Beneath This Man

I couldn't have hoped for a better response. I will get his age out of him, even if I have to keep him here all morning. In fact, I hope he holds out for a little while. I think I might enjoy this.

I turn the vibrator off, placing it down on the bed, and he slowly opens his eyes. I wait for them to fall on mine. 'Are you going to tell me how old you are?' I ask, completely composed.

'No, I'm not.'

'Why are you being such a stubborn arse?' I ask. It's hard to keep the irritation from my tone. I don't want him to think he's winding me up, but even now he's impossible.

'Am I not your stubborn God?' he asks on a small smirk.

He won't be smirking in a minute. I lift myself to my knees and hold his eyes while I tuck my thumbs into the top of my lace knickers. 'This morning you're an arse.' I slowly draw my knickers down my thighs to my knees, and he follows their path with lust filled eyes. I can see the pulse in his erection beating regularly. 'Wouldn't you like to help me out here?' My voice is seductive and soft as I slowly lick my fingers and slide them down my front to my thighs.

His cheeks puff out again as he watches my hand slip between my legs. 'Ava, undo these cuffs now so I can f*ck you until you're seeing stars.' His voice is calm, but I know he is anything but.

I slip my fingers over my *oris and brush gently on a little gasp of air. It's not Jesse, but it still feels good. 'Tell me.'

'No.' He rests his head back. 'Remove the cuffs.'

I shake my head at my stubborn man and drop my hands to either side of his hips.

Stars? Oh, he'll be the one seeing stars. I rest my lips on his lower stomach next to his scar and circle my tongue in a few slow, sweeping laps before crawling up his body and kicking off my knickers on my way. I look down at him, but he refuses to open his eyes, so I kiss the corner of his mouth. It works. His head turns instinctively and his lips part as he takes my lips. I press down on his groin, my wetness causing me to slide up and down with ease.

'Oh, Jesus, Ava, please.'

'Tell me.' I bite his bottom lip and drag it through my teeth, but he just shakes his head lightly. I break our fused mouths. 'Fine, have it your way.' I rise and reposition myself back between his thighs and collect my weapon of mass destruction from the bed.

'Put it down.' His tone is full of warning, but I ignore him. I flick it on again, saying nothing. 'Ava, I swear to God!' The anger is returning. I hold his eyes as I slowly take the vibrator down to the apex of my thighs. 'Don't!' He throws his head back in total misery.

I can't believe he is putting himself through this. He can stop it in a heartbeat. Damn it, I want him to look at me. I swiftly change my destination and hold the vibrator out, slowly skimming it over his beautiful, beating cock. He jerks erratically. The bed shakes.

'F*ck! Ava, f*cking f*ck, f*ck, f*ck!' he yells, but his eyes are still firmly closed. I can't make him look at me, but I'll make damn sure he hears me. I return the vibrator to myself and rest the drumming head at the top of my *oris.

Holy f*cking shit!

I gasp, my knees shaking, as I jerk at the full force of its power stabbing me straight at my core. 'Ohhhhhhh, Goddddd!' I moan, and then increase the pressure slightly. That feels really nice.

His eyes snap open, his breathing all over the place and a heavy shimmer of sweat has formed a river in the crease on his forehead. His face is pure torture. I almost feel guilty.

'Ava, all of your pleasure comes from me.'

'Not today.' I muse, closing my eyes on a sigh.

'Ava!' he barks, clanging the cuffs against the headboard. 'F*ck! Ava, you're pushing it!'

I keep my eyes closed. 'Hmmm.' I hum, jerking slightly as the consistent vibrations tickle the tip of my *.

'I'm thirty seven! For f*ck sake woman, I'm thirty f*cking seven!'

My eyes fly open.

Oh my God!

My mouth drops in shock and the vibrator falls to the bed. He told me? It bloody worked! I want to do a little jig on the bed and scream to the heavens in glory. Why didn't I think of this before? I'm not going to try and kid myself that I will get away with this again - he'll probably sleep with one eye open for the rest of his life, so perhaps I should take advantage of his vulnerable state and pump him for some more answers, like where that scar came from, how many women there have been and what the hell the police are doing at The Manor. Oh and the mystery woman and Sarah...

He glares at me, and I'm suddenly yanked straight out of my mental celebration dance and right into panic.

'Take...the...f*cking...cuffs...off.' He emphasises each word slowly on a hiss.

Oh bloody hell. In all of my meticulous planning and execution of the truth f*ck, I hadn't given a second thought to the aftermath. He's seething mad, and now I've got to release him. What is he going to do? I sprint through my options, but it doesn't take long because there are only two; release him and take my punishment, or leave him handcuffed to the bed forever.

I watch him with wide, cautious eyes as he watches me with dark, furious ones. What am I going to do? I place my hands on his strong thighs and inch myself up his body until my face is hovering above his. I need to lighten his mood.

Smoothing my hands through his hair, I drop my lips onto his. 'I still love you.' I mumble around my kiss. Maybe it's the reassurance he needs. Eleven years is nothing really. What's the problem? He's still my handsome, roguish God.

He moans as I give his mouth some extra special treatment. 'Good, now take the cuffs off.'

I kiss my way to his neck and nuzzle. 'Are you mad at me?'

'F*cking crazy mad, Ava!'

I sit up and look at him. He really is crazy mad, and now I'm shitting myself. I give him my best cheeky grin. 'Can't you be crazy in love?'

'I'm that too. Remove the cuffs.' He looks at me expectantly.

I shift to ease myself up and shudder when his arousal falls to my opening, the throbbing, wet head slipping over my entrance.

He bucks. 'Damn it, Ava! Take the f*cking cuffs off!' He is completely deranged and now I know...I'm not taking the cuffs off. I get off the bed and stand at the side, looking at him rage.

'What are you going to do?' I ask nervously.

'Take them off.' He looks almost murderous.

'Not until you tell me what you're going to do.'

His breathing is heavy, his chest expanding. 'I'm going to f*ck you until you beg me to stop, and then you're going to run fourteen miles,' He raises his head and stabs me with ferocious greens. 'And we won't be stopping for a muscle rub or a coffee break!'

What? I'll take the f*ck, but I'm not running anywhere, except out of his penthouse. He's already made me do ten miles yesterday. That will be his way of regaining control; making me do something that I really don't want to do, and I definitely don't want to run fourteen miles.

'I don't want to go for a run.' I state as calmly as I can. 'You can't make me.'

His eyebrows jump up. 'Ava, you need to remember who holds the power in this relationship.'

I back away in disgust and then flick my eyes to his restrained wrists before returning them to him. 'I'm sorry, who has the power?' I say in a mocking tone that I really didn't mean. I am seriously poking the rattle snake, but that little statement has really got my back up.

My sarcasm only serves to notch his fury level up a little more - if that was possible. 'Ava, I'm warning you!'

'I can't believe you're being so cranky over this. It was okay for you to handcuff me!'

'I was in control!' he yells back at me.

Ah! So all of this is just about him being in control? That's stupid! 'You're a power freak!' I shout back, and he wriggles a little more. 'I'm going to get a shower.' I stomp off.

'I'm only a power freak with you!' he yells at my back. 'Ava!'

I slam the bathroom door and remove my bra. The arrogant, power obsessed, controlling arse! My delight in the fact that my truth f*ck worked has been well and truly trampled. I throw myself in the shower and listen to my name being yelled repeatedly. If I wasn't so affronted, I would laugh. He really doesn't like not being able to touch me and he really, really doesn't like relinquishing power.

I shower and brush my teeth at a leisurely rate. It's still super early. I have plenty of time.

When I walk back into the bedroom, I find Jesse has calmed down slightly, but there is definitely still a hint on anger in his expression as he looks up at me.

'Baby, come and free me, please.' he pleads.

His sudden turn in mood has me suspicious and on my guard. I know his game, and I'm not falling for it. As soon as I free him, he'll be on me like a lion before manhandling me into my running kit and dragging me around the streets of London. I'm not denying that I would love to have him all over me right this minute, but I'm not hanging about to be tortured by fourteen miles. Unfortunately, they come as a package deal.

I sit myself in front of the floor length mirror to start drying my hair. I glance in the reflection every now and again and see him watching me, but he just scowls and throws his head back like a brooding schoolboy whenever I catch him. I smile to myself.

I apply my make-up and smother myself in coco butter and when I put on the cream lace underwear set that Jesse bought me, I hear him whimper. I smile smugly to myself. I may as well. I don't know how long I'm going to be holding this power. I slip my white ruffle blouse on with my black, slim fit trousers and black heels.

I'm ready. I walk over to my handcuffed man and lean down to drop a long, lingering kiss onto his parted lips. I don't know why I'm doing this. My bravado is commendable.

He sighs and brings his knees up so the soles of his feet are flat on the bed.

I reach down and wrap my hand around his still erect cock. I'm seriously in for it when he catches me.

He jerks. 'Ava. I love you so f*cking much, but if you don't undo these cuffs, I'm going to f*cking strangle you!' His voice is a mixture of pleasure and pain.

I smile around his mouth and give him a chaste kiss on the lips before leaning down and kissing my way from his chest to his solid cock, and then all the way to the tip, finishing off with a little swirl before taking him deep into my mouth.

'Ava, please!' he moans.

I release him and retrieve the key to the handcuffs from the chest of drawers. As I walk back over, he lets out a relieved breath. I don't know why, I'm not freeing him completely. I undo his damaged hand and it falls limply to the bed. A pang of guilt assaults me as he gingerly flexes his fist to try and get some life back into it. I walk over to the chest and place the key back on top.

'What are you doing?' he asks on a frown.

'Where is your phone?'

'Why?' The confusion in his face is clear.

'You'll need it. Where is it?'

'It's in my suit jacket. Ava, just give me the key.' He's losing his patience again.

I scan the room and spot his jacket on the floor where he obviously dumped it last night before he pounced on me in the bathroom. I find his phone in the inside pocket and place it on the bedside table, just out of reach. I don't want him calling for assistance before I make my escape.

I fetch my bag and stride out of the bedroom, leaving him a massive mess of unexploded male. I am so going to cop it later, but at least I released one hand. It might be his damaged one, but he'll be able to sort himself out... if he doesn't grip too hard.

'Hello, flower.' Patrick comes out of his office as I take my seat. 'You're bright and early this morning.' He sits on the edge of my desk and performs his usual snort of disgust as the desk performs its usual creak of protest. 'What have you got to tell me?'

'Not much,' I turn my computer on. 'I have a meeting with Mr Van Der Haus at lunchtime to go over my designs.'

'Oh, Good. What about Mr Ward?' he asks innocently. 'Have you heard from him yet?'

Yes, I've handcuffed him to his bed!

I feel my face flood with heat. 'Urhhh, no, I'm not sure when he's back from his business trip.' I turn my flaming face away from Patrick and load my email up, mentally praying he leaves it right there.

'It has been nearly two weeks, hasn't it?' he asks. I suspect he is frowning, but I can't look at him to confirm that. 'I wonder what's keeping him.'

I cough. 'I really don't know.'

Patrick rises from my desk on a long creak. 'He can't be in that much of a rush.' he grumbles. 'Oh, by the way, our Sally is poorly. She won't be in today.' he says as he makes his way back into his office.

Sally is ill? That's not like her. Oh! It was her second date last night. Either it went very well and she's pulling a sicky to cavort in bed all day with Mr Mystery, or it went very badly and she's pulled a sicky to mope in bed all day with a box of tissues. I guiltily suspect it's the latter. Poor Sal.

I sag in my chair on a long exhale, and then jump when I hear Angel seeping from my bag. Oh dear Lord. He's obviously freed himself. I'm not answering it. It rings off and immediately rings again, but it's my normal ringtone this time. I scoop my phone from my bag and take Miss Quinn's call.

'Good morning, Miss Quinn.' I greet cheerfully.

'Hi, Ava. Please, it's Ruth. I was just checking in. Have you managed to get the ball rolling yet?'

'Yes, I've prepared a schedule of fees for my services, Ruth, and I've drafted a few ideas to send over.'

'Brilliant.' She is very enthusiastic. 'I'll look forward to receiving them. Where do we go from there?'

'Well, if you are happy with my fee structure and draft ideas, then we can start putting together some firm designs.'

'Great, I'm so excited!' she exclaims.

I smile. That much is obvious. 'Okay, I'll get the fee structure and drafts over to you by the end of play today. Bye, Ruth.'

'Thanks, Ava.' She hangs up, and I immediately set about scanning the designs into my computer. I love working with people who are as passionate about their home as I am.

As ten o'clock hits, I've been in the office for three hours and I've got mountains of work done. I pick up my desk phone to chase Stella, my curtain maker, on Mrs Stiles' new drapes. I have a nice chat with Stella. She's a bit hippy and a naturist, judging by the dicey photographs scattered across the walls of her workshop, but she makes the most amazing soft furnishings. I'm more than pleased when she tells me that she is just packaging them up, ready for me to collect. It's a week sooner than I quoted Mrs Stiles, so she will be delighted.

I hang up and swing back around in my chair, nearly having a seizure when I'm confronted with my arrogant God, who's looking down at me with raised, cunning eyebrows. His handsome face spreads into his customary roguish grin. I'm instantly on high alert.

Oh no!

He looks bloody delicious as well, in his grey suit and pale blue shirt, open at the collar with no tie. He's shaved his two days' worth of stubble and fixed his hair. My eyes are delighted, but my mind is racing with uncertainties.

'How lovely to see you, Ava.' he says smoothly as he reaches forward and puts his hand out. His jacket sleeve rides up, revealing his gold Rolex.

Shit!

I go stone cold when I see a collection of red welts around his wrist, the gold strap of his watch doing nothing to conceal them. It's his damaged hand too. I flick my startled eyes up to him and he nods in acknowledgment. I mentally kick my stupid self around the office. I've hurt him. I feel hideous. I don't blame him for being so furious.

I place my hand in his, but I don't grip it. I don't want to hurt him anymore. 'I'm so sorry.' I whisper the words quietly, my voice full of the regret I truly feel. My unreasonable desire to know his age has marked him. I really am going to be in for it.

'I know you are.' he answers coldly.

'Ah! Mr Ward.' Patrick's cheerful voice invades my ears as he approaches my desk from his office. I release my hold of Jesse. 'How very good to see you. I was just asking Ava if she had heard from you.'

'Mr Peterson, how are you?' Jesse gives him his full on melt worthy smile, usually reserved for women.

'Very good, how was your business trip?' Patrick asks.

Jesse's eyes swing to mine briefly before returning to Patrick's. 'I secured my assets.' he replies, completely composed.

Assets?

'Did you receive the deposit I made?' he asks.

Patrick's face lights up. 'Yes, absolutely. Thank you.' he confirms. I notice he doesn't advise Mr Ward that it is far too much for an initial upfront payment.

'Good, as I said before, I'm eager to get things moving. My unexpected business trip has put us a bit behind.' He accentuates unexpected.

'Of course, I'm sure Ava will sort you out.' Patrick places his hand on my shoulder affectionately, and Jesse's eyes fall straight onto it.

Oh no. Don't trample my boss!

'I'm sure she will.' he muses quietly, his eyes still firmly fixed on Patrick's unmoved hand.

He's sixty years old, silver haired and about five stone overweight. He surely can't be threatened by my big, cuddly bear of a boss?

He shoots his eyes back to Patrick. 'I was going to ask Ava if she would like to join me for some brunch so we can go over a few things. You don't mind.'

That last part was definitely not a question. Oh yes, he's trampling.

'Be my guest.' Patrick chirps happily. I notice he doesn't ask me.

'Actually, I have an appointment at lunchtime.' I pipe up. I point to the page in my new diary which is absent of the big, black, permanent marker pen lines that Jesse put through every day of my last diary. I want to hold off on this altercation for as long as possible. I'm not at all comfortable with that wily look all over his face. He's loving this, but then he catches a glimpse of my new diary and frowns, his jaw ticking slightly.

Yes, I replaced it! He better not even think about sabotaging my new one.

'That's not until noon.' Jesse points out, and I cringe. 'I won't keep you too long.' he adds on a husky, promising voice that also harbours a bit of threat.

'There you go!' Patrick sings as he walks off to his office. 'It was nice to see you, Mr Ward.'

I sit tapping my front tooth frantically with my nail while I try to think of a way out of this. There is none, and even if I had a valid reason, I would only be delaying the inevitable. I gaze up at the man who I love beyond measure, and I am literally trembling. He is playing it far too cool. It's a million miles away from the raging beast I left handcuffed to the bed this morning.

'Shall we?' he asks, as he puts his hands in his pockets. I collect my phone from my desk and stuff it in my bag, along with my file for The Life Building. I'll need to head straight to The Royal Park for my meeting with Mikael after my meeting with Jesse.

He holds the door open for me, and Tom comes barreling through before I have a chance to exit. His eyes go all wide and shocked when he clocks who's holding the door.

'Mr Ward!' he splutters, and then throws me a questioning look. It's ridiculous for him to be addressing Jesse so formally. He's been out drinking and dancing with him.

'Tom.' Jesse nods, all business like.

'I'm just going for a breakfast meeting with Mr Ward.' I tilt my head to the side and flash a telling look. I hear Jesse laugh lightly.

'Oh, I see. A business meeting, huh?' Tom chuckles. I could kick him in the shins. He turns to Jesse and holds his hand out. 'It was nice to see you, Mr Ward. I hope you enjoy your business meeting.' He winks as Jesse takes his hand, and I decide there and then that when I next see Tom, I will kick him in the shins.

I exit hastily onto the street, relieved I'm away from the office and the possibility of being ratted out, but nervous that I am now pretty much at Jesse's mercy. I'm not deluded enough to think that just because we're in public he won't have me pinned against the nearest free wall as soon as he can.

We walk along, side by side, until we hit Piccadilly. I don't know where we're going, but I keep up with him. He makes no attempt to take my hand and he doesn't speak. I'm getting more apprehensive by the second. I glance up at him and find his face is completely straight and he doesn't return my gaze, although I know he knows that I'm looking at him.

'Excuse me, have you got the time?' A mature business woman asks Jesse.

He takes his hand from his pocket and looks at his watch. I wince at the sight of the marks on his wrist. His hand is still bruised from the beating he gave his car, and I've added to it. 'It's ten fifteen.' He flashes his smile, reserved only for woman, and she pools on the pavement in front of him.

I'm spiked with immense possessiveness as she gushes a thank you. She is probably more Jesse's age than me, the brazen hussy. You can't possibly tell me that she doesn't have a phone she could check. Everyone has a bloody phone these days, and why didn't she ask that middle aged, overweight, balding, sweaty type in front of us? I roll my eyes as I wait for Jesse to take the initiative and lead on.

After he's spent a few moments blasting the woman with his knockout smile, ensuring she gets the full on experience, he carries on his way, me following. As I look back, I see the woman glancing over her shoulder. How desperate and unashamed can someone be? I laugh to myself. I'm that desperate when it comes to Jesse, and I'm also completely unashamed.

We cross the road and approach The Ritz, and I'm stunned when the door is opened for us. Jesse signals for me to enter. We're having brunch at The Ritz?

I say nothing as he leads me to the restaurant and we're seated in the most obscenely regal space. This isn't Jesse at all, and it certainly isn't me.

'We'll have the Eggs Benedict twice, both with smoked salmon, both on granary, a cappuccino, extra shot, no chocolate and a strong black coffee. Thank you.' Jesse hands the menu to the waiter.

'Certainly, Sir,' He picks up my fancy, fabric napkin and lays it across my lap and repeats the same carefully executed move on Jesse before backing away from the table. I gaze around at the affluent surroundings which is full of well-bred, wealthy folk. I feel uncomfortable.

'How is your day going?' he asks casually, with no hint of any emotion in his tone. This just increases my unease further, the question dragging me back to his dark presence across the swanky table. He removes the napkin from his lap and places it on the table, his face expressionless as he regards me.

What the hell I should say. It's not even ten thirty and I'm already having a pretty exclusive day. So far, I've found out how old he is, used a vibrator, handcuffed him to the bed and left him there, and now I'm having a late breakfast in The Ritz. It's certainly not your usual daily happenings.

'I'm not sure.' I answer honestly, because I have a feeling there are going to be a few more exclusives I can add to that list.

His eyes lower so his super lashes fan his cheekbones. 'Shall I tell you how my day is going?' he asks.

'If you like,' I whisper. My voice is full of all the nervousness I really feel. I'm not even confident that he wouldn't cause a scene in the most posh hotel in London in front of the most posh people in London.

He sits back in his chair and hammers me with his potent green gaze. 'Well, my morning run was waylaid by a challenging little temptress, who handcuffed me to our bed and tortured me for information. She then abandoned me, leaving me helpless and in desperate need of her.' He starts fiddling with the fork at his place setting, and I wilt under his stare. He takes a deep breath. 'I eventually got hold of my phone that she left just...out...of...reach...' He pinches his thumb and index finger together. 'And then waited for a member of my staff to come and free me. I ran fourteen miles in my personal best time to expel some of the pent up frustrations that she presented me with, and now I'm looking at her beautiful face and wanting to bend her over this wonderfully dressed table and f*ck her into next week.'

I gasp at his crass words, spoken with no concern in the middle of the Ritz restaurant. Oh God, what must Big John think of me? I hope he laughed. He seems to find Jesse's reactions and behaviour towards me quite amusing.

The waiter places our coffees down and we both nod a thank you before he backs away again.

I pick up my fancy - probably solid - silver spoon and start slowly stirring my coffee. 'You have had quite an action packed morning.' I say quietly. Of all the things I could have said? I glance up nervously and find him fighting a grin from his face. It makes me feel so much better. He wants to laugh, but he wants to be angry with me too.

He sighs. 'Ava, don't ever do that to me again.'

I disintegrate on my yellow throne. 'You were crazy mad.' I breathe on a long, relieved exhale.

'I was way, way past crazy mad, Ava.' He reaches up and starts circling his temples, as if trying to rid himself of the memory.

'Why?'

He pauses mid-rub. 'Because I couldn't get to you,' He says it like I'm stupid. He must catch my look of confusion because he moves his fingers to his forehead and rests his elbows on the table. 'The thought of not being able to reach you actually made me panic.'

What?

'I was in the room!' I blurt a bit too loudly. I take a quick glance around to make sure I've not drawn any attention from the posh clientele.

He scowls at me. 'You weren't in the room when you left!'

I lean across the table. 'I left because you threatened me.' This is most definitely not a conversation for the plushness of The Ritz.

'Well, that's because you made me crazy mad.' He widens his eyes at me. 'When did you get those handcuffs?' he asks accusingly as his palms hit the table, the bang silencing the other diners surrounding us.

I sit back in my throne and wait for them to continue with their conversation. 'When I left work yesterday. You kind of pissed all over my plan with your retribution f*ck.' I grumble moodily.

'Watch your mouth. I pissed on your plan?' he asks incredulously. 'Ava, let me tell you, nowhere in my plan was it written that you would have me restrained and at your mercy. So, it is you who pissed all over my plan.'

We both cease all speaking of plans, retribution f*cks and handcuffs when the waiter approaches with our food. He places it in front of me first and then Jesse, swiveling the plates around so the presentation - which looks more like art - is at its best position for us to admire before we attack it with our knife and fork. I smile my thanks.

'Is that all, Sir?' The waiter asks Jesse.

'Yes, thank you.'

The waiter removes himself from the table and leaves us to resume our inappropriate conversation.

I sink my knife into my dish. It looks too good to eat. 'You should know your temptress is extremely pleased with herself.' I say thoughtfully as I wrap my lips around the most delicious piece of granary toast, topped with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce.

'I bet she is.' He raises his eyebrows. 'Does she know how crazy in love with her I am?'

I melt on a sigh. I'm in The Ritz, eating the most incredible food and I'm looking across the table at the most devastatingly handsome man I've ever laid eyes on - my devastatingly handsome man. All mine. I am back to basking in the sun on Central Jesse Cloud Nine. 'I think she does.' I confirm.

He turns his attention back to his dish. 'She had better not just think.' he says sternly.

'She knows.'

'Good.'

'What's the problem, anyway?' I ask. 'Thirty seven is nothing.'

His eyes flick to mine. He looks almost embarrassed. 'I don't know. You're in your mid-twenties and I'm in my mid to late-thirties.'

'So?' I watch him closely. He really does have a complex about his age. 'It bothers you more than it does me.'

'Maybe.' He fights a smile from his lips. I can see he is relieved at my lack of concern. I shake my head, returning to my dish. My arrogant playboy has an insecurity, but I love him all the more for it.

We eat in a comfortable silence, the waiter checking if everything is to our satisfaction at regular intervals. How could it not be? When we're done, he clears our plates swiftly and Jesse asks for the bill.

'So, when are we going dress shopping then?' he asks before taking a sip of his coffee.

I let out an exasperated breath. I'd forgot about that. I know if I defy him on this, I'll be promptly ejected from Central Jesse Cloud Nine. I shrug. 'You don't have to come.' I can shoot to House of Fraser anytime on my travels.

'I want to come and anyway, I owe you a dress, remember?' He smirks, and I'm swiftly reminded of the dress massacre. He only wants to come so he can make an appropriate selection, and that means I'll probably be wearing ski pants and a roll neck jumper.

'Friday lunch?' I try, failing miserably to sound upbeat.

His frown line jumps into position. 'That's cutting it a bit fine, isn't it?'

'I'll find something.' I finish the most scrumptious coffee I've ever had.

'Put me in your diary for Friday afternoon...all afternoon.'

'What?' I feel my brow knit.

He takes a wad of notes out of his pocket and puts five twenties in the leather bound book that the waiter has just left. One hundred pounds for breakfast? That's my new dress!

'Make Mr Ward a Friday afternoon appointment. Say, one-ish.' His greens are dancing with delight. 'We'll go dress shopping and there will be no rush to get ready for the party.'

'I can't book out my whole afternoon for one appointment!' I splutter in disbelief. Mr unreasonable is back.

'You can and you will. I'm paying him enough.' He stands and makes his way to my side of the table. 'You need to tell Patrick that you're living with me. I'm not p-ssy footing around him for much longer.'

Am I living with him? I stand, taking the hand he has offered, and let him lead me out of the restaurant. No, he won't p-ssy foot around. He'll just keep trampling him instead. 'It will make things awkward.' I try to reason. 'He won't be impressed, Jesse. And I don't want him to think that I'm slacking instead of working if I should have any business meetings with you.'

'I couldn't give a f*ck what he thinks. If he doesn't like it, then you'll retire.' he says, marching on, dragging me behind him.

Retire? I love my job, and I love Patrick too. He's joking. 'You're going to trample him, aren't you?' I say warily. My man is like a Rhinoceros.

The valet hands him his car keys and Jesse slips him a fifty. A fifty? Just for parking and returning his car? Granted, it is a very nice car, but still.

He turns into me, grazes his palm down my cheek and circles his nose on mine. 'Are we friends?' His minty freshness hits me like a bulldozer.

'Yes,' I submit, but judging by the last few minutes' conversation, I don't expect we will be for long. Retire? 'Thank you for breakfast.'

He smiles. 'Anytime. Where are you going now?'

'The Royal Park.'

'Near Lancaster Gate? I'll take you.' He presses his lips hard onto mine and pushes his hips gently forward.

I gasp.

He can't thrust me outside The Ritz! I hear him laugh at my shock before he pulls me towards his car. The valet opens the door for me, and I smile sweetly before climbing in. After Jesse has slid in behind the wheel and given my knee a quick squeeze, he roars off into the mid-morning, London traffic at his usual alarming speed. I wonder how many points he has on his license.

So, I've just had a business breakfast with Mr Ward, of which the only business we discussed is crazy stuff. 'What am I going to tell Patrick?' I turn and look at him. Oh, he is so handsome.

'What, about us?' He flicks his eyes to me. His frown line is firmly in place.

'No, about our business breakfast. What have we discussed?'

He shrugs. 'Tell him we've agreed fees and I want you at The Manor on Friday to finalise the designs.'

'You make it sound so simple.' I sigh, sitting back in my seat and looking across the parks.

He places his hand on my knee and squeezes. 'Baby, you make it sound so complicated.'

Jesse screeches up outside The Royal Park and waves a delighted looking valet away when he approaches to collect Jesse's car.

'I'll see you at home.' He wraps his palm around the back of my neck and yanks me over to him, taking his time to say his goodbye. I let him. I could crawl all over him. Sod the valet stood close by, looking longingly at the DBS.

'Six-ish.' I confirm as he kisses the corner of my mouth.

He grins. 'ish.'

I know it's not the right time to approach the subject, but it's going to eat away at me for the rest of the day. He can't be serious, surely? 'I can't retire at twenty six.'

He sits back in his seat, the stupid, sodding cogs kicking into action. It worries me instantly. He is serious. 'I told you, I don't like sharing you.'

'That's stupid.' I blurt, which was obviously wrong, judging by the scowl that has just flashed across his face.

'Don't call me stupid, Ava.'

'I wasn't calling you stupid. I was calling your ambitious intention stupid.' I argue quietly. 'I'm never going to leave you.' I reach over and slide my hand across the back of his neck. Does he need re-assurance on this?

His lip disappears between his teeth as he stares at the steering wheel of the DBS. 'That doesn't stop people from trying to take you. I can't let that happen.' He turns tortured eyes onto me. It punches a massive hole in my stomach.

'What people?' I ask, alarm clear in my tone.

He shakes his head. 'No specific people. I don't deserve you, Ava, but by some f*cking miracle, I've got you. I'll protect you fiercely - eliminate any threat.' His hands slide over the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white from his harsh grip. 'Okay, we need to stop talking about this because I'm feeling a bit violent.'

I sit and look across at my beautiful, neurotic control freak and wish I could give him the reassurance that he needs. My words won't ever work. I absolutely realise that now. I'm also fully aware that what he actually means is he'll eliminate any male threat to him, not me.