by J J Harper
"Am I taking over? Am I wrong for having your best interests at heart? Please tell me to shut up and back off if I am." His beautiful face creases with worry.
"Sweetie, trust me, you know me well enough by now that I will most definitely tell you to lay off with the nagging if it gets too much. I love how concerned you are about me, it's new, I've never had anybody love and care for me as much as you do, so please don't change."
"Well that's good because you look about to pass out from hunger so let's get fed and tucked up in bed nice and early tonight." He pauses and looks at me seriously. "I'm not going to pry but Ginny it bothers me that you have something going on that you won't share with me. Please don't make me wait too long for your explanation or I will start imagining the worst."
An hour later I receive a message from Lucas saying I'm to meet Maddie tomorrow morning before work starts. A mixed feeling washes over me, but there is nothing more to be done tonight so pushing it all out of my mind the evening I settle down with Mason.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Imogen
I arrive early at work and Mason gives me a strange look when I give him a quick kiss and walk in the opposite direction away from my office. The trip up to Lucas' offices is far too quick for my liking, I really just want the world to stop spinning and let me get off for a while.
Maddie is sat in her office when I get there and Lucas gives me a quick nod and walks out. Her face is white and pinched with worry, it's obvious that Luc hasn't said anything to her yet. So I just decide to get straight to the point.
"Maddie, I found something out about you yesterday and it was when we were just leaving school, I just want you to tell me if it’s true?" Not letting her get too much from my question I watch every thought and scenario run through her head as she works out what I mean, and I see the light bulb moment when she realizes what I mean.
"Oh God, shit Ginny, how did you find out?" Her voice is quiet and she stutters over the words, her face is pale and her shoulders start to shake.
"Theo always had an inkling but Lucas confirmed it, but shit Maddie why? Why my father for God's sake? Your father allowed that horrendous thing to happen to you and you enter into another forbidden relationship with a man the same age as your dad, what the hell was going on in your head?"
"I don't know. He was kind to me, he never forced me or made me do things I hated. He was just sweet and kind everything I should have had from a father, he would listen to me, and he made me feel I was worth more than I believed I was. The sex was just something that happened one night. You were out at some sort of dance rehearsal of your mothers and Theo was out, and it just happened.
I can't explain it any more than that it didn't feel dirty or sordid like anything that had happened to me before, it was sweet and gentle. After that he helped me out, he made sure I worked hard enough to get to University with you."
I hold my hand up to stop her. "Maddie he paid for you to go! I had to get a job to pay my way. I never understood how you didn't need to, I just thought you'd got every grant you could. I never in a million years would have realized that you fucked my father to get on in life, Shit Maddie how could you sell yourself that way?" My anger erupts from me again.
"I never thought about it like that, it was a way to get away from my awful life. I was selfish and didn't care how I got away I just took the first escape I could. I never thought anyone would find out, and I promise you Ginny, I never knew what your parents were up to and I have had nothing to do with Jake Williams, my only time was opening that bloody door Imogen, please believe me.
I'm sorry you didn't have the support from your dad, I truly believed he was paying for you too, I thought you wanted to work, you were top of all of your classes and out-shined me in every way, but I was stupid and naive and I'm sorry. But do I wish I hadn't done it? I'm not sure, I seemed to just roll with the punches. I never carried on with the relationship once I was at Uni, and he never asked me to."
"Why were you so eager to change your life again and come with me here? I am forever grateful that you did, and you have helped my through some of my darkest times. I don't think I would have survived without you Maddie, so I can't be too angry or upset with you about this, it was years ago and I was thinking all last night about this and I came to the conclusion that you were very lucky to have had his affection, because I never did, and because of that you were saved from their evil sex trading.
I was never important enough to them. I was never praised or encouraged so I was an easy target for them. I think they purposefully made me self-conscious and introverted because it made me easy to manipulate. Your dreadful abuse made you a stronger person and therefore less able to be manipulated by them."
"I think I wanted to make it up to you, and I knew how desperately you needed to escape him, I just wanted to help, you are so important to me Imogen on so many levels, right from the gangly long-legged Heidi when we first met a school to the amazing woman you are now. I wanted to be like you so much and when I got the chance from your dad I grabbed it with both hands, was it wrong? Yes, I think it was but do I regret it? No, I don't, it gave me so much opportunity and I wouldn't still be your friend if I hadn't."
"You are important to me too, much more than my parents, and I will happily wash my hands of them but my life without you in it would be hard and empty. I don't know if you are after my understanding and forgiveness but I am being completely honest with you, I don't need to forgive you for anything, and I am the one who will be thankful for you changing your life for me, I know I wouldn't be who I am without you by my side.
We have both been through so much and I think, sweet girl, we can be proud of ourselves because we bloody survived!" The tears are flowing fast for both of us and as we stand holding on tight to each other both embracing the strength of love that flows between us.
"Thank you Ginny, for everything. Promise me you won't ever give up on getting what you want, but I think to be honest with that amazingly hot-as-shit boyfriend and that little bean growing inside you you've got pretty much what you ever wished for."
Lucas interrupts us. "Hey girls, I'm sorry to get in your way but I'm gonna have to have my office back."
We look at each other and laugh. "Yeah sorry Luc, we'll get out of your way." I start to move away from Maddie and we both walk away.
Mason
Although my diary is heaving and my work load is piling up I can't seem to concentrate, where is Imogen and what the fuck is going on?
"Fuck this shit!" I get up and walk down to see Lake. "Hey Lake, you gotta minute?"
"Sure, what's up? Is everything okay with Ginny, I haven't seen her this morning?"
"I don't know where she is, she hasn't been at her desk all morning and she's not answering her calls. Last night she wasn't home and was with her brother, who by the way, royally pissed me off, something had happened that she won't share with me. Have you got Luc to find anything about Maddie yet?"
"He won't do it. He said all the checks he'd done on it before didn't flash anything up so he won't look again, he is looking into a previous employee though that left very suddenly after Imogen started and I'm hoping to have some news on that later today." Just then he looks over my shoulder. "There's Imogen now, she's just walked past and it looks like she's on her cell."
"Okay, good. Let me know if Lucas gets anywhere and also I know this is going to be tough for you but we need to get Maddie in and get to the bottom of her involvement in this. I'm sure she knows something."
"I know, but shit Mase this is my girlfriend, what am I supposed to say. I mean ' Hey Mads, thanks for the great sex. Oh and by the way what secrets are you hiding? You know something and you're not telling.' I don't think that's going to go down to well do you?"
"Well maybe not if you say it like that, but you're Ginny's attorney and if she does know something you have to find out what it is. Look I'm going to see Ginny, keep me informed please Lake." I raise my hand in a wave as I walk out and back dow
n the corridor. I can see Ginny and she is still on her phone and I know I shouldn't be listening but I can't stop myself.
"It's all okay Theo, yes I asked that and I know that it's the truth. I know but I'm not turning my back now. Fine, okay. Look I'm back at my desk and have got to get some work done before my arse gets fired. I'll call you later. Bye."
She puts her phone on her desk and puts her head in her hands. I walk up to her and run my hand down her back, her head whips round and smiles when she sees me which I'm very happy about. My hand cups her face and she moves her head to kiss my palm. "Hey babe, are you okay, you've not been at your desk much this morning."
"Yeah I'm good, I had an appointment this morning and it took up more time than I expected. Shall we have lunch together today?"
"Yeah that would be good but it will have to be a late one I'm swamped, I'll come to you." Leaning down I kiss her soft mouth and run my hand over her stomach and receive a little kick in return making me chuckle. "It's good to get a response from little Cookie too"
"He likes you touching him, you always get a reaction from him." Ginny's smile is so happy that I stop worrying about her earlier meeting.
"That's good to know babe. See you in a couple of hours." I head back to my work and immerse myself in the trials and tribulations of other peoples’ problems.
"Sweetie, I know you said you'd come to me but its two thirty and I'm about to pass out from hunger, if you're too busy I'll just go and grab us a couple of sandwiches from the deli?"
I look up and can't believe I forgot about lunch. "Shit babe I'm sorry, look give me five minutes and I'll be right with you." I smile but get back to finishing my work.
A sandwich and a bottle of water get dropped on my desk and I look up and see Imogen sat on the sofa in the corner of my office. "What’s happening? I said gimme five minutes."
"I did but that was over forty-five minutes ago and Cookie and I got too hungry to wait so there you go I brought you some lunch."
Getting up I grab the food and walk over to her. "I'm sorry babe, thanks for this, I promise to make it up to you later tonight." I waggle my eyebrows suggestively at her which thankfully raises a smile from her. "You’re not pissed with me are you?"
"No of course not I was just hungry and I know you've been so busy with all of my shit that your workload must be piling up. And anyway, we've got to be at the house straight after work to meet up with the architect and builders, so I'll have to take a rain check on your promise." She finishes her food and gets up to go but I pull her down on to my lap.
"I think maybe I should thank you for my lunch now then don't you." I look up and see my door is shut but I move over to lock it. "Come here babe." I sit her back on the edge of the sofa and run my hands up her legs and start to push her skirt up her thighs. "Fuck you look gorgeous. And your scent is driving me mad." Pushing her skirt up over her hips I pull her panties down her legs and hook one of her legs over my shoulder. "Lie back babe, this isn't gonna be quick."
"Shit Mason, don't tease me."
Lowering my head I swirl my tongue over and around her wet pussy, my hands are holding her thighs at the apex forcing them wide apart. I circle my tongue around her hard clit but not quite touching, Ginny reaches down between her legs and starts to rub her clit, and for once I let her, and enjoy watching her make herself climax, and when I see her begin to tense I push two fingers inside her, seconds later her orgasm takes over and she's clamping down hard on my fingers as I watch her juices
pour out of her, pulling my fingers out I pull my pants down and ram my cock hard in to her pulsing channel, I pull her hands over her head and pump hard and fast in her and as my orgasm builds up I can feel her starting to shudder as another climax runs over her body and reaches my dick, squeezing it hard milking me for every drop.
My head rolls back as her name pours from my mouth and I pump the last of me inside her. Dropping my head back down on her shoulder I kiss up her neck and devour her mouth.
"As thank you's go that was a pretty good one, I'll have to bring you your lunch every day." Ginny sighs and starts to move under me as my weight starts to be too much for her to manage. "You're squashing both of us here sweetie."
"I know, but my legs aren't working too well just now!" I pull myself off her and out of her and stand helping her up as well.
Grabbing her panties she walks off to my bathroom to clean herself up. I go to unlock my door and Lucas is stood there about to knock. "Shit, Mase is Ginny with you?"
"Yeah she's in the bathroom." I turn to call her but she's stood behind me".
"What's up Luc?" Her face frowns at him.
"You need to get to Lake, he's just called Maddie in there."
"Crap, okay let's go." She walks quickly away from me, she reaches Lake's office before I do.
"Lake, what's going on? Maddie why are you in here?" Ginny is not looking happy and walks up to Maddie and reaches for her hand.
"Imogen, I need to ask Maddie certain questions about her involvement with Williams. I believe she is possibly involved with Williams and has information that is important to our case. I don't think you should be here." Lake is looking very uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry Lake, but Maddie has nothing to tell you. She is not and never has been involved with Jake Williams and does not have any secrets to divulge." Ginny stands tall next to Maddie and looks Lake straight in the eye.
"I don't think that is true Ginny, I'm sorry but I need to ask her these questions."
"No you don't! Leave her alone Lake and leave her out of this. Maddie is my friend and I won't have you interrogating her. You have no idea what has gone on in her life because you've never asked. So I'm saying this for the last time. Leave her alone, she is not involved with any of this."
Lucas steps up next to them both. "Lake, you're wrong about Maddie, she has nothing to tell you, I told you this yesterday and I think after this she probably won't want to speak to you again."
Lake is about to blow a gasket but he looks at Maddie and calms himself down. "I'm sorry Maddie, I hope you understand I had to ask."
"You did Lake, I know that but you also had to accept my answer was the truth and you didn't, and that speaks volumes to me. You don't trust me and we both know that that's a deal-breaker." Turning to walk out she looks at me a gives me a weak smile and with Ginny still holding her hand they walk out together. I watch them hug each other hard and can hear Ginny talking to her.
"I know Mads and I'm sorry, but promise me two things. Don't be Melanie again, you are a better person than her and secondly don't let me lose you. I need to know you are safe and happy. I love you, my little sister."
Maddie is standing with her head held high. "I promise you Ginny, on both counts I promise you." She enters the elevator and walks out of our lives and as I move to hold on to Imogen I see Maddie's face before the elevator doors close and she smiles her pretty smile at me. "Look after her Mason."
I only manage to nod before the doors slide shut on her. Holding on tight to Ginny as she cries into my shoulder and turn her away and back to my office, I look up and see Lake's desolate face as he realizes that he has just lost his girl and it was all his own doing. Lucas looks like he wants to punch something to stop him from hitting his brother.
"You're a fucking fool Lake, you wouldn't wait would you. I told you that I had sorted it and that Maddie wasn't a threat but you thought you knew better. Well you've just lost your girlfriend and by the look on Mason and Imogen’s faces you won't be seeing much of them soon either. You are an idiot Lake." Lucas shakes his head and walks out giving Ginny a squeeze as he passes.
CHAPTER NINE
Mason
It took a lot of persuasion to get Imogen over to the house tonight but I knew I had to take her mind off her friend leaving her. "Come on babe, there's no point in me talking to them on my own, you know I'll make the wrong decisions and we'll have to start all over again. You know you want your input on this."
"Fine, le
t me get changed, this bump seems to be getting bigger by the hour. I'm only going to able to fit in to a tent by the end of the nine months." Her hand is stroking her belly in soothing circles. I love watching her do this, the slow circling of her hands and the way her hips sway with the motion. I want to say it's because it's the sight of her carrying my child but really I just love watching her ass as it moves slowly and sensually, I can feel my dick getting hard in my jeans.
Her clothes hit the floor and I gaze at her as she looks for something comfortable to wear. "You are one stunning woman Imogen Banks and I love you very, very much. I know you are hurting but I need you to know how much I love and admire your strength."
Her eyes tear up and she walks towards me in just her underwear and leans in to me with her arms around my neck. "Thank you Mason, not just for your kind words but for everything you do for me, I consider myself blessed to have met you. So come on I'm not going to drip about feeling sorry for myself just yet it's too raw and painful, so let's go and get ourselves a cool house built."
Ten minutes later we are on our way. "Lucas is meeting us there, but don't let him stick his nose in Ginny, this is our house and our choices."
"Don't worry Mason, I'm not going too. This is a really nice car Mase, I'm not sure we needed to upgrade quite so early but it is a very cool car." Her hands are running over the sleek black leather interior.
I smile, as soon as we found out about the baby I was at the dealership for a new Porsche SUV. I've kept my two-seater as well but I did trade in Lauren's Mercedes. "Yeah I like it too, maybe we'll get to christen it soon, I fancy the idea of me and you on the backseat." I glance over to her and she's looking in the back and has a blush rising on her cheeks. "Jeez, Imogen, you're blushing, how come?"
"I've never made out in the back of a car before, and with my size increasing daily I'm not sure how we would manage to." She smiles and her hand goes back to stroking her stomach.
