I kiss his forehead and dry his tears. My arms tighten across his body. Jace needs all the consoling in the world. I want to ask what they said, but I'm sure it's not a hard guess. He told me Kim wanted to end us being together. That includes the whole family. I bet they tried to force him to leave me. 

That would make anyone emotional. First, the media, now his family. I don't understand how so many people are bothered by us being in love. He's been sad since the shower. I want to do something to cheer him up. Oh! I think I got it! I kiss him gently. "I'll be back in an hour." 

"An hour?" He's baffled.

"Yeah." I stand up.

"Where are you going?"

"It's a surprise."

He reaches to grab my hand. "Don't leave...I need you." Jace pleads; his voice is so broken.

"Aww, baby." I take hold of his hand. "I know, but I promise it'll brighten your day. I'll make it quick." I smooch his lips, then the top of his head. "I love you."

His sage eyes shimmer: I swear his irises bounce. "I love you." My eyes feed off his; the intoxication is contagious. He pulls me by the hand and reels me closer. "You can't look at me like that, then leave."

"You started it." I trace the veins that span from his hand to his elbow. "I'll be back."

Jace lets go of my hand. "Alright...I'll inform the guards."

It takes so much willpower to leave him alone. The separation anxiety is brutal, but I force myself to walk away. My baby needs a gift; he's given me so many. It's time I return the favor. I meet up with the bodyguards. I whisper the surprise into Alonso's ear, asking him to keep quiet. He can't tell Jace. My mom catches this. "What's going on?" She stops washing dishes in the sink. I'm guessing my dad is somewhere smoking. Only Lil and Jess are on the couch. 

"Come on; I need my A-Team."

JACE

Why did she leave? I really do need her right now for support. I need a woman's touch...a nurturing touch. My gut is tight and full of a depth equivalent to a pit. An endless pit. It's getting worse. The talk with Paul last night, on top of the family feud, has shattered me. A nonstop warp of gloominess defeats me. I've never felt so hopeless. So lost. 

My bunny appears to be on a mission to correct this. Madi has a surprise. I can't figure out what it could be. She loves keeping me guessing.

The phone on my desk, a retro rotary, rings. I clear my throat and answer. "Hello?" "Bonjour, Monsieur Harrison." A French woman greets. "I am Nadia, the assistant for Orbe Industries. The council has agreed to the alliance. We hope your offer still stands?" 

"Yes, it does. I look forward to the partnership." 

"So do we. Great! I'll inform the council. Au revoir, Monsieur Harrison."

"Au revoir," I say goodbye. Okay...the day is looking up a bit. I decide to handle business while I wait for the big surprise. I rotate the dialer on the 1950s esque phone. I contact the lab to confirm truck shipments and assembly. I'll have to pay a visit this evening.

"23 trucks have departed since 6 am. The assembly for the current bank is 1.3 million for all gadgets and vehicles." Dorian is chipper reporting the stats.

"And equipment deliveries?"

"Every hour like clockwork. Don't worry, sir; everything is in order."

"That's always good to hear, although I'll stop by this evening to supervise."

"We'll await your arrival."

"Thank you, Dorian," I speak sincerely.

"You're welcome, sir."

I hang up. The lab is over-performing. It may be time to hand Dorian a raise. A hefty one. $140k salary seems too small for such fine work ethic. He's been with me for 5 years. A hard and dedicated worker. 200k sounds agreeable. He'll be surprised. I'm feeling gracious, all because of my fiancé. 

I exit my office and go to the bar for a drink, since time is going so slowly. Whiskey; straight up. The warmth settles the tornado in my stomach. Madi's presence would aid it completely. It's been 35 minutes. Time is ticking like a snail. I need to busy myself. I out my phone to text her. I'm not one for surprises. I hate waiting and prefer fast exchanges. I'm an impatient child...a restless soul. Is this how Madi felt about the proposal? Damn, this is tiresome. 

I text: 🤍

I would hate to nag her how she did me. I pace around with my drink. Calls are slow today. I wonder why. Does it have to do with the engagement? My staff hasn't been in contact. Ken and Lance are in charge again. I know there's a lot going on. The recent chaos involves layoffs. The climate of Strygent has dropped. This zero communication concerns me.

On my phone, I go to google news.

STRYGENT LAYSOFF THOUSANDS DUE TO STOCK DROPS.

STRYGENT CONSUMERS DECREASE AS RESULT OF J.H ENGAGEMENT REVEAL. THE FALL OF THE HARRISON FAMILY SURE TO FOLLOW.

I take a large gulp of whiskey and brood. Tom's words repeat in my head. "Haven't you seen how not only your stocks have dropped but ours too? Wake up and read the facts!" He wasn't entirely wrong. Although the plummet is temporary and exaggerated by the media, it's true. My family felt the need to visit to express their business troubles. 

Regardless of my stubbornness, I have to accept that they are impacted just as negatively as me. They were hurt....maybe even felt betrayed. The Harrison family is all about business. That's our drive. It's my drive. I can't help but consider their emotions, even if they expressed them prematurely. 

I should have replied differently to Tom concerning the fall in stocks. But the numbers aren't permanent. They'll overcome this. Madison's calming voice echoes my mind. "We'll overcome this." I pocket my phone and ponder as I stroll the bar room. Madi is worth this temporary shitstorm. If I seem dumb to everyone in this world, so be it. I'm not giving up on the foundation we've built. I'm not sacrificing happiness. 

A strong love like this can't be harnessed twice in a lifetime. That's why it makes me feel invincible...and helpless all at once. I down the last of my drink. My phone rings. I check it and find that it's her. The joy I feel takes me back to childhood. If only I could speed to her like a little boy. My ass is too big for that. I'll shake the house. 

I answer. "Where'd you go?"

"In the bar room."

"Okay, get ready."

I simper. "I'm ready; hop my way, bunny."

She snorts. "Hopping is in progress, ETA now." Knocking comes from the door. I clear the distance in three seconds; that's how eager I am. When I open it, Madi actually hops inside. I burst into laughter. "Bong, bong, bong!" She adds.

"Funny...I don't see a spring between your legs."

She playfully hits my shoulder. "Stap!"

"You set yourself up for that one."

She rolls her eyes. "Whatever." I notice her place her hands behind her back. There's something in her back pocket. "Close your eyes...or you won't get the surprise."

"Fine." I close them.

"One the count of three, open."

"Alright."

"One." I hear her move closer. "Two." The sound of her voice is below me now. Why? "Three." I open my eyes to find Madi on one knee. In her hand, she holds a rose gold wedding band. The exterior pattern is full of ridges which cut squares into the gold. The bottom is etched with detailed lines, while the interior is smooth. 

The reverse gender roles entice me. "Will you marry me?" Madi's mouth tugs to one side.

I take a knee, so I'm leveled with her. "Yes."

She cheeses and slips the band onto my finger. "Yay, it fits! I thought it was too small. Do you like it? I know it's not as fancy as mine, but it's the best I could do with my savings." She frets.

"It's amazing." I clamp my left hand into hers, so our ring fingers intertwine. I've never seen a sight as beautiful as this. I'm all mush on the inside. I can't hide the pure exhilaration in my eyes. This is the best gift I've ever had. I flash a wide smile. Madi does so too. "You're amazing."

She blushes. "Am I?"

"Yes...now I have to return the favor."

Madi moves to sit on my knee. "Or just praise me one more time to pay it forward."

I lock her tiny wrist into one hand while the other holds her abdomen. "Or I can actually pay it forward."

"You don't need to." My bunny shakes her head.

"I want to. You mentioned your savings. How much do you have left?"

Her eyes shoot to the side. "I'm too scared to say."

"The wedding band was expensive, huh?"

"Yeah, but it's a gift." How is she this wonderful? She knows what I'm offering. Any woman would jump at a chance to hold my cash. I reach into my back pocket and withdraw my wallet. "You don't have to."

"I want to." I flip it open. A row of ten cards shine under the lighting. White, silver, and gold. "This is something you have to get used to. Don't worry; I'll start you off with the lowest limit." I pluck out a white card. "$7.4 billion."

Madi gasps. "Jace, that is not low!"

I chortle and pass it to her. "Just enjoy it; there are wedding expenses."

"Not worth billions." Her eyes enlarge. "$10k at the most."

"Well...hike up the budget." My fiancé makes to argue, but I kiss her to shut her up. I love how she exhales in my mouth. "Enjoy it. That's an order."

Madi snickers. "Okay, boss man." She accepts the card; her lovely doll fingers grasp it. "I don't know how I'll act. The most I've ever splurged was $300." Madi eyes the card curiously.

"You're overthinking; swipe the card; have fun."

"I'm weird with finances, sorry. I'm used to penny-pinching."

"Bleed me dry."

She snorkels out laughs. "Don't tempt me." 

MADISON

It's crazy that I'm holding a card from the wallet that started it all. Would he get mad if he knew Lil stole it and postponed it being returned? I'm not sure it's wise to bring that up. It'll be funny a year from now, though. He's so adorable; his eyes cover every inch of my hand as if it's artwork. Jace gets so much pleasure when I slink the card into my front pocket. "That's hot." 

"Don't tell me you get off on women using you?" 

"I'm sorry." He does a dramatic hand to his head. "It's my guilty pleasure."

His acting is convincing. I believe there's some truth to the words. "It's hard to think you're joking."

"I'm not." Jace stands from the kneeling, taking me with him. He slams his lips onto mine. The heat kicks up. He engulfs my tongue. I huff and suffocate. Jace eats my mouth, incorporating sucks and lip tugs. I grumble, all hot and bothered. "I got to make a call."

"Don't," I plead and return the same mouth tango he did to me. I'm more vocal than he was. I sing out desire. My meat throbs out steam.

"It'll be quick." I throw him an impatient gaze as he whips out his phone to dial a number. He wasn't joking. The ringing stops immediately; it must be one of his employees. "Dorian, I'll have to reschedule this evening to tomorrow." Jace terminates the call. "Now, where were we?"

"We were giving oral affection." I suckle his full lips like a starved animal. I don't care if mine are swollen later. I'll do whatever it takes to make this day a blast for my fiancé. I do so all throughout the day. I sneak strawberries and whipped cream from the kitchen to use as props for our mouths. I even shake up vodka to bubble-fy my lips. The making out is beyond spectacular. The night isn't wasted, either. I give him his favorite blowjob. Nice and slow. So, he doesn't burn out too soon. I get in three long sessions. He yodels and squirms against the sheets. I'm proud when he sleeps in the next day. I did my best job ever. 

Us girls finish up the RSVP cards. The couch is our official workspace. We were supposed to do it yesterday, but the drama threw us off. I can't decide between flower design, lace design, or plain. Plain would be odd...lifeless. I'd seem like an old woman instead of a young one. That's the opposite of what I am. The flowers are cliche. 

"Maybe a split design, plain with a bow to divide the detailed side," Jess suggests while editing a digital card in Photoshop. "I say a white bow for the peach lace and cream background." We all watch Jess work magic on the screen. She produces the artwork so effortlessly. It hits me hard when our names are typed out in cursive: 

JACE & MADISON

I blink away tears. "Wow...this is really happening!"

"There's the delayed shock." Mom beams. "Yes, it's happening."

"You got your boo thang...and that rich life." Lil gets choked up. 

Jess stares at me, all sentimental. "He liked it, and he put a ring on it. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, o-ohh." She sings Beyoncé's single ladies. I mimic the hand dance from the video, sobbing and smiling. Jess types below mine and Jace's names. It reads: 

WARMLY INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE THEIR UNION ON SEPTEMBER

She pauses and glances at me. "What's the date? 

"The sooner, the better, September 1st."

"That's too soon to collect RSVPs. 9 days from now isn't enough time." Mom disagrees.

"Not if we send the card electronically." 

"I think that's best, and it's faster." Lil sides with me. 

"That's true...but some may think it's cheap. We're dealing with rich people. I just don't want any petty snobs rejecting the card. That's all." Mom explains.

"True...I think it's best to mail them out just to avoid judgment. September 13th it is. Three weeks is ideal." Although I can't wait that long. I want to say I need sex, but decide not to. I've gone this long without it. I can tough it out a little longer. 

By late afternoon, Jace is up. He brews coffee in the kitchen.

"Good afternoon." Mom, Jess, and Lil greet him.

"Good afternoon," he replies.

I smile his way. "Or a very late morning."

We steal peeks at each other when no one is looking. Long, thrilling peeks. The sound of the bubbling coffee machine intensifies our penetrating glimpses. When it hisses and drips, I wedge my waist deeper into the sofa. I hide my boner by typing in his card information to purchase my dream dress. 

Jace texts: You're lucky we're not alone.

He sips his coffee and strolls over. Uh oh...I warned him about being kinky around my fam. He better fix his face! I'm relieved by how clear his expression becomes. From hyper dog to cool and collected. "How's the planning going?" 

"It's complete." Jace's brows shoot up. "I know, we're GOATS, right?" Lil gloats.

"I'd say...I'm glad I didn't have to brainstorm. Party planning isn't my strong suit."

"The A-Team got you." Jess tilts her chin up like a boss.

"Did you like the wedding band? I meant to ask Madison, but we got busy with invitations." Mom anticipates his response.

"Yes, it's a great fit. I assume you all helped her pick it out?"

"We did."

"I'm surprised by the style."

"Maddy said it had to be big and bold like you." Lil titters.

"And flashy too," Jess adds.

"That about sums me up."

I slyly text him: and mouthwatering 🤤

Jace: Behave yourself

Text: no

I wanna fist you 🍑🤛

"What about the location?" Jace keeps control over himself.

"The island," I answer, so his attention falls on me. "Alodia is the best choice."

"True..." His flirty eyes lock on mine. "Picture perfect and overflowing with nature." He uses an innuendo....overflowing. Jace is clever enough to disguise this from my squad. "It's the best choice."

My mom, who's sitting next to me, googles Alodia. "It's enormous! Where will we hold the ceremony?"

"Hmm...good question." I contemplate. "Every inch of the island is breathtaking. It's hard choosing one spot." I watch Jace type on his phone.

Jace: my teasing wasn't as bad as yours.

Me: I'm honestly talking about the island...clean ur mind 😂

"You all can fly out to scope it out."

"We should!" Mom chimes, loving the idea.

"Just let me know when." He finishes his coffee in a few swigs. "I'll be visiting the lab in a bit. Do you want to tag along, Madi? We can discuss your studio. Dorian will be pleased."

"Sounds like a plan." I shower and decide what to wear. I have to look professional, not just for the paparazzi, but for Jace's employees. The stripper image has to be rebuked. A dress would be typical. I browse the closet in the guest room. There are many women's clothes inside, some smell of coach perfume. I've never owned a bottle, but I've been a mall rat all my life. My nose has smelt the samples. I flip through hangers, heavy ones made of wood, until I stumble upon something outstanding. A long-sleeved beaded top attached to white, flared slacks. 

I look down to find boot heels that match. Okay...this ex had some taste. I should hate her for having the opportunity to sleep with Jace, but I give props instead. I snap a pic and send it to Jace. He likes to color coordinate.  

A few minutes later, Alonso leads me to a helicopter on the roof. I meet Jace aboard it. The loud blades slice the air. Again, I duck to avoid the metal weapons. I buckle in and place on the headset. "Let's get down to business." 

"We'll be at my toy shop in ten minutes." He sits opposite me, matching my style with his loose fitting dress shirt and slacks. I love him in all white. 

"I can't wait."

"Until then, we're on a private feed. Now about fisting me." His sultry voice stings my eardrums.

"Would you like it if I did that?" I try to finally get an answer; he's had me guessing for way too long.

"What do you think?"

"That you do...?"

Jace leans forward, propping his elbows on his knees. "I'll tell you the truth..." He focuses on me. "Come closer." I mirror his posture and wait eagerly. Jace lowers his voice. "The truth is...to keep guessing."

"You're annoying!" I huff and sit back. 

"I know." He grins to one side. "It's fun." Jace outs his phone. A few seconds later, the chopper ascends. He commands it from his cell. The chopper glides hundreds of feet, passing tall buildings and congested streets. My lovebug stuffs his phone back into his trousers, only for gravity to counteract the motion. His iPhone tumbles and bangs on the metal floor, rolling out the open door. "Fuck!" 

Helen told me he had a habit of doing this. "Mr. Harrison has a tendency of dropping his phone from the helicopter. It's a habit he can't break." I laugh at this. "Payback." 

We arrive at a high-tech compound building made of glass. It's shaped like a triangle and takes up a whole block. Inside is black and white. The floors are dark ice; the walls and ceiling are light and reflective. Both the top and bottom are like mirrors. I swear I'm on a sci-fi movie set! The design is so edgy and futuristic. A handsome redhead man awaits us at the lobby. This must be Dorian. "Hello, Mr. Harrison, welcome back." 

"It's good to be back."

"I bet," Dorian replies kindly. "The workaholic trait never rests."

"Never." Jace agrees, then gestures a hand my way. "This is Madison Hart."

"Of course, her photos are everywhere. I recognize Ms. Hart. The luckiest woman in the world." There's a quick tinge of jealousy in his tone and a hint of bitterness in his chocolate eyes. Hmmm...why? And is Jace catching these subtle hints of dislike? "It's lovely to meet you." 

"Likewise." I reach for a handshake. While I do so, I evaluate the lab manager. His dislike reminds me of someone who's been rejected...and is now sour. Jace is beyond sexy...and Dorian is gay. It wouldn't be far-fetched to assume there's attraction from one side. But the double-handed tone and the scornful nature of his eyes indicate that there's more than rejection. There's spite, envy, and hidden longing. This appears more as unrequited. He's in love with Jace.