The weekend and the following week passed without incident. Each day brought a new familiarity for Rayne and although she and Jaxon didn't spend any time alone, their closeness blossomed as the days marched on.

Enjoying their newfound status quo. Rayne would have happily lived in their little New Hampton bubble, without interference from the outside world. But as with life, change was never far away and as she sat on the twenty-eight floor of Knight Industries, in her very own office, curtesy of Nathan, she took in the view, having completed all her assigned tasks from Mrs Freeman.

Mrs Freeman replaced the awful Ms Spruce as Knight's Senior Forensic Accountant and Nathan had made sure he sat in the on the interview. Rayne warmed to Mrs Freeman from the moment Nathan introduced them, and like dear Mr Jenkins, she was kind, patient and considerate of Rayne's oddities.

Rayne knocked on Mrs Freeman's door before entering.

"Ah, Rayne."

"Hello Mrs Freeman."

"Please Rayne, how many times... it's Valerie."

Rayne smiled brightly. "Valerie."

"Good, now what can I do for you?"

"I've completed all those tasks you assigned to my inbox and I've contacted the Research Department but unfortunately they haven't been able to run off their monthly reports, which leaves me at a loose end."

"I forget how efficient you are, my dear. Well, I have a meeting to attend, but you can busy yourself as you see fit, or perhaps Mr Knight has something for you to attend to?" Mrs Freeman was well aware of their relationship.

Returning to her own office, Rayne quickly checked Nathan's diary to find he would be available if she popped up to visit.

Humming whilst climbing the semi-darkened stairwell to the thirty-eighth floor, she pondered on their coming days in the city, during which her birthday would fall.

Nathan had insisted they spend time here as he had business matters which required his attention.

Rayne liked the city and his apartment had beautiful views of the park and although he had stated frequently, it was now their apartment, Rayne never settled. For one, Nathan had a room that was locked, and he'd requested that she not enter.

Strange as it was, she respected his wishes but often wondered how he could claim it was their apartment, but then deny her entry into one of its rooms.

Arriving at the intended floor. She walked along the plush corridors. Approaching two members of staff, she stepped to the side to allow the executive PA's passage. They barely gave her a second glance. Occasionally one may smile, but more often than not she remained invisible.

Suzanne, Nathan's Personal Assistant was quite the opposite. Friendly and tactile, often drawing Rayne in for a hug and insisting they sit and chat. Yes, it was fair to say Suzanne was Rayne's first and only female friend, as throughout Rayne's younger years not being like the other girls often meant they cast aside, ignored her and occasionally tormented for being peculiar.

The door to Nathan's outer office was open and as she popped her head inside. It surprised her to find Suzanne missing, although her coat hung in the corner. Lingering a few moments, she decided there was no point in waiting and knocked on Nathan's door.

"Come." She heard him call and entered, smiling.

Rayne's smile dropped like a flash flood; her eyes widened.

Nathan sat upon his large leather sofa in front of the vast expanse of glass which held the view of the New York City skyline. He sat without his suit jacket and his tie hung loose.

He wasn't sitting alone. Sat next to Nathan was a woman whom Rayne did not recognize.

Her spine stiffened as she noted the closeness of which he sat with this woman, their heads close together looking at something on his tablet. Rayne shifted on her feet awkwardly.

Unsure, her tried and tested coping methods shadowed her mind. One... two... three... four... five... six.

A minute ticked by as she waited to be acknowledged. Should she leave?

One... two... three... four... five... six. Her heart pounded in her chest, completely out of her element.

Finally, Nathan looked up smiling, only for his face to fall—not into a frown as such, but the flush to his cheeks was one Rayne had never witnessed.

"Rayne, sweetheart." His smile returned and although warm, it held something Rayne was unfamiliar with. Guilt perhaps?

She cleared her throat, but still barely a whisper escaped. "I'm Sorry Nathan, I didn't realize you were in a meeting and Suzanne wasn't at her desk." Her mind's eyes clearly pictured his calendar. No meeting was scheduled for this time.

"Don't worry sweetheart, we're done here for today." He turned to the woman, who remained nameless.

The stranger struck Rayne dumb. A long fall of blonde hair hugged her shoulders, framing her oval face, highlighting her high cheekbones and unblemished skin. Eyes as blue as topaz outlined with grey eyeliner gave them a cat's eyes shape appearance—she was without a doubt the most beautiful women Rayne had ever set eyes upon.

Nathan and his guest rose from the sofa. Fight or flight instincts had Rayne clasping and unclasping her small hands. Her rule of six sprinted through her mind faster than what she could keep up with.

The woman stood shoulder to shoulder with Nathan. Something else also drew her attention—the stranger revealed the same dominating presence that Nathan wore like a suit.

Dressed in a long fitted black skirt, a slit on the right ran the length of the material offering Rayne a glimpse of her thigh, paired with a blouse that exposed more than an ample cleavage.

Rayne did not think her outfit was appropriate office attire. Finishing the outfit, she wore shoes that would surely cause injury if she should decorate her own feet with similar.

The woman turned to Nathan—That was not the smile of a co-worker. Her smile held warmth, affection.

A sharp twist like a knife plunged into her stomach, something Rayne recognised—Envy. Which no good-hearted person should succumb to. Envy came from a dark place, her mother had always said.

"Let me know your thoughts, Nate." She spoke with ease to Nathan and held eye contact for longer than Rayne thought appropriate.

"I will Josephine, and thank you for bringing it to my attention."

Rayne noted the comfortable way Nathan addressed this woman, relaxed and familiar.

Nathan guested for the woman to step ahead of him. Her hips swayed rhythmically as she came closer to Rayne, and Rayne could only watch on with a strange sense of appreciation of her graceful movements.

As the distance closed, on instinct, she stepped back and dropped her eyes.

The woman didn't pass by. She stopped directly in front of Rayne, placing a long finger under her chin, lifting, so Rayne had no choice but to look up.

Rayne's breath hitched as she met an admiring gaze. The woman's tongue slipped past her painted ruby lips to press against her top full peak. "Your pictures do you no justice, Rayne."

Rayne's lips parted. She didn't even know this woman, but she apparently knew her.

Josephine removed her finger and swiftly moved on, leaving behind the scent of her expensive perfume.

Looking toward Nathan for some explanation, a look of satisfaction filled his eyes. "Give me a moment, sweetheart." He followed the woman out of the office and closed the door behind him.

Rayne double blinked, unsure of what to make of the encounter with the beautiful stranger.

Nathan cursed to himself as he stood outside the office, helping Josephine into her coat.

"She's a beauty, Nate... submissive with an innocence that I've not seen for quite some time."

His chest swelled with pride as his eyes drifted toward his office door. Her instinctive submission to Josephine a moment ago had been so natural, beautiful. "Yes, she is."

"And you and Jax... share?"

He pushed both hands into his trouser pockets. "We do."

"Not too innocent then?" her lips curled into a smile, eyebrow arched.

Nathan's lips remained sealed.

"Does she know about The Club?"

He shook his head. "No, but I think your presence here today might bring about that conversation." He hadn't wanted her to find out this way. But he had seen the way Rayne had looked at Josephine, the ticking of her thoughts.

"Are you planning to introduce her to the scene?"

"That is my hope, in time."

"Ah good... and the parties?"

Josephine's eyes twinkled; he knew that look. "No Josephine. There will be no sharing Rayne, she is mine and Jaxon's alone."

"Pity. She would be very popular with many—myself included."

He didn't doubt that. But as always, the idea of another touching his Rayne-drop stirred jealously, pumping his heart faster as his hands curled into fists inside his trouser pockets—it would never happen.

"Well, that aside. She's an upgrade from the awful woman." Josephine rolled her eyes.

"Now, now, Josephine." He would not get into a discussion about Nicole. Any thoughts of his past would remain there.

Josephine waved her hand expressively. "The witch dragged some poor doctor... a shrink I believe to the club - not two nights ago. He was clearly out of his depths with that woman. She would give Lucifer a run for his money."

"I have no interest in what Nicole does... or whom she does it with."

Josephine studied him for a moment. "Don't be a stranger, Nate." Leaning forward, they air kissed and left him to ponder the right way to address the conversation with Rayne.

Returning to his office, he found Raye in the same spot he had left but looking out onto the sunlit skies. Closing his door, he walked towards and wrapped his arms around her small body, holding her close. He kissed her crown, inhaling the sweet smell that was only his Rayne-drop. "I've missed you, sweetheart," he whispered.

Rayne stiffened. Boldness overriding her anxiety. "Who was she, Nathan?"

Nathan's stomach curled. Although not wanting to hide his true nature from her, he wasn't sure this was the best location to confess it either. "Josephine Dubois."

Rayne chewed her lip. Questions popped like mini explosions inside her head. Bringing confusion and compulsions to the forefront. "Does she work here... at Knight?"

"No, sweetheart."

No? That was all he was going to say.

A spark of irritation flared within. Was he purposely trying to be evasive?

She wriggled free from his hold, putting a little distance between them. She turned to face him, as the demand rushed from her lips. "Please tell me—what is your relationship with Miss Dubois."

Nathan's eyes widened; his little Rayne drop was, as always, perceptive. "Professional... mostly."

What did that mean? Rayne clenched her small hands into fists, rubbing them against the material of her skirt. "Mostly?"

Nathan had known Josephine for many years. She had been his introduction into the world of BDSM and although they had experienced a sort of intimacy; it had never flourished into a sexual relationship. As both realised quite early on that Josephine's tastes went beyond his own when it came to pain, and being just as dominant—if not more so than himself.

But they had remained friends and jointly ventured into the world of business together, and Josephine managed the day to day running of The Club with little need of help.

"I have known Josephine for twelve years and we have been business partners for the last six."

Rayne was aware of Nathan's other business interests. Although never having discussed any beyond Knight. "You've never mentioned her."

"She asked for a meeting today to discuss a pressing issue." He stepped towards her to diminish the distance between them.

"Has your relationship always been professional?"

"Mostly."

There was that word again... Rayne could feel her anxiety swelling with each passing breath.

"Our relationship was never intimate in the traditional sense of the word. If that's what you're asking."

This explanation only increased her confusion. It was clear he was hiding or holding something back. "I don't understand Nathan."

This was not the place to discuss this. "Time will not permit me to elaborate. If we could talk about tonight, sweetheart? I will answer any and all your questions."

Dissatisfied but aware he was right; she offered a curt nod.

It hurt him to see her in any sort of distress. Closing the distance with one stride, she didn't resist when he pulled her into his warm embrace. "Rayne, you do not have to fear my feelings for Josephine. Although I consider her a friend, she is a business partner." He breathed deeply. "There is no one but you who fills my heart, my mind... or my bed."

No lies shrouded in his words, and as his arms tightened his hold, she yielded and relaxed, letting her head rest upon his chest. The comforting beats of his heart smoothed over her worries; still sure his heart only beat for her.

After a moment, the urge to see Jaxon was overwhelming.

Nathan relaxed his embrace, allowing her to look up into his warm green eyes. "I thought I might head to the apartment and see if Jaxon needs help?"

Jaxon's apartment had been redecorated. And today new furnishing was being delivered, ordered with Rayne's help.

She knew he needed no help, she just wanted to see him, she missed him.

"That's an excellent idea. Jaxon will be happy for the company." He pressed his lips to hers.

~ ~

Tucked away in his apartment overlooking central park, Jaxon was dealing with his own discomfort. In front of him stood in his doorway of his apartment was Nicole, his former lover.

Although having had an all but brief telephone conversation the week before to sever ties, here she stood dressed with bold intent to collect her belongings, and return a personal item that he would not have requested if not for his mother's insistence.

Nicole stood before Jaxon; her eyes roamed over his imposing frame. She would concede to herself; she had missed him. Not as she missed Nathan—but still the lesser affection she held for Jaxon remained.

His stance today was different. Others less observant would not have spotted it, but Nicole noticed immediately—He looked relaxed, happy. "Thank you for letting me pick up my belongings today. I've moved into my new apartment, close to here."

Jaxon didn't enquire on the location; he wanted this exchange of belongings done as quickly as possible.

"You look well, and happy, Jax."

Keeping his face neutral, he smiled on the inside, knowing full well his happiness stemmed from the growing affections between him and Rayne. "As do you Nicole." It didn't hurt to keep things pleasant.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

He'd rather not. But in the grand scheme of things, it was easier than discussing his reasons he didn't want her inside his apartment.

Standing aside, Nicole walked in as always with an air of owning the space she occupied. "Ah, I see you took my recommendation and hired Jonathan?"

"Yes, credit where it's due. I'm pleased with his work."

She looked around, taking in every detail. "And is this where you live full time now?"

Should he be honest? He saw no reason not to be. "No, I'm only based here when I'm needed in the office. The rest of the time I'm based in the Hamptons."

"With Nathan?"

He knew she was fishing. Without an answer, he diverted the conversation. "I have boxed your belongings. Do you have what I asked for?"

She shook her head, her long wavy blonde hair smothered her shoulders. "I'm afraid the removals from my San Diego apartment have been delayed." She picked up a family picture from a side table of him and his mother when he was younger. "I will message you, when I have it in my possession."

He cursed, knowing this to be one of Nicole's games, everything on her terms. He had played this game for three years, every move contrived or with intent.

Placing the photo down, she stepped closer. Reaching out, she let her finger trace his bare arm. "I've missed you, Jax."

Without hesitation, he took hold of her hand and removed it. "Don't—It's over, Nicole."

"Is it?"

"Yes, both Nathan and I have moved on."

It was important, she did not push. The game was set and her pieces were already in play. And as her mother had taught her, there was a difference between giving up and knowing when you've had enough—and Nicole had nowhere near had enough of Nathan... and even Jaxon to an extent.

She didn't doubt they would come around to her way of thinking, and Nicole was anything if not patient. And above all, she loved the challenge.

She smiled. "I'm happy that you're happy Jax."

He studied her, not believing for one second her words would be honest. "I will call Carter to carry the box downstairs for you."

Nicole flicked her long hair and turned, walking towards the box. Opening the top, she fingered through a few of the items. "No need to disturb Carter. You may dispose of these; I have no use of them."

He gritted his teeth, biting back a response. Whatever game she was playing, he wanted no part in it. "Fine. Let me see you out."

"May I use your bathroom before I leave?"

He inhaled deeply. "Please be quick, I'm expected at Knight within the hour, and I would like to shower first."

"Don't let me keep you, you carry on, I know my way out." She turned, not waiting for his reply.

Grumbling, he made his way towards his bedroom, closing the door and locking it behind him, not trusting her for a second. Stood quietly he heard her heels on the tiled floor, fading, it followed by his apartment door closing. His shoulders relaxed. Unlocking his door, he headed towards his own bathroom.

Nicole stood outside his bedroom, heels in hand. Hearing his shower, she headed back into the main living area. She saw what she needed. His phone lay on the arm of a chair. Swiping, she was relieved to find he hadn't changed his security... silly boy. She smiled to herself.

As she scanned through his contacts, a message popped up... from her... she would be here in five minutes.

Nicole resisted a squeal... this couldn't have played out better if she had planned it herself.

Placing her heels on the floor, she raced to Jaxon's bedroom and peeped inside. Safe, she opened the door and tiptoed to his wardrobe to extract a shirt.

Closing his door, she undressed, dotting items of her clothing on the floor as she made her way to the front entrance, where she now stood in her underwear only. The final touch, she slipped on Jaxon's shirt, fastening only one button, leaving nothing to the imagination.

She waited.

~ ~

Rayne handed over money to the cab driver and exited the car. She looked up towards the enormous apartment building where both Nathan and Jaxon held apartments, before heading inside. She was met by Carter, an older gentleman on the front desk.

"Good morning, Miss Winters."

"Good morning Carter." She waited for his usual question.

"Taking the stairs, Miss?"

"It's the only way to travel, Cater."

He chuckled. "Rather, you than me Miss."

Minutes passed, but it wasn't long before she was exiting the stairwell heading towards Jaxon's apartment.

One knock, the door opened to reveal a sight that had Rayne gasp a breath as something inside her went on total lockdown.