed Jo, what this house needed. I know Mason told you not to let a woman distract you, but he would see what we see now. She was meant to wear that crown beside you. She is accurately named Sunshine, she accepts the darkness when needed, but brings the light just the same." He walked over to a chair at the desk and sat down. I was amazed by the wisdom this young guy just placed on me. I am truly surrounded by impressive minds. "Thank You, Brother" was all I could say. I heard a Jay in my ear, "Zeus had pulled up with the female from the hospital. I will send the guards to rest. Sandra has left to talk with the girl, I am close behind." Minutes later Zeus entered my office.

"Hey boss, Sorry it took so long to get here." I saw the change on his face. He looked less hard, less cold, and less angry. "She can stay with you," I said through a smirk. He nodded with a slight smile before going to let the guards know where to take her belongings.

To: My Queen
I will catch you, darling, I will never let you go. It's time to eat. Bring Tanya to the kitchen.
-Your king