It’s been 3 weeks since the drama with the article and the meeting with Jade and Alexia. We all came to the conclusion that hiding Leya from the public eye would be impossible. Between Jade’s parents and the nosy reporters it was just unlikely, so now my baby has her own security detail. Unlike me I only have 2 bodyguards, a married couple, which I had little choice in agreement. Jade and I argued for about 2 hours until I talked her down to just 2 guards.
I still find it really weird but it’s sweet of Jade to want to protect us. She hasn’t changed drastically over these few weeks, she’s still closed and guarded, but I can tell she’s trying to put in the effort. During the meeting she said she’d find a way out of this marriage idea her parents are insistent on, but hasn’t said anything since. Instead we’ve been going on dates, twice a week, usually on the weekend. Some are arranged by her dad, reservations to fancy places I never dreamed of stepping foot inside. Others are because she spontaneously wants to whisk me off somewhere or spoil Leya.
My life has definitely gotten a lot busier, to say the least. With moving, Leya going to school, working full-time, and all these scheduled dates and interviews from Jade’s dad, I barely have time to rest. Fortunately, Alexia is on vacation with some mystery woman she wouldn’t tell me about and gave me the week off. Unfortunately, Jade also went out of town for business 3 days ago. I sigh, running my fingers through Leya’s hair as she sleeps peacefully in her bed. Despite having my own home now I’ve grown comfortable in Jade’s penthouse, enough so that Jade re-did her guest room just for Leya.
She said we're here more than my own place so she’s letting me “house sit” while she’s away, leaving my house for my aunt and her boyfriend. I convinced her to live with me, but like me she would rather be at her boyfriend’s place. I sigh and quietly close the door, leaving Leya’s room and going downstairs where Taylor and Karla are waiting with a bottle of wine. More and more every day Jade plagues my mind, my surroundings, the food I eat, stores I see, all over the internet there’s Jade. Everywhere I turn and it’s only making my feelings grow. All I can think about is Jade, her intoxicating scent, her firm touch, how delicious she tastes on my tongue. She wreaks havoc on all of my senses until I’m helplessly consumed by nothing else but her.
I’ve come to accept my feelings for Jade, these past few weeks have made them undeniable. With Jade being hours away right now I feel a bit forlorn. I knew I would miss her, which I stupidly admitted, but it’s only been 3 days. So why do I feel so empty?
‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣
I sigh walking into Jade’s room after finally putting Leya to bed for the night and taking my shower. Leya decided to throw a fit after dinner when I told her we need to go back to our house tomorrow. I’ve been staying at Jade’s penthouse for the past 2 days and she loves every second, not that I can blame her. I told Jade that we both loved her penthouse and she gave me and Leya the green light to come over whenever we like. That calmed the toddler enough for me to get her ready for bed and asleep after a story. Needless to say, Leya is completely attached to Jade, which is going to make this so much tougher when it’s over. I never thought Leya would feel this close to Jade, she’s usually shy around strangers but those two connected instantly. But Leya isn’t the only one attached to the gorgeous, sweet, badass businesswoman.
I’m sure she’s figured out my feelings by now but she hasn’t distanced herself in the slightest. Instead, Jade and I seem to stay in our ruse even being closed doors outside of the public eye and it’s hard to remember this is all fake. I haven’t questioned her change in behavior, deciding to just indulge in every moment with her.
The lights in her room are dim, illuminating in a soft glow in the corners of her room. I ignore the bed and barrage of sweet and sexual memories that flood my mind. The sex, sweet words, attentiveness, care, a lot of what’s made this fake relationship real happened in this room. My bare feet hardly make a sound as I walk inside her massive walk-in closet. I told her this is more of a lounge with clothes because closets I know don’t have a couch. She just laughed and called me adorable before showing me how useful this couch can be.
Jade is on a video call with Imani going over her schedule while packing her designer suitcase. I sit on the couch and tuck my feet underneath me, closing but not tying the small silk robe covering my half naked form. I didn’t bother getting dressed after my shower since Jade’s room is warmer than usual tonight. I watch Jade talk and pack, her voice is firm and complete business, her eyes are sharp and she looks slightly annoyed. She’s dressed in black graphic sweatpants, black heels, a black crop top with a black bomber jacket, instead of the short silk nightgown that she had on earlier. Her hair is pulled back in a low ponytail and I feel myself start to pout. I knew she had to go to New York soon but I didn’t think it’d be tonight, especially when Alexia just gave me the upcoming week off for her own vacation.
“Have the jet ready in an hour, I’m not putting this off any longer”. Jade says as she finishes packing clothes, moving over to her vanity.
“Yes ma’am, will I need to accompany you?”
“Yes, do you have the reports ready?”
“Yes ma’am”.
“Good I’m done dealing with these men and their bullshit”. Imani nods and they settle a few more things before hanging up. Jade acknowledged me when I walked in but nothing more. I watch her for a minute before I speak, whatever she’s dealing with at work clearly has her irritated.
“Are you going to New York tonight?”
“Yes, I have an emergency meeting concerning one of my stores that can’t be put off any longer. I would invite you but it is such short notice and I won’t have much time for sightseeing”.
“That’s alright I don’t want Leya to miss school when she’s starting to adjust to school. How long will you be gone?”
“It shouldn’t take longer than a few days, a week at longest”.
“Oh” a week? That seems so long to go without being around Jade. Of course she’s traveled since we’ve been “together” but never longer than 2 days. I’ve gotten so used to being around her everyday it’s hard to imagine not seeing her around. What am I supposed to do with a free week off and no Jade?
“You’re pouting” she points out and I don’t bother fixing my face. I rest my chin and hands on my knee as I watch her move around, greedily drinking in the rest of my time with her before she leaves.
“Alexia gave me the week off and now you’re leaving, what am I supposed to do?”
“Everything I own is at your disposal Angel. Go out with your friends, spoil yourself, do anything you want”. I smirk, looking away thinking of the new possibilities. Wait until Taylor, Karla, and Leya hear about this, they’re going to be ecstatic and beg for spa days and shopping sprees.
“Anything?” Jade gives me a skeptical look, zipping her bag and stalking my way.
“Should I be concerned about that look of cynicism on your face?” Jade places her hands on the back of the couch and I lower my leg, shaking my head. I offer what I hope is a convincingly innocent smile. This is also an opportunity to tease Jade without worry of repercussions, not that I mind them.
“Nope” I glance at her lips the thoughts of the punishment she’d dish out if she knew what I’m planning. Or maybe she’ll like it, if I’m successful then I’ll get both reactions.
“I don’t believe you but I won’t question it either”. I nod, my smile widening as I lick my lips. I intend to enjoy every second of turning the tables.
“Do you have to leave right now?”
“The jet is being prepared and Nate has to pick up Imani, so a little over an hour, more or less”. I nod trying to remind myself of the new possibility of teasing Jade…so I can ignore how much I’ll miss her.
“You’re pouting again, what is it?” Jade grazes my lip with her finger, without thinking I open my mouth and suck the digit into my mouth. I look up at her, letting my desire for her to stay sore in my eyes along with the sudden horniness she provokes. Jade mumbles a curse, slipping her finger from my mouth so I can speak.
“I’m going to miss you” I admit, watching her lips stretch into a smirk as she hums. Jade slowly moves her wet finger down my chin to my throat leaving a wet tail in her wake. The action is so simple, dirty, and erotic that I feel my panties dampen from her touch and sensuality.
“Then let me give you something to look forward to”. Jade kisses me with fierce passion, ripping a moan from my throat. I shudder underneath her as she lays me back against the couch, taking me to euphoria.
‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣
“Angel? Are you alright?” Karla brows are knit in worry and I shake my head realizing I zoned out.
“I’m fine, I was just thinking that’s all”.
“Oh? Is a certain billionaire all you can think about now?” I feel my face heat at Taylor’s teasing but don’t try to deny her claims, it’s futile at this point.
“These days she’s all I can think about, everywhere I look it invokes thoughts of Jade. I don’t know what I’m going to do when all this ends”. My feelings for Jade have grown exponentially, to the point this forced wedding is sounding appealing.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Well, does it have to end? Contract or not you two are practically dating at this point”. Taylor points out and we all mumble our agreement. I filled the girls in on everything from start to finish and made them swear not to mention it in public. It felt good to vent and express all these bottled up feelings and situations I have to deal with Jade’s family and now being in the public eye.
“I’ll have to agree with that Angel, I mean she does seem to be putting more into this than she needs to”.
“I’m not getting my hopes up. Jade said she was going to find a way out of all of this arrangement. She doesn’t date after all”.
“Yet, she’s dating you”. Karla points out and I shake my head, not letting the fantasy get too far.
“We have a contract, this is nothing but business”.
“Staying in her penthouse, using her cars, and going out on unscheduled dates is business”.
“It’s a part of appearances” I mumble, looking at my wine, forcing down my cheesy smile.
“Hm, and this wedding, have you two come to a conclusion about that?” Taylor asks with a knowing smirk.
“She hasn’t mentioned it, we still have a week to give Mr. Knight an answer, but Jade hasn’t brought it up so I haven’t either”. I take a drink of my wine, savoring the sweet dark red alcohol, hoping it helps relax my tense mind.
“So in a week you’re either going to be engaged to Jade Knight, or her ex”. The weight of Karla’s words hangs in the air as I nod in confirmation. Both outcomes have consequences, on one hand being married to Jade could turn out to be the worst thing for our newfound relationship. I’d like to call us understanding friends with mutual attraction and occasional benefits. We can spend the night talking about our past dreams and future aspirations, news, anything we can think of, or we can spend the night pleasing each other in unimaginable ways. Just thinking about the sex we’ve had is enough to turn me on more than anything else, she knows exactly how to please my body. What to say and when to say it, how to touch me, kiss me, when it’s too much or not enough, she’s perfect at providing pleasure, and tastes even better. I feel my desire rising for Jade growing despite my efforts to keep myself from being turned on.
“Uh oh, she’s daydreaming again”.
“You got it bad, babygirl”. I groan at their words and down the rest of the alcohol in my glass before refilling it again.
“I know, but what should I do, I can’t tell Jade that I have feelings for her”. I don’t want this to end or be awkward and weird.
“Why can’t you, it sounds to me that she’s reciprocating these feelings you have for her, so why not be honest about it?” Karla’s suggestion is likely the more mature way to approach this situation, but am I that mature?
Nope, not at all.
“Because sooner or later this is all going to come to an end. I’ll admit that Jade and I can sometimes get carried away, but she’s just a good actress and she’s easy to like once you get past her walls. She’s sweet, caring even when she doesn’t want to show it, and she looks out for everyone, she’s selfless, she’s lovable but that doesn’t change this deal”.
“Well, I disagree” Taylor and I begin going back and forth about why I should or shouldn’t tell Jade how I feel, when my phone starts incessantly vibrating. I frown and check my phone to see my socials are blowing up with messages and mentions. I put down my glass and go to my socials to see a post about Jade.
“Jade Knight Spotted At Restaurant With Ex Emilia Sloan”.
I read the caption for a second before scrolling to see pictures of Jade with this Emilia chick. The bitch is leaning forward on the table, obviously trying to show her tits, and Jade has her signature flirty smirk on her face. The one she reserves for her submissive, it peaks out at times when she mentions her past as a dominatrix. She had to give it up for the company, but I can tell she still misses the lifestyle some days. I look through a few more pictures and see them outside the restaurant, standing closer than necessary, and another picture of them leaving in Jade’s car. While the pictures aren’t incriminating, I’ve been around Jade long enough to know her cues when she’s flirting. The smile and shimmer in her eyes that show she’s up to know good.
People are obviously in an uproar about seeing Jade, the supposedly tied down woman, out with someone else. Naturally, there are hundreds, if not thousands of comments mentioning and tagging me, messages are starting to pour into my dm’s and I know things can potentially get messy. Maybe I should call Alexia.
“Angel, what’s wrong?”
“Yeah, you just got really quiet, did something happen?”
“No, I mean, I don’t think so, no. I hope not…”
“Care to explain?” Karla asks gently, going into big sister mode as I scroll through the comments.
“Jade was seen out with one of her friends? The post is saying it’s a girlfriend but she’s told me she’s never dated. It’s probably an old fling, but they left together”. Another post comes in that says Jade was seen arriving at her hotel with this Emilia bitch and I frown. At what part do I get worried? Should I even be worried? This relationship isn’t real but that doesn’t mean I want to be out here looking like I’m getting cheated on either.
“They went back to the hotel” they both start saying I should call her but I pay them no mind as one comment catches my attention.
“This isn’t the first time Jade Knight has been spotted with someone else. No matter how rich it could never be me”. The comment has a link attached that I quickly click on, mumbling a curse as I read the article. It’s from the same site that posted the last article detailing my life, except this time there are pictures from the dinner. It talks about Jade Knight leaving me at the dinner to be with two different women. The photos show Jade with Nikita and Alexia on the balcony after she left me at that stupid dinner. These pictures can be perceived a lot worse since Jade and Nikita are hugging and Alexia has her pinned to the wall.
“Shit” I mumble reading the article before going back to the post. The comment with the link already has 300 likes and rising and I know those pictures are likely everywhere. Just as I suspect barely five minutes later my feed is nothing but reports accusing Jade of cheating, love triangles, and our supposed open relationship.
“What’s wrong, Angel?” I give Taylor and Karla my phone before quickly downing my glass of wine, refilling it, and start pacing. This is bad, I know Jade already explained what happened on the balcony but that looked so bad, not to mention this new bitch. Who the hell is Emilia and why are they suddenly so close? Jade has never mentioned Emilia before, not even as a submissive.
Was Jade lying? Leaving out details of her past she thought I’d get mad about. She says she’s never dated but the internet has a different perception, most of her fans seem to remember this bitch so she isn’t some nobody. I didn’t know really anything about Jade before we met so all I have is the conversations we’ve had. I trust her, but why would she go back to the hotel with her?
“Damn, you should call her and ask about it yourself. You can’t trust everything you read on the internet”. Taylor points out and I nod in understanding.
“That’s true but that doesn’t mean you should just sit and let this shit slide too, deal or not she needs to respect you”. Karla says and I nod at that too, they’re both right but there’s something they aren’t considering.
“And what if she doesn’t answer, then what?” The idea of Jade being with someone else doesn’t spark that little bit of curiosity like when we first met. I’ve had Jade and there’s no chance in hell I want to share her with anyone else. The idea not only pisses me off, it sends an ache through my chest and water to my eyes. Thinking of her saying those sweet words I believed to be reserved for me alone to some other bitch. Or another woman experiencing her exceptional kiss and ethereal tongue, her rough and then gentle touch that sends your mind soaring, it infuriates and pains me simultaneously.
“Then you and my niece are coming to stay with me until she wants to give you an adequate explanation”.
“Why will we stay with you? I have a house now”.
“Mhm, and does Jade have a key to this house?” Taylor gives me a pointed look as I smile sheepishly.
“It was for emergencies”.
“Yeah, sure it was, now call your woman and get an explanation”. Karla nods her agreement and I sigh, logging out of my socials not wanting to deal with it anymore. It’s late, past 9 o’clock, and Jade said she should be out of all of her meetings by now, therefore, there should be no reason she doesn’t answer. She’s called me every night since she’s been gone, I don’t see why tonight has to be different, unless…I shake those thoughts from my head as a lump forms in my throat. I don’t want to think about it but I know having an answer is better than assuming things. I finish one more glass of wine before gathering the courage to call Jade.
Taylor’s nosy ass prompts me to put it on speaker, I roll my eyes but fulfill her request regardless. The line rings for a few minutes before going to voicemail, I don’t leave a message, hanging up the phone with a shrug I hope comes off as careless.
“Well, that’s that”.
“That's that?” Karla and Taylor repeat and I shrug looking down, wiping my dry face, holding the tears at bat.
“Yeah, I told you guys this wasn’t real anyway it’s fine. Jade doesn’t date or catch feelings for anyone, it’s fine, I just got carried away with all this”.
“Angel…”
“It’s fine Karla, let’s be real this was bound to happen eventually, I mean she’s Jade Knight, she can have anyone she wants. Including supermodels, there’s no way she’d look at me as more than a convenience…”
‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣
“Shana, what the hell were you thinking, commenting and posting the link?” Miles shakes his head, frantically pacing in his secret crush’s apartment. Shana has completely lost her mind to Miles, taking risks that could jeopardize the love of his life’s well-being, has turned the man into a worried mess.
“Relax, Miles, it’s just another comment among the thousands and look, the article has 5,000 reads already”. Shana laughs, unbothered and delighted at the chaos she’s causing on the internet. Never in her career has anything she’s written been viewed with such high numbers in less than an hour. Jade Knight and Angel Raya are her meal ticket.
“It’s too reckless, please don’t do it again. If someone finds out that it’s you, not only will Mr. Hopkins be on your ass but so could Jade’s lawyers”. Shana laughs, still scrolling through comments, not listening to the concerns of her friend.
“Did you see those pictures of Jade and her “lawyer”? Man those two looked more friendlier than client and lawyer. Maybe I can find something on the two of them, I’m sure they have a history being that close together”.
“You’re not listening, are you?” Miles sighs, plopping down hopelessly on the couch next to Shana. She knows the man likes her and has for some time, and as much as she likes Miles, she loves her career more. She sets her laptop aside and climbs into Miles' lap stunning the man. Shana knows that Miles will always be here for her, occasionally taking advantage of his strong feelings towards her.
“Of course I’m listening, but this could be our chance. Guess how much we made from that last article” Shana’s ambition shines as bright as ever in her eyes and Miles knows that there’s no stopping her now.
“How much?”
“$10,000 and every read gets us more” Miles can’t hide his shock, that’s more than they make in months of writing at work.
“Wow, that’s a lot”.
“I’m telling you Miles, this is it, a few more articles and we can start our own business”. Miles is hesitant but eventually agrees to help support Shana’s dreams, unable to say no to that smile and desire in her eyes. With her sitting on his lap, he’s completely helpless to decline her.
“Okay, what do you need me to do?”
“For now, we’ll see how this plays out and be cool. I’m positive the drama is just beginning”.