If You Make a Deal With a Shadow...

Chapter 23

"Last night I prayed on a fallen star that you never have a broken heart. Though the world is cold, please remember who you are. And I pray that you never have a rainy day. And no matter what the people say in your darkest hours I'll help guide your way."

- Mother's Prayer by K. Michelle

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Payton extended his arm, his debit card was face down in his large palm. "No," Aubrey refused, shaking her head. "I am not using your money. Keep it," she pushed his hand away and he almost rolled his eyes. The others would have easily complied with a day of relaxation from the Payton Hampton himself.

"Please, Aubrey. I insist."

"And I insist on no," she said before turning to walk away.

"Aubrey. I... demand it," he then bellowed.

He didn't want to have to force her to go pamper herself, but he obviously had no choice. The other three obviously didn't like her so they never took her with them and they went out to pamper themselves at least once a week. They had their own money but, of course, in their Submissive contracts he is to provide for them money wise. Besides that, he loved taking care of Aubrey. If anyone deserved to be taken care of she truly did.

Aubrey turned around, still several feet away from him. "Payton. You cannot make me go out and use your money. I didn't sign the contract," she spoke, flabbergasted.

"You still work for me. If you don't I will abolish your freedom privileges with Eric," his eyebrow went up and she gaped at him to see if he was serious. He gave her a deadpan expression before raising the other eyebrow. She huffed before snatching the card brutally from his hand. He tried so hard not to laugh at her.

"Fine!" she spat before storming off.

"Take Eric and a guard with you!" he yelled after her.

She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Whatever!" she hollered back.

Payton smiled. "Thanks!" he shouted back and shook his head with a smile.

Aubrey walked around the house to find Eric and when she found him she asked if he could drive her around for the day. Of course, Payton had already told him a day before what today would consist of so he quickly obliged.

Before Eric started the car Aubrey pulls her new iPhone from her pocket—courtesy of her overly possessive boss—and dialed Payton's number. He answers almost immediately. "I was just wondering if I could... umm—"

"If it has to do with money and my card then of course you can," he quickly permitted.

"Now, what if I was asking you if I could go to Europe and buy a rocket launcher," she teased and he rolled his eyes, noticing she wasn't mad at him anymore.

"Fine. What is it, Miss Wilson?" he wondered, slightly appalled by her response. She never ceased to amaze him.

"I just wanted to know if we could go by and pick up Junior to take him shopping with me," she asked with a soft tone and began to fiddle with her fingers nervously. Eric smiled as he pressed a button to raise the garage. She was one sweet woman and such a great mother.

"Like I said, of course you can," Payton replied and she thanked him before they both ended the call.

Aubrey nodded at Eric and he smiled again before pulling out of the garage. He wouldn't admit it, but he loved Aubrey and her son, Junior. They were both undeniably kind and giving. Junior was hilarious and unbelievably smart to be his age. Aubrey was raising a king. And all by herself. He applauded her.