‘We fight him. In China, the US, Europe. We make a case against his registration of the game. We claim ownership. It’s not a cheap plan. It will cost you.’
‘But it’ll be a damn sight cheaper than three million pounds.’
‘Precisely.’
He leans back in his chair, his eyes distant as he processes the idea, his fingertips forming a steeple that rests against his chin. ‘And whilst you’re working on that, I’ll take pleasure in letting Francis know exactly who he’s getting involved with.’
‘He’ll pull the funding?’
‘I’m almost certain of it.’
21
He’s propped up on one arm, his dark hair messed from sleep, a light dusting of stubble coating his chin. The white cotton sheet is wrapped around his waist and between his legs. He’s otherwise on display for my own personal viewing.
‘This is a nice way to wake up.’ My eyes run shamelessly over the perfect sculpture of man, falling on his eager crotch, a sight that heats the blood that travels to the tips of my breasts and between my legs.
‘You know what I was thinking? I was thinking I’ve never met anyone like you.’ His fingers trace the side of my body, moving away the sheet so his hand comes to rest on the small of my back. My body reacts, bending closer to his heat.
‘I hope that’s a good thing.’ The sound of my voice betrays my want.
‘Mostly,’ he says, with that half-smile I adore. ‘No one else challenges me the way you do and no one else dares to tell me to check my attitude.’
‘What can I say, sometimes, you need an attitude check, Ryans.’
‘As do you, Mrs Ryans-to-be, and you’re going to get it.’
I moan greedily as he pulls my body against his, letting me feel his intention against my navel. His hand slides to the sphere of my arse, pulling my thigh across his and coming to rest in the crease between my thigh and calf.
‘You’re right when you say we work better as a team. We do, don’t we?’
I assume, on this occasion, he’s referring to the fact Francis wants out of his arrangement with Nick Henshaw and local counsel are already on the case of challenging Nick’s registration ofBlack Diamondsin the UK and Europe. All of which kills Nick’s chances of getting three million pounds out of GJR.
‘If I said it, it must be true.’ I’m feeling particularly cheeky and ready to play this morning, something that pulls his lips to a smirk, but his eyes are serious.
‘I’ve never had that. This. I’ve never been part of a team. I’m always the man in control and with you… you throw me off balance. Some days, I wonder if I’ve dreamt you. As if it’s taken me thirty years to realise what I need and you’re a figment of my imagination. You’re beautiful. Smart and strong. You’re so perfect, I’m terrified of waking up and losing you.’
I hold my hand to his cheek and wait for him to open his eyes. ‘I feel the same and I’m not going anywhere, Gregory. You’ve changed me in so many ways. You’re the anchor in my new world.’
‘Ournew world.’
He drops his mouth to mine and rolls us so my back is on the mattress, my thighs locked around his hips, my body rising to make contact with his, desire turning to a wet, aching need between my legs.
He lowers himself, his weight resting against my pelvis, his forearms either side of my head, his fingers gently stroking my hair. ‘I love you so much.’
I brush his hair back from his brow and lock my fingers behind his neck. ‘I love you, too.’
He leans down, his tongue dipping into my mouth and teasing mine, the soft skin of his lips grazing my own. I drown in his touch, in his love, in him.
* * *
‘Sorry to interrupt but can I take a car?’ I make my way into the lounge in my skinny jeans and oversized jumper, eating a bagel on the move so that I’m not late for picking up Sandy.
Gregory and Jackson look up from the photographs and documents they’re studying on the coffee table. I don’t need to look to know that Nick Henshaw will be the star of that storyboard. They’re blindly trying to plot their next move, not knowing how Nick will react to the fact his plan imploded. This fight has only just begun. The one saving grace is that Gregory hasn’t opted for his usual first port of call and had Jackson bring in extra security. That’s something I can take comfort from. He thinks this will be a white-collar war rather than one that requires him to step into the ring.
The men have a silent conversation before Jackson stands and declares, ‘I’ll take you.’
I hold my hand up whilst I swallow. ‘No, thanks, Jackson, I’m good to drive.’ I glare at Gregory. ‘I know you put me on the insurance; I saw the invoice on your desk. And before you dare to make a remark about my driving capabilities, let me remind you that you’ve never actually been a passenger in a car with me.’
