by Michelle Day
“Although probably still cheaper than this wedding.” Matt chipped in.
Paul couldn’t help the laugh “True that bro.”
Monica stepped past Matt and brushed Paul’s hand away from Niles’ chest. “My son impregnated your daughter all on his own?” She asked. “It of course had nothing to do with her spreading her legs for him and both of them neglecting to take precautions.” She hadn’t expected a reply from the stunned man as she turned to her youngest child. “You have made your bed son, you had better make a damn good show of lying in it. Sign the bloody register and let’s get on with this charade.”
Game faces firmly in place. The bridal party made their way up the aisle and out of the church where the photographer waited. Paul stood still for precisely one photo before he made his way through the guests and to the waiting limousine, leaving his wife standing in the stunned silence that followed his departure and refusal to stand for photographs.
Eve found herself escorted to the car by Matt who was grinning broadly at his brothers’ behaviour. He sneered at her as he held the door open for her. “You have no idea what you’ve let yourself in for sweetheart. Good luck.” He was still chuckling as he slammed the door and instructed the driver to take off.
The journey to the reception venue was silent and Paul hit the champagne big time once they arrived. He hadn’t even looked in her direction but steadfastly refused to be present to welcome the guests as they arrived when she mentioned it. He sought out a bar and switched to whiskey, trying as quickly as possible to numb the desolation he was feeling.
By the time the guests were seated, he had removed his jacket and tie and had rolled up his shirtsleeves, may as well be comfortable. Speeches made and with the meal being served, Eve leaned into him and drew a breath, it hitched in her throat as she took on board the venom filled look he gave her.
“Unless you are going to tell me that you agree this is a bad idea and we should annul this farce of a marriage, I have no interest in anything you have to say.” He growled. “I will play along with this charade and make us look good to your society friends but don’t think for one second I actually want anything to do with you out of the public eye.”
“But?”
“But nothing. I agreed to be married to you. I didn’t agree to anything else so if you thought we were going to play happy families you were very much mistaken. As soon as I know for sure this contract of mine is so far along that backing out for them under any circumstances will be a costly exercise and one they aren’t willing to take, we will be divorced and you will not contest it.”
“You must really hate me.” She breathed.
“I’m getting there.”
Eve had to console herself with being surrounded by her family and society friends as she watched Paul drink and talk to his friends. Monica had left early after what appeared to be a stern talking down to her son. With his mother gone, Paul had promptly left her side. He had his arm draped over the shoulder of his brother while he chatted to a large group of his friends, amongst them were his sister who she actually got on very well with and two women Paul had admitted to have had sex with the last time the group were together.
She followed the blond he had shared a number of dances with to the ladies room. Timing it just right so she was correcting her make up as the other woman came out of the cubicle. She smiled brightly at the petite, curvy blond before re-applying her lipstick.
“Lovely dress.” Suzanne commented. “You must be very happy. Paul is quite a catch.”
Nodding and turning to face her Eve let rip with her best bitchy smile “I understand you’ve caught him a few times.”
Oh so this is how you want to play it Suzanne thought, ok, game on. “I have known him for an incredibly long time. It was inevitable we would bump privates given our mutual attraction.” She smiled, a wide, genuine smile. “I have many good memories.”
“Look. Susan is it?” She knew it wasn’t but she was sure the other woman would let it slide.
“Suzanne.” Came the correction.
Ok, so she was wrong. “He’s with me now and that’s how it’s going to stay.”
“Are you really giving me the stay away from my husband speech?” Suzanne asked. “You do know I’m married? I will admit I do still have very strong feelings for Paul but I won’t cheat on my husband so you have no fear of he and I falling crotch first for each other.”
Eve fanned her face, embarrassed and relieved. “Excuse me. I’m sorry. He just seems so at ease with you. It’s an odd feeling to watch the man you’ve just married be more comfortable around another woman than he is with you. He’s been a little off today.”
“That tends to happen when you blackmail someone in to marriage.” Suzanne stated to Eve’s shocked expression. “Yes sugar plum, I know about the bun he’s put in your oven. I have no doubt you did everything you could to facilitate it being put there. What you need to understand is that every time Paul and I are in a social situation at the same time, we imagine each other naked and writhing together. I was his first, I took his virginity and I have no doubt whatsoever that I will be his last, so my advice to you is, enjoy him while you can because you don’t have what it takes to hold him.” She opened her small clutch bag and drew out a bottle of perfume. Stepping closer, she spared a small spray to the blushing bride before dousing herself. “Enjoy your wedding night. He might be fucking you, but with that scent, he’ll be thinking of me.” Bitch, she thought as she left.
Making sure to be wrapped in Paul’s arms by the time Eve composed herself enough to depart the ladies room, Suzanne showed the other woman exactly what a bitchy smile should look like as he pulled her closer.
Paul saw Eve walk across to her friends, all of whom were gaping at how close he was holding Suzanne. She was flushed, her shoulders stiff and, yes, she was shaking, probably with anger. Deciding he had paid her enough attention, he focused once again on the woman in his arms and how good she felt there.
“Is there something you want to tell me?” He asked.
Looking into his twinkling deep brown eyes and knowing his capacity for mischief matched her own, Suzanne let out a breathy laugh. “I was given the stay away from my husband lecture while I was washing my hands.”
“Hmmm. I see you took it seriously.” Burying his face in her neck and drawing a breath to imprint her scent on his memory, he chuckled and simply held her tighter.
Sliding a hand over his shoulder and into his hair, she closed her eyes and revelled in his touch. They had stopped moving by this point. Just standing still in a lovers embrace. “Oh yes,” She whispered, “I took it very seriously. I told her she didn’t have what it takes to keep you.”
“Just as Cameron doesn’t have what it takes to keep you. When you dump that useless piece of shit and I get rid of the rubbish I’ve just married, you are mine Suzie. “He stated. “I’m going to make a full out attack and wear you down.” He growled the last bit and cursed the stirring in his groin as she sighed at his words.
Suzanne kissed his cheek as she extricated herself from his hold. “I should go before we cause a scandal.” She grinned. “We all know how well you do scandal.” She qualified watching the slow smile spread across his handsome features.
“Don’t forget me Suzie.” He said as she stepped away, making her pause.
“It’s not possible to forget you.” Her parting words.
With Suzanne gone and Matt taking phone numbers of some rather lovely guests, Paul thanked his brother on his way out of the function room, having decided to call it a night. He detoured by the bar for another quick snifter of whiskey before climbing the stairs to the bridal suite albeit without his bride.
Once inside, he quickly stripped, dropping his clothes in a trail to the bathroom, knowing it would irritate Eve. He flushed the never worn wedding ring away before stepping into the shower. He didn’t actively wash. He just stood under the jets, letting the water warm him.
Eve stood by the bed, loo
king down at her sleeping groom who had managed to situate himself in the exact centre of it. Again she wondered the wisdom of getting married to him having seen for herself the complete turnaround from attentive and loving boyfriend to inexcusably rude and cold husband. She wasn’t sure living in the same house as him. Just the two of them, was one of her best ideas.
She eased herself in beside him, trying her best not to disturb him. At least he smelt fresh and clean now. Turning towards him, she pushed his hair from his face, her breath catching at just how beautiful he was. Those Jensen genes with the Paloma colouring had done him all sorts of favours.
He sighed and pushed the covers away as she stroked his face, her hand drifting to his shoulder, stopping suddenly. The son of a bitch she silently fumed as she discovered the completed tattoo on his upper arm. Instead of getting his hair cut, he’d spent the day getting that monstrosity finished.
Throwing herself onto her back with a huff of indignation, making the bed shake, disturbing him. She stiffened when his arm came across her and pulled her in to him. She wasn’t sure if he was awake and just claiming what was rightfully his or if in his sleep he’d mistaken her for the bitch that sprayed her with her perfume.
She got her answer when he came up onto his elbows and looked her straight in the eye. She saw the challenge there. She knew he would back away if she refused but he was now legally her husband and she would show him he wasn’t the only one capable of simply taking. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down to her, kissing him as she never had before.
His mind hazy from a hell of a day and alcohol and his senses infused with that particular scent he loved so much, Paul gave in to his base instincts as he returned the kiss while his hands roamed. She was moaning and grinding beneath him but he wasn’t doing this for her pleasure.
Not one to take just for the sake of it, Paul usually made sure his bed partner was well satisfied before taking his own pleasure but that wasn’t the case tonight. He couldn’t honestly say he didn’t care if she enjoyed it or not because he did, but he needed release like never before and to that end, he took his pleasure swiftly, possibly a little rougher than was strictly called for and he gasped out Suzanne’s name as he found solace in the arms of his wife.
Chapter Thirty One
The first two weeks of married life was enjoyed immensely by both bride and groom. This of course had more to do with the fact that they spent the time in different countries. She on honeymoon while he supervised the delivery of new furniture for their ostentatious and far too large for what they needed house.
During this time, Paul also signed the final documentation that gave him sole possession of the club and as it was listed as his primary residence, his name went above the door. He also hired a team of interior designers to spruce up the flat above the club having decided that he would be spending at least two nights a week there, something he would inform his wife of in good time.
With the paperwork completed, notarised and filed, the very first thing Paul did with Jokers was to shut it down. He put his staff on a retainer and told them to enjoy their time off just as the builders arrived.
The old booths were ripped out and destroyed, the flooring torn up and the VIP rooms done away with. The space created by the demolition of the rooms was much needed as Paul had acquired a live music licence and set about installing a stage and state of the art sound board and lighting. He suspended the box where his resident DJ belted out the tunes that kept everyone dancing and created two glass fronted VIP rooms either side of the DJ. One way glass in place so the occupants of the rooms could see what was happening in the club but the dance floor patrons couldn’t see them. Perfect for the rich and famous. No longer would special services other than having space to breathe and being served drinks by a dedicated member of staff be provided. He was going to drag this club up into the echelons of the elite if it killed him.
Eve returned home tanned and relaxed. Paul couldn’t deny the fact that he was still physically attracted to her and would probably remain that way all the time she didn’t open her mouth.
She walked in to find him in jeans with holes in the knees, trainers that had once been white but were now several shades of grey and a faded black t-shirt that showcased the bottom of his tattoo to perfection. He was pacing as he talked on the telephone in harsh tones. He growled in frustration as he dragged his hand through his hair. She would have to sort his wardrobe out.
Stopping dead as he laid eyes on her, Paul offered her a tight smile and ended his call. “Hey, you’re back. Did you have a good time?” He asked going for polite indifference.
“I did thank you, it would have been better if my husband had been with me.”
“I needed to be here. Go and have a look around, let me know if you want anything changed.” He backed down from the potential argument and picked up the phone again as she walked away, sighing with relief.
Taking her time, she examined every room. He might be a scruff bag in the way he dressed but he had done exceptionally well with the house. Only one thing stood out as being a little odd and that was the unmade bed in one of the spare rooms while the bed in the master suite was untouched.
By the time she returned downstairs, Paul had brewed a pot of tea and set out a bone china cup and saucer for her and a mug for himself. “You hungry?” He asked.
Shaking her head as she stirred her tea, she wondered how to broach the subject without causing an argument. “You have done exceptionally well with the house, it’s perfect. Thank you.”
He smiled then, the first genuine smile she had seen in a while. “Thanks. I set myself up in one of the spare rooms. Figured it would be better that way. For a while anyway. Until we sort out how this is going to work.”
She was surprised that he had raised the subject but relieved all the same that she didn’t have to. “You think this is going to work?” She asked.
“We are having a baby together so on some level it has to work. I will provide for you and the baby, you’ll want for nothing. I’ll put on the show of being the devoted husband when we are out but don’t take this marriage for anything other than the sham that it is. You and I are from different worlds. You don’t fit into mine and I don’t belong in yours. Even if there was a deep, passionate love between us, this would never work long term. We are too different. You hate my rough edges, my ripped jeans. I hate the emptiness of your useless, shallow lifestyle. I’ve worked for everything I have. You and your friends were born with it. You have no values. No sense of right or wrong. You only respect what you can over pay for. That’s not me.”
Taken aback by his words, Eve once again wondered just what sort of hell she had signed up for. True he wasn’t being overtly vicious, his tone was gentle and he wasn’t displaying the outright hatred for her that he had on their wedding day but she had no doubt he would turn on her in a heartbeat if it suited him. “I’ll do all I can to make this as painless as possible.” That’s it, that’s all she had.
“As will I.” He took a gulp of his tea, regarding her over the top of his mug. “You didn’t have to blackmail me Eve. I would have done the right thing by you anyway.”
“I’m sorry. I….”
“You don’t have to explain it. I think I have a reasonable handle on your motives. Let me just make one thing clear. If you ever breathe a word of what’s gone on between us to anyone. If the papers get the tiniest whiff of it, I will pull the financial rug out from beneath your father so quickly his head will be spinning for years and no-one will look at him once let alone twice when he starts trying to rebuild. I will make sure of that. Never underestimate me. It’s a very big mistake to make.”
Taking on board everything he had said, Eve nodded in understanding before stepping away. Everything in her wanted to bite back but she didn’t think a confrontation with him while she was travel weary would be a brilliant idea. She wheeled her suitcase in from the hallway and went to take it upstairs when he stepped up beside her and gras
ped the handle. He carried the weighty bag up the stairs for her, she smiled when he looked at her and jokingly commented that he didn’t think bikini’s weighed quite so much before telling her he was on his way out and not to wait up.
Having attained the grand old age of twenty one, Paul was now a full member of the board at Jensen Incorporated as was his birth right and had been summoned to his first board meeting. As it wasn’t a day he would normally be working there, he saw no reason to don his suit and turned up at the office in the attire that had made his wife shudder.
He made sure to be seated, ripped jeans securely under the table before the other members arrived and began to talk absolute twaddle. Paul was bored out of his mind and had taken to doodling on the pad in front of him when a light bulb flashed on in his head, ideas spilling forth in droves for the club and he began to make notes, for all intents and purposes looking like he was taking on board everything that was being discussed around him. He began to fidget, itching to get out of the stuffy room and get to the club, something which didn’t go unnoticed by those around him.
Bolting from the office to his car, tyres screeching as he left the car park in a hard left turn, Paul pulled into the yard behind the club and just smiled at the scene in front of him. The wide double doors at the back of the club were thrown open. Several workbenches had been set up in the yard and there were work men everywhere.
Jez, having agreed to stay on as bar manager for a while, was in full supervision mode as he rifled through plans and gave directions. Standing beside him, observing the work, Paul told him of his idea and unclipped a tape measure from his belt as he and Jez walked to the as yet empty side of the dance floor where the booths used to be. There used to be twelve booths, Paul still wanted them but would reduce the number available and charge a higher price for their use. They would be larger than before and themed to go with the re-vamped and re-named club.
Measuring complete, he tasked Jez with seeking out the materials and colouring required as well as finding additional staff in order to realise his plans before joining the carpenters and getting to work on the new bar.