Текст книги "Beneath This Man"

Автор книги: Jodi Ellen Malpas

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Текущая страница: 22 (всего у книги 33 страниц)

‘Tomorrow, I’m going back to Kate’s.’ I say bravely. I need time to try and sort my unreasonable jealous frame of mind out. It would seem that Jesse Ward has brought out some rather nasty qualities in me too.

‘You know that’s never going to happen, Ava. But just you saying it makes me really fucking mad.’

‘I am.’ I retort. I’m being stupidly daring, but I need him to know how much this is bothering me.

He bends so he’s at my eyelevel. ‘Crazy mad, Ava.’ he warns softly. ‘Look at me.’ he breathes in my face.

I whimper slightly. ‘No.’ It’ll be game over and one tally on Jesse’s scoreboard if I do.

‘I said, look at me.’

I shake my head faintly and he heaves a sigh.

‘Three.’ he starts clearly.

My eyes instinctively fly up to his, but not because he’s started the countdown and I don’t want him to reach zero. It’s because I’m shocked. I’ve unwittingly complied with his command, and I’m now staring into dark green pools of lust.

‘Kiss me.’ he demands.

I purse my lips and shake my head, attempting to pull my arms free.

‘Three.’ he begins again and I freeze, my mouth dropping open in shock. He brushes his lips gently over mine. ‘Two.’

This isn’t fair. He could kiss me, but I know he won’t. He wants me to submit and I’m desperately trying to resist, even though my treacherous body is screaming for him.

‘One.’ His lips meet mine again.

I snap my head away and wriggle under his hold, desperately fighting him off. ‘No, you’re not distracting me, Jesse.’

He shouts a frustrated yell and releases his grip, my hands flying up to his chest to push him away. We battle, my flailing hands beating him away from me as he tries to grab at my wrists.

‘Ava!’ he yells, securing me and spinning me around. I don’t know why I’m doing this. I could never win, even though he is obviously handling me with care. ‘Fucking stop it, you crazy woman!’

I ignore him, rage and adrenalin spiking my stamina to continue fighting him off.

‘For fuck sake!’ he shouts, taking me down to the floor and securing me under his body. ‘Pack it in!’

I heave under him, every muscle aching, my hammering heart jumping from my chest. I open my eyes, finding a perplexed look on his face. He doesn’t know what to do with me. I’m losing complete control.

We stare at each other, both of us panting from the exertion of our physical battle. And then we both move forward fast, our mouths crashing together, our tongues dueling urgently.

It’s a tally for Jesse. He moans, releasing his grip of my wrists and fisting my hair in his hands as he tackles my mouth with as much force as I’m taking his. This is a possessive kiss. I’m reinforcing my claim to him, trying to make him see how strongly I feel about him, how the thought of other women and Jesse can make me just as crazy mad as him. His hand finds my breast and grabs me hard through the material of my dress, kneading and squeezing as he groans.

My tongue aches, my lips are becoming sore, but neither one of us is letting up. We’re both trying to make a point here. My hands move from his biceps to his head, and I yank his hair before applying pressure, pushing him into me. I’m fizzing all over, burning up completely as I writher on the floor beneath him, making a damn successful point of ownership. And then he rolls us over and my lips leave his, drifting down his suit covered torso until I reach the zipper of his trousers. I yank it down and make quick work of releasing him, his cock slipping free, my hand wrapping around his shaft without delay.

In a complete frenzied mess, my mouth coats him and I take him all of the way, no soft caressing, no light licks or teasing strokes. I attack him, frantic and desperate.

‘Fuck!’ he barks, as I feel him hit the back of my throat. ‘Fuck, fuck, fuck!’

I don’t gag, or heave. I thrust him into my mouth repeatedly, tirelessly, squeezing his base and reaching between his thighs to grasp his heavy sacks. Hard.

‘JESUS!’ His hips fly up. ‘Ava!’ His hands find my head and yanks at my hair. I don’t know if he’s begging me or scolding me.

I concentrate on reinforcing my desperation for him, working him fast and harshly, his flesh feeling silky on the insides of my mouth, the friction from the speed of my strokes heating us both.

‘Keep me in your mouth, Ava.’ he orders, his hips meeting my every advance. My cheeks are aching, but I power on.

And then I recognise the sign of him expanding in my mouth, his breathing becoming disjointed and his fists tightening in my hair. I moan around him, increasing my iron grip on his balls and moving my other hand under his shirt. I grab his nipple, squeezing hard.

He bellows, his groin shoots up and he pushes my head down onto him, his tip pushing against the back of my throat.

He comes.

I swallow.

We both moan.

‘Fucking hell, woman.’ he pants, withdrawing from my mouth and pulling me up his body. ‘Fucking, fucking hell.’ He takes my lips again, sweeping his tongue through my mouth, sharing his salty essence. ‘I take it that means you’re sorry.’ he puffs between firm lashes of his tongue.

I have unwittingly just given him an apology fuck. Am I sorry? For being a complete unreasonable, possessive fool…just like him? ‘No, I’m not.’ I affirm. I’m really not. Our tongues keep up together, both of our groans and shifting hands working all over each other’s bodies.

I reach back down and wrap my hand around his semi-erect length, relentlessly working him while we both tackle each other’s mouths hard…aggressively. I’m not prepared to stop. He pulls away, panting, his chest heaving, but I don’t give up. I push my abused lips back to his, plunging my tongue in, continuing with my frantic handling of his cock.

‘Ava, stop.’ He grabs my hand from is groin and turns his face to break our lip contact.

I don’t give up, even now. I fight him, urgently smothering him with my mouth.  He’s never refused me before.

‘Ava! Please!’ He loses his patience and pushes me over onto my back, pinning me under his body.

I feel tears stabbing at my eyes. I’m more desperate than any of those women. I’m not dealing with this well at all. A sob slips through my lips and I turn away from him, completely ashamed.

‘Baby, don’t.’ he pleads softly, pulling my face back to his and brushing my wild hair from my face. He gazes down at me, almost in sympathy. ‘I understand.’ he whispers, wiping his thumb under my eye. ‘Don’t cry.’ he skims my lips with his. ‘It’s always just you.’

I blink back my tears. ‘I’m not coping with this.’ I reach up to touch his face. ‘I feel violent.’ I admit. I can’t believe I just openly volunteered that information, and I’m stunned I really do feel like that. ‘Mine.’ I say quietly.

He nods. He gets it. ‘Always just yours.’ He pulls my palm to his lips and kisses it firmly. ‘Please, ignore them. They’re shocked, that’s all. Their noses have been put firmly out of joint by a young, dark eyed, breathtaking beauty. My beauty.’

‘You’re my beauty.’ I affirm harshly.

‘All of me, Ava. Every single piece.’ Shifting his body, he rests himself all over me, completely coating me. He grasps my face in his palms, his green eyes staring down at me. ‘Ava, you own me.’ He places his lips on mine, ‘Do you understand me?’

I nod in his hold, feeling weak and needy.

‘Good girl.’ he whispers. ‘You are mine and I am yours.’

I nod again for fear of wailing if I open my mouth.  I didn’t think I could love him more.

He runs his palms over my cheeks and his eyes scan every inch of my face. ‘I know this is hard for you.’

‘I love you.’ I just about manage to get the words out.

‘I know you do. And I you.’ He sits up and secures himself before helping me up. ‘We’ll make friends properly later. I don’t want to trample your dress,’ He smiles a little and spins me around. ‘It looks like it needs a bit of patience and we all know how little of that I have when it comes to you.’ He turns me back and rubs his nose over mine. ‘Better?’

‘Yes.’

‘Good. Let’s go.’ He takes my hand and leads me to the door, dropping it briefly to shift the sideboard back, before reclaiming it and leading me back to the party. I feel so much better. He understands.

Chapter 22

The band has started and people have filtered into the summer room.

‘Motown?’ I ask, a little surprised as I’m pulled through the few tables left set up.

‘They’re a great band. You want to dance?’ He glances down at me with a half-smile, and I’m reminded that my man has some serious moves.

‘Later.’ I’m conscious that Kate is probably wondering what has happened and where I am. He nods and takes me through to the bar.

My stool is free and I’m lifted onto it. Kate, Drew and Sam are all holding position at the bar and all seem to be lit up, the alcohol flowing well.

‘Where have you been?’ Kate enquires, flicking a cautious glare at Jesse.

‘In Jesse’s office discussing a certain female who he called to free him after I left him handcuffed to the bed.’ I blurt it all out quietly while I keep my eye on Jesse to ensure he’s not listening. He’s too busy ordering drinks with Mario.

‘You left him there?’ Kate face is somewhere between shock and amusement.

‘Yes.’ I didn’t mention that before. ‘He was really mad.’

‘I’m not surprised. He called Sarah to free him?’

‘Yes.’ I grate. ‘And he’s slept with her.’

‘Oh.’ Kate’s lips purse. ‘Why would he call her?’ She comes in closer, wedging herself between me and Jesse so she is stood in front of me.

‘He couldn’t get hold of anyone else. John was here and Sam was otherwise engaged.’

‘What day was this again?’

‘Wednesday.’ I raise my eyebrows and watch as she mentally casts her mind back to Wednesday morning. The penny obviously drops because a guilty look washes over her face. I’m not even going to ask why Sam was unable to come to Jesse’s rescue. ‘Sarah took great delight in advising me. That and the pleasurable experience of listening to three women compare notes on Jesse’s bedroom skills sent me over the edge.’ I grumble.

‘Oh dear.’ Kate gives me a sympathetic face. ‘History, Ava.’

‘I know.’ I shake my head disgustedly. ‘Kate, I’ve got so much to tell you. Can we go out tomorrow night? I need to let off some steam.’

She nods and then lets out a small yelp as she’s lifted from her feet and placed to the side by Jesse, giving him access to me. She slaps him on the shoulder playfully and giggles.

‘Drink.’ He thrusts a glass of water under my nose, and I take it without complaint. I watch him smile as I down the glass of water, before I hand him the empty glass. He nods in surprised approval, then replaces the empty with a glass of Mario’s Most Marvelous stuff. ‘See how easier things are when you do as you’re told?’ he says thoughtfully.

I narrow playful eyes on him and shake my head at his impertinence. Yes, it is, but his demands are not always as simple as drinking a glass of water. He turns away to catch up with Drew and Sam, but keeps a firm hand on my knee.

‘Oh look.’ Kate whispers.

I follow her gaze and see Sarah with a group of men, laughing, stroking, touching and generally feeling every single one of them up at every opportunity. Her beady eyes land on me, and she stares with a smug, satisfied look on her face – until I feel Jesse’s lips on my cheek. I leave her seething in the knowledge that her little plan hasn’t worked and turn my attention to Jesse. He winks at me and standing me up, he collects my arms and drapes them over his shoulders before sweeping his hands around my back and pulling me close, his forehead resting on mine. It’s a gesture of reassurance. I’m grateful.

‘You okay?’ he asks.

I smile, pulling back to get an eyeful of his beautiful face. ‘Perfect.’

‘Good.’

We both jump at a flash of light and turn to see Kate with a camera pointing at us. Jesse grabs me and suspends me in his arms, my head flying back on a laugh as I register the continuous clicks and flashes of the camera.

His mouth rests on my throat. ‘Smile for me, baby.’

I pull my head back up and find his green eyes shimmering with contentment…with happiness. I make him happy. I make him determined to live. I make him want to leave this lifestyle behind. I smile, lacing my fingers through his hair and pulling his lips down to mine.

‘Okay,’ Kate shouts. ‘That’s enough!’

Jesse has me, taking exactly what he wants, with no regard for our audience or any concern for our location. I’m returned to standing position and placed back on the stool, my drink handed to me before he returns to the male conversation, like he hasn’t just silenced the room with his over-the-top, obviously out of character display of love. But I’m not blushing; I’m not concerned or embarrassed – not in the slightest.

I glance across the bar, finding Sarah spitting nails. ‘She really doesn’t like me, Kate.’

‘Oh, fuck her!’ Kate spits nastily. ‘Do you care?’

‘No, I don’t. But I’m pissed that I have no choice but to suck up the fact that Jesse will be coming here daily and she’ll be here.’ Would he sack her if I asked him to?

Kate disappears from in front of me when Sam makes a grab for her and hauls her out of the bar. I sit up straight and wait with baited breath to see if she is yanked to the left towards the stairs, or to the right towards the summer room. They go to the right. I exhale, immensely relieved. I can’t even think about that.

‘Ava, dance!’ she shouts, as she disappears from view. I’ll find her in a minute.

I’m distracted by a man approaching Jesse with his hand outstretched. I recognise him. Jesse takes it, shaking it mildly as he shifts and flicks his eyes to me. I’ve noticed that as more drink flows, more people are approaching Jesse to converse – women mainly. They chat briefly and the guy tips his drink in my direction. Jesse glances towards me and then steps forward with him. He’s probably mid-forties and his jacket is removed. He looks a little tipsy.

‘Ava, this is Chris,’ Jesse’s tone suggests he would rather not be introducing me to Chris. ‘He was the acting estate agent of Lusso.’

Of course. I knew I recognised him. He smiles a slimy smile, and I immediately dislike him. My aversion to estate agents is not lessened, even by this exclusive property agent. They are all the same, whether selling dumps or penthouses.

‘Hi.’ I put my hand out reluctantly, and he takes it. His palm is sweaty.  I want to escape to the toilets to wash my hands immediately. ‘It’s nice to meet you.’ I fake a sincere smile and notice Jesse smiling mildly, looking at my fingers in my hair.

‘It’s an absolute pleasure.’ he drawls. He won’t release my hand, and I flick nervous eyes to Jesse when Chris moves in closer, keeping a firm hold of my hand. ‘I love this dress.’ He runs his eyes down my front, prompting me to lean back slightly.

This is one brave man – either that or extremely stupid. Jesse is stood at his side in a nanosecond, jaw muscles going into overdrive. He’s physically twitching. Honestly, it’s always estate agents. Chris is soon removed from my personal space by a short, sharp yank of his shoulder. He stands back, where Jesse has put him, and watches as Jesse moves in, picking me up and taking my seat before resting me back down on his thighs.

‘Chris, you’ll do well to keep your hands and your eyes to yourself. Do that and I might not break your fucking legs, understand?’ Jesse says it so calmly, but there is no denying the cutting edge to his tone.

I watch as Chris backs off with a justified worried look on his face. ‘Jesse, I apologise. I assumed she was fair game.’ he splutters.

‘Excuse me?’ I cough. Is he joking?

I feel Jesse tense beneath me. I panic. If I don’t hold him down on this stool, Chris here will be slayed in two seconds flat. I place my hand on his leg and squeeze slightly. The heat is pouring from him and his heart is stabbing my back. I would love to set him on this cheeky swine, but I also want to see the night through without having to put an ice pack on Jesse’s abused fist.

He lifts from the stool slightly and pulls me to his chest. ‘I suggest you fuck off now.’ he snarls maliciously.

I push back against him and throw Chris a fuck-off-if-you-know-what’s-good-for-you look. He backs away vigilantly, and I doubt very much that he’ll be back any time soon.

I crane my head around and give Jesse an inquiring look. ‘Murderous?’ I ask.

I get my very own scowl followed by a smothered face. ‘Deadly.’

‘Are all the women fair game?’ This is news.

He shrugs. ‘You don’t join The Manor if you aren’t sexually adventurous.’

Oh, lovely. I look around the bar, which has thinned out since the band started and the upstairs opened. The people I’m sharing company with look like any other people, but they are all here for one reason and that has nothing to do with the posh sports facilities that The Manor boasts. One thing is certain, judging by all of the prestigious cars that are often parked outside – they are all very rich people.

‘How much is the membership?’ I ask. My curiosity is getting the better of me.

He works his face right into my neck. ‘Why, do you want to join?’

‘I might.’ I say flippantly.

He bites my neck. ‘Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, lady.’ He pulls me up further onto his lap. ‘Forty five.’

‘A month?’ That’s not bad.

He laughs. ‘No, grand a year.’

WHAT? ‘Shit!’

He clamps his teeth on my ear and then rolls his hips into my bum. ‘Mouth.’

I moan a little at his evident hard state. Forty five thousand a year is ridiculous money. These people must all be stupid or desperate, but as I look around, there are no particularly ugly men and women. They all look like they could get some if they wanted to.

‘Hey, does Kate pay that?’ I know she’s not short of a few quid, but she is very shrewd with her cash.

‘What do you think?’ he asks on a little laugh. I don’t know? Did Jesse waiver the membership fee because she’s my friend? Would he do that?

Oh! ‘Sam,’ I say in realisation. ‘Sam paid.’

‘At mates rates, of course.’

He applies mates’ rates for membership to his sex haven? I’m on another planet at the moment. This sort of thing is way past my comprehension and here I am, dining and drinking with these people and dating the owner. Who would have thought?

‘I wish you had refused.’ I grumble. Kate might be laidback, but I can’t help thinking that she is coasting towards complete disaster.

‘Ava, what Sam and Kate do is their business.’

I scowl to myself. ‘How many members are there?’ I really am very interested in the workings of The Manor and the lifestyle these people choose to lead.

He brings his palm up to my forehead and pushes back until the back of my head rests on his shoulder. ‘Someone is very nosey, considering they hate the place.’ He kisses my cheek.

I shrug casually in a gesture that suggests I couldn’t care less whether he told me or not, but I’m surprisingly interested. It’s made him a very rich man, even if it is thanks to Uncle Carmichael. ‘I’m not nosey.’

He laughs lightly. ‘At the last count, I think Sarah said fifteen hundred-ish, but they’re not all active at the moment. Some we don’t see from one month to the next, some of them meet people and start a relationship and others take a break from the whole scene.’

Holy shit!

I do a quick mental calculation in my head and come up with a whole lot of millions. ‘Is the restaurant and bar included?’

‘No!’ he says shocked. I don’t know why. For forty five thousand pounds a year I would want more than an open invitation to have sex with anyone and everyone. ‘The bar and restaurant are a separate entity. Some members eat breakfast, lunch and dinner here four or five times a week. I wouldn’t be making much money if I included all meals and drinks in with their memberships. They have accounts they settle on a monthly basis. Turn around, I need to see you.’ He nudges me to get up and positions me between his thighs. He brushes my hair over my shoulder and straightens my diamond before taking my hands in his. ‘Would you like to see upstairs?’ he asks, and then commences chomping his lip.

I withdraw slightly. I know he doesn’t mean the suites, I’ve seen them, or I’ve seen one of them. He means the communal room and I’ve seen that too, but it was empty and being cleaned when I stumbled across it. Do I want to see it?

Fucking hell!

I bloody do as well. I don’t know if it’s Mario’s Most Marvelous giving me a bit of spunk, or if it is just pure curiosity, but I really want to be in the know. ‘Okay.’ I utter the word quietly before I talk my way out of it, and he nods ever so slightly, almost thoughtfully.

He stands and I let him lead me into the entrance hall and to the bottom of the stairs. I gaze up to the massive gallery landing, hearing the comings and goings of people in and out of rooms. I let Jesse slowly tug me up the stairs. I know he’s taking it leisurely to give me time to retract my decision, and I want to tell him to hurry up before I do. We reach the top and start circling the landing until we arrive at the stain glass window. There are people milling around everywhere, all fully dressed, some outside rooms, some just chatting. It’s bizarre.

‘We need to get cracking on those next week.’ Jesse says, pointing through the archway to the extension. I can see now why he needs to. ‘Ready?’ he asks.

He turns into me and I know he’s watching me as I stare up at the double doors that lead into the communal room. My eyes are pulled to his like the magnets they absolutely are and his deep green pierces me. He knows everything about this place makes me immensely uncomfortable. Why wouldn’t he? I’ve given him no reason to suggest otherwise, but he doesn’t seem pissed off that I clearly find his establishment sleazy and dark. He’s not offended. It’s like he almost approves of my reaction and aversion.

He moves closer, preserving the eye connection until we are stood chest to chest. ‘You’re curious.’ he murmurs.

‘Yes.’ I confess without hesitation. I am.

‘You don’t have to be so apprehensive. I’ll be with you, guiding you through. If you want to leave, say the word and you’re out of there.’ His attempt at reassuring me is weirdly working. He squeezes my hand and I’m calmer, more comfortable and at ease, as he gives me a gentle tug towards the stairs. I kick my feet into gear and let him lead me up the stairs, my heart jumping a little harder as we get closer.

‘There will be various acts in progression. Some will be mild, some not so much. It’s important for you to remember that everything transpiring is because all parties have agreed. Just by being in this room doesn’t necessary show your desire to participate in any of the acts.’ He looks down and grins. ‘Not that you ever will. I’m making it my mission objective to ensure that every man knows what the consequences will be if they approach you.’ He returns his eyes forward. ‘I might send a memo out.’ he muses.

A small laugh escapes my mouth. He probably would as well. He flicks me mischievous eyes and a soft smile and my love for him intensifies further.

     I let him lead me through the open, dark wood double doors and into the communal room.

Chapter 23

As the full room comes into view, I concentrate on maintaining my steady breathing. It’s hard. The background music that is overwhelming my hearing is the absolute essence of sex and only increases my heartbeat further.

The vast room is as beautiful as I remember it, with all of the exposed beams prominent and the gold chandeliers dimly lit. The Austrian blinds are all drawn at the Georgian sash windows and that, mixed with the dusky light from the chandeliers, gives it the key element; sensual and erotic, but not in a sleazy way. I can’t put my finger on exactly why this is. How ironic that I’m surrounded by semi and fully naked people, and I’m admiring the décor.

Fucking hell. Naked people everywhere!

Jesse acknowledges numerous naked people as we make our way through the room. The women swoon and straighten their backs when they spot his presence, even though he has a firm hold of my hand. I feel so out of place, mainly because I’m fully dressed. I look up at him and see how unperturbed he is by the surroundings. Why would he be? This is normal for him. Unfolding before my eyes are various scenes, all of which muddle my mind, but at the same time totally captivate me. It’s difficult not to look.

He glances down at me and smiles, giving my hand a little squeeze. ‘Okay?’ he asks, as he comes to a stop and turns to face me.

I nod and offer him a small smile. I look down at our joined hands when I feel him run his thumb over the top of mine. He has literally drawn all of the anxiety out of me with his touch. As I gaze back up at him, I find his eyes are watching our hands too. He continues to smooth his thumb over my skin as he turns to face a young woman, who is probably late twenties and trussed up on a heavy, wooden cross-like frame, just like the one in the extension. She’s blindfolded with black satin and her mouth is slightly agape.

A man, naked from the waist up with legs slightly spread, stands before her, holding a crop in his hand. The look in his eyes is one of pure lust and appreciation as he slowly, deliberately traces the curves of her breasts with the tip. She’s rippling under its touch.

Jesse’s hand shifts slightly in mine, and I look up at him, but his gaze is set firmly on the scene before us. I return my eyes to the bound woman as the man slowly draws the crop down her front, between her breasts and towards her abdomen, circling the tip around her bellybutton in meticulous, measured movements. She’s whimpering.

I shift on my heels and Jesse flicks me a curious glance. I ignore him and watch as the man continues his decent until the crop meets the juncture of her thighs and as she lets out a loud moan, he crashes his mouth against hers to swallow her sounds. He discards the crop and replaces it with his fingers, separating her and beginning a slow friction, up and down, building up her pleasure and her moans. Her body arches, pulling the restraints that are holding her hands secure to the frame, a signal that she’s close.

I’m sweating, feeling slightly claustrophobic, and my heart rate has accelerated further. Her partner responds to her sounds by speeding up his strokes and hardening his kiss, the sound of tongues knotting and dueling becomes desperate, and in one stifled cry, she reaches climax and her body holds the bonds rigid as he slows his strokes down to work every last bit of pleasure from her. She slumps, dropping her chin to her chest. I involuntarily gasp, and I feel Jesse’s hand squeeze mine in agreement. This is real intense stuff and I’m so surprised by it all. We’re not the only ones watching the erotic scene in front of us. It has captured the interest of quite a few people, who have gathered around the couple. I look around and recognise various people from the bar and dinner, except now they are all semi clothed or naked. You have to be bloody confident to frequent the communal room.

Jesse tugs my hand to get my attention and I look up at him, but he just nods towards the scene. I look and find the man kissing her in gratitude. He recovers the crop from the floor and saunters slowly around to the back of her, dragging it on the floor as he goes. She is blind to his movements, but her sudden awareness is apparent as her body solidifies and she raises her head, panting. He starts to stroke her back, running his fingertips up and down the centre of her spine and then down to the cheeks of her backside. She hums in satisfaction, and I think I might have as well. I feel Jesse’s eyes on me. He heard me too.

Oh God!

He caresses her perfect, firm cheeks, rubbing and kneading with the palm of his hand, and he groans as she arches her back and loosens again. After a few minutes of manipulating and stroking her pert bum, he withdraws his hand and I see the woman tense.

She knows what’s coming. I know what’s coming. Jesse’s increased pressure around my hand confirms it too, but I can’t drag my eyes away. He raises the crop and in one hard, fast stroke, he brings it down to meet one of her cheeks. She cries out, and I flinch at the sharp snap, turning my head away from the scene and into the hard vastness of Jesse’s chest. Before I am aware, his free hand is cradling my head, pushing my face into his shoulder and pulling me closer to his body. The pressure of his hand around mine increases further and I hear another crack. My hand is released and he wraps it around my back to join his other, my arms bunched up in between our torsos. I’m completely cocooned by his body and despite my surroundings and what is taking place in it, this is the most comforting place I have ever been.

‘This is not your thing, let’s move on.’ he whispers in my ear.

Move on to what? Will that be my thing? I resent the exposure I feel when he releases his big body from mine, but I let him take my hand and lead me away. I hear the crack of the crop again and again as we leave the area, and I snap my eyes shut each time, holding my breath. I just can’t grasp what I’ve just witnessed. Pleasure and pain? Just the pleasure please! That part looked good, but then I remember being handcuffed myself and Jesse’s hard slaps across my backside as he slammed into me. I’m not even going to pretend I didn’t enjoy my retribution fuck.

‘What is this music?’ I ask as we round a corner and approach a group of people.

He looks down at me with a smile. ‘Enigma. Is it making you horny?’

‘No.’ I scoff. It is! All of this is, but I’m not going to admit it, although my finger twiddling wildly in my hair is a dead giveaway. He laughs and bats my hand down as he stops me in front of one woman and three men.

Jesse bends his body so our eyes are level. ‘Just for the record, none of this will ever happen with us.’

I look at him and he winks. It’s bitterly endearing and I’m grateful for the clarification because I wouldn’t share him either. ‘What about the other stuff?’ I try to sound casual and not hopeful. I think I pull it off.

His eyes snap to mine. ‘I don’t share you with anyone, Ava. Not even their eyes.’ He sounds affronted and I smile, but I didn’t mean in here specifically. There are private suites. Bloody hell, what’s got into me? I turn my attention back to the scene before us.