chapter 24

"She stays downstairs, no one sees her unless I okay it. Understood?" I tell my men, wanting the meeting to be over so I can go to Ashlynn.  Yesterday's events were exactly what I needed. Now that they are done I can take Ashlynn to the movies like she wanted me to. She doesn't have to work at the club tonight, mainly because I said so. Felicity got a girl to take Ashlynn's shift, much to Ashlynn's dismay. She doesn't like how I treat her at work per-say. She said I favor her, which I know I do. I have every right to, and my employees know better than to go against what I say. In the end Ashlynn did tell me she's excited and that she's choosing the movie.  "Alright we need to keep tabs on the groups who Iris sold information to," Alex says as he stands up. "We already were watching a few of them, but others a new to us. Also, we need to make sure we prepare for the arrival of Hayato and his men. They'll be arriving in four days and will be staying in the guest house next door. Questions?" No one speaks up so I stand next to Alex and grab the papers off the table.  "I expect you all to do your jobs correctly and if anything odd occurs, inform either Alex or me immediately," I say and glance around the room. "Dismissed."  I leave the room first, and my men follow me out. I go to my office to put the papers away before I get ready to go. Ashlynn did tell me I have to dress casual and that my button up and normal dress pants aren't allowed at the movie theater. Alex told me this morning he planned to go on his trip with Dana next week, so I need to get help from Jenna. That'll be a fun conversation. I can't remember the last time Alex had a break, and since he's my second hand I couldn't tell him no. He honestly deserves a break.  When I get all of the papers sorted I go to my room to find something to wear. I'm guessing jeans would be a good choice but I honestly only own a couple pairs. Let's hope I can find them. I push my bedroom door open and I'm slightly shocked by the light from my room. I thought I turned it off. I glance over to my bed and see a figure laying down, playing on their phone.  "Gage! Perfect," she smiles and sits up. "I came to help you get ready."  "Ashlynn? Why are you in my room?" I ask and she stands up.  "I just said, to help you get ready," she replies and grabs my hand. "It's hot out today so I was thinking shorts."  "You're odd," I say as she drags me to my closet. "Most people are scared to be within thirty feet of me, yet you made yourself comfortable on my bed."  "I trust you," she shrugs with a smile as she opens my closet door. "Holy shit is this a mall?"  "It's not that big," I roll my eyes are her exaggeration of my closet. "It's just a walk in closet."  "I'd kill for this," she mutters as she goes towards the right wall. "Are your shorts hanging up or are they in drawers?"  "They are in the drawers to your left," I tell her. She slides the drawer open and digs around for a minute before she pulls out black Bermuda style shorts and she tosses them to me before going to the left side of the closet. She opens the first door she sees and smiles. She digs for a moment once more before she pulls out a deep red t-shirt. "Now go get ready, I need to change as well."  "Here you go again, being bossy," I joke as I lay the clothes over my forearm.  "Shut it and get ready," she rolls her eyes. "If you don't I'll take Jenna to the movies."  "Good luck, she doesn't know how to shut up," I retort as she walks out.  "Clearly you don't know how to either!" She calls back as she leaves my closet and my room.  I go to my bathroom and take a quick shower before I change into the clothes she picked out. I brush out my hair before I run my hand through it so it sits how I like it. I don't like doing much with my hair, too much work for it to get messed up. Once I'm changed I go to my room and slip on a pair of white tennis shoes, and I grab my phone and wallet before heading down stairs. I head towards the maids hall and lean against the wall as I wait for Ashlynn.  "I did good."  I look up and see Ashlynn smirking, her arms crossed over her chest. I blatantly check her out. She's wearing a pair of jean shorts and a light green tank top tucked into them, paired with a white belt and white high top shoes.  "You look great," I tell her. She giggles as she does a spin. "And your ass looks great."  "You and your weird fetish," she teases as I grab her hand.  "I don't have a fetish," I deny as I walk down the hall. "I just admire the good view."  "Perv," she scoffs before looking at me with a smile. "Now, are we sneaking in any candy? I've heard about people doing that."  "You never snuck candy into a movie theater?" I ask and she shakes he left head no. "Our first stop is the store then."  "We're definitely getting Nerds," she smiles before she practically pulls me down the hall. I let her do it. She looks happy right now.  I try to keep my composure as I pass by my men, but Ashlynn's surprisingly strong. I don't want my men to find any weakness or think I'm not capable of leading. But god it's hard to tell her no. Fuck, this girl is really doing my head in.  "You just want Nerds?" I ask and she nods with her smile still as big as it can be. "No chocolate?"  "I'm not big into chocolate candy," she shrugs.  "Noted," I say with a smirk.  We get to the movies after stopping and getting some candy. I shoved the candy into my pockets and she shoved the small bag into her own. Ashlynn wanted the movie to be a surprise so she's making me wait on one of the benches as she gets the tickets and snacks. I pull out my phone and go through emails that are in regards to the few restaurants I own. Just basic updates and the normal stock and profit e-mail.  "Let's go Gage!" Ashlynn smiles as she holds the bundle of snacks in her arms. She has a large popcorn bucket, and order of nachos, two large drinks and a large ICEE. I have no idea how she's holding it all. "You're going to love it, I promise."  "Why does that worry me?" I ask with a small chuckle as I help her carry some of the snacks.  "I promise," she says with a grin. "You'll enjoy it."  "Lead the way then," I say and she leads the way to the theater, a small slip in her step. We go down the hall a little ways before she pushes me into one of the theaters and leads me up to the top row.  "There's no one in here," I say as she goes to the center seats.  "It is Sunday. They probably aren't very busy on Sunday nights," she shrugs as she sits down, setting her drink in the cup holder.  "I hope your right. I don't want anyone distracting me from the movie," I reply and take my seat. Ashlynn just smiles as she eats one of her nachos.  The previews and trailers last for about twenty minutes before the lights turn off and the movie starts. Ashlynn is practically bouncing in her seat as the screen goes black. The color slowly comes back to the screen before I hear the familiar music and see the familiar title screen. I glance over at Ashlynn who has a giddy look on her face.  "You're lucky I can't say no to you," I mutter as the large letters spelling Disney appear on the screen. "What movie is this?"   "Frozen 2," she grins. "Kylie and I watched the first one, so I had to see the second one."  "You're something Ashlynn," I sigh as I grab the popcorn and begin to eat.  "Shh, it's starting," she whispers as she relaxes back into the seat.  ————————————————————  The movie wasn't terrible. It was alright. Ashlynn loved it so that's all I care about. She's practically skipping to the house. We just got back home, and I swear she's wide awake now. I laugh as she stumbles slightly on the steps before she regains her balance and continues to the door.  "Thanks for tonight Gage, I had a lot of fun," she smiles, waiting for me at the door. "We definitely have to see a movie again, but you can choose next time."  "Already planning our next date, huh?" I smirk and her cheeks flush. "But the night isn't over yet. I'm going to take you to one of my night clubs, so get ready."  "A night club? Really?" She asks, a small grin appearing on her face. I nod in reply and she wraps her arms around my neck. "I'll be ready soon, you go change, this outfit looks hot but it's definitely not club material."  "Alright," I say with a small chuckle, wrapping my arms around her waist. "You trust me to find an outfit?"  

"I do, you have lots of nice clothes," she replies and breaks the hug. "Now go, I need to change." She opens the door and rushes inside to change, leaving me behind trying to hide the small smile that's on my face.