I smooth out my House of CB espresso midi dress, fix my wavy hair and touch up my makeup. I give myself a final satisfied nod in the mirror before grabbing my purse and going downstairs where Jade is waiting.

Wow.

That’s all I can think as I stare at my wife in her white beautiful, deep v-neck zipper wrap mini dress and nude heels. The snow white dress hugs her chocolate skin beautifully, her legs look long and endless. Her skin is smooth and glowing and I have the overwhelming urge to kiss her.

“You look divine, Angel” I smile as I take her accepted hand, lacing our fingers together. Since we can’t be affectionate like this in public, I take advantage of our moments in the penthouse.

“Thank you Jade, you have good taste. You look beautiful. Should we go?”

“One thing first” Jade gently brings me forward, giving me soft kisses, ensuring not to mess up either of our makeup. We gather our things and go to the car, waiting for us outside.

“So my lioness, what do you have planned for our last night here?”

“Do you not want it to be a surprise?”

“Between the dates, gifts, and all the spoiling you’ve done for me this past week, I don’t know how many more surprises I can take”.

“I’ve only done a fraction of what you’ve done for me”. Jade laughs and shakes her head as she eyes me, her smile is infectious. She’s been so happy and relaxed all week, I’ve seen a different side of Jade this week and it’s absolutely endearing.

“It isn’t a competition”.

“Of course it isn’t, but I don’t want you to think that your effort will never be reflected. I can care for you just as you do for me, besides…I love you, making you happy is extremely fulfilling”. I can tell Jade wants to touch me, but she refrains, holding her hands in her lap instead.

“So, where are we going?” I laugh but tell her the name of the restaurant, “l'Impératrice de Bord de la Mer” or the Seaside Empress, an extremely upscale michelin 3 star restaurant on the water. It was a pain in the ass to get a table, even being named Knight.

“Wow, I’m impressed, it takes months to reserve a table. I have never been able to get a table, how did you manage to get one in 2 months?” I smirk, giving myself a mental high-five for my successful trip planning and ability to please Jade in more ways than sexual. I hope she understands and feels how special she is to me.

“I can’t give all my secrets away. I heard through the grapevine that you’ve been wanting to eat there for a while, so I did everything I could to make sure it happens”. Jade stares at me, not saying a word and I smile at her suddenly guarded expression. I’m starting to think this is just her way of being awkward. We arrive at the port and Jade and I step out of the car into the beautiful night. She follows me to the yacht I rented for the night and we greet the staff before beginning our voyage to the restaurant. I excuse myself to go to the restroom, secretly calling the restaurant to let them know that we’re on our way. I return to Jade with a glass of champagne, handing her one as we watch the waves and setting sun.

It’ll take about 20 minutes to sail to the restaurant where our table is booked. I reserved a private table and dock so we won’t be interrupted by fans or reporters. We don’t even have to go inside the restaurant unless Jade wants to, that’s how private it is. This dinner is the most expensive activity on the trip. Jade and I talk casually as we watch the water and stars. The wind softly sways her cascading hair, her dress perfectly compliments her figure, and most importantly, Jade looks happy. She deserves to be happy and knowing that I had a part in giving her this happiness is so fulfilling.

Even as Jade tells me about her childhood and the way she was forced to participate in girl scouts and pageants to “improve her image”, she’s still smiling. I’ve never seen her smile so much, but I love it. It’s bright and refreshing and has a way of easing any anxiety or nervousness I feel. As unconventional as this all began, I know that Jade is my final person.

“What? Why are you staring at me like that?” Jade laughs, moving her hair from her face as she leans against the railing. I shake my head, still smiling as I drink in every ounce of her and every second of our time together.

“I love you” Jade smiles, tucking my hair behind my ear, before a thoughtful look crosses her face.

“When did you know that you love me?”

“Do you remember when we went to the aquarium, you told me that you never did something considered normal to others as a kid? That day, I saw you in a different light, well beyond the unapproachable and intimidating C.E.O. In that artificial light, surrounded by whining kids, exhausted parents, and curious fans, you were the most beautiful person in the world. I had never wanted to kiss someone so much in my life” I laugh as I look at the water, remembering that day.

“It wasn’t instantaneous and I didn’t know immediately, but I believe that was the moment I began to grow in love with you. Every moment after that, even the rocky parts, further solidified my feelings for you. So, when you asked me to sign the marriage contract, I already knew the answer”. Jade nods, contemplating for a minute before asking another question that has me smiling.

“How did you know that what you were feeling is love?”

“Mm, when I first started feeling this way, I tried to compare the feeling to what I had previously. But I couldn’t, it was different, incomparable. Once I agreed to be with you and try this for real, I knew in my heart that I would never be able to walk away. My mind was consumed by you, the only person I wanted to be with was you. When rumors of you being with someone else came out I was a barrage of different emotions, upset, pissed off, sick to my stomach. I was so angry with myself for letting you get away and all I wanted was to be with you again”.

“You’re an addiction that brings the best out of me, I can’t get enough of you, of this feeling. I’ve grown so much because of you, Jade. In confidence and self-respect, you taught me the value of myself and helped me see my worth. You were worried about being good enough for me, but treat me like a queen”. I smile as I look at Jade with a smile, my eyes reflecting my words and love that ignites in my belly. If it wasn’t for Dubai laws, I’d be on my knees, between her legs, letting her juices flow down my throat as her moans harmonize with the sea.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, how could I not love you Jade?” I can see the dock of the restaurant and get excited to treat Jade to something she’s never had. I don’t expect her to say anything back,

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Have I told you that you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met?” I smile, feeling myself get lifted even higher into the clouds.

“Mm, maybe once or twice, but you can always say it again”. We both laugh and Jade reaches out to touch me again before we’re interrupted by a throat clearing behind us.

“Excuse me, Mrs. and Mrs. Knight, we have arrived”. We thank the staff member as he helps us off the yacht, onto the dock where a waitress and maitre’d are waiting with a bottle of champagne. The dock is lit in a soft elegant light, shining up the darkening sea. They lead us to a well lit gazebo, where a candle lit table is waiting. Soft music plays in the speakers, they even put shawls on our chairs in case we get cold. The dinner is a 5 course meal that is already set, so Jade and I give our drink orders as the waitress fills our glasses with complimentary champagne. They disappear inside to get our drinks and food and I sip the fizzing alcohol, setting my attention on the stunning woman in front of me.

We easily begin to fall back into our conversation, telling each other stories of our childhood, embarrassing stories, worst dates, anything we can think of. When a course that she really enjoys comes out, Jade talks to me about food, cooking, her chef, and the restaurants she invests in and owns. I knew that Knight Industries was versatile, but I never knew that Jade enjoyed so many different things. I’m starting to think there’s hardly anything that she can’t do.

Four courses pass quicker than I’d like and soon we’re on dessert, some elegant expensive looking chocolate, too pretty to ruin. Granted, I’ve felt that about most of the dishes that have come out and made sure to take a picture each time. Jade doesn’t share my sentiment, quickly spooning up the chocolate decadence. I watch her lips closely as she slowly inserts the spoon into her mouth, closing her eyes with a low moan that sends shocks to my core. I lick my lips subconsciously, unable to take my eyes off of her. Taking a bite of dessert should not look this sexy.

“Aren’t you going to eat, Kitten?” I raise my brow and smirk, spooning up my own dessert, which is as delicious as I expected. Not overly sweet, the tart cherries and smooth cool gelato a perfect contrast to the chocolate and hazelnut. However, the way Jade is looking right about now, I’d rather have her than any expensive Michelin star dessert.

“Oh, I’m Kitten again?” She hasn’t called me that since I had her ass bent over on the couch when we first arrived. Over the course of this trip, Jade has relinquished control to me, only stepping in when I’m completely out of my league. I’m not used to all the expensive and fancy shit after all. These people speak a language that I’ll never understand. If it wasn’t for Jade, I’d probably be swindled by now.

Jade chuckles, obviously recalling the same moments that I am. Jade likes it rough and made sure that I proved I could be her lioness and not just her Kitten.

“You like being dominant. Has the Kitten found a new kink?”

“I wouldn’t say I like being dominant, but I like to please you…in every way’. I slowly scan her body, loving how she doesn’t hide the various love marks I left on her skin. She’s so bold and carefree, unafraid to do what she wants, I admire that about her.

“I can honestly say that nobody has ever pleased me as well as you do, Angel…in every way. You seem to know what I desire without me having to tell you. I have never doubted that you are the perfect person for me”.

“Really, never?”

“Is that so hard to believe?”

“With all of the people you could’ve chosen, yeah it’s a little hard to believe”. Jade sets her spoon down, prompting me to do the same as the air around us begins to switch to a more serious and intimate atmosphere.

“When I met you, I knew you would be the perfect person to help me with that contract. You were focused and only had one concern, raising your daughter. I could see the type of person you were as you and Cataleya interacted. You also had no interest in me or my money which made the decision clear. I had other options in case you refused that’s true, but there was doubt around all of them”.

“You knew just like that? Even after you witnessed Cash and that drama?”

“I saw how you handled the situation and I was impressed. Honestly, you impressed me many times that night. So much so that Nikki took notice”. Jade begins eating her dessert again and I do the same as I contemplate what she said. It sounds like Jade had feelings for me long before she asked for this to be real. If that’s the case, I was worrying and overthinking this whole time for nothing.

I remember Nate telling me once that if I wanted to know how Jade feels about me to just ask and I never have. I should just come right out and ask her, or would that change this nice chill vibe we have going on? I’m overthinking again. Our servers come to clear our finished plates and we thank them, and I leave a tip before heading back to the yacht, docked and waiting for us. Jade and I set sail towards the hotel again at a much slower pace, both of us relaxing against the cushioned seats with glasses of champagne. The alcohol does little to keep me from overthinking as I work up the nerve to ask Jade how she feels about me. Why is it so difficult to just come out and ask? We’re married, it's not like things will change regardless of her answer.

“It looks like the lioness is turning back into the Kitten. I wonder when you will have the courage to ask whatever it is that has you overthinking”. Jade has a teasing smirk on her face as she watches my cheeks heat from her comment. She’s let me be in charge this whole trip but I can’t help but naturally want to submit to Jade. She’s so captivating and composed even when she’s not in charge she remains in control. Jade sips her champagne, patiently waiting for me to say what’s on my mind as we sail on the water, the star lights up the sky unlike I’ve ever seen, it’s beautiful and a great distraction.

“Well…I guess I’ve just been wondering…how exactly do you feel about me? I know I said your actions spoke loud enough, but sometimes I think I may be reading things the wrong way”.

“I have never been in love before, so I can’t say for sure what I’m feeling. Honestly, for the first time in a long time I don’t know how to describe this feeling that I have, but I do know that you are the most important person in my life. In the past I rarely took the time to be close to anyone let alone develop any semblance of romantic feelings for a person. I can’t say there was a time where I simply desired the presence of someone for more than pleasure. Or if I ever worried if someone was eating or drinking properly, if they were having a good or bad day and how I could make it better. I never cared about someone's opinion of me or if I looked good in their eyes. I have also never dared to put anyone before my goals, my job, or my money. In short, I have never desired or allowed myself to get attached to anyone. However, when I met you, I gradually found myself starting to do all of that, wanting all that comes with what people call a relationship. I want you and nobody else, it was strange but I began to like the idea of calling you mine more and more. I don’t know if this feeling has a name, or really how to describe it, which is strange for a person like me, but I’ve come to crave these feelings”. I struggle to swallow the lump in my throat as I melt at her sweet admission. The love shining in her eyes even without calling it so is overwhelming. I never expected this, like a secret dream I always hoped for, that’s now coming true. Happily ever after that I didn’t see myself ever having. I know this honeymoon will end and we’ll face more obstacles and tests, but for right now, I’m floating on clouds.

Jade smiles as she wipes the tears flowing down my face. I’m so glad I used waterproof makeup, or else I’d look like a damn racoon right now.

“We’ve been through a lot together this past year, faced battles in our relationship and got caught in the crossfire of our personal wars, but through it all I’ve known one thing”. I sniffle and smile, probably looking a mess but I don’t care. Jade has already seen every side of me and cares for them all.

“What’s that?”

“There’s nobody else that’d I’d rather go to war with, no one else that is perfect to be at my side. This started with a contract, but I can say that I genuinely adore you more than anyone in this world”. My heart threatens to leap out of my chest as the tears once again start flowing down my face. I really should’ve asked this sooner, but either way, I knew I made the right choice. There was nobody else that could make me feel what Jade makes me feel.

“I love you” I confess softly, wiping my face, staring into her intense shining eyes. She mumbles something along the lines of “law be damned” pulling me into her lap and kissing the air from my lungs. Jade pulls me into her lap, breaking the kiss to stare into my eyes.

“And I adore you, my Kitten”.