After one of the best mornings I've had in a long time, I kicked Jade out so I could get ready. We're heading back to New Jersey late in the evening and I needed to get some work done. I managed to get some emails sorted and check my voicemails. All in all, I've been pretty damn productive. I don't think I've stopped smiling, and my cheeks are starting to hurt.
I hear a ding on my phone.
Jade: Hey, I need to go to the office. We need to leave in 30 min.
Me: Okay. No problem.
There must be something serious going on. She's been on the phone several times, has gone in to the office, and seems tense when it comes to anything regarding her security firm. I start to pack my bags and close my laptop. Luckily, there isn't too much stuff to pick up. I close my eyes, remembering how Jade was so reluctant to leave this morning, how she melted another part of my carefully constructed wall. It's so easy to be comfortable around her.
Twenty minutes later, there's a knock at the door. Grabbing my bags and giving the room a once over, my trepidation soars. What do I say or do? I'm not good at this crap, which is why I've always been in a relationship. I don't know what this is, so I don't know how to act. Another bang on the door. I can't hide since she's my ride home. I channel some inner strength and head to the door.
"Hey, gorgeous." She smiles and leans in, pressing her lips to mine.
Maybe this won't be so awkward.
"Hey." I look her over and grin. Now that I know what's underneath those clothes, it's virtually impossible not to stare. Her eyes narrow and her smile reappears.
"Are you mentally undressing me?"
Cocky ass.
"No!" Damn her and her ability to read me. "What time is our flight?"
She smiles and grabs my bag—always the gentlewoman. "We leave around six, but I may have to push it back depending on what I find out when I get to the office."
Letting my curiosity get the best of me, words tumble out of my mouth as we head to the elevator. "What's going on? Can I help?" She looks over with her head cocked to the side. "I'm not trying to pry." And here I go with my overstepping. I swear one day I'll keep my big mouth shut.
"You're not prying." Jade's fingers interlace with mine and my heart skips a beat. Just the small physical touch she gives me is reassuring. "I told you we have contracts, but our contracts are very different. Basically, my company trains men and women to go to a war zone. They get paid a lot of money, but it's hazardous. We get funded by the government and we send a team to do various missions or security details."
"Wow, sounds dangerous."
"It can be, but we make sure our people have the best equipment, training, and anything else they could need while they're out there. It's why most of my team are former SEALs or prior military."
It's insane to think people volunteer to go to Iraq and Afghanistan when they aren't in the military. Ice shoots through my veins, freezing me in place. What if Jade has to go? I'm sure she's been before and it's obvious she's trained, but still. Would she spend long periods of time there?
Jade stops and cups my face. "What is it?"
Unable to articulate my sudden anxiety, I shake my head and smile. "Nothing. Sorry. I'm trying to understand why anyone would do that voluntarily." I'm not going to bring up that it's her I'm worried about. For all I know this relationship—or whatever it is—could be done next week. I break her hold and head toward the elevator. I need to shake this dread from the pit of my stomach. Otherwise, this thing we have might be over before it actually begins.
"Well, for a lot of us it's that we miss serving. But it's different for everyone."
I guess that makes sense. I'm hoping she doesn't have that same desire. I'm not sure I'd be strong enough to handle it. However, I'd rather not go there right now.
The ride to the office is quiet. About thirty minutes later, we arrive at Thirlwall Security. I'm hoping to see a little more of what Jade's world is like. We walk in and head straight to her office. A few people raise their hands but they're either immersed in paperwork or on the phone. I head over to the wall of photos and take a closer look. Jesy is in a lot of them along with three other men. They look like they're really close.
"Jade?" She looks up. "Who are these guys?" I ask, pointing to the picture of the five of them all smiling in their uniforms.
She walks over, smiling, and takes the picture down. "This is Jesy." She points and then hangs the photo back on the wall. "The other guys were in my unit. Aaron." She points to the one guy in the middle. "He works for me here. But Brian and Fernando died on a mission." She runs her fingers through her hair with her eyes downcast. I want to console her but someone walks in before I have the chance.
"Hey, you're here. Good." A stocky guy with a goatee comes in the door. I recognize him as Aaron from the picture. He heads over to Jade's desk as he searches through the papers in his hand.
"Aaron, this is Perrie."
I smile and lift my hand. He smiles and looks back to Jade. Okay. A man of few words.
"I talked to a few people at the base, but so far nothing. I think some of us should head out and oversee the team in place now. The information is sketchy and I don't like it. There's something that doesn't feel right." Aaron speaks so fast that I have a hard time keeping up. He keeps grabbing at his neck, obviously stressed.
Jade clears her throat and starts to pace. After a few minutes of back and forth, and what appears to be a lot of consideration, she answers, "Talk to Jesy. If you both agree, then fine, get a team together. I want you or Jesy on point. I don't know what's going on out there, but we need to get it settled and I don't trust anyone else."
"I agree, Muff. I'm going to see who's on standby and also work some other angles. I don't want to head out there with Natalie so close to delivering, but I will if it comes to that."
"Fuck, I forgot she's due soon. Let's try to avoid anyone going if we can. See if you can work any more contacts and find out why their shipments are delayed." Jade glances at me and then looks back to Aaron.
"Okay, I'll keep you in the loop." Aaron heads back out and I smile, nodding as he walks past.
I stand by the wall, unsure of what to do. There's something going on in her company and she's dealing with launching a new campaign with her other company. It's a lot to take on. How do I fit into all this? This question and my own uncertainties are always looming. I make myself a promise to keep this under control. Jade brings out my strength and I'm going to find a way to let that show more. Looking at her friends and all the things she's done is astounding. She's a leader, a friend, and seems to be loved by many.
"Ready?"
"Ah!" I nearly scream as she scares the shit out of me. Lost in the photos and my own inner thoughts, Jade's stealth mode catches me off guard yet again.
Her deep, throaty chuckle is against my neck as her arms wrap around me from behind.
"Seriously, this is getting old." I mean really, am I that oblivious?
She runs her face against my neck, her soft skin against my skin. Leaning back into her embrace, she places chaste kisses on my shoulder and neck as she runs her hands up my arms and squeezes. When she stops, I turn to face her. Her eyes are desolate—completely void—as they look at the photos on the wall.
"Jade? Are you okay?" I ask apprehensively.
When she looks at me, she looks sad. She winces when I place my hand on her arm so I drop it. It's the same look she had the last time she glimpsed at the photos and, like then, I'm unsure how to proceed. I don't want to push her, but I want to know what's causing her pain. I try again by placing my hand on her face, rubbing it on her cheek. Our gazes lock and I watch her eyes gloss with unshed tears. Leaning in, I place a gentle kiss on her lips.
"I'm fine. I'm just lost in memories," she finally replies, giving me some insight into what's troubling her. I hate seeing anyone hurting, but for some reason Jade's pain feels like my own, worse even. And that scares me—a lot.
"Wanna tell me about them?"
"Not today." She gives a small smile and places her lips against mine. I feel her tongue across the seam of my lips, asking for entrance. I grant her access and our tongues brush against each other. She kisses me slowly, tenderly, never rushing the kiss. It's sweet, almost timid. My hands roam up her arms and around her neck as her fingers gently tangle in my hair. Our kiss stays soft, as if she's pouring her emotion into me. Tears form as my own emotions are unleashed. My hurt, pain, sadness, and loss from the last few days bubbles up. Her hands are sliding down my neck and then my shoulders when we hear a cough and a loud laugh behind us.
"Don't let me interrupt. I don't mind watching." Jesy smiles as she enters the room. She plops in a chair and puts her legs on the table.
I laugh as my heavy emotions quickly change to embarrassment, which is surely displayed across my face. As I start to move, Jade grabs me and pulls me close, glaring at Jesy. "By all means, asshole, make yourself at home."
Jesy looks around, smirking. "I need an office like this. You're never here. I think I'll move in after you leave."
"I think maybe I'll let Papa Smurf stay off the mission. You really could use some time in the sun," Jade goes back at Jesy.
I giggle. Seriously, what is with these guys and their names? I don't even want to ask who Papa Smurf is or how he earned that name.
"Did she just giggle?" Jesy asks before snorting.
"Did you just snort?" I reply with a smile.
"Well played, Perrie. Well played."
I love when people think they can get one over on me.
"She got you, bitch," Jade says while laughing and pushing Jesy's feet off the table. "What do you need?"
Jesy and Jade start talking about the mission that's in trouble in Afghanistan. One of the trucks never delivered their second shipment of ammunition and they're both worried. The stress of knowing their friends are in harm's way must be insurmountable. No wonder Jade was pissed the other day.
"Listen, Chicky." Jesy leans in since she's finished talking with Jade.
What the hell did she call me? "Chicky?"
"Yeah, I mean your name is Perrie, so I figure Chicky is a good call sign for you. You know, Peri peri chicken. Right?" Jesy laughs and raises her brow.
Jade stands there with a smug smile on her face.
"Seriously, I don't need a call sign. I'm pretty sure I'm not going on any missions anytime soon."
"Nah, Chicky works. Plus, now that I know it pisses you off, this shit is going to be even more fun. Make sure fat ass stays out of trouble in New York. I don't want to have to come up there and kick her ass."
Jade laughs, "Keep dreaming, bitch."
Jesy walks out of the office, whistling the melody of "The Cat Came Back" as she goes.
I turn to Jade with my mouth hanging open. This can't be real. She's just smiling away, completely amused. I start to walk over, narrowing my eyes, and she raises her hands in mock surrender.
"Perrie, Jesy is a jackass." She starts backing away as I move closer.
"Yes, I've learned as much, but you—" I point my finger as I get closer. "You didn't even try to stop her." I smile and bite my lip as Jade takes a step forward.
"Don't worry. You don't have to see her too much. Plus, if I intervene, it'll only get worse. Besides, chickens are cute." She reaches out, grabs me around my waist, and pulls me flush against her. My heart races and my breathing accelerates as she leans in and kisses me. She lifts me up and turns me, pushing my back against the wall. I wrap my leg around her waist as our mouths fuse together. Forcefully, passionately, she plunges into my mouth, claiming me. I moan, knowing that with every touch, with every kiss, I'm becoming hers. The low flame that burns whenever Jade is around turns into an inferno. I pull my mouth away, trying to push her back.
"Jade, we have to stop." My voice is weak and breathless.
She ignores my futile attempt for space and puts her arms against the wall, not allowing me to move anywhere. "I told you, in private I make no promises."
"Yes, but we're not in private. Two of your employees have already made that clear. Plus, we have a plane to catch."
"I own the plane," she whispers seductively against my lips. "It'll wait until I'm ready. Tell me you don't want me," she commands and pulls her mouth back. I'm against the wall, breathless and unable to lie. I want her more than my next breath. "Tell me."
"I want you," I say, closing my eyes to the sound of my shaking voice. I'm so damn turned-on. I've wanted her since day one. Feeling her arousal on my stomach, I open my eyes and look into hers. The lust in them spurs me on. I lean in and grip her shirt. She pulls back slightly and her cheek lifts in amusement.
"Good. Now we have a plane to catch." She leans backward, making it impossible for me to kiss her again.
"Jade, you don't want to play this game, do you?" I say, dripping with desire.
"What game, baby? I'm just following your wishes."
"I don't think so. I want you." I snake my hand around her neck and yank as her eyes crinkle. I'm practically climbing my way to her mouth.
"You want me, huh?"
"I think I've said that already." I inch closer to her mouth. She pulls back but shifts me up higher on her waist.
"Too bad." She leans in and gives me a brief kiss.
It seems Jade likes to play games. Good thing I never lose. She may not know it yet, but she has met her match.
~~~
I spent the entire flight keyed up from Jade's teasing and subsequent refusal to quench my desire in Virginia. Then, of course, she found any way she could to continue the torturous game. She'd brush against my leg or just barely touch my arm, fueling the hunger coursing through my veins. In order to avoid begging her, I spent the flight plotting a way to repay the favor. Payback is a bitch and she's about to see how big of one I can be—in a nice way, of course.
We finally settle into the car and enjoy the comfortable silence. It's nice not to feel as though you have to always talk. After ten minutes Jade shifts over, putting her arm behind my seat and pulling me against her side. I look up and smile.
"It's going to be a few days until I can see you again. I have a lot of shit to get settled at the office and there's still the situation in Virginia." She smiles and rubs my arm.
"I don't expect anything." If she feels like I'm going to be needy because we had sex, I need to squash that quickly. I need space to think about all that's already happened, plus I have work to do too. When I'm around her I lose the ability to say no, so it's a good thing we'll have time apart.
"Never said you did. But I don't want you to use this as an excuse to push me away again or get any ideas in your head that I'm avoiding you." Her brow rises as she somehow reads my mind.
"I understand your job, just as I hope you understand mine."
The car stops once we reach my apartment, but Jade's strong arm still surrounds me. I haven't addressed her last statement and I don't intend to. Slowly she lifts my chin, placing a tender kiss on my lips. Without a word, she exits the car and I press my hands to my mouth. It's tingling from the brief but warm moment. It's astounding to me how much she affects my mind and body.
Standing there with my bag, she tells the driver she'll be a moment. She grips my hand and pulls me into her, almost like we're dancing. I gasp as I stumble into her chest. She stares intensely and my body begins to quiver under her gaze.
"Tonight, when I'm alone, I'm going to think about how good your legs felt wrapped around me, how your voice sounded when you screamed out my name. I'll remember how it felt when my dick sunk into your hot, wet pussy." She leans closely and whispers against my ear, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand, "And I'll be counting down the minutes until I have you again."
I let out a low moan as she presses her lips to the spot right below my ear. Oh. Fucking. Shit. Without thinking, I grip the back of her neck and crush my lips against hers. Her chest rumbles as she returns the kiss, giving and taking as her words spur an undeniable passion. Her fingers wrap around my arms and she pushes me back with a cocky smile before turning to leave.
What? No way!
I grab her arm before she can escape. "You can't say shit like that and then freaking leave!" My eyes are wide and I'm practically panting.
"What? You don't like my dirty talk?" Her eyes are liquid, showing she's affected as well.
"Oh, I like my Muff dirty, but you might want to remember two can play at this game." I smile, trying to quell the desperation I'm feeling for her right now.
Jade leans in close and her lips whisper across my cheek. "I can't wait to show you how dirty I can get. That's to make sure you don't pull away." Her warm breath washes over me, heating every part of me, before her lips reach mine. "Until next time. Don't miss me too much."
She turns, leaving me standing there, stunned and completely turned-on. Bitch. I'm going to make her pay for that shit. I see a serious case of blue balls in her future.