'Yes, dear?' I quip, rather bravely. I'm digging myself a hole here - I do realise that, but he's out of touching distance so there is no risk of any sort of Jesse style fucking to put me in my place.
'Don't be sarcastic, Ava. It doesn't suit you.'
I climb into the Range Rover and put my seatbelt on. 'You'll be pleased to know I'm on my way to work with John.' I glace over at John, and he nods. 'Would you like confirmation?' I ask. 'John, make yourself known.' I thrust the phone under John's nose.
'S'all good, Jesse.' he rumbles. He actually smiles, and I notice a gold tooth. He's really enjoying this.
I put the phone back to my ear. 'Happy?'
'Very!' he snaps. 'Ever heard of a retribution fuck?'
The very words send shivers down my spine. I glance at John. He is still grinning. 'No, are you going to demonstrate?' I ask quietly.
'If you're lucky, I'll see you at home.' He hangs up.
I put my phone in my bag, feeling coils of anticipation springing into my groin. He's taken me on a ten mile run, served me my favourite coffee, fucked me into oblivion and made filthy promises on the phone, and I haven't even got to work yet. On top of that, though, he's distracting me from a whole heap of troubling thoughts. He's holding back on me again, and I can't believe he has advised the concierge that I am now the lady of the house. I need to avoid all sense fucking in future, and I need to think about how I'm going to approach this little issue. It's way too soon to move in with him.
I look at the mean beast of a man sat next to me. 'Were you really in the area?'
John stops with his signature hum. 'What do you think?'
That's what I thought. 'How old is Jesse?' I ask casually. Why I've picked a casual tone is beyond me. It's ridiculous that I don't know how old he is.
'Thirty two.' John replies, completely dead pan.
Thirty two? That's how old Jesse said he was last night. I look at John, who has started humming again. I don't believe it! Jesse's given him the heads up. 'He's not thirty two, is he?'
John smiles again, flashing his gold tooth. 'He said you would ask.'
I shake my head. I'm at a total loss on that subject, so I decide, as John seems like he's in a talkative mood, to take another angle. 'Is he always so challenging?'
'Only with you, girl. He's actually quite laidback.'
Laidback? What a laugh! I remember Sam saying that too, and I also remember John mentioning that I had brought out some nasty qualities in him. I laugh to myself. Jesse has brought out some pretty nasty qualities in me too. I'm swearing like a sailor. 'I obviously bring out the worst in him.' I grumble.
'Ah, girl. Go easy on him.' John soothes lightly.
'Do you want to live with him and his challenging ways?' I ask exasperated.
'So, you've moved in then?' His eyebrows appear over his shades as he turns his face to me. I hadn't realised what I just said. I hope John isn't jumping to the same conclusion as Sarah did; that I'm after his money.
I suddenly have the urgent need to defend myself. 'He asked me and pretty much bullied a yes out of me,' I won't tell John how, 'but I'm not so sure. It's a bit soon. That's what that little spat was about. He doesn't like being told no.' I wave my phone at John.
I don't give a fudge about his money!
The corners of John's lips turn down and he starts nodding his head thoughtfully. 'He certainly has a way with you.'
I scoff and do my own little thoughtful head shake. He certainly does have a way with me. It's frightening. 'How long have you known him?' I ask. I may as well get my fill while I can. He might shut up and not start talking again.
'Too long.' He laughs, and it's a deep, rumbling belly sound that has him developing a few more chins as his neck retracts. I wonder how old he is. It's like the bloody mystery of ages. He's got to be late forties.
'I bet you see some sights at The Manor.' I muse. John's role is all the more clearer, now I know the place isn't a hotel or the mafia's HQ. I wouldn't want to be messing with the mountain of