Chapter 28
Jude
I wake early to Emma sleeping peacefully beside me.
The covers are slightly low and the top half of her body is on show.
Oh, my. Those marks may be a problem. I blush with embarrassment.
One because I’m worried her family will see them and make huge assumptions about me, none of them good.
And two, many years ago, I slagged off my now brother-in-law for doing much the same thing to my sister.
As I stare at them now, I know how much he must have lost the plot to get to this stage.
What the hell was I thinking? Obviously, I wasn't. My mind had gone, and I was all about her. All about us. All I was fixated on was how her body responded to me. Every kiss, lick, bite, nip, tweak. But it was when I started the spanking, that’s when things went slightly AWOL.
Although I never did as much as I would have liked, it was still way more than she’s ever done.
Will she be happy about it when she thinks back on it? Will she regret any of it? I certainly won’t. God I hope she doesn’t.
But I can’t dwell on it now. What’s done is done. I wouldn’t change a minute of it. But then, my sexual wheelhouse has been extensive, varied. Your brother being involved in a sex club doesn’t help. No one gives a shit there. And I’ve certainly taken every advantage that I could. Until now.
Her here with me has been the best time. And I know I want more.
More of her. More of her family.
But I’ve got to wait it out and see how she feels about it all.
Waiting again. I fucking hate it. But I know if I push her, she’ll put her family before me.
That much I’m fully certain of. And to be honest, that is exactly what I expect.
My sister is my reference on single mums. Their family comes first and foremost, always.
Even now, my sister puts her husbands below her kids.
They just wait in line like everyone else.
I smile when I think of my family. They are one crazy bunch. I wonder what Emma will think of them.
Holy shit. Am I really going to introduce her to them? I definitely need to stop with all the thoughts.
Quietly slipping out of bed, I head to the bathroom.
My body feels light and airy. My soul feels settled for the first time in a long time.
Even with girlfriends and long-time relationships, I don’t think I’ve felt this comfortable so quickly.
As I head back and climb into bed, I understand I can’t afford to rush in and fuck it up, come on too strong so she bolts in fright.
I feel I might be onto a winner, though, at the shy smile she gifts me as she wakes. I can’t help my answering grin. Stretching languorously, she looks me over. I know my hair is stuck up like a porcupine, a result of her grabbing hold of it most of the night.
“I think I definitely have a few bald spots.” I touch my head and pretend to wince. “And as for my back, did you draw blood?” I roll over and present my back for inspection, looking over my shoulder, goading her into action.
She runs her hands down my back, delivering a few light scratches, and again I pretend to be in pain as she softly traces a few long marks.
“You’re a fraud. I’m accepting no responsibility.” Her mock indignation is intoxicating. “You brought it on yourself with your contract negotiations. You did, if I remember right, tell me I could fight you for dominance.”
I start to laugh. “Was that your attempt at fighting? I think we need to get you to fight school as well as a course in contract negotiations. Although, to be fair, if I think about it, don’t bother. You’re just great as you are.”
My smile and her corresponding one match. We’re both grinning like fools at each other. It’s incredible.
I roll back and face her, tracing a few marks near her tits. “Did I hurt you? Are you sore?”
I’ve gentled my voice, and her eyes start to light up.
Fucking hell. The woman is like a homing beacon for my cock.
I’m sure she must have inserted some sort of device into it.
It’s now desperately trying to return to its home base.
It knows where its home is. Where it can recharge and keep going. I’m sure I heard it bleep.
“I’m fine.” She grins at me. Clearly I haven’t put her off. “Although I look like I met a nest of vampires. Venice is very gothic afterall. And obviously erotic.” She nods towards her chest. “Good job I can wear jumpers at home still. The weather hasn’t changed yet.”
“Christ, I got carried away. But in my defence, you were screaming my name, and that certainly hits lots of buttons for me.” I trace the line of marks across her chest. Like stars in the night sky. It’s a constellation.
She huffs a laugh at me. “I can tell. I can’t believe we’re going home today.” She gives me a small smile, trying to gauge my reactions.
“The plane is around ten am. We need to get a shift on, so I can get you back for the boys coming home later today.” I want to ask her if I’ll see her next week, but I don’t.
I wait. I need to see how she feels about it.
Take the lead from her, not push her. “Let’s get a shower, breakfast, and then I’ll get a water taxi out to the airport. ”
She flops back on the pillows. “Would it be really uncool to say I’ve had an amazing time?
I’m sure you’re supposed to play it ultra chill, but I can’t.
I think this weekend has been the best, most active”—she raises her eyebrows at me—“yet the most relaxing I’ve had for a few years, if not ever.
” She pauses while still studying my face.
My eyes never leave hers. I want her to see the truth in them. “No, it would not be uncool or too chill to say that. I feel the same.” She gives me a ‘really’ look, and I nod decisively. “Yes, really.”
“Would it be even more uncool to ask if I can see you again?” she shyly asks.
I’m grinning like a buffoon at her now. “No, it wouldn’t, and yes we can.
I know I’m mad busy when I get back.” Her face falls a little, and I hold my hand up to stop her spinning off into a negative comment.
“But I’ll get my people to talk to your people, get the diaries together.
So I know if I have to come to gang HQ or I can meet you in London. You are my neighbour, afterall.”
Fuck it. If it’s a brush-off it’s a brush-off, but I am laying it all out there. I want to see her in London, at home, wherever I can. With or without the kids. I don’t care.
“You’d risk your life at my home again?” Her smile lights her up, turquoise eyes pinging at me in the morning light.
“Well, I am on the list now. Might as well take advantage. I made the top ten income revenue streams. I’m a shoo-in.”
She starts to giggle. “I can’t believe they researched top incomes. I didn’t realise they were vetting anyone who called. No wonder all of the football dads got turned away. And most of the cricketers who said they were going to call but never did.”
I huff a laugh. “Thank god you’ve raised a bunch of mercenaries.
You’d have to be brave, and distinctly rich, to get past your front door.
” I pull her down the bed so she’s laid underneath me.
“I’m going to remove all professions and leave architect only.
And one name only. Jude Fucking Greystone.
I better provide my bank balance, or my tax returns, otherwise I’ll be thrown out. ”
“Oh yes, evidence is crucial. They believe no one. Nigel lies all the time. They know all the tricks.”
“So that’s why they didn’t believe I owned a Ferrari. They accused me of hiring it. Trying to seduce you.”
She’s grinning madly at me. “God I love my kids.”
“Yeah, well, I better get on a charm offensive. Buy a bigger car.” I smile at her, and bend my head. “One for the road?” I peck at her lips. “I won’t last a week. I’ll get on those diaries today.”
I deepen the kiss before she can answer. And we just make the plane by the skin of our teeth.
“Are you still alive? You’ve not rang for a whole week. And I know you’ve been back in the country. Where the fuck have you been? No messages, no texts telling me to fuck off.”
Jake is on FaceTime as I’m sat behind my desk in my office in the South Wharf building. He’s in his tractor again. I can see grey clouds and the sea behind him. I’ve more or less moved into my building here. Anything to be nearer to Emma.
“I’ve been away in Germany and Venice, as you well know. Then back, and I’m playing catch up.” I’m trying to pretend everything is normal. Not sure if it’s working.
He splutters, “Fuck off, Jude. I can see by your face. You’ve been with someone. Who is she? Not the criminal gang leader. Please tell me it is. That will make my year.” He’s pissing himself with laughter.
“It is, actually. And she’s a really caring criminal gang leader,” I retort righteously.
“Yeah, right before she slays you. And dumps your body on one of your building sites.” He’s grinning. “Did she go to Venice with you?”
I nod. “Yep. I asked her in Germany. Flew her out. Had an amazing time.”
He nods his head in respect to me. “Are you seeing her again? Or are you done?” His eyes are on me, trying to gauge which way the wind is blowing for Emma Lincoln and me. Greystone friendly chats. I love them.
“No, not done. Far from it. I’m seeing her this weekend, actually. Trying to win over the capo regime on the door at her house.”
“Well you should have lots of experience. You brought up James and Bucky.”
I start to laugh at his reminder. “James and Bucky were a piece of cake compared to this lot. Even they weren’t that ruthless that they had entry requirements on the door before you got in.
” He’s laughing harder and I’m grinning like an idiot.
“But as I’m now on the list, and I’m prepared to show payslips, I know I’ll maybe get into the kitchen.
If I buy them dinner, maybe I’ll last another week. ”
“Jonno told me you’ve bought an eight-seater Land Rover Defender. Much off-roading in St. Albans on a housing estate?” Again the Greystone brothers' information sharing is in full effect. No privacy in this family.
“Yeah well, I couldn’t fit them all in the Ferrari, so I’ve ordered this just in case. If we go out tonight, their half brother is there, so it’s four kids plus Emma and me. Although the older boy has a car.”
“Is he the one who warned you off? Thought you were there to value the house for the ex hubby.”
I nod. “Yep. Good job I’m made of stern stuff. And am not a valuer.”
“You’re definitely not that, otherwise you wouldn’t have offered her ten million for that building.” His face has softened despite that little jab. I can see he’s pleased for me. “Have fun, brother. You look well on it. Are you going to her house?”
“I’m meeting them at the dreaded building. It’s cricket practice. I’ll offer a meal out. Boys love food. Especially after sport. There’s a new burger place opened up, just around the corner. One of my tenants. So we’ll go there.” I shrug. “Well, I’ll ask, anyway.”
“Well, good luck. Keep me posted, and don’t forget to call or text.
There’s nothing on the tele at the minute, I need some entertainment.
Jonno is well boring these days. Jackson and Carter are a bit of a sideshow.
Kitten is coming home in two weeks. I can’t wait for the sprogs to land. I’ve even missed Kell and Xan.”
“Steady on. It can’t be that bad.” I can’t help laughing at him. He’s nearly pouting.
“It is. I even said yes to meeting Tarron in London to sort out suits for Jonno’s wedding.” My eyes pop out of my head. Jake never ventures to London. He hates the place. “The things we do for each other.” He’s grinning at me again. “Speak later, brother.”
He waves me off and I try to settle on my next task. But all I can focus on is Emma Lincoln and her sons. How the hell am I going to start this negotiation? Because that is what it will be. I am negotiating with savages, and the stakes have never been higher. God help me.
After my chat with Jake, I spend nearly every minute mulling over the past week. I’ve spoken to Emma everyday, but only saw her once. And whilst it ended up with me giving her lots of pleasure—in my office of all places—in terms of longevity, I was left wanting more.
Coming back from Venice, I’d decided Friday would be D-Day. Otherwise known as Drew-Day. I studied her diary, drawing the conclusion that the only way I could see more of her is by going to her house on an evening. Or picks up from that fucking building.
Every day our diaries are booked. The odd lunch hours coincide, but they’re weeks apart.
As I had not much else to do, I’d filled up my evenings with work dinner meetings.
It hit me that my whole life had turned into work, with the weekends at the farm with Evie and the kids to keep me sane.
Or jaunts out to whatever country Bucky and James were in.
I need to reevaluate. But there’s no point in doing that if I can’t win over the gang of St. Albans. The Drew boys.
Emma would not allow me to go if her sons were not happy about it.
So I’ll need a full on attack. A full armoury at my disposal.
I know I’m in a battle for my life. It’s tactical warfare, even if the Drews don’t know it.
But then the element of surprise is generally a good strategic move.
I’ve set my plans, and I can’t wait for this evening. This is going to be fun.