Crush (Love in London #2)

Thirteen

Amber

I called in sick on Friday due to being full of cold. I looked like shit—my nose was red and my eyes wouldn’t stop running. I was supposed to be going to Westfield in London, probably one of the best shopping malls in the city with Mia the following day, but I felt atrocious . My favourite clothing store was in Paris but they had a boutique at the Westfield Mall. It was the type of niche store where you couldn’t buy a thong for less than a hundred; expensive but exclusive and superb quality.

Are you OK?

Pushing back against the headboard of my bed, I stared down at the text message from Max. I’d be lying if I said seeing the message didn’t thrill me. We hadn’t spoken in person since Daddy’s party but he had messaged me a few times and emailed me.

I had tried to concentrate on work and not the fact that I was missing him but it had been tough. Even winding each other up was better than nothing. Not seeing him every day made me feel like I had lost something.

I’d grafted hard that week and had caught up on all my emails. I also intercepted Max’s phone a few times and was not too fond of the fact that a woman called Natalie kept calling. Who the hell was she ?

I thought of the best reply. Whilst Max was away, I’d managed to get control of my emotions again. I’m fine. It’s just a cold.

The buffering icon went to show he was typing. Do you want me to bring you some soup ?

OMG, I almost dropped the phone. What kind of reply was that? I felt happy and confused at the same time which was odd, I wasn’t one for the sappy crap. Shit.

LOL. No, thank you. I’ll be fine. I don’t particularly want you to see me snotty.

But I’m so used to you being snotty. Max added a laughing emoji. The man continued to surprise me.

We messaged back and forth and it felt natural and unforced.

Before I could stop myself, I messaged, A girl called Natalie was trying to get hold of you.

I chewed my lip as he started typing. Really?

Yes. Several times. Something about the test being positive. I joked, hoping I came across as breezy instead of a jealous fuck.

Funny.

No, I’m serious, Not, about the positive thing of course. She called you four times yesterday.

That’s odd as she has my mobile number.

A thought occurred to me. Are you ghosting the poor girl? I didn’t feel sorry for her if he was. I wasn’t that nice. Plus, I felt like I had some type of claim on him now if only slightly. The man had been inside me after all.

It seemed to take him ages for him to reply. What the hell was there to think about, you’re either seeing her or you’re not. No. It’s not like that. We have an ‘arrangement’ or had anyway. Thank God for the last part.

I added my own emoji, an eye-rolling one. I’ll just bet you did, you dirty bastard.

Wow, I bet jealousy looks good on you. This was sent with around five of the laughing and crying emojis.

You wish. I was going to send him a smiling emoji, but I sent him a thumbs-up by mistake. Who knew how he’d read into that one ?

Jealous? Of a skank on the phone. Whatever.

Shit, I so was. Max didn’t reply for a while and I toyed with sending him another text to change the subject but he beat me to it.

So, do you have your dress for next weekend?

Not yet, I was going to go shopping with Mia tomorrow but I feel too rotten.

The buffering icon appeared. Why don’t you wear that sexy little number you wore to your father’s seventieth?

I felt all tingly to my toes. Complements from Max felt amazing . On a fishing mission, I thumbed in, That old thing?

Yes. Old or not you looked stunning in it.

I pursed my lips and crossed my legs. So, you liked me in that dress? What? I was puffy-faced, sneezing like a motherfucker and in desperate need of some nice words.

His response was instantaneous. I preferred you OUT of it.

OMG. I felt giddy. Our back and forth felt good, normal . Then who I was doing it with sank in and I felt a twinge of doubt. I needed to play whatever the hell was going on with us cooler. I wasn’t a fucking schoolgirl speaking to her latest crush. I needed to remain sophisticated.

Nice. Anyway, I thought you’d see me as a girl who never wore the same thing twice.

Why would you think that? Max messaged.

The poor little rich girl thing?

I think we’ve established that’s not what you are at all , he messaged.

A smile twitched my lips as I typed. Really?

Yes. There’s so much more to you. I didn’t see it at first.

Chewing the inside of my cheek, I toyed with how to reply but just went with, OK, and now you do?

Abso-fricking-lutely .

Tapping my phone against my head, I held my breath, wondering if he’d say any more stuff like that and hoping he did. Anyway, I should go. Get better soon. It will be full on next week and I need you healthy.

With a grin, I replied. Yes, Boss.

He shut the conversation down with a smiling emoji and I held my phone against my chest, feeling the most normal I had for years. After years of feeling like a worthless screw-up, the tide was turning. Whatever was happening with Max seemed to be helping to put what happened with Zander where it belonged; in the past.

It felt like a fresh new start for me.

Considering we got off on the wrong foot, massively. Who would have thought that a man I couldn’t stand initially would make me think about restarting my life?

Unfolding my legs and tugging the covers further up my body, I curled in on myself and hugged a pillow to my chest. My bed still vaguely held Max’s scent and I allowed it to swallow me up.

Maybe I could do normal after all?

*****

Luckily, the cold wasn’t so bad but I didn’t go into work until Tuesday. Max had already assembled the team and they were in themain cabin we used for group meetings.

I arrived on site late due to heavy traffic and I slid in through the back. He noticed me immediately with a nod and I even got a smile while he was talking.

The others in the room must have noticed something was different, as occasionally, one person would turn their head and glance towards the back of the cabin. Straining to see where the Boss’s attention kept lingering. It made me feel warm inside. They all thought we were shagging anyway, so Lisa in the office said. Wes had also made a few hints but I didn’t care.

After the meeting, Max came to my office with an older woman who he introduced as Joanna Tysak. She was working on the marketing and launch of the new bar we were building. She was a flamboyant lady in her forties and was extremely nice and professional. Max had told her about my father’s party and she asked me loads of questions. What my inspirations had been and which contractors I had used. It was explained that I was to shadow her for the next two weeks, yet another part of the business to be introduced to. Max had said at Daddy’s party that I should think about planning events and things and I suppose, coming up with ideas for a launch party would give me more experience in that area.

During the rest of that week, I started to meet with her at her office to go over some ideas for launch night and how to put together a marketing campaign to raise awareness.

I ran into Max on and off, usually when we were with other people and not alone. He was professional but accidentally-on-purpose would touch me at some point, a brief skim of the arm or a hand to the bottom of my back. I played along and didn’t spur his handsy behaviour. To be honest, I loved it.

We’d text each other in the evenings about a show we were both watching called Brassic. It was hilarious and had been a suggestion from Mia. Max and I also spoke about Mia and Luca who had been out on a couple of dates. Our messages were flirty and he always asked where I was and what I was doing. I loved his sudden interest in me. To be honest, after we’d slept together, I had thought nothing would come of it.

Although it was early days since Max and I had switched from daggers to a flirty friendship, I knew I wanted more than a one-night stand from him; Icraved it .

He had been so attentive during the week after I returned after my cold, almost over the top and the cynic in me was worried that he was up to something.

How could our relationship have changed so much in such a short space of time? But then again, I had shared something immensely intimate with him. Surely that would have moved things forward. We’d had mind-blowing sex and if that wasn’t one of the biggest game changers on the planet, what was?

After a tiring week, I made my way home and told myself not to read into shit. Things were good with Max and I was enjoying both his company and the work I was doing. There wasn’t time to think about anything else.

Whatever was going on between us, I was happy for it to play out and see where it went. The bitch in me would remain dormant for now.

The charity ball loomed and even though nothing had been said, I had decided I would treat it as my first date with Max, no strings attached. Just two adults having fun and who knew where that could lead?

I just hoped there was a bedroom in there somewhere.

I had now accepted that I wanted Max, the question was. Did he want me back?

That annoying niggle that something was off continued to loom on and off; like an ulterior motive had brought about the change in events.

Bottling that thought, I started to plan my outfit for the forthcoming ball. I was looking forward to it and being with Max. I needed to allow myself to trust in him.

Otherwise, what was the point?

Max

I’d had a shitter of a week. Everything kept going wrong with the build on-site, although Roger Beresford had finally signed off on my alcohol license .

The weather was the main cause of delays, withsevere winds dragging down some scaffolding overnight. Delivery of the project had been set back for the second time and the hotel owners were worried that it wouldn’t be ready for the launch.

Amber was so different at work, enthusiastic and approachable. She had revealed a side of herself which I never expected. It was like our sleeping together had broken down those barriers and things between us were better. More than better.

I had purposely paired her with an associate of mine, Joanna who usually led opening events for my projects. So far, I had never missed a target but the current project we were working on seemed to be doomed.

I had also spent most of the day on Thursday dealing with business relating to another project which had set me back another day.

The dockside warehouses I bought were confirmed asuseless. And if I were to sell the land now, I’d lose even more money due to a recent dip in the land value markets. Without planning permission, I couldn’t turn them into anything I could use.

Pushing thoughts of future projects to one side, I’d also had Rory Hopton in my office for ballsing up a section of scaffolding and so I fired him. He’d failed to strengthen a corner elevation. The part that the wind had brought down. Not only had it damaged part of the rendering, but if it had happened when people had been on site, it could have caused a series injury. The way he continued to watch Amber when she was on site was also a factor in that decision. It pissed me off.

As Jonny had requested, I’d kept Amber busy in the lead-up to Harker being released from prison. A thought that was always at the back of my mind.

It was hard to digest that thestarchier side of her demeanour was due to her having suffered an infinitely more complex and darker life experience. Sure, I was minus a twin brother, but in the scheme of things, what Amber had suffered had been manipulation of the worst kind. She’s been preyed upon by the lowest of the low; an adult scumbag taking advantage of a young, impressionable girl. And one who was already tortured and incomplete due to losing her mother at such a young age. I toyed with the idea of finding him when he got released from prison, but I knew that wasn’t the best of ideas.

I spoke to Jonathan daily and provided updates on Amber. Did I feel a bit of a shit for spying, yes. But it was with her safety in mind. Who knew what Harker would do when he got out? Hopefully, he’d moved the hell on and so would just get on with his sorry life.

There was also the question of what Amber would do when she found out he was free. Jonny said that as far as he knew, Amber hadn’t contacted Harker in prison but the fucker had attempted to write to her. Jonny said he withheld all the letters but hadn’t read them. He said thoughts of what the letters may contain about his little girl left him sick to his stomach.

On my way home from work one night, I went to Natalie’s house. I’d spoken to her a few times on the phone and she’d come over all needy which wasn’t good. That wasn’t what we’d agreed. I had been honest with her from the start and she’d been fine with a booty call type of arrangement but I knew it was time to end things. Amber was also a reason for that. We weren’t seeing each other but I was still incredibly attracted to her and getting her in bed again was high on my agenda. If only work didn’t keep getting in the way.

When I ended things with Natalie, she didn’t break down or cry and seemed OK. However, partway through our discussion, Gabriel called her and asked for a favour. Something about buying Leonie a cocktail dress. I’d found it interesting that Natalie said she hadn’t heard from Gabe in weeks. They too had a similar arrangement to ours which from the sounds of it, had also dried up.

Things were becoming tighter between Gabe and Leonie. After finding out she was working in the strip club, he’d put a good word in for her at Felice’s, our usual drinking establishment. She had either started working there or was due to. I wondered if they were fucking yet, my lawyer-to-be friend kept his cards close to his chest, as I did where Amber was concerned.

One night Gabriel called to explain that Leonie had been attacked by her previous landlord. I’d offered to go and sort the twat out but it sounded like he’d had a good go himself. He’d also set Marco on the case and asked him to send a message. I hated men that forced themselves on women. I blew off the forced kiss I’d planted on Amber as that not counting.

As Gabe and I had caught up on shit, we spoke briefly about Luca and Amber’s friend Mia who had been out a few times before moving onto the touchy subject of Gabe’s father Garrett Knight. Gabriel was still being pressured to join his father’s firm and it sounded like Garrett’s number one client Gerard Kinlan was also bringing out the big guns.

As I was attaching cufflinks to the sleeves of my dress shirt, a light from my bed drew my attention and I went to retrieve my phone. Swiping the screen with my thumb I opened the text. It was the night of the charity ball and I was finishing getting ready. I so didn’t want to go; I hated dressing up and having to play a part. I would much rather have Amber in my apartment for the night, in my bed or even against the wall. I so needed to fuck her again soon. I’d already jerked off twice whilst thinking about all the things I wanted to do to her when I’d showered.

I’m downstairs. It was from Amber. The Royal Horseguards where the charity ball was being held was in the centre of London. We had agreed that Dexter would drive her and they’d pick me up on the way. At the end of the night, I intended asking her to come home with me.

I thumbed in my reply. On my way.

Sliding my arms into the jacket of my tux, I then pocketed my phone and keys and searched for my wallet. Grabbing it from the kitchen counter, I walked to the door. My phone vibrated in my pocket as I was locking my apartment.

The message was from Jonny .

Maxim, there has been a report of Harker’s release on the local news.

OK? What do you want me to do?

Jonny’s message flew back. Could you take Amber’s phone? I would prefer she doesn’t hear anything from the media. I’m away tonight but will speak to her tomorrow at dinner.

Maybe we should tell her now?

He didn’t reply which pissed me off. The man was taking the piss now. I added a reply as he’d expect me to. I will try.

After locking up and heading down in the lift to a waiting Amber, I felt annoyed at the position her father had put me in.

I was lying to her now and was tying myself up in knots. She needed to know. Amber was a grown woman and would be safer if she knew. Jonny was still treating her like a little girl and I couldn’t allow that. If she knew the real reason I was taking her out tonight she’d be pissed. Although unofficial, I knew she’d see tonight as a date. That’s what women did, romanticised the heck out of stuff.

You’re doing it to keep her safe; I qualified inwardly.

After thanking Dexter for opening the door, I climbed inside the limo. Amber’s scent hit me immediately. She looked stunning in a black lace cocktail dress.

“You look beautiful,” I said, sliding over the leather, my thigh touching hers.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she replied with a smile. Dexter closed the door, leaving us alone for a few beats and I couldn’t help myself.

“We could just sack this shit off and go upstairs?” I said with a suggestive look.

Amber laughed, it was sweet and melodic. “And waste this dress?” she replied.

“Believe me, you wouldn’t be wasting it. Not with what I’ve got in mind. Come here. ”

Amber bit back her smile and shook her head, denying me as Dexter climbed into the car. I knew she wouldn’t want Dexter to see anything he could report back to her father and so I kept my voice quiet.

“You owe me one now,” I said, my eyes on the back of Dexter’s head as he started the engine.

The partition was closed and so I knew he wouldn’t be able to hear everything.

“Are you always on your best behaviour in front of Dexter?” I asked as the car pulled out into traffic.

“Of course. He tells Daddy everything.”

“So, I take it you’ve never had sex in your limo?” Once the question was out, I wanted to unsay it. If she said yes, I’d be as jealous as fuck. Amber made me territorial.

“Fucking in cars isn’t my bag I’m afraid,” she replied with a chuckle. “How about you?”

“Any type of fucking is my bag, sweetheart.” I added a wiggle of my eyebrows and she rolled her eyes with a smile. She probably thought I was teasing.

“You’re such a pig, Maxim Hunter.”

“And you love it,” I chuckled with a wolfish grin, running my fingertips lightly over one lace-encased thigh.

I could feel Dexter’s eyes burning into me through the rearview mirror and Amber and I exchanged a secret look as he lowered the glass partition to ask about parking at the venue.

Once I’d explained that there was parking in the garage which sat under the building, the glass partition remained down on purpose. Amber gave me a knowing, told-you-so look.

Our conversation was then maddeningly polite and I couldn’t wait to get out of the limo. Partway through the journey, Amber seemed subdued and I wondered if I’d said anything to upset her.

“Are you OK?” I questioned softly .

She flicked me a look and nodded slowly, “Yes. I just—I’m a bit nervous I think.”

Admitting that took courage as the old Amber would never show weakness, especially to me. It felt like another move in the right direction.

And yes, I meant the right direction as the more I thought about it, the more I realised I wanted more from Amber than just sex. I wanted to own her, body, and soul.

“You don’t need to be nervous. I’m here,” I replied and squeezed her fingers.

“Are you though, Max? Are you really,” Amber whispered, looking sad.

My brow creased, “Yes, of course.”

She shot me a shy smile, “OK, sorry. I’m just a bit on edge.” God, she was cute.

“Well, I did give you the option of my place and some serious fucking,” I whispered against her ear. And she blushed, lowering her eyelashes with a coy smile.

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Why don’t we show our faces, donate some cash and then go back to mine?” I delivered the latter part with a cocky smirk which I knew she’d appreciate.

“I make the best eggs benedict in London,” I added as I placed my hand on her thigh. Amber’s eyes flickered towards Dexter but I didn’t move my hand. Whether she knew it or not, she was mine for the night.

“What about Dexter,” she said softly.

“Sod him. I want to spoil you,” I replied under my breath.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” she asked, her eyes drilling into the side of my face.

“Because you’re letting me.”

I watched her with compulsive intensity. That wave of guilt doubled and I knew I needed to come clean fast .

As we pulled outside the huge glass-fronted building, Amber slid out of the car but left her clutch bag behind. It took me seconds to slide her phone from her bag and place it into my jacket pocket.

Mission one wasaccomplished. The next task was to encourage her to open the hell up. But I knew that wasn’t going to be easy. I grabbed her clutch and slid out after her.

“You forgot this,” I said as she turned to face me.

“Thanks.” I handed her the bag.

There was a guest list for the charity event and most of London’s high society would be there. The place was a sea of money.

As we walked into the building, I immediately noticed the looks Amber received from both men and women. They’d know who she was of course. She hadn’t been in the media much lately but anyone would recognise her with her good looks and fiery red hair.

A couple of women in evening gowns almost curtsied as they’d said hello; total suck-ups. I tucked Amber against my side. She probably felt like she was on display.

As we rode the long escalator to the first-floor grand lobby, I placed my hand against the bottom of her spine. Man, she felt good and I longed to move my fingers over her tight, pert bottom. Thoughts of seeing her hair across my pillow were starting to give me a boner.

When we got to the main room, the doorman didn’t even need to ask our names, he immediately welcomed Amber.

“Lady Swift. It is so good to have you join us—oh and apologies, who is your plus one?”

I itched to lamp the fucker. Amber was there at my invitation and so how was I the plus one ?

“It’s Max Hunter and I should be on the list,” I stated moodily. I suppose it wouldn’t have been his fault that the list had been fucked up but it made me feel like a nobody.

It didn’t take him long to correct the mistake and after a half-hearted apology, I swept Amber inside.

As I turned to glance down at her she was smiling and it stung.

“Have I amused you in some way, your Ladyship?”

Amber placed the back of one slender hand against her mouth, stifling a full-on belly laugh from the looks of things.

“Laugh it up why don’t you,” I scolded, hiding it in a joke.

“I’m sorry. But you should have seen your face,” she giggled.

“What? They clearly fucked up the list. I brought you remember,” I pointed out, stopping myself from smiling. It was ridiculous but I was an arrogant sod myself. Having a woman put before me annoyed the hell out of me.

“How the mighty have fallen,” Amber added, needling me further. I glanced down at her pale pretty profile.

“You’ll pay for that later,” I said, my tone full of sexual promise.

“Oh, I do hope so,” she replied with an arched eyebrow.

Her provoking words fed the beast in me and my eyes flared. “Come on, I need a drink before I end up dragging you out of here by your hair and ripping off that dress,” I whispered against her ear, wrapping my hand around the back of her neck and leading her towards the room with the bar.

My actions were thoroughly possessive and controlling. After she’d clearly outranked me, I felt a strong need to show everyone who was the boss. I could see from her body language that she liked my dominant behaviour. She seemed to love surrendering control to me now and that fact shot straight to my dick.

The venue screamed wealth and influence. I had attended a few events there but had always found the charity ball ironic. It was always the most lavish party, with thousands of pounds spent. Surely it made more sense to give the money it cost to pay for the event directly to a charity instead? But of course, those big hitters wouldn’t be able to show off and rub elbows with each other in what should have been badged as a big dick contest for the rich.

In the main room, there was a dance floor and a stage. It was already crowded which was a surprise considering the night was young. The wood flooring was unscratched and polished to perfection and circular tables were set around the room dressed with white cloths and the finest silverware. On each table, there would be envelopes to place your bids for whatever luxury items they would sell throughout the evening. The highest bidder would win. Last year I won a trip to a spa for the weekend, totally not my thing. I’d given it to my mother and she went with some girlfriends.

The entire room reeked of perfume and booze and there was a large ice sculpture of a swan (as pretentious as fuck) surrounded by abowl of fruit punch. Punch of all things, it was such an American thing.

Amber and I walked over to the bar, she wore her usual killer heels but still felt so tiny by my side. Her ridiculous lack of height brought out my possessive side.

As I ordered two glasses of champagne, I noticed Amber checking her bag.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, lying through my teeth. I knew exactly what she was searching for.

She gave me an awkward look but then shrugged, “I think my phone must have fallen out in the car.”

“Do you need to make a call? You can use mine,” I offered.

With a small smile, she took the flute I offered her and shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll get it later.”

Moving over towards one of the poseur tables, I placed my glass on the surface and then took Amber’s. Once again, asserting dominance. It was also a stamp of ownership. Amber was like a magnet drawing every man’s gaze. They all wanted a piece of her, title or not and it wound me up .

Amber licked her lips as she peered up at me, her stare now questioning. The action of her tongue caused instantaneous lust to grip me in an iron fist.

“So, what shall we talk about?” she said. Did I imagine the slight tone to her voice?

I dashed a hand down my face and went in for the kill, “Well, there are plenty of things I’d like to talk about but maybe not somewhere so public.” I explained, attempting to control my primitive response to the woman who was only moistening her mouth.

One fine ginger eyebrow rose and Amber glanced at the people around us. Everyone was wrapped up in their conversations and now paying us little attention.

“I’m surprised you’re ready to be so filtered in public. It never seemed to bother you before.”

“That was before I found myself with a member of the aristocracy on my arm.”

Her button nose wrinkled and her freckles matted together. “You’re such a chauvinist. Maybe you’re on my arm, Max?”

“Maybe, but there are other places I’d much rather be,” I whispered, leaning forward to kiss her nose. It was as cute as fuck, how could I not.

She drew back slightly with a glance around. Not the type to kiss in public, it appeared.

“I can imagine,” she said, taking her glass. I watched as she swallowed, the movement of her throat so sexy. I wanted to run my tongue against that column of her neck. A series of erotic images assailed me as I remembered how it felt to be inside her; the moans she made as I brought her to climax. It felt like weeks since we’d slept together but the memory was palpable and carved into my head. Amber was the best sex I had ever had and nothing would ever change that .

After a couple more glasses of champagne, I took Amber out onto the dance floor and she swayed against me. I had hoped that the alcohol would loosen her up a bit; she was much more reserved since we’d arrived at the venue.

As Amber’s tight little body moved against mine, my hands were on her hips. I danced us away from where several other couples were rotating.

As Amber placed her head against my chest, my phone vibrated and keeping my dance partner close, I briefly checked it.

Natalie? WTF. I quickly shoved it back into the pocket of my dress pants and replaced my hand around Amber’s back.

After the last song finished and another started, Amber pulled back slightly and looked up at me. “So did you mean it when you said that the arrangement with your friend Natalie was in the past,”

Fuck. She must have seen my screen. Why did I suddenly feel that I was cheating?

“When did I say that?”

Her eyes widened, “When you texted me. It was past tense.”

“I see,” I replied, being cagey. “Let’s call her a skeleton in my cupboard.”

Amber pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing slightly. “One of many I imagine?”

“Why do you say that?” running one of my hands over her backside. The woman had such a sexy arse.

“I know you have a past Max,” Amber said softly.

“Doesn’t everyone?”

She didn’t reply, she just moved against my body, her hands resting on my biceps.

“What about you? I’ve shared one of my skeletons. Now it’s your turn.”

I smiled, lifting my hand, and pushing her hair back to view her tiny shell of an ear.

“Maybe I don’t have any,” Amber replied, pushing her breasts against my chest .

I smiled down at her perfect features. “I think we both know that’s a lie after our chat the night of Jonny’s party. I know a past relationship fucked you up, andmade you put up barriers but you don’t need them. Not with me, not any more.”

Her spine stiffened and I knew I’d pushed her too much. “We’ve fucked once, Max and you think that gives you access to my most private areas.”

I started to steer us further away from the main section of the dance floor as the couple closest to us shot me a dark look.

“Keep your voice down. I’m just encouraging you to be more open with me. You know you can trust me.”

“Can I?” Amber said with razor-edged cool.

I clenched my teeth together before I released an ill-considered retort. After a beat, I replied, “Yes.” I kept the sort of to myself, suddenly feeling like a fucking fraud.

Amber’s arms slid from my arms and down my torso. She then placed one blood-red painted fingertip against my chest and said, “If I can trust you, why did you take my phone?”

Fuck!

How did she know I’d taken her phone?

A thick silence stretched between us and that last thread of patience snapped.

I’d had enough. I couldn’t dance around the subject any longer. It wasn’t fair or helpful for her safety if she was in danger.

I had tried things Jonny’s way, now it was time to do it my way.

Amber’s brilliant green eyes flashed at me.

“I can explain,” I began.

“Can you, Max , if that’s your real name? Do you also want to explain why one of the skeletons in your closet just called your phone?” She was suddenly bone white, and I hated that I had caused that.

“So, she called me. It doesn’t mean anything. ”

She barked out a laugh, “Really? A girl you’ve been shagging whom you let down recently is calling your phone again. And you tried to hide the screen from me.”

I shook my head, feeling exasperated, “You have trust issues, Amber,” I replied with ahuff.

“Clearly. And with good reason. So do you, if you’ve taken my phone to go through it. Checking for Rory Hopton’s number by any chance? I should have known you’d stoop to stalking being the control freak you are.”

“Don’t talk to me like you don’t know me at all,” I snapped, feeling that original unbridgeable gulf stretch between us.

Amber shot me a scornful look, “But I don’t, not really. You said you’re being nice to me because I’m letting you and I now think that’s all bullshit.”

“So, what’s your theory then?”

“I don’t know. You’re being extra nice out of guilt. Maybe you still have your fuck buddy arrangement. And if you do, that’s fine. But be honest about it. It’s not like we’re exclusive or anything,” Amber said in a tight voice but I could hear the sadness.

I glanced around as another couple walked past, “It’s not about that damn it.”

She pointed a finger at me, “Well, actions speak louder than words. How dare you take my phone? What’s next, stalking in person and warning everyone to stay away from me?”

“I haven’t warned anyone off you,” I snapped. Well, not recently.

She lifted her chin. “I know you fired Rory because of me. You’ll be trying to get rid of my friends next. Is that what Luca is doing with Mia? I should have seen you as someone who would eventually try and gaslight me.”

Fuck, she’d got it entirely wrong. Yes, I could be a control freak but manipulating and stalker-like intentions, hell no. I knew she was giving me a shopping list of Harker’s personality and it pissed me the hell off. How dare she compare me to that piece of shit .

How that vein in my temple didn’t explode was a miracle. I’d had enough of this girl yanking my dick. “Don’t tar me with the same brush as that fucker.”

“With the same brush as who?”

“That significant other who was in your life, who pretty much fucked you up,” I snarled. Just talking about him made me see red.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied. I could see from the panic on her face that I had unearthed something.

“Enough with the cat and mouse shit. I know Amber,” I growled beneath my breath, glancing around at the other guests on the dance floor. It probably wasn’t the best place to call her out but I’d lost my patience and let’s face it, I was the least enduring out of everyone I knew.

I felt Amber stiffen, “You know what ?” Her pretty eyes were doused with curiosity and that usual caginess.

Well, guess what sweetheart, those bars are coming down.

I took a minute to calm myself. Yelling at her in public wasn’t the best way forward. Clearing my throat I replied, “I know about him. The man who took you when you were fifteen.” My tone sharpened at the end of that sentence. Whenever I thought about what that cocksucker had done, I felt like smashing something.

Amber tugged herself out of my arms and took another step back. “Excuse me?” Luckily, we were out of earshot of the other guests and a large plant pot obscured us slightly. Everyone was oblivious to thepossible fallout from the bomb I had just released in their vicinity.

I rolled my shoulders, and took her gently by the arm, leading her away and towards an alcove beside the dance floor. Her body was stiff but she came with me.

It was quieter there and I could hear myself think. When I turned her to face me, she drew back. I rolled my eyes so hard I was surprised they didn’t fall out of the back of my head. “You don’t have to hide it from me, I’m here for you. I know about Harker and about what he did to you,” I reassured her, attempting to stroke her cheek with my knuckles but she flinched.

“I doubt that very much,” she said under her breath.

I remained silent, giving her time to digest my words.

Amber’s eyes flashed and her lips tightened into a thin line. She wasn’t happy. “Who told you?” She crossed her arms over her chest; her entire frame now screamed defensive and I hated the fact that I had shit on our night. Breakfast with her so wasn’t going to happen now.

She wasn’t happy that I had outed her biggest skeleton but I was done pretending. Amber would have to deal with it.