They chatted for a while and then Jim said, “So to summarise, life after Friday; we are a couple, I will come out to you in two weeks for a few days and put in an appearance at the première in London, you will come with me and three weeks after you’ll come back out here for a week, maybe ten days and under no circumstances will either of us see anyone else. Oh, and you will dress appropriately so strangers don’t jack off and think of you.”
Tasha smiled. “Yes, although the première—”
“You will come, no questions and this discretion thing is no longer appropriate. If it had been the week of sex you’d first suggested then fine, but you’re my girlfriend and I won’t hide you away, but I won’t go out of my way to be indiscreet.”
She nodded.
“Will you please let me help you sort the situation with you brother and sister?” His concern for her was clear. “I know you’re worried, Tasha, but if I can help then let me, please.”
“We could talk about it when you come to London.” Now he knew some of the details of her past and her family and hadn’t run as far and as fast as he could, she figured he might have some ideas on the best way for her to move forward.
“Deal. I would like us to speak each day and to text and sext or whatever because I’m going to miss you.”
“Me too.”
He squeezed her knee. “I’ve changed my mind about this dress. You can only wear it when you’re out with me. It’s far too sexy to go out without me.”
She smiled, loving his possessiveness, but chose to change topic. “Why is Marc coming to Philip’s family dinner?” She’d been curious about that, but more than anything she wanted to change topic.
“He’s family. Marcia is Sara’s sister.”
“Oh. So, will he kick my ass tonight for Angie disturbing his beauty sleep?” She was thinking of the earlier threat he’d revealed to Jim.
“No way, baby. He will have to kick mine first and that would never happen.”
She smiled and although she knew Marc’s threat was a joke she felt reassured that James really would defend her and keep her safe.
“Can I ask again about your dad?”
“I suppose so.” She replied with a flatness that suggested she was resigned to the conversation coming back to this. To her.
“You said he had hit you. Do you mean like a slap across the face kind of hit you?” Jim’s expression carried the inference that he was almost scared of the answer.
“Not really, more of a punching, drag you across the street by your hair in front of all the neighbours way and then beat the living crap of you and encourage yourboyfriendto do the same to teach you who’s boss kind of way.”
She spoke in an entirely matter of fact way that concerned him as much as the fact she had ever endured that kind of treatment at all, never mind at the hands of the person who should have been her greatest protector. Jim was struggling to know what to say, but it was more. He didn’t know if he trusted his emotions to remain contained if he spoke at all. Plus, what could he say? What was there to say? Maybe that was the key to an acceptable response.
“Baby, I don’t know what to say.”
“Then don’t say anything.” With a sideways glance in his direction, Tasha could see there was something he wanted to say. There was something clearly playing on his mind so she waited, silently, allowing him to consider and compose whatever it was he needed to get off his chest.
“You know with us, when we play, it is play and if you don’t want it you should just say. I have no issue with it and it wouldn’t change things between us, not fundamentally. Please tell me you know that,” he cried, still reeling from her latest revelation.
“Of course I do.” She was desperate to reassure him, for him not to confuse the abused Tasha with the one he knew. “I like it with you, although I have never tried it with anyone else, but I told you, I like sex, have learnt to love it. I especially like sex with you. Nobody has ever made me feel like you do and what you do is very sexy.” He didn’t look entirely convinced by her claims, so she continued. “It probably sounds weird because I’ve been beaten, but what you do is not aggressive. A bit controlling, but I like when you try to control me. The way you express your desire to make me yours, but not in a fucked-up way. In fact, my ass is beginning to feel neglected.”
Any lingering doubts in his expression lifted with her final words. “I shall resolve that at the earliest opportunity if you insist on cursing, especially if those are your sexy thigh highs and not pantyhose.”
“I rarely wear tights.”
“Do you suppose we can eat and run?”
“No chance with Lizzie, Marc and number one.”
“Please don’t call her number one. It might tip Lenny over the edge.”
“Should I be nervous?” Tasha asked as they stood at the front door of the large detached house in a very exclusive, gated community.
“No. Lizzie and I will look after you.” He hated that she thought there might be cause for her nervousness. That there was any chance anyone here would say or do anything unpleasant, but knowing she needed reassurance he gave her a single kiss to the top of her head.
