Текст книги "This Man Confessed"

Автор книги: Jodi Ellen Malpas

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Текущая страница: 26 (всего у книги 34 страниц)

Chapter 28

‘Dan?’ I say warily, staring at my brothers back. He’s sitting opposite Jesse at his desk, and he turns at the sound of his name. ‘What are you doing here?’ The sudden astronomical consequences of his visit hits me hard.

‘Hey, kiddo.’ He stands, all smiling, and makes his way over to me, stooping to hug me. ‘Congratulations.’

‘I might get to tell someone myself soon.’ I grumble, landing Jesse with a reproachful look over my brother’s shoulder. He shrugs sheepishly and pouts before mouthing I love you and pulling at his suit jacket, and then his shirt, as if reminding me that he dressed in what I asked this morning, so I should go easy on him.

‘So what are you doing here?’ I repeat, cocking my head at Jesse, but he just shrugs again and remains quiet. It’s a novelty.

‘Making amends.’ Dan releases me and runs his hand through his dark mop. ‘I didn’t want to go home without sorting this out.’

‘Oh?’ I look at Jesse, but damn him he just shrugs again. ‘So you’re friends?’

‘Something like that. Anyway, I need to shoot. I’m meeting Harvey up west.’ He turns to Jesse. ‘Thanks.’

‘No problem.’ Jesse nods, not bothering to be civil and stand to see Dan out. That and the nonchalant shrugs leaves me very suspicious.

‘When are you heading back?’ I ask when he’s facing me again.

‘I’m not sure. Depends on flights. I’ll call you, okay.’ He kisses my cheek and heads past me, meeting the big guy at the door. John shakes his menacing head at me before escorting my brother from Jesse’s office. What’s he doing here, anyway?

I point my suspiciousness at Jesse, and I know he knows what I’m thinking because he’s refusing to meet my eyes. ‘What was all that about?’

‘What?’

I walk over to the sofa and drop my bag down before taking the seat my brother has just vacated. ‘Look at me.’ I demand. Those three words always do the trick, but not because he’s obeying me. It’s because he’s always shocked to hear them. I don’t care. He can look at me stunned all he likes. ‘Why was Dan here?’

He stands and picks his phone up from the desk. ‘He apologised.’

I laugh in his face. Dan would never apologise, not to Jesse. I’ve known him my whole life, and I know he’s far too proud to back down, especially to a man like Jesse. Dan feels inferior, as most men do. Just because he’s my brother, doesn’t eliminate the testosterone batting between them. ‘I don’t believe you.’

‘That makes me sad, baby.’ He pulls a solemn face, which raises my suspicions further. ‘Now, tell me. What did Patrick say?’

I know my suspicious glower has just transformed into guilt, and it’s me evading his eyes now.

‘You’ve not told him, have you?’ he asks with an edge of anger in his tone. ‘Ava?’

‘He wasn’t in the office,’ I blurt quickly. ‘But he will be tomorrow, so I’ll speak to him then.

‘Too late, lady. You’ve had your chance. Again and again and again.’

‘That’s not fair.’ I argue. ‘I told Mikael I won’t be working with him anymore, so you can’t say I’m not trying to resolve this.’ I know immediately that I’ve made a grave mistake when his shoulders stiffen and his greens widen.

‘You did what?’

‘I don’t think he drugged me, Jesse. He said he wanted me, so why would he hurt me?’ I need to shut the hell up. Those words have just made his mouth drop open.

‘What the fucking hell are you doing talking to him?’ He rests his fist on the desk, like a silver backed gorilla getting ready to charge. It makes me sit back in my chair.

‘He knows that you’ve…’ I start a frantic tap on my front tooth with my nail, ‘entertained other women while we’ve been together.’ I hold my breath, knowing that I’m increasing the building fury.

‘We agreed never to speak of that again.’ He virtually grinds the words out, his jaw tense to snapping point.

‘It’s hard when people keep reminding me of it.’ I’m leaning forward now, finding a momentary spurt of braveness. I will not be made to feel like a pain in the arse on this. ‘How does he know?’ I figure the answer out before he can deny even knowing it. The chewed lip and quite a few other things, mental comprehension, mainly, bring me to a fast conclusion. Mikael’s ex-wife. ‘She was one of them, wasn’t she?’ I ask. His eyes close, and I stand up and lean across the desk, mirroring his threatening stance. He doesn’t need to reply. ‘You said months. You said you hadn’t been with her for months, that you didn’t understand why she was suddenly sniffing around. You’ve slept with her more than once, too!’

‘I didn’t want to upset you.’ He’s still hostile. It’s a blatant defence mechanism.

‘Tell me. Did you call them up and have them make a queue outside your door?’

‘No, they hear that I’m on the drink and they’re like flies around shit.’

‘I hate you.’

‘No you don’t.’

‘Yes, I do.’

‘Don’t make my heart crack, Ava. Does it matter who it was?’

‘No, what matters is that you lied to me.’

‘I was protecting you.’

‘And it’s hilarious that every single time you do that, you end up hurting me.’

‘I know.’

‘So, have you learnt?’

‘Every fucking day.’ He grabs my jaw aggressively, but says softly, ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Good.’ I nod decisively in his hold, suddenly registering that our faces are now touching as we both lean in over his desk. We’re burning each other with angry gazes, mixed with a ton of lust. ‘How did this happen?’ I ask the question out loud when I was only intending on thinking it.

‘Because, my beautiful girl, we’re meant to be stuck together. Constant contact. Kiss me.’

‘I’ve accepted that you’re an arsehole, so there’s no need to try and get me submitting to your touch now.’ I will, though.

‘I missed you, baby.’

I climb up onto his desk and inch my way closer on my knees until I’m wrapped around him and my lips are all over his. Stupidly, I’ve missed him, too. One working day after Paradise and I’m feeling hard done by—short changed. I’ve been suffering Jesse withdrawal and now I’ve finally gotten my next hit. ‘I wish you were pure and untouched.’ I mumble, trailing my lips over every inch of his face. Of everything, this I wish the most—that no one came before me, or even during me. I’ve forgiven him, I truly have, but I’m struggling to forget.

‘I am.’ He sits down in his leather chair and jostles with me until I give in and let him sit me on his lap. ‘The most important part of me is untouched.’ He takes my hand and twirls my rings for a few thoughtful moments before flattening my palm and placing it on his chest. ‘Or it was until you stepped into my office. Now it’s being stamped all over and is exploding with pure love for you.’

I smile. ‘I like feeling it beating.’ I move in, opening his jacket up and lowering my ear to his shirt. ‘I like hearing it, too.’ It’s one of the most comforting things in the world.

His arms wrap around me and pull me in closer. ‘How was your day?’

‘Crap. I want Paradise.’

He laughs and kisses the top of my head. ‘I’m in Paradise whenever I’m with you. I don’t need a villa.’

‘You were more relaxed in Paradise.’ I say it how it is. I know being back in London will slowly draw my neurotic control freak back to the surface.

‘I’m relaxed now.’

‘Yes, that is because I’m sitting on your lap, coated in you.’ I reply sardonically, earning myself a little dig in the hollow space above my hips. I laugh and turn myself around on his lap so I’m facing his desk. ‘How was your day?’

His hands slide around onto my tummy and his chin rests on my shoulder, getting a mouthful of my hair. He splutters and sweeps it away. ‘Long. How are my peanuts?’

‘Fine,’ His notepad catches my eye. ‘Why is my brother’s name written down there?’ I reach forward to pull it closer, but too slowly because it’s soon whipped from under my nose and shoved in the top drawer of Jesse’s desk. I pull my hand back on a shocked jump at his fast movement. ‘Daniel Joseph O’Shea?’ I frown to myself, thinking I definitely saw numbers on that paper, and it wasn’t a telephone number. ‘Why have you got Dan’s bank account number written down?’

‘I haven’t.’ he quickly dismisses my question, and he’s tense. Damn him, he hasn’t learnt at all.

I remove myself from his lap and place myself to the side of him, punishing him with a stare equal to his don’t push it glare. ‘I’m giving you three seconds, Ward.’

His lips press into a straight, aggravated line. ‘The countdown is mine.’ he claims, childishly.

‘Three,’ I even hold three fingers up, in the most provoking fashion possible. I’m just as bad as he is. ‘Two,’ I lose a finger, but I don’t get to one or zero because I have an obvious moment of lucidity. ‘You’re giving him money!’

‘No.’ He shakes his head in the most unpersuasive way possible, shifting his feet in his seated position. He’s becoming as bad at lying as I am. I’m so glad.

‘You’re a shit liar, too, Ward.’ I swivel on my heels and make a run for it, mainly to catch my brother before he leaves, but also to escape Jesse before he catches me.

‘Ava!’

I take no notice of the threatening shout of my name, as per usual, and break into a full on run when I reach the summer room. I know he’s in pursuit, and not just because of his thundering footsteps, echoing behind me. I pass the kitchens, the bar and restaurant and skid on my heels when I find Dan standing by the huge round table in the entrance hall. He’s not doing anything or talking to anyone. John is here, too, and I know why that is. It’s the same reason why John accompanied me everywhere in the early days. I watch in apprehension as Dan looks around and John tries to usher him on, but he’s not shifting, not even for the big guy.

Jesse’s chest hits my back, and I’m picked up and turned in his arms. He’s not happy. ‘For fuck sake, woman! You’ll give the babies brain damage! No running!’

If I wasn’t so concerned by my brother’s location and behaviour, I would laugh at the crazy idiot holding me firmly in his arms. ‘Get a grip!’ I wriggle free and swing around, finding Dan watching us. His brow is completely furrowed, and John looks on edge.

Dan takes a leisurely gaze around the entrance hall again, then his inquisitive eyes land on Jesse. ‘If this is a hotel, then where’s the reception area?’

‘What?’ Jesse’s tone is impatient, almost defensive, and I wish it wasn’t. It’s a dead giveaway and I’m praying for him to think up something quickly.

‘Where do your guests pick up the keys to their room? And what about local attractions? Isn’t it common to have one of those stands with a shit load of leaflets in, telling people where to visit?’ He looks up at John. ‘And why the need to have a gorilla escorting me everywhere?’

I cringe, Jesse tenses and John growls. My brother is a bit quicker on the uptake than me. I didn’t consider any of those points, except John. I’m wracking my blank mind for something, anything, but it just isn’t happening. I, or we, have been caught completely off guard. And then I hear a voice and it’s the only voice in the world that I would wish not to hear right now.

Kate.

I visibly sag on the spot, and I feel Jesse’s hand on the small of my back. Why isn’t he saying anything? I watch and listen in horror as Kate and Sam dance down the stairs, giggling, feeling each other up and generally looking all sexed up. This is a disaster. I can’t help elbowing Jesse in the ribs, a silent demand to say something. Oh God, please say something!

Kate and Sam are completely oblivious to the silent peanut gallery awaiting them at the bottom of the stairs, as they fondle and pet each other, saying inappropriate things, of which one sentence definitely included the word dildo. I’m in hell, and no one has even said anything, except my delinquent best friend and her cheeky chap of a boyfriend, not that they are aware… yet. I expect all of that will change soon, though, and it doesn’t look likely to be Jesse who’ll speak. He’s silent behind me, probably just as torn as me. I’m stuck in limbo. It’s the closest I’ve come to watching a train crash, all very slowly. Dan and The Manor; Dan and Kate; Dan and Sam; Dan and Jesse. The shit is going to hit the fan in a big way.

‘Oh!’ Kate’s delighted shriek echoes around the entrance hall, followed by Sam’s sexed up growl. Then they land at the bottom of the stairs in a messy bundle of entwined arms and frantic lips, eating each other alive. They should have stayed in the suite because they are nowhere near done. ‘Sam!’ She laughs and falls back over his arm, catching my eye, her happy face beaming further, until she clocks my brother. She’s not laughing now. In fact, she looks close to seizure. She scrambles up and slaps a disgruntled Sam away before smoothing down her wild red hair and pulling at her dishevelled clothes. But she doesn’t say anything and neither does Sam as he looks to and fro between the quiet observers.

Dan breaks the screaming silence. ‘Hotel?’ He’s drilling holes into Kate and Sam at regular intervals, back and forth, before turning his questioning eyes to Jesse. ‘Do you often let your friends carry on like this in your establishment?’

‘Dan,’ I step forward, but I don’t get very far. Jesse places himself in front of me.

‘I think you should come back to my office, Dan.’ Jesse’s voice is intimidating, as is his body language.

‘No, thanks.’ Dan almost laughs, keeping his eyes on Kate. I’ve never seen her looking so uncomfortable, and Sam must me wondering what’s going on. ‘You’re whoring it up at a brothel?’

‘What the fuck?’ Sam shouts, ‘Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?’ Sam’s moving forward, but Kate catches his arm, pulling him back

‘This is no brothel, and I am no whore.’ Her voice is shaky and unsure as she holds on to Sam. I want to jump to her defence, but no words are forming and Jesse saves me the trouble, anyway.

He approaches Dan, wraps his palm around the nape of my brothers neck and leans in, whispering something in his ear. It’s the most threatening act possible, and I don’t even want to consider what he has said, especially when Dan shows his willingness to follow Jesse’s lead, with no further persuasion. I go to follow, too, I want to hear this, but I’m halted, as I secretly knew I would be.

‘Wait for me in the bar, baby.’ He tries to turn me, but I’m feeling a little defiant. I’m not sure that I’m happy with Jesse taking Dan to his office alone.

‘I’d like to come.’ I have no faith in my feigned confidence. I know that look. He may have called me baby to soften the demand, but I’m not fooled. I’m not going in that office. No, I’m on my way to the bar, and I’m not walking. I’m placed on my stool, Mario is summoned and I’m hit with the don’t push it look.

‘You’ll stay put.’ He kisses my cheek, like it will appease me. It won’t. My eyes are throwing daggers right at his back as he stalks out of the bar in long, even strides.

‘Ah!’ Mario’s happy sing draws my attention away from my husband’s disappearing back. ‘Look at you, all… how you say? Like a flower. Blooming!’ He clucks my cheek across the bar and passes me a bottle of water. ‘No more Mario’s Most Marvellous for you!’

I grunt but smile, taking a long swig of the icy water, leaving Mario to go and tend to other members. Sam wanders in, looking all chirpy and with his dimple in its usual spot. I’m confused. ‘Hey, Mama!’ He has a cheeky rub of my stomach. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Fine…’ The word trails from my mouth slowly. ‘Where’s Kate?’

‘Ladies,’ he replies quickly, waving Mario for a beer.

I look past him, wondering if I should go and see her. ‘Is she okay?’

‘Yeah, she’s fine.’ He doesn’t look at me, but I have a feeling he knows there’s a face full of confusion focused on him. He looks out the corner of his eye to me, and then sits on a sigh. ‘I know you all think it, but I’m not stupid.’

My back straightens. ‘I don’t think you’re stupid.’ I defend myself. He’s a little oblivious, maybe, but not stupid.

He smiles. ‘I’ve worked out Kate and Dan. I worked that out the very first time I met Kate, and his name was only mentioned then. I know why she called it off with me, and I know that something went down at your wedding.’

I know I look as guilty as sin, and I’m wondering if Kate is aware of this. ‘Why have you kept quiet?’

‘I don’t know.’ He tips his bottle to his lips, clearly pondering that, too. I know why, but should I put it out there? ‘She’s a great girl.’ he shrugs.

I nod thoughtfully, smiling on the inside. I could happily bang their heads together. I could also cry for Sam. Something tells me he’s never shared his orphan history with many women, if any, but Kate knows and whilst they both act so casual and carefree, I know there are a whole lot of feelings here that neither one of them seem to be admitting to, or doing anything about. ‘I think I’ll go and find Kate.’ I stand and give Sam a shoulder rub—a silent gesture of understanding, to which he responds with a cheeky grin, leaning down and whispering some mushy rubbish to my navel.

Leaving a love sick Sam at the bar, I go and find my dumb arse friend in the toilets. There are two other people who I feel the need to burst in on, but I plump for Kate. Neither of my potential endpoints will have people waiting with open arms, but I’m trusting Jesse to deal with this. I can’t even begin to imagine what’s being said in his office. I just hope that whatever happens, Dan doesn’t go squealing to my parents, and I have every faith my husband will stop that from happening.

I push the door open and find Kate braced over the sink, her red hair completely concealing her face as she looks into the bowl. ‘Hey,’ I tread carefully, not wanting her to go on the defensive.

She pulls her head up with some effort and shows me glass blue eyes full of despair. ‘Do you think I’m a whore?’

‘No!’ I’m shocked that she would even ask. A little reckless perhaps, but never a whore. I’ve labelled all of the women here exactly that, and in truth, Kate has been venturing into the same exploits as all of them, so how is she different? I’m awash with remorse for having these thoughts. She’s different because she’s my friend and I know her. She’s only doing this for Sam, or she thinks she needs to do it for Sam. I’m very suddenly seeing the ladies of The Manor in a different light. I know for sure that many of them are only here for one purpose and that purpose is a tall, lean God who is no longer available. He has a wife and now twins on the way which has both shocked these women and pissed them off. Memberships are being cancelled to prove it, as well as some of the relentless ones taking things further. Like drugging me, or trying to run me off the road, or sending me a threatening note. Suddenly, it becomes a very frightening thought that any one of these women could be behind this. Has Jesse got an inkling?

‘What the hell have I got myself into, Ava?’ Kate’s question snaps me from my disturbing thoughts.

‘Love?’ I blurt before I can think of whether or not it’s a good thing to say. Her wide blues tells me it’s not. ‘You’re going to deny it again, are’t you?’

‘No,’ she whispers. ‘I think we’re past all that bullshit.’

‘We’re past it?’ I laugh. ‘Kate, we were past it weeks ago.’ I’m completely exasperated, but so relieved. My blind friend has finally seen the light, or admitted that she seen it long ago—whichever. I don’t honestly care. ‘He’s at the bar, and he…’ I pause, quickly reining in what I was about to say. I’m not forewarning her that Sam knows about Dan. That’s for them to sort out.

‘He’s what?’ She looks all panicky which just reaffirms my decision to hold back. She’ll do a bunk, I know she will. She’ll assume the worst and flee, not giving Sam the opportunity to express his thoughts.

‘He’s waiting for you.’ I finish.

Her whole body relaxes and an air of contentment seems to form a haze around her. ‘So I should go?’ she asks, looking for reassurance. It’s rare to see her doubt herself or ask for encouragement or guidance.

‘You should go.’ I confirm on a grin. ‘You have to take a chance, Kate. I think you’ll be surprised where Sam leads you.’

‘Do you?’

‘I really do,’ I smile and take my unsure friend in my arms and squeeze all of the uncertainties out of her. ‘Please go and talk to him. And let him talk, too.’

‘Okay,’ she agrees. ‘I will,’ She pushes me off her, pulling a disgusted face. ‘Quit with the slushy shit.’

‘Of course, it’s all me.’ I turn to the mirror, along with Kate, and we both start rubbing under our eyes.

‘What do you think Jesse is saying to Dan?’ Kate question reminds me quickly that they’re alone.

‘I don’t know.’ I say on a frown, but I suspect I do. ‘I’m going to find out. You good?’

‘Fan-fucking-tastic.’ She drops a quick peck on my cheek and leads the way from the ladies, her going right towards the bar, me heading left towards Jesse’s office.

I burst in, my eyes almost closed, like I’m protecting them from the certainty of seeing my brother held against the wall by his throat. He’s not, though. They’re in the same seated positions as the last time I walked in on them—Jesse in his chair, relaxed, and Dan with his back to me.

‘Why are you taking money from Jesse?’ I ask assertively in an attempt to make both of them see that I mean business. I definitely don’t mistake the rise and tense of Dan’s shoulders. He might have rumbled Jesse’s establishment, but I’ve rumbled this little agreement, although I don’t know what the agreement is or even if I want to know. But that doesn’t stop me from pressing on. ‘Are you going to answer me?’

Dan doesn’t, but Jesse does. ‘Ava, I told you to stay put.’

‘I’m not talking to you.’ I counter fearlessly, spiking an incredible scoff of disbelieve.

‘Well, I’m talking to you.’ he counters.

‘Shut up.’ I approach the desk and poke Dan in the back. ‘You’re keeping quiet. Have you nothing to say?’

‘See what I have to deal with?’ Jesse’s palms face the heavens in hopelessness. ‘Fucking pain in the arse.’

I flip Jesse a scowl and smack my brother on the shoulder. ‘Speak. What’s going on?’

‘I’m broke.’ Dan says quietly. ‘Jesse’s agreed to help me out.’

‘You asked?’ I blurt in disbelief. That’s brash, given the history of my husband and brother’s relationship.

‘No, he offered, and there were no strings attached… until ten minutes ago.’

‘You’re bribing my brother?’ I swing my gaze to Jesse, whose hands are now forming a thoughtful steeple in front of his mouth. ‘You’ve paid him to keep quiet?’

‘No, I’ve lent him some money and added a little clause to the contract at a later date.’

I’m appalled, but stupidly relieved. Jesse said my parents would never know, and he’s ensuring that he keeps his promise. ‘What about the surf school? And why haven’t you asked mum and dad? They would’ve lent you some money.’

‘We’re not talking a few quid, Ava. I’m up to my eyeballs. I’ve got myself a massive loan to fund my share of the business and my partner did a runner with it. I’m fucked.’

I crumble. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’

‘Why do you think?’ He looks truly humiliated. ‘I was turned over, Ava. I have nothing left.’

My sorry eyes fall back on Jesse, who’s remaining extremely quiet, but studying me closely. ‘How much?’ I ask. My question makes my husband look all uncomfortable, and Dan is shifting in his chair next to me, which can only mean one thing. I know we’re not talking about a couple of grand here. ‘Five thousand? Ten thousand? Tell me.’

‘Just a few.’ Dan interjects before Jesse can tell me himself. I don’t believe him for a moment.

‘Jesse?’ I push, holding him in place with a determined glare. I need to know how much trouble my brother’s in.

His eyes break from mine for a few moments and aim for Dan before he takes a deep breath and starts rubbing his temples. ‘I’m sorry, Dan. I’m not lying to her. Two hundred, baby.’ he says on a long exhale, continuing with the tension easing. I might need some temple rubs myself. I’m hoping by two hundred, he means pounds, but I know I’m hoping in vain. I stagger back a little in shock and Jesse is out of his chair in the blink of an eye. He looks mad.

‘Damn it, Ava.’ He holds me in place by my shoulders. ‘Are you okay? Are you dizzy? Do you want to sit down?’

‘Two hundred thousand!’ I yell. ‘What sort of bank lends two hundred thousand?’ I shrug a faffing Jesse away as my shock allows for the information to sink in, turning my disbelief into anger. ‘I’m fine!’

‘Don’t push me away, Ava!’ he yells back at me, taking my elbow and leading me around his desk. I’m pushed gently onto his massive office chair. ‘Don’t be getting your knickers in a twist, lady.’ It’s not healthy.’

‘My blood pressure is fine!’ I snap petulantly, but I suspect it’s probably just gone through the roof. ‘Two hundred thousand? No bank in their right mind would lend that sort of money for a surf school!’ Australian banks must work the same as British banks. They would laugh in anyone’s face if they rocked up with a request on that scale. How much can a few surf boards cost?

‘No, you’re right.’ Dan’s shrinking further into his chair, making himself smaller and smaller. It’s an indication of how he feels—small and stupid. ‘A loan shark would, though.’

‘Oh God!’ My hands fall into my palms. I know how they work, not that I’ve had the pleasure myself. ‘What were you thinking?’ I can feel Jesse’s palm rubbing soothing circles into my back, but it doesn’t soothe me at all.

‘I wasn’t thinking, Ava.’ he sighs.

I uncover my face, just so Dan can see the disappointment on it. I thought he was smart. ‘Is that the only reason you came home?’

‘They’re looking for me.’ Dan’s defeated face yanks at my heart strings. ‘You don’t get away with non-payment with these types.’

‘You said you were doing well,’ I remind him, but I get no explanation, just a shrug. ‘Just stay here.’ I sit forward in my chair. ‘Don’t go back.’ I hear Jesse’s quiet laugh and see Dan’s soft smile. Both reactions to my remedy are not being taken seriously. They are also a clue that both men find my naivety endearing. I don’t see a problem, though. Australia is on the other side of the planet.

‘Ava,’ Dan sits forward, too. ‘If I don’t go back, then they will come here. I’ve already been warned, and I believe it. I’m not putting mum, dad or you at risk and…’ Dan’s interrupted mid-sentence by a cough from over my shoulder, pulling his stare from me to Jesse. I don’t need to turn around to know what expression will be on my husband’s face. Dan continues. ‘These people are dangerous, Ava.’

My head hurts, and Jesse’s hand rubs are becoming firmer. I rest my head back on the chair and look up at Jesse. ‘You can’t just deposit that kind of money into a bank account. Isn’t it laundering? I don’t want you involved, Jesse.’ I feel terrible saying that, given my brother’s sorry situation and knowing Jesse is his only hope, but we have enough of our own issues, without Dan adding to them.

He smiles down at me. ‘Do you honestly think I’d do anything to put you and my babies at risk?’ He nods at my stomach. ‘I’m transferring enough money into Dan’s account to get him back to Australia. I have the details of an off-shore account where I’ll transfer the two hundred. They won’t know where the money has come from, baby. I wouldn’t do it otherwise.’

‘Really?’ I’m looking for reassurance.

‘Really.’ His eyebrows rise and he lowers to kiss my cheek. ‘There are ways. Trust me.’ His confidence makes me wonder if this is something he has handled before. I wouldn’t be at all surprised.

‘Okay,’ I concede, accepting his kiss before feeling his face out. ‘Thank you.’

‘Don’t thank me.’ he warns seriously.

I look across the desk to my brother, who has noticeably eased up. ‘Have you thanked my husband?’ I ask, suddenly feeling a little resentful.

‘Of course,’ Dan retorts, offended. ‘I never asked, Ava. I came to make peace. Your husband’s been doing some digging.’ Dan’s tone shouldn’t be, taking into consideration his dependence on Jesse helping him out of the shit, but it’s accusing.

‘Has he?’ I swing my eyes upwards. ‘Have you?’

He almost rolls his eyes, like he thinks I’m stupid for not thinking something was amiss myself. ‘I know a man in the shit, Ava.’

‘Oh,’ I whisper. This is too much. I feel exhausted. ‘Can we go home?’ I ask.

‘I’m sorry.’ Jesse pulls me up from his chair and does a quick scan of my body and face. ‘I’ve neglected you.’

‘I’m fine, just tired.’ I sigh and pull my depleted form towards Dan. ‘When are you leaving?’ I sound short and stroppy, but I can’t help it. I know exactly why Jesse is doing this, and it’s not just to keep Dan quiet. That was an essential add on when needed. He’s doing it firstly because he won’t risk the Australian Mafia turning up in London, and secondly because he knows I’ll be a wreck if anything happens to Dan, which is highly likely if Jesse doesn’t get him out of the diabolical situation that the idiot has gotten himself into. I won’t hold my breath that Jesse will see a penny of his money again. Dan wouldn’t earn enough in a lifetime to pay him back.

‘Tonight.’ Dan stands. ‘They’ll be on their way over if I’m not back by Thursday, so I guess this is goodbye for a while.’

‘You weren’t going to tell me you were leaving?’ I ask.

‘I would have called you, kiddo.’ I can sense his shame, but it doesn’t ease the hurt. ‘I’m not your favourite man anymore.’ he adds on a smile. I’m not going to disagree. He’s not. He always was, even during my relationships with Matt and Adam, but not anymore. My favourite man is currently holding my tired body up and massaging my tummy with his comforting touch.

‘Take care,’ I force a smile, not wanting to contravene my mother’s instruction to never leave a loved one on a bad word.

‘Can I?’ he asks for Jesse’s permission with his arms open, stepping forward.

‘Sure,’ Jesse hand reluctantly leaves my stomach, but he still holds me until Dan has me in his embrace.

I don’t want to, but I do. I let a few tears escape and soak into Dan’s jacket as I return his tight clinch. ‘Please be careful,’ I beg.

‘Hey, I’ll be fine.’ He holds me at arm’s length. ‘I can’t believe your husband owns a sex club.’ I smile as he rids my cheeks of tears with his thumb and kisses my forehead. I feel guilty for not feeling more excited, but the truth is, I don’t need him anymore. And he knows it. ‘Look after her,’ Dan puts his hand out to Jesse, who takes it without even a snort of disgust at my brothers insulting demand. He just nods and reclaims me before Dan has fully released me.