I groan as my alarm goes off at 6 am, quickly turning it off before it makes my headache worse. I rub my eyes and move to get up to be restricted by a heavy arm slung across my hips. I glare at the arm, my eyes trailing up to the owner. I slap and push Cash’s arm off before getting out of bed. He groans in disapproval but I ignore his protest, turning on the light. I rub my eyes while Cash rolls around in bed trying to shield his eyes.
“What the fuck, Angel? Turn off the damn light”. I roll my eyes and go to the closet, looking for an outfit for my meeting with Alexia.
“No, get the hell out Cash. What are you doing here?” I spare him a glance, rolling my eyes again at the smirk on his face.
“Oh? You don’t remember?” He stands from the bed, dressed in only a pair of shorts. He stretches as if I’m supposed to be impressed by his body or something.
“I remember playing that stupid game, you kissed me cause you didn’t want to take a shot. I took a shot and said I was going to bed. Telling you to stay the hell away from me”. I may have been a little fucked up but not enough to want to do anything with Cash. We played truth or dare like a bunch of kids, I should’ve known something was up when he suggested the stupid game. He smacks his lips because he knows I’m right.
“Get out Cash”.
“Why you gotta be like that huh? Always uptight and bitchy as fuck”. Cash comes over trying to hug me from behind but I push him back.
“Go on somewhere Cashmere, I’m not in the mood. You’re watching Leya until I’m done with my interview”.
“I got work”.
“You never work this early”. Cash begins spitting excuses and I roll my eyes. I knew he would find a reason not to be with his daughter. He’s such a fucking dead-beat yet he thinks I’m itching to jump in bed and fuck him.
“Get the fuck out Cashmere”. I cut my eyes at him ending his excuses.
“Come on Angel” my glare hardens and I slap his hand out of my reach. Luckily he takes the hint, grabbing his shit and leaving the room, mumbling about how bitchy I am. Asshole. This is why I set my alarm early. Logan has to work and Taylor already started her shift a couple of hours ago. I’m sure my aunt works this morning and I won’t have time to drip Leya off. It looks like she’s coming to my interview with me, it won’t be the first time. I get my outfit and take a shower, washing off my irritation and hangover.
When I’m done I throw on a robe and get Leya ready. She’s grouchy and pissed off that I’m waking her and she makes sure I know it. After an hour of getting Leya ready, I get dressed and make sure she has everything she’ll need. Since my Tia is letting me borrow her car I’ll use it for my interview and pick her up later.
I head to my interview, stopping to get breakfast for Leya and I. The contract from Jade sits in the passenger seat. Signed and taunted me. The only communication I had with Jade was asking if I should give the papers to Alexia. I didn’t bother responding after her confirmation. I may have a crush on Jade and we may need to act like a couple, but until public appearances are necessary I’ll be keeping my distance. In my high and drunk state and after that kiss from Cash, I knew keeping to myself is the safest option. I can’t get invested, Leya already adores Jade. I can’t ruin their relationship or this opportunity for my daughter because of my stupid unrequited feelings.
I push thoughts of Jade aside as I pull up to the law building. I’m nervous but I did my research beforehand. Even if this job doesn’t work out I can just help my aunt out at her boutique. Jade is paying me well enough that I don’t have to work, but it’s less suspicious. Besides, the thought of not having a backup plan is unsettling. I want to prepare myself in case all of this blows up in my face. All the money Jade is paying me will go into a savings account and trust fund for Leya. I’ll use my paycheck for me and Leya’s necessities.
After biting my tongue to the snobby and judgmental receptionist, I’m finally told what floor Alexia’s office is on. I carry Leya, still half asleep, on my shoulder to the elevator. I feel bad for dragging her out of bed at 7 in the morning but I don’t have many options. Hopefully, she can get in daycare soon and start having a normal childhood. I kiss her head, riding the elevator to the top. My heart melts in my chest as she snuggles into me. Despite Cash being a dick, Leya is the greatest blessing in my life. The elevator dings and the doors open to a pristine but warm office space. I go to the secretary with a smile, shifting Leya on my hip.
“Good morning, how can I help you?” The woman’s smile is warm and welcoming, unlike the bitch in the lobby. I return her smile with a relieved one of my own. I hope everyone isn’t like that girl downstairs, otherwise I might as well start job hunting now. I get enough drama out of Cash, I don’t need childish drama at work.
“Good morning, I’m Angelica Raya, I have an interview for the personal assistant job with Alexia Martin?”
“Oh? You’re early, Ms. Martin will like that?” The woman gives me an encouraging smile before putting a call in to Alexia.
“Ms. Martin will see you now. My name is Amara and if you need anything, feel free to send it to me”. Amara walks me to Alexia’s office, knocking softly on the door. A faint “come in” sounds behind the door. Amara gives me an encouraging smile before opening the door.
“Ma’am, Ms. Raya”. She leaves without any more introduction and I confidently walk to her desk. Hopefully, I look put together on the outside, because inwardly, I’m trembling. She has a blank face, her eyes glance between me and Leya asleep on my shoulder. I’m sure it’s completely unprofessional to bring your child to your interview, especially in a high-class place like this.
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“Good morning, Ms. Martin, thank you for this opportunity”. I speak loud enough that she can hear me, but away from Leya so I don’t disturb her.
“Ms. Raya, perhaps we shall move this to the couch”. She’s up and out of her chair before I can protest, gesturing towards the couch. I give her a quiet thank you, following her to the couch. I carefully lay Lay across my lap so my hands are free. When I look up Alexia is leaning back in her chair with her legs crossed, smiling.
“I’m sorry for the early interview. I have a meeting at 10 this morning. If we need to reschedule when you have someone to watch your daughter that is fine”.
“Um, no it’s alright. I’m sorry if this is unprofessional, but I’m pretty much a single mom. I have a few people who watch her but when they’re working, it’s just me. It won’t be a problem with me working of course”. I quickly rush to explain. This is going horribly. I should probably start looking at other places just in case. Alexia gives me a warm smile, waving me off before picking up my resume. The interview goes well and I find myself relaxing in her presence. She’s nothing like Jade, witty and welcoming despite her reputation. As an attorney she has to be somewhat cutthroat and ball-busting, but she’s been nice.
“Well if you’re ready to start tomorrow we can get everything signed and ready for you today”. Alexia finishes up and I quickly nod. She’s offering me a full salary to keep track of her schedule and run errands. Between her and Jade I’ve never had a chance to earn so much money in my life. Neither has anyone in my family. I think back to the day I told my parents I was pregnant. Furious can’t describe their reactions.
My mother slapped me and my father called me an embarrassment and disgrace to the family. They disowned me and my aunt was the only person to support me. She went the hell off but she also hugged me and brought me in. This is my chance to prove my family wrong and pay back my aunt for everything she’s done for me. I glance at Leya playing quietly on her tablet, eating her snack and smiling. I’m glad I can do this for Cataleya, she deserves it more than anyone.
“Thank you Ms. Martin”.
“Please call me Alexia. I get enough Ms. Martin from my clients. Besides, if you’re going to be over my personal affairs you should be comfortable. If I’m being honest you’re doing me a favor. You’re also not what I was expecting when Jade mentioned you. She said there is paperwork I need to look over”. My eyes widen and I hesitantly get the contract from my bag. I was hoping I could just drop this off, not stay while she reads it. I’m sure my face is red as a tomato as she skims over the paper. Her smile morphs into a smirk and I get the feeling that she knows something I don’t.
“Wow”.
“Um, is that a bad wow or good wow?” If I just sold my soul to the devil then I’d like to know.
“I’m surprised that’s all, and relieved”.
“Relieved?”
“Jade has become so stoic over the years. She’s always been a bit reclusive but after Nikki she turned the bitch up full notch”.
Nikki? Isn’t that her best friend? Jade told me she doesn’t date, was that all a lie. Maybe she was just trying to nicely turn me down because she needs help with her ruse. If that’s the case, it’d explain why she flat out rejected me. Fuck, how could I be so blind and stupid?
“Oh? I thought Jade didn’t date?” I try not to make it seem like I care, but judging by that smirk, Alexia sees right through me.
“She doesn’t, but I suppose Nikki was the closest she’s ever been to a relationship”. I nod, unable to stop my frown. Maybe she actually has feelings for Nikki that she’s in denial about. But why make this deal with me to begin with? Why flirt? And tease me? And kiss the soul from my body?
“Well, thank you again, Alexia. This is a great opportunity”. I tell Leya it's time to go and help her pack her things, cleaning her mess.
“Of course, you’re doing me a favor honestly Angel. Besides I like you, you’re different from the girls Jade usually pursues”. Pursue? I thought she doesn’t date? I remember the talk Jade and I had about her submissiveness and feel my face heat. Oh yeah, I guess I forgot about that. Probably because Jade always backs off, something I wouldn’t expect out of a dominatrix. Unless she’s really not into me.
“Oh? Are you and Jade close?”
“Hm, not exactly I once knew her well. Things are much more professional now”. I nod confused but hold Leya’s hand who’s patiently been waiting. When she woke up during our interview, Alexia didn’t hesitate to interact with her. She mentioned having a big family with a lot of nieces and nephews. It’s always adorable seeing a three year old bring out the inner child of adults. She talks with Leya bidding her goodbyes, rising from her seat to walk us out. I pause at her door, biting my lip before turning to Alexia. “Um, is it alright if I ask a question? Before you’re officially my boss”.
“Of course, Angel, feel free to ask me anything. Though that doesn’t mean I will give you an answer”.
“This deal? Am I crazy for taking it?”
“I think anyone would be crazy either way they took it, whether accepting or not. It depends on your intentions, I suppose. However, I do give you this bit of warning. If you are going to throw yourself to the wolves, be prepared. They fight, scratch, and will do anything to see you fall. If you don’t think you can handle it, well it’s best if you leave Jade alone now. She’s intense, but she’s a sweetheart compared to her family”. I raise my brow, feeling the nerves creep in. She makes it sound like I’m going to war. I suppose in a way I am.
“I wouldn’t call Jade Knight a sweetheart”. She can be, but all I want to call her right now is a damn tease. Alexia laughs, a knowing smirk still intact.
“Yes, well she wasn’t always like that”.
“It sounds like you’ve known each other for a long time”. Alexia smirk widens into a predatory one that has me shifting. That look has a weird feeling going through my gut. One I shouldn’t feel seeing as she is my future boss. What the hell is wrong with me? I really need to find a release soon. Letting Cash kiss me last night is one thing, but being attracted to Alexia Martin is crossing the line.
“I met Jade when she was 19, a lost little lamb surrounded by lions. I took her under my wing, I guess you could say. I was her first and only domme”. My eyes widen and I freeze, swallowing the lump in my throat. Another dominatrix? They’re just everywhere now. That’s why I feel like a small little prey under her appraisal. I thought it was the nerves from the interview. But Alexia isn’t just any domme. She’s Jade’s first and only domme. She made the most intimidating powerful woman I’ve ever met submit to her command.
How the hell did she accomplish that and can she teach me?