Jade and I return to the table after a brief stop at the bar. Nikita parted ways after being called away by her family and I can see people’s eyes are still on Jade and I. More so now than before, I wonder if they can notice the tension between us as well. Apparently, it’s time for Jade’s dad to get some kind of award and I hope it means we’re one step closer to leaving. I honestly haven’t paid attention to all of the speeches and awards. I don’t even know what this dinner is for. I can feel Jade’s eyes on me as she sips her alcohol and talks with her family.
Her body language is tense and she won’t stop glancing at me. I’ve been talking normally, luckily there haven't been any more questions about Cash. I assume that was Jade’s doing. The tables are being cleared. I take the opportunity to check on Leya. I intended on calling my aunt in the bathroom, but got a bit preoccupied. I laugh at the video of Leya singing her heart out to her favorite movie. She has the stuffed animal Jade and I won for her at the amusement park. She insists on taking it everywhere she goes. I don’t think twice as I tap Jade to see the video. I know she adores Leya even when I was avoiding her she still asked about my daughter. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
Jade laughs watching the video, noting how I should look into getting her into a fine arts program. I love how she doesn’t act like she likes my daughter. She doesn’t just spoil her with pointless toys, Jade actually considers Leya’s future. It’s so sexy honestly and makes me want her even more. She relaxes her shoulders a bit and I look at my hand resting above her knee. I’m glad she hasn’t told me to move my hand to take it off. I love the feel of her beneath my fingertips.
“I really am sorry Jade”. I speak loud enough for only her to hear. There weren’t any questions about where we disappeared to and I want to keep it that way. She sighs, lifting my chin so I need her gaze.
“You will tell me what happened in that hallway”. Fuck, her voice. She’s not asking a question but giving me a demand. I shift in my seat trying to ease the tension she always seems to evoke. I like jealous Jade.
“I will, but not now”. She nods, satisfied with that answer and I feel myself relaxing. I really don’t like making her mad, she’s intimidating enough without an attitude.
“And Alexia?” I bite my lip as I think about the possibility of getting lessons off any king from the woman. She’s my boss and I shouldn’t think of her in any way except professionally but damn it I can’t help it. I can’t tell her about that I’m not even sure it’s
“She just gave me some advice”.
“Angel” her voice is a warning that does nothing but turn me on more. She smirks and I know my expression is giving me away but damn she sounds good. Looks even better and I’ve been getting wound up and teased by all of these women around me. There’s only so much teasing a girl can take.
“Yes Jade” she’s still holding my chin up but I have no intention of looking away. Those green eyes are hypnotizing, they pull me in and entrap me with no way of escaping. The two glasses of champagne and amaretto sour I’ve been nursing are giving me liquid courage.
“Don’t look at me like that”. Her voice is low and rough and she pulls me closer just slightly. Feeling bold I lick my lips, glancing at her juicy red lips tempting the hell out of me.
“Or what?” Jade raises her brow, a low chuckle sounding from her as she licks her lips. I shift in my seat at her predatory gaze and tightening grip. Fuck me now. Jade roughly tugs me close until I’m on the edge of my seat. The action catches the attention of her family and a few surrounding tables, but she clearly doesn’t give a fuck. She moves so her lips graze my ear, her other hand comes down to my thigh halting my squirming.
“Or I’m going to take you to my playroom, spank that pretty ass of yours until it's red and raw. Until your juices drip down your leg and you’re begging me to fuck your tight soaking pussy; and the only word that you will be able to utter is my name”. Her hand on my thigh leaves a lingering tingle as she pulls back, her eyes hold a promise. One I really hope she fulfills. If that’s what being a brat gets me then I will gladly act out.
“Jade have some decency. You’re attracting attention” Kimberly scolds at Jade but she pays her mom no mind.
“Do you understand me Angel?”
“Yes Jade” she smirks slowly, giving my body a once over retracting her touch completely.
“Is that something you want, Angel?”
“Yes Jade” I’m not hesitating or bullshitting tonight. There’s no way I’m going to turn down a night with Jade. Her eyes darken but the sound of a speaker getting on stage interrupts our moment. I smirk and turn back to the stage, loving her heated gaze and attention. She stares at me for a second longer before the sound of microphone feedback breaks the tension. Thinking back to Alexia’s words, coupled with the knowledge that Jade wants me, I sit a bit higher. I don’t want to be the cute little Kitten anymore. I want to be the sexy grown ass lioness I know I am and it starts now. The first step is being confident in what I want and that’s Jade.
I listen to Jade’s dad and his pretentious speech while he accepts his award. His wife gleams paying more attention to people’s reactions rather than her husband’s speech and accomplishment. It’s clear that this is all a well-rehearsed show for the entire family, one that Jade clearly takes no interest in joining. She is probably the only person bold enough to ignore Mr. Knight and text away on her phone instead. It’s clearly getting under her mother’s skin but Jade doesn’t seem to care. Even her siblings attempt to get her off the phone but she ignores them, her brow creasing the more she stares at her phone. I risk a glance at her phone, seeing Alexia’s name on the screen.
“Is everything okay?” Jade finishes typing before putting her phone away, as everyone stands to applaud her father. We do as we're supposed to and they announce dessert will be served soon. I inwardly roll my eyes, can this night end already? Jade’s description of what she’d do to me in her playroom sounds more appealing than flashing fake smiles.
“Of course, it's just business. Would you care for a drink, Angel?” I nod, ignoring her lie and dismissive tone, watching her walk to the bar.
“Don’t let her get away with that all the time. Don’t be afraid to put Jade in her place” Monica says as we take our seats, nodding towards her sister. I laugh it off although I’m curious what she has to discuss with Alexia. It’s obviously not business, unless she’s having legal trouble.
“Nonsense, Monica. If she’s working it’s best to let her work, Angelica”. Mrs. Knight cuts in but Monica just makes a face. “Business requires hard work and long nights. If you cannot handle that, then Jade is probably not the best match. If I’m being honest, this “relationship” appears to be a bit of a façade. It all happened so fast…and suddenly”. Mrs. Knight's unwavering stare burns into my soul and I know she was waiting to get me alone to make this implication. I can tell her family is starting to consider her insinuation.
“I’m very particular about the people I allow around my children. I haven’t dated since my daughter’s father so I was a bit hesitant. Jade was patient and went out of her way to ensure that my daughter remained safe while we talked. It was actually you, Mrs. Knight, that helped me realize I almost walked away from someone incredible”. Most of that is bullshit but it’s true that I am here because of Leya. She mentions Jade almost every day now. She’s gone from the “nice lady” to “Jade” and it’s adorable but that means I have to be careful. I can’t let Leya get hurt if this all goes south.
“I can’t imagine having to be a single mother. I understand your reservations especially with someone like Jade”. Raven says as the servers start bringing dessert to the tables.
“Someone like me? What is that supposed to mean?” Jade places a cocktail in front of me and I raise my brow. How did she know I like tequila and ginger ale?
“Um, you're a famous business woman even if you don’t want to acknowledge your celebrity status. I mean look at these people fawning over you from their seats”. Raven points out all the people not so discreetly talking, motioning, and photographing her.
“You can also be a bit bitchy, it’s surprising how well you get along with kids, right babe?”. Monica says, promptly getting scolded by her mother, who she ignores.
“Don’t put me in it, I’m not pissing off our babysitter”. Marlon says as he deals with the kids fighting over desserts.
“I’m not bitchy, I’m particular”. I inwardly scoff at that. Jade can be bitchy, bossy, and controlling as fuck, but it’s not from a bad place. She wants the best and settles for nothing less. I admire her for never wavering on her standards. Travis barks out a laugh, loud enough to catch attention but people are already gawking at the family. You’d think they were royalty the way everyone in the room is regarding the Knight family. Only those bold enough to approach speak hesitantly about business, afraid that they will say something to displease the family. I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life. Jade’s sister seems to be the nicest and most welcoming in the family.
“Jade, you have to admit, you don’t exactly come off as child friendly. In fact I know you prefer not to be around children”. That’s shocking, Jade and Leya treat me like a third wheel when we go out. She’s never made any inclination that she doesn’t like kids. If that’s the case I wouldn’t have brought Leya around. I don’t want her to fake a relationship with my daughter because she feels obligated. We may have less but we’re not a charity case.
“Yeah, it’s like pulling teeth to get you to babysit”.
“My niece and nephew are a bit…” Jade trails off as the twins argue and make a mess of their dessert. They’re both seconds away from being covered in chocolate and getting a whooping from Marlon. The once pristine white table cloth is now smeared with chocolate, fruit, juice and everything else they could think of. Overall, it looks like Joseph and Halle had a food fight.
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“…Energetic for my taste. On the other hand, I’m sure Angel’s daughter is a genius, she’s far more advanced than most children her age. I can have a conversation with her that expands past toys and mindless television”. I laugh and shake my head while taking a sip of my drink. I have noticed that Leya watches less TV when Jade’s around, too busy trying to act spoiled and grown as hell.
“Possibly I wouldn’t put it past her. But I think she’s just had to grow up a bit faster than most kids, unfortunately. Having adults as friends also doesn’t help”. Jade eyes me closely, tucking my hair behind my ear so nothing obstructs her view of my face. Her eyes analyze me like the first time we met. She’s trying to figure me out, study me, except this time I’m not nervous. I want her far too much to be nervous right now. The way she’s staring, thinking about how good we are out with Leya, acting like a real couple. Remembering those moments makes me less nervous and more comfortable around Jade.
“You don’t mention your past very often”. Come to think of it, I suppose Jade knows me as much as I know her. We’ve talked and shared our stories, she’s by no means a stranger, but we’ve never gotten too personal. Business casual and sexual would describe our relationship perfectly. There’s attraction and lust but beneath it all is a deal that suits us both. A deal that’s becoming a great excuse to ignore and pretend whatever feelings are between us.
“I don’t like thinking about the struggle my daughter went through because of me”. Jade grabs my chin, forcing me to look into her fierce endearing gaze. Her eyes are blazing and whatever she’s going to say she’s serious.
“Never be ashamed of where you come from Angel. You should be proud of your determination and love for your daughter. Be proud of your strength and the scars that come along with the battles you’ve overcome. Do you understand?” Wow, Jade has never spoken to me like this. Or looked at me with so much fierce passion. Her eyes shine and it’s not because of the low ambient lighting. It’s because…dare I say…because she’s staring at me. Talking to me. Reassuring me that amongst all these rich successful people, I shouldn’t be ashamed. That she isn’t ashamed to be here with me. How am I supposed to respond to that?
“Just say, yes, Jade, I understand”. Her smirk is wide as she reads my stunned yet chaotic mind.
“Yes Jade, I understand” her smile tells me she’s pleased and I’m happy and relieved she’s not still pissed about earlier. The last place I want to be is on the receiving end of Jade Knight’s wrath. I don’t know if her sudden change of behavior is due to the drink she’s now nursing, the messages between her and Alexia, or the situation in the hallway.
“Good girl, Angel. It’s always sexier when you obey” She doesn’t bother hiding the lust in her tone and I shiver as my face heats. Her thumb caresses my bottom lip as her strong fingers cup my face in grip much like I've come accustomed to from her. It’s both tantalizing and irresistible. I can’t believe she’s acting like this in front of all these people. I know we’re supposed to be a couple but damn the way she’s staring at me looks as if it safely wants to strip me bare right here. Is this the same woman that flat out rejects me whenever I try to make a move?
“Jade…” my damn ears are on fire, not helping the eyes burning holes into my body from all directions. She’s successfully managed to catch the attention of damn near everyone in the room. Her parents stare the heaviest and if Jade wasn’t cupping my face I’m sure I’d be looking away. It’s obvious her parents don’t approve and I’m trying to follow her lead without leaving a bad impression.
Part of me wants to tell her she knows that I love to please her. That little smile she does when I perform how she wants or do something she approves, sends a thrill through me. It also gives me a surge of confidence and ignites a flame that’s getting hard for me to control. While another part of me wants to simply drop to my knees and ask w what else I can do to please her. The thought is jarring…in a good way. It feels like I’m finally coming into my own skin, discovering new things about myself. Like the fact that I don’t entirely mind the stares I’m receiving right now.
“Damn sis, I’ve never seen you like this before”.
“Yeah seriously, you’re like a dog in heat”. Travis and Monica poke fun at Jade who pays them no mind, slowly retracting her hand from my face. Her eyes are predatory and I gulp and buzz in anticipation. I don’t know how much more I can take. This want is pushing to the point of need and I damn sure better not get rejected again. I can’t tell if this is part of the ruse or if Jade is saying “fuck this” and going to indulge with me…in me.
“Jade Ariel Knight, please have some decency”.
“Why should I? Those who truly don’t want to watch will look away and others simply mask their kinks and curiosity with anger and disapproval. I see no reason to hold myself back tonight for others. Angel is mine, there is no such thing as overstepping”. Jade’s words pull the air out of my lungs, my ears start ringing, and it takes everything in me not to look utterly shocked. I’m hers? Right, we’re acting and I’m “hers” but the way she said it…not to mention her displays of possessiveness all night. Other than her trip to the bar and my stop in the bathroom, Jade has been by my side or at the very least keeping her eyes on me at all times. She can be across the room but I can feel her hands on me regardless. Her presence consumes me, no matter where she is.
'Angel is mine’, oh how I fucking wish to belong to Jade. Not just as her submissive but the person she can’t seem to resist. The only woman that she can’t get enough of, until she’s the one begging for me and my presence. I doubt that would ever happen but there is one thing I know for sure…I really want to kiss her. Her lips look so good, soft, juicy, I remember damn well how her tongue explores my mouth without any inhibition. Her lips claim mine so well, entrapping me until I have no other thought but to surrender to her desires. Fall to my knees and beg for her instruction, her touch, her lips, tongue, and all the pleasure she produces.
“…This is not the time for one of your little shows, Jade. You will not turn this evening for your father into a spectacle. Now, represent this family and act like you have an ounce of class left. You should be showing Angel how we expect her to carry herself, if she intends to be…part of this family. She will never learn with your antics” Mrs. Knight’s face remains pleasant despite her harsh tone passing by gritted teeth and fake smiles. She’s made it clear she doesn’t approve of Jade and I and believe I should be taught how to be in her presence. It just makes me want Jade more. I’ve never been good at staying away from what others don’t want me to have. I won’t let Kimberly ruin my fantasy and one night with Jade.
No overstepping tonight. She’s made that clear and if I’m going to be rejected, I’m damn sure going to make a move first.
“The only person Angel needs to worry about impressing is me, we’re dating after all, Isn’t that what you wanted mother? Will I be happy?” Jade’s words are sarcastic and the table immediately gets awkward and tense. Travis and Monica look away while Jade and her mother have a stare off. Neither woman refused to back down from the other. At this point there’s no hiding the tension between the family members. It’s clear that Jade doesn’t have a good relationship with her parents. She’s a bit distant from all of her family, mainly observing the conversations and speaking when addressed. I suppose that’s because the few times she did speak it went a bit like this…shade, awkwardness, and apprehension.
“Of course I want you to be happy Jade, but not at the expense of the standards required of a Knight. This family has a reputation, your father’s name holds a lot of respect, and I won’t let anyone tarnish it, not you…or some miss nobody. If neither of you can carry yourselves with the rightful esteem then this “relationship” will have to go into reconsideration”. There it is, the disapproval and objection I was expecting.
Kimberly directs her words to me this time and I can’t help but look down at the amount of distaste in her eyes. It’s bordering on disgust and it makes me feel like shit. That’s the last look my own mother gave me the last time I saw her. Like I was a worthless nuisance, a stain on her perfect life. I knew that no matter what they said, my parents would never love me or look at me the same. It seems that judgment of unworthiness is determined to follow me wherever I go.
How am I supposed to remain confident in these situations? When my very existence is a bother to others.
Jade naturally notices me retreat into my shell and once again the air around the table shifts. Jade looks furious as she stares at her mother ready to cuss her the fuck out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so pissed off. It makes me nervous, this isn’t like her domme side. This is entirely different, a side of Jade that rumors blossomed from. Her eyes scream fury but her face remains blank, she’s staring a whole into her mother’s face. Even Kimberly can’t hold her glare for longer than a minute. Jade’s green eyes have a way of penetrating your soul so every inch of you feels exposed and at her mercy.
“Fuck your prestige”. My eyes widen at Jade’s plain words. She says them as a fact, like she didn’t just say “fuck you” to her mother. I could never have the balls to speak to my mom like that, even now. Jade also doesn’t seem like the type to let comments bother her so much. It’s not like her mother hasn’t been implying the same shit since she saw me in that office. Jade just appears to be more bothered than usual tonight, maybe having to pretend has her on edge. First, Donovan, then Alexia gets under her skin, now it’s her mother. This isn’t like the Jade who always remains composed, though it’s nice to see she’s not some emotionless robot.
“Jade”. “Chill”. Monica and Travis both try to calm their sister but Jade doesn’t even hear them. She’s on the hunt right now, and her eyes are locked in on her target, Kimberly Knight.
“Say what you want about me. I stopped caring about your opinion years ago, but if you ever make a disrespectful implication about Angel again, I’ll…”
“You’ll what, Jade?” Kimberly’s tone is daring, no longer thinking of backing down to her daughter. The look in Kimberly’s eyes tells me she’s ready to strip everything away from Jade, name included. I can’t let that happen no matter how sweet and how hard my heart is thrumming in my chest. I put a hand on Jade’s leg ready to talk her down and walk her away if needed, when Mr. Knight cuts in. His eyes were twice as sharp as both of the women combined.
“That’s enough, both of you, we’re in fucking public damn it. I don’t give a shit what your petty woman bullshit problems are, but you will not embarrass me”. Mr. Knight’s eyes are sharp as he looks between me and Jade. I don’t even try to meet his gaze, the expensive crystal glasses are much more interesting. Mr Knight fixes his sleeves as if he’s eased the tense air, but he’s only made it worse.
“I don’t care who you’re shacking up with, Jade. But, if you “don’t give a fuck about” the damn reputation that has you employed, you can find yourself without a title. And a job”. Jade doesn’t say anything as her father stands with the grace and conniving smile of a twisted, lying, manipulating politician, ending the conversation. Kimberly quickly stands to rush alongside her husband while Jade’s siblings and spouses sigh. Jade on the other hand looks ready to explode, instead she closes her eyes, schools her face, and downs her drink. Jade stands from the table with elegance rivaling her father. They both act as if they weren’t ready to disown each other seconds ago.
“It appears that I need a refill, would you care for a drink Angel?” Jade’s tone is pleasant, too normal for it to be believable, at least to me.
“No thank you Jade” she nods, walking away, leaving me to stare at her retreating back. Should I follow her? Should I give her space? Times like this I wish I knew Jade better or at the very least what a girlfriend is supposed to do.
“I wouldn’t worry about Jade too much”. Monica nudges my arm, naturally trying to ease the tension left by her family.
“Yeah, don’t worry about them, it’s just a power struggle” they all laugh it off, prompting me to do the same.I know there’s more to it all than they’re letting on. I talk with Monica and Raven, as well as a few other bolder women trying to brown-nose their way to the top. After ten restless and annoying minutes of listening to women gloat and talk about themselves, I look around the room in search of Jade. I had been glancing at her spot at the bar every minute until this thirsty bitch wouldn’t stop asking about the woman I can’t stop worrying about. The same woman who was nursing a bottle at the bar. The women finally give me a long enough break to find Jade, being led out of the room by Nikita.
I have nothing to be worried about right? So why does it feel like I just got stood up.