Page 209 of Pure Recklessness

‘Dad, he⁠—’

‘We saw the articles on the interweb, Ellie! He’s a monster who preys on poor innocent female employees. What on earth were you doing working for a pornography company? You lied to us. You told us you were working for an app!’

‘Sated isn’t a porn company, Dad,’ I said just as my gaze flicked to Blake’s desk, which had some character art for a steamy romance novel where the male main character had the female main character pinned against the shower wall whilst he fucked her, and another illustration with the hero’s head between her legs as he ate her out at the edge of the bed.

Mum’s gaze followed mine and when she caught sight of them, she gasped then literally clutched her pearls.

Yes. She actually wore pearls.

Those images she’d just seen weren’t going to help my argument.

Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now.

‘Like I was saying, Sated isn’t a porn company, they provide products to enhance women’s sexual pleasure. That includes books, toys and the app, SatisFya, that I’ve been working on. And I’m really proud of it. As for Blake, he’s not a predator. He’s the most incredible, kind-hearted man I’ve ever met.’

I looked at Blake, who was beaming. I went over and wrapped my arm around his waist.

‘Did he make you say those things?’ Dad barked. ‘Did he drug you or blackmail you? Maude in the post office was telling me the other day that her husband’s cousin’s uncle knew someone who⁠—’

‘Enough of the gossip, Dad!’ I raised my voice. ‘I know you and Mum have your reasons, but you can’t keep living life in fear all the time or base your opinions on what you’ve heard others say instead of what you’ve actually experienced for yourself. I know you’re overprotective because you care, but I’m not the sweet innocent girl who left the village months ago. You can’t wrap me up in cotton wool forever. I’m not coming back with you. I love it here, in London. I have an amazing career and an incredible boyfriend who I love deeply. I’m not in danger. I’m thriving. If you truly love me, you’ll set me free. Let me live like Dotty didn’t get the chance to. I owe it to myself and to her to enjoy life to the fullest.’

Mum’s lip quivered and a tear rolled down her cheek.

I stepped forward and wrapped her in my arms.

‘We just wanted to protect you,’ she sobbed. ‘We didn’t keep your sister safe and I promised your mother I’d take care of you, so that’s all I’ve ever tried to do. I already lost my best friend and one daughter. I couldn’t bear to lose another one.’

‘You won’t lose me, Mum.’ My heart squeezed. ‘You and Dad raised me and kept me safe just like you promised. But I’m twenty-six now. I’m a grown woman. You have to let me go. Trust me to make my own decisions. Do you think your best friend would be happy to know I was living in a tiny village too afraid to do anything adventurous with my life? Or do you think she’d be happy that I took a chance, came to London, found something I’m good at, am thriving at work and have met an amazing man who shares my passions, dreams and who loves me?’

Mum pulled away slowly. I hoped I hadn’t upset her, but it needed to be said.

I’d always thought that any adventurous genes I might have inherited had been scared out of me by my parents who were terrified of everything. But maybe I was braver than I’d given myself credit for.

Although I doubted I’d be abseiling, rock-climbing or bungee jumping anytime soon, I had moved away to pursue a new career and adventures in London, despite being repeatedly warned not to.

And since I started working at Sated, I’d been pretty bold sexually, too.

If I’d achieved all of this in several months, imagine what I could do in a few years. The world really was my oyster.

‘You’re right.’ Mum nodded. ‘I’m sorry. Of course we want the best for you. Don’t we, Harold?’

‘You sure he’s trustworthy?’ Dad narrowed his eyes at Blake.

‘Yes!’ I replied.

‘You don’t need to worry. I can look after myself, and now I’ve found someone else who also wants to look out for me and that’s a beautiful thing. I want you to be happy for me. I need you to be happy for me.’

‘If you hurt a hair on her head, I’ll, I’ll… You’ll have me to answer to!’ Dad pointed his finger at Blake, still avoiding body contact.

‘Yes, Mr Lewis, sir,’ Blake said. ‘You have my word. I love your daughter dearly. You’ve raised a phenomenal woman. You should be very proud.’

Warmth flooded my heart.

‘Our little girl’s all grown up,’ Dad said and when I saw a tear roll down his cheek, I pulled him and Mum into a hug.

We held each other and cried what I hoped were happy tears for a few minutes.

When we eventually pulled away, Blake gave me a warm smile.