Beneath This Man (This Man Trilogy)

by Jodi Ellen Malpas

  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.

  ‘Well, hello!’ she sings down the phone in greeting.

  What is she so happy about? Oh God. She’s not been to The Manor again, has she? I won’t ask. I really don’t want to know. ‘Hey, you okay?’

  ‘It’s all good in the hood! How’s my favourite boyfriend to a friend?’ She laughs.

  ‘He’s fine.’ I answer dryly. She only loves him so much because he bought her Margo Junior.

  ‘Listen, I’m on my way to Brighton to drop a cake off in Margo Junior. Do you want to do lunch on Thursday? I’m a bit hectic tomorrow. I’ve got stacks to catch up on.’

  ‘Being distracted, are we?’

  ‘Fun!’ she snaps. ‘Do you want to do lunch or not?’

  ‘All right!’ I blurt. Her oversensitivity on this matter is making me super suspicious. ‘Thursday, one o’clock at Baroque.’ I confirm.

  ‘Perfect!’ She hangs up.

  Blimey, I think I just hit a nerve. Fun my arse! She’s skirting around this and brushing it off far too hastily. I want to know what’s going on, but I’m making it a point not to ask in future. What’s she up to?

  I hear the door of the office open and look up to see Tom arriving. ‘Tom, we need to have a word about your attire!’

  He looks down at his emerald green dress shirt with bright pink tie. Colour clash in Tom’s world is highly offensive. ‘Fabulous, isn’t it?’ He strokes his tie.

  No, it’s not. It’s highly unpleasant, in fact. I know that if I was looking for an interior designer and Tom turned up on my doorstep, I would shut the door in his face. ‘Where’s Victoria?’ I ask.

  ‘Appointment in Kensington.’ He throws his man-bag on his desk and takes his glasses off to clean them on the tail of his shirt.

  ‘Did you find out what happened?’ I press.

  ‘No!’ He slumps into his chair. ‘She moped and sulked all day.’ He leans forward and scans the office. ‘Hey, what do you make of our Sal?’

  Oh, he’s noticed. It’s hard not to. ‘She had a date.’ I whisper loudly.

  He puts his glasses back on in a dramatic gesture that suggests he needs to see my face given the news. It’s ridiculous. They’re a fashion statement and Tom’s attempt to appear professional. Professional? He should lose the shirt and tie combo. It’s making me squint.

  ‘No!’ he gasps.

  ‘Yes! And a second date tonight.’ I nod.

  His eyes bulge again. ‘Can you imagine how boring he is?’

  I recoil, suddenly feeling extremely guilty for engaging him in such a conversation. ‘Don’t be a bitch, Tom.’ I scorn.

  Sally walks through the office, stopping our gossip dead in its tracks. Tom raises his eyebrows and grins as he follows her path to the photocopier. If I was close enough, I would kick him.

  He turns back to me, catching my disapproving expression and holds his hands up. ‘What?’ he mouths.

  I shake my head and return to my computer, but my peace is short lived.

  ‘So,’ Tom calls from his desk. ‘Victoria tells me you’ve moved in with Mr Ward.’

  I look up from my screen in shock and see him casually flicking through a catalogue. How does she know? Of course…Drew. He and Victoria were together on Friday night, but what has happened since then to put her in such a foul mood? I don’t want to engage in this conversation. Tom thrives on drama, and my life is really quite a drama at the moment.

  ‘I’ve not moved in with him, and I need you to be quiet, Tom.’ I carry on deleting junk emails. He doesn’t take the hint.

  ‘Fancy that, living in the ten million quid penthouse that you designed.’ he muses thoughtfully, still flicking pages.

  ‘Shut up, Tom.’ I glare at him when he lifts his eyes from the catalogue he’s not even reading. He takes the hint this time, carrying on about his business.

  I don’t know how I’m going to get around this with Patrick. It doesn’t look very good, me dating a client, and all I need is Tom blabbering off in the office for all to hear.

  I return my focus to my computer and finish emptying my inbox of junk emails before preparing a payment schedule for Miss Quinn along with some brief ideas.

  As five o’clock hits, I sit tapping my pen on my desk, deep in thought, and I have a bloody fantastic thought.

  Oh my God I’m amazing! I jump up from my desk and quickly clear it of drawings and files. I grab my bag and flowers and head for the office door. ‘I’m done, see you tomorrow, guys.’ I call, as I all but sprint out of the office. I have half an hour. I can make it.

  I head for the tube and to my intended destination.

  I run from the tube to Lusso. I need to be showered and ready before Jesse gets home. I bypass any conversation with Clive and jump in the elevator, puffing and panting from my exertion. My poor body has really taken a hammering today.

  I fly into the bedroom and throw my flowers and bag on the chest before unpacking all of my purchases, shoving them in the wooden trunk and quickly jumping in the shower, eager to ready myself for the evening ahead. I’m careful not to wet my hair as I frantically wash the day away and not so frantically shave, before removing myself from the enclosure and reaching up to grab a towel.

  I turn, slamming straight into a familiar, solid and very naked chest.

  Oh shit!

  ‘Surprised to see me?’ His voice is low and threatening.

  I slowly lift my gaze to his and find hooded, dark green eyes and a deadly serious expression. Dominant Jesse has arrived, and he has completely screwed my plans up.

  ‘A little.’ I admit.

  ‘Thought so. We have a small issue to resolve and we’re going to do it now.’

  I stand frozen in place, dripping wet and clutching the towel. I’
m completely and utterly gutted that he has caught me like this, but my disappointment doesn't prevent the stab of pleasure that’s just shot from deep in my stomach, straight into my groin. His menacing, lean frame towering all over me, accompanied by his heavy breathing, tells me I’m in no position to protest. But I just can’t help myself.

  ‘What if I say no?’ I whisper. There is not a chance in Hell I could ever say no to him. I’m totally calling his bluff, and he probably knows it.

  ‘You won’t.’ His self-assured tone pumps the blood faster through my veins.

  ‘I might.’ I so won’t and my small voice confirms this.

  He pushes himself into me, the warm, slippery head of his erection probing at my lower stomach, prompting a small gasp of air to escape my mouth. His eyes burn with dark promise as I wait for him to make his move, anticipation having the muscles at my core convulsing.

  ‘Let’s not play games, Ava. We both know you’ll never say no to me.’ His fingertip trails the length of my wet arm, across my shoulder and up my neck until it reaches the hollow void under my ear.

  I close my eyes. He’s got me again.

  ‘Do you believe in fate, Ava?’ His voice is silky smooth, but sure and serious.

  I open my eyes on a frown. What is he on about? I’ve never thought about things happening for a reason. What’s his point? ‘No.’ I answer honestly.

  ‘I do.’ He reaches down and cups me, his hot touch making me tense further. ‘I believe that you’re supposed to be here with me, so you advising the concierge that you don’t live here just fucks…me…off.’ He accentuates the last three words clearly and sharply.

  Oh, he really had me thinking we were friends by sending me the flowers. He’s still pissed about this morning?

  He reaches up with his other hand and grasps my nipple between his thumb and forefinger. He starts rolling, elongating my already stiff peak, and I close my eyes as I’m sliced in two by waves of pleasure. He slowly inserts two fingers inside me.

  ‘Oh, God.’ I moan, my head falling back, the towel dropped in favour of Jesse’s shoulders.

  He takes advantage of the access to my neck and bends, pressing his lips to the centre of my throat, licking a firm, wet stroke all of the way up to my chin, his fingers sweeping big punishing circles inside me, stretching me. He’s preparing me for him.

  ‘I’m going to fuck you until you scream, Ava.’ His husky voice is playing havoc with my desperation for him. I have every faith he will. He seems so angry, and I’m not sure whether I should be afraid. Wouldn’t a reminder fuck remedy this little situation?

  He yanks my face down to meet his eyes. He’s in control, but so frenzied too. I don’t know what to make of it. The only thing I seem to be able to concentrate on is the wildfire spreading throughout my body and slamming straight between my thighs on a powerful, determined thud.

  ‘Go and kneel on the end of the bed. Face the headboard.’ He throws his order at me, and I follow through immediately, taking myself to the bed, kneeling and resting my backside on my heels.

  What has he got planned?

  I feel his chest press up against my back and he reaches in front of me, clasping my hands and flattening my palms. Then he guides them to my breasts and circles my palms over my nipples so they lightly skim the tips, the burning friction having me pushing my breasts forward to get better contact, but he just tusks me and pulls my hands further away. I protest with a disjointed cry.

  He pushes his mouth to my ear. ‘Do you trust me?’ he asks.

  The question throws me. Of course I do. More than anyone. ‘With my life.’ I confirm.

  I hear him growl in approval. ‘Have you ever been handcuffed, Ava?’

  What?

  Before I have a chance to register what is happening, my arms are yanked behind my back and a pair of handcuffs are snapped over my wrists. Where the fuck did they come from? I jiggle my wrists, hearing the metal clank.

  ‘Keep your arms still, Ava.’ he chastises me, letting my hands rest at the top of my bum.

  Oh, Jesus fucking Christ!

  I’ve never mentally swore so much. This is so unexpected and has just blown my truth fuck right out of the fucking water! He’s never used play things before. I do and I don’t want to stop this, but I can’t seem to utter the words.

  I still myself and try my hardest to relax my arms, while I consider whether he’s done this before. I inwardly laugh. Of course he has, you stupid woman. Why didn’t I see this coming?

  He leans into me. ‘Good girl.’ He pulls my pins out of my hair and runs his hands through my long waves, spreading them across my bare back.

  I shiver and try to steady my erratic breathing. It’s no good. My heart is sprinting in my chest and nothing is going to slow it down. This is unknown territory to me. I have never, not for a minute, allowed myself to consider the prospect of being trussed up, defenseless and at a man’s mercy. This is ironic really. I’m at Jesse’s mercy with or without handcuffs.

  He drags his fingertip slowly down the column of my spine to my arse, and then down the centre crease of my bum. Oh heck. Is that where we’re heading? I enjoyed it last time, but I wasn’t handcuffed then.

  I feel his arm wrap around my lower stomach and then his other hand press into my back. ‘Down you go.’ he says softy as he eases me down to the mattress. I’m face planted on the mattress at the end on the bed with Jesse stood behind me. I’m completely exposed and vulnerable.

  ‘Do you realise how fucking amazing you look like this?’ His tone is full of approval, but I’ll take his word for it. This really is not me. But still, I can’t stop it. ‘I’m not going to take your arse.’ He drops a kiss at the small of my back and then I feel his solid cock skim my raw, damp flesh. A surge of relief flies through me. I don’t think I could have handled that on top of the handcuffs.

  And then he is pushing at my opening.

  He grips my hips harshly, making me jerk. ‘Don’t move.’ he grits through a clenched jaw, and I force myself to still. I feel him enter me, and I instinctively tense around his lush invasion. I start panting. ‘You want it all the way?’ His voice is low and dark. I don’t recognise it, but I’m desperate for full penetration.

  ‘Yes.’ I splutter. Oh God, help me.

  He withdraws his half submerged arousal, and I moan at the loss of fullness. I need all of him. I push myself back impulsively and then feel the sharp thrash of his hand across my backside.

  ‘Fuck!’ I scream. The sting radiates across my cheek and my shoulders tense against the bed. What the hell?

  He pushes into me but only halfway again. ‘Mouth,’ he spits. ‘Don’t move!’

  I start gasping as the sting mingles with the delicious semi-invasion. ‘Jesse!’ I plead.

  ‘I know.’ He skates his palm across my cheek as he withdraws again, and I clench my eyes shut, willing my body to relent to my brains instructions to relax.

  ‘I can’t do this.’ I whimper into the mattress as I pull at the handcuffs. It’s too much and it’s come out of the blue. Or has it? Oh, I don’t know. I know his business, I know he can be animalistic during sex and I love that, but he can also be romantic, gentle and loving. Is this the next level?

  ‘You can do it, Ava. Remember who you’re with.’ He powers forward, slamming into me and knocking every ounce of breath from my lungs.

  I scream, my throat instantly hoarse.

  He pulls out slowly and controlled. ‘What did I say you would do, Ava?’ he asks on a grunt, slamming back into me again.

  I can’t possibly talk. There is no air in my lungs and he is striking so deeply, my brain is being blown apart. No cognitive thought is possible, let alone speech.

  He repeats the mind-blowing move. ‘Answer me!’ he roars and slaps my arse again.

  ‘Scream! You said I would scream!’ I choke on the words as he smashes forward again.

  ‘Are you screaming?’

  ‘Yes!’

  He groans and then bangs forward aga
in and again and again, driving me into orbit. ‘Is that good, baby?’

  Oh God, it is! The sting of his slaps and the pounding of his cock have taken me to a whole new level of pleasure.

  ‘Where do you live, Ava?’ he shouts on another ferocious blow.

  I want to cry. Cry with shock; cry with pain; cry with delight…cry with absolute mind-numbing pleasure. My brain is in meltdown and my body is wondering what the hell is going on. I can’t think or see straight. This is wild, intense and fucking amazing, but other more unwelcome thoughts are fighting to the front, worming their way into my scrambled brain. How many women has he done this to? How many women have had the pleasure of a retribution fuck? I feel sick.

  ‘Ava! Where the fuck do you live?’ He punches out each word. I’m numb. Numb with complete, intense, mind-blowing bliss. ‘Don’t make me ask again!’

  ‘Here!’ I shout. ‘I live here!’

  ‘Damn fucking right you do.’ His palm collides with my cheek again, reinforcing his words, before he’s clenching my hips again and pulling me back on each and every hard, punishing blow against my body.

  Sparks start launching, the pressure at my core set to detonate loudly. I scream in delighted despair. This is way past severe. I really won’t be able to walk tomorrow. Is this part of his plan to keep me at home because if so, it’s going to work.

  I feel his palm collide with my arse again and that last stinging slap rockets me into the most powerful, splintering climax I’ve ever experienced. I scream…very loudly – an echo around the room, sore throat, despairing, thrilling, satisfied scream.

  ‘Fuck!’ Jesse roars. I feel him tense, and then the grinding circles of his hips against my backside.

  He moans.

  I moan.

  I’m shaking all over. Proper uncontrollable, tingling, rippling shakes.

  One of my wrists is released from the cuffs and I pull my arm above my head as he collapses on top of me, flattening me beneath him. He holds himself inside me, jerking and kicking as he grinds around and around, extracting every modicum of pleasure from me.