Page 140 of Pure Recklessness

‘Because their parents thought our family business was porn and they didn’t want their children to be ‘corrupted’. Even as kids, we knew that was bullshit.’

‘So your parents were pretty open about sex and the company they ran?’

Blake nodded. ‘Most parents are terrified about having the birds and the bees chat, but ours never shied away from those conversations. They were open about everything. Sex was always seen as a positive, natural act.’

‘That’s good,’ I said, thinking that my parents were the exact opposite.

‘Sated’s ethos was always about women embracing their sexuality. When my parents started the business, everything in society was about the male gaze and sex was seen as something that only men enjoyed. But Mum wanted to change that. She wanted to remove the shame around women seeking pleasure. She wanted Sated customers to feel sexually liberated.’

‘Well, I can confirm from personal experience that she’s done that!’ I grinned.

‘Glad to hear it.’ Blake flashed his toothpaste ad-worthy smile again.

‘Is your mum still involved in the company?’

‘We give her updates, but in general, she’s hands off. My parents worked hard to get the business off the ground, so it’s only right that they enjoy the fruits of their labour. It took a while to convince them to hand over the reins. Now the pressure’s on to make sure we don’t fuck it up.’

‘You won’t.’ I rubbed his shoulder gently, before pulling my hand away. I didn’t want to overstep.

‘How about you?’ He tilted his head. ‘What are your parents like?’

‘Strict.’ I blew out a breath. ‘They’re extremely paranoid and in a constant state of worry, but also very loving. I know they’re only overprotective because they care and because of what…’ I swallowed the lump in my throat. ‘Anyway. They sound like the complete opposite to your parents. They don’t like talking about emotions and although sending me to boarding school would’ve been their idea of hell, I used to dream about them doing that.’

‘You used to dream of being sent to boarding school?’ Blake’s brows furrowed.

‘Okay, maybe not boarding school, but I would’ve loved to have gone to any kind of school again.’ I sighed. ‘You were so lucky to have not just your brothers, but friends your own age around you. I never had that. Well, not for my entire childhood, anyway.’ My chest tightened.

‘How’d you mean?’

‘From the age of nine, I was homeschooled. Which meant I missed out on making friends my own age and going on school trips. I still remember how excited I was about the excursion to London to visit the Natural History Museum. But then because of what happened, I couldn’t go there. Or anywhere else.’

‘Why? What happened?’ His frown deepened.

My throat went dry. I shouldn’t have said anything.

‘Do you mind if we don’t talk about it? It’s… sad and… we’ve had a nice evening. I don’t want to bring the mood down. I just… maybe that’s why I always wanted to come to London. Because I wasn’t allowed to as a child.’

He nodded, understanding flashing across his face.

‘So I imagine you’ve been to see all of the sights by now,’ Blake said.

‘No. Not really.’ I shrugged. It was pretty bad that I hadn’t, considering how long I’d been here. But during the week, I worked late and when the weekend rolled around, I was either reading or too tired to venture out.

My earlier sex toy obsession didn’t help either.

‘Not even the Natural History Museum?’

‘Not yet, but I will do.’ At some point. A yawn slipped from my lips. ‘Sorry.’ I winced. ‘I’m tired. I should go.’

‘Stay,’ Blake said. ‘I’ve already sent Geoff home.’

‘I wasn’t expecting a lift. I can get a cab.’

‘Ellie.’ His voice deepened. ‘If you don’t feel comfortable staying here, then of course you can leave whenever you like. But I’d prefer you not to.’

My eyes widened.

He wanted me to stay?