The Queen of Self-control

Summary: Six months after Paris. Miranda's iron control is one of her most important weapons, but sometimes, even the Ice Queen loses her temper when challenged.

Betas: Peetsden and Firebird93.

Jacqueline Follet was a keen observer. The ability to read people's moods and inclinations was one of the reasons for a very successful career. According to her experience, one could get an amazing amount of information just looking for the right signs ― a slight blink that indicates doubt, rigid shoulders that betray tension or even the tone of voice, which, combined with the overt facial expression, would reveal a liar or a manipulator.

In her opinion, social gatherings were a vast observation field able to provide valuable research material. At the very beginning of her professional career, she learned to take advantage of her special skill, using those precious observations at the right moment. Never once did she feel bad for using her personal talent to further her career; after all, why should she feel guilty for using a competency to achieve a goal? Isn't that what everybody does when in any sort of job ― give some use to their own potential? Well, she wouldn't waste such an advantage, especially because it worked.

Of course, some people were immune to her scrutiny. Those rare individuals were as much a matter of investigation as a personal challenge. They were few, but each one of them was able to evoke in Jacqueline a very ambiguous reaction. For one part she deeply admired those who mastered the art of self-control; for another she just loved to watch them, waiting for a lapse, for an opportunity to see the masks fall to the ground. Tonight all the elements were aligned ― a room full of powerful people ready to play their games and for her personal delight, she was paying very close attention to the biggest challenge she ever met: Miranda Priestly.

As she had for the last ten years, Jacqueline was attending Runway's annual benefit, ignoring that just a few months ago the silver-haired woman had mercilessly buried her aspirations to occupy the editor's desk. Truth be told, she never understood what exactly happened on that strange day.

In just a few short hours, in the middle of Paris Fashion week, Miranda had somehow convinced Irv Ravitz to abandon any intentions of replacing her, offering in the process a very lucrative partnership to the woman who tried to take her place. The change of plans was unexpected but not necessarily unpleasant and Jacqueline was satisfied in her new position beside James Holt.

Even if she didn't harbor feelings of revenge toward the woman, Jacqueline couldn't get rid of her displeasure at seeing her so full of herself, attracting all eyes in the room. The simple truth was that since they met almost two decades ago, they couldn't tolerate each other, mostly for professional reasons. Their paths always crossed in a very wrong way, and one never missed the opportunity to annoy the other.

For nearly twenty years Jacqueline tried to find a soft spot, a weakness or even a slight sign that Miranda Priestly was at least human. The only occasion she managed a glimpse of some fragility happened five years ago during a meeting interrupted by some hysterical assistant, who practically screamed that one of the editor's daughters had broken a wrist. For a second, the woman's mask slipped, only to be replaced by a determined expression, as she excused herself and left.

And there she was again, with her impeccable manners and that infuriating false smile, commanding everyone in the room. Jacqueline walked among the guests, arms locked with James Holt, slowly approaching the fashion queen to offer their usual compliments. Her assistant, a petite blonde that didn't mask her anxiety, was constantly whispering something in Miranda's ears, attracting Jacqueline's curiosity. Was it possible that the editor couldn't even remember the guests' names? Well, Jacqueline certainly couldn't, so it would make perfect sense to have some to help in case she was ever the center of attention instead of Miranda.

At the moment, the editor's attention was focused on one of the most prominent board members and his very much younger wife. The woman seemed mesmerized by Miranda and Jacqueline rolled her eyes to see Miranda be revered as if she were some kind of deity.

Looking around, she noted Nigel Kipling and a slightly familiar woman approaching them with polite smiles on their faces. Nigel was no doubt still disappointed at being replaced by Jacqueline, sacrificed in Miranda's successful attempt to keep her position as Runway editor. It was no secret they were old friends and even after the "Paris incident" he remained loyal to Miranda, making everyone ask what kind of deal had been struck between them.

Actually, the rumors spreading across the fashion word attested to the fact that Nigel and Miranda couldn't be on better terms. According to the minions, the fashion queen was doing everything in her power to prove how much Nigel's loyalty would be rewarded in the future, making him her untouchable right hand.

With undisguised disdain, he didn't stop as he crossed paths with James and Jacqueline, chivalrously guiding his companion in Miranda's direction. And then, suddenly, as if some deity heard Jacqueline prayers, she saw what she had been looking for for two decades ― a single and almost imperceptible gesture, a soft nod and an unbelievable sincere smile.

Miranda Priestly was looking at the very beautiful brunette on Nigel's arm as if she were the only person in the room. The young woman offered her a glass of champagne, which Miranda accepted with a delicate bowing of her head after exchanging air kisses. Looking closer, Jacqueline had the impression that something was said at the brunette's left ear, as the editor took longer than usual to break contact.

Jacqueline's mind raced as she tried to remember the girl's name along with some clue as to who she was. In the couple of minutes they exchanged pleasantries, Miranda seemed easy, almost relaxed in her company, even making the young woman smile more than once.

Nigel held the brunette with affection, but not intimacy, which was not a surprise, as everyone knew that he was gay. The young woman's face was unguarded as she talked to Miranda, smiling and even touching the dragon lady's forearms from time to time.

She kept watching the scene and, for the first time, she saw something breach those ice walls. Miranda Priestly was smiling and allowing touches in a public place, apparently not bothered by being seen flirting with a woman half her age. Jacqueline had seen that look on many occasions, in the eyes of dozens of people. It couldn't be mistaken for anything other than what it was: the most pure and simple love. It would be beautiful if the person in question were not Jacqueline's nemesis. The only remaining question was if it was the beginning of something or if they were already lovers.

Turning her face to her partner, she asked in a light tone, "James, darling, who is that girl?"

Engaged in conversation with two models who were desperately trying to force their way to the top of the business, he absently turned in the direction she was pointing.

"Who?"

"The one talking to Miranda as if they were long time friends."

Thinking for a moment, he nodded. "Oh, that's her former assistant, the one who left in Paris. You heard the gossip. She was the nicest person in that office and her name is Andy, if I recall."

Already interested in the story, Jacqueline listened with attention as he accessed his memories about the woman. According to him, she was Miranda's assistant for almost a year, but left in strange circumstances at the end of Paris Fashion Week. The most curious thing was that Miranda didn't punish the girl, offering instead a recommendation such that Andy was hired by a local newspaper. This particular piece of information made Jacqueline even more intrigued.

"What an interesting story, my dear." James attention was already focused on another guest, so he didn't see the scene unfolding right behind his back.

Jacqueline raised an eyebrow as the brunette smiled once more, kissing Miranda's cheeks softly before crossing the room, heading for the far wall where some of Runway's employees were gathered. Her eyes followed the young woman, noting how beautiful and well-proportioned she was. It was no secret that Miranda's taste was impeccable, but this time she excelled. Jacqueline imagined how pleasant it would be to have all those curves burning under her touch and, in the meantime, melt the Ice Queen's self-control.

Suddenly, the tedious function seemed less so, as Jacqueline realized that right in front of her was a perfect opportunity to take on Miranda Priestly.

The opponents were settled on their marks and in between them stood the prize: Andrea Sachs.

….

It was hard to believe that just a year ago she was nothing more than Miranda's second assistant, following her around this very same room. Gone were the long nights spent one step behind the editor, whispering people's names while the fashion icon did her triumphal half hour appearance, just to leave the crowd of admirers and haters waiting for the next opportunity to approach their queen.

Fortunately, a year could make a lot of difference in someone's life and Andy was glad to feel removed from it all. In the past, the parties had been a constant source of tension, considering the nature of her job and the pressure of Miranda's high expectations. Tonight, she was just a guest, performing her social duty as a member of New York press, very well protected on the arm of her most faithful and handsome friend.

Well, truth be told she was more than a guest, at least for one very special person. Looking across the room, she shivered once her eyes locked with the blue ones of her secret date, no one less than the gorgeous, sexy, talented editor in chief of Runway magazine.

To everyone around them, they were nothing more than former co-workers, even if a few people were very aware of Miranda's soft spot for the brunette. Of course, most of them just assumed the editor's preference was just a reflection of Andy's dedication to work, as long as she matched the very high standards of others, such as Nigel or Emily.

Very often people would be right in their assumptions, but not on this case. Tonight, nothing could change the fact that Miranda and Andrea were ready to take an important step that hopefully would change their lives forever. Later, they would finally be alone, enjoying each other's company and forgetting, at least for a few hours, about the many things that had kept them apart until now: divorce battles, the vicious press, their consuming jobs and, most importantly, their desire to involve the twins in the process.

Andy smiled, thinking about the three girls that had stolen the biggest piece of her heart in such a short time. Smirking at one of Nigel's astute observations about how unfashionable some guests could be, she kept walking in Miranda's direction, feeling a delicious anticipation settle in her belly. Her date was more stunning than ever, charming everyone around her even if her attention was, most of the time, focused on Andy's eyes. Looking back, the young woman remembered with deep affection the events that brought them to this point.

Six months ago, the last edition of Paris Fashion Week proved to be a life changing event for some very important people in Andy's life. For her good friend Nigel it meant the loss of a big dream, buried in the middle of the dispute for the editor's chair. For Emily, it was a chance of a promotion once Miranda recognized her skills, mainly after Andy's personal intervention.

Without a doubt, Paris was a long week, replete with twists of fate. In the moment she left that car and threw her phone in the fountain, she simultaneously faced endings and beginnings.

Andy recognized the confusion regarding her feelings at the same time, when she found Miranda patiently waiting for her upon her return to the hotel, ready to pack her bags and fly to New York without looking back. On that amazing night her world turned upside down when they didn't just settle their differences, but confessed their mutual feelings.

Back in New York, as she dealt with an empty apartment and a new job, Andy was more than happy to accept Miranda's dating invitations, with the solemn promise to give them a chance to explore their feelings and maybe pursue a permanent union. Even though both women were anxious to experience a complete relationship, the complications that followed Paris, especially those concerning Miranda's divorce, were not as easy to ignore.

The press, which turned the Priestly women's house to hell for almost three months, was a huge obstacle, stealing precious moments from them. Their desires were, unfortunately, interrupted by fear, during a divorce that turned into a real nightmare. For months, Stephen called up all available weapons to take more money than he deserved, only to be shot down after a scandal involving not one, but two of his hidden lovers.

Both women were more than happy to make some easy money by talking to the press about Stephen's antics. What no one would ever guess was how Miranda could be as vicious as anyone when someone dared to discuss her daughters. Stephen paid a high price and, finally, with the divorce no longer in their way, they were free to express their deep feelings.

To Andy's surprise, despite their endless problems, the five months of slow courting were the most fulfilling and romantic of her life. Miranda was not just a very considerate partner, but also quite observant of Andy's needs. Her efforts and gestures showed the young woman how cherished she was. According to Miranda, this was the first time she was truly in love, so she would be certain to make the most of the experience, dedicating the same passion to the relationship she put into everything that was truly important. No complaints were heard from Andy about that.

For months, there were romantic dinners, long phone calls, lovely flowers delivered, considerate gifts and sweet mornings spent in the twins' company. Patiently building their bond, they waited for the right moment, even if their bodies were screaming for consummation. On many nights, especially in the last couple of months, it became almost impossible to part after so many hours together, or turn off the phone, wishing to continue whispering sweet promises. Tonight their patience would finally be rewarded.

Andy's heart beat faster in her chest as she approached the woman she loved, melting at the tender smile exclusively directed at her. Their lips, longing to express their needs, lingered for a long moment on each other's cheeks, ignoring the watching eyes around them. A whisper, soft as a lover's caress, provoked the most delicious shivers all over Andy's body.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, darling. You're so beautiful tonight. It's a shame I still can't have you by my side on these occasions."

Smiling sweetly at her partner, Andy indulged in a light caress along Miranda's forearm. "I'm glad to be here in any capacity, even if I can hardly wait to have you all to myself. Tell me, how long do I have to wait?"

Miranda sipped from her glass, hiding a secret smile. "Let me get rid of these vultures and in an hour I'm all yours." Looking deeply into Andy's eyes, she added mischievously, "And I'll have you all to myself for the weekend."

It was hard to resist the urge to steal a kiss from those luscious lips, but she had waited so long that an hour seemed a small price to pay if the prize was an entire weekend in Miranda's arms. Leaving Miranda to perform her social duty, she looked around, spotting some old friends.

Emily and Serena were wonderful entertainment, both of them eager to know everything about Andy's new job, but even if the conversation was lovely, they were also working and half an hour later, she found herself alone again.

Heading for one of the many balconies that surrounded the room, she crossed through the double doors, inhaling the refreshing cold air. The veranda was large and decorated with a beautiful garden. For a few minutes she just touched some flowers while she appreciated the view. Lost in thoughts of Miranda and in the night sky, she didn't feel the presence behind her.

"Such a pleasant night, don't you agree?"

Briefly startled at the voice so close to her ears, Andy took an instinctive step back. Looking at the source of the comment, she was surprised to find Jacqueline Follet beside her, resting her hands on the railing.

Andy nodded, but offered no comment. She was not in the mood to chat with one of Miranda's most notorious enemies, but she wouldn't be rude without a good reason. So she just stood there, still admiring her surroundings. With luck the woman would take a quick look around and go back to the party. Andy's hopes were frustrated when the soft tone of Jacqueline's voice broke the silence once again.

"A beautiful night, with a breathtaking view."

Andy frowned discreetly at the velvet tone. She couldn't imagine that Jacqueline talked to everyone in that blatantly seductive way.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced. Your name is Andy, right? Nice to meet you. I'm Jacqueline Follet."

Andy was surprised for a moment, so it took her two seconds to react to the hand extended in her direction. Blinking fast to gather her thoughts, she also offered her hand, smiling politely. "Oh! It´s nice to meet you too, Ms. Follet."

Jacqueline touched Andy's forearm, closing the distance between their bodies. "Call me Jacqueline, please." Looking at the younger woman's eyes and lips, she added, "Unfortunately, on the few occasions we've met, you were always so absorbed attending to your former boss' needs that we didn't have the opportunity to talk, but I must confess that you have always intrigued me."

Andy tilted her head curiously, trying to figure why exactly this particular woman would be flirting with her. Jacqueline Follet was notorious for seduction and always interested in what potential partners could offer. She seemed to chase men and women based on the size of their bank accounts and their social position. Given that, it made no sense why Andy, of all people, would be the one to catch her attention.

Totally tongue tied, Andy just looked at her, trying to imagine how she could excuse herself without making a scene.

Jacqueline appeared to be not in the least discouraged or put off by the young woman's silent scrutiny. "I know your Miranda and I were not on the best terms while you worked for her, so I can only imagine what you must have heard about me."

Still not understanding this interaction, Andy smiled politely, intending to escape as soon as possible. "Oh, no. Actually, I never once heard Miranda say anything about you."

Andy did not feel bad for lying, after all, she wouldn't repeat all the nasty things Miranda said every single time Jacqueline's name was mentioned. But Jacqueline seemed surprised.

"It didn't escape me that you looked quite comfortable with each other a few moments ago. I find it rather curious that Miranda of all people would be so interested in pursuing friendships with former employees."

Andy's nostrils flared, but she controlled her temper. "Sorry, Ms. Follet, but I'm not following the direction of this conversation. Is there something specific you want to know?"

"No, I believe I already have the information I need. I have no intention of ascertaining if you and Miranda are lovers. I'm here for personal reasons and not to talk about her."

"And may I ask what would be those reasons?"

Tilting her head to the side, she looked Andy up and down, until the young woman felt uncomfortable under her gaze. "Well, you know, you caught my attention the first time I saw you and, seeing you here tonight provided the chance I needed to approach you."

Andy's embarrassment was palpable, but it only seemed to encourage the other woman. Approaching, Jacqueline brought a hand up to thread through brunette locks, delicately touching them. "You're a wonderful prize, cherie, so young and beautiful. A cold-hearted bitch like Miranda will never be enough for you. You can have so much more if you're so attracted to power."

Andy eyes widened as the hand nestling in her hair moved at such speed that she couldn't react. Before she realized, her head was abruptly grabbed and Jacqueline's lips covered her mouth. She tried in vain to push the woman back, but her body was pressed against the wall. The entire action took less than 20 seconds, but it was enough to make Andy furious at being abused in the such an outrageous manner.

When she figured out a way to push Jacqueline back, the woman gave her the most predatory of the smiles, looking at someone out of Andy's sight. She didn't need to turn, because her body already knew they were not alone anymore and that the blue eyes of the woman she loved had witnessed the entire scene.

To be continued in chapter 2