Leather & Lace

Chapter 19

Ladies and gentlemen, the time is now 7:46 am. Welcome to Shanghai. Lacey's eyes fluttered open as she heard the captain’s voice. She sat up off of Eric’s shoulder and looked out of the window. The sun was peeking through the morning sky and as they were safely landing, she was able to see more land. She was excited to see and learn more about the culture of Shanghai.

“Eric, I can’t believe we’re actually here,” she smiled.

“I know right! I can’t wait to show the city.” They claimed their luggage and went into the waiting black car. Eric gave the directions of where they would be staying as Lacey just admired her surroundings. What caught her attention was the beautiful waterfront that was lined with tall buildings.

“This is the Huangpu River. It runs about seventy miles long from south of Shanghai to the north of it. Shanghai is known as a financial municipality of China.” As the man spoke, Lacey was so lost into the beautiful colonial buildings. Eric just watched as her eyes lit up as she took in the city. They finally arrived at their vacation rental and their driver assisted with their luggage. Eric tipped the guy and then he left, leaving them with his information.

“Whoa, this is so big.”

“That’s what she said,” he winked at her.

“You are so nasty,” she laughed. Eric walked up behind her and held her.

“I’m so glad we did this.” He kissed her cheek.

“Me too. Thank you.” She kissed him on the lips. “So what’s the plan for today?”

“It’s whatever you want to do, my lady.”

“Okay let’s go to Yu Garden,” she beamed.

“How about we eat first and then we can go,” he suggested.

“Ugh, eating can wait. I’m so excited to be here. It’s like I have this big burst of energy.” Lacey went to their bedroom and showered. Eric laughed when she struggled to turn on the hot water. Once he fixed it, she thanked him and then put him out of the bathroom. Luckily there was another bathroom and he was able to shower and change his clothes. After they got dressed, they left and headed towards a local restaurant that was close to their vacation rental.

She ordered the rainbow sushi while Eric ordered salmon and it was the best sushi she’s ever had. Everything was fresh as if it just came out of the sea. “Oh my God. This is so good,” she moaned as she ate another piece of sushi.

“I’m glad you like it so far.” Eric just enjoyed the fact that she was happy. He was able to give her something Brett couldn’t. She was free of him and he planned on keeping her that way.

“Thank you so much. I know I said thank you already, but I’m just so happy.”

“Lacey you don’t have to thank me. You’re my woman. Now hurry up and eat so I can take you to the garden.” Lacey quickly finished her food and then they left for the garden.

Yu Garden is northeast of Shanghai right next to the City God Temple. It has a total of five acres with six different areas to visit. Lacey wanted to see all six areas. With their hands together, they walked towards Dianchun Hall. Outside the building was a stage that faced the water on three different sides. When they entered the hall, small swords from the rebels of the Shanghai Small Swords Society were displayed in the hall along with beautiful calligraphy on the couplets. Lacey was so intrigued at how beautiful it was. From its rich and vibrant colors to the elegant interior and exterior of the building, she was interested in learning the history about it.

“Did you know this building was used as a command post for the Uprising Army?” She asked him.

“I do now,” he smiled.

“You’re so silly,” she playfully pushed him.

“Honestly Lacey, I’m just glad to put a smile on your face. Seeing you happy makes me happy.”

She leaned into him. “Eric, I'm very happy right now.”

Meanwhile..

“Are you all packed up?” Shondra asked Brett.

“Why are we going to Shanghai again?”

Shondra walked toward Brett. “Because it’s a couple’s trip and besides I want you and Eric to reconcile your relationship. You guys were friends and now you’re barely speaking.”

Brett rolled his eyes. “Are we on this again? Shondra, I don’t need to go to Shanghai to rekindle a friendship.”

“Why not? You guys were close before Lacey came into the picture.” Shondra’s tone became a little cold.

“Ahhhh, now I see. You want to go to Shanghai to dangle our marriage in Lacey’s face. Well sad news for you, I’m not going.”

“Oh you’re going, my dear husband. Because if not, then all I have to do is make one phone call and your precious Lacey will be finished.”

“You are a cold and wicked b***h,” Brett snapped.

“Yeah, I’ve been called worse,” she laughed. “At least my reputation will be intact. Unlike Lacey’s. Do you want to be the reason that she loses everything? She’s one of the best lawyers in the city and with a phone call, it can all be gone.”

Brett knew he had to keep playing along with her. Shondra was smart, but he was smarter. Just as she was blackmailing him, he was blackmailing her.

“Fine. We can go to Shanghai.”

“I knew you would cooperate, but damn Brett, I never took you for a submissive guy.” She laughed.

“And I never took you for a-“

“Ah, ah, ahhh,” she smirked as she wiggled the phone in her hand. Brett was fuming. He needed to get that phone and whatever other evidence she had on them.

“Wow, I can't compliment my wife now.” Brett arched an eyebrow. He traced his finger along her arm which caused chills to rise. He leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear.

“I never took you as a dominant woman. You surprise me, Shondra. You opened my eyes, baby.” He kissed her cheek and heard as she began to breathe a little heavier than normal. He knew the game of seduction well and right now it’s working. “You know I may also want to try to rekindle what we have in Shanghai.”

“And what about Lacey?” She asked.

“What about her? You were right. We’re married and I stepped out on you. I want to make it up to you. She was nothing but an easy lay. But you? You are my wife.” He leaned in and kissed so close to her lips, but not exactly on it. “Now go get ready and pack up something nice,” he winked at her.

Shondra hurried off to their room and began to pack. Brett quickly got his clothes packed and their suitcases to the car. They took his private jet there and it was the longest flight ever. By the time they arrived, it was already dark. Eric sent Shondra the address and about an hour later, they were knocking at the door. Brett could hear someone unlocking the door and when it opened, his heart dropped. Lacey stood there in one of Eric’s T-shirts and her bare feet. Eric appeared right behind her shirtless. Brett’s nostrils flared and his jaw was tense as he stared at Lacey, but before Shondra could notice, he composed himself. Eric wrapped his arms around her waist, silently letting Brett know that something happened between them. As they let Brett and Shondra in, Eric greeted them. “Hey guys, welcome to Shanghai.”