“He can’t stay here.”
“Why not?”
“Look, he’s getting hair all over my trousers again,” he exclaimed when the cat rubbed his head against his calves.
“Jesus Ryan, it’s only a cat.” Jules scooped the cat up and his eyes closed with bliss as she tickled his cheek. “He’s lovely. If I had a nice big farmhouse I’d take him home.”
“Feel free.”
“He can’t live with me, it’s all concrete and cars, He’s a country cat. This place is perfect for him.”
“He’s not staying here,” said Ryan. “The animals stay outside, I’m having nothing on the inside.”
Jules shook her head. “Why did you move to the country? You’re such a wuss.”
“What did you just call me?” he retorted.
“Big Jessie.”
Rachel smiled when they started to squabble, the cat looking from one to the other in consternation. It sounded like they’d been brother and sister all their lives.
Mikey returned home to the sound of an unfamiliar voice in his house, a soft, feminine one.
Puzzled, he walked through to the vast kitchen, which hardly got used because Amber was a useless cook and she ordered most of their meals in. Standing there holding his son was a woman he’d never seen before in his life. She was plain, early twenties, mousy brown hair hanging down her back like string.
“Who the bloody hell are you and how did you get in here?” he demanded.
The girl jumped, large watery eyes startled. “You…you’re Mr Maguire?”
“Too right I am. How did you get in here?”
The girl looked terrified. “Mrs Maguire hired me. I’m the new nanny.”
“Nanny? We don’t have a nanny.”
“I was hired this morning Sir from the agency to work five days a week.”
“Amber,” he yelled, making the girl jump again. “Amber get in here.”
“She’s not here Sir, she went out.”
“Where?” he growled, turning her pasty skin even paler.
“With her mum. They went to the shops.”
Mikey took Josh from her and held him close. “I’m sorry but we don’t need a nanny.” With one hand he rummaged through his pocket, produced a wad of notes and dumped it in her hands. “Now please leave and tell the agency that we do not want or need a nanny. If anyone rings up telling you we do then they’re lying. Do you understand?”
“Y…yes. Sorry,” she rasped before practically running from the room, stuffing the money into her pocket as she went.
Mikey took Josh into the lounge and settled him down with his toys in his playpen while he made a couple of calls. First he called Amber but of course there was no answer. He couldn’t believe she’d gone behind his back like this, after she’d said she wouldn’t hire a nanny. Why couldn’t she look after their son herself? Next he called Declan and told him to get round to the house with his gadgets to check no bugs had been planted or anything that could compromise them. A stranger had been left alone in their house all day, anything could have happened.
While he waited for Declan to arrive he played with Josh, so relieved that his son was okay. After what had happened just three months ago he couldn’t believe Amber would be so reckless.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you little man,” he said softly, too softly for Josh to hear. “Not even your own mother.”
It was Amber’s turn to get a shock when she returned home clutching more shopping bags holding a range of expensive and completely useless items. She dumped the bags on the floor in the hallway, stamped her high heeled foot and screeched, “what do you shower of idiots think you’re doing?”
All the men wandering about the house stopped to frown at her.
“It’s alright guys, just keep working,” said Declan, descending the stairs.
She planted her hands on her hips, scowling. “Declan, what are you doing to my house?”
“Boss’s orders,” he replied. “We’re checking for bugs or anything that may have been planted.”
“Why?”
“You’ll have to discuss that with Mikey.”
Amber felt nervous when the door to the lounge swung open to reveal a grim-looking Mikey, his disapproving gaze flicking down to the shopping bags.
She decided to go for defiance. “What do you think you’re doing?” she said to him.
Mikey jerked his head to the door and disappeared back into the lounge. Sighing, she stepped over the bags and followed him.
Mikey closed the door behind her, so his men wouldn’t overhear their conversation.
“Where’s Josh?” she said haughtily.
“Asleep. You left him with a stranger.”
“Clara is from a reputable agency, I didn’t just leave him with anyone, she has the qualifications.”
“For Christ’s sake Amber, we just discussed this and we agreed we wouldn’t get a nanny.”
“Actually you told me and as usual I was forced to obey.”
“That is not how it was and you know it. Stop making me out to be some sort of dictator, I’m sick of it.”
“It’s alright for you swanning off whenever you feel like it. I want a life too Mikey,” she shrieked.
“Will you keep your voice down?” he said, conscious of his men moving about the house. “This is your mother, isn’t it? One minute you’re fine, we’re getting along well then you spend some time with her and you start having a go at me and doing things that put this family at risk.”
“How was Clara putting anyone at risk?” she snorted.
“She was a weak, flaky girl who could be easily bribed or intimidated and who I wouldn’t trust to look after a goldfish. I don’t care how many pieces of paper she has, she was just a kid herself.”
“She was fine and what are we going to do when I start work? Or are you not going to let me now?” she huffed.
“Of course I am, I’ve even managed to get you a job at a salon training in nails. But we will not bring strangers into the house to look after Josh. Instead we will take him to a reputable nursery with security and professionals to look after him. What is so wrong with that?”
“I might not have time to drop him off, I’ll be too busy with my new career.”
Mikey gaped at her. “Are you actually serious?”
Her green eyes flared. “Excuse me?”
“You’ll be working ten till two four days a week, that’s all they had available. Plenty of women manage to drop their kids off at nursery or school then go to work. Why should you be any different?”
“Because we’re rich. I shouldn’t have to struggle or put myself out. I had years of struggling stuck on that estate.”
Mikey’s temper flared. “You think you’re the only person who’s struggled? I was stuck in a psychiatric hospital for years because of my own brother. Jesus Amber, I would have given my right bollock to be stuck on a council estate rather than in that place. Taking your son to a good nursery is not struggling. What planet are you living on? I’ve had a gutful of your mother mouthing off and convincing you I’m a terrible husband when I’ve never done anything to hurt you. All I do is look after you and I’m sick and tired of being made out to be the bad guy.”
“And I’m sick of being told what to do.”
“You don’t like it you can leave.”
Her mouth fell open. “What?”
“I will not have you making me out to be some sort of controlling, abusive shit. You are completely free to do what you like, all I ask is that we don’t have strangers coming into our home while we’re not here and you know what? A lot of people would agree with me. I am not being unreasonable. I also asked you to start controlling your spending then what do you do? Come back with a shitload of shopping bags.” He knew he was shouting but he was getting to the end of his tether with her. “There’s lots of families in this country who can’t even afford to buy food and you’re wasting money on crap that you won’t even look at again. It’s obscene. Now stop ma
king out that you’re hard done by and grow up. I need a wife not another fucking kid.”
With that he stormed to the door, leaving her to gape at him. He stopped just before he went through it. “I’m leaving for Glasgow in the morning and I’ll be gone a few days. I’ll be sleeping in the spare room tonight. If you behave yourself while I’m gone then we might just have a future together. Grow up and stop listening to Mummy so much and start behaving like an adult. If you don’t then we’re done and I mean that.”
With that he left, slamming the door shut.
“Mikey,” she rasped when she’d eventually recovered her voice. She hurried to the door and flung it open just in time to see him disappear upstairs, face like thunder.
Declan, who was hovering in the hallway, gave her a sympathetic smile. She scowled at him simply because he was Mikey’s cousin and slammed the door shut, both furious and worried. He’d actually threatened to divorce her, she couldn’t believe it. Amber knew she had to start playing it smarter otherwise she was going to lose her cushy life. In a way Mikey was right, her mum never stopped badmouthing him even though he didn’t deserve it, she had to give him his due, he was a good husband. He let her pretty much do what she wanted plus he’d never laid a finger on her. Some of her friend’s husbands weren’t afraid to give their wives a slap now and then. Today was the first time he’d really raised his voice to her but she’d pushed him. Deep down she’d known bringing Clara into the house would kick things off but she’d let her mum convince her that it would put Mikey in his place, show her that he couldn’t boss her about but he’d only been thinking of all their safety. She’d been so scared during all that business with the Slatterys, having men with guns in her home, being sent away with Cathy and the kids out of harm’s way while their husbands fought a war. If she was honest with herself it turned her on that they’d won. A large part of her attraction to Mikey was the power he wielded. At first it hadn’t been that at all, she’d been pregnant and scared and he had been so sweet to her. Then she’d learnt just how powerful he was as well as rich and that had become his main attraction. As an added bonus he was so handsome and really good in bed. If she didn’t want to lose all that she had to toe the line and start ignoring her mother’s bile. She knew her mum’s real hope was for her to divorce Mikey and come away with a huge heap of money. In the event of a divorce Amber knew Mikey would always look after her, she’d never want for anything but her mum was labouring under the delusion that she’d get it all, including the legitimate businesses. What Amber had tried to explain to her and failed was that a lot of Mikey’s money was hidden, his businesses under pseudonyms. She’d only get a fraction of what her mum thought she would get.
She couldn’t allow Mikey to divorce her, there was no way she was giving up the house and the money as well as the most powerful man in Manchester. Her lips curled into a smile as she came up with a plan.
“What?” Mikey barked when there was a knock at the door. He’d been in bed in the guest room for two hours trying to drop off but he was still so furious at Amber that sleep was impossible. It was striking him that he’d married an overgrown child and he cursed himself for being so impetuous.
“Can I come in?” called a timid voice.
“Do what you want,” he barked back, turning on his side away from the door, not wanting to look at his wife.
He heard the door creak open, heard her pad across the floor then felt her warmth as she cuddled up against him.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Mikey was determined not to waver but his anger started to melt away when he heard tears in her voice. “You’ve said that before.”
“I know but I really mean it this time. You’re right, my mum does wind me up, she makes me think you’re trying to control me but I know you’re only trying to protect us all.”
“I’m glad you realise that. I hate it when you make me out to be one of those nasty, abusive bastards. I would never do that to you.”
“I know babe, which is why I’m going to spend less time with her. Of course I can’t cut her out of my life altogether, she is my mum and Josh’s nan after all but I’ll see her a lot less. I can tell her it’s because of my new job. Thanks for getting me that by the way.”
“You’re welcome,” he muttered.
“Can we forget recent events and start over? I know I’ve no right to ask but I don’t want this to be the end for us, I love you Mikey.”
There was a moment’s silence before he said, “love you too,” without turning over.
Amber exhaled shakily. “Thank God for that. I thought you’d stopped.”
This caused him to turn to face her. “You thought I didn’t love you anymore?”
“I did when you said I could leave.”
“I didn’t mean it babe, I was just angry.”
She started to cry. “So you don’t want a divorce?”
“No, that’s not what I want,” he said, sliding his arm around her waist. “You’re right, let’s put all this behind us and start again.”
“I’d like that,” she said, letting the tears fall freely, knowing this never failed to gain his sympathy.
He pulled her against him and Amber smiled when she felt his hardness pressing against her. She was wearing just a silky nightie and nothing underneath. When she kissed him he responded forcefully.
“I want to make it up to you,” she said. “Lie on your back.”
He gave her that heart stopping grin and did as she asked, running his hand through her curls as her lips made their way down his body, moaning out loud when she took him in her mouth.
“You are so good at that babe,” he groaned.
She looked up the length of his body, admiring the undulation of his stomach muscles as his body tensed and arched. He was magnificent.
“Hey,” he said with a mock pout when she stopped what she was doing. “Oh, carry on,” he grinned when she straddled him.
He gripped onto her thighs and moaned even louder when she bore down on him, her head falling back as he filled her up. She moved her hips faster, throwing herself into the act, revelling in every grunt and moan he made, the pleasure building inside her until it exploded and her body shuddered and shook.
When it was over she fell on top of him, smiling into his chest as he kissed her curls. Jules was not going to get her grubby hands on him. Mikey Maguire was hers. Her smile broadened as she thought of her contraceptive pill sitting in her bedside cabinet where she always kept it. It would sit untouched from now for about another nine months. Josh had brought them together so she was confident a second child would keep them together.
“Hello,” said Beth happily, waving at her laptop screen. Riley waved back. He was unshaven and a bit dusty, telling her he was in a desert somewhere but he still looked gorgeous and best of all, healthy. Riley could have been Ryan’s twin, despite the fact they were half brothers, the only difference being their eye colour. While Ryan’s were grey his were brown.
“Hello babe. Miss you,” he said.
“Miss you too,” she grinned. “The kids are dying to say hello.”
She laughed out loud when Alfie and Archie threw themselves onto her knee, frantically waving at the screen.
“Hiya Riley,” they said in unison.
“Hi boys. I hope you’re being good for your mum,” he said with a meaningful look at Archie.
“We are,” replied Archie.
“Good boys. There she is,” he grinned when Holly pushed her way between her older brothers. Beth picked her up and sat her on her knee so she could see the screen, her heart aching when the little girl gave Riley her best smile. They were always pleased to see him and the prospect of him marrying their mum pleased all three of them.
“Hi Holly,” said Riley.
“Hello,” she grinned, waving a chubby little hand.
“It’s so good to see you guys,” he continued. “I can’t wait to get home.”
“We can’t wait to have you home,”
said Beth.
“I hope the wedding plans are coming on.” Riley had been happy to leave everything in Beth’s hands. All he cared about was marrying her when he got back after completing his tour of duty.
“They are. The church and reception are booked, honeymoon in Greece sorted. It’s just the outfits to pick out now.”
“You still haven’t found your dress?”
“Nothing’s quite right. It’s got to be something special.”
“Whatever you wear it’ll be gorgeous.”
“I want the perfect dress and I won’t stop until I find it.”
“I’m sure you will. I trust you to pick an outfit for me, just nothing pink or yellow. Ryan’s going to be my best man so feel free to choose something girlie for him,” he grinned.
Beth giggled. “He’d never forgive me.”
A yell behind him had Riley turning his head and sighing. “Sorry sweetheart, I’ve got to go.”
“Stay safe, please.”
“Of course I will. Don’t worry about me, you just concentrate on planning an amazing wedding for us.”
“And it will be amazing.”
He flashed her his heart-stopping smile. “I know. Love you.” He looked to the children. “I love all you guys too but sorry, I’ve got to get to work.”
“Love you too,” Beth just managed to say before the call ended.
“Why did he go?” demanded Archie.
Beth’s heart sank, it looked like he was on the verge of another tantrum. “He had to go to work sweetheart.”
“But I wanted to talk to him.”
“You’ll be able to talk again soon,” said Beth.
“When?”
“I really don’t know but soon, promise.”
“It’s not fair,” he yelled, stamping his foot.
When Beth saw Holly cringing in fear, who was now terrified of her brother’s tantrums, she said, “Alfie, take your sister upstairs.”
“But…,” he began, not wanting to leave his mum alone with Archie, knowing how aggressive he could be.
“Please Alfie, for me.”
“Okay,” he reluctantly replied, taking Holly by the hand and leading her upstairs.
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