JADE

Sunday morning, I get a call from M requesting that I attend the house. She quite often does this, so I’m not particularly worried. But this woman is full of surprises, so I never know what to expect. I’d only just left the gym, so I rush home to shower and change. I knew she’d be pissed off at me for taking longer than expected, but she would’ve been even angrier if I turned up in my gym clothes looking like a hot mess.

‘I shouldn’t be long,’ I tell Rupert after he pulls up outside her home.

‘Good luck,’ he replies, making me laugh. Hopefully I won’t need it.

‘You took your sweet time,’ M snaps when I enter the house. ‘I called you over an hour ago.’

‘I was at the gym. I had to go home to shower and change.’

She walks towards her office, and I follow. ‘Sit,’ she demands. Once she’s seated, she picks up a white envelope, handing it to me.

‘What’s this?’ I ask.

‘Your job for tonight.’

What? ‘But it’s my day off.’

Her eyes narrow as they meet mine. ‘Was,’ she scoffs.

I deflate. I was looking forward to some me time. I’ve bought all the ingredients to try a new recipe I’d seen on the cooking channel. I’ve tweaked it a little and was excited to see how it would turn out.

‘Okay,’ I reply with a sigh. There’s no point in arguing, I’d never win. ‘With who?’

‘A new client.’

‘Not a regular?’ My stomach churns at the thought. It’s been a few years since I’ve had anyone new. I’m used to the men I have. I always know what to expect going in. What if he’s like that horrible man I got on my first night? Or even worse? ‘Who is he?’

‘You’ll find out tonight,’ she says, picking up a pen and writing something down in her diary. ‘Be back here at five for inspection.’

I sit there dumbfounded. I don’t want to do this, but at the same time I know I don’t have a choice.

‘You can go.’

I have to bite my tongue when she flicks her hand at me. I hate her so much. The rude bitch doesn’t even bother to look up at me when she speaks. Ever since my outburst when I returned from New York she’s been a lot colder towards me than normal.

*

The nervousness I’m feeling when Rupert stops at the end of the long driveway of my new client’s house must be showing, because he turns in his seat and locks his eyes with mine. ‘You have my number, Jade. If you need me, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll be back here in a flash.’

I rest my hand on his shoulder. ‘Thank you, Rupert. I don’t know what I’d do without you.’ He doesn’t reply, but his hand is now covering mine and the gracious smile on his face is enough.

A sense of foreboding fills me as Rupert heads back to the street along the circled driveway. I admire a beautiful fountain before climbing the front stairs. When I reach the top, I freeze. All the fears I had as a foster child fill me—I don’t know what awaits me behind that door, and I don’t know if I want to find out.

Tilting my head back, I take in the opulent mansion that stands before me. It’s breathtaking. The light grey render of the walls make the black finishes around the windows stand out. There’s a beautiful wrought-iron balcony above me. I bet the view of the city would be spectacular from up there. Whoever lives here is extremely wealthy. That thought doesn’t ease my worries at all. Some of the rich people I’ve associated with over the years think their social status comes with certain entitlements.

I have the sudden feeling my lucky streak is about to end. A new client usually always means sex. The fact that he’s requested that I attend his house and stay the night virtually guarantees it. That thought makes me feel physically sick. Images of Brock flash through my mind and I have to fight back the tears.

The door before me flies open and I jump.

‘Are you going to stand out here all night, beautiful, or are you coming inside?’

Oh. My. God. I blink a couple of times to make sure I’m not seeing things that aren’t really there. ‘Brock!’ I squeal as I launch myself into his awaiting arms. ‘What? How?’ But before I get a chance to say another word, his mouth hungrily collides into mine. ‘Mmm,’ I moan as he draws me closer, my body melting into his. His kisses are intoxicating.

When we finally come up for air, he rests his forehead against mine. ‘I’ve been dying to do that all week.’ Happy tears well in my eyes, making his brow furrow. Tenderly, he cups my face in his hands. ‘Hey. Don’t cry.’

‘I’m just … I’m just so happy to see you,’ I say as I wipe my finger under my eye to catch the stray tear that has escaped.

‘You have no idea how happy I am to see you, too. You’ve been on my mind night and day.’ This time when his lips cover mine the kiss isn’t so desperate, it’s sweet and passionate. It not only melts my heart, it makes my toes curl.

‘I love that your paperwork said that kissing was a hard limit for you, but you have no problems kissing me.’

‘There are no hard limits where you’re concerned,’ I admit, because there aren’t. I’m not a prostitute when I’m with him, I’m just plain old Jade. Even now that he knows the truth about me, I can tell he doesn’t see me that way either.

‘I’m pleased to hear that.’ He reaches for the small suitcase I’m holding and grabs hold of my hand, lacing our fingers together. It sends my heart into a flutter. ‘Let me get you inside.’

‘Your place is beautiful,’ I say. I’ve always wondered what his home would look like. It suits him perfectly. He’s carried the black and grey theme inside and he has exquisite taste—well, his designer does. The rich wooden floors and staircase are stained in a dark charcoal grey. The wrought-iron bannisters are black. There are bright paintings framed in black on every wall, adding colour to the space.

‘I still can’t believe I’m actually here with you.’

Brock’s hand tightens around mine as he places a soft kiss on the side of my head. ‘You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here, sweetheart.’ The sincerity behind his words warms my heart. ‘Come. We’ll put your bag in my room and I’ll give you a tour before we eat.’

‘Do you live here all by yourself?’ I ask as we walk up the stairs.

‘I do. I had my brother living here for a few years, but he has his own place now.’

‘How old is your brother?’

‘Twenty-three, five years younger than me. We weren’t close growing up because of the age gap, but we are now.’

‘That’s nice. Don’t you get lonely living in this big house all on your own?’

‘I like my privacy, but sometimes, I guess,’ he says with a shrug.

When we reach his room, he sets my bag down just inside the door. ‘I’m not sure if I trust myself having you in here right now,’ he says with a chuckle. ‘How about I give you a tour of my room later, otherwise we’ll never eat.’

‘Who needs food when I have you,’ I say seductively as my arms slide around his waist. I’m used to acting like this around my clients, but with Brock, it isn’t an act. With Brock, everything I say and do comes naturally. Nothing is forced. I hear a growl in the back of his throat as he draws my body in closer.

‘Don’t tempt me,’ he moans, resting his forehead on mine. ‘I’m already hanging by a thread here.’ He places a chaste kiss on my lips before untangling my arms from his body. ‘I didn’t bring you here for sex, Jade. I wanted to see you, spend time with you.’ Nobody has ever said that to me before. ‘Mark my words, though,’ he adds, ‘I will have you in my bed before the night’s out.’

‘I look forward to it.’ My finger trails a path down his chest. As much as I want him right now, I’m touched that he wants me for more than my body. That’s another thing I’m not used to.

*

BROCK

After the tour, we head into the lounge room. I’m struggling to keep my hands off her, but tonight isn’t about that. I want Jade to know she means more to me than a good time. That in itself proves how special she is to me. Until her, it was only ever about the sex.

I had contemplated taking her out to dinner tonight, but I’m selfish. I find myself wanting to give her everything she deserves, but I also wanted her all to myself. She’s the first woman I’ve ever had in my home, apart from my mother. Before Jade came along, the last thing I wanted was one of my casual lays tainting my sanctuary.

‘Sit,’ I command, gesturing to the white leather couch. ‘I hope you’re hungry.’

‘Are you cooking?’

Her comment makes me laugh. ‘Hardly. My housekeeper usually cooks for me, but I’ve given her the night off. I had something else in mind.’

The moment she takes a seat, I have to quickly divert my eyes. Her sexy-as-hell white dress rides up, revealing more of her beautiful legs. Everything in me feels compelled to reach out and touch her. It’s not about the sex, Weston, I try to remind myself. I’m pretty sure in her profession, she’s used to being treated more like a sexual object than an actual person, but I don’t want her to feel like that when she’s with me. Ever.

‘You have me intrigued,’ she says, smiling, tapping the space beside her with her hand.

Against my better judgement, I sit. If I can’t touch her right now, at least I can be near her. A few seconds later the doorbell rings.

‘You ordered pizza,’ she laughs when I walk back into the main room carrying the box and two bottles of beer.

I shrug. ‘I did. I hope you don’t mind. It’s what we ate the first time we were together.’ I’m suddenly feeling stupid. This kind of behaviour isn’t me. I was trying to be sweet, but in all honesty, I’m far from it. This woman has turned my whole fucking life upside down and it scares the hell out of me.

After placing the box on the coffee table, I hand her one of the beers and sit. The moment my arse hits the couch, she grabs my shirt, pulling me towards her.

‘It’s a perfect choice,’ she whispers against my mouth. ‘Perfect, just like you.’

And there you have it, a few encouraging words from her and she’s now made me glad I did it. I’m fucking bewitched.

‘Shit, plates,’ I say.

‘Let’s just eat straight from the box. We don’t need plates.’

‘Are you sure? You don’t seem like a straight-from-the-box type of girl.’

When she throws back her head and laughs, it’s like music to my ears. ‘The real me—the Jade on the inside—is a simple girl at heart.’ Taking a slice, she brings it to her mouth, taking a bite.

‘That’s what I love about you. You’re a breath of fresh air.’

She looks away as a blush spreads on her cheeks. I get the feeling this woman isn’t used to being complimented. And that astounds me. She’s not only breathtakingly beautiful, she’s smart, funny and so adorable. I have an urge to pull her into my arms and hug her tightly, but I don’t. I ache to protect her and keep her safe. I want to shelter her from all the ugliness in this world. And surprisingly, more than anything I want to make her mine.

Once the pizza and beers are consumed, we both seem more relaxed. We’ve been talking about insignificant things, but I need more. I want to know everything there is about her, but I still get the impression she’s not ready to open up. I don’t want to force her into doing anything she’s not ready for, but I’m hoping in time that will change.

‘I almost forgot, I got you dessert.’ I rise from the couch. ‘I’ll go grab it.’

‘You bought me a Snickers bar,’ she says when I walk back into the room and hand it to her. She hugs it to her chest, just like she did the day on the plane. She must really love chocolate.

‘I did.’ I sit down beside her.

‘I still have the one you gave me on the plane.’

‘You do?’

‘I couldn’t bring myself to eat it,’ she admits. ‘It was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.’

I love that my small gesture meant so much to her, but it also saddens me to think nobody does nice things for her. Surely her family does?

‘I want you to eat this one.’

‘You’re not having one?’

‘I have something else in mind for me.’ When I wink, a pretty pink blush spreads across her cheeks. How can this woman do what she does for a living, and yet still exude such innocence?

My eyes are glued to her mouth as I watch her eat. Lucky fucking chocolate. She offers me a bite, but I shake my head; I’m having too much fun watching her. Who knew watching her eat could be such a turn on?

‘I’m so glad you’re here,’ I say, briefly placing my hand on her leg.

‘Me too.’ Her exquisite eyes gaze into mine as the world around us stands still. Our faces inch towards each other. The moment our lips touch, every part of me comes to life—it’s like she flicks a switch inside me. Her lips are so soft and sweet. The only contact we have is with our mouths, but it’s hot. Scorching.

I tilt her head back slightly and deepen the kiss. She moans and her hands grab my shirt again. Leaning back into the couch, she pulls me with her until my body is resting on top of hers. I groan when she hooks one of her legs over my hip. All my resolve vanishes. I need her like I’ve never needed anyone before in my life.

But tonight I’m going to take my sweet time with her. I’m going to savour every second. Who knows when I’ll be permitted to see her again? I fucking hate that we’re not free to see each other whenever we please, but I don’t want to think about that now. I want to stay in the moment. I can worry about that tomorrow.

‘Christ, you drive me wild,’ I say as my lips trail a path across her jaw. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get my fill of you.’

Her fingers curve around the hem of my shirt as she slides it up my back. ‘I need to feel your skin, Brock.’

Her wish is my command. Moving off her to kneel on the floor beside the couch, I pull my shirt over my head. My gaze moves down to her waist as she shimmies her dress over her hips, revealing a tiny pair of pink lace panties. Fuck me. Does she realise how sexy she is? She crosses her arms over her torso, pulling her dress up and over her head in one swift motion. Her barely there pink bra cups her breasts perfectly, and I realise I’m in love with her tits.

‘You’re so beautiful,’ I whisper as I kiss a path up her leg. ‘Perfection.’

‘Brock,’ she says breathlessly as her hands stroke over my hair.

‘Lie back,’ I command. My lips curve up against her skin when she does exactly as I ask. ‘As pretty as these are, sweetheart, they’ve gotta go.’ Sliding my fingers into the flimsy lace, I tear them effortlessly from her body, exposing her sweet pussy. My eyes hungrily drink her in. Breathtaking. I bunch up the lace in my hand before shoving it into my pocket. I’ll add these to the pair I swiped from her in New York. If I get my way, I’ll soon have a drawer full.

Hooking my hands under her legs, I place them over my shoulders. ‘It’s time for my dessert,’ I whisper, blowing hot air against her sensitive flesh.

‘Brock,’ she pants, pulling my face forward. My greedy girl. The moment my tongue is on her, she moans. ‘God, yes.’ I smile as I watch her head tilt back and her lips slightly part as the pleasure takes over. I can’t describe the feeling I get knowing it’s me who’s making her feel like this.

‘You taste so sweet,’ I murmur as my hand moves up her body to pinch her nipple through the thin lace of her bra. She whimpers, and I love how responsive she is. I slide the fingers of my other hand through her wetness, coating them, before moving down to her arse.

My mind drifts back to the paperwork M gave me on Jade. Her hard limits both thrilled and infuriated me. I can’t even put into words the jealousy I felt towards the other men she sees. It ate away at my insides. I couldn’t bear to think of what she’s been through, or what she’s done with them, for that matter. It only made my need to possess her—to make her solely mine—even stronger.

Immediately I feel the resistance when I slide the tip of my finger into her arse. I pause, giving her time to adjust. ‘Can I?’ I ask because I don’t want to force myself on her. I know anal is one of her hard limits, but I won’t be satisfied until she gives herself over to me completely. But in saying that, I don’t want to take anything she’s not ready to give me. For some reason, I need this with her. I don’t want any restrictions when it comes to us. My need to claim every inch of her is overpowering.

She pushes her hips towards my face as I continue to work her over. ‘Yes,’ she moans loudly, so I push my finger in a little further and plunge my thumb into her pussy at the same time. When her grip tightens on my hair and her legs start to tremble as they squeeze my head like a vice, I know she’s close.

Slowly I withdraw my finger and use her juices to lubricate it again before gently pushing it all the way back into her tight little arse. I can tell by the way her body pushes into my hand that she likes it. The second I suck her clit into my mouth, she falls over the edge.

‘Oh God!’ she screams as her whole body shudders.

Hearing her scream like that is almost my undoing, but I don’t relent until I’ve drained every ounce of pleasure from her. When I’m done, her legs slide off my shoulders and she slumps back into the couch, exhausted. My girl is spent. Kissing my way back up her gorgeous body, her eyes flutter open when my face is hovering inches away from hers. The contented smile on her face hits me right in the chest.

‘That was … that was … amazing,’ she gasps, pulling my lips briefly down to hers.

‘Get used to it, sweetheart,’ I say, brushing her hair from her forehead. ‘There’s plenty more where that came from. I want to experience everything with you, Jade. Only you.’

She cups my face and smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. I can see a hint of sadness and possibly torment, reflecting back at me. It tears at my heart. Like her, I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I pray it holds something. There is something truly special blossoming between us, and I know I’m powerless to stop it, even if I wanted to.

Standing, I scoop her into my arms before turning and heading for the staircase. I want to take her to my bed and show her just how much she means to me.