Beneath This Man (This Man, #2)(88)

‘I had a shower but didn’t have time to dry my hair. I needed you.’

He smiles mildly. ‘I love you, Ava.’

I rest my cheek on shoulder. ‘I know.’

I’m not kidding myself that this is the air completely cleared. I have a woman scorned to contend with and Jesse’s possessiveness to work on. The latter, I think, will be a lifelong bone of contention, but if Jesse, especially like this, is my compensation, then it’s all worth it. But on top of all that, there’s the huge issue of Mikael and his need for revenge. I can’t even begin to think of how we’re going to deal with that. I know one thing, though. I won’t be working with him anymore. What will Patrick’s reaction be to that?

‘Take the day off work tomorrow.’ His voice is beseeching.

I’ve not even advised Patrick of my afternoon appointment with Mr Ward, but I need a break and a long weekend with Jesse is hard to turn down. I’ve no appointments and I’m ridiculously up to date with everything else. Patrick owes me a few days in lieu. He won’t mind.

I pull myself away from his chest. ‘Okay.’ I agree.

He frowns, like I’m going to retract my answer or add a but to it. I’m not. I want to take the day off work and spend it with him. Maybe I can pump him full of the reassurance he needs. I’m not going anywhere with anyone, except him. I’ll text Patrick and clear it. I know he’ll be fine.

‘Really?’ His eyes twinkle as his lips tip at the edges. ‘You’re being very reasonable. That’s not like you.’

My eyes bulge at his comment. I know he knows that he’s the unreasonable one. He’s playing on it. I don’t bite. ‘I’m ignoring you.’ I grumble.

‘Not for long. I’m taking you home to our tower in the sky. I’ve not been inside you for way too long.’ He stands and props me on my feet. ‘Shall we?’ He cocks his arm out and I link it with mine, my stomach clenching at the prospects awaiting me when we get home.

‘I fancy a bit of rowing.’ I flip casually.

He raises a sardonic eyebrow at me. ‘We’ll row another day, baby. I want to make love.’ he says softly, looking down at me. I smile.

He leads me through the summer room and to the entrance hall. I ignore the disappointed faces of all of the women we pass, all obviously hoping we would be leaving separately. John meets us at the door and gives me his distinguished smile.

‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ Jesse informs him as he opens the door for me.

‘S’all good.’ He slaps Jesse on the shoulder and walks off in the direction of the bar.

Jesse places his hand in the small of my back to guide me out and as I turn, I catch a glimpse of Sarah standing in the doorway of the bar. She greets John, but her eyes are fixed firmly on me and Jesse leaving The Manor. She is watching intently and there is no mistaking the look of bitterness on her pouty face. I predict handbags at dawn. She looks like a woman who gets what she wants. My bitchy side races to the surface, and I silently dare her to try, tossing her a warning look. I ignore the little part of my brain advising me that I’m preparing myself for a trampling mission. My neurotic Lord is rubbing off on me.

‘Leave your car, we’ll get it tomorrow.’ he says as he opens the passenger door to his Aston Martin.

‘I may as well drive it back now.’ I’m here, it would be silly not to.

He narrows his eyes on me and thrusts his hand towards the passenger seat of his car. I shake my head, but get in. We’ve had enough words for today. I don’t need my car, anyway. He slips in besides me and starts the car.

As we make our way down the long driveway, we pass Sam’s Porsche on its way towards The Manor. I bolt upright in my seat. ‘Hey, there’s Kate!’ I blurt. Sam honks his horn and puts his thumb up to Jesse, and I crane my neck as we pass them. Kate puts a reluctant hand up to me. ‘What’s she doing here?’ I look at Jesse, who keeps his eyes on the road. Oh, good God! ‘She’s a member, isn’t she?’ I ask accusingly.

‘I don’t discuss members. Confidentiality.’ He’s dead pan.

‘So she is a member!’ I shriek. I don’t believe this.

He shrugs and presses a button to open the gates. The little minx! Why hasn’t she told me? Is she here for all things kinky in general, or is she here for Sam specifically? Christ, just when I thought my fiery, red headed friend couldn’t surprise me more. Oh, she has some explaining to do.

Jesse roars off down the road and plays with a few buttons on the steering wheel. The stereo kicks in and I’m surrounded by a distinctive male voice. I recognise it.

‘Who’s this?’ I ask.

He starts tapping the steering wheel. ‘John Legend. You like?’

Oh, I do. I reach over to the steering wheel and Jesse slides his hands down to give me access to the controls. I locate the right one and turn it up more.

‘I’ll take that as a yes.’ He smirks and reaches over to place his hand on my knee. I cover it with mine.

‘Yes, I do.’ I answer. ‘Is your hand okay?’

‘Fine, unravel your knickers, lady.’

‘I need to text Patrick.’

‘Yes, do. I’m looking forward to having you all to myself tomorrow and all weekend.’ He removes his hand from my knee and replaces it on the steering wheel.