6. Nadine
6
NADINE
N adine James leaned back in her modern office chair. The hum of her bustling startup surrounded her. She absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup, her mind spiraling into the world of competition and desire. She was really starting to feel the weight of both ambition and unexpected entanglements…particularly those that involved Cassandra Wynter.
Cassandra was a huge presence in the fashion industry. She was a seasoned CEO who commanded respect. Nadine had been familiar with her striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes back when she was just a teen living with her parents. At fifty-two, Cassandra she was a force to be reckoned with, a businesswoman who had orchestrated a lifetime of triumphs. Nadine couldn’t help but wonder if everything that had gone down was just another example of her strong grip on the industry and knack for mind games. Nadine had always viewed her as the most calculated and sophisticated rival in the industry. The unexpected sexual angle to their relationship made their dynamic even more complicated.
Nadine recalled the moments that had unfolded between them, especially the chance meeting in the bathroom of a high-end fashion gala meeting. Getting on her knees in the stall to please Cassandra as she commanded her to, had seemed like the most erotic moment of Nadine’s life in perhaps the least erotic of places, where anyone could have walked in and overheard them.
She had realized then that she desperately wanted to please her.
The second occasion on the rooftop felt surreal. Nadine had never thought of herself as a submissive, and yet, here she was, gratefully and eagerly submitting to Cassandra’s sexual dominance in every way. The things Cassandra had done to her, and the sexy growl of her voice had not left Nadine’s head since. She couldn’t stop thinking about it. About her.
Now, as Nadine gazed out at the city skyline, she couldn’t help but feel a knot of concern tighten in her stomach. Cassandra Wynter, with her cunning smile and industry intelligence, enjoyed playing with the boundaries, and Nadine wasn’t entirely sure she hadn’t fallen into a well-laid trap. Was this her competitor’s way of destabilizing her? A calculated move to find an opening and exploit her vulnerabilities?
Pacing restlessly, Nadine wondered where the line between rivalry and sexual attraction had blurred. She’d spent years clawing her way up in the fashion world, often viewed as the underdog. Joining the ranks of the industry’s elite was a hard-fought battle, and now she found herself entangled with someone. Not just anybody, but someone who felt like both a rival and a temptress. The thrill of those moments with Cassandra had Nadine questioning way too much. The consequences of this would be professional and personal.
In submitting so willingly and eagerly to Cassandra sexually, was Nadine compromising any professional respect Cassandra might have had for her?
Nadine was trying and failing to keep her guard up. She needed to remain focused and not let her emotions cloud her judgment. Sure, she’d caved twice already, but there was a reason why this powerful woman had spent decades at the top. Nadine could not allow herself to be swayed by fleeting passions when the stakes were so high and the competition was fierce. After all, the world of fashion was not just about creativity and allure. It was about strategy, domination, and maintaining an edge.
As the day wore on, Nadine felt a renewed sense of purpose. She pushed aside the distractions of intrigue and desire, diving back into the world of branding and design that had brought her here in the first place. Maybe passion would propel her forward when she least expected it, but for now, she needed to stand tall, command her space, and remind herself of what she’d fought for. She would not lose sight of her vision, her brand, and her position as a player in the fashion industry.
It was one thing submitting to Cassandra Wynter sexually, but she could not allow herself to submit to her professionally. And the very nature of their sexual relationship was making Nadine fear that their Dominant/submissive dynamic would overflow into their professional life. And Nadine couldn’t let that happen.
The city was quieting down as Nadine made her way through Pulse Media’s sleek office space. She turned off all the lights one by one. Nadine paused at the door, taking a deep breath of the crisp New York air before stepping onto the sidewalk. It had been one of those days…a whirlwind of meetings, creative sessions, and strategic planning. But with a nagging feeling tugging at her insides, she fumbled for her phone. Quickly, she called Phillip, her closest confidant and voice of reason.
“Hey, girl!” Phillip answered, his voice a high-pitched sound of enthusiasm that always made her smile.
“Hey, it’s me. Are you free for dinner? I really need to talk,” Nadine replied, her voice edged with uncertainty.
“Of course! Give me twenty minutes. Meet you at Café Belle?” he suggested, already moving to hang up.
“Perfect, see you soon,” she said, grateful for his instant willingness.
When they eventually met, Nadine slid into the booth. She smiled as the waiter poured their wine. Phillip’s expression shifted from playful to concerned the moment he saw her.
“What’s going on?” he asked, leaning forward with his eyebrows raised.
Nadine sighed, swirling the wine in her glass as she gathered her thoughts. “It’s complicated, Phil. It’s about Cassandra Wynter.”
The name hung in the air between them, heavy with fame. Nadine couldn’t keep the nervous edge out of her voice as she described the two intimate moments they’d shared. “I honestly don’t know if she’s actually attracted to me or if she’s just trying to keep her enemies close. And maybe she thinks if she dominates me sexually, she can dominate me professionally. And I am worried that that is indeed the case. We have a seventeen-year age gap…and it feels like I’m playing with fire.”
Phillip listened intently, nodding along. “Intense, huh? So do you think she has feelings for you, or is it all business?”
“I can’t tell,” Nadine admitted, biting her lip. “We’ve had these incredible moments, but there’s this nagging doubt that maybe she’s more focused on what it means to have someone like me around…a young fashionista who could pose a threat to her legacy.”
Her friend scrutinized her closely. “You need to be cautious, Nadine. Just like in business, relationships can be tricky. But don’t let your fears prevent you from exploring this. If you have real feelings…let it unfold.”
Nadine felt a sense of relief wash over her as Phillip continued. “Also, consider where Cassandra might be coming from. She’s got years of letdowns and trust issues herself, if she’s still single. After all this time, she may be worried that you’re using her just as much as you worry about her using you.”
A silence enveloped them as Nadine processed those words. She took a sip of her wine, letting it cool the heat that had begun to rise in her chest. “So, you think I should give it a shot?”
“I think you should focus on your instincts,” he replied. “If the chemistry is real, let it happen. Just remember to keep your guard up and protect your heart.”
Nadine nodded, a sense of clarity slowly seeping into the turmoil of her thoughts. There was something liberating about voicing her insecurities, and the weight she’d been carrying began to lift.
“Thanks, Phillip,” she said, her voice a bit more steady now. “I always feel like I can breathe a little easier after talking to you.”
“Anytime, darling. Now, let’s order dessert, because those worries can wait until tomorrow. Let’s fatten that ass up for your next steamy moment with Ms. Wynter. You know, I’m not really the best at relationships. I’m addicted to the single life. It’s calculated chaos!” He gave Nadine a sheepish look.
“I see that not everyone takes their own advice.”
He chuckled. “You have no idea.”
“Tell me!” She knew he was leaving out his own adventures, as they were always wild romantic comedies.
“Ugh, Nadine, you won’t believe what happened!” Phillip said, rolling his eyes dramatically. He leaned closer, his voice dropping as if he was sharing top secret information.
“What happened?” Nadine asked, her curiosity piqued. Phillip was always full of wild stories, but he seemed more agitated than usual.
“I went on a trip to Mexico with this older guy. He’s really rich—like, real estate rich,” Phillip began, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke.
Nadine raised an eyebrow, trying to process the information. She’d always known Phillip dated men who were eclectic, but genuinely respectful to him and his sloppy finances. “Was this spontaneous or a planned trip?” she asked.
Phillip scoffed, shaking his head. “More like a weird experience! He acted like he owned the place. This guy was so entitled. It was embarrassing. He was so proud of his wealth, as if that automatically made him better than everyone else.”
Nadine nodded, feeling her concern grow. “That sounds awful. What did he do?”
“First off, when we got to the resort, he kept showing off. All the other guests were staring at us, and I felt like a trophy he wanted to flaunt,” Phillip explained. “There were these men at the pool—so many of them. They were hooting and hollering, making comments like I was just some object they could own. I guess I just couldn’t tell if they were like, making fun of me, or really into me.”
Nadine frowned. She felt a pang of empathy for her friend. She couldn’t imagine how uncomfortable that must have felt. “That’s degrading,” she said softly.
“It was!” Phillip continued, rolling his eyes. “And then, later that night, he wanted me to do a provocative photo shoot. Like, with the weirdest clothes. You would not approve.” His expression changed, as if he was also recounting some moments fondly. “But it was at a gorgeous spot with beautiful lighting. The view was to die for.”
Nadine couldn’t help but giggle. “It sounds like a mixed bag. The scenery was nice, but the way he treated you? Not okay at all.”
Phillip waved a hand, brushing off her concern. “Yeah, but it was kind of worth it. I mean, the resort was five stars, and the food was amazing!” He leaned back, glancing up as if recalling the taste of gourmet meals.
She stared at him, her mind racing. “But you should be treated with respect, Phillip. That’s more important than fancy food or a swanky hotel.”
He smiled knowingly, as if he’d heard her concern many times before. “I get that, Nadine. But come on, it’s not every day you get to experience this kind of luxury. Also, I may or may not be tempted to consider going to Bora Bora with him next,” he said, winking.
Nadine shook her head with a mix of disbelief and affection. “You? Bora Bora? What’s next—a month-long trip on a yacht?”
Phillip laughed, and for a moment, the weight of their conversation lifted. “Hey, you never know! Maybe just a weekend getaway, nothing too crazy.”
“Just be careful, okay? You know how some rich people operate. There’s often a catch,” she cautioned, a serious tone creeping into her voice.
He nodded slowly, the smile fading from his face as he absorbed her words. “You know, you’re right. This whole situation has me thinking about what I really want. I mean, I love living life, but I don’t want to lose myself in it.”
Nadine’s heart softened. She appreciated Phillip’s ability to reflect on his experiences honestly. “I just wonder…do all wealthy people get involved in age-gap relationships for the wrong reasons? It doesn’t seem like a healthy dynamic.”
Phillip looked thoughtful. “It can feel like that, can’t it? Sometimes I think they want someone younger just to boost their own ego or justify their wealth. It’s sad.”
“Exactly,” Nadine said, her mind still racing. “We all deserve real connections based on respect and understanding.”
“Totally,” Phillip agreed, lifting his glass of water. “To finding the right kind of love, then!”
Nadine raised her glass, clinking it with his. “And to knowing our worth.”
As they took a sip, Nadine couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friendship they shared. In a world where connections could feel superficial, laughter and understanding were their best tools. And perhaps tonight’s conversation would be a step toward helping Phillip find the right kind of adventure—one filled with joy and respect, rather than discomfort and objectification.
As they laughed about their days, Nadine found herself feeling more hopeful. The complexities of love and rivalry faded away as she enjoyed the comfort of a night out with her best friend.