Beneath This Man - Malpas Jodi Ellen - Страница 32

‘What’s John doing here?’ I snap.

‘Have you calmed down yet?’

‘Answer me!’ I yell.

‘Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?’

‘You! Are you listening? Why is John here?’

‘He’s going to take you to work.’

‘I don’t need a chauffeur, Jesse.’ I’ve calmed my voice slightly. How undignified of me, shouting and swearing like a drunken football hooligan, and in front of the newest, most prestigious residential complex in London. I look up and see John grinning. It’s new to me. I‘ve never seen him display any humour.

‘He was in the area. I thought it would be easier than you trying to park up.’ Jesse has calmed his tone too.

‘Well, at least tell me what’s happening if it involves me.’ I spit down the phone and hang up.

Controlling pig!

I make my way over to John and my phone starts singing again en-route. I’ll be changing that ring tone. I flash my screen at John as I pass him, and he grins again. ‘Yes, dear?’ I quip, rather bravely. I’m digging myself a hole here – I do realise that, but he’s out of touching distance so there is no risk of any sort of Jesse style fucking to put me in my place.

‘Don’t be sarcastic, Ava. It doesn’t suit you.’

I climb into the Range Rover and put my seatbelt on. ‘You’ll be pleased to know I’m on my way to work with John.’ I glace over at John, and he nods. ‘Would you like confirmation?’ I ask. ‘John, make yourself known.’ I thrust the phone under John’s nose.

‘S’all good, Jesse.’ he rumbles. He actually smiles, and I notice a gold tooth. He’s really enjoying this.

I put the phone back to my ear. ‘Happy?’

‘Very!’ he snaps. ‘Ever heard of a retribution fuck?’

The very words send shivers down my spine. I glance at John. He is still grinning. ‘No, are you going to demonstrate?’ I ask quietly.

‘If you’re lucky, I’ll see you at home.’ He hangs up.

I put my phone in my bag, feeling coils of anticipation springing into my groin. He’s taken me on a ten mile run, served me my favourite coffee, fucked me into oblivion and made filthy promises on the phone, and I haven’t even got to work yet. On top of that, though, he’s distracting me from a whole heap of troubling thoughts. He’s holding back on me again, and I can’t believe he has advised the concierge that I am now the lady of the house. I need to avoid all sense fucking in future, and I need to think about how I’m going to approach this little issue. It’s way too soon to move in with him.

I look at the mean beast of a man sat next to me. ‘Were you really in the area?’

John stops with his signature hum. ‘What do you think?’

That’s what I thought. ‘How old is Jesse?’ I ask casually. Why I’ve picked a casual tone is beyond me. It’s ridiculous that I don’t know how old he is.

‘Thirty two.’ John replies, completely dead pan.

Thirty two? That’s how old Jesse said he was last night. I look at John, who has started humming again. I don’t believe it! Jesse’s given him the heads up. ‘He’s not thirty two, is he?’

John smiles again, flashing his gold tooth. ‘He said you would ask.’

I shake my head. I’m at a total loss on that subject, so I decide, as John seems like he’s in a talkative mood, to take another angle. ‘Is he always so challenging?’

‘Only with you, girl. He’s actually quite laidback.’

Laidback? What a laugh! I remember Sam saying that too, and I also remember John mentioning that I had brought out some nasty qualities in him. I laugh to myself. Jesse has brought out some pretty nasty qualities in me too. I’m swearing like a sailor. ‘I obviously bring out the worst in him.’ I grumble.

‘Ah, girl. Go easy on him.’ John soothes lightly.

‘Do you want to live with him and his challenging ways?’ I ask exasperated.

‘So, you’ve moved in then?’ His eyebrows appear over his shades as he turns his face to me. I hadn’t realised what I just said. I hope John isn’t jumping to the same conclusion as Sarah did; that I’m after his money.

I suddenly have the urgent need to defend myself. ‘He asked me and pretty much bullied a yes out of me,’ I won’t tell John how, ‘but I’m not so sure. It’s a bit soon. That’s what that little spat was about. He doesn’t like being told no.’ I wave my phone at John.

I don’t give a fudge about his money!

The corners of John’s lips turn down and he starts nodding his head thoughtfully. ‘He certainly has a way with you.’

I scoff and do my own little thoughtful head shake. He certainly does have a way with me. It’s frightening. ‘How long have you known him?’ I ask. I may as well get my fill while I can. He might shut up and not start talking again.

‘Too long.’ He laughs, and it’s a deep, rumbling belly sound that has him developing a few more chins as his neck retracts. I wonder how old he is. It’s like the bloody mystery of ages. He’s got to be late forties.

‘I bet you see some sights at The Manor.’ I muse. John’s role is all the more clearer, now I know the place isn’t a hotel or the mafia’s HQ. I wouldn’t want to be messing with the mountain of a man sat next to me, drumming his hands on the steering wheel. He even makes that look menacing.

‘It’s all in my job description.’ he says casually.

Ah, which reminds me. ‘Why were the police there?’ I ask.

John turns an almost threatening face onto me, and I wither slightly. ‘Just some idiot playing games. No need for you to worry, girl.’ He turns his attention back to the road.

I wasn’t particularly worried, but I am now. John has just spun off the exact same minimal explanation that Jesse did, and the fact that he has told me not to worry is even more worrying. What’s going on?

Information. I need some damn information.

I’m dropped off at my office, and John nods his farewell.

‘Morning, Ava!’ Sally says cheerfully.

Oh yes. I forgot our Sal has transformed. She has on the same top as yesterday but in a different colour. Today’s top is red.  I like sparkling Sally. I hope she doesn’t get crapped all over. ‘Hi Sal, Are you okay?’

‘Yes, thank you for asking, I’m very good. Can I get you a coffee?’

‘Please.’

‘Coming up!’ She flashes me a lovely smile and skips to the kitchen. I notice she has nail colour on. This is new too, and it’s not beige or clear. It’s fire cracker red! This must be in preparation for her date.

I load my computer up, crack on with some estimates and prepare a heap of invoice requests for Sally. I open my email and see my inbox flooded with new emails, mostly junk, so I start to plough through them.

At ten thirty, I hear the office door open. When I look up, I’m not at all surprised to see a fan of calla lilies spread across the arm of Lusso girl. I knew he wouldn’t take any notice of my request. She rolls her eyes, and I give her an apologetic shrug. After exchanging flowers and signatures, I retrieve the card.

Looking forward to your retribution fuck?

Your God.

X

I smile and send him a text. I promised myself no contact after he distracted me this morning, but that plan has already been tossed out the window, what with Molly mops and Big John. And anyway, I really am looking forward to my retribution fuck.

Yes I am and yes u are. Your Ax

I knuckle down. With the office empty except for Sal, I have the perfect opportunity to get lots done. I run across the road at lunchtime to grab a bagel and eat it at my desk. My phone declares a text when I land back in my chair.

I particularly like your sign off. Don’t forget it. You always will be. See you at home about 7…ish Jx

I’m well and truly on Central Jesse Cloud Nine. I decide to give Kate a call while I’m taking a few minutes out for lunch.