Jade and I step out of the car and I’m met with chaos. Fans, reporters, paparazzi, everyone and their mom are outside the ballroom venue. People scream for Jade’s attention but she pays them no mind. She doesn’t smile or address anyone or the cameras. I’m not sure how this world works but wouldn’t pictures of us together, happy be better. Jade doesn’t seem to be stopping and I don’t question her. As if sensing my wonder she leans down, close enough for her lips to brush against my ear.
“We don’t want to be late. I have other plans to get under their skin”. I can’t help but blush those roses to my cheeks as Jade rests her hand above my ass. The action increases the chaos and I lightly laugh as we continue our walk inside. It’s amazing how entranced people are with Jade, though I can’t say I blame them. I’m sure there will be videos of Jade's mild public display of affection all over the internet later. We went inside to the most beautifully decorated venue I’ve ever seen and I worked with a catering company for a few months.
It’s elegant and luxurious, everywhere I look my eyes are met with diamond crystals, perfectly placed flowers and soft lighting. There's an area cleared for dancing and the sound of a live band on the second level, softly playing music while people mingle. I try not to look around astound, seeing as nobody else takes a second glance at the decor, and follows Jade to her family.
“Mother, Father. Angel, Anthony and Kimberly Knight''. Jade’s voice is professional but nothing more. I know there’s tension between her and her parents but it seems a lot more intense than at the office. I assume it has to do with her father, Anthony Knight. He looks like a hard ass, he’s handsome but it's hidden behind a hard judgmental glare and frown lines. I don’t think he’s ever smiled in his life. All eyes at the table turn to us and this time I can't get the nerves. Even if we were dating for real I would be terrified.
“Oh, hello again” Jade’s mom rises from the table, coming over to kiss our cheeks. I’m surprised by her actions but as she steps back I notice the same fake smile from the office. Appearances are right. Well bitch, two can play that game. I flash her the same faux enjoyment, but I know mine is far more natural. Years of customer service helps with acting like you like someone.
“Good evening, Mrs. Knight, it’s nice to see you again. Mr. Knight, a pleasure”. I step forward and shake his hand before returning to Jade’s side. Jade looks pleased and I give myself a mental high-five. Good, no sign of weakness yet. Anthony's eyes hold scrutiny and it’s easy to see he’s not impressed.
“This is my brother, Travis and his wife Raven. My sister, Monica and her husband, Marlon Kingston, their kids, Joseph and Halle. Everyone, this is Angel Raya, the woman I’ve been seeing”. Jade doesn’t say much more as she pulls out my chair. I blush but sit with a small “thank you”.
“It’s nice to meet you Angel. I’ve been pestering Jade to let me meet you. She’s always so private about her love life”. I smile, relaxing a little at her sister’s welcoming smile. Thank God her whole family isn’t bitchy.
“Jade has told me a lot about you and your family. They’re beautiful” I say, referring to her two kids. They’re twins and absolutely adorable. Joseph is in a tuxedo and Halle is in a sparkling gold dress, which I'm sure cost more than my entire closet.
“Thank you Angel. I have to say you’re stunning, those pictures did you no justice”.
“Thank you”.
“Jade, have you spoken to the Mitchell’s?” Mrs. Knight speaks up and I have to refrain from rolling my eyes. I know she’s implying Donovan, the man she wants Jade with. What’s so special about this guy that she’d disregard her daughter’s happiness.
“No, I haven’t. I don’t see a reason to speak with them”.
“They’re old friends of course, why would you not speak with them? Oh look, there’s Donovan now”. Mrs. Knight waves the pompous man with his nose stuck in the air. His arm is around the waist of a skinny blonde, undoubtedly a model in a short, latex pink dress. Her heels are high and covered in diamonds. Donovan is wearing an expensive suit, his caramel skin is flawless and his teeth are perfectly white. He’s handsome but he reeks of arrogance. Such a turn off. I can see why Jade doesn’t like him, he literally looks down on her and he hasn’t even spoken.
Donovan greets her parents, Clark by kissing their ass, before turning to Jade’s siblings. I hold back a laugh as they ignore the fuck out of his presence. The desire to laugh quickly faces as he sets his eyes on Jade.
“Ah Jade, you look as stunning as always” his eyes lazily eye her form not bothering to be discreet.
“Donovan” Jade doesn’t say anything else, placing her hand on my thigh. He eyes the action closely, a look of contempt flashing in his eyes. His charming smile is back soon enough but he’s so transparent it’s pathetic. I thought Cash was an egotistical asshole, he’s practically a sweetheart compared to this dick.
“Oh and this must be the mystery woman from all the photos. Donovan Mitchell”. He extends his hand to me and I take it, immediately feeling Jade’s grip tighten on my leg. I don’t look away from Donovan shaking his hands with a firm grip and not backing down. I know better than to do that with a man like him. Men like him and Cash use any weakness to their advantage. My eyes dare him to try me and his contempt turns to curiosity, much to the dismay of Jade.
“Angelica Raya” my accent slips into my voice as I pronounce my full name. He licks his lips and raises my hand as if to kiss it, but I slip my hand from his grasp. There’s no way I’m letting his dirty ass lips touch my skin. I’ll probably get a rash.
“Raya, I can’t say I’ve heard of your family” I know what he’s implying but I don’t care. I know I’m not meant to be here but I am. I’m not going to let some stuck up, childish, want to be, make me feel like a bitch.
“Funny, I can’t say I’ve heard of you either, Mr. Mitchell”. I tilt my head watching as his self-righteous smirk falters. Jade’s grip doesn’t relax so I spare her a glance. Her eyes are blank but I know she’s irritated. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jade this bothered. Not much seems to get under her skin, but Donovan does.
“Right, well, we should speak Jade. About business”. Jade narrowed her eyes into slits and I know she’s about to tell Donovan to fuck off.
“Oh that’s a great idea. You two should hurry before dinner is served”. Mrs. Knight is all too eager to agree on behalf of Jade.
“No”.
“Jade don’t be rude”. Mrs. Knight makes it a point to scold Jade before her fake ass smile is back. There’s something wrong with this woman.
“There is nothing to discuss and tonight I’m not working. I will not be rude to my date and make this night about work”. Jade's words are firm and they fill the table with awkward tension. Jade and her mom have a stare off before she nudges Mr. Knight, too busy talking with some other man that came over. I’m sure the guy is just trying to be nosy; he keeps glancing at me.
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“Jade, go speak with Mr. Mitchell. I’m sure Angel will not mind”. Mr. Knight's words hold no room for argument. He shoots Jade a look I can’t decipher but she clenches her teeth, her entire body is stiff.
“Fine” she stands from the table while Donovan has a triumphant smirk on his face. Childish ass man. Jade leans down, placing a kiss on my temple that has a smile spreading on my face. If only she was like this more often.
“I’ll be back soon, you’re doing good. Just relax” Jade whispers into my ear and I find myself listening to her appraisal. If she says I’m doing good then that’s all that matters. More than everyone else I want to impress Jade and make her think twice about rejecting me again. Jade leaves with Donovan and soon enough I settle into easy conversation with Jade’s siblings and their spouses. Several people come over to speak to the Knight family. Some speak to me for the sole purpose of figuring out Jade’s personal life. Some ignore me completely, and a few are actually genuine.
They announce that dinner will be served in 5 minutes and I look around for the 20th time. I don’t know where Jade went and I’m not sure if I should be worried. She said she would be back soon but that was like 20 minutes ago. I don’t know what kind of man Donovan is and I know Jade can handle herself, but I can’t stop that small bit of worry.
“So Angel, I noticed a little girl in some of those pictures. Is that your sister?” Mrs. Knight asks her eyes on me waiting for any imperfection. I’ll never be ashamed of Leya so I proudly shake my head, meeting her unwavering gaze.
“No ma’am that’s my daughter”.
“Aw that’s adorable, how old is she?” Raven asks, nudging Travis in the arm. She’s been dropping not so subtle hints about having children. Each time Travis just smiles and gives me a playful exasperated look. They mentioned they were trying but it hasn’t happened yet.
“She’s 3 and already full of attitude”.
“Oh yeah I remember those days. Just wait until they learn more words, the questions never end”. Monica has managed to keep the air light the entire timeJade has been gone. I’m honestly so grateful for the woman. She’s a lot nicer than the rest of her family. Travis tries but Kris gets interrupted by other men coming to say hello. Monica has been making sure I’m comfortable, been welcoming, and lightly defended me when her moon oversteps.
“I know I’m in for it, she already insists on a spa day every week”. Monica, Raven and I laugh as Mrs. Knight forces her laughter.
“So, where is her father? Is he not around?” Mrs. Knight wasted no time getting to it and now the entire table has their eyes on me. Great. After what happened with Cash the last thing I want to do is think about him. I should’ve never let him kiss me. I should’ve seen through his stupid game, but I was too fucked up to think clearly.
“I don’t see how that is any of your concern” Jade’s voice is firm, catching all of our attention. Her glare is harder than before and she looks completely irritated.
“It was just a question, no need to get so defensive”. Jade doesn’t address her mother, her attention on me instead. She takes her seat again and I search her face. Luckily, this ruse allows me to openly care about her.
“Are you alright?” I speak loud enough for her to hear as the dinner begins. She nods, again surprising the hell out of me kissing the corner of my lips. I don’t let my shock show, closing my eyes and relishing in the feeling of Jade's lips on mine.
“Yes, I apologize for being away for so long”.
“It’s okay. Your family is nice” just not her parents. I honestly thought there’d be more drama. This is nothing compared to my daily life. Sure there have been some rude people that overstepped with their questions. Donovan is a clear asshole, but it could be worse.
Jade hums as if she doesn’t believe me, taking her seat beside me as they start serving dinner. After a couple of hours of bland small amounts of food, boring speeches, and awards, I’m ready to leave. I look around the room as Jade talks with a couple by the name of Toutain. They’re the only people Jade hasn’t outright ignored. They assessed me closely, but were nicer about it than other people. They at least did so discreetly, instead of asking me personal questions. I feel eyes on me so I casually look around, until my eyes lock with Donovan. He’s staring right at me, or should I say undressing me with his eyes. He has a smirk as if I’m impressed but it just creeps me the hell out.
“Jade, does he stare at everyone like that?” My question catches the attention of Monica and Jade. She sends a sharp glare towards Donovan. His smirk widens from cocky asshole to sadistic creep and it gives me chills. He looks like he wants to eat me alive and not in a good way.
“Ooh, you better keep your girl close to Jade. He hasn’t been the only admirer Angel has had”. Monica smirks while Jade lifts her brow, looking at me. I shot Monica a look, we agreed we wouldn’t tell Jade about that.
“Oh really?” Jade smirks, eyeing me and my body. I feel my face heat and laugh trying to shake off the instant rush to my pussy.
“No, she’s exaggerating, some people are just being friendly”. Jade eyes me for a moment and as much as I want to look away I can’t. The last time she stared at me with that face she confessed to wanting me. Don’t fall for it Angel, it’s just for show.
“I can’t say I blame them. You look exceptional Angel”.
“Thank you Jade” my voice sounds just above a whisper. Those striking green eyes have me completely hypnotized. The rest of the room could be on fire and I don’t think I’d notice. I thought time away from Jade would have this crush dying out but it seems to have done the opposite. Maybe I just need some really good sex to get her out of my system.
“Anyways, as I was saying Angelica before being so rudely interrupted. We were discussing your daughter and her father’s whereabouts”.
“Now this is some interesting dinner conversation”. A familiar voice sounds from behind me and I turn around. Nikita is dressed in an all back short dress, her tattoos on full display. I don’t know if I should be grateful that she saved me from answering a personal question. Or jealous that Jades ex and longest sub, the closest she’s had to a girlfriend, openly eye fuck her in front of my face. Nikita is gorgeous naturally.
I would be surprised if Jade fucked around with anyone that doesn’t look like a model, besides myself of course. Nikita has it all and I can see why Jade likes her. Nikita is gorgeous, confident, sure of herself, everything I’m not. Jade tries to hide it but I can see the way she assesses her firm. I know she likes what she sees. She can see through the cover of her dress.
Nikita goes to the rest of the Knight family. Even her parents seem to tolerate her more than anyone else. This is just more proof that she should’ve chosen Nikita. I’ve been getting carried away with this whole ordeal. I forgot a key fact. Jade more than likely has feelings for this tattooed beauty that she won’t admit too. She rejected me once and I didn’t take the hint. Seeing Nikita now is a hard slap in the face.
Nikita turns her attention to me, her smile turning into the same smirk from the first time we met. When she flirted with me. She’s very flirtatious and I remember Jade not being very fond of her antics. Nikita strides over, putting her hand on the back of my chair, leaving me frozen. I know she was a submissive to Jade but her presence to me is dominating. Not as much as Jade or Alexia though, they’re just overpowering in a different way entirely. With Nikita, I have the urge to challenge her but I doubt I’d win if she wouldn’t let me.
“Angel, your name is so befitting. Your beauty truly is effortlessly”. Nikita strokes my jaw down to my chin. I gulp and glance at Jade. Her face is blank but she’s watching closely, not helping my flushed face. Why isn’t she stopping her? Why aren’t I stopping her? Why is my pussy getting wet? I really need to stop looking into this lifestyle. I used to have such a grip on my life.
I carefully remove her hand from my face. “Thank you, Nikita”.
“Please, call me Nikki” she licks her lips reaching out to touch me again this time Jade steps in.
“Nikki” she doesn’t say anything more but the warning is obvious. Except, I’m not sure if it’s for her or me. They’re locked in a stare-off and I’m stuck between wanting to watch this play out and give them privacy. I clear my throat and stand from my chair.
“Excuse me, I’m going to freshen up”. Jade eyes me but I don’t give anyone the chance to speak, excusing myself from the table. Without Jade by my side, the trek to the bathroom is full of stares. Curiosity and judgment, mostly silent ridicule. It’s clear that without her, they don’t approve of my presence. For the first time tonight, I can feel the weight of how much I don’t belong.