Down Under Complete Trilogy Box Set

by S. M Phillips

  “Oh my god. Is she going to be okay?”

  “We’ve managed to wake her, but she isn’t really in a position to talk at the moment. She’s stable, but we should know more tomorrow once we have run some extra tests to see what kind of damage has been done, but at this moment in time everything looks how we want it to. If you and you’re husband would like to come back in the morning? I think your mother will be more responsive once her body has gotten over the shock.”

  “Yes. Of course, thank you.”

  “Thank you.” I say to the doctor. I know Jess isn’t going to be happy about leaving her, but she needs some rest too.

  Jess remains quite on the drive home and I don’t press her. She’ll talk to me when she wants to. I’d be a fucking hypocrite if I started demanding answers from her, after I pushed her away with Mal. I’ll show her that I can be here for her no matter what she needs. As soon as we enter the house, Jess makes her way straight upstairs while I tidy up the mess that her mother left lying round. First of all I clear up the pills that are scattered around the coffee table, and discard of the empty vodka bottle. Her mum must be in a really bad place for her to even think of doing such a thing. I just hope that Jess doesn’t close herself off because of this. She blames herself and I don’t understand why. Maybe she’ll open up to me when she’s ready

  .

  “Did you do this?” She asks as I enter the bedroom. She stands in front of me and then spins around in the room. After the events of tonight, I’d completely forgotten about my surprise for her.

  “Yes.” I say as I walk over to her. “I hope you don’t mind?”

  “Do I hell. I bloody love it.”

  “I thought if you were making a fresh start then you’d prefer to be out with the old and in with the new.” Reaching out, I place my hands around her and pull her into me. “Whatever you need, whatever you want, I will always make sure you get it.”

  “Well what I want right now is curl up with you in my nice new bed.” She smiles at me and it’s bloody hard to resist her. She’s everything and more that I never knew I needed, until she came crashing into my life and I’m so glad she did.

  “Thank you, for everything.” She whispers, as I feel her curl up against me, her soft silky skin pressing against me, completing me and chipping more ice away from my damaged heart.

  “I hate that you’ve had to suffer so much angel in such a short time, but the more that I think about it, the more I’m thankful that you did. If it hadn’t have been for you finding out about that cheating son of a bitch, I don’t think we’d be where we are now. But let me tell you this, I will make sure that I treasure you right up to my dying breath and I will never, ever allow anyone to hurt you or treat you that way again.” As I say it, I have never been so sure of anything in my life. This little angel of mine will never want for anything as long as I am around.

  “Your coffee is on the side. I’m going to grab a quick shower before we set off okay?” Jess looks a lot better now that she’s managed to get some sleep. I spent most of the night watching her and wondering how I got so fucking lucky to get to have her in my life. I hear my phone ringing from the bedside table. Heath’s name dances at me from the caller I.D and I answer it instantly.

  “Hey mate, it’s me."

  “What's taking so long?" How hard can it be to search a fucking computer? I hope my suspicions aren't right. It's been playing on my mind for a couple of days now and I really need to know.

  “Well the files are there all right and so is a lot of other sensitive information. The worrying thing is that it's not just on the PC, it’s all saved to Jess's account."

  “Fuck. Heath I need you to pull me the CCTV footage from the past two weeks. Watch it if you have to, but make sure you tell me exactly what you find on there, whether I'm going to like it or not. You hear me?"

  “You got it. I'll call you as soon as I know more.”

  “I want everything in Jess’ office searched and reported back to me ASAP.” My body’s shaking when I get off the phone. I need to know what the whole point of this is. Why would someone drop super sensitive files on to Jess’ computer for it to look like she’s stealing the business’ details when she has them already. I have a pretty good idea, but I need it clarifying before I can do anything about it.

  “You ready angel?” I ask. I find her sat on the sofa staring into space. “Hey.”

  “Umm. Yeah, I guess. I’m just worried about what’s going to happen when I get there. I don’t think I can cope with facing her Max.”

  “I’ll be beside you all the way, and if when we get there you find it’s getting too much all you have to do is tell me and we’ll go okay?”

  “She needs to get help Max. Ever since my dad left, she’s never been the same and now after losing the house and her job, I think it’s all gotten too much for her.”

  “We’ll make sure she gets the best care that money can buy if she needs it. You just tell me what you need and I’ll do the rest angel.”

  We don’t stay too long at the hospital. I made Jess go in on her own at first so she could talk to her mum in private, but she wouldn’t even look at Jess. All she did was stare at the ceiling. I managed to speak to the doctor in charge of her care to see what type of treatment she will need when she is ready to be discharged, but apparently it’s too early to tell. Whatever it is that she needs, I made a promise to Jess to make sure she gets it and as soon as I know, I’ll make sure that it gets it arranged.

  “Hey.” I answer on the first ring. I pray that Heath isn’t about to tell me what I think he is. I walk out of the bedroom so that I don’t disturb Jess while she has a nap. All this with her mum has well and truly taken it out of her.

  “Okay, I think we have finally gotten to the bottom of it. Are you sat down’ because you’re not going to like this at all Max.”

  “Just hurry up and tell me what I already suspect.” I bark down the phone.

  “Okay, fine, I’ve had a look at the CCTV footage over the past two weeks and everyday Stella has been going into Jess’ office, constantly messing around with her computer.”

  “Fuck,” I shout. I fucking knew it, deep down, I knew.

  “That’s not all. There are few calls that have been made to a British number from your office over the past couple of weeks too. I’m sorry mate. I’m not sure what she’s trying to achieve, but whatever it is, it seems pretty dodgy to me. Maybe try and catch her out? What do you want me to do from this end?”

  “Cheers mate. Keep your eye on her for me? I know exactly what she’s trying to do. She’s trying to stitch Jess up and I won’t fucking put up with it. Actually, when you see her, get her to call me as soon as she can.” It’s time I think like Jess and see how I can trip her up and hopefully I’ll get to the bottom of this bullshit once and for all.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I always worry when I write acknowledgements that I will end up missing people off. If I do, I sincerely apologise.

  Firstly I would like to thank the Mr once again for allowing me to ignore him while I go into my own little bubble to write and supplying me with obscene amounts of coffee as requested. It really means a lot and I will never be able to put into words how thankful I am for your support.

  To all the fabulous bloggers who work tirelessly sharing, taking part in cover reveals etc. The promotions that you do are outstanding and I am grateful to each and every one of you that take the time out of your day to endlessly share my posts, sales etc. You are absolutely amazing.

  To Justine, Charisse, Victoria, Jade, Diana, Tracey and all of my lovely ladies, thank you also for your continued support. I love hearing from you and reading your reviews. You lovelies are one in a million to me.

  I have loved diving back into Max and Jess’ world once again. There is never a dull moment with this bunch, that’s for sure.

  Thank you to my readers. I can’t thank you enough for the support you give me. It makes me really happy to know that you love Jess and
Max just as much as me.

  About the Author:

  Welcome to the crazy and hectic life that is me... A fun, loving mum of one special little boy, girlfriend (I'm sure it should be wife by now!!) and an overall crazy, happy go lucky girl from England.

  I have always had a passion for reading and writing. Wherever I am, my book reader is never far behind along with a mug of coffee.

  I found myself wanting to write from a young age, I have quite a few hidden stories on my computer somewhere, maybe I will have to dig them out and play around with them at some point.

  I decided to make the very exciting but also very nerve wracking decision to release my debut 'Escape down under' at the end of 2013 when the ideas in my head got too strong and just wouldn't leave me alone.

  Follow S.M Phillips:

  www.facebook.com/sphillipsauthor

  www.twitter.com/s_m_phillips_

  Forever down under

  Down Under #3

  S.M Phillips

  Books by S.M Phillips

  - Escape down under (Down under #1)

  - Fallen down under (Down under #2)

  - Forever down under (Down under #3)

  -Obsession (Obsession #1)

  Copyright

  Copyright 2015 S.M Phillips. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means such as electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Coffee and chocolate, thanks for keeping me sane.

  Jess

  My eyes flutter open and I quickly close them again, trying to stop the assault of the bright sunlight from stinging them. I could quite easily sleep for a few more hours, but it looks like that’s not meant to be.

  "Hey." A slow, lazy smile curves onto my lips at the sound of his voice. So rugged and sexy as hell, it’s impossible to resist him. I open my right eye just a little to get a closer look at his perfect face. I lazily take in his piercing blue eyes and his day old stubble. He definitely doesn't disappoint. I don't think a day could ever pass by, where I could ever tire of his perfect features. Both eyes open and firmly lock onto his piercing blues, and his cocky, sure as hell grin falls into place as he whispers, "I've missed you, angel."

  "Yeah?" I ask, while stretching a little and it feels so bloody good. I must have stayed in the same position all night. "How about you come and show me just how much you’ve missed me?"

  "I'd fucking love to." He whispers and I feel the bed dip slightly, as he leans his hard, solid, perfect frame over me. Tilting my head back slightly, so his lips can rest on mine, I snake my fingers into his hair and pull him down against me, desperate to close the aching gap between us, but he pulls back.

  "What's wrong?" I ask, a little disappointed and desperation heavy in my voice.

  "Jessica Townsend, you'll be the fucking death of me." He moans and I reach up to kiss him again, but this time he doesn't hold back, instead he holds me tight and pulls me into his arms, right where I belong.

  "You know that I'd love nothing more than to stay here with you like this, with nothing coming between us all day." Max whispers against my neck before slowly drawing back to look at me once again.

  "Now that sounds like a blooy good plan to me." I can't help but smile a big goofy smile at my loveable rogue. Whenever I am around him I turn to mush. I flutter my eyelashes a little, and press my hips against him, hoping that he'll take the hint and give my body exactly what it craves. Him.

  Instead, Max places a tender kiss on my forehead and his eyes fall back on to mine as he looks down on me, eyebrows raised and his piercing blue eyes sparkle with mischief and welcome promises. Somehow, I know that the mischief and promises aren't going to be carried out just yet.

  "Jen's here to see you." Max sighs before continuing. "She said that if I don't bring you downstairs, then she'll take a blunt knife and cut off my balls, and you know how much I love my balls, angel." I can't help but laugh at the worried expression he now has plastered on his face. How did I get so bloody lucky to have him in my life?

  "This isn't over, Mr Wild. Remember, you owe me big time for this." I warn. "Plus, has no one ever told you that you don't keep a lady waiting?" I point my finger directly at him and press it into his chest for added effect. I swear Jen is going to pay for this. No doubt, she's already had her morning fumble and then some. The cow.

  I let out a loud, defeated sigh and kick back the covers, deliberately displaying my naked body to Max. His face is absolutely priceless. With his eyes wide and his mouth open, I can tell that he's suddenly regretting his decision. I swat his hand away when he reaches out to touch me. "I wouldn't want to come between you and your manliness now, would I?"

  "Jess." Max pleads while gripping me tightly around the waist, and pulling my body up flush against his. "Fuck, woman. Give me a minute and I'll go down and get rid of her."

  "No." I smile and turn around to face him. "There's not much point now anyway, the moments passed. Plus, I'm sure watching you suffer will be more than enough payback. At least for now."

  "Come on, you've got to be shittin' me."

  "Oh yes." I think to myself. I've definitely hit a nerve here, as he looks utterly wounded, like a kid that lost their favourite toy. Maybe next time he'll think twice about blowing me off just to protect his balls. Surely he should know by now, that the only person he needs to protect his balls from is yours truly. I smile once again at this beautiful man who is coming undone before my very own eyes, and I can't help the smug feeling of satisfaction that washes over me. Oh boy, the fun I'm going to have making him suffer.

  I pull on my robe, the luxurious silk robe that Max gave to me and wrap it tightly around my body, wanting nothing more than for Max to storm over to me and rip it away from me. Realising that isn't going to happen, I take one last glance at him, watching him stood frozen on the spot, practically foaming at the mouth. Oh Max. What am I going to do with you?

  "This isn't over, Max." I promise and pull on the door handle a little too hard in my sexually frustrated state, almost knocking myself out in the process. I'm sure Max just snorted at my almost too unfortunate error, but I decide to hold my head high and seductively walk away from him, making my way to the bathroom so I can at least try to look a little bit presentable for my dear friend.

  "This had better be good, Davies." I warn my best friend as soon as I spot her seated on my sofa, looking extremely comfortable and right at home with her legs tucked underneath her.

  "Hey to you, too." She smiles sweetly and I know that she's fully aware of what she has just interrupted. "I thought that maybe we could do something today, just you and me? A little bit of quality time. What do you say?"

  "Couldn't you have called or something to ask me that, instead of ruining my morning fun?" I huff and drag myself towards her.

  "Sorry, doll. I just wanted to see you. Anyway, you can always play with lover boy later." Her words have me wishing I was busy playing with him right now. I swear if it was anyone else but Jen, I'd be taking my frustration out on them.

  "Yeah, yeah. I'm sure you're really sorry. You're flushed complexion tells a different kind of story. Bloody take your backside into the kitchen and stick the kettle on or something, I need caffeine and quick."

  "Did I ever tell you how much I love you, princess?" Jen grins at me, before jumping up from the sofa and wrapping me into a tight, warm embrace.

  "Don't push it, Davies." I warn, but
still smile over her shoulder. It's bloody hard to stay mad at her for too long.

  Not long after Jen has waltzed off into the kitchen, I spot Max's sexy, lean, muscular frame snaking towards me; now fully clothed and fresh from a shower. He looks and smells devine. How I wish I could have been in that shower with him. Fucking Jen and her bloody spontaneous plans. I feel him next to me and he leans down and presses a soft, delicate kiss against my cheek. I mentally struggle to stay mad at him, and a small smile dances across my lips at his touch.

  "I've got a few errands to run angel, but I promise I'll make it up to you later."

  "You can bet your arse you will." I promise and my stomach flutters in anticipation of the delightful things that he'll be doing to me later and in true Max style, I'm rewarded with his wicked grin.

  "You look so fucking beautiful, Jess. I really wish I didn't have to go."

  "Then don't. I can always get rid of Jen, she'll understand. Eventually." I try to plead with him, but I can already tell that he isn't about to back down anytime soon.

  "I would if I could angel, but I've got some issues that need clearing up." His face is serious for a moment, but as if remembering that I'm still watching him, he leans down and places a kiss on my forehead in the hope that I’ll let it pass. Something's bothering him, but I'm not sure what. Soon enough though, I'll get to the bottom of it. I always do.

  "How long will you be gone for?" I ask, missing him already and realising that I won't win this round.