Текст книги "This Man Confessed"

Автор книги: Jodi Ellen Malpas

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Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 34 страниц)

Chapter 3

The summer room looks incredible. Hints of green foliage peek out from among the masses of calla lilies adorning every spare space. The chairs are draped in white organza with big green bows fastened to the back, and the tables are scattered with fern leaves. Tall glass vases, full of crystal clear water and tall calla lilies dominate the tables.

Simple, understated elegance.

I’ve picked my way through a three course meal with no wine, played with my napkin and indulged anyone who’s approached in conversation. I’ve done anything to avoid looking at Jesse. John has given a short, sweet speech as Jesse’s best man. There was no talk of their history as friends, no mention of Uncle Carmichael or the early days. John doesn’t do humour, although he seems to find Jesse’s way with me quite amusing.

And my Dad. I’m close to tears as I watch him battle his way through his post-it notes, reminiscing on my youth, advising every one of my feisty streak, and then proceeding to tell them about the time I got caught shoplifting a penny sweet and ate the evidence.

He raises his glass and turns towards us. ‘Jesse, good luck.’ he says seriously, prompting a chorus of laughter from all of our guests and a huge smile from Jesse, who raises his glass, too, then stands himself, keeping his arm down so he doesn’t yank at my wrist. My dad is applauded as he sits and downs a straight whiskey, my mum rubbing his shoulder on a smile.

Jesse places his water on the table and turns towards me, dropping to his knees and taking my hands in his. My back straightens, and my eyes make a quick scan of the room, noting all attention is pointed right at us. Why can’t he play by the rules?

His thumbs are working fast circles on the backs of my hands, and then he plays with my rings, turning them on my finger before straightening them up. He lifts his glorious greens, and I’m blasted by twinkling pools of pure happiness. I make him happy, even when I’m avoiding something we really do need to talk about. After my continuous battle to get this man talking, it’s now me who’s skirting around things. It’s me running away from it, even if I am running away from a problem he’s created.

‘Ava,’ he says quietly, but I’ve no doubt the whole room can hear him. The silence is screaming. ‘My beautiful girl.’ He smiles mildly. ‘All mine.’ Leaning up, he kisses me sweetly. ‘I don’t need to stand up and declare to everyone here how much I love you. I’m not interested in satisfying anyone of that. Except you.’

A lump is forming in my throat, and he’s only just started.

He sighs. ‘You’ve taken me completely, baby. You’ve swallowed me up and drowned me in your beauty and spirit. You know I can’t function without you. You’ve made my life as beautiful as you are. You’ve made me want to live a worthy existence—a life with you. All I need is you—to look at you; to listen to you; to feel you.’ He drops my hands and smoothes his palms over my thighs. ‘To love you.’

I’m ruined. My mum’s ruined. Everyone in the room is ruined. My teeth are clamped on my bottom lip to prevent a sob escaping, I’m choking on the lump in my throat and my eyes are welling with tears as I look down at Jesse’s handsome face.

‘I need you to let me do all of those things, Ava. I need you to let me look after you forever.’

I hear my mum’s quiet sob, and I can’t help mine. Not now. He used to cripple me with just his touch. Now he cripples me with his touch and his words. I’m destined for a life of devastating pleasure, melting tenderness, and heart stopping emotion. He’s going to incapacitate me at every turn.

‘I know.’ I whisper.

He nods and exhales a long lungful of air before standing and pulling me up to his body. My face falls straight into his neck, and I breathe him into me, his fresh, minty scent prompting me to close my eyes on a contented sigh.

The room is no longer silent. When I pull out of Jesse’s hold, I see people standing everywhere, a steady, respectful clapping of hands resonating through the room. I should feel embarrassed, but I don’t. He’s just spoken to me like we were alone, proving that he really doesn’t care where he is and who’s there—wherever and whenever, as it always has been and as it always will be.

I watch as my mum approaches and throws her arms around Jesse. ‘Jesse Ward, I love you,’ she says in his ear, as he holds her with one arm, ‘but please remove those handcuffs from my daughter.’

‘Not going to happen, Elizabeth.’

She releases him and slaps his shoulder, and then Kate dives on him. ‘Oh my God. I wanna kiss your feet.’

I roll my eyes, getting my arm yanked all over the place while people congratulate my neurotic ex-playboy on his little speech. It’s our wedding day, and I don’t want to be here. All of these people, including Kate and my mother, are getting in my way. I want him all to myself, but evening guests are arriving so we’re not going anywhere.

After I’ve been kissed on the cheek a million times, and Jesse has shaken hands with everyone, he starts leading me from the summer room.

‘Ava?’

I turn, finding my brother close behind us. I almost wish he wasn’t here. He’s struggling, and it’s incredibly painful to see. Looking down at my wrist, I start wondering how I can convince Jesse to release me. He wouldn’t for my mum, and I haven’t much faith that he will for my brother. I know Dan’s wary of him, and I also know that Jesse is aware of this. I turn my eyes up to Jesse and find him watching me. He knows what I’m thinking, and I know he’s not happy about it, but he still reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small key.

Without a word, he releases me from the cuffs and leaves them dangling from his wrist. ‘Go.’ he says quietly, flicking threatening eyes at Dan.

Dan gives as good as he gets, flashing an equally warning glare. I don’t need this, not with two of the most important men in my life. I know why Dan is cautious, even if he doesn’t know the whole story, and I know damn well why Jesse is. Dan’s a threat. He’s my brother, but he’s still a threat. In Jesse’s eyes, anyway.

I lean up to kiss Jesse’s cheek and feel his hand glide around my hips, smoothing over my bum before he rips his eyes away from Dan and turns his face into my lips. ‘Don’t be long.’ he says, releasing me and striding off towards the bar.

‘Come on.’ I hold my hand out to Dan, and he takes it, letting me lead him out to the gardens.

We’re silent for a short while as we wander down the gravel path, past the tennis courts, finding ourselves in the woodlands. The low evening sun is fighting through the canopy of trees and scattering dashes of sparkling light across the ground before us. I focus my attention on tracking the puddles of light as they dance across the forest floor at my feet. There has never been discomfort between us, but the tension now feels really uncomfortable.

Dropping Dan’s hand and lifting my dress, I step over a large twig and catch my heel, causing me to stagger slightly. ‘Oh!’

‘Careful.’ Dan grabs my elbow to steady me. ‘I don’t think those shoes were made for hiking.’ he quips on a small smile.

I relax immediately. ‘No,’ I laugh, straightening myself out.

‘Ava…’ he trails off.

I give him a tired look. ‘Just say it, Dan. Whatever you’ve been dying to say since you’ve met Jesse, just say it.’

‘Okay. I don’t like him.’

I recoil a little. He hardly knows him. ‘Okay,’ I laugh uncomfortably. ‘I didn’t think you’d be so blunt.’

He shrugs. ‘What do you want me to say?’

‘You don’t even know him. The only attempt you’ve made to speak with him, to get to know him, was when you tried to warn him.’ I accuse. My mum might have intercepted Dan’s older brother speech, but he still made a start, and Jesse’s ticking jaw was a clear indication of what he thought of Dan’s intended caution.

‘Explain about this drink issue, then.’ he challenges.

My eyes widen. ‘What are you talking about?’ I don’t like the reproachful look on his face, not at all.

‘I’m talking about the drink issue Matt brought up—the drink issue that hasn’t been mentioned since. The fact he hasn’t touched alcohol all day hasn’t gone unnoticed, Ava. Not on my part, anyway. Mum’s probably too wrapped up in mother-of-the-bride duties to see it.’

I knew it was too much of a good thing. After Jesse’s sly stunt of getting my parents to London, they fell in love with him and the drink issue wasn’t mentioned again. They put it down to Matt being spiteful. I don’t need Dan unearthing an issue that really isn’t an issue. Jesse hasn’t had a drink since I found him at Lusso. He doesn’t need it if he has me, and he most definitely has me.

‘And where’s his family?’ he asks.

‘I’ve told you. He doesn’t speak to them.’

‘Right.’ He laughs. ‘That’s convenient. And to think I disliked Matt.’

‘So now you’re suddenly a Matt advocate, are you?’ I snipe nastily. I point my finger in his face. I feel really fucking mad, and I’ve never been mad with Dan. ‘There is no issue. He has no family, so back off. Let’s talk about what’s really eating you up. Let’s talk about Kate.’

It’s his eyes that are wide now. Yes, I’ve just homed in on the real issue here. I’m not going to let him ruin my day with his judgments. They’re not valid, and I don’t want to hear them.

‘Nothing’s eating me up!’ he yells. ‘I couldn’t give a fuck about Kate!’

‘Of course!’ I laugh. ‘That’s why you’ve barely pulled your eyes away from her all day.’

‘Who the hell is that Sam?’ His tone only confirming I’ve hit a nerve.

I might not be thrilled with Kate’s life direction at the moment, but I would prefer her carrying on with Sam, rather than heading for guaranteed disaster with Dan. It ended in tears before and it will again. ‘He’s good for her.’ I spit. I can’t believe I’ve just said that. Dan would die on the spot if he knew the ins and outs of Kate and Sam’s relationship. I don’t even know the extent of it myself, but I have a good idea. ‘You need to leave this exactly where it is.’ I gather my dress up, ready to make a retreat, but he grabs my arm.

‘What if I don’t want to?’

‘Get your fucking hands off her.’ The familiar growl pulls my head around fast. Jesse is standing nearby. His chest is heaving, and he has a murderous look on his face.

‘It’s fine. We’re done.’ I say, yanking my arm free. I need to get Jesse away before he tramples all over my brother. And it won’t just be a verbal trample.

Dan steps forward. ‘She’s my sister.’

Jesse closes the gap between them, his eyes black. ‘She’s. My. Wife.’

My brother laughs a little, not a good thing, judging by Jesse’s darkening glare. I need to intervene, but stepping between these two angry men is not a thought I relish. But then I see Jesse’s fists balling, and I know I need to remove him now.

I place my hand on his arm and he flinches, too focused on Dan to realise it’s me. As soon as he does, though, he breaks the glowering deadlock and turns his eyes to mine. They soften immediately.

‘Let’s go.’ I say quietly, sliding my hand down his arm to grasp his.

He nods and turns with me, not giving Dan another look. I’m grateful. Dan’s obviously not in a good place, and I know how tenacious he can be when he’s on the defence. Kate’s not trying to, but she’s screwing with his head again, and Dan’s trying to bat it away by focusing his attention on me.

We make our way towards The Manor, leaving Dan behind. ‘Give me your hand.’ Jesse orders, reaching down. I let him take it and re-cuff me. ‘Don’t ask me to remove them again.’

‘I won’t’ I grumble. I wish he’d never released me in the first place, then I might not be seething with both Dan’s obvious issue with Kate and his inquisitiveness with regards to Jesse’s issue. ‘Throw away the key.’

His eyebrows rise. ‘Wishing you’d have stayed nailed to me?’

‘Yes.’ I admit. ‘Don’t free me again.’

‘Okay,’ he agrees. ‘Would you like a drink?’

We continue towards the house, re-cuffed and re-united. ‘I’d love a drink.’ I’ve hardly touched a drop all day, and I’m a little surprised that he’s offered.

‘Come on.’ He pulls me in and kisses my forehead. ‘I won’t stand for it, Ava. Even if he is your brother.’

‘I know.’ I agree quietly. I’m pleasantly surprised by his self-control. It doesn’t matter to Jesse who he eliminates, and Dan has not helped his cause. He’s just tried to restrain me, the worse thing he could do. I don’t want my husband and brother to battle, but I know Jesse would never back down when it comes to me, and Dan would never lose face.

The evening guests have arrived. As we make our way through the bar, we’re accosted, kissed and wished well with every step we take. When we finally make it to the bar, I’m placed on my stool and handed a glass of water. Water? I look at the clear glass and back to Jesse, who is doing a damn fine job of ignoring my obvious disbelieve. Water?

Tessa comes steaming over, looking as wound up as poor mum. ‘Where have you been?’ she asks incredulously, flicking her eyes from me to Jesse and back again. ‘You were supposed to cut the cake!’

Jesse opens a bottle of water and takes a long swig, not in the least bit perturbed by Tessa’s concern. ‘It’s fine.’

Tessa shakes her head in disbelief and stomps off towards the entrance hall. She may as well leave. It looks like her services are no longer required.

‘Don’t you want to cut the cake?’ I ask, my wrist being lifted as Jesse secures the lid on his water bottle. ‘Kate went out of her way to make it on such short notice.’

He reaches forward and straightens my diamond. ‘Then let’s not ruin it.’ he says seriously.

‘You’re impossible.’ I sigh, glancing across the bar, spotting Sam and Drew entertaining my dad, who’s looking a little rosy cheeked. My mum is revelling in the attention, undoubtedly offering tours of the grounds, and Kate is looking drunk. Tom flaps a limp wrist at me, Victoria gives a girly wave before looking across the bar towards Drew and smoothing down her blonde locks, and poor Sal just looks like she’s trying to fit in, although she’s still sparkling, but her new fellow isn’t here. I smile and turn my attention back to Jesse, just a Tessa storms back into the bar.

‘Okay. I’ve spoken to Elizabeth,’ Tessa huffs. ‘We’re cutting the cake and having the first dance shortly, so don’t be disappearing on me again.’ She storms off, and I smile. She’s definitely regretting taking this job.

‘You okay, baby?’ His warm palm slides across my cheek.

‘Yes, fine.’ I answer, but I’m not. I’ve fallen out with my brother, and that has absolutely never happened.

‘You don’t look fine. I said I wanted you to enjoy today.’

I inwardly laugh. Then he should let me have a drink and he shouldn’t have broached the subject that has my brain the most twisted at the moment. ‘I’m fine.’ I sigh, taking a long sip of my water. Fucking water.

Patrick and Irene approach, my cuddly bear of a boss brandishing a huge ivory gift bag, his wife adorned in a mass of animal print material. I think it might be a dress. It’s extremely distracting. I quickly direct my eyes to Jesse. ‘Here’s Patrick. You said Monday, remember?’ I need to get that in quickly.

Jesse looks over his shoulder. ‘Yes, Ava. Just till Monday, though.’

‘Flower!’ Patrick thrusts the gift bag at me, kisses my cheek, and then holds his hand out to Jesse. ‘Mr Ward.’ he greets, a frown popping up onto his wrinkled forehead when he clocks the cuffs.

‘Please, it’s Jesse. Thank you for coming.’ Jesse takes Patrick’s hand.

‘Yes, Jesse.’ My boss drags his eyes away from our wrists. ‘This is Irene.’ He signals to his wife as she wobbles over with the biggest grin on her face. I smile to myself. She’s affected.

‘Nice to meet you.’ she practically giggles.

‘And you.’ Jesse hits her with his smile, reserved only for women, and she disintegrates on the spot. He’s unbelievable. ‘Please, the bar staff will see to you.’

‘Thank you!’ she gushes. ‘This hotel is just wonderful!’

‘Hello, Irene.’ I say on a smile. She drags her greedy eyes away from my husband and brings them onto me. She’s a frightening woman, but not at the moment. She’s too busy straightening her back and pulling in her stomach. ‘How are you?’

‘Delightful!’ she sings in my face. ‘Ava, you look stunning.’

‘Thank you.’ I blurt, completely surprised. She has never paid me a compliment, not ever, and I didn’t expect her to now. She mostly just rabbits on about her social life and gossips about her fellow ladies of leisure.

Patrick grasps his wife’s elbow and guides her away. ‘We’ll get a drink.’ He rolls his eyes, and I smile fondly at my boss. I know he finds his wife exasperating.

‘Interesting woman.’ Jesse muses, looking a little alarmed at her leopard print body, wobbling away from us.

I laugh. ‘She makes Patrick’s life miserable.’

‘I can imagine.’

‘Here’s John.’ I say, glancing past Jesse. The big guy is strolling over, wraparounds in place, and with his usual menacing expression plastered all over his face. His stare is pointed at the cuffs before he gives me the nod. I nod back.

‘A word, Jesse.’ he rumbles. He’s too serious. I don’t like it, and Jesse’s quick flick of his eyes to me doesn’t make me feel any better.

Jesse reaches into his pocket and pulls out the key to the handcuffs, and I watch as he brings it to my wrist. ‘What are you doing?’ I ask, yanking my arm away.

‘John wants a quick word.’ His teeth are clenched.

‘Oh no,’ I laugh. ‘You don’t get to release me when it suits you. No way, Ward.’ I look at John, who’s still expressionless.

‘Ava, I’ll be back shortly.’ He pulls my wrist back to him.

‘No! Where are you going?’ I look at John. ‘Where is he going?’

‘S’all good, girl.’

‘No. It’s not all fucking good!’ I yell a bit too loudly, earning myself a frightening scowl from Jesse. I don’t care. He doesn’t get to do this. He doesn’t get to brush me off when it suits him. It’s my wedding day.

‘Watch your mouth!’ he grates, leaning into me. ‘I’ll be a few minutes. You’ll stay fucking put, Ava.’

I recoil at his animosity, completely stunned as he makes quick work of the handcuffs before striding out with John. I’m perched on a barstool, the bride in a stunning gown, adorned with diamonds, all of our guests laughing, chatting and drinking, and I want to go home. I feel tearful, slighted and very, very hurt. I lower myself from the stool, deciding to make the most of my freedom and have a wee. I might have a little cry, too. I need to get away from these people before the tears start flowing freely. What is wrong with me?

‘Where are you going, darling?’ Mum asks as she makes her way over.

I spread a fake smile on my face. She’s had too much Most Marvellous. Her hair isn’t perfect and she doesn’t seem to care, a clear indication that she’s feeling a bit squiffy. ‘Toilet. I won’t be long.’

‘Do you want some help? I’m not sure where Kate’s gone.’ She looks around the bar.

‘No, I’ve got it.’ I leave my mum and head for the toilets, sadly looking forward to some privacy.

I push my way through the door and place myself in front of the mirror to look at my sorry face. I’m not a blushing bride anymore. There is no twinkle in my eye or happy smile on my face. I sigh heavily and pinch my cheeks in an attempt to get some colour back into them. I’m looking a little washed out.

‘Ohhh myyy Goddd!’

My head flies up and my body swings around to face the source of the long moan. I still myself, holding my breath as I hear shuffling and shifting from one of the cubicles. Someone is having sex in the toilet? No! I quickly gather my dress up to leave. This could be embarrassing. I take my first urgent step, but then freeze when the door swings open and Kate stumbles out.

I gasp, my dress dropping from my hands. ‘What are you doing?’ I blurt in disbelief. I know Sam was slightly miffed that all things kink have been removed and stored temporarily, but they could have waited.

She stiffens from head to toe, her red hair a wild mane of curls, half covering her shocked face. ‘Oh shit!’ she says quietly, re-arranging her dress.

‘Couldn’t you have waited?’ I ask, horrified but a little relived that I haven’t just caught one of our other guests in the act.

‘Ava…’ she begins, and then a man strolls out behind. And it’s not Sam.

My mouth falls open. ‘Dan?’ I don’t believe this. ‘What the hell are you doing?’

He shrugs, refusing to look at me, keeping all of his attention on refastening his trousers. My eyes are batting between them, waiting for some explanation, but I get nothing from either of them. They’re just standing there, both looking anywhere, except at me.

I throw furious eyes at Dan. ‘I told you to leave it!’ I shout, before turning my fury on Kate. ‘And you’re pissed! What’s the matter with you two? Haven’t you learnt?’

‘None of your business, Ava.’ Dan says flatly, and then strides out of the ladies, leaving me and my delinquent friend alone.

‘Kate?’ I push, but she’s still refusing to meet my eyes. She knows that she’s just made a massive mistake. ‘What about Sam?’ I ask. The poor bloke is out there, completely oblivious. ‘I can’t believe this.’ The heel of my hand meets my forehead, my brain aching with information overload.

She hiccups and giggles a little before reaching for the sink to steady her swaying body. ‘Fun.’ she says haughtily. ‘And it’s got nothing to do with you.’

‘Oh, okay,’ I exclaim, lifting my dress. ‘I’ll leave you to have your fun in that case.’ I turn and leave the toilets, heading straight to Jesse’s office.

The summer room has been cleared of tables, but is now full of people, the band enticing everyone to the dance floor with some classic motown. I skirt through our guests, smiling, trying my hardest to look like the elated bride and cutting any lengthy conversation very short. I’ve fallen out with my brother, and now Kate, too. I want to escape with Jesse and be alone when we’re at our happiest—when the world and its problems are not interfering with our little bubble of contentment, where we only have our own issues to contend with.

I steam down the corridor and straight into his office, my heart falling straight into my Louboutins as soon as I lay my eyes on the occupants.

There are just two people.

Jesse… and Coral.