#jade rivera

With the sea to her right, the warmth of the sun illuminating her skin, Jade breathed in the ocean air as they flew down the street, adjusting the wine red silk scarf around her head to keep her hair in place. She turned her head to the side, took in Alexander's profile as he drove, the way his sunkissed skin, as well as the darkness of his tattoos contrasted the light peach colour of his linen shirt, buttoned and half undone to reveal his chest, more ink, his gold chain, and his tanned chest. A pair of aviator shades, gold frames and tinted glass, was shielding his eyes from the sun they were driving towards and Jade admired the way they suited him, sat on the curve of his nose, his tan accenutating the sharp edges of his features even more, illuminated in the sun. He brought the cigarette between his fingers to his lips, taking a deep brag, then blowing the smoke to the side, his other hand on the wheel, though barely having to do anything as they drove straight on, along the ocean.

Jade still had no idea where they were going, had been told that it was another part of her wedding present in a way, and she couldn't wait, could not possibly imagine what more he could have in store for her after the exquisite lunches on rooftop terraces, luxurious dinners with breathtaking views, breakfast freshly made according to his specific orders from the hotel and delivered into their room for her to have in bed, champagne and cognac whenever she liked, priority access to any historically or culturally important architecture she could dream of seeing, as well as Alexander having planned to take her to any store she could possibly want to go to, her luggage having already doubled with the things he'd been buying her.

When he took a sudden turn to the left, slowed and parked the car, she was none the wiser as to what their destination could be, looking around and drawing her own pair of large sunglasses from her face to look around, Alexander having already made his way around the car to open the door for her. As Jade stepped out onto the pavement, her classic Louboutins clicking on the ground and she once again admired the car Alexander had purchased prior to their honeymoon,  had already arranged for someone to drive it back to Napule, the model a rare 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS convertible in a metallic teal.

She smiled as she recalled his initial excitement when it'd been driven to the back of the hotel for them and he'd gotten behind the wheel, the pride on his face having only increased due to her own enthusiasm about its condition and elegance.

He held his arm out for her, crushing his cigarette with the heel of his shiny white leather loafers, then slicked back his hair, despite a few stray strands falling over his forehead. His hair was freshly trimmed and she could barely resist running her fingers through it as she took his arm and let him lead her down the street, then stopping in front of a small shop and it took a few moments for her to realise that they were stood outside a tattoo shop, her eyes widening.

"Alexander..."

The corner of his mouth twitched upwards and he turned his head to face her. "Still gotta get tha' brandin' covered up, eh?"

Her eyes widened. "Now? Here?"

He chuckled, nodding as he pushed the door open. "I made sure t'ave one of the best artists fly in for us, 'n this is the best studio in Athens, darlin'," he explained, giving a nod to the woman sat behind the desk as they entered. "And since I 'aven't got anehfin' yet tha' 'as t'do wif you, pupa..." He licked his lips. "Weh're doin' tha' todeh. Better 'ere than at 'ome, eh? Come back wif it 'n... I knew yeh'd wanna watch."

She couldn't believe as she watched him, listened, his top lip stretching as he spoke. "Something to do with me?" she asked, unable to hide the excitement in her tone, the pride, the eagerness.

Alexander smirked. "Mmm..." he hummed, nodding slowly. "Knew yeh'd like tha'." He could read the expression clearly on her face, the exact reaction he'd anticipated. "Yeahh..." he drawled, self-assured, giving another nod to the woman behind the counter as she stood and gestured for them to go ahead and further into the shop.

"Mr Turner..." she said. "Mrs Turner."

Jade smiled, filled with pride once again, despite having been addressed with his name for days now, she doubted she'd ever get enough, her hand closing around Alexander's bicep as she stayed close to his side, following the woman into one of the backrooms.

"This is Mr Sato," the woman said. "You spoke to him on the phone, I understand?"

Alexander nodded, shook the hand of the man who rose from a large office chair to meet them. "Pleasure teh meet yeh. 's an honour."

"Pleasure's all mine," Mr Sato nodded. "This is your wife?"

"Indeed," Alexander stated, his hand coming down on Jade's hip.

"Nice to meet you," she said as she shook his hand, still not quite able to believe that he had set his mind to getting a tattoo that somehow would relate to her and she watched as the other man gestured for Alexander to sit down in one of the chairs clad in dark transparent foil, then adjusting the armrest for him to position ideally to have access to his bicep.

"You can sit there, Mrs Turner," the woman from the counter said, gesturing to a large chair that offered a perfect view of Alexander. "Can I bring you some coffee?"

"Coffee would be lovely," Jade stated. "Black."

"And for meh too," Alexander nodded.

Jade looked from her back to him, had noticed all throughout the last few days despite people working for him, there was an ease to his way of speaking to people, his overall manner of conducting any sort of interaction more relaxed, less tension in his body, and she couldn't begin to describe how much it relieved her that he was resting too, had not only laid out their honeymoon for her to have anything she could possibly ask for, but also to treat himself to the well-deserved luxury he'd needed. "Alexander?" she asked, clearing her throat, his gaze lifting instantly to meet hers.

"Darlin'?"

She pursed her lips, a smile spreading across her face. "Are you going to tell me what you're getting?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at him as she leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs.

"Yeh'll see," he chuckled, scratching lightly at his chin while the tattoo artist started rolling up the sleeve of his shirt, revealing the branding on his skin with a blank expression, then started cleaning it.

"It doesn't hurt, does it, Mr Turner?"

"Gettin' it were worse," Alexander shrugged, waving it off. "Been through mooch worse." His eyes wandered once again to Jade, taking in the way she sat with her full attention on him, and he could barely control himself, eager to see her reaction, though concealing his own eagerness, pressing his lips together. He'd chosen the piece weeks, months in advance, had perfected it to the point where he felt it was already part of him. "Jade..." he warned as he saw her leaning forward. "No peakin'."

She smiled. "I can't believe you," she said teasingly, shaking her head.

"'s the perfect piece and I kno' yeh'll luv it," he assured her. "Works perfectleh wif the rest of the sleeve, 'n the shadin' will cover the edges of the branded letters."

Jade nodded slowly, did not try to make out the outline the artist pressed onto Alexander's skin as he was angled away from her anyway and she leaned back, wondered for a moment if she could get a magazine, though when she got her coffee and the needle started to rattle, she knew instantly that she would be able to sit there for hours, no matter how long it'd take, to watch Alexander tense slightly, though seemingly indifferent to the pain of the needle lining his arm with more ink, a sensation he was probably used to, his face twitching slightly every now and then, though even when the noise of the needle intensified, suggesting it would inflict more of a sting to his delicate skin, he sat straight, the veins prominent in his neck as he swallowed, his adam's apple increasingly visible as the skin of his throat stretched over it and with every passing moment, she felt more excited to see the finished result, she would be on his skin in some sort of way, and she knew with how much he'd been spoiling her he wouldn't dare raise an expectation he couldn't meet, knew that whatever the outcome would be, it would blow her away, would make her want him even more, appreciate him more than she thought possible.

"Do you need a break?" Mr Sato asked after a while, an hour on the clock having passed when Jade glanced up and took a sip from her second cup of cappuccino.

Alexander shook his head. "Nah, fank yeh. All good. Weh got plans later."

Jade raised an eyebrow, tilting her head to the side. "We do?"

He chuckled. "'course," he said, cocking an eyebrow as he let his gaze wander from the curious smile of her face, enjoyed immensely how excited she instantly was, how he had her wrapped around his finger with anticipation having merely uttered four words. "C'mere."

Jade rose to her feet without second thought, placed her cup on one of the tables, then strode over to him, her heels clicking on the shiny black floor. "Yes?"

He licked his lips, his full attention on her as she approached, the way her long legs moved, the curves of her body exquisitely accentuated by the structured white dress, her sunglasses and silk scarf now in her little purse, leaving her face completely uncovered and gorgeous, making his fingers itch to smooth back her hair, cup the side of her face, hold and touch her body until her eyes rolled back for him, kiss her until she was breathless. "C'mere," he insisted again, this time beckoning for her to lean down to him.

Her breath shook slightly as his lips brushed against her neck while he spoke, warm, his palm on the small of her back possessively.

"Gunna drive out of town for sum exclusive boutiques, if yeh like..." he drawled, his lips placing a hint of a kiss to her skin just below her ear.

"Mmm..." she hummed.

"I ain't done," he warned, his hand wandering to her hip, giving a slight squeeze.

She waited patiently as he kept her right where she was with just the touch of his palm, the promise of his lips.

"'s gunna beh a luvleh drive by the sea... yeh can drive for a bit."

Her eyes widened and she could hardly conceal the rush she felt, her skin tingling at the prospect of driving the beautiful vintage Ferrari.

He chuckled, his lip twitching. "Wait," he stated, his voice unshaken. "Yeh been wantin' teh choose sum art for back 'ome, rehyt?"

Jade's lips parted, but she waited, didn't want to interrupt the gorgeous promises he was making, wanted more even as he was already giving her everything and more.

"Jade?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes," she breathed, the sound of the needle having faded into the background and she couldn't quite comprehend how he was so collected, spoke so calmly, the depth of his voice irresistible, making her heart beat faster, skip a beat when he came closer, his warm breath ghosting over her skin.

"I kno' I went real 'ard on yeh this mornin'..." he hummed, was almost aching to see bruises he'd left on her hips underneath the dress, knew the tight material could not be kind in any way,  reminding her with every move she made of the way he'd taken control of her right when she'd woken up, had been awake mere minutes before his hands had been on her, a few moments and she was begging for him to take her, crying for more as he'd made her come undone once, twice, until she asked for more and more and he'd pushed her down into the mattress, until he had decided that she'd had enough, that she couldn't take more. "So after dinner tonight... 'n sum luvleh wine I picked out for us..." He paused, pressing a open-mouthed kiss to her skin before his voice dropped into a drawl only audible to her, the needle drowning out his sinful promises to anyone but her. "Gunna eat yehr cunt real good, principessa, won't stop until yeh actualleh tell meh teh, I promise..."

She shivered. "Alexander..." she whispered, the deep drawl of his voice irresistible, his scent overwhelming, overpowering.

"Would yeh like tha'?" he teased, the edge of his voice merciless, demanding.

"Y-Yes..." she breathed. "Please."

"Please..." he repeated appreciatively, his thumb dragging over her hipbone where he knew he'd bruised her that morning. "Good girl." She drew her closer. "Sit in me lap, eh?" he asked. "But no peakin'."

She shifted obediently to sit on his thigh, though made sure not to move him too much, the tattoo artist however not seeming to be inconvienienced in the slightest. "Alexander," she whispered. "I love you."

He hummed appreciatively, his hand cupping the side of her neck, fingertips stroking over her throat. "'course yeh do, doll," he drawled. "I adore yeh, principessa. Joost makin' sure yeh get all the fings yeh deserve. Anehfin' yeh could dream of."

She sighed leaning her head against his shoulder, momentarily taken aback by how natural the comfort was that it offered, certain he would never think of doing anything but continue stroking his fingers over her throat. The rattling of the needle had become mere background noise, and Jade didn't notice the change in colour, the continuous switch in needle until she caught a glimpse of the piece from the corner of her eye, Alexander however noticing and raising an eyebrow.

"Jade?"

"It's finished, right?" she pouted as she lifted her head and the Mr Sato turned off the needle, nodding to her.

"Let 'im finish up first, clean it 'n all..." he said, looking down at the piece himself, having barely looked at the progress as he trusted him professionally, but was now also eager to look at the result, though he had no doubt it would look exactly like the sketch they'd agreed upon beforehand. "Oh, fook... marvellous work, Mr Sato."

"Can I look now?" Jade asked, her bottom lip pushed forward in a pout.

"'s done," Alexander nodded, his eye twitching as the artist wiped over the tattoo, then turning his arm that felt slightly heavy, unable to deny the pride the look on Jade's face instilled within him, cupping her face lovingly with his hand remaining on her.

Jade blinked back at the shaded piece of black and green, a detailed mosaic made out of jade stones that formed the shape of her face, a sharp contrast to the exclusively black ink that decorated the rest of his body, blending in however perfectly with the rest on his arm, just as he'd predicted. For a moment, she was speechless, the pride on his face, the way he commanded her attention completely, the scent of him, the warmth of his palm, she was hopelessly under his spell. "Alexander..." she breathed.

He chuckled, pursing his lips and tilting his head to the side. "D'yeh like it, doll?"

She swallowed hard. "It's... wow..." It was shaded skillfully, the branding completely overshadowed by the masterpiece now covering it. "This beautiful work and..." She licked her lips, though surprised when Alexander moved to stand up, doing the same so he could, unable to hold herself back and cupping his face into her hands, her thumb running along the edge of his jaw, his smooth skin, the clean shave from that morning tangible and she kissed him needily before he could stop her.

The sudden collision of his lips with hers had his self-control waver momentarily, a low growl escaping his lips and he kissed her back, drawn in by the plush feeling of her lips, the way she was desperate to show him how she felt, and he couldn't deny that this was what he'd hoped for all along, had seen the wonder in her eyes, the excitement, the pride, now rewarded with the cherry on top, barely in control of himself when she drew back for breath momentarily and he moved his hand to cup the side of her neck to keep her at a minimal distance. "Darlin'," he rasped, clearing his throat to compose himself. "Later."

Despite the firm tone in his voice, it carried a promise too, reassurance that she was more than happy with. She turned her head slightly, the cool metal of his rings against the skin of her neck as he kept his hand there. "Mr Sato?"

The artist looked up. "Yes, Mrs Turner?"

"I was wondering if you had a little more time."

He raised an eyebrow, and Jade could the surprise of Alexander's gaze on her.

"Of course I do for you, Mrs Turner."

A large smile spread across her face. "Perfect," she said, satisfied with the way she could get just what she wanted by being who she was, the way she'd always admired about Alexander and his power.

"Jade..." Alexander said slowly, a tension in his voice, though the moment she spoke again, he relaxed, his gaze instantly softened, mesmerised.

The following day, Jade entered the headquarters with Alexander, then less than an hour later left him with a few advisors in a meeting, exiting the very same door with Kane, his arm linked with hers, his face freshly tanned and excited about the prospect of taking Jade out as well as the fact that their outfits unintentionally matched, her tight dress as silky and shiny as the shirt he wore underneath his pinstriped suit, had left its buttons mostly undone to show off as much of his chest and heavy jewelry.

He was charming on the ride there, complimented her dress and her hair, talked about the new pieces of jewelry he'd gotten, showed her a ring Alexander had given him ages ago, and it was only when they were sat secluded on the terrasse of his favourite café, waiters busied with their order, security out of reach, that he leaned forward towards her and the wrinkles of excitement were replaced by an expression that left barely anything to guess about his shift in mood, his brows furrowed, his jaw tense, fingers wrapped around the edge of the table.

“Why'd ya not scratch 'er eyes out then?”

Jade blinked, her back straightening as she looked back him, licking her lips. A few moments passed before she understood that he knew, that someone had told him and she nodded slowly. “Helders stopped me” she stated. “Regrettably.”

The corner of his mouth twitched visibly before his lips broke out into a small smile, yet the look of bitterness in his eyes didn't fully fade. “Reyht.” He leaned back in his seat again. “I joost fookin' 'ate 'er.”

Kane's anger was beginning to fuel her own, despite having talked about everything with Alexander the night before, making sure he was as content with the situation as possible among the circumstances, she found herself thinking back to the smile on Adriana's face when she'd dared to speak to him as if she hadn't made changes to his life that he was still dealing with. “No one should have had or should have that power...” She swallowed. “Over him.”

Miles raised his eyebrows before he started nodding slowly. “Bella, you 'ave tha' power.”

Her eyes darkened. “Well, I wouldn't fucking abuse it like that” she spat, yet felt a strange surge of satisfaction at his words. She meant every word she'd said, but it filled her with pride, a sense of accomplishment, that she'd made a change after all, a change beneficial to the both of them.

“I kno' you like tha', bella” he said, not breaking their eye contact as the waiter set down their drinks on the table and he picked up his, taking a long sip. “And I kno' now tha' you won't take advantage of him.”

“Good” she said, running her fingers through her hair before taking a sip from her own drink. “No need to threaten me again, Kane. I'm on your side.”

He pursed his lips, then the anger made room for a smile to spread on his face, endearing and trustful and he gave her a nod. “Fings can only go up'ill from 'ere. Tonight's deal's gunna make evrehfin' wif Alfonso look like a petty teenage feud.”

Jade raised her eyebrows, setting down her glass. “Tonight's deal?” She asked, tilting her head to the side as she stared back at him inquisitively.

Kane's eyes widened momentarily. “Oh, fookin'ell...” he drawled after a short pause. “I swear tha' boy is gunna...” He sighed, shaking his head, raking his heavily-jeweled fingers through his short hair. “Reyht, dun't want ya finkin' tha' Al dun't trust yeh, alreyht? 's onleh me and Serena tha' kno' and I thought 'e would've told ya, but 'e wanted to protect ya, rehyt...”

“Protect me?” She asked, despite his words, her first initial thought was as predicted that he did indeed not trust her, that there was some huge business deal she did not know about despite having been under the now seemingly naïve impression that he wasn't afraid to share things with her anymore, that he valued her opinion and input, that he allowed her to be a part of what he worked on.

“Al were worried it weren't gunna go through, so 'e bareleh told anybodeh, bareleh aneh of the men tha' are gunna escort 'im there tonight even kno' wha' it is and when you were taken by Alfonso, 'e 'ad to be more careful. But dun't yeh understand this, 's 'ard to figure 'im out sumtimes. 's joost business.”

Jade nodded, then when the waiter returned busied herself with eating, couldn't find it in her to speak more about Adriana, because she was not worth it, could not tell Kane any more about the meeting, because it didn't matter now, as well as Adriana, it was in the past, and what was in the very pressing present was the fact that Alexander had been working on something, a deal so important he had specifically chosen not to tell her, nor anyone, which only showed how much of an important event he'd been directly keeping from her.

She could tell that Kane realised that it were his words that had spiraled her into thoughts that rendered her words rather sparse, but despite his attempts that she knew were probably more than reasonable, they hardly mattered when all she could think about was to confront Alexander and as soon as she set foot in the headquarters, she steered for his office, had already knocked on the door before Helders behind her could stop her.

“A moment” came Alexander's deep drawl from the other side of the heavy door.

Jade crossed her arms in front of her chest, turned her head slightly to look back at Helders who stood expressionless, patient, yet ready to move if she tried to enter, and she knew it was only going to cause more trouble.

After a few moments of silence passing, the door opened, Cook holding it for Serena to pass who gave Jade a nod, more approval than she had ever received from her, but she fought to not let that distract her, to appreciate the shift at a later time when she knew if she even should be seeking approval from her rather than Alexander.

“Jade.”

Alex rose in his chair, nodded for Matthew and Jamie to wait outside, then walked around his desk, closing the buttons at the ends of his suit jacket's sleeves, the matte black suit once again drawing Jade's attention to something she wasn't there to pay attention too, it was as well-fitted as she remembered it from this morning, the rings on his fingers made her head spin with wild imagination, and she resisted the temptation to touch him when she got close enough to do so, pressed her lips together when instead, his hands found their way to her hips so effortlessly to draw her in the way he pleased, yet the softness in his eyes was replaced with a look of concern, alert even when he saw the fire in her eyes.

“Wha' is it, pupa?” He asked, the depth of his voice straining, on edge.

She raised an eyebrow, gave him another moment to realise what she was waiting for, then took a breath and curved her body into his. “What's happening tonight?”

She saw him swallow visibly, his adam's apple stretching over his throat, yet the look in his eyes remained unchanged, locked on hers, firm. “There's a deal.”

Her eyes darkened, her fingers smoothing down his jacket, gentle as opposed to the look in her eyes as she stared back at him, waiting, expectant of more, but nothing came, he was going to make her work for an answer, the authority on his face that she was always aware of now apparent and intense in power she had not observed and really been influenced by in a while, almost as if he was putting her in a position where she would feel her behaviour was unjust, especially towards him, as if he was in the right, as if it was the first time she'd demanded trust, and it almost had her giving in to not allow him the satisfaction, because he was so sure of himself, so sure of his own choices, which had her simultaneously undeniably attracted to him, and absolutely driven furious.

But she'd learned. She was not going to let him get away with something she had long ago figured out. “You didn't tell me” she stated, her face expressionless, unfazed by his indifference, determined to not allow him his usual effortless victory.

“Dun't do this, Jade” he said, giving a slight shake of his head, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face. He was exhausted.

She swallowed, remembered the night before, remembered how frustrated he'd gotten when she had told him she wasn't going to betray him, that he already knew, felt betrayed now that she knew she should've known better, but doubted him nonetheless, while at the same time expecting him not to. “I thought that we-...”

“Yes” he said, cutting her off, a darkness in his eyes that rendered her speechless instantly, his grip tightening on her hips, his gaze hard. “Weh are.” He licked his lips. “I kno' wha' yeh're finkin' now, but I'm not 'avin' tha'. Yehr mind's as sensational as yehr beauteh, Jade. After last night, y'kno' tha' I trust yeh. I've arranged all the securiteh teh take yeh along. Since I've been plannin' it.”

He'd once again managed to make her doubt her own actions, made her doubt her doubts, and gave her a sense she'd so often given him, in the most difficult, yet eye-opening way. “Why didn't you tell me?” She asked quietly, couldn't help herself, needed a straight-forward answer.

“Didn't wanna beh fookin' embarrassed, did I?” He muttered, giving a slight roll of his eyes, yet pulling her closer, her body pressed against his. “Can't risk anehfin' if the deal dun't go through so I didn't fookin' tell anehbodeh.” He sighed. “Jade.”

She breathed shakily, raising her eyebrows expectedly. “Yes?”

“Dun't fookin' do this. Fookin' trust meh, pupa. I kno' wha' I'm doin', I kno' yeh kno' when I'm playin' wif yeh, if I lie teh yeh. D'yeh realleh fink I'd joost try and keep summat like tha' from yeh this way because I dun't trust yeh?”

She pressed her lips together, kept herself from gritting her teeth, her gaze slowly softening and she sighed when she felt his lips meet hers, forced her lips to part for him and her tongue to dance with his, taking the lead to get her to submit, to get her to relax and bring her to her senses, his hands warm against her skin, the scent and taste of smoke mixing with the spice of his cologne and a hint of whisky, she couldn't get enough, now pressing her body up against his, her curves begging to be bent to his will.

He drew away too soon, even his eyes pulling her in when his lips were no longer on hers, had her under his spell that she'd fallen for a million times, found herself submitting to, begging him silently to take care of her. “You're taking me with you?” She asked, instantly switched on to impress him, to be of use. “What do you want me to do?”

He nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, his gaze softening, a look that had her reassured effortlessly. “Yeh're me pretteh accessoreh” he teased, moving his hand to brush her hair back, his gaze wandering down her body slowly before snapping back up to lock her eyes once more. “Yeh're gunna watch 'n learn. 's one of the most important deals I've ever done. And yeh're gunna see, yeh're gunna make them see yeh. Alreyht?”

She nodded understandingly, his instructions fuelling her desire to impress him, eager to please. “Alright.” She attempted to step back, expecting him to send her away instantly so he could work, but he cupped the back of her head, his thumb smoothing down her hair, had her melting into his touch, understanding now that she'd once again made a fool of herself.

“Jade.”

“Alexander?”

He chuckled. “Y'kno' I trust yeh.”

She nodded slowly, licking her lips. “I do.”

He stroked his knuckles gently across her cheek. “There'll beh sumfin' teh celebrate tonight, principessa” he stated. “I promise.”

The look in his eyes had her skin tingling, the assurance almost like a threat, and she knew how success fired him up, fuelled the already irresistible confidence into something that had her attracted to him beyond reason.

Excitement spread through her when she exited the office, felt more sure in herself, fuelled in her confidence she now was once reassured in carrying unapologetically, stopping when she heard Alexander call Helders back.

“A moment, Maffew.”

Alex made sure to wait until Jade had stopped, stood within his sight outside the door before he turned his attention towards his head of security.

“Boss, she 'eaded right for yehr office when weh came in.”

“And sheh can” Alex said, his eyes darkening. “Wha'ever sheh wants goes through meh first. Wha'ever sheh wants, sheh gets.”

-

Clad in a long jumpsuit, tight and fitted perfectly to her body, Jade stepped out of the car behind Alexander, let go of Helders' hand, then turned around and waited. Her hair was done up in a high ponytail, her clothing practical rather than distracting, but Alexander had not taken his hand off her ever since she'd met him in the entrance hall and he'd led her to the car, as soon as he stood beside her once more, his hand found her hip and he pulled her to his side possessively.

The importance of the deal left her surprised at the small number of security with them, besides the two of them, there were only Helders, Cook, and one more member of security stepping up on the small secluded space at the edge of the docks, shielded by the large containers and the darkness that the street lamps didn't manage to drown.

Before long, another long black car arrived, the headlights turning off once again dipping them in a scene lit mainly by the moon, several moments passed before the door in the back opened, two large men in suits that resembled Alexander's henchmen stepping out before they held the door open for a third man, equally as well-dressed in a dark suit, but despite the sunglasses on his face, Jade could only with great strength suppress her initial shock when she recognised what kind of contact they were faced with, had passed his face so many times on campaign posters in the streets, and she swallowed hard when Alexander stepped forward and away from her, Cook and the other security guard unloading several boxes from the trunk of the car.

She was surprised by the small capacity of the deal, that it was all in the one car, that Alexander and his contact were there personally, little security, exchanging a nod of mutual respect and equal acknowledgement, shades drawn, and when Alexander stepped forward and shook his hand, Jade had never been more attracted to him, there was so much confidence, more than ever he was sure of himself, sure that he was untouchable, even out in the open by the water with minimal security, stepping back and scratching the bridge of his nose as he observed Cook placing down the commodity between them.

A simple nod and one of the security men opposite them stepped up to open the top box. “It's all packed properly” he called back to his superior.

Alexander's jaw tensed, his brows furrowing. “Of course it is” he said, his voice calm and collected but Jade could sense the underlying danger, anger coiling beneath the surface. “Who d'yeh fink I am?”

“Mr. Turner, I'm just making sure.”

Jade reacted instantly when she saw Alexander wave her over, reaching into the top pocket of his suit to retrieve his cigarettes, lighting one quickly and placing it between his lips, adjusting his collar as he took the smoke between his fingers and took a deep breath, blowing the smoke slowly up towards the night sky. “Evrehfin's there” he drawled. “No pickin' it up until I've got me moneh. And yehr word tha' yeh're gunna continue teh 'onour our alliance.”

The other man nodded, waving to his other henchman to carry over a suitcase, opening it and letting Helders inspect the contents before he snapped it shut, Helders carrying it to the back of the car at the same time as his counterparts picked the boxes up that stood between the two different parties. “You have my word. Soon you'll be making deals with the new mayor.”

Alex chuckled darkly. “Yeh 'ave me vote.”

Another nod, both his henchmen retreating to the car. “It'll benefit you, Mr. Turner. You run a successful business, within the city and beyond it.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Things can only go uphill for you.”

“And you” Alex stated, looking slowly from him to Jade, following his gaze.

“It's been a pleasure making business with you. And your lovely bird. Never seen anyone so relaxed around you, Turner.”

“Good luck with the election” Alex responded, his arm locking possessively around Jade again, then he guided her to turn around and head back to the car, making sure she got in first before he followed, all tension lifting from his body when they drove out and away from the docks first, the lights of the city much brighter, illuminating his face as they rushed by and Jade watched his features flicker in the darkness, inching closer to him where he sat, his hand on her hip not enough for her as they sat in the backseat.

She fiddled with his chain, her body facing his from the side, the three men sat around them the only thing keeping her from climbing into his lap. She could tell he was satisfied, pleased with himself and how smoothly things had gone, after everything, Kane was right, this success made everything else seem unimportant.

Her heart skipped a beat when he turned his head and locked her eyes, an irresistible half-smirk plastered on his face that had her leaning closer, brushing his hair back, reveling in the way he leaned into her touch, stretching his jaw slightly, his eyes wide. “I'm impressed, baby.”