by Lulu Pratt
JADE
The warmth of the sun bears down on my face, slowly pulling me from my deep slumber.
With my eyes still closed, I reach up over my head and stretch. Clearly, sex is the ultimate form of exercise. Who knew something so pleasurable could make your entire body ache so badly? I reach out for Asher, but only feel the luxurious linen beneath my fingertips. My eyes crack open a little so I can check that I am indeed alone. I turn my head to the bathroom, but it’s dark and empty. Where did he go?
My stomach rumbles loudly and my mind switches gears to food. An open-faced egg sandwich topped with feta cheese and green onions would be perfect right now. Based on what I know about Asher and his lack of food knowledge, I’m positive none of the ingredients I need are in his house.
Maybe he’ll be up for a quick store run, or perhaps we can convince Ed to pick up a few things for us. A glass of fresh pressed orange juice would hit the spot.
I roll around like a big kid, kicking my feet, enjoying his spacious king-size bed. My ears perk up at the sound of Asher’s voice booming from down the hall. I sit up, holding the comforter to my bare chest as I survey the room.
I know it’s a bachelor pad, but it could stand to have a little bit more life to it.
The last time I stayed the night I was too focused on the sensual bath we took and getting back home in time to complete my chores to really take in how bare everything is. I know Asher said he was only staying in the building temporarily and the sparse furniture in the room reflects that.
I wonder what will happen to us once his time is up here? Will he go back to his house in the Hills and completely forget about me?
My heart sinks a little and I try to push the negative thoughts from my mind. I bring my attention back to the large empty room, staring at the bed, which is situated directly in its center with only a small nightstand next to it. Asher has a few of his suits in the open closet and several gym bags laying around on the floor. I spot what appears to be a laundry basket of clean clothes and see one of his T-shirts is within arm’s reach, so I grab it and quickly pull it over my head.
I hope he won’t mind, but there’s no way I’m putting that tight dress back on until I absolutely have to.
The floor is cold under my feet, so I quickly make my way down the hall to the sound of Asher’s voice. I can’t quite make out what he’s saying, but the tone of his voice sounds aggressive and possibly even angry.
I find him in a rather large office down the hall, facing a computer with a deep-set frown on his face. His cell phone is pressed to his ear and he’s silent, listening to the person on the other end. He looks up at me, still frowning.
“I’ll call you back later,” he says, abruptly ending the call.
“Hey you,” I say, taking a few steps forward nervously, unsure if I’m welcome. “You didn’t have to hang up the phone like that, I didn’t mean to interrupt. It’s just that the bed was empty when I woke up and I wanted to see where you had slipped off to. What are your thoughts on a quick store run so I can whip us up some breakfast?”
Asher looks me up and down and sighs heavily. My stomach drops with anticipation. My attempt to change the topic haven’t worked.
“What’s wrong? Did I do something? Are you upset about the shirt?” I ask, looking down.
He reclines back in the chair and shakes his head. “That’s not it,” he says. “You are more than welcome to put on anything you like. It’s just…”
The long moment of silence is killing me, and my stomach churns with anxiety. If he doesn’t hurry up, I’m going to pass out.
“What? You’re making me nervous,” I say, shifting my weight back and forth on the balls of my feet. I hate the moments that pass when I’m waiting on something to happen. It’s like my body doesn’t know how to handle the delay, so I end up feeling nauseated.
“Come here,” he says. “I want you to see something.”
I nervously close the gap between us, forcing my feet to propel me forward. Honestly, I don’t want to see whatever it is, especially since it has Asher behaving so strangely, but on the other hand I’m curious what it is and how it relates to me. What could possibly have him this upset?
Asher turns the computer screen around to face me and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. What we thought was a private moment has been captured and shared all over the world. I look at the screen for a moment and then at him, and then back to the screen. Now I understand why he’s unsettled by the image that has the potential to turn things upside down for both of us.
I exhale slowly and fold my arms across my chest. “Shit,” I say.
Chapter 24
ASHER
We stare at the photo of us locked in each other’s arms sharing a kiss outside the art gallery. I want to kick myself, because I should have known better. A major exhibit like Ta’Nelle’s would definitely bring the press out in droves. I’m usually so careful to avoid the paparazzi, but last night I wasn’t as diligent as usual.
Whoever took this picture used a wide-angle lens and made sure they stayed out of sight. This type of invasion of privacy is the main reason I avoid such public spaces. It’s also the reason I prefer my cars to have tinted windows, because these photographers have no limits. My private life shouldn’t be fair game for the public masses to scrutinize over their coffee and eggs in the morning.
Amelia’s early morning call about the photo, and the fact that the office phones have been ringing off the hook, made me sick to my stomach. The paparazzi are a headache and a major pain in my ass. The last thing I need right now is a million questions fired at me, or even worse, rumors getting started about what people think is going on.
“I’m so sorry,” I say. “I’m usually better about avoiding the cameras and I hate that I’ve put you in the middle of this. Going to that art gallery was a major mistake on my part.”
I run my fingers through my hair and try to think of ways to run damage control before this thing gets out of hand. I’ve had photos go viral before, but usually I have time to get ahead of the story and pay off the necessary people before it gets too bad, but this time social media beat me to the punch.
Jade walks over and sits on the edge of the desk, flashing a bit of thigh as she crosses her legs. “Is it really that bad?” she asks, leaning in closer to me.
I take a deep breath and click through the various tabs I have open. We are front page news on several different media outlets and there’s countless tweets and private messages.
“Billionaire bachelor caught kissing mystery blonde,” she says, reading the headline of the last tabloid.
Once they figure out who she is, what are people going to think? Hell, I don’t even know what to think. Disgusted, I turn off the computer and drop my head into the palms of my hands. This is strike two. If the secret I need to tell her doesn’t run her off, the media harassing her definitely will.
We’ve yet to clearly define our relationship. Never said we were being serious, but in this moment she’s all I can think about. I want to protect her, or at the very least, fire back at the photographers for invading our privacy.
“Are you upset we were seen together?” she asks.
“No,” I answer quickly. “Well, yes and no, if I’m being honest. You know I like to keep my private life private. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed to be seen out with you. It’s just… I know how things can get with the media and I don’t want you being subjected to that. As soon as people figure out who you are, they’ll start photographing you everywhere, trying to get a glimpse into your life, and I don’t want people following you around, harassing you.”
I never gave it much thought before, but Jade is more than a good time with a beautiful face. She’s more than a nanny with a fiery attitude. Jade is mine, and I want to protect her at all costs.
“I’m fine with it if you are,” she says, gently placing her hand on my shoulder. “I understand how you feel about keeping this private. In fact, I haven’t told anyone we have been seeing eac
h other either. Of course, I don’t want to be the talk of the town, but if I must, then I’m glad it’s with you. I can handle whatever they dish out. Although I hope they don’t figure out who I am too quickly. I really don’t want to be followed around, especially if I’m out and about with Jacob. Heath and Magdalene would kill me.”
I reach for her hand and pull her into my lap. “I’m so sorry,” I say before kissing her forehead.
Not only am I sorry I put her in this invasive position, but I’m also sorry that the thought of how this photo would affect my image even crossed my mind.
So what if they find out who she is and that she’s a nanny? She’s mine and that’s all that matters.
Jade gets up and straddles my lap. The phone call distracted me so bad this morning, I didn’t bother getting completely dressed, opting for my black Versace robe instead.
“Don’t be sorry, Asher. As much as we go out, it was bound to happen sooner or later,” she says.
She’s right, and I know it, but I was hoping something like this would happen much later if it were to happen at all.
“Are you sure you’re okay with it?” she asks, slipping her hand under the robe. She wraps her fingers around my dick and strokes up and down painfully slowly. “I’d hate to think it stressed you out.”
I groan softly and try to stay focused. “Well, I am a little stressed, but I think if you keep this up, I’ll be fine.”
She lifts up, and slides my length into her wet folds. “Keep doing this? Are you sure this is helping?” she asks, flicking her tongue over my earlobe.
“Yes,” I say, my voice coming out in one long continuous hiss.
Jade smiles and pulls out a condom from the pocket of her robe. I go to grab it from her, but she clutches it to her chest. I nod and she slowly unwraps it and rolls it over my hardness. She even makes putting on a condom an erotic experience. She holds my dick steady and slips it inside her, her body welcoming me in with a warm wet hug. She wraps her arms around my neck and slowly bounces up and down.
“I think we both need a little early morning stress relief,” she whispers, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
“Mm-hmm,” I say, not trusting myself to say anything coherent.
Her body molds to the curve of my dick so perfectly, as if she’s made just for me. I can’t imagine another woman capturing and truly holding my attention like Jade. On more than one occasion, I’ve been rendered speechless by her beauty, intellect and sincerity.
I guide her hips and thrust upwards to meet her body in hard wet smacks. All doubts I had about the picture, my image and our invasion of privacy soon melt away. Jade runs her fingers through my hair just as I feel that familiar tingle in my toes. There is no holding back this time. I used up all my focus and self-control last night.
Her walls tighten around my rod as she moves her hips in tiny circles, first one direction and then the other. It’s not long before the thrusts of my hips suddenly fail to keep up with the steady drum-like rhythm as the orgasm sends my entire body into spasms. Jade keeps bouncing up and down for a few seconds more before her own orgasm takes over.
We sit still for a few moments as I twitch inside her warmth, only our heavy breathing breaking up the silence. My blood slowly flows back to the rest of my body and the fog going on in my brain slowly dissipates.
“Do you feel better now?” she asks, keeping her arms wrapped around me as she leans back against the desk.
I try to focus on what she’s saying, but all I can see are her breasts and the picture-perfect way the sunlight is hitting her face. Now this is a moment worthy of a photograph.
“Um, I don’t know how to answer that. If I say yes, I’m scared you’ll get up, and if I say no I’m scared you’ll want another round and right now I don’t have another round to give you.”
Jade laughs and gives me a tight squeeze. “Mr. Jordan, you can have as many rounds as you can handle after we get something to eat. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
I gently lift Jade up and help her to her feet. She reaches for my waist and ties my robe back into place.
“If this is what you’re like before breakfast, I’d hate to see you once your stomach is full and you have a fresh burst of energy.”
She takes my hand and leads me out of my office and up the hallway to the kitchen.
“Well, let’s hurry up and eat so I can show you how much energy I really have,” she says.
“I hate to keep bringing it up, but are you sure you’re okay about the photo being taken?” I ask reluctantly.
“Yes,” she says, running her fingers through her hair. “It’s out there now, and I’m sure there’s not much you can do about it at this point. Like I said, I’m sure Heath and Magdalene won’t be too happy about the extra attention, especially if people figure out who I am. They made it very clear when they hired me that they like keeping Jacob out of the limelight.”
I know exactly how private they are considering all the information that was blacked out on Jade’s background check, but I certainly can’t bring that up.
“I don’t want to jeopardize your job or anything, so I’ll do damage control to at least keep your name private for a little longer. You’re right, there’s not much I can do about the photo at this point, but I do have some connections who can keep your identity out of headlines for the time being.”
Jade walks over to the cabinets and starts taking out the few cooking items I have in the bare kitchen. “That sounds like a plan, and in the meantime, I just won’t bring up the photo to Magdalene or Heath unless they ask about it. Now, enough about that, let’s get some breakfast.”
Chapter 25
JADE
After we finish eating, I had to make good on my promise and give Asher another round. Once my legs are working properly again, I hastily gather my things and stumble back home like a baby deer discovering their legs for the first time. I’m a little sore all over, but it’s nothing a long soak in the tub and a little rest won’t cure. He takes so much out of me, but the amount of pleasure he gives is worth the after effects.
I push the button for the elevator and lean against the wall as I wait for it to reach the lobby.
I should have taken Asher up on his offer to carry me home.
The elevator dings loudly and the doors slide open, but my path is blocked by Trixie and Mrs. Montgomery.
“Oh dear, look at you. You look like you had a rough night,” she says.
Trixie pants loudly and tries to jump up on me.
“No, Trixie, get down. Our young friend is in no condition to wrestle with you this morning.”
I move to shuffle by the two of them embarrassed, but Mrs. Montgomery puts her hand against the door, stopping it from closing.
“Give him just enough to get the ring and make him forget all about a pre-nup,” she says wiggling her diamond and ruby encrusted fingers at me.
I smile and she gives me a knowing wink before allowing the doors to close.
Leave it to Mrs. Montgomery to give such gold-digging advice.
The elevator reaches my floor and I attempt to smooth my hair a bit before slipping my key in the door. I try to keep the noise down just in case Magdalene and Jacob are still asleep, but before I have the chance to turn the knob, the door flies open. I lurch forward and reach out for the door frame to stop myself from completely wiping out on the floor.
“Oh, it’s you,” says Magdalene.
Her breath reaches me before anything else and it’s painfully obvious she’s been drinking.
It’s too early in the morning for this shit.
“Good morning Magdalene. Where’s Jacob?” I ask, trying to put on a neutral face.
If she wants to drink herself into oblivion, that’s fine with me, but I don’t want her putting Jacob in danger because she can’t put down the bottle.
Magdalene shoots me a dirty a look with her bloodshot eyes before stumbling back to the couch. I close the door behind me and slip off
my shoes.
I should go ahead and give her this purse back right now so she won’t have a reason to complain about it later.
She’s obviously in a mood again this morning and I don’t want to do anything to set her off. I don’t know what it’s going to take for her to snap out of this downward spiral, but she needs to figure it out fast. My energy is completely spent and my hands fumble with the clasp on the purse while Magdalene mumbles under her breath.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I said what’s so damn good about this morning? Nothing, that’s what. Nothing about it is good at all. Jacob is gone with Heath. Can you believe that? Heath came by and took my son for a little ‘quality time,’ so he says. So, there you go, you didn’t have to rush back from your obviously very eventful date. I’m not running a hotel here by the way, you can’t just pop in whenever you feel like it.”
I step forward and drop the purse on the couch next to Magdalene. “I know you’re upset, but you know me better than that. I went on a date during my time off, and I’m sorry if you expected me home earlier. I’m here now, and once I get cleaned up I’ll be happy to help you with whatever you need.”
“Help? I don’t need any help with anything. Look at us,” she says, her words slurring. “These men call and we just go running. Men with money always want to call the shots and pull the strings even after you move on. They never want to let go until they’re done with you. These assholes always find a way to weasel their way back into your life, even when you don’t want them there, and they’re ruthless about it. They don’t care how they do it or who they hurt in the process.”
My eyes follow her trembling hands as she fills up another glass of wine and brings it to her lips.
There is no us. You are the one who runs to Heath whenever he calls. Don’t include me in your little shit show of dysfunction.
How many glasses has she had? Has she even gone to sleep or has she been up all night getting hammered?
“Money,” she says, waving her hand around, splashing wine on the couch.