The Billionaire's Pixie

Amber’s Quiet Threat

Dad mentioned family dinner a few times to me. He was looking forward to it so I didn’t have the heart to tell him no. It was the same for Nina. We decided to have dinner at our usual restaurant. It was a Friday night and even though I didn’t plan anything with Amber I did feel a little guilty.

Shutting off my laptop, I shrugged on my jacket and straightened my tie when Madeline burst into the office. She looked at me with wide eyes, making me think we had to deal with something urgent.

“I assume the game did the trick?” She asked.

It took me a while to put one and one together. Madeline entering my office looking like we had to call in security or something distracted me.

“I’ve told Amber that you’re the one who bought her that game.”

Her mouth dropped hearing that "I told you to keep it to yourself." She narrowed her eyes on me, "Did you ruin it already?"

I was aware I didn’t have a good reputation when it came to dating. It wasn’t on the same level as Jacob but people didn’t think highly of me either. I either showed up alone at social gatherings or Madeline accompanied me. People like Grace always took a shot, but they never persisted as the blonde model did.

She was too intense.

“Amber and I are dating.” I ignored how surprised Madeline looked and continued casually, “I didn’t mind telling her about the game since Amber though she appreciates the efforts doesn’t need something like that to win her over.”

Madeline stared at me again. I came to realize that ever since I started to date Amber I managed to shock my assistant more often.

“I see." Madeline answered she looked more like her usual self as she straightened her white blouse and ran her hand over her pink blazer, "I'll let her in then." She composed herself rather quickly and quietly left the office, walking to her desk at a normal pace again.

Grabbing my phone, I checked to make sure our family dinner was still on for tonight. Mom and dad were already at the restaurant. Nina was on her way together with Jacob. I’d be the last to arrive.

“You look like you’re in a hurry.” Amber left the door ajar and walked over to me, looking hesitant and a little guilty, “I should have called, I’m sorry.”

She was stumbling over her words, not looking like the confident woman I came to like. She raised an eyebrow at me when I smirked at her. Her bright eyes narrowed on me. There she was. The woman who challenged me at the store the first time we met.

“What’s with that smile?” She asked, “Are you making fun of me, Merigold?”

I totally was but not in a bad way. I was simply admiring how a lot changed between us due to our relationship.

"A little," I admitted.

She looked pleased with that, her lips tugging up to a smile. “I appreciate the honesty.”

I shoved my hands in my pockets, watching her close in on me with determined steps. She looked ready to head into battle, making me chuckle when she grabbed onto my jacket and pulled me in for a kiss.

The kiss slow and deep, she was letting me know who was in control right now. I didn’t mind though. I never minded with her.

"I know," I whispered against her lips.

She smiled against my lips and pressed another quick kiss on my lips. She pulled away and stepped back a little, her eyes wandering me from head to toe. She didn’t even look ashamed when she realized I noticed her checking me out. The teasing smirk which spread across her face told me she quite enjoyed it.

She was in the mood, but right now wasn’t the greatest time for her to want a little more than a few kisses.

"I have a family dinner which I can't miss. I already told them I'd join them."

“Sounds fun.” She looked genuine about that which made me flash her an apologizing smile, “Maybe we can meet up tomorrow?” I suggested.

She pursed her lips, thinking it over. Maybe she had plans too, I didn’t want to push her so I didn’t say anything more.

“How about you come over after dinner and stay the night?”

She stayed over at my place more often. It took me by surprise and it showed.

“You don’t have to look so appalled by it.” She muttered.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just that I’ve never stayed over before. I’ll need some clothes so I’ll probably be late.”

She didn’t look like she minded at all She shrugged, “I’ll be editing a few photos and then I’ll probably play that game your assistant bought me. I mean I’ll probably be up late anyway.”

She tried to sound so casual about it, her bright smile told me otherwise though. I was glad she was looking forward to my company because it was the same for me.

“You could join us for dinner.” I suggested, not wanting to part from her already, “My family wouldn’t mind.”

I could tell she was thinking about it, she hesitated for a little bit probably intimidated by the fact that she’d join us for another family dinner. We were officially dating now which was different than playing along with my sister.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. They probably want to spend time with you.”

She couldn’t be more wrong. They’d love for her to be there too. My family wanted to see me in a long-term relationship. Nina made that clear in a subtle way. Well, as subtle Nina could be.

“They’d love for you to join us, trust me.”

“Okay.” She still sounded a bit hesitant but accepted nonetheless, “Maybe you should let them know?”

“Cute.” I whispered, walking past her while grabbing my phone to give dad a call, “Let’s head out. The car is already waiting downstairs.”

She followed me out, closing the door behind her. We walked together to the elevator, Madeline flashed Amber a warm smile. The kind of smile she rarely showed me. When I met her gaze, Madeline narrowed her eyes on me as if to warn me.

Flashing Madeline a smirk which I knew she'd find annoying I quickly told my dad about Amber before we stepped into the elevator. Just like I thought dad was totally okay with Amber joining us. I ended the call and motioned for Amber to step into the elevator first when the doors slid open.

She stepped inside and waited for the doors to close when I joined her. She then turned at me looking at me with curious, wide eyes.

“They’re okay with it?”

I pocketed my phone and faced Amber, “Yeah, I wouldn’t have invited you if I thought my family would think of you as a bother. They won’t treat you any different than the last time we had dinner.”

She lowered her gaze, looking a bit nervous, “Well, you know.” She shrugged, “Things are different now.”

“They don’t know it yet.”

She looked up, “What? You’re throwing me in front of the lions tonight, Nick?”

I laughed, shaking my head at her, “Seriously? I thought you changed your mind about the Merigolds?” I asked her.

She sighed, “Your family is lovely, you know what I mean.”

I folded my arms across my chest, “You assume that I know everything about you.” She gave my shoulder a shove and headed out first when the doors to the elevator slid open.

“You’re in such a mood tonight.” She muttered.

That wasn’t true, she was the one being in a mood tonight. I followed after her, trying hard not to show her how amused I was with her. She was anxious about meeting my family now that we were officially dating. That was not like her.

“You’ve met them before.” I reminded her, “They proved to you that they’re not horrible people who think they’re above everyone else. They even surprised me at how welcoming they were. You are practically family already.” I tried to reassure her.

She did look a little less upset when she turned to look at me. The driver who was subtly opening the door for us flashed me a little smile. He was amused by her too. Amber wasn’t exactly quiet as she rambled on.

"After you," I told her, motioning for her to climb in.

She did climb in and scooted up, watching me get into the car as well. Once the door was closed she continued her rambling.

“I don’t look the part.”

I shrugged, “Doesn’t matter.”

“Isn’t it a fancy hotel?” She asked, “Shouldn’t I wear a dress or maybe a skirt?”

I took her outfit in. She wore a white blouse and dark jeans with black boots. She looked fine to me.

“You look fine.”

“I know you look I’m fine.” She rolled her eyes, “Does the hotel will let me pass through.”

She was making me laugh so much and we hadn't even spent more than ten minutes together. The Merigold family dinner had her all over the place. She didn't know what to do with herself even though she had done this before.

I grabbed her hand and kissed her pulse, “Calm down.” I whispered to her, “This is just dinner.”

She nodded, finally letting out a breath which made her shoulders slump down and made her look less like she’d jump out of the car any minute now.

“Okay.” She whispered, “Just dinner.” She repeated.

I dropped her hand and gave her a little space to collect herself. I knew once we met up with the family she’d be okay. The thought of meeting them as my girlfriend just scared her. Once she realized nothing changed at all she’d be herself again.

Impressing everyone with her straightforward behavior.

Straightening in my seat I glanced out the window as I addressed her mistake from earlier, “We both know the one who was planning for something more was you. You thought I was fine when we were in my office. You basically undressed me with your eyes.”

She gasped, her eyes trailing to the driver and then flickering back at me. She gave me another shove against the shoulder which made me chuckle.

“What a violent woman I’m dating.”

When I glanced at her I noticed how she clenched her jaw, her eyes darkening when our gazes met, “You’re going to regret that.” She whispered threateningly at me.

I believed her but I didn't feel scared at all, I knew exactly what that meant and honestly, I was looking forward to her getting her revenge. I'd absolutely enjoy it.