Chapter 21

We drive out of the city, towards the Surrey Hills. I catch a glimpse of him, every now and then, watching me instead of the road. Each time, he smiles and squeezes my knee, which has had his palm spread on it for most of the journey. I start thinking about how little I know about him. He’s intense, quite volatile, incredibly self-assured and extremely rich. Oh, and he’s wild in the sex department. But that’s all I know. I don’t even know how old he is.

‘How long have you owned The Manor? ’ I ask.

He throws me a curious, arched eyebrow and turns down the music via the controls on his steering wheel. ‘Since I was twenty one, ’

‘That young? ’ I blurt, my tone clearly displaying my shock at his answer.

He smiles brightly at me. ‘I inherited The Manor from my Uncle Carmichael. ’

‘He died? ’

His smile disappears. ‘Yes. ’

Okay, now I really want to know more. ‘How old are you, Jesse? ’

‘Twenty seven. ’ he says, completely impassive.

I sigh. ‘Why won’t you tell me how old you are? ’

He looks over at me, grinning. ‘Because, you might think I’m too old for you and run a mile. ’

I eye him suspiciously across the car. He can’t be that old. I want to scream at him that I won’t be running anywhere. ‘Okay, how many times have I got to ask you before we get to your real age? ’ I’ve tried this before and got nowhere.

He grins. ‘A few, ’

‘I’m twenty six. ’ I try for a bit of give and take as I watch him closely.

He glances at me. ‘I know. ’

‘How? ’

‘Your licence, ’

‘You went through my bag as well as my phone? ’ I cry incredulously, but he just shrugs. I shake my head in dismay. It’s an unwritten rule. This man really doesn’t have any manners. ‘Do you think you’re too old for me? ’ Given what he has done to me, I’m guessing the answer is no, but as it seems like such an issue, it’s worth an ask.

‘No, I don’t. ’ He keeps his eyes on the road. ‘My issue is your issue. ’

I frown. ‘I don’t have an issue. ’

He turns his handsome face towards me, all smoky eyed and glorious. ‘Then stop asking me. ’

I rest my head back against the seat on a huff, watching the countryside pass us by. His age doesn’t bother me in the slightest – not now, anyway. I don’t think there’s anything that could change my mind on this.

I turn towards him. ‘What about your parents? ’

The straight line his lips form has me immediately regretting the question. ‘I don’t see them. ’ His tone is dismissive.

I sit back and say no more. His contemptuous approach makes me all the more curious, but it also makes me shut my trap.

We pull up at The Manor and Jesse flips a switch on the dash, opening the gates. As we approach the courtyard, I see Big John getting out of his Range Rover, in his usual black suit and wraparound sunglasses. He nods in greeting as I get out of the car and walk around to Jesse’s side.

‘What’s happening, John? ’ Jesse asks, taking my hand and leading me up the steps to The Manor’s entrance. I shiver, thinking about the last time I was here. I did a runner, and I never thought I would be back. But here I am. I look up at Jesse as he claps hands with Big John. He’s turned all business like.

‘S’all good, ’ John rumbles, allowing Jesse and me to pass before following us through to the restaurant. I’m surprised how quiet it is for ten o’clock on a Sunday morning in a hotel. Isn’t it breakfast time?

Jesse stops, turning to face me. ‘What would you like to eat? ’ He’s even talking to me all business like.

‘I’m not fussed. ’ I shrug. I’m feeling uncomfortable and beginning to wish I stayed on the sofa with a huge mug of coffee and a duvet. What am I going to do while he works, anyway?

His expression softens. ‘What do you really fancy? ’

Oh, well, that’s really easy. ‘Smoked salmon, ’

‘Bagel? ’ he asks, and I nod. ‘Coffee? ’

‘Please, ’

‘How do you take your coffee? ’

‘Cappuccino, extra shot. No chocolate or sugar. ’

‘You’ll eat in my office, ’

I shrug. ‘I’m easy. ’ As soon as the words fall from my mouth, I snap my eyes up, discovering twinkling, green pools of delight and a very dirty smirk. ‘Not a word. ’ I warn.

‘It wasn’t a question, Ava. John, give me twenty. Pete, did you get that? ’

‘I certainly did, Sir. ’

‘Good. Bring Ava’s breakfast to my office. ’ He gives his orders out while staring at me with blazing green eyes.

My hand is grabbed, and I’m hauled through The Manor to his office. I jog to keep up with him, and no sooner has the door to his office shut, my bag is tossed to the floor and I’m thrust up against the back of it, my dress around my waist.

Fucking hell! Isn’t he here to work? He buries his face straight in my neck, my arms flying up to grip his t-shirt. I knew what was coming. When he focused those blazing eyes on me, I knew what he was thinking. But I’m still caught off guard by his ferociousness. Slow, prepared build up, or hard, fast pounce – the affect is still the same. I’m sucking in short, sharp breaths and ready to beg.

‘I knew it was a bad idea bringing you here. I’m going to get nothing done. ’ His husky voice drums against my throat as he sucks greedily, his palms stroking up either side of my body, resting on my breasts and kneading through the material of my dress.

‘I’ll go then. ’ I breathe. ‘Shit! ’ The sharp thrust of his hips tells me that was the wrong thing to say.

The pressure of his body pushing me up against the door increases and his mouth crashes to mine. ‘Watch your fucking mouth. ’ he grates between strong, swift strokes of his tongue. ‘You’re going nowhere, lady, ’ He bites my lip. ‘Ever. Are you wet? ’

‘Yes, ’ I pant, grappling at his t-shirt. I only have to look at him and I’m turned on.

His hands leave my breasts, disappearing south, and I hear the sound of his fly zipper being undone, his no obstruction comment now perfectly clear. My knickers are yanked to the side.

I have no time to brace myself for the hard and fast that’s coming. He tugs one of my legs up to his waist, positions himself and slams into me, thrusting me up the door on a loud shout. I scream.

‘Quiet. ’ he barks.

He gives me no time to adjust. He pounds into me repeatedly, punishingly, over and over, sending me skyward in pleasure. I press my lips together to refrain from shouting out, dropping my head onto his shoulder in delirious despair.

‘Do you feel me, Ava? ’ he grinds through gritted teeth.

Lord give me strength, I think I’m going to pass out. He’s working into me like a mad man, urgently thrusting and gasping.

‘Answer the question! ’ he’s shouts. How come he can shout?

‘Yes! I feel you. ’

He hammers on, pushing me further and further into a mind spinning despair. I’m a second from bursting, the one leg I was stood on now off the floor from being pushed up the door.

‘Does it feel good? ’

‘Oh God, yes! ’ I scream as all breath leaves my lungs and I’m assaulted by his greedy mouth.

‘I said, quiet. ’ He bites at my lip, the pressure bordering on painful.

The blazing fire attacking my core cracks, fizzles and ruptures, pushing me into a fevered bliss as I climax on a loud cry, his mouth capturing my screams as my mind goes blank.

I shake uncontrollably against him, but he drives on, shouting on his own explosion, his erection pulsing and jerking as he spills himself deep inside me.

Oh, good Lord, that was way hard and way fast. My head is spinning wildly. I’m in complete awe of what this man does to me. He’s a bloody genius. And in his office?

‘I might bring you to work every day. ’ he breathes against my neck as he slowly pulls out of me, letting me slide down the door. ‘Are you okay? ’

‘Don’t let go of me. ’ I mumble into his shoulder. I can’t find my balance.

He laughs lightly, wrapping his arm around my waist to steady me. I blow my hair out of my face and find his stunning eyes in my field of vision.

I smile. ‘Hi. ’

‘She’s back. ’ He presses his lips to mine and picks me up, carrying me to the sofa and placing me down before he sets about tucking himself in and refastening his flies.

While he collects my bag from the floor, I rearrange my dress and flop back on the sofa, a smile tickling the corners of my lips. The contrast of his persona, from wild and demanding to tender and attentive, is a real brain burner. But I love both sides. He’s just way too good.

He comes and sits next to me, pulling me in under his arm. ‘I thought you could go up to the extension and start drafting some ideas. ’

‘You still want me to design? ’ I sound confused. That’s okay, because I am. I thought it was all a ploy to get me into bed.

‘Of course I do. ’

‘I thought you just wanted me for my body. ’ I tease, earning myself a flicked nipple.

‘I want you for a lot more than your body, lady. ’

He does? Like what? ‘It’s Sunday, ’ I pull away from his embrace. ‘I don’t work on Sundays. Anyway, I don’t have any of my kit with me. ’

His frown line jumps onto his forehead as he reaches over and yanks me onto his lap on a slight scowl. ‘A pencil and a piece of paper? ’ He nips my ear playfully. ‘I’m sure I can provide you with those, but I’ll be deducting it from your final bill. ’

Essentially, yes, a few pieces of paper and a pencil is all I need at the moment, but its Sunday. I can think of a million other things I could be doing and would prefer to do. Besides, I don’t need to be sitting in the extension to start pulling ideas together.

But then I consider the possibility that he wants me out of his office. He’s got his rocks off and now I’m in the way. I can’t even get in my car and go. I remove myself from his lap as the door knocks.

‘Come in. ’ he instructs, his questioning eyes resting on me.

I ignore them. The grey haired chap from the restaurant walks in with a tray and places it on the coffee table.

‘Thanks, Pete. ’ His probing eyes stay on me.

‘Sir, ’ He nods at Jesse and flicks a friendly smile in my direction before leaving.

‘Can I have some paper? ’ I ask, picking the tray up and throwing my bag over my shoulder.

‘Are you going to eat your breakfast? ’ He stands, his brow still furrowed.

‘I’ll take it upstairs. ’ I don’t want to get under your feet!

‘Oh, okay. ’ He walks over to his desk.

I try my hardest to ignore his perfect, jean clad arse as he bends and opens a drawer, pulling out an art pad and a tin of drawing pencils. What’s he got those for? They’re not your average stationary essentials. He walks back over, handing them to me. I accept, tucking them under the tray and making my way to the door.

‘Hey, aren’t you forgetting something? ’

I turn, finding his questioning look has morphed into more of a glare. ‘What? ’ I ask. I know what, but I’m not in the mood to stroke his ego.

‘Get your arse over here. ’ He flicks his head.

My shoulders drop slightly. It’s just easier, all round, if I give him what he wants and get out of his hair. I reach him, trying my hardest to put on a cheerful face. I know I’m failing miserably.

‘Kiss me. ’ he orders, his hands draped casually in his jean pockets. I reach up on tiptoes and push my lips against his, ensuring I make it more than a peck. He doesn’t respond. ‘Kiss me like you mean it, Ava. ’

He’s not buying my half-hearted attempt to satisfy him. I sigh. I’ve got a tray in my hands, my bag over my shoulder and a pad and pencil buried under the tray. This is proving to be tricky, especially when he’s not assisting. I place the tray and drawing equipment on his desk and delve my hands into his hair, pulling his face down to mine. It takes a nanosecond for him to respond. Once our lips meet, he takes me completely, his arms snaking around my waist as he bends slightly to accommodate our height difference. I don’t want to enjoy it, but I do – way too much.

‘Better, ’ he says against my lips. ‘Never hold out on me, Ava. ’ He releases me, leaving me feeling slightly dizzy and disorientated. Someone knocks on the door. ‘Go. ’ He nods at the door.

I collect my things and leave without a word. I’ve got a proper sulk on. I’m on stupidly dangerous ground here, and I know it. This man has broken heart written all over him.

I open the office door and find Big John waiting for me. He nods, taking up position beside me to escort me upstairs.

‘I know where I’m going, John. ’ I offer. He doesn’t have to flank me all of the way.

‘S’all good, girl. ’ he rumbles, continuing his long strides besides me to the stairs.

When we reach the stained glass window at the bottom of the stairs to the third floor, I glance up the wide staircase. At the top, there’s a set of wooden doors with pretty circle symbols calved into the wood. They’re closed and quite intimidating.

What’s up there? It could be a function room. I’m distracted from the imposing vastness of wood when I hear a door open. I look over the landing, seeing a man walking out of a guest suite doing his flies up. He looks up, catching me staring. My face flames as I look at John, who’s eyeing up the guy, shaking his head menacingly. A wave of worry washes over the guests face, and I scuttle off through the archway that leads to the extension to try and escape the embarrassing situation. John did not look impressed. Why men think it’s acceptable to exit toilets and hotel rooms still arranging themselves is beyond me.

I let myself into the furthest room. With the lack of furniture, I slide down the wall to my bum.

John pokes his head around the door. ‘Ring Jesse if you need anything. ’ he grunts.

‘I can go find him. ’

‘No, ring Jesse. ’ he affirms, closing the door.

So, if I need the toilet, have I got to ring Jesse then? I should have stayed at home.

Gazing around the shell of a room, I start nibbling at the salmon bagel, which I reluctantly admit is lovely. I try to recall my specification. What did he say? Oh, yes – sensual, stimulating and invigorating. It’s not my normal brief, but I can work with it. I pick up the pad, slide a pencil out of the tin and begin sketching large, lavish beds and sumptuous window dressings. Losing myself in some sketching is the perfect way to divert my mind from the more troubling thoughts that are currently swamping my poor brain.

A few hours later, my arse is dead and I have a rough draft of an amazing bedroom. I flick the pencil over the paper, shading and blending here and there. Okay, now that’s sensual. He said a big bed was essential, and the huge four-poster, positioned in the middle of the room, screams luxury and sensuality. I study the picture, blushing at my own work. Jesus, it’s almost erotic. Where has that come from? Maybe it’s all the incredible sex I’ve been having. The bed dominating the room is a replica of one that I spotted at a reclamation yard a few months ago. With massive, chunky, wooden posts and a lattice style canopy, it’ll look amazing with gold silk dressing it. I don’t know what to put on the walls because Jesse didn’t elaborate further than large, wooden wall hangings – probably something resembling what I saw in the other suite when Jesse cornered me.

My line of thought is interrupted when the door opens and I’m presented with Sarah’s pouty face. I inwardly groan. The woman is everywhere – everywhere Jesse is.

‘Ava, what a pleasant surprise, ’

Liar!

She shuts the door softly behind her and walks into the middle of the room. My unkind thoughts have me wishing she would take a tumble in those ridiculous heels. I really don’t like this woman. She brings out my inner bitch better than anyone I’ve ever known before.

‘Sarah. It’s nice to see you. ’ I clasp a lock of my hair and start fiddling with it, as I consider her motives for paying me a visit. She looks down at me sat on the floor. I notice her pouty, red lips look super inflated today. She’s definitely had work there. My sitting position, in relation to her standing position, has me feeling inferior to her. I’d get up, if my backside wasn’t numb and I could be sure I wouldn’t crumble back down to the floor in a heap.

‘Working on a Sunday, ’ she muses as she gazes around the empty room. ‘Do all of your clients get the same special treatment you offer Jesse? ’

Oh, what a bitch! Her motive is suddenly very clear. ‘No, ’ I smile, ‘Just Jesse. ’ My unkind thoughts are justified. She really dislikes me, as opposed to just disliking me. She could possibly even hate me. Why?

‘He’s a bit mature for you, isn’t he? ’ She folds her arms under her ample chest, and I conclude that she’s probably had those done too.

I don’t want her to know that I’m unaware of Jesse’s age. She undoubtedly knows. And the fact that she does and I don’t, really bristles me.

‘I don’t think so. ’ I retort sweetly. I really want to get up from the floor so the nasty bit of work isn’t looking down at me. What’s it got to do with her?

Her pouty face displays an abundance of displeasure at me being here and that, strangely, has me feeling displeased about being here too. I should have stayed at home. I don’t need this

‘So, what is it about my Jesse that has you giving up your free time to work? ’

My Jesse?

‘I’m not sure what business that is of yours. ’

‘Maybe, it’s his money? ’ She raises her already stupidly arched eyebrow. Botox!

‘I’m not interested in Jesse’s wealth. ’ I retaliate shortly. I’m in love with him!

‘Of course, you’re not. ’ She wanders over to the window, casually and cockily, before turning back to face me, her face as cold as her voice. ‘Be warned, Ava. Jesse is not the sort of man you build your dreams on. ’

I stare her straight in the eye, trying to mimic her cold face and tone. It’s not hard – it comes naturally with this horrible woman. ‘Thank you for the warning, but I think I’m grown up enough to decide who I build my dreams on. ’ My heart has taken a nose dive into my stomach.

She scoffs mildly. It’s in pity. It makes me feel crap. ‘Little girl, jump out of your fairy tale and open your e…’

The door opens and Jesse strides in. He looks at me slumped on the floor and at Sarah stood at the window. ‘All right? ’ he asks Sarah.

I recoil on the inside. Why the hell is he asking her for? She’s fine, stood over there throwing her warnings out. It’s me, sat here with a dead arse, he ought to be asking. I’m even more stunned when she plasters on a ridiculously fake smile and walks over to him – all straight backed with her chest thrust forward.

‘Yes, sweetie. Ava and I were just discussing the new rooms. She has some fabulous ideas. ’ She rubs his shoulder.

I want to prize her fake nails off of her fingers. The bloody lying bitch! He’s not going to fall for that, surely? The satisfied smile he gives her, before turning it on me, tells me he has. The blind twat!

‘She’s good. ’ he says proudly. He’s making me feel like a fucking kid.

‘Yes, very talented. ’ Sarah purrs, smiling slyly at me. ‘I’ll leave you to it. ’ She leans up and kisses his cheek. I burn with rage. ‘Ava, it was lovely to see you again. ’

I muster up the decency to smile at the beast. ‘And you, Sarah. ’

I hope she detects the insincerity in my tone; I’ve never been more insincere in my life. She leaves the room and me alone with Jesse. Why did I come here, and what role does that woman play in Jesse’s life? She’s been here every time I have. And she was at the Lusso launch too. Will I ever escape the wily cow? She wants me gone, and there is only one reason she would want that…she wants Jesse. The thought of him being with anyone else makes my heart constrict in pain, makes me want to hurt someone. I’ve never been the jealous type, nor clingy or needy. But I can feel all of these new feelings racing to the surface, swamping my entire being. I’m not comfortable with it. I’m in big trouble here – big, fucking, shitting trouble. She said Jesse isn’t the sort of man you build your dreams on. I think I already know that.

‘Let’s have a look then, lady. ’ He slides down the wall next to me, reaching over for the pad. ‘Wow! I love that bed. ’

‘So do I. ’ I admit sullenly. The enthusiasm for my idea has been sucked right out of me.

‘What’s all this? ’ He points to the canopy on the bed.

‘It’s a lattice design. All the wooden beams overlap to form a grind like affect. ’

‘So you can hang things from them? ’ He looks at me inquisitively.

‘Yes, like material, or lights, maybe. ’ I shrug.

His mouth forms an O as he grasps my concept. ‘What colours did you have in mind? ’

‘Black and gold, ’

‘I love it, ’ He brushes his hand over the drawing. ‘When can we start? ’

Huh? ‘It’s only a draft. I have to do some mood boards, scale drawings, lighting plans, that sort of thing. ’ I don’t know if I’ll be doing any of those things. I’ve fallen into a deep state of depression after being ejected from his office and warned off by Sarah. I’ve got to seriously re-think what I’m doing here. ‘Will you take me home? ’

His head shoots up, his green eyes laced with concern. ‘Are you okay? ’

I push my numb backside up from the floor, using every ounce of strength I have to plaster a smile – as fake as Sarah’s – onto my face. ‘I’m fine. I’ve got some work stuff to sort out for tomorrow. ’ I smooth my dress down.

‘I thought you didn’t work on weekends? ’

‘It’s only work-ish. ’

‘-ish? ’ He looks up at me with a small smile. I could cry.

‘Yes, ish, ’ I shrug.

Take me home so I can think without you there to distract me with your beautiful face and body.

‘Okay, ’ He gets up from the floor with ease and hands me back the pad. ‘Are you sure you’re okay? ’ he presses.

I maintain my fake smile. ‘I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be? ’ I fight my hand back to my side when it reaches up to grab a piece of hair.

He eyes me suspiciously. ‘Come on then. ’ He takes my bag and fills my empty hand with his.

‘The tray, ’

‘Pete will get it. ’ He dismisses my concern and leads me out of the room, back downstairs.

I want to release my hand from his, but I don’t want to give him any reason to suspect I’m anything other than fine. It’s hard, especially when I’m the furthest away from fine that I could possibly be. The more I touch him, the more attached to him I’m becoming.

As we land in the entrance hall, Jesse glances around nervously. ‘Wait here, I need to get my phone and keys. Actually, go and get in the car. It’s open. ’ I frown as he ushers me out of the door before he jogs off towards his office.

I take myself down the steps of The Manor, across the gravel to the DBS. Before I make it to the car, I hear the laughing of a certain acid tongued, pouty faced beast. I tense from top to toe and swivel on the gravel, only to find her stood at the top of the steps with Jesse.

‘Okay, sweetie. See you later. ’ She reaches up and kisses his cheek. I heave. ‘Hope to see you again, Ava. ’ she calls.

Her icy stare penetrates me as Jesse approaches and gives me my bag before taking my hand again. I’m put in the car, and as soon as the engine is started, my ears are invaded with Radiohead’s Creep. I smile to myself. Yes, why I’m here, is a damn good question.

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