Jade's penthouse is much like the one I stayed in, except much more spacious with a black, gray, and white aesthetic. It looks good but not very personal. I'm sure a woman like her has multiple houses and properties. Leya is going to be so upset if she finds out that I'm here without her. Jade leads me to her living room and I sit on the couch, carefully not to mark the pristine floor and furniture. I'm sure this rug cost more than my entire wardrobe.

"Would you like something to drink, Angel? Wine, soda, tea, water?" It's weird to think that Jade is hosting me. Even being in her penthouse, I feel like I should be the one waiting on her.

"Um, wine please". Jade leaves to get our drinks and I take the moment to check on Leya. I called Cash three times only to get no answer. I don't even know why I tried. I call Logan and he answers after a couple of rings. I can hear Leya, Taylor, along with a movie in the background laughing and talking.

"Hey, how's Leya doing?"

"She's fine, Angel, just like when I told you an hour ago" Logan says, laughing.

"First of all, we were texting and two so what I miss is my mini me. Is she being good?"

"Eh, you know how her and Taylor get together" we both chuckle because Taylor turns Leya into a brat. It's all spa day's and "the world revolves around me" attitude because Taylor convinces her that's true. It's cute until Leya turns into a demon child.

"Well, tell Taylor she can deal with the tantrum when I tell her no to go to have a $200 spa session". Logan laughs and I spend the next few minutes talking to all three of them before Leya tells me she has to finish her nails. I shake my head as my child dismisses me, giving the phone to Logan.

"Damn, she told you, but how's your date going?" As he says that Jade comes back into the room carrying two glasses of red wine and a stack of papers.

"It's not a date" I mumble, feeling my face heat up as Jade smirks, sipping her wine on her couch.

"Mm sure, I already know your face is red as fuck. I haven't seen you blush over something that's "not a date" before".

"Shut up Logan, you can't even see me".

"I was right wasn't I?" his laugh rings through the phone and I roll my eyes again. I grab my glass and sit on the opposite end of the couch.

"Whatever, I have to go, tell Leya I love her".

"Wait, seriously Angel, have fun. It's about time you've done something for yourself. You're not just a mom you know, it's okay to do stuff just for you. So, don't be a pussy" Logan hangs up without another word. I know he's right but he doesn't understand. This is Jade Knight, she's not just some random woman from the bar. She's the owner of the bar.

"How's Cataleya?"

"She's fine, dismissed me to finish getting her nails done. Sorry about that".

"Don't apologize. I'd be worried if you didn't check on your daughter". I nod, awkwardly taking a sip of the best red wine I've ever tasted. I'm no sommelier but this shit is good and it tastes expensive as hell. I guess I should get used to the luxury surrounding Jade.

"I thought it'd be better to discuss things here. I had Alexia right up a contract for both of us".

"Alexia, my future boss Alexia? She knows about...this?"

"It's pretty hard hiding anything from that woman. Besides, I've never recommended anyone for a job before".

"Really know one? Not even past employees?"

"No" I nod and use the contract to distract myself. The word was sharp and her green eyes cut even more. The nerves are back and the reality that I'm sitting next to her on her couch in her penthouse is slapping me in the face. I read over the various events I'll be required to attend. I have to be dressed by a stylist and professionally done before every event. I have to be at every family function. There's also a non-disclosure agreement, that I'll happily sign. The last thing I want is to get back to Leya or Cash. The contract mentions payment, housing, daycare and future schooling for Leya. It also ensures that no matter how the success of our ruse is, she will see that Leya at least goes to middle school.

"Jade, with you paying me, I really don't need you overseeing Leya's schooling".

"Cataleya is a bright girl with great potential, she should attend the best schools possible. I want to ensure that happens, who knows, she might work for me one day". I laugh and shake my head. She's only three years old but I guess it can't hurt to have a plan for her.

"As long as Leya is happy, safe, and healthy, I don't care what she decides to do".

"Very well, then it won't be an issue". I don't bother arguing because I know it's not one I'll win so I continue reading.

"Oh?" I finally got to the more personal section. "You want me to spend the night?"

"If the occasion calls for it, yes".

"What occasion would call for me to spend the night with you?" Jade smirks but doesn't say anything. I get the hint to keep reading, not daring to ask more about that.

"Do you reserve the right to approve or disapprove of an outfit or hairstyle?"

"I'm a particular woman and certain events require a specific attire". I shake my head but keep reading. Talk about controlling.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Public displays of affection are often expected to keep up appearances?" I gulp, my mouth going dry, thinking back to the kiss we shared earlier. I’m not going to be opposed to this stipulation.

“I won’t force you to do anything, of course. That being said, it’d be strange if we never showed any type of affection towards each other”.

“I agree, it would be pretty strange. Were you affectionate with your ex-girlfriends?”

“I don’t have any ex’s. I’ve never been in a relationship”.

“Never?”

“No, I would have a sub or two, but I haven’t had a submissive since Nikita. It’s been a couple of years since I actively practiced BDSM”. Jade traces the rim of her glass with her tattoo hand and I can’t look away. Images of that hand gripping my neck, her dominating voice commanding me to bend over so she can slap my ass, has me shivering. What I would give to experience Jade the dominatrix. Or even better Jade the girlfriend. I can imagine how incredible it’d be to date Jade.

I go back to the contract trying to distract myself from those green eyes insistent on staring into my soul. I force the nerves down as I sip the wine and read over the paper that will change my life. She doesn’t expect much from me just to maintain public appearances and not harm her image. That seems simple enough, she even made sure to protect me in case this blows up in our face. There’s just one thing I don’t understand.

“What do you get out of all of this? This contract barely asks me to do anything other than be your fake girlfriend, make it convincing, and get paid for it. Even if it doesn’t convince your parents to give you the company this makes sure that I’m taken care of”.

“If we successfully convince my parents then they will have no choice but to give me the company. They can be controlling over every aspect of anyone’s life, but when they saw I wouldn’t submit, they made stipulations. My siblings don’t care about the business enough to see it continue so I’m the only Knight to carry it on. I do my job well but my parents and I see things differently”.

“This is their last effort to try and control you, so you’re doing things your way”.

“Precisely”.

“That doesn’t explain why you’re going through all of this trouble. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate it but I’m sure your old subs or Nikki would be just fine. If not better, they know you already, probably not so nervous. It just seems like a hassle, especially when you can ask someone out”. I stop talking as I realize I’m the worst candidate to pull this off, and I’ve just made it clear. The idea of Jade asking someone else to this dinner or more makes me sick and pissed off. I can’t remember the last time I felt jealous, this is becoming ridiculous but it feels…right.

“I hope you don’t downplay yourself like this when you speak with Alexia. Besides, I told you already that I want you”.

“Then why not ask me out?” Jade smirks over the rim of her glass looking me over before drinking the rest of her wine. She slowly licks her lips, my eyes are hypnotized to the movement, so much that I don’t notice her walking over.

“I’m a very selfish woman, Angel. The one thing I care about more than myself, is the business, and more than that it’s proving people wrong. I have seen firsthand how toxic a relationship can be when based on selfishness. Now, let’s have that dessert I promised”. It’s clear this isn’t a topic she’s going to talk about and I’m not going to push her, right now.

I follow her to the kitchen where she goes to the fridge taking out the most elegant cake I’ve ever seen. It looks as if it just came out of a fine dining restaurant. She brings the plate over, placing it in front of me along with a fork before topping off our glasses. She sits across from me, her green eyes not giving anything away. I wish I knew what she was thinking.

“It’s a crepe cake, a favorite of mine when I’m craving a bit of indulgence”. She pauses, looking me over, pausing at my lips, taking a sip of her wine. She doesn’t bother being discreet and it sends a thrill up my spine. I’m starting to believe she’s serious about this whole wanting me business.

“It has a delicate crêpe exterior soaked in almond milk with rich chocolate mousse center and passion fruit and berry purées. It’s satisfying and will leave you feigning for another taste of decadent, tart, sweetness”. I gulp despite my dry mouth, crossing my legs as the wetness continues to pool. I swear all my panties will be ruined dealing with Jade.

“Eat, Kitten” I shiver at the command followed by my new favorite endearment. If only this could be more than a deal. I would never give up hearing that tone. Listening to her demands, pleasing, and serving her. Who wouldn’t want to belong to Jade Knight and unfortunately I am like all the thousands of others. If not worse, I have genuine feelings for Jade that go further than what she can provide. I don’t want what she can offer…I just want her.

I do as she says not trusting my self-control to remain intact. I moan as the smooth, soft, sweet chocolate is accompanied by a perfectly made crepe, and the right amount of sharpness. She was absolutely right, but I can’t imagine that Jade is often wrong. This is completely satisfying and probably the second best thing I tasted. The first is definitely Jade’s tongue when it’s wrapped around mine, exploring and claiming my mouth. I close my eyes, trying to fight off images of me pinned against the wall under her control as she feasts on my body like her favorite dessert.

I want to be what leaves her both satisfied and craving more. I want to consume her thoughts during the day and remain in her dreams at night, like she does to me.

I don’t know where these bold thoughts are coming from. Or when this attraction started blossoming into a burning desire that leaves my body aching. However, it feels good not to question my desires and be bold about what I want. Look where it’s gotten me so far, it’s never felt so right to say what I want and that’s because of Jade. The stare of approval she gives me and the compliments she carelessly throws out when I tell her what I wish. It’s the pride in her eyes and surging through my bones to my core that is shaping me into a person I’ve always wanted to be.

Sexy.

Strong.

Confidence.

Powerful. It’s exhilarating and I want to ride this wave for as long as I can. I open my eyes and of course, Jade is watching me, more specifically my mouth. I slowly lick my lips, mesmerized as her sharp green eyes transform to a dark emerald. Her face is serious and I imagine this is exactly how dominant Jade looks. It’s not the huntress I saw earlier, instead it’s a queen who knows and expects her word to be followed. She wants submission from me.

“How does it taste, Kitten?”

“It’s pretty good, you were right. But, I wouldn’t say it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted”.

“Oh? Tell me Kitten, what tastes better?” I set down the fork, sitting up confidently, trying to look her in the eye without turning into a puddle. It doesn’t last long and I feel my face heat up as I look down at the dessert. I can feel her amusement. Damn, where did all that bravado go? Oh yeah, it got snatched when I dared to look her in the eye. Like one glance from her doesn’t turn me into a bitch in heat.

There’s no turning back now, get some balls Angel. I stare into Jade’s eyes again, making sure mine reflect the sincerity in my next words.

“You, Jade, are more satisfying than anything I’ve ever tasted in my life”. A slow, dangerous, alluring smirk spreads across her face, but her eyes hold the same intensity. I quickly stare down at my plate, clamping my thighs together. Fuck, if she keeps this up, I’ll come right here in this chair.

“You and that hot mouth of yours are going to get you into trouble. I cling to a thin thread that holds my restraint. If you continue speaking like that, the thread will be severed and my inhibitions will no longer be contained”. I bite my lip at the idea of Jade losing control over, unable to help herself from attacking my body in the best way possible.

“So, serve it Jade”.

“No”.

No?

After all that, she says no? You know that cliche sound effect of the record scratch, yeah that just happened because what the fuck?