"Chocolate, and cream, and spinkles!!" Leya cheers to the waitress at our usual breakfast place. I shake my head unable to stop the smile on my face, "no sprinkles, Leya. Remember what happened last time?" Leya makes a stank face and shakes her head. The last time she had sprinkles she complained about a stomachache and toothache, she threw up and had a trip to the dentist in the same week. She hasn't had sprinkles since and I do my best to watch how much sugar she has, especially after days with Cash. He'll feed her nothing but shit because he can't cook or bother learning how to feed his child.

"Oh yeah, no spinkles".

"Okay, I have our biggest, fluffiest, best waffle with chocolate syrup and whipped cream, for the cutest customer. The usual for mom, and two coffees?" I look to Jade who nods her confirmation.

"Thank you, Kenzie". She leaves to put our order in, Leya continues talking about everything she wants to do today and Jade watches me closely. Luckily, Leya's constant questions and chatter save me from addressing the piercing eyes. It does nothing to stop the nerves though, not when I can still feel her hand grasping my neck. That look in her eyes, daring me to try my luck and test her patience.

Part of me wishes I did. Leya and I talk and she occasionally pulls Jade into the conversation, until our food arrives. Luckily, Jade takes her eyes off me, turning her attention to her phone, giving me a chance to breathe. Leya's attention and excitement is put on her plate as I cut her waffle into pieces.

"Mommy, syrup, please" I inwardly sigh, watching the toddler bounce in her seat. I know I'll regret this later but I drizzle a bit of syrup to mix with her chocolate syrup regardless. I give her the tablet and headphones from her bag and make sure she's situated. When Leya is content and eating I turn my attention to Jade who puts down her phone, returning her full attention to me. It's weird. I'm positive there are more important things she could be doing rather than spending the day with me and my daughter.

"So, should we talk about this repayment?"

"Straight to business. I like that. I detest beating around the bush".

"I don't like owing anyone and owing someone like you feels like signing a deal with the devil. It'd take the rest of my life and then some to pay you back". Jade smirks, taking a sip of her coffee, looking over at me with a gaze that sends a delightful chill down my spine.

"I assure you I have no interest in making your life difficult, Angel. I simply want you to attend an event with me, granted you will be around some of the most insufferable and obnoxious people alive".

"You want me to attend an event with you? Jade you let me off work early, let me and my daughter spend the night in your penthouse, then showered us with gifts in the morning. Not to mention being out with us and clearing your schedule. All you want is for me to attend an event with you? It doesn't seem like enough". I don't want to be in debt to anyone, let alone Jade, she's intimidating enough,

"My family has been bothering me to settle down for some years and have grown impatient with my "unsuccessful dating". They are insisting on taking matters into their own hands but I assured them that I have a date that will be distraught seeing me with someone else. Not to mention how it'd look me having two dates. They called me out for being smart and insinuated that if I don't have a date they'll find me a suitor and announce my engagement personally". Jade leans back in her seat looking out the window a deep frown on her gorgeous face. The slightest hint of stress in her eyes. I can't imagine my parents trying to control my life and arrange marriages for me, then again my parents found out I was pregnant and kicked my ass out without a second thought.

"That sounds horrible Jade, I'm sorry". She nods in acknowledgement but her straight face is back as she watches me carefully.

"It is all a big game and you would be doing me a tremendous favor, Angel. If it makes you feel better, there is a strong possibility that we will have to kiss, a lot. Does it seem enough now?" Her voice is low and seductive and I don't know if it's because she's trying to be quiet or she knows it sends a wave of pleasure through my body.

It sparks a desire to have her lips trailing across my body, her commands penetrating my ears. I can imagine the way her mouth would claim mine in a kiss more indulgent than chocolate syrup and twice as sinful. My eyes flicker down to her mouth, unable to stop myself from licking my lips. I bet she taste so good.

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

"Easy, kitten, we have company" Jade smirks and I snap my eyes up. I completely forgot that Leya is literally right here next to me, I'm a horrible mother and Jade is incredibly distracting.

"Okay, I attend this event for you but what about after that? Do I just go back to working in your bar, won't people ask questions? What about your family?"

"Truthfully, I planned on announcing our "break-up" a few days after the event. Hopefully, they'd be sympathetic enough to allow me a few days to think of a new plan but that was as far as I'd gotten".

"Won't that just give them more of a reason to find someone for you themselves?" Jade sighs, a frown gracing her beautiful features.

"Unfortunately, that is a risk I may have to take. My parents have been trying to marry me off for years, I see little option at this point. They can take the company anytime they see fit. Their stipulation is me settling down and getting married".

"That's an odd way of business. So why not just find someone to marry then divorce. If they want to make a business deal, then why not do the same?" Jade smirks, looking me over and raising the mug of coffee to her lips.

"I like the way you think, Angel. Sneaky and cunning but effective, great potential to be a beneficial and successful plan. I know just the person".

"Good, they can attend this event with you and we can discuss some other form of payment".

"That won't be necessary. Let's make a deal, kitten".

"No way".

"Listen, our original deal can stand, attend the event and get an idea of the world you'll be entering. If you agree I will pay you salary, provide relocation free of charge of course, I have immense properties, you can take your pick of what is available. Daycare for Leya will also be provided, anywhere you please. Anything else you require can be provided upon request, you just have to say the words".

"W-wait, isn't that all a bit...excessive? B-besides, I'm sure you can find someone more suitable, like a model or actress or something..." her smile has me trailing off. My nerves grow the longer she sits there smirking at me. I should've never given her this idea, even if that is the best offer I've ever been handed. It's too good to be true. I don't trust it, there has to be some ulterior motive.

"It was your idea which makes it easier to build this ruse and I can obviously count on your discretion. Besides, I don't find many people tolerable, especially those that are high-handed. It's clear you don't care about me and had no prior knowledge of who I am beforehand. I think you're perfect, kitten".

"I can't".

"Why not?"

"Um, you're my boss for starters".

"I got rid of the no employee dating rule as soon as I took over as CEO. Besides, it makes the lie that much easier to believe".

"It'll never be believable, and how do I explain something like this to Leya, or Cash, or my aunt. She literally owns clothes with your name on it what am I supposed to say, "yeah I'm dating my boss now, Jade Knight", that's completely unbelievable, your you and I'm-"

"You're what, Angel?" Her glare is hard and I don't understand her hostility.

"Your you, and I'm me. You're the billionaire, heiress to Knight Industries, the woman designers make clothes for and I'm just one of the thousands of employees and a mom who can't even afford to step inside the store. We're different Jade, you're better off with an actress".

"In who's opinion?"

"Mine and the people in your world, no doubt". Jade studies me for a minute, placing her cup on the table before leaning back in her seat and crossing her legs. Her face is still as serious as ever, if anything she's more reserved and calculated.

"It's true, the people in my world care. They care about status and lineage and money of course, but they also know better to question my decision. There will be those that want to see you fail, naturally but I wouldn't let anything happen to you or your daughter. Isn't that right, Dominic?" A tall muscular man appears behind her almost instantly, standing at attention and ready for orders. Okay, that was impressive but it just proves my point. Who has bodyguards at their beck and call like this?

"Different worlds Jade".

"Think about it first, then get back to me with an answer. If your problem is money, I can provide that. If your worry is security, then you should relax. Unless you find an inadequacy in me? Otherwise, I don't understand your hesitation".

"It's not just myself to consider" I glance pointedly at Leya engrossed in her video. "I'm a mother too. Leya is around enough drama with me and her dad, she doesn't need more".

"I can assure you that no harm or backlash will ever reach your daughter. Not only do I have a great PR team, my lawyers are the best in the city. Photographs are unavoidable, but I can do everything in my power to make sure Leya's face will be hidden from public view. I have nieces and nephews who receive the same sort of protection, they live a normal childhood".

"I don't know how normal it is being a child of billionaires". Jade only smirks in response and I look to Leya thinking over her offer. The bright side is all the opportunities for Leya, the downside is I'll be faking a relationship with Jade Knight and be caught in the crossfire of their family battle. Not to mention the public ridicule, the media probing and trying to find the truth and the possibility of the truth coming out and the consequences that will occur.

There's so many reasons to turn down this deal, but the opportunity is too good to resist. The money would be great, so would the new place and daycare for Leya. However, the possibility of becoming physical with Jade beyond the minor touches and glances so far is the most tempting.

"Eat your breakfast kitten".