“Good morning, Ms. Martin, I stand at my desk, greeting Alexia as she walks up to my desk. It’s my first official day and as nervous as I should be, all I could focus on was the fact that my new boss left a hickey on Jade, my old boss. I don’t know whether to be jealous or not, so I’d rather go with not.
“Ms. Raya, astute as always”. I give her a professional smile and grab my pad and tablet, her coffee, and follow her into the large, pristine office. I hand her coffee when she gets settled and pull up her schedule.
“What’s on my personal agenda today?”
“You have lunch with your sister today, she wants to go over details about her wedding. She said to inform you that your mother and aunt, Tracy will also be there. She is expecting you at 12:30, I took the liberty of reserving your favorite table at Fire and Ice”.
“Ugh, I’m not ready to see that woman today”.
“I’ll make sure your fridge and bar is full stocked upon your return after lunch”. I write it down as I scroll through the rest of her schedule. I have to work with her secretary to adjust her personal appointments around her work schedule. During my interview I wondered why she would need a personal assistant as well as a secretary but now I see why. I don’t see how this woman manages so much in one day.
“At 3:00 you have a meeting with Ms. Richmond, she wants to extend her contract”.
“No, I’ve grown tired of her, send her the final bill and be done with her”. I nod, making a note of it before I continue reading her schedule. Unlike Jade Alexia still sees clients at the club on occasions which is why she needed a new assistant she could trust.
“You have dinner with Ms. Toutain at 7 pm at ‘le Rose de la Cómete’. That will be your last personal appointment for today”. Alexia nods as she sips her coffee, smirking at me over her rim.
“Schedule an appointment with Jade Knight, tonight at 10 pm”. My body reacts at Jade’s name automatically and I know Alexia notices the pause in my writing. She watches me closely and I do my best to maintain my composure even though I want to ask more questions. Like why does she want to meet Jade? Or is this some continuation from their little moment on the balcony?
“Anywhere in specific?”
“She can decide. I’m a bit hungry this morning, can you order breakfast please, get something for yourself as well”. I write down my task and her order before walking to the door.
“Oh and Angel?” I stop to look at Alexia who has a dangerous grin on her face making me smirk. “See to it that you’re present as well”. She goes back to work and I quickly leave her office and put in her order to the cafe downstairs. When that’s done I make sure all her reservations are set for lunch and dinner and the nightclub expects her arrival so she and Jade won’t have to wait. Basically anything to put off from calling Jade about this meeting. I don’t know what it’s about but I have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I try to push the anxiety away and focus on work.
A few hours later Alexia leaves for her lunch and I take a break from helping her secretary. I gnaw on my lip as I think about Jade. She’s been plaguing my mind since last night, it was a night I was sure would end terribly, only to be one of the best nights of my life. I'm sure Jade has a break in her schedule so it would be the perfect time to call about this meeting. I’ve spent most of my time procrastinating and putting Alexia’s schedule together for the next week, now I know I can’t put it off any longer. I decide to have lunch sent to her office before I call, I know she has a habit of not eating and it’ll be good press, right? That’s a good excuse. A few minutes later my phone rings and I can’t stop the smile spreading across my lips seeing Jade’s name.
“Hello?”
“My favorite food from my favorite restaurant, should I be worried about ulterior motives?” I lean back in my chair thinking about Jade in her expensive designer work clothes that are the perfect mid out professional and sexy as fuck.
“Girlfriends are supposed to buy lunch for their woman when she’s working hard right? Someone has to make sure you eat”. Her dark laugh has me crossing my legs and shifting in my seat. She’s not even here, but her laugh alone makes me wet and weak in the knees.
“If you’re the one feeding me then I’ll always eat Kittens”. My mouth goes dry and I forget why I called her in the first place, she sounds so good and she damn sure knows how to eat well. She’s insatiable and I’m just as thirsty. Her chuckle breaks me out of my trance and I’m so glad she can see how red my face is. I’ve been a blushing embarrassment since last night, I really need to get a grip.
“Cat got your tongue baby?” Baby?! Oh fuck, kill me now. The way it just rolled off her tongue so deliberately and naturally. Why did she call me that, maybe there are people around.
“There’s nobody around Angel”.
“Oh, did I say that out loud?”
“You did and as much as I’d love to tease you I have a meeting soon”.
“Right, why I called, Alexia requested that you meet her tonight at 10 she says you can pick the location”. Jade goes silent for a while and I think she’s hung up but when she speaks her voice is hard and she sounds pissed.
“I was hoping to avoid this”.
“What?”
“Fine, I’ll need you to be present as well, Angel”.
“Me? Why? What about Leya? I can’t just leave her”.
“You and Cataleya can spend the night. I have to go Angel, my meeting will be starting soon, thank you for lunch”. Jade hangs up before I can say another word and I shake my head trying to shake the haze she always puts me in. She called me baby and she wants us to spend the night. This is going way beyond the scope of our deal, the public can’t see me spending the night at her place, but she still wants us there. I can’t help but think this is starting to feel a little too real. A few simple words and I’m flying above the clouds again. This is going to be hard to end once she gets her company. I just hope I’m not completely in love with her by then. I have to get a hold on my emotions before they fuck everything up. When the work day is finished and there’s an hour before her dinner with Nikita, Alexia calls me into her office.
“Great work today Angel, I appreciate the extra hands”.
“Of course Ms. Martin”.
“Where would Jade like to meet tonight?”
“Um actually, she said that it will either be at her penthouse, or not at all. She wants me to be present”.
“Did she explain anything to you?” I shake my head and she sighs with a slight eye roll.
“Of course if that’s the case I’ll discuss things with you beforehand. Seeing as it involves you, you should know what’s going on”.
“Did something happen?”
“More or less, more like something to keep an eye on. Jade’s little ruse had the desired effect last night. Being her lawyer with a client with a net worth like Jade, me and her PR team are in constant communication. Social media, news reporters, journalists, were all focused on Jade Knight attending an event with a date for the first time. Much less one for her family. However, this means people have been poking around your life, Angel. An article was published early this morning, a bibliography of you, essentially. Jade and I need to discuss how she wants to handle the article being published. Granted most things are public knowledge and though it has been taken down, it was seen by enough people to have an impact. Jade and I will need to discuss how to move from here”.
“I assume this article is going to be a snowball effect of curiosity for people”. Alexia nods and gathers her things.
“We can discuss more later with Jade, for now, I have to go and you should too. I’ll walk you out”. I nod and quickly go back to my desk, getting my things, and walking to the elevator with Alexia. We talk about her schedule for the week, saying bye to the security at the desk, and heading to the door where I stop in my tracks. Reporters, flashing cameras, journalists, nosy people with nothing better to do, are all outside trying to get inside the office space. They seem to go into an uproar upon seeing me, as they all try to bombard the door, being held off by security. The cameras are damn near blinding even behind the crystal clear glass and I quickly turn around.
“Shit”.
“Come with me, I’ll have our cars brought to the garage”. I nod and follow Alexia to the elevator again shaking my head.
“Is this because of the article?”
“Possibly, or because of the dinner last night. Jade night has never taken a date, I’ll let her know what’s going on, she should’ve given you security”.
“Security? Like a bodyguard, you think that’s really necessary”.
“Better safe than sorry”.
“I need to pick up my daughter, you think they’ll follow me”. It’s her first day in a new daycare and she was having a rough day. Between both of our first days we were a mess, but I did my best to hold it together and be strong but I hated dropping her off. I cried in the car on the way to work and when they sent me a picture of her cuddled up with her teacher. They said after lunch she began to open up more but I want to get my baby without having to deal with reporters knowing where she goes to school.
“It’s a possibility”. I sigh and rub my brow, I take out my phone to call Leya’s new school when Jade’s name flashes across the screen.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Hello?”
“Alexia told me what’s going on, I should’ve expected this I’m sorry”. My eyes widen because I’ve never heard Jade apologize so freely and sincerely.
“It’s okay, I just want to get Leya without being followed”.
“You have 2 options, I can send my security and they’ll drive you and Leya, or we can let the reporters follow the security in your car and we can pick up Cataleya together”.
“I really don’t want them knowing where Leya goes to school, won’t it be worse if they know you’re here too. You’re the famous one” Jade’s sultry, sexy laugh sounds through the phone as she gives instructions to Nate.
“Then it’s settled, I’ll be there soon Angel”.
“Okay” I sigh, wishing I felt more relieved that Jade is coming instead I just feel drained. The cloud I was floating on just opened up and now I’m hurtling back down to reality. The reality where these people are going to find any and every excuse as to why this relationship isn’t real. And if it is then I’m not worthy enough to be with someone like Jade Knight. Her parents have already pointed out how big of a mistake this is. Now I have to deal with the Knight family and the media. How are we supposed to pull this off? Even with Jade’s sudden change in behavior, is that really enough to convince the world?
“Angel…”
This could all come back to bite me in the ass and it could cause problems in Leya’s life. I don’t want her talked about or ridiculed because of my decision to agree to this deal. Jade won’t be able to protect her from the media forever. I’m a single mom which essentially makes her a potential step-mom, it’s just not possible to keep it under wraps.
“Angel…”
Did I possibly just screw up my daughter’s life and childhood, just to give her a better one? I would never be able to forgive myself if I just ruined the chance she had at a great life.
“Angel!” I snap out of my thoughts by Alexia pinching my cheeks. I realize that I’m starting to tear up. I wipe my face and swallow the tears.
“Sorry, I got lost in thought. I have to call my daughter’s school to let them know I’ll be late. You should get to your meeting”.
“I’m not leaving you like this Angel”.
“I’m fine and Jade is on her way, I’m just going to get some things from my car”. After a few more minutes of convincing her that I’ll be fine, Alexia walks me to my car, and leaves. I sit in my car and call Leya’s school to let them know I’ll be late. After that’s done I decide to kill time and try to find this article that Alexia told me about. All it takes is searching “Jade Knight’s girlfriend” and a dozen different websites pop up talking about me. Most of them are boring, public knowledge information, but there’s one that stands out.
Unlike the others that have basic information I can tell this journalist goes in depth. The article mentions my parents first and last names and the area they last lived in. They have my high school prom photos, my pregnancy photos at graduation, and what’s worse it has Cataleya’s nickname and age. Thankfully they left her school out of it. I feel my blood boil seeing the way these people are insistent on violating my life. They have no right to speak about me and my daughter as if they know who I am. They have pictures from Cashmere’s concerts and even his social media. I contemplate texting Cash and letting him know that articles are talking about him, when 3 SUVs pull up behind me. Jade gets out with her security close behind and I exit the car, not thinking twice about hugging her.
Jade holds me close, one hand tangling into the hair at the base of my neck, while the other is wrapped around my waist. I tuck my head into her shoulder taking a deep breath as the myriad of emotions begin to settle. She pulls back, rubbing my hair, a quick flash of worry crosses her face before it’s gone.
“Are you okay, Angel?”
“Yes, just angry that these people are so insistent on finding every inch of dirt they can about me. They’re bringing my daughter into this Jade”. My voice raises slightly and Jade grabs my hand, leading me to the car. She orders one of her security to drive it to her penthouse before directing Nate towards the school. The reporters are waiting as we leave the garage, flashing lights are dimmed behind the tint and I feel a wave of relief when nobody follows.
“I saw the article this morning, I was going to tell you about it when you got off of work. From now on you’ll have your own bodyguard”.
“I don’t want some stranger following me around Jade. I agreed to this fake relationship deal because I want Leya to have everything she needs and wants but I won’t sacrifice her safety for it either. Or her chance at a normal childhood. I need to be sure that she’ll be okay”.
“That is why I’m getting you a bodyguard. I can’t control what people post, Angel. I can only deal with the aftermath, my team is working on getting all the articles with personal information out, but there’s not much else I can do. However, I can assure you that I will never let anything happen to you or Cataleya”. I know what she’s saying is true, and this is what I signed up for, but I’ve never been in this situation before with Leya. Even when she’s with Cash, I never questioned her safety. I’ve spent my life as a mom working my ass off so I never questioned if what I was doing was right or wrong. I always knew that I was doing the best I could for her, now I’m scared that I just fucked up my daughter’s life. I sigh and rub my face, leaning back into my seat.
“What was it like for you, growing up in the public eye like this?”
“It was normal for me, though at times it was very annoying. There was pressure from my parents to behave a certain way so that made the spotlight that much brighter. Being the oldest it weighed heavy on my shoulders. My siblings had more freedom in the way they can act and whoever they could be with. After a while I got used to it all and as I got older I made the decision to do what I felt and not let anyone else dictate my actions. I learned to take control and never let go of it again”.
“I assume your parents didn’t like that very much”. Jade smirks, shaking her head.
“No, they don’t. Hence, the last ditch effort to control my life by using the job I’ve worked my ass off for over 10 years against me. I started as an intern and worked as a regular employee until I graduated college. My job wasn’t handed to me like people believe, that is why I’m willing to go to these lengths to secure my job. Not because it’s my father’s company but because I worked my ass off for it, I deserve it, and I grew to love it. My employees, the process of investing, and watching businesses flourish is natural for me”. I listen to Jade’s impassioned speech and can’t help but smile. The longer this continues the more I see another side to Jade that makes me get closer to loving her just a little more.
“I won’t let this fail Angel and I’ll do my best to protect you and Cataleya in the process. Everything I have is at your disposal”. Jade cups my cheek, using her thumb to stroke my cheek. I smile and melt into her touch, her comfort is amazing. She knows exactly what to say and I know she doesn’t get off of work this early usually, yet she’s here. Picking up my daughter with me from school no less.
“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Jade smirks, her thumb moves to my lip and I swear I’m close to becoming a puddle.
“Would you like me to go back to work?”
“Not at all” I speak honestly with a sigh. I was panicking earlier and while I’m still upset, Jade’s reassurance helped a lot.
“You needed me, Angel. I told you I’d be there for you, I always keep my word”. She speaks simply, stating a fact, not understanding just how much those simple words and her actions mean to me. I can feel my face heat and if I was a cartoon I’d have heart eyes, but I can’t help it. Jade is unreal at times and as fake as this relationship is, I’m thoroughly beginning to enjoy it all. Though I could do without the invasion of privacy.
“That means a lot to me Jade, thank you. And thank you for stopping work just to be here for me. I’m sure Leya will love seeing you too”. Jade smiles, dropping her hands from my face much to my silent displeasure.
“How was her first day of school?”
“The morning was a little rough for both of us, but they said the rest of her afternoon went a lot better. It’s something we both need to get used to”.
“And your first day of work?”
“I never knew someone could be so busy, but it was good. A lot easier than the bar”.
“I’m glad Alexia didn’t give you any trouble. She can be a bit…” Jade trails off with a shake off her head. I gnaw on my lip thinking about Jade and Alexia.
“What is it?”
“What?”
“You have that look on your face when you want to ask a question but aren’t sure if you should. Also, you’re nibbling on your bottom lip, what is it?”
“I was just thinking about you and Alexia. How long was she your domme for?”
“6 months too long”.
“Did it not end well?”
“It wasn’t a matter of good or bad, I simply no longer wanted to be a submissive. I wanted to be the one in control, but to her she still sees me as a submissive. She also knows that irritates me and uses every opportunity to fuck with me”.
“Is that why she gave you a hickey?” I feel a slight tinge of possessiveness that I quickly beat down. I’m getting far too ahead of myself.
“We were discussing you, actually. She told me she offered to give you “lessons in confidence”, and I told her to back off. Of course she pointed out that the decision is yours. I know she was just goading me, but it worked. I tried to pin her to the wall and get my point across, but she overpowered me”. I look at her shocked, unable to imagine someone being able to overpower Jade. Though if anyone can accomplish that feat, it’s Alexia.
“She wanted to prove her point and it was a bitter taste, she left the mark just to get under my skin. Though if it makes you feel better she didn’t use her lips”.
“So she pinched you?”
“Yes, I bruise easily and she knows that”.
“You told her to back off. Why?” Jade doesn’t say anything for a moment and I begin to wonder if I overstepped.
“I don’t share what’s mine” my face erupts with heat and I look down, not bothering to stop my smile.
Here she goes with that again…”Mine”…I fucking love it.
“Then I won’t accept her offer, I don’t think it’ll help much anyway. Besides, I don’t want to change who I am”. Jade cracks a smile, nodding her head in agreement, approval in her eyes at my response. Things are starting to progress with Jade, I don’t want to fuck it up. The car stops and Nate announces that we’ve made it to the school. I smile, happier than I’ve ever been in life. Everything is begging to fall into line, my daughter is in school and has everything she needs and more. I have a new, higher paying job with the extra benefits from this deal. I’ll have my own house and I found someone that treats me amazingly, even in a fake relationship. I can’t ask for more, I just hope this is the beginning of my life coming together.
‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣
“Shana you’ve officially lost your mind”.
“I told you the article won’t be traced back to us, I used a fake name and I even made my own site so it’s not linked to the company”. Miles shakes his head at his friend, she’s an amazing journalist but her ambitions always lead to trouble.
“Relax, Miles, everything’s alright. They may have taken the article down but look, this Angelica Raya is trending now. There’s plenty of other articles about her, it’s no big deal. This is just part of being in the spotlight”.
“Posting public knowledge is one thing but did you have to mention her kid? A pissed off Knight is never a good thing”.
“It’s fine, just another fact and an interesting one at that. Did you know in an interview 2 months ago Jade Knight said she never wanted kids. Now she’s practically a step-mom, big life changes don’t happen overnight. There’s something else going on and I showed you that picture. There’s no way this relationship is real, Jade Knight was seen with 3 different women that night”. Shana explains her unorthodox methods like an astute lawyer, leaving no argument for Miles. Shana had shown him the picture of Jade Knight and Nikita Toutain on a balcony together, alone. Miles pointed out that they're long time friends and that’s not enough for a story.
Shana was quick to pull out her second picture of Jade and her lawyer Alexia in a more compromising position. No position a “devoted” and “changed” girlfriend would be in, and Miles couldn’t dent how suspicious it looked.
“So, what now?” Shana won’t quit and Miles would rather stand by her side than leave the woman he’s secretly in love with.
“Now, you help me with this article. Is this an open relationship? Is Jade Knight a cheater? And who is this woman she’s picked up to be her girlfriend? Is there anything suspicious? Contracts, payments, I wouldn’t be surprised”. Shana reels with mischief and excitement thinking of the opportunities and stories she can uncover.
Jade Knight has always been shrouded in a veil of mystery and secrets. Now Shana has the chance to unveil the secrets of a billionaire and she’ll stop at nothing to get her story.