Page 104 of Wreck Me

My stomach somersaults, and it has more to do with his words, than his palms slowly sliding up the back of my legs.

‘Are you serious?’ The words come out as barely more than a whisper.

‘I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. It took me thirty-three years to find you. I’m not going to risk losing you now. You, of all people, know how dangerous those fuckers are. Dangerous and deranged.’ His fingers inch higher on my thighs until they hit the top of my lace hold-ups. A low growl rumbles in his chest. ‘Are you sure the O’Connors didn't send you here to kill me slowly with outfits like this?’

‘Don’t even mention that name. Please. I can’t joke about them. Not now, not ever. Any developments?’

I don’t know why I’m asking. I’m not sure I truly want an answer.

‘I’m sorry, sweetheart. Bad joke. We’re working on it. The Imperial Wine acquisition is hours away from completion. I refuse to submit to Declan’s demands, or anyone else’s. Well, anyone but you, that is.’ Ebony eyes slide towards mine. ‘We’re going to bring the O’Connors down once and for all.’

‘What do you mean, “bring them down”?’

James raises an eyebrow, his pupils steely with determination.

‘You’re not going to…’ I can’t even bring myself to finish the sentence. Surely, he isn't suggesting meeting violence with violence. As much as I hate the O’Connors, Jack and Declan in particular for everything they’ve done, there has to be another way. I’ve seen enough brutality to last a lifetime. Where does it end?

James shakes his head. ‘I would, if it came to it. I’d wring their necks with my bare hands if it meant keeping my family safe. But no, we Becketts operate differently. We stay on the right side of the law, where possible, at least. There are other ways and means of taking people down.’

Another shiver slides down my spine. This one is far from sexual.

‘I’m worried,’ I admit, arching forwards and raking my fingers through his cropped dark hair.

‘I won’t let anything happen to you.’ his hand catches mine and he pulls it to his lips.

‘I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about you.’ I exhale slowly. ‘I’ve already lost my mother to them. I couldn't bear to lose you as well.’

‘You won’t. Not to them. But tomorrow is promised to none of us, which is why we need to make the most oftoday.’ He forces a smile. ‘What we need is a distraction from all of this stress. Come with me, I have a present for you.’ He rises, taking my hands in his and guides me to the door.

‘Not another one.’ I’ve barely used the last present he gave me. My driving lessons have taken a backseat to all my other “learning”. Driving him is exponentially more thrilling than driving any car. Even an Audi R8.

The security guards immediately fall into step behind us as we step out of the office.

‘I don’t need a present. You’ve given me more than I can ever repay.’ I glance down at my outfit and at the eye-wateringly expensive Jimmy Choos on my feet.

‘Nonsense. I love spoiling you.’ James takes my hand and leads me along the corridor towards his personal gym. I’ve been in there a couple of times, mostly to perve on him lifting weights, watching in awe as the slick sweat coats his skin.

But instead of taking the door on the right into the gym, he veers me towards a door on the left.

‘Wait here,’ he tells the security guards, before nudging me inside the thick panelled door.

I take a tentative step into the darkness. Unlike the rest of the house, this room has no windows. James steps in behind me and closes the door with a definitive click before flicking the light switch on.

Millions of tiny stars cascade across the ceiling and bounce over the four walls. My eyes adjust to the dimness and home in on a stage in the centre of the room. It’s an elevated circular black marble platform, not a million miles different to the ones in the Luxor Lounge.

The best part? There’s a gleaming steel pole in the middle of it. ‘Is this for me?’

‘I’m pretty sure we’re both going to reap the benefits.’He shrugs, a smirk curling his lips upwards. ‘You wanted exercise?’ James sweeps a hand towards the stage. ‘Be my guest.’

I don’t need telling twice.

It’s not the most traditional gift in the world, but it’s the most thoughtful one I’ve ever received. Dancing is my escape from the real world. Its familiarity is my solace. And James knows above anyone, after years of laying low, I crave being seen.

I’m truly touched. Not by the expense or trouble that he’s gone to, but by the fact he sees my soul. Knows what I need, and does everything he can to meet those needs.

My fingers reach around to the back of his neck, pulling his face down until his lips touch mine. He deepens the kiss, his palms sliding over my backside and wrenching my hips towards his.

It takes all my willpower to tear myself away. ‘Let’s play a game. Heaven knows we could both do with some fun,’ I suggest.

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