AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So you’re taking her to The Manor?” I say over a laugh.
“Problem solved.”
“And you’re willing to share, are you?” I ask, smiling while Sam takes way too long to answer. Kate’s young. Very attractive. Red hair, blue eyes, a firecracker personality. She’ll go down a storm at The Manor, and Sam must have considered that.
“You know me, mate. Share the love.”
I snort. He’s as crazy as everyone claimsIam. I’m surrounded by idiots. “Whatever. But who’s paying, because I’m sure as shit bakers aren’t falling into Britain’s top earners.”
“I expect mate’s rates.”
“Obviously. Talk to Sarah, she’ll fix you up.”
“Kate doesn’t want Ava to know.”
I don’t need to ask why. “Not a problem.” I can barely mention The Manor without Ava’s lips twisting. I’m certainly not going to volunteer further information, especially when it concerns her best friend. “So, that coffee?”
“Sure. Kate’s heading to Brighton so I’m at a loose end. I’ll talk to Drew.”
“Call me.”
“Yes, dear,” he sings, hanging up, and as soon as he does, I go back to inventing the retribution fuck. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of my favorites.
17
To be fair,the day passes reasonably fast, my time filled with anniversary party plans and Tuesday evening retribution plans. Sam and Drew ended up coming over to The Manor for that coffee, and Sarah utilized the muscle, having them shifting furniture around the summer room, ready for Friday.
Before I leave The Manor, I shoot up to my private suite and pull open a few drawers until I find what I’m looking for. I smile, smug, as I stuff the handcuffs into my pocket and leave, itching to get home.
Clive dives out from behind his desk when I pace into the lobby, walking with me to the elevator. “She arrived home ten minutes ago, Mr. Ward,” he says as I hit the call button.
I smile down at him, thinking Clive loves playing not-so-private detective. “Mood?”
“Rushed.” He pops his hat back on his head, and I frown. “She was in a rush, I think.”
“Oh?” Interesting.
“She didn’t stop to talk. Maybe she wanted to have your dinner ready by the time you got home, sir.” He grins, and I laugh to myself as I step inside the elevator. Have dinner ready? I don’t think so. Her independence won’t allow it. “But then again,” Clive muses, “she was very angry this morning.”
“Wasn’t she just.”
“You got yourself a young pocket rocket there, sir.” He chuckles.Young. “She’ll keep you on your toes, that’s for sure.”
The doors start closing. “Or on the edge of insanity,” I mumble, flicking Clive a pound coin. I just see a glimpse of his scowl as he catches it before the doors come together.What the hell is she in such a rush for?
When I reach the penthouse, I close the door quietly behind me, listening carefully, as I creep through the space, my eyes peeled. Not in the lounge. Not in the kitchen.Definitelyno dinner waiting for me.As if.I still at the bottom of the stairs, hearing the distant running of water. “Well, this will make things easier,” I say to myself, taking the knot of my tie and yanking at it as I climb the steps to heaven.
I strip out of my suit, leaving it in a messy pile by the bed, and drop the cuffs on top before removing my boxers and pacing to the bathroom. I hear the shower shut off, and when I reach the doorway, I find Ava frantically washing her naked, wet body. It’s quite a sight. But, again, why’s she in such a hurry?
She steps out, yanks a towel down, spins, and then yelps when she crashes into me.
“Surprised to see me?” I ask, towering over her.
She peeks up, wary. “A little.”
“Thought so.” I consider the merits of manhandling her to the bed, risk her fighting me, but no. Not now. Now, she’s going to do what I ask,whenI ask it. She’s going to make up for her insubordination this morning. She’s going to hand all the power back to me. “We have a small issue to resolve, and we’re going to do it now.”
“What if I say no?” Her voice is small. Unsure. Fucking pointless.
