Her cheeks warmed with Ethan admitting to being happy to see her, the reaction of Lilly and Marcus amused her greatly chuckling into EthanElijah 's  shoulder in attempts to hide it. Sipping on her drink with a smirk plastered across her face as her focus darted between the Lilly and Marcus.

Lilly connected the dot's between Velvet and Ethan as Marcus shot Lilly a look. "She ain't wrong ya know Eli.  You're fine until you open your mouth, about as charming as dog snot." with a smirk

Almost spluttering her drink over Marcus, Velvet covers her mouth as she chuckled invertedly before swallowing her drink with his comment.

"Tis what I enjoy about him, his lack of filter is honestly admirable there is only black and white, no garbage or sugar coating, though I do enjoy the banter to follow when hit mouth speaks before his head..." she shifted in her seat as she leaned towards Eli giving him a hug, his arms wrapped a little tighter around her.

Watching the banter between Ethan and his staff she couldn't help but laugh till Lilly mentioned her Boss's 'equipment', reeling back in realization her brow quirked in question her head cocked "Did they...? Is that par the recruitment process...?" she pondered to herself shifting to her seat as she dropped her gazed to the floor

Hearing Ethan say he felt he had won the lotto since the pair met,  snapped her out of her thoughts, her eyes warmed to his  as he placed a soft kiss on her lips, she returned the favor running her fingertips down along his jaw.

"Oh? Sure! We'll leave these pair to work hmm? It's quite the place you have here love..." linking her arm with his as she slipped off the bar stool "Lead the way Mr. Edward's.." winking at Lilly and offering a warm smile to Marcus "Thank you for unhitching him for his desk... It was a pleasure to meet you both"

"I mean we can bring Lilly along if she ticks your fancy, but poor Marcus I'm afraid is going to have to stay behind the bar and continue working."  Ethan said with a smile to Velvet and a wink towards his barman.

The old man gave gave a mix of a huff and a laugh. "Like I'd have any desire to even see what you got between your legs" 

"Now Marcus, what if Eth came in bleeding but naked..." Lilly chimed in, "Surely you'd help him out." 

"If Mr. Edwards does something that leaves him naked and bleeding in the streets, he's gonna need more than the help of a barman. So I'd do the only thing proper, call the man a priest."   Marcus nodded as he cleaned out a pint glass, then tossed the rag back over his shoulder.

Ethan just rolled his eyes, and before he could hear Lilly's retort, he lightly lead Velvet away from the two semi-bickering employees.  "You see what I deal with, it's like this, every day."  Ethan gave a soft laugh, "Probably why they fought to keep this place going after I foolheartedly took off and got myself shot. Crazy bastards."  He took the fingers on his free hand and rubbed his temples, as he lightly shook his head. 

As Ethan and Velvet reached the reception area of the old hotel, the two were approached by @Giuseppe_Gambino after he'd entered the Chopper Club.  "Hi there wondering if I could get a quiet booth in this is a fine establishment." the man says offering Ethan his hand. 

Ethan shakes his hand with a genuine smile across his face.  "Mr. Gambino, if I'm right.  Thank you for visiting my establishment."  After breaking from the handshake Ethan motioned for the head host to join them, which took Joseph less than a minute to do. "If my memory serves me there is an empty booth towards the back, away from the bad stage.   My lead host can show you to your table.  If you are not looking to dine and drink alone, I would suggest Daisy to join you for the evening."  Ethan prided himself on being able to read people when it came to his business. It was a trait that came as easy to him as walking, and in their brief encounter he knew Mr. Gambino would enjoy his time with Daisy.

In disbelief, Ethan shook his head. "Forgive me my rudeness, Mr. Gambino.  May I introduce to you Miss Velvet.  She is not just a stunning woman, but a brilliant business woman, and also the woman whose heart I'm trying to steal.  And my love, this here is Mr. Gambino, son of late Carlo Gambino, whom I use to see around the club form time to time."

Ethan gave a few minutes for introductions before excusing himself and Velvet.  He escorted Velvet to the lift, and as the doors opened a tiny white, black, and orange ball of fluff jumped up directly at Ethan's chest.  Ethan caught the tiny feline in with his free hand, with a huge smile and a laugh.  The tiny cat greeted Ethan like a long lost friend, head butting and rubbing her head against his chest.  When Ethan bent his head down towards her she met his forehead with her own, purring loudly. 

"Hey there Patches.  It's good to see you too my friend, are you coming along?  We're heading back to my loft."    Patches gave a loud "mew" and jumped back into the lift, turning back around to make sure her friend was following her.  With a laugh Ethan turned to Velvet, "Shall we?" 

After the two were in the elevator, Ethan looked to Velvet.  "So, this is who I thought you'd like to meet.  She's my friend.  Her name's Patches, she was the only survivor when my parents farm burned.   She was so tiny, I wasn't sure she would make it, but the little one was a fighter."  Ethan smiled and patted his shoulder, the small feline made the jump with out any effort at all.  "Patches, this is my girl, Velvet.  You'll be seeing a lot more of her, I hope.  So be nice." 

Patches gave Ethan a meow that sounded a little more like a squeak than it did a proper cat noise, before walking along to Ethan's other shoulder and giving Velvet a proper sniff, before giving a quick lick to the tip of the woman's nose.  Ethan pulled Velvet into him, her back against his chest as he told her, "She likes you."  Which the cat confirmed by making her way to Velvet's shoulder and curling up on the woman's shoulder, while leaning against Ethan's chest.  The action brought a contented smile to Ethan's face, being with them like this made it feel like things were just right in the world. 

"Hey Vel, I did noticed your reaction to Lil talking about my dick like that.   Yeah she and I did do what you think, several times on instances I didn't feel like going to a local madam.  And I'm sorry if that hurts you, or bothers you.  Its the truth though, and I'm not going to hide things from you, or pretend like it never happened.  It did, you deserve the truth, just as much as you deserve to know that it all ended... like running into a brick wall, stopped, the moment I found out you actually felt the same way about me.   I'm yours Velvet, only yours." 

The tiny calico noticed the change in her humans tone, she knew he was trying to explain something to this other human he called HIS girl.  She know that was important, since he's never introduced anyone else as such.  She scooted over on Velvet's shoulder so she could head-butt the woman's neck while purring loudly.   Her way of confirming Ethan's sincerity to Velvet. 

Ethan spoke to a friend by the sounds to her, wearing a warm smile she huddled in closer to Ethan hiding her blush as he was forth coming to their relationship status

“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Gambino” Extending her hand giving the gent a firm handshake showing respect with a bow of the head before they headed to the flat. 

“So… How should I address…” Before she was able to finish her sentence a tiny white, black, and orange ball of fluff jumped up directly at Ethan's chest.  Ethan caught the tiny feline in with his free hand, with a huge smile and a laugh.  Velvet stood behind Ethan in front of the lift, with an adoring look watching the pair, the love between the pair was visible, the tiny cat’s purr’s clearly audible.  

“Aww ain’t she adorable! Of course, I’m coming!”  Velvet cooed as she admired the small cat waiting for the doors to close extending her hand for the feline to sniff, she had a soft spot for animals much like Ethan, whether they were wild or pets, she adored them. 

“Hello Patches, ain’t you beautiful… pleasure to meet you” cooing over her, hey eyes soft and warm. Watching the tiny cat listen intently to Ethan before giving her a small kiss on her nose, Velvet giggled as she scratched the feline behind the ear. Velvet leaned into Ethan’s embrace, peering up at him contently “Is this what home feels like? If so, I never want to leave.” she thought to herself. 

Ethan’s tone hinted with a trace of concern as he explained to her his previous encounters with Lilly, her eyes widened with a slight shock on the subject, not realizing he noticed brief change in her emotion while downstairs, remaining silent allowing him to pour his thoughts out. Uncertain how to respond, her shoulders dropped slightly till she felt Patches nuzzling into her neck, a smile broke out across her face upon hearing the loud content purrs return, shifting the cat into her arms to  further ear and chin scritchy scratches with her nails, the lift doors opened sighing slightly as she stepped out looking at the floor before she gazed across the flat. 

“Eli, Have I ever told you how much I adore you being so forthcoming with information?” she ran her fingers through Patches Fur before looking up walking up closer, her free hand ran her fingers down his cheek.

“Love, what happened in the past stays in the past, it holds little to no concern for me, yes I had a tinge of Jealousy appear internally… Which explains why I acted the way I did, that feeling is new to me.” Emphasizing the last few words. 

Dropping her gaze at Ethan, lowering it to the little ball of fur drifting off to sleep patty whacking at her jacket an amused smirk formed on her face she continues to spiel “Hearing you labelling me as yours honestly makes me flutter, … in more ways than one” a mischievous smile evident on her lips before drawing her attention to Ethan, standing on her tippy toes placing a quick kiss on his lips

"I Feel cherished, seen, heard and loved, never have I experienced this yet...You are mine just as much as I am yours Dear…Without sound corny this here feels like home” she motioned towards the three of them, her tone reassuring as she gazed once more at @EthanElijah

Looking back at the fur ball she smiled and whispered “ You’ll be seeing much more of me Patches and so will the silly Buggers down stairs"

Dino runs into the club, waving his chopper around like a propeller

'weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee'

'Velvet, I havent' seen you for time girlie girl, car to play with my spoons'?

Turning around as she heard her name being called out

Witnessing Dino propellering his manliness, her eyes went wide as she quickly shielded vision 

"I .. uh.. Hi its been awhile! What brings you here... or should I not ask?"

Feeling Velvet turn around beside him, Ethan followed suit.  What stood before him, simply left Ethan blinking for a few minutes. 

"He a, uh... friend of yours Vel?"  Ethan questioned. 

He shook the image out of his head.  Dino reminded him of another client who verbally proclaimed wanting to play with his dick publicly.  Dino had him beat though, since he already had his dick out and in hand. 

"Sir," Ethan said, his voice slightly exasperated.  "Put your dick back in your pants.  If want someone to publicly watch you play with your dick, then you are more than welcome to rent a room and one or two of the hosts here.  However, while you are out here publicly, you will keep it in your pants.  People are  trying to eat here for Christ's sake, they don't want to see... that." 

Ethan clearly hinting at the strange man's penis with the final words he spoke. He rubbed his temples as he thought to himself, "How do they always find their way here..." 

Stifling a laugh, amusement dancing in her eyes as she peered up at Ethan while shielding her eyes

“Uh, well, His father was a good friend of mine he often kept me company while I bar hopped from district to district… “ she muttered quietly “although the family are quirky, loveable but quirky…”

Turning herself slightly conversing with herself “Do not look down, Do not look down” she repeated as she smiled Dino

“Hun, can you holster your gun for a hot minute? I’m sure the girls would love to see your talent in private… Fancy a Whiskey?”  she looked over at Marcus darting her eyes between the two.

Ethan chuckled hearing Velvet telling herself not to look down, and he couldn't help but just blurt out, "If you want to look at his dick, then look at his dick, Vel. As long as you're not allowing him to stick it in you behind my back, I don't care."

He chuckled further after hearing himself say it. "Behind my back... Yeah, I would be alright if she wanted to bring in a 3rd sometime." He thought before gently having Velvet face him.

"Hey, you go enjoy some drinks with your, quirky friend. I think I'm going to head back into the office, there's still mounds of work to do.  Come get me when you're done, Joseph will show you the way."  Ethan gave her a soft smile before placing a warm and lingering kiss to her lips. "I'll see you soon."

Ethan patted his shoulder and Patches jumped up before the two made their way back to the office. He quietly shut the door as the tiny calico jumped down before pouncing on then batting around a wadded up piece of paper.  Ethan quietly sat at his desk,staring at the papers. He signed off on a few orders before he pulled out his own private bottle of whiskey and just drank straight from it. Guilt reeled in him, as he told her he wouldn't hide anything knowing full well, that was a lie. He placed the bottle on the desk next to him and he sat with his head in his hands, while he pondered how or even if to tell Velvet about his son.

Returning the kiss, a soft smile on her lips her tone warm “ won’t be long Eli…”.

Velvet’s brow furrowed looking perplexed with Ethan’s cooler than usual tone he set off to the office with Patches. Looking back toward Dino who was clearly preoccupied talking to one of the girls here with his dick still hanging out.

Shaking her head slightly amused she approached the bar leaning against.

“Marcus… Can I have two whiskey’s to go please? While my friend over here is helicoptering for the girl’s amusement” slightly chuckling with a half-met smile. “Can you collect me when he’s done?”

Grabbing their drinks, she looks at Joseph giving him a nod shifting on foot “Can you take me to his office please?”  unsure if she should attempt small talk with the man while they walked through to the back towards EthanElijah ‘s  office.

Marcus huffed in response to being asked to collect Velvet after Dino was done playing with his dick. "You're friend better put it back in his pants before he gets thrown out.  The boss won't take well to a complaint on it, after already speaking with the guy personally."   The older man wasn't being rude, or angry with her, he'd simply worked with Ethan long enough to know. 

Joseph gave Velvet a warm smile as he saw her approach, "I'd be happy to take you to his office, Miss Velvet.  You make him happy, you know? It suits him, in all the time I've known and worked with him... I've never seen happiness.  He's either all business or a bumbling idiot.  So, thank you miss." 

Joseph spoke as he walked, leading the way to Ethan's office.  He cracked the door and entered first. 

"Ethan sir..."

His boss looked up at him through a total mess of mousy brown hair, his voice clipped in annoyance assuming why Joseph was in his office.

"That guy still waving his dick about?"  The head host nodded. "Take Curly.  Give him one more warning, if he doesn't comply right away.... have Curly toss him in the road.  He can deal with road rash on his prick for all I care." 

Ethan motioned for his bald, muscular bodyguard to follow Joseph, while the lead host just stood in awkward silence. "What?" Ethan spit out. 

"I'll get right to it, sir. But... I'm here to announce my Velvet to your office, sir."

"Oh..." Ethan's voice went softer, and he blinked a few times attempting to clear his blurring vision. "Send her in."  He quietly said as he started at the drawing he'd absentmindedly had done of his son.  He stumbled a bit as he tried to stand when Velvet entered the room.   He took time to try and hide the bottle he'd been drinking from, when Patches stole her focus for a minute by crashing her shoulder into Vel's legs.  Ethan quickly gained his composure and walked over to Joseph and his girl.  "Thank you, Joseph." 

Ethan took one of the glasses from Velvet's hands, and lightly placed his hand to the small of her back.  After he heard the door close behind Joseph, he started walking her to the couch in his office. "Lets, have a seat.  We need to... I should tell you..."  He began to speak as he slowly helped Velvet onto the couch, before taking a seat next to her.   

Ethan struggled to find the words, but he also knew it was a sort of now or who knows when scenario.  The longer he waited the worse he would imagine her reaction to being.  He took a deep breath and downed the drink in his hand.  He positioned himself, so he was looking at her, his gray eyes watching her hazel ones closely. 

"Vel, I gotta tell you something... Promise me you won't judge me too harshly, and will listen to everything.  No, I haven't cheated on you.  But, I have lied to you.  Well, not lie, but I have been hiding something, very important from you.  But I guess considering I told you earlier I wouldn't or wasn't going to hide things, it means, yeah I've lied to you. I haven't told you, not because I don't trust you... but it's just safer that way.  For everyone involved."

Ethan ran his fingers through his hair, and he stared at the floor for a brief moment before looking back to Velvet with his hands gripping at his knees tightly enough to give himself white knuckles. 

"There's no easy way to say it, but... I..."

Ethan took a deep breath.

"I have a son Velvet. With me being about 2 months from turning 28, mean's he's 11 now." 

He let that sink in for a moment, letting her piece together what she knew about him. 

"If you're thinking about the fact I lost my virginity when I was 16, and putting that together with this, you would be correct.  His mother, was, my childhood sweetheart.  The only woman I ever loved, or I thought could ever love me, until I met you... She came to live at a neighboring farm after her mother died, her father spent too much time away on business.  He was, well still is, very rich.   He didn't mind our friendship, but loathed her dating me.  He dealt with it for a while, thinking his daughter would meet a rich, proper boy and forget about the poor farm kid.  We were, a week apart in age.... halfway between my birthday and her sweet sixteen, we gave ourselves to each other. We were going to sit down with her father, get his consent for us to marry after we got out of school.  I was going to ask him for a job in his company, so I could properly afford to care for her. But the night of her Sweet Sixteen, he moved her away to New York.  I joined this life as soon as I was out of the house, I needed to make a name for myself, earn money... power.  I had to prove to her asshole father, that I was worthy of his daughter.  I, however,  never saw her again until about a week out from my 21st. I ran into the asshole at a diner in NY, he took me to see her.  She was at a park, celebrating her engagement to another man.  I wasn't even worth waiting for..." 

He paused for a moment and looked away.  Bearing himself like this wasn't easy, it left him feeling weak and vulnerable. 

"Her father told me to go say hi.  Meet my 4-year-old son.  I couldn't do it though, insert myself into their lives. I thought about what it would mean, what could become of it. They were out there happy... completely oblivious that only a few feet away I could turn their whole lives upside down.  It was wrong.  I thought about Lilly, no not the one that works here. She actually just got hired because of nostalgia for my childhood sweetheart having the same name.  But I thought about Lilly, and how long before her husband or myself would get jealous, tell her to make a choice between the two of us. A position that won't be happy for her no matter what, because in the end, she'd be hurting somebody.  Then there's the social part of it all, the lie they've told about Jason being his dad.   I show up and it's obvious who the kid's real father is... and then she's the woman who had a kid out of wedlock with another man.  She'd be labeled all sorts of horrible things, the talk of the neighborhood.  It wouldn't be long before the kids picked up on their parents' conversations... then my son would deal with being picked on and bullied at school.  I couldn't do it, it would have been selfish of me.  So I walked away, knowing I wouldn't be the one to  hear his first words, witness his first steps, help him learn to ride a bike or throw a ball... see him through his first crush and heartache...."

He looked up at Velvet, looking for some sort of reassurance. 

"It's something I've been facing every day.  Hoping, praying that I've made the right call.  Not a day goes by I don't think of him.  I sketch him anymore without even realizing it, telling people he's just some kid I saw in a park once..."

He reached into his pocket and handed over the sketch he'd done earlier.

"It's all I've got of him Vel, the memory of a face of a four-year-old boy..." 

Velvet smiled at Joseph as he mentioned she made Ethan happy “I, Uh, hope so… I enjoy his company immensely… he calms my inner storms.” her voice soft as they approached his office.

Hearing Joseph and Ethan talk whilst she stood in the hall way, stepping to the side against the wall as a large burly man excited his office, Velvet could hear and feel his defeated state as he spat at Joseph announcing her presence was near. The change in tone immediately changed still holding the drinks in her hand, her face slightly paled not knowing what she had walked in, stepping into Ethan’s office before a wet nose brushed against her legs a smile erupted from her lips.

Joseph motioning her in as he nodded upon taking his exit, she because curious as to what had troubled the man, he’s eyes dimmer than usual as he guided her down to the couch in his office.

Her heart sunk upon hearing the sentence "Lets, have a seat.  We need to... I should tell you..."  stammering his words unable to pick the correct wording. Velvet’s shoulder slumped as he sunk the drink back effortlessly

Before she was able to ask what was wrong Ethan nervously fiddled with her hand whilst focusing on her eyes continuing his speech somewhat planned. Her mouth slack, her eyes darting between his, with her free hand she sipped on her drink thinking to herself “I think I’m going to need a few more of these by the sounds…” pacing herself placing the tumbler on floor.

"Vel, I gotta tell you something... Promise me you won't judge me too harshly, and will listen to everything.  No, I haven't cheated on you.  But I have lied to you” slouching further defeated, thinking the worst of the worst scenario, has this all between them been a lie? What was he reaping from this, Her insecurities drowning his voice out, her eyes water slightly as they win “Not again… please no.” knots grabbing a firm hold of her.

Her mind slips into their time back in Philly where they both became undone utterly absorbed in one another learning each other’s pulses in-depth, snapping her out of her thoughts as she Noticed Ethan let go of her hand, he began to fidget more with his hair as he stared at the floor for a brief moment before looking back to Velvet with his hands gripping at his knees tightly enough to give himself white knuckles.  Snapping her out of her thoughts, unable to piece a sentence together in comfort for him.

Leaning away from him bracing herself against the back of the lounge in support she awaited the blow to follow.

"I have a son Velvet. With me being about 2 months from turning 28, mean's he's 11 now."  He managed to stammer out.

He let that sink in for a moment, letting her piece together what she knew about him. 

Her eyes wide as she leaned down to pick up her drink knocking it back, feeling as if it didn’t touch the sides.

Ethan continued to outlay the missing pieces of the puzzle. Her heartbroke as she heard he had been denied being with his childhood sweetheart, as if the blow wasn’t hard enough being forced to see his child from afar whilst he went on to prove his worth time and time again. Forming a glare at the news he had outlaid, she hung her head down looking to the floor. “What sort of sick fuck would want a young man see the potential to the story he had envisioned…”   her head cocked as she continued to glare, a firm look of disapproval on her face whilst Ethan out laid absolutely everything out in plain sight. Realizing he had not looked up he mentioned he had a son she was thankful as it would appear this was the final straw for her which it was a far cry from, shaking her head in attempts to stop seething, the anger she had towards the mothers of his child’s, father.

Her eyes softened as her hazel eyes met his distant grey eyes uncertain on how she felt since she had been speechless since arriving into Ethan’s office.

Eyeing the sketch Ethan has drawn of his son when he first laid eyes on him slowly taking it with both hands mesmerized by his almond shaped eyes, running her fingertips down the young man’s jaw on the piece of paper seeing an uncanny resemblance between father and son, withholding tears of mixed emotions from anger, sadness, relief.

“I…. I… Don’t know what to say EthanElijah” swallowing heavily, reaching down to her tumbler not taking her eyes off the sketch, glancing down oh so briefly noticing it’s empty “Fuck...” she said out loud visibly disappointed.

“Have you tried… you know… checking in on him?” her tone smooth before a hint of venom coated her tongue “Have they been taking care of him?  Still lost in the little boy’s eyes where happiness danced, care free and unaware of his surroundings.

Her seething state dissipated as her tore herself away from the sketch handing it back to Ethan, before meeting his gaze, reaching out to his hand she traces figures on his hand in attempting to comfort him.

“I am not mad, disappointed and so on with you with holding this information… I understand love” a soft smile forming on her face in assurance.

“My question is what caused you to bubble over?”  she leaned in sitting on the edge of couch positioning herself facing him.

“You seem on edge love… talk to me”

Without even looking Ethan could feel the different emotions coming off Velvet as he spoke.  The anger, seething and disapproval all filled the air between them,  still Ethan's eyes looked towards her for some sort of reassurance. He watched her as she looked over the sketch, and seeing her eyes soften.  He let out a nearly silent sigh of relief, it meant she wasn't unforgivably angry with him, and he knew he could work with that. 

Yet she spoke he could hear the uncertainty, shock, and slight anger that were still there.  He took notice of her disappointment in finding her tumbler empty, and he stood up letting his fingers glide back along hers.  He held up a single finger, before silently walking to his desk and pulling out a bottle from his personal stash of whisky.   He made his way back, before refilling her glass and repositioned himself back next to her as if he'd never stood up to begin with, all while never saying a word.  He waited for the questions and comments he knew she would have.

“Have you tried… you know… checking in on him?” 

"No..." Ethan lightly shook his head, as she continued, “Have they been taking care of him?"

"Yes... They aren't bad people Vel.  Lil can't help it she fell in love with someone else, and as much as he father is a rich asshole who pretty much bathes in his own hubris.  The man did what he thought was best at the time for his daughter.  None of them knew she was pregnant when he took her away... he thought he was going to put her in a position that she could meet a man that could afford to take care of her.  Especially if she got sick as her mother did.  A poor farm boy couldn't have provided that.  I hate it, and him for stealing her away from, and costing me a relationship with my son.  But they care about the boy.  I could see that when plain as the nose on my face that day I saw them at the park in New York." 

There was a brief pause as she handed the sketch back him, and lightly traced her fingers around his.  He saw the soft smile forming on her lips as she tried to reassure him that she wasn't mad at him, just disappointed in him for withholding the information.

"I know you are... I've disappointed everyone in my life, I needed to go for the complete set."  Ethan gave a half-hearted laugh, attempting to hide the truth in what he felt behind a joke. "It's not something I talk about, with anyone.  Only 4 other people knew the truth of my son's real father, until I told you.  Me, his mother, her father, and her husband.... well, now you. Less people that know the better, safer."

When he heard her ask him what had caused him to feel such a strong need to tell her, and confess about his son, then hearing her say she felt he was on edge just made him laugh.  His eyes now showing a hint of warmth and happiness as he looked into her hazel eyes.  The smile still showing on his face as he caressed her cheek with his fingers. 

"My beautiful, smart, sexy Velvet... how can you not see the reason for this?  Do you not see it's because of how serious I am about you?"

Ethan leaned in and softly placed his lips to hers, letting them linger above her lips for a moment before pulling back and answering her further.

"I told you just today that wouldn't hide things from you. Yet I knew damn well I was hiding bomb of a truth. I realized that if I was serious about this, what we have and our future... I can't go hiding this from you.  It terrified me to tell you, its what put me on edge.  Any parts of this could be something that makes you change your mind about what you want with me, as a future... and I don't want to lose you, but I can't lie to you either.  You could have been mad at the simple fact I had a kid.... or maybe at the fact I've purposely chosen to keep myself out of his nice, despite how noble my intentions behind that choice being... or you could be mad that I didn't just tell you about this right from the start, and instead let you get invested in me a bit first.   ANY of those reasons could be enough for someone, let alone all of them together.  So yeah, I was, well am... on edge, because I'm terrified of hurting and losing you." 

Melting slightly into his kiss resting her hand on his cheek listening intently to him, she had never quite met a man whom lays all the cards down in plain sight, often she was sent on a wild goose chase, chasing her tail for truths,  this  whole thing was new to her.
Someone that genuinely doted her, scared to lose her, warmed her heart, the fact he saw past her imperfections, realising she had fumbled her words saying she was disappointed in him  pained her a little.

A soft smile  played on her lips, sighing softly to allow her words to flow hoping this time it comes across  clear.
"They may not be horrible people... doesn't mean they're getting praise from me lopping you at the knees."a soft chuckle rattled in her throat

"The only thing that'd make me run  hating you even slightly is if you were to  bring  harm to my girls and my home,  which knowing more of your past, I  firmly believe that is not a desire you have in any fiber of your being...so I ain't going anywhere Philly is our home...." shifting closer to him resting her head on his shoulder as she gazed across his office.

"EthanElijah for the record I'm  not disappointed in you, my words failed I'm sorry...." sighing slightly unconsciously her finger nails dragged against his skin lightly  " I'm... I'm..." thinking  carefully.
" I'm proud of you, and the man you've  become regardless of the shit show earlier in your life...Your  son is becoming a young  man Eli, one can only hope the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" nuzzling in a little closer, her filter absent whilst she disassociated slightly, her emotions reeling, thinking back to her orphaned years growing up, whilst the young boy had a loving mother and father it panged her a little knowing the truth was bound to erupt one way or another  either building the boy's  character or completely destroying his sense of truth.

Whilst they sat in silence Velvet started to hum in her disassociated state before she started to sing
"I've got you under my skin" her tone low as her feet tapped to the beat running through her head
"I have got you, deep in the heart of me" her melody lightly louder
"So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me, I've got you under my skin" pushing herself off him her hazel  eyes hazy lifting her head up to be met by his grey eye's as she proceeded to hum a coy smile on her lips.

A soft smile spread across Ethan's face as he heard Velvet start to sing, he reached out letting his fingers lightly brush her cheek. Humming along as she sang.   The tense anxiety that was flooding him started fading away immediately upon hearing her words of the only way he could scare her away.  A blissful satisfaction of the moment instantly took over him.  "This, this is real. She makes me the luckiest damn guy on the planet, and she... she doesn't even realize it about herself."   

He gave a quick back and forth shake of his head when she pushed herself off him, and he pulled her back onto him.  He placed a leg on either side of his lap, and looked deep into her hazel eyes.   He tucked a small strand of hair back behind her ear, before softly placing another kiss to her lips. 

"Vel, I would never harm you, your girls, or your home.  Especially if I want to share that home with you someday"

He flashed her a quick, but sweet smile.

"All I want is to help build up you, the girls, and your club.  I want to build you up so high that the whole world sees you shine like I see it. And I want them to be jealous, that its my side you've chosen to stay at.  That they kick themselves for not seeing and treating you like you deserve.  Most importantly, I want you to help you see yourself as I do.  I want you to KNOW, that I'm lucky to have you.  Not to hold it over me, but because you are that special, and you deserve to see yourself as such. " 

Ethan leaned in and once again kissed Velvet's lips.

"Now granted I have no idea how to do that. So, I'm probably just going to keep telling you how amazing, and beautiful I find you.  So try and get used to it... try to embrace it.  Smart, amazing, beautiful, strong, and so much more... those are all parts of you." 

Ethan got that goofy smile on his face when he was happy but was about to just blurt out what came into his head. 

"Ya know Vel, if you want a home in Detroit... you're welcome here.  With or without me, no need to pay money for a room, when you can just come here."

Smiling as she nudged Ethan with her elbow aimed for his floating rib whilst he eased her mind confirming his loyalty, silencing her anxious thoughts, destroying them as he goofed around, softly laughing, her eye’s crinkled as she admired his goofy smile and his sweet whiskey smooth words.

“Ride and die love, always.” shooting him a smile.

Her eyes lit up upon hearing Ethan welcoming her to The Chopper club whilst she stopped into Detroit to visit him.

“Detroit is the motor city…this could be fun, annoying Lilly and Marcus with my unexpected announcements, may be good for Callum to gain some bar knowledge from Marcus too...’  mulling over business ideas whilst embracing the joint desire of making Detroit and Philly their home.

“I don’t need to tell you the Lounge is open at any time you visit since well… you waltzed in midst my practice round of my routine” she ribbed him in a highly mischievously manner, her eyes and tone laced in humour, her mind drifting to moments of events later that evening, a small flush formed on her chest.

Velvet wasn’t one to delve too far into her emotions, her short fall being able to open up, swept up in how forth coming Ethan was pouring every inch of his soul laying it all on the line. Attempting to compile sentences to confirm her feeling and loyalty was equal to his, along with their joint goals.

Shifting in her seat as she picked up the tumbler bringing it to her lips whilst she patted patches whom was purring contently between the two of them.

“Eli… I love you” her eyes widened once the admission rolled off her tongue in realization her filter had completely disabled, quickly she sunk back the whiskey gulping heavily.

A loud knock echoed throughout the office startling her slightly as the door creaked open.

Ethan gave Velvet a mix of a smile and smirk when she mentioned him waltzing in on her practicing her routine at the Burlesque club.  He cocked his head to the side, and gave her a sideways look. 

"Well, it's not like I was expecting to walk in and see you half-naked, shaking the good lord's gifts around the bar." 

He softly chuckled as he playfully teased her right back.   His tone softened a bit as he continued, his fingers brushing along her cheek.

"That surprise visit was the best decision I've made in a long time. For more than just it culminating in the fulfillment of sexual desires..."

Ethan could tell she too was thinking about that moment, where the two of them came together in the heat of passion and lust.  An act that cemented them as a couple, he was hers and in turn, she was his. By the look on her face he could tell she was contemplating something He sat quietly, admiring her beauty and reflecting on how lucky he was. Ethan's hand moved down to pet the tiny calico between them, after a few pets he felt his hand land on Velvet's.  Ethan took her hand into his, entwining their fingers together. 

"Eli... I love you"  he heard.  He blinked a few times wondering if he had heard his girl correctly, and was confirmed with it by the look and reaction she had to what she'd just said. 

He chortled slightly as he said, "I would have put money down on, me being the first one to say that..."  his tone softened, "I don't know what a guy like me has done to deserve a girl like you, but I am so grateful to have you.  I love you too Velvet." 

Ethan fished into his pocket and pulled out a key, gently placed it into the palm of her hand.

"Here, this is the key to my flat on the top floor.  Anytime you find yourself in Detroit, you have a place you can call home. Even without me, my home is your home.  Callum, any of the girls... they're all welcome. "  

Ethan leaned in, placing his lips softly to hers. He always craved more when it came to her and getting a feel of her lips.  He couldn't think of a more perfect name for her to have than Velvet.  Ethan had just begun to deepen the kiss, pulling Velvet closer against him when a knock came to his office door. 

Ethan playfully whispered, "Let's pretend we're not here."

He had only returned to his kiss for another few moments before the knock came again, louder and more forceful. Ethan let out a slightly defeated groan, then turned and looked towards the door.

"Yeah, come in..." 

Dino rolls up to the chopper club on his hog.  Not a large motorcycle, but an actual hog, named Horace who was most displeased about the state of affairs.

'Hi, can anyone feed an water Horace here?  he's getting a little.........agitated. also, whats on the menu?'

Velvet smiled as she glanced at the keys Ethan had handed her fidgeting with them,  her face beaming.

"Eli I'm speechless... thank you"
Returning his kiss in attempts of deepening it, till the knock at the door. Velvet and Eli sighed closely followed by a defeated  groan as Ethan coolly "welcomed" the  visitor.

Surprisingly it was Jacqueline whom detached from Philly her softly spoken voice as she gauged the less than friendly welcoming
"Uh... Vel... Ethan?It's just  me... " her voice quiet yet filled with dread, awaiting the dread of a object being thrown at her.

Velvet huffs rolling her eyes as the door opens further, smoothing out her getup
"What the hell are you doing here Jacqueline?" Her tone curt, her eyes glaring at Jacqueline in the hall way with Joseph rubbing the back of his neck defeated standing directly behind the woman.

A cocky  smirk washed over Jacqueline face as she saw the two were more than  flustered
"Oh c'mon Vel, lighten up, you told me to seek  an adventure and a change of pace... so here I am!" Her arms outstretched with a show stopper smile followed by a wink.

"Sooo there's an odd gent with a hog downstairs, is this your usual characters here in Detroit  EthanElijah ? He's asking  for a feed...? I mean Lilly out there is a Treat but er.... not sure that's what he means" quirking  her brow with her arms folded over her trench coat

Velvet sunk into the couch throwing her head back groaning annoyed as she looked up at the ceiling

"Lord help me..."

Dino felt a bit embarrassed after being admonished by EthanElijah and stopped his propeller impression, instead opting for an elephant impression, pulling out his pockets........

'hold on, this gives me an idea.........HORACE'

Dino's faithful hog comes bounding in and nearly ruptures Dinos chopper

'fucking ouch'