"That's an excellent choice. One of my favorites, a rarity that I keep specific for special occasions". I freeze hoping she's not upset that I grabbed the bottle from the cellar. It's late-night in a hotel bar, what could possible be worth celebrating at this time? I don't voice my question out loud as I wait for her to continue speaking. Her voice, even when harsh is voluptuous and harmonious, I could listen to her for days.

"Well, are you going to open the bottle or should I do it myself?" her smirk transforms into a teasing smile as I get to work opening the bottle and pouring the golden liquid into her glass. I can't believe I'm just staring dazed like an idiot instead of working. Her presence is both intimidating and intriguing. I can't be blamed for my lack of professionalism, she's incredibly distracting.

"I'm sorry about that. Is there anything else I can get you two?" I was also ignoring her friend who's watching the interaction with amusement. I can't believe I'm performing so unprofessionally in front of the owner of the hotel. Her friend takes a sip of her drink as I prepare Jade's drink.

"Well what do you know? The little one can make it dirty". I gulp and will myself to remain calm and not react, my red face betraying me already. The woman's sexual comments aren't what have the blood rushing to the tips of my ears and turning my bones to jelly. Its the fire behind Jade's eyes she throws at her friend. The slight exhilaration and trepidation at such a fierce look simply over a comment exudes power. And damn me if it isn't the sexiest thing I've ever seen.

"That's enough, Nikita". Jade's voice is firm and she turns her attention to me and I hand her the glass of whiskey that probably cost more than my life. Not saying a word, waiting for her dismissal, trying not to let my thoughts turn sexual. She's my boss and worth more than my lowly possessions and life combined times ten. She's so far out of my league I shouldn't even be standing in front of her right now.

However, I am and I'm frozen.

I gulp as Jade locks eyes with me again as she lifts the glass. I watch as she smells the alcohol swirling it around the glass before downing the liquid. I feel wetness pool between my legs as her tongue darts out slowly stroking her lower lip. Before her mouth pulls into a smirk and she looks at me so devilishly I feel a tingle of anticipation run through my veins. I wonder if she'd savor the taste of me and my juices on her tongue like a rare and expensive whiskey...

I shake my head of those thoughts and take a step back to put some distance between me and her suffocating presence. She watches the actions with a cocky smirk, knowing damn well the effect she has on people. I'm sure she revels in being able to bring others to their knees.

"You made a very excellent choice with this bottle and vintage. It is one of my favorites and I do not have it as much as I would like. Good girl Angel". Oh, fuck. The desire to clench my legs is tempting but I do my manage to keep my face straight. Though I'm sure I resemble a tomato with the fire in my burning my inside. I nod unsure what to say and prepare to turn to go to the bar but she hasn't dismissed me yet. An invisible force holds me in place, waiting for her command. I'm caught by an invisible rope, tied and waiting for her to set me free.

"Would you like a taste?" My eyes flicker to the glass, her lips, and back to her eyes. My imagination runs wild at the question so sinfully simple. The tasteful suggestion in her tone has me wanting to beg for a taste but I find the strength to shake my head.

"M-me? Um, thank you but I-I can't. I'm working and..." I trail off hearing Cash and his loud ass entourage enter the now nearly empty bar. I never want Leya to see me drunk or drinking. She's sees enough from her father. I turn away from Jade, scanning the crowd of guys for my daughter. Despite Cash practically being negligent, his rag tag group of friends look out for me and Leya, they're like a band of brothers and uncles for Leya. Without some of them I'm sure Cash would be nonexistent in Leya's life. I finally spot her being carried by Cash's best friend, Logan, while Cash flirts with Shay at the bar. I inwardly roll my eyes at my daughter being up so late, not to mention Cash is paying her no mind. He's more than content letting his friends do the job he's supposed to be doing as a father.

"Are those friends of yours, Angel?" I snap my attention to Jade, my eyes scanning her unreadable expression. Professional or maybe clinical, I can't tell but my instincts tell me she's not pleased. The nerves all come crashing back at once as I look between my boss and the bar. Shit, I'd rather face Mr. Loyd right now than Jade Knight and her blank expression.

"U-um, some of them. Excuse me" I walk to the bar silently praying I won't lose my job. Or worse get reported for having my daughter in the bar. I'm met with a chorus of greetings and invitations to drink but I shake my head and decline.

"Guys come on, I'm working, y'all are going to get me fired. Take your party to the club or something. Besides I need to talk to Cash". Most of the guys apologize, finish their drinks, and bid me and Leya a goodnight before leaving the bar. Dennis turns to me from his spot next to Cash, his signature asshole smirk on his face, making me roll my eyes. He's the main mastermind behind most of Cash's stupid ideas, together they're both dickheads and idiots.

"Why have you always got to be a downer, Angel? Sounding like somebody's mother" him and Cash crack up laughing while I roll my eyes.

"I am a mother and I'm a father too or did you forget your homie here got me pregnant and refused to grow the hell up".

"Watch who the hell you talking to Angel. You've been on one all damn day".

"That's because you brought my 3-year-old daughter to a bar, Cash, you can't even be a dad for two days".

"I'm a great fucking dad, fuck out of here. I watched her didn't I?" I roll my eyes, ignoring the two drunk and high boys in front of me. I turn to Logan and take Leya from his arms, who's watching the interaction silently. I mentally curse myself for arguing in front of her but Cash has been testing my ass lately and it's not fair that my daughter has to be a victim of his irresponsibility. Seeing that me and her dad are done arguing, Leya holds out her hands for me to hold her and I do so without hesitation, clutching her to my chest. The smell of smoke in her hair and clothes doesn't go unnoticed but I don't address it for now.

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"Thank you, Logan".

"I got you sis. Come on Dennis let's go. There's drinks in the car" Logan's tall and muscular frame has no problem dragging a drunk Dennis out of the bar. I look back at Cash who rolls his eyes.

"Give me her bag and leave, Cash".

"Look at you walking around like you own shit in here. You act like you got the authority to kick motherfuckers out of the bar. Your ass ain't nothing but a pathetic server. I could buy all this shit and your ass to go along with it" Cash puts his finger in my face as he steps closer. I don't back down. It's not like we haven't fought before and he's not stupid enough to do shit in public.

"I highly doubt that, coming from a boy who has less carats than my 3-year-old nephew. Besides, I'm not looking to sell and I don't tolerate disrespect to any staff under my employ. I will give you the option to leave with your dignity" Jade snaps her finger and two burly security guards come out of nowhere. "Or you can get carried out with your tail tucked between your legs". Her voice is harsh leaving no room for argument and even Cash has no choice but to relent, tossing the bag down, mumbling "bitch" before leaving the bar.

I sigh and kiss Leya's head resting on my shoulder, turning to look at Jade who has a deep frown gracing her beautiful features. Now this woman scares me, not in a way that I think she'll hurt me, but in a way that makes me want to submit. Probably because she has the power to end my job faster than a snap of her fingers. I clear my throat and adjust Leya on my hip.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry for being so unprofessional. I promise it's not usually like this" I look down to avoid her heated glare. Maybe an apology will be enough to keep my job. To my surprise, Jade's face and eyes soften and she has a small smile on her face.

"I've decided to close the bar early tonight. I imagine it's pass your daughter's bedtime". I blink confused looking at the woman in disbelief and wonder. Did she do that for me? I doubt it.

"Yeah, I was just going to snag a room for tonight and take her home in the morning. Asia typically babysits for me while I work extra hours, if she's not too busy of course. By this time Leya is usually sleeping ". Unless she's with her father of course. I pick up her bag, adjusting her on my hip as I look up at Jade who's staring with a curious expression.

"Do you not have somewhere to stay?"

"I do, but it's too late to catch a ride across town this late with my daughter".

"I see" Jade looks to Shay, who's eyes widen to the size of saucers seeing the attention now placed on her. "I trust that you can close the bar, along with Asia, " Jade turns to look at her friend, waving her over. The tattooed woman practically skips over with her drink in hand.

"You rang?"

"Help Ms. Monroe close the bar tonight" it's not a question but a command. One I don't think Shay or Nikita mind as the two horny girls eye each other. Jade doesn't wait around to see how the interaction plays out, already heading toward the bar entrance.

"Come with me, Angel" she keeps walking and this time I can't stop the shiver at the way those words roll off her tongue. Fuck, this woman and her sultry, seductive, sexy, demanding voice for putting fantasies of me doing just that in my mind. I follow behind her unsure and curious, wondering where she's taking us.

"Where we going mommy?" Leya's sleepy voice fills my ears and I rub her back hoping she will sleep soon. I'll have to bathe her in the morning, so she can go straight to sleep.

"We're going to bed baby. I love you, just go to sleep".

"I love you mommy" her words are slurred as she finally goes to sleep in my arms. My heart swells at the reminder that I do everything for her, she's my reason for still living. I followed Jade to a private elevator, glancing at her ever so often. She seems a bit more relaxed than when we were in the bar. She's in a leather dress that stops at mid thigh with a thick gold buckle, undoubtedly real, resting on her midsection. A delicate and beautifully written tattoo rest beneath her collarbone to small to read from my side of the elevator.

Her milk chocolate legs look as creamy and decadent like a chocolate fountain ready to be savored. Creating a delicate path up to her thick thighs, sexy ass hips and waist up to her voluptuous breast begging to burst from the confines of tight fabric. My eyes continue their trail upward remembering those green predatory eyes fit for a vixen like her, but before I can look into them again, a smirk stops me. I look ahead, embarrassed to have been caught checking out my boss, especially after what had just happened. I can imagine what she must think of me.

What if she thinks I'm just some cheap hooker and that was my pimp and the kid I can't take care of? Fuck, talk about first impressions Angelica.

The soft touch of two fingertips under my chin has me lifting my head so I'm staring Jade in the eyes. "Don't hold your head down to me, even if you must lower your eyes, always keep your head up. Never show weakness to anyone" I gulp not trusting my voice to come out steady at the sudden proximity. She's touching me, holy shit, she's caressing my face. Once again I'm rendered immobile in her presence the fierceness not forgotten, neither are the feelings she stirs within me.

I nod, looking down, away from her intense gaze only to be met with her breast. I snap my eyes up quickly, after taking a mental picture. She smirks stepping back as the elevator doors open, ushering me to step off. I follow her silent command before stopping in the foyer. This is the penthouse, why am I in the penthouse? I can't afford this even with a discount.

"Follow me, Angel".

"Jade...this is the penthouse".

"Yes, I am aware".

"W-why? I mean why did you bring me up here?"

"To sleep of course. You and your daughter need a place to rest, correct?" She speaks casually, putting her hand on my lower back ushering me forward to a breathtaking view of the city. It's decorated beautifully, like something out of a magazine. I want to take off my shoes before I mess up the floor.

"Yes, b-but why here?" Jade stops walking, turning to me with a brow raised in question. I shift trying not to let the simple action affect me, but I can't help it.

"Is it not to your satisfaction?" My eyes widen and I shake my head.

"Of course, it's incredible, too incredible, I can't afford this".

"Did I ask you to pay for anything, Angel?" I shake my head and she steps forward, her heels accentuating her power.

"Use your words, kitten" I gulp for the hundredth time since I've met her. Kitten? A pet name? Quite literally. Jade doesn't take me as the type to call people by a nickname.

"No you didn't ask me to pay for anything". The words can barely come out above a whisper at her hard stare. I have no choice but to follow her commands like a soldier, ready to go to war at her whim. She nods satisfied before continuing her walk to what I assume is a bedroom. We go to a little boy's room. I imagine this is for her nephew she mentioned earlier.

"This is my nephew's room. He hasn't visited in a couple of months so the bed is clean. Your daughter can stay in here, there's also a monitor".

I carefully lay Leya on the bed, taking off her shoes and hoodie and placing them on the little chair. Jade hands me the monitor and I kiss her head before turning off the light and leaving the room. I follow Jade silently to the room next to Leya's which I assume is the guest room. How big is this penthouse anyway?

"You have your own bathroom, there are linens in the closet. As well as extra toiletries".

"Thank you, Ms. Knight. I don't know how to repay you" a slow smirk creeps onto her face and I feel like I just stepped into the lion's den.

"We can discuss your repayment in the morning. For now go to bed, goodnight Angel". Jade saunters away leaving me no choice but to stare at her retreating figure. Damn that ass though. I shake my head and go into the room, closing the door, leaning against the wood. How am I supposed to sleep after that? There is no way I can get Jade Knight and all the dirty ways I can repay her out of my mind.

"It's going to be a long night".