Chapter 36 Brooklyn Jayde is watching me closely, a strange look on her face, like she can see right through me to the other side. I can tell there's a lot she could say right now, a lot that she's observed between me and Aden. She and Aden aren't married, but they're very close. Partners, even. I wonder if Jayde is jealous of whatever attraction exists between me and her lover, or if this is simply something she expects. Something she is used to from an insatiable man like him. Then I stop myself from laughing outright. Jayde has got to be one of the sexiest women I've ever laid eyes on. There is no way she could ever be jealous of me. As if reading the turmoil inside me, Jayde finally speaks. "Come on, baby Brooklyn. Let's go have a drink." Honestly, it sounds like a great idea. All of this has been… a lot. So many dresses, Aden's watchful eye, not to mention that all of this is to marry a man who doesn't even want me. Not really. So I let Jayde help me out of the wedding gown and into my regular clothes, before following her through the kitchen and out into a beautiful little garden behind the mansion that I didn't know was even here. "Oh wow," I say, looking around. "It's beautiful out here." There's a full grill and wet bar pressed up against the house, modern amenities against the stone structure. Next to it is a stone patio with a hand-carved wooden table covered by a tall pergola that has grape vines curling all around it. The whole area is surrounded by tall hedges, keeping out prying eyes. Jayde bends down to remove a bottle of wine from the fridge and pops it open, filling two delicate glasses that she takes down from the rack above the sink. I sit down at the table as she brings the glasses over. "This is Aden's latest vintage," she says as I raise the glass to my lips. The wine is dry, but I feel a little bit of bubble against my lips as I sip. Delicious. As I peer at it in the glass, I suddenly realize something. "Wait, you said Aden picked out the wedding dresses. Has he been picking up all my clothes?" Jayde shrugs. "Probably. He has my wardrobe restocked every couple of months, too. He has the stores on call." "But… why?" I feel a bit appalled to realize that Aden has made me his little Barbie doll, dressing me up so that I look just the way he wants me to. But behind my disgust at the idea, a tiny piece of me…likes it. "You haven't known Aden for very long," Jayde says. "He likes control. Of everything." She raises an eyebrow. "But I say, fine by me, if it gets me Italian cashmere and silk pajamas!" Jayde winks, and I can't help but smile in return. "It's so nice to have a chance to sit with you one-on-one," Jayde interrupts my thoughts. "You know, have a little girl talk." I take another sip. "I used to do this all the time with my sister." "Aww," Jayde says, giving me a warm smile. "You can consider me your sister now, if you want." My eyes dart to her and I know she can see the truth there. "Oh my god," she murmurs. "You're a virgin." I take a big gulp of my wine. If we're going to have this conversation, I'd rather be lubricated. "I haven't had my heat yet," I tell her. Though, from the way Aden has been making me feel, it might be right around the corner. To my surprise, Jayde laughs loudly and claps her hands, tickled by the idea. "Baby Brooklyn!" she laughs, "You are too cute!" Somehow, I can't help but laugh with her. When she finishes laughing, she shakes her head at me, truly playing the role of a big sister. "So what do you think the problem is? Are you scared? Shy?" I shrug a little, not really knowing how to say it. "It's all so unfamiliar." "Well, sweetie," she says, finishing her glass of wine and standing up. "In this world, you've got to keep your man happy. So, we have no other choice. "No other choice but what?" I ask, suddenly feeling nervous. "No other choice but to get me involved," Jayde says. "I'm going to help you be the best lover anyone has ever known." Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. 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