Chapter 48 NANCY
I WOKE THE FOLLOWING MORNING with a killer hangover and Alex lying on his belly next to me, naked as Michelangelo’s David.
The only thing I could remember about the end of the night was Mimi’s enraged face and Alex washing me.
Then we’d spent the night tangled together, wordlessly kissing away tears and making love slow and tender.
I took a moment to enjoy the view before tiptoeing to the bathroom.
When I entered the hallway, I was greeted with the mouth-watering smell of stodgy English breakfast. I found William at the range cooker in full chef mode, scrambling eggs, stirring baked beans, and frying bread, bacon, and sausage.
Kim and David stood nearby, laying plates, while Jayden sat on a breakfast stool, drinking the remnants of what appeared to be Alex’s hangover cure.
“How did you all sleep?” I asked.
“Like the dead,” Kim murmured with a gruff tinge. “I was so pissed. That rum punch nearly killed me, and it didn’t even taste that strong.”
“Yeah, me too. I think my brain’s attempting to escape with a sledgehammer.”
“If you need a pep, it’s in the blender,” William called, looking in the best shape out of everyone.
“You know how to make Alex’s hangover cure?”
“I’d argue it’s the best thing he’s ever invented. Don’t tell him that, though.”
“I’m sure the tech mogul wouldn’t be at all insulted that his best invention happened in a kitchen and not at a computer.”
David took a sip of his cure. “You lot didn’t have to live through the many hideous stages. Initially, he included pickle juice.”
Kim gagged, and I laughed. “We all appreciate your sacrifice.” I poured a glass and downed it in one. My head swam for a moment before the hangover began to clear.
“Right, grub’s up,” William announced, pan in hand, ready to serve the plates. “Is Alex coming down?”
“I left him to rest a while longer. Unfortunately, our night didn’t end well. Mimi turned up pissed and ranting.”
“You’re kidding!” Kim gaped.
“Nope. When I came to the door, I caught her confessing her love to him.” My eyes met William’s.
“And how did Alex respond?”
“Not well, but thankfully Evan was on hand.”
“Well, I had a great night.” Jayden sauntered over to the place David had dutifully set. “It was kitsch, boozy, and the guests were fabulous.” He squeezed my arm. “And you two are perfect for each other.”
I gave him a broad smile. “Honestly, it was all Alex’s planning. I have no idea how he put that together in a week. I was just along for the ride.”
“Oh, you’ll pick up the planning part easy.” Jayden waved off my modesty. “What I’m saying is you’re a born hostess. You’re made to be a duchess.”
“Jayden,” David scolded. “That’s very presumptuous.”
“Come off it, Dave. You know as well as I do that Alex’s never been into anyone as much as he has you, darlin’.” He took my left hand and kissed the knuckles. “He better get a ring on it soon, is all I’m saying.”
“I think we’re happy as is for the moment.” I blushed and looked over at Kim, hoping to swiftly change the subject. “Have you seen Jemima and AJ this morning?”
“Jem got a cab home, upset, but you know what they’re like. All drama all the time.” Kim rolled her eyes and took a sip of black coffee.
“Who are we talking about?” Jayden asked.
“Two of our mates from World’s End.”
“Oh,” he tittered knowingly. “You mean the cute brother checking you out all evening?”
My eyes darted up in horror while Kim’s dropped to her plate. William watched our round of reactions with curiosity.
“Stop stirring, Jayden,” David chided. “Sorry, Nancy. He’s a terrible gossip.”
“I’m never wrong, though,” Jayden said smugly, taking a sizable bite of bacon and fried bread.
I ate quietly, avoiding all eye contact.
“So, what are you up to for the rest of today, babe?” Kim inquired, breaking the tension.
“I’m gonna see Mum. She wants to throw a housewarming for the flat now that it’s hers, so I said I’d help her plan the details.” I checked my phone. “Actually, I gotta go if I’m gonna catch her before her appointment.” Finishing my eggs, I said goodbye and texted Alex on my way to the garage.
Shall we chill with a movie and snacks this avo?
P.S. Necking is included in the deal ;)
Grinning at the thought of an entire Sunday afternoon spent alone with my man, I set up for the short ride.
As I travelled around the ellipse of The Boltons past the church, the usual array of judgemental looks greeted me from the grey-haired Sunday congregation. I revved my engine defiantly as I passed.
When I turned onto Old Brompton Road, there was little traffic.
Cars crossed the junction while I held at the red.
It was already scorching out, and I tugged at my leathers for some relief from the summer heat—when a roar came from behind.
My eyes flicked to the wing mirror just in time to see the huge silver grille of a Rolls-Royce Phantom racing towards me.
My heart hit my throat as my instincts kicked in.
I slipped the clutch and squeezed the throttle.
The street bike launched forward, gripping the tarmac as I swerved left onto Redcliffe Gardens.
The Rolls matched my manoeuvre, so close I could see the driver.
Mimi’s crazed eyes were fixed on me as she bared her teeth in an inaudible cry of hatred.
I floored it, zigzagging left and right to dart around the cars that were diligently sticking to the 20mph limit.
I tried to speed past, hitting my horn in warning, but Mimi kept pace.
I flew through the pedestrian crossings, praying no one would step out in front of us.
Mimi hit the accelerator, not caring one bit.
The grille bore down on me, the roar of the engines consuming all sound.
The road opened out towards the junction with King’s Road, where the traffic lights remained red. I hesitated as Mimi sped up. The Rolls came within an inch of my rear tyre. I gripped the handlebars, refusing to close my eyes.