Author's note: This is the eight part of a very long story.
The characters (Jade and Terry) from my other story, 'Hidden Desires,' will appear here but reading their story is not necessary to understand their role in this one.
My sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all who have voted, emailed and commented on my story. Your support makes writing worth it.
There is only one more chapter until this story concludes.
I hope Finding Love will continue be enjoyed. Comments and votes will be appreciated.
Chapter 43
Since becoming a couple, Ari and Vivian spent many evenings at the club. Being the boss, Vivian's main job was to meet with the VIP's who frequented her club. There were some very prominent women who came to Serafina's for the anonymity it provided. Serafina's was known for its discretion.
Ari was often on Vivian's arm, meeting with many of the patrons and being ogled, admired and envied for being with Vivian. Vivian had told her on more than one occasion that the lust she saw in the eyes of the other women when they looked at Ari, gave her a sense of pride at knowing that Ari was all hers.
It was on one such Friday night, at about ten pm, while Ari and Vivian were making the rounds of the club that Ari spotted a familiar and very unwanted person.
Ari had not seen Zoe in over six months but the moment she spotted her, Ari's mind went back to her past and to all the hurt, humiliation and pain she had experienced because of Zoe.
Vivian felt Ari's hand tighten painfully in hers. Looking at Ari's face, she saw a mixture of hurt, anguish and some traces of anger in her eyes.
"Angel, what's wrong?" Vivian questioned.
"It's her, the one I told you about; Zoe," Ari answered, her voice revealing her uneasiness.
Vivian followed Ari's line of sight to a small group of women who were talking and laughing.
"Which one angel?" Vivian asked.
"The one in the blue dress," Ari answered.
Vivian took in the blonde who had caused her love so much hurt. She wasn't anything too special, attractive, somewhat self assured from what Vivian could see but no way was she on Vivian's level when it came to dominance.
"Don't worry angel, she can't touch you, I won't allow it."
"Don't worry! You know what she did to me, humiliated me, and took advantage of me," Ari said, anger flashing in her hazel eyes.
Inwardly, Vivian was pleased. She knew there was some fire in there, had seen traces of it, but Ari kept it buried. It was good to see some of it coming to the surface.
"What do you want to do angel? You want to have Lena rough her up a bit?" Vivian asked, referring to the club's very large and muscled bouncer.
"What? No, of course not," Ari answered.
"Angel, look at me," Vivian said as she held Ari's chin and turned her eyes away from Zoe and to her own. "Zoe can never hurt you again. You are mine, my love, and no one will ever hurt you or take advantage of you. If you want to confront her, I will stand by you as you do so but I think it's best to just ignore her.
"She's a stupid, pathetic little girl; you are not. You are beautiful, brilliant and are going places Zoe will never be able to touch with a hundred foot pole. Let her be; if she wishes to start something with you, don't dirty your hands on the likes of her. We have people on the payroll for that," Vivian ended with a devilish grin, which made Ari laugh.
She felt much better and more so after the scorching kiss Vivian planted on her lips.
"Pet, how about we head upstairs and I'll make you forget all about Zoe and remember why you're mine," Vivian growled in Ari's ear over the loud music. Ari was about to respond when she heard Zoe's voice.
"Well will you look at who I've found. Long time no see Arianna, my sweet pussy slave," Zoe said for all in earshot to hear. Vivian was facing Ari and Ari saw Vivian's eyes burning white hot with anger. Vivian turned and set those anger filled eyes on Zoe.
"Looks like you found yourself a sugar mama to take care of you," Zoe continued, ignoring the warning her friends tried to give.
"The next words out of your mouth better be an apology, little girl, otherwise there will be consequences," Vivian said, her voice low and dangerous.
"Zoe leave it alone, do you know who that is?" One girl said to an obviously angered Zoe.
"Shut up Christy. Who the fuck does this bitch think she is talking to me that way?" Zoe spat.
Christy and the other two girls just shook their heads and backed off from Zoe.
It was Ari who spoke next.
"My god, I can't believe I was ever intimidated by someone as stupid and clueless as you are. If you had half a brain you'd see that everyone around you has the good sense to back down when they know they are in over their head. This is Serafina. This is her club we're standing in and you've just insulted her."
"Insulting me is one thing, but you insulted my Ari and that I will not tolerate. So little girl, I will give you two choices: apologize and leave under your own power or refuse, in which case Lena here will help you leave," Vivian said seriously. As she spoke, the mountainous bouncer had appeared silently behind Zoe, towering over her menacingly.
"On second thought, I really don't want an apology from you. Lena, throw her out and she is never to set foot in my club again," Vivian finished, then turned back to Ari.
"Come my angel, let's go have some fun."
Zoe didn't have time to protest as Lena smiled, showing off her gold front teeth. She took Zoe by the hair and belt, lifted her over her head like she was a feather, and tossed her out of the club's front entrance, none too gently.
The small crowd that had gathered to watch quickly broke up as everyone went back to having a good time. Vivian made a signal to the DJ who changed the current song to a slow, sultry tune. Vivian took Ari's hand and guided her to the dance floor. Soon both women became lost in each other's gazes and movements.
They teased, tantalized and worked each other into a frenzied state before leaving everyone behind and taking their fun to their bedroom.
* * * *
Kate and Meg's relationship was progressing nicely. They were still taking things slow where sex was concerned but were thoroughly enjoying just being a couple.
Just over a week had passed since Meg had told her parents about her and Kate. Meg hadn't heard anything from her mother and had decided to keep away and let her mother make the next move.
On the other hand, she decided to move forward with her father meeting Kate.
"Hi Dad," Meg said into the phone.
"Hello Megan, this is a pleasant surprise. How are you?"
"Good thanks. Dad, were you serious about wanting to meet Kate, my girlfriend?" Meg asked.
"Yes sweetheart, I want to meet the woman in your life," Henry answered.
