I stare at my ringing phone, contemplating whether to answer Jade’s phone call or not. It’s been 5 days since that article and pictures were released and things haven’t quieted down at all. After 3 more failed attempts at calling Jade that night, with the last being sent straight to voicemail, I stopped trying. Actually, I’ve been avoiding her ever since. I told Alexia about the situation when she returned from her trip but I’ve been refusing to meet with Jade to discuss it. I told Alexia that Jade likes to handle everything anyway, so she can take care of the mess she’s created.
Am I bitter? Yes.
Am I being petty? Probably.
Do I care? Not at all.
Jade couldn’t answer the times that I called, I don’t see why I should wait around until she feels like speaking. Just like she declined me then, I’m declining her now, sounds fair to me. Alexia has helped me avoid Jade, letting me use extra work as an excuse to meet when she randomly decides to visit the firm, but I can tell she’s getting tired of being in the middle.
“Angel, will you please meet with your girlfriend so she can stop calling my office? She is crowding my line for important calls”. Alexia says, and I shake my head, not looking up for the papers I’m organizing for her. It’s late, I should’ve clocked out hours ago, but with my aunt watching Leya I’m in no rush to go home. I stayed at Taylor’s for three days before finally deciding to suck it up and go home. I figured Jade would catch the hint after I kept declining her calls and not responding to her messages.
“You can always block her”.
“Unfortunately, I can’t, I’m on her retainer and she pays me very well”. I hum, uninterested in talking about Jade. I had my pity fit at Taylors, and cried like a bitch when I got home. I was jealous and felt like an idiot for caring so much and still wanting someone that doesn’t want me. Now, I’m just irritated, if she was so tired of this or wanted to go back to her submissive she could just tell me that. Instead she leaves me on a leash, expecting me to stay when she says and come when she says.
“Please, don’t rip those papers, I may need them in the future”. Alexia’s voice breaks me from my harsh thoughts and I realize I was wrinkling her paper.
“I-I’m so sorry. I got lost in my head and I wasn’t thinking. I’ll be more careful, I-I’m sorry…” Alexia eyes me before coming over to stand next to me. She holds my face and I look down avoiding her stare. I don’t want to look weak in front of her, especially after seeing how close they were in that picture, yet here I am in the same predicament.
“Don’t apologize, I’m sorry she hurt you, Jade can be a bit dense when it comes to these things but I don’t think it was intentional”. I nod, carefully taking her hands off my face and stepping back. When I’m that close to someone these days all I can think about is Jade, and with this bullshit going on, I don’t want to be perceived the same way.
“It’s my own fault”.
“What do you mean?” I sigh, putting the papers down and crossing my arms as a way to soothe the ache in my chest.
“I let my feelings for Jade grow knowing this relationship would never be anything more than a contract. I thought I could keep my feelings at bay, but I was careless. I should’ve known better than to let things get this far, but I couldn’t help it. Every moment, planned and unplanned, every night, every kiss, the simplest touch, even that damn glare, all of it made my feelings grow more intense”.
“How intense?” A lone rebel tear escapes my eyes and I quickly wipe it away and go back to work pushing my feelings down, or trying too.
“It doesn’t matter” I write it off and avoid Alexia’s gaze.
“Angel” I shake my head and she sighs, but luckily drops the conversation all the same. We work for another hour in silence and it’s around 9:30 when we finally pack up to leave.
“Just so you know, I’ve taken care of everything concerning the articles. They’ve been taken down and we’re working on shutting down the site. Unfortunately, there will always be someone else to pick up where the other left off, but for now, things should quiet down soon”. I nod in acknowledgment but don’t say anything. I’m sure a Jade Knight potential cheating scandal will take a while to quiet down.
“I guess that’s good, Jade’s dad wants to meet in two days and I’d like for this to be settled before then. The last thing they need is more ammunition against me”. This is just going to prove that Jade and I shouldn’t be together and my validation is getting harder to uphold.
“For that you may need to stop avoiding her and actually talk things out. I already told you I’m sorry and swore that Jade and I didn’t do anything on that balcony. I was just giving her a hard time about her feelings for you”.
“Yes, I know, but that doesn’t change the fact that none of this was real anyway. I just need to play my part”.
“Bullshit and you know it. Your relationship may have started as a contract but anyone with eyes can see that you love each other”. I scoff as we leave her office and head to the elevators.
“Love? Please”.
“It’s not so absurd, I’m from the outside looking in and I can tell that you and Jade both love each other and are way too stubborn to admit it”.
“I doubt Jade does love in a romantic sense, yes we get along and we’ve become good friends but that’s all it is. We just converse well”.
“And fuck well from what I hear” Alexia smirks and my eyes widen as my face fills with heat.
“How do you know…?”
“Who do you think Jade has been whining too in your absence, between me and Imani I’m not sure who has it worse. The girl is miserable without you, Angel”.
“More like miserable that her main source of sex has cut her off”.
“Please, she’s Jade Knight, she doesn’t get cut off. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you checking her out and reading those past dirty messages during your breaks. The way your face is always flushed and when you shift in your seat because the thought of her makes you that wet. You want her and I’m telling you that she wants you, so make a damn move and claim your woman to the world”.
“She’s not my-”
“She is, Angel, just be bold enough to tell her, not ask”. The elevator dings as we make it to the lobby. We say goodnight to the security and I contemplate Alexia’s advice. Jade and I should talk before we meet with her dad, I’m not sure what she wants to do about this ultimatum. I’ve partially been avoiding her because I don’t want her to say this is where things come to an end. She’s set the stage for us to break up.
Honestly I’d be devastated. I’m not ready yet. I’ll just have to suck it up and call her tomorrow, it’s the weekend so she should be free, unless she has some late night plans again…
“Well, looks like you’ll have your chance to stake your claim sooner than later”. I frown at Alexia before following her line of sight to see Jade. My throat goes dry as I stop in my tracks. Jade is dressed casually, just how I like her, with her naturally curly hair pulled into a messy bun, an oversized black hoodie long enough to hide her ripped jean shorts. Her lips are coated in a deep red, damn near black matte lipstick and her eyes lack the normal gleam that I’ve come accustomed to. She actually looks normal and incredible. I’ve been fighting my desire for her every day and night but now…
“Don’t just stand there, go” Alexia nudges me forward and I take a breath before nodding to Alexia.
“Thank you”.
“Go” with her reassurance that I’m not the only one on this rollercoaster of feelings, I feel a bit more confident approaching Jade. I’m not unconvinced that some shady shit didn’t go down but I want to hear what she has to say, and more so I want to trust her. I walk over to the woman I’ve been missing more than anyone, who’s stealing my breath just sitting there with this adorable pout on her face. Even with all the drama she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and the only one I want. She stands as soon as she sees me, but doesn’t make a move to step forward. Her face is completely guarded to the point she looks stiff, I can tell she hasn’t slept and she’s not her usual put together self. She looks stressed, more stressed than I’ve ever seen her.
Is this all because I’ve been avoiding her? It can’t be.
“Jade, what are you doing here?” My questions snaps her from her stupor and she moves quickly, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. My eyes widen and I stand stunned, unable to react.
“Jade, what’s wrong?” I snap out of my daze, all of my anger fading at the possibility of something not being okay with her.
“Don’t ever do that shit again, Angel”. The command sounds closer to a plea as she tightens her hold around my waist and I melt into her touch, no longer fighting the sensation of being in her arms.
“Don’t give me a reason again”. Jade pulls back her eyes showing guilt momentarily before her wall is back up.
“I won’t and I swear I’ll explain everything. Will you come home with me?” I practically moan at her words and bite my lip to stop myself from immediately agreeing. I can’t make it that easy for her.
“I don’t know Jade, it’s late and I’m pretty tired”. I don’t know if I want to hear the dirty details tonight. Ignorance is bliss, after all.
“Please, Angel, I just want to explain myself. If you still don’t want to see me then I understand”. I look at her hopeful eyes, searching behind her guard, thankful that she drops it enough to show me how nervous and sincere she is.
“Okay, I’ll go with you” she smiles and wastes no time grabbing my hand and pulling me out the door. I look around for Alexia but she’s nowhere to be found so instead I focus on Jade. I follow her outside where there are a few paparazzi and fans but she pays them no mind as her security surrounds us.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I called Taylor first and after she chewed my ass out and hung up on me I called your aunt. She went off in Spanish and English before telling me that you were still at work and I needed to fix things. She told me that she has Leya for the night so there’s no excuses”.
“Of course she did” I mumble, shaking my head. She’s been telling me that for days saying that I shouldn’t listen to the internet and I need to talk things out like an adult. Safe to say I didn’t want to hear it. Naturally that meant she needed to take things into her own hands.
“I know I’m the last person you want to see but I promise I can explain”. I nod but don’t say anything as she opens my door. I don’t bother asking her what about my car knowing that it’ll be at my house by the morning. I’m convinced that she has a flock of minions that do her bidding because there’s no way Nate can do all this alone. The car ride is quiet and halfway through I realize we’re heading out of the city, in the opposite direction of her penthouse. I doubt anything is open at this hour but I wouldn’t be surprised if Jade pulled some strings. I’m really not in the mood to be out in the public right now, especially not after everything that happened. At least the air around us isn’t awkward, albeit a little tense.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“So, where are we going?”
“I’m taking you to my real home, this is where I stay when I’m not at the penthouse. I don’t bring anyone here, it’s like my own piece of paradise. I thought it’d be the best place for us to talk in private”.
“Your real house? I thought you lived in the penthouse?”
“I started staying there after I met you, it made more sense. This is where I’ve been since I’ve returned”. Before long we’re surrounded by trees and out of the world mansions here and there, tucked into the forest. We drive up the hill to an insane mountain top estate, surrounded by trees, accentuating the beauty of the mansion.
“Wow, it’s stunning. The stone work is beautiful, I’ve only seen places like this in movies”. Jade parks the car outside the door and we both get out, heading inside her house, if you can call it that. I stop in my tracks as soon as I see the marble floor, marvelous high ceilings, and luxurious furniture.
“Please, feel at home here Angel”. Jade walks ahead as if it’s normal to step on such expensive floors. I might as well be stomping on cash.
“Your floors are marble, Jade, I can’t just walk on this”.
“Hm, if you insist” Jade strides over, grabs my ass and lifts me in her arms, making me yelp and wrap my legs around her hips.
“Jade!”
“What? You’re the one that said you didn’t want to walk” she has a smirk on her face and I can tell she’s starting to feel more relaxed. Honestly, so am I. Despite everything it feels so good to be here with Jade, all we’re missing is Leya and I’d be right at home.
“You’re ridiculous, you know that” I loop my arms around her neck and move closer as she easily navigates us around her house. The architecture, design, everything about the place screams Jade and expensive, it’s phenomenal and way better than her penthouse. It’s a lot of space for one person though.
“I missed having you in my arms” her admission has my face tomato red and my vocabulary leaving my mind. I bury my head in her neck and sigh at her perfume, she smells incredible. So good. I bet she tastes even better. Instead of wondering I snake my tongue out and give her neck a swift lick, making her curse. Mm, just as good as I remember. I get to work marking every inch of skin I can, not bothering to be gentle or mindful about where I’m kissing her, fueled by her quiet moans and sighs. She tightens her hold on my waist as my back comes in contact with the door. Jade lets me continue my assault on her neck until my name falls in a whisper from her lips. She moves to kiss me but I pull her hair, a smirk playing on my lips.
“I’m not that easy, I just needed to make something clear”.
“What’s that?”
“You’re mine” I undo my limbs from her body and lightly push her back so she lets me down. Her eyes are blazing with desire and I can tell she wants more, it’s a look I know all too well. It’s rare when Jade wants me to please her, usually content with being in control, but there are times where she lets me have control. In rarer times her eyes show a brief moment of submission, overbearing lust, and vulnerability, and that’s when she lets me do anything I want to fulfill her desires. Her eyes are telling me that this is one of those times…but not until she explains herself.
“You’re right, I am”.
“If that’s true then what happened? Who’s Emilia and why did you take her to your hotel?” I open her door and move to sit on her bed, glancing around her impeccable room. It smells like her and fits her perfectly. Jade opts to stand in front of me and I lean back on my hands, waiting for her explanation.
“Emilia is my old assistant and college roommate, we shared the same dorm for two years before she transferred. After we graduated she moved back and needed a job and I needed an assistant. She’s also Imani’s older sister, she’s the one who recommended Imani. She worked for me for a few years before resigning to follow her dream of opening a restaurant. I wanted to help her as a thank you for putting up with my shit over the years, so I gave her the restaurant to the hotel that just opened in New York, she’s the owner”. I suppose that makes sense, anyone that Jade has in her life for extended periods people assume she’s dating them. If what she says is true then it’s just up to me to believe her.
“She just finished culinary school so it seemed appropriate. We met a few nights ago for dinner and to finalize things with the restaurant. I didn’t answer your call because one of the contractors was being an asshole that needed to be put in place. I stayed on-site for the rest of the night to make sure everything turned out well and didn’t jeopardize the hotel. I dropped Emilia off at the hotel because that is where her car was. It was 3 a.m. here by the time I returned to my room. I figured you were sleeping and decided against calling until the morning”. I look down, thinking over what she said. I can tell she’s telling the truth, but every rumor starts from some place.
“I didn’t do anything with Emilia, Angel. I wouldn’t disrespect you or Leya like that. Come on, Kitten, you don’t believe me?” Jade walks over, hovering over me and I roll my eyes.
“You know you could’ve just sent a message and said you were busy working. Things spiraled out of control so fast Jade, just communicate with me”. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
“I should’ve explained I’m sorry”.
“I guess I didn’t give you a chance to tell me your side, I’m sorry for letting the outside people get to me again”.
“Do you trust me?”
“I trust that you’d never hurt me intentionally”.
“Then trust that I’ll never cheat on you as well” I feel my face heat as I look down.
“We’re not even together Jade, you don’t have to pretend. Honestly, I was more upset about the image it would portray, not-mmm” my bullshit is immediately cut short by Jade crashing her lips against mine. A tidal wave of pleasure sends my senses roaring and I moan, bringing her body closer to me. More, need more, unfortunately she moves back using her hands on either side of my head to hold herself up.
“What if we both stopped pretending?” My blood stops pumping in my veins and the world outside comes to a standstill at her words.
“What?” I don’t think I heard that right.
“What if we were together, for real, would that reassure you that you have nothing to worry about?” That spark of hope that ignites a large flame of desire in my soul at the prospect of being with Jades comes alive and I shake my head in disbelief.
“What are you saying, Jade? You told me you don’t date”.
“I don’t…usually, but it’s clear that this deal has bloomed out of both of our control. I think we would be ourselves a disservice if we did not explore this newfound relationship”. A disservice? I went from hoping and dreaming of the moment Jade would consider making this fake relationship real, but now it’s too hard to believe. She’s clearly being serious, it’s not like Jade to joke about something like this, or much at all, but the way she’s suggesting it is too professional.
“Is this because you haven’t found a way out of your father’s ultimatum?”
“Not entirely”.
“Not entirely?”
“It would help things and we wouldn’t have to lie, which is true, but I wouldn’t say that is the reason why I am suggesting we pursue a real relationship”.
“So why are you suggesting this?”
“Is it not the appropriate way to navigate when you care for someone?” I outwardly glare at Jade’s aloof and professional attitude but inwardly smirk as I study her and realize she’s nervous. The Jade Knight is nervous and because of that she’s being completely standoff-ish. There’s no question on if I want to pursue a relationship with Jade, but I can’t just immediately say yes and fall at her feet.
“Why are you being so professional about this?” Jade sighs, clenching her teeth and her hands on the steering wheel before relaxing.
“I’m not good at this Angel, I’ve never suggested being more than a domme to anyone”.
“What changed your mind?”
“Honestly, when we first met I saw you as a submissive, someone I could show a new way of life, impart confidence, sensuality, and pleasure into but time went on. The more I got to know you the less I saw you as submissive and more as a woman worth caring for. These two times without you proved that you are unlike any other woman. You have no problem saying no to me and it’s very refreshing, the challenge you bring, the standards you uphold. To put it bluntly, I think we are quite good together, Angel”. I fight my smile and keep the same poker face that she maintains.
“I’ll think about it” Jade’s disbelieving laugh fills my ears and I can’t stop my smile from breaking free as she shakes her head.
“You’ll think about it?”
“Yep, I’ll think about it, there’s a lot to consider. Besides, weren’t you just pictured with two other females, Jade Knight? I need to consider my competition” I shrug with a small smile. I can’t believe she’s really suggesting this right now, especially after another minor scandal. She scoffs, glancing at me with her notorious smirk.
“We both know compared to you there is no competition, Kitten”.
“Very true, but I still need to think about it and what’s best for Leya. Speaking of which, what are we going to do about your dad? Leya loves you already and if she finds out she’s going to be a flower girl there’ll be no backing out”. It has been bothering me for the past week, not knowing if I’m going to be an engaged woman or not. I never dreamed of getting married so young, but I have no problem helping Jade, especially now.
“Simple, I’ll tell him I’m not getting married and if he doesn’t like it can find a new CEO”.
“Jade, you can’t do that, this is your job”.
“You said it yourself, I could always build my own business and be just as successful”.
“You can, but is that something you want to do? After you told me how much you put into that company, are you sure you just want to start anew?”
“If I must, then I will”.
“But if you don’t have to then don’t do so because of me. I told you I’m seeing this all the way through”.
“Marriage is a big commitment Angel, not to mention the trouble I’ve caused you already”.
“You haven’t…” I trail off as Jade throws me a sharp look. I know there’s no point in arguing with her but I won’t let her give up her career either.
“Jade, we’ve come this far, we can’t just give up”.
“So we conceded to his outrageous plan? He may control my life Angel, but I won’t let my father ruin yours”.
“This is my decision Jade, more than anything I want you to have your company and enjoy your job without the threat of it being snatched away constantly over your head. We’re telling your dad that we’ll get married, but we’ll do so when we want. We can announce our engagement but the ceremony won’t take place until you have complete control of the company. Or you’ll be informing all of your clients that you will be starting your own company, which I know for a fact is at least ⅔’s of the company’s profit comes from clients loyal to you. That’s how we gain our control back. If your dad still won’t back down then I won’t stand in your way, but please don’t let him win, not yet, not when you’re so close to achieving your dreams”.
“That could work but there’s no guarantee that he’ll agree and if he doesn’t I’ll be resigning from my position and our contract will be nullified”.
“O-Oh” I try not to let the disappointment show but I clearly don’t do so well. Jade chuckles and lifts my chin before leaning down to kiss my lips a few times before moving to my neck.
“That just means I’ll be free to pursue you without worrying about any outside opinions. No interviews, or third-party planned dates, just the 3 of us”. Jade’s soft lips move against my neck, making my eyes flutter closed as shockwaves of pleasure course through my veins straight to the core of my being. I wrap my arms around her neck, inviting her closer, molding our bodies together, wishing these clothes weren’t in the way.
Jade sucks and bites, marking me as usual for all to see and I welcome her ministrations with open arms. I tilt my neck, offering myself fully to her as I arch my back in a silent plea. She gets the hints and wastes no time slipping her hands under my shirt and caressing my skin. Jade tugs on my ear, earning a soft moan from me before kissing her way to my lips. She moves her mouth against mine slowly and sensually, she works her tongue with mine in a way that has my toes curling.
I hum my approval as my hands move on their own accord, going to the hem of her hoodie and lifting the barrier over her head. I take the opportunity to ogle her lace bra clad breast and lick my lips in anticipation. Obviously seeing my desire, Jade slows down her pace as she strips out of the rest of her clothes, giving me a full show. I’m practically squirming in my spot and itching to touch her but she orders me to stay up, walking her naked, heel wearing ass to the light switch.
“You’re so beautiful Jade” I practically drool as I stare at her perfect figure. Tones legs, plump stomach, curvy waist, full ass, wide hips, large but not oversized breasts, she’s perfect. She throws me a smile over her shoulder as she hits the switch, her lights slowly dimming until there’s only a soft purple glow lighting the room. Jade’s heels click against the pristine floor as she stalks my way, sending my body buzzing in want. The lust has my skin burning and there’s nothing more that I want right now. She stops until she’s standing in front of me, just out of arm’s reach.
“Allow me to thoroughly apologize for the stress you’ve endured on my behalf”. Jade reaches down, grabbing the back of my knees and pulling until my ass is on the edge of the bed. I gasp and hold myself up watching Jade kneel down until she’s on her knees. The sight has my pussy soaking and my mind going into overdrive. I imagined this moment, but seeing Jade so humbly knelt before me has me shivering, it’s almost too much.
“Let me take care of you?” She asks, lifting my foot into her hand and I gulp before nodding.
“Yes, please, Jade”.