Total pages in book: 204
Estimated words: 193115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 966(@200wpm)___ 772(@250wpm)___ 644(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 193115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 966(@200wpm)___ 772(@250wpm)___ 644(@300wpm)
“With her,” she sighs, as if it’s a massive problem. “I’m surprised she’s given you the time of day after—”
“Don’t,” I warn. “And had you not wanted to help me unwind, I wouldn’t have to worry about being given the time of day.”
She’s silent for a few moments, and then she inhales, realization falling. “She still doesn’t know about The Manor, does she?”
I glare at the beautiful view.
“And what about your Tuesday evening indiscretions?”
“Sarah . . .” I’m growling, hate rising, mostly hate for me. “I’ll talk to you when I get there.” I need to tell her the score, and she needs to stop fucking interfering. “Ava’s coming with me to work on the extension.”
“Risky.”
“It’s Sunday. It’s quiet. See you soon.” I hang up and rub at my forehead, ensuring all signs of stress and guilt are gone before I make it back to the kitchen. Except, when I arrive, I find Ava frantically rummaging through her purse, and that stress and guilt returns tenfold. Fuck. She’s looking for her pills. “You ready?” I ask.
“Two seconds.” She shakes her head, clearly casting her mind back, trying to remember the moment she didn’t put her pills in her purse. I bite my lip as she approaches and takes my hand. It’s easy to be distracted from my wrongs by that little black dress. She’s put the shirt over it—good girl—but what use is that if it’s flapping open?
“It’s a good job Cathy isn’t here. You would give her a heart attack in that dress.”
“Cathy?” she asks, confused, as I set about fastening the buttons from top to bottom.
“My housekeeper.” I nod my head approvingly. “Better.” I take her hand and lead her out, looking at her as we board the lift. She looks thoroughly fucked. It suits her.
The doors close, and my head is quickly invaded with a barrage of wicked ideas, all involving Ava, me, and this lift. Against the wall. On her knees. I shift on the spot, the rough material of my jeans rubbing against my bulging cock. I should have put some boxers on. I have a one-track mind lately and that one track always leads to Ava.
“Morning, Mr. Ward,” the concierge says as we pass, smiling brightly at Ava. “You look better this morning, Ava.”
I feel Ava’s intention to stop and chat with the old boy. Not today. Our time together is precious. No sharing. Pulling her on, we make it outside, and I open the car and get her in, fastening her seatbelt for her. She doesn’t bat an eyelid, just smiles up at me.
Acceptance. It’s stunning on her.
Today is going to be a good day.
20
I spend the whole journey to Ava’s detailing my plan to get her to The Manor with me this afternoon. It’s simple. I’m going to tell her.
She slips out of my car when I park and rounds the front, joining me on the pavement. The way she’s looking up at me tells me I could just ask and she’d agree.
She walks into my chest, tilting her head back, and I remain where I am, my hands restrained in my pockets. I could take what she’s silently offering, but there’s so much more pleasure to be had when she gives it to me willingly. She comes closer, closing the space between our lips, and when they meet, I’m done for. I give in to the power and seize her, tumbling into my newfound euphoria, working her mouth firm and steady, the world as I know it disappearing around me. I don’t want this kiss to end, but I tear myself away, and she whimpers, her hands limply sliding from my shoulders. I’ve never seen a woman so deeply and obviously breathless. It’s fuel to my fire of need. She doesn’t want to leave me.
She walks up the path to the front door, unsteady on her feet, and I follow with a small smile.
She turns and finds me close behind. “What are you doing?” she asks.
“I’m coming in to wait for you.”
“Where am I going?”
“You’re coming to work with me,” I tell her candidly, and her sweet frown deepens.
“You just kissed me goodbye.”
“No, Ava.” I reach up and sweep aside the lock of hair falling across her brow. “I just kissed you.” She should get used to it. “Get ready.”
“Okay.”
Her easy agreement is promising. Let’s keep that up. She opens the front door, and I follow her into the lounge, my eyebrows jumping up when I find Sam looking a bit cozy with Kate. He stayed here? All night? I throw him a questioning look.
“Hey, my man.” He doesn’t seem to give two fucks about the fact he’s naked, hardly covered by the sheets. I cast a look across to Ava to see if she’s at all affected by my well-formed, younger mate.