“As far as I’m aware, love, you’re not Mr. White and therefore, no.”
Arsehole. Another up himself git I’ve got to deal with and frankly my head hurts too much.
“As far as I’m aware, Mr. White’s name is not on this building. Mine is. If you want to call him on a Sunday, please do. Actually, use my phone. I can’t wait for his response given that none of you should actually be touching my building anyway,” I reply as I stretch it out to him and glare my best piss off face at him.
“Umm...” Mr. Arse appears to not know what to do with himself all of a sudden. My feisty Beth kicks in at his show of weakness.
“Oh get out of my way, will you?” I state as I brush past him and walk into the building.
Oh. holy shit.
The entire space has been completely decked out with everything I could ever want, perfectly at that. Stud walls have gone up to partition areas and create separate kitchens. Storage and refrigeration units have been discretely positioned so as to not see them. Every piece of stainless steel is probably the highest quality that I’ve ever seen and I know because I’ve been longing for that cooker I can see twinkling away at me in the far corner. I take another tentative step forward with my mouth still gaping as I hear the rush of footsteps behind me.
“What the fuck?” Belle shouts as she reaches me.
“I know.” It’s all I’ve got. The place is immaculate and planned to precision. The workman wandering around give the three of us varying degrees of wolf whistle and leering stares as they carry yet more new units about. I’m sure if they knew who I am, or more importantly who I’m with, they wouldn’t dare to look let alone give dirty glances.
“Alex,” I whisper out in awe as Teresa touches me on the back and then wraps an arm around me. I can’t believe he’s done this for me. I can’t believe he gave me the building in the first place let alone did all this as well. It must have cost a fortune.
“Oh, that man has it bad for you, honey,” she says quietly with another squeeze.
“How much have you asked for on the loan, Belle?” I’m not even sure why I’ve asked but for some unknown reason, I need to know that we could have afforded this without him, that maybe I could pay him back somehow even if it is over the next hundred years.
“Fifty thousand, but it never would have filled this space. We would have needed hundreds of thousands to achieve this. The trade staff in themselves probably cost that much. I didn’t realise it was so big,” she replies as she looks around again and then upwards. “Oh Jesus, is that offices up there, too?”
“Yep, your own personal heaven, go have a look,” I suggest, mainly because I need some time on my own to evaluate how the hell I feel. I pull away from Teresa who thankfully seems to get the point because she marches off after Belle who is now excitedly running up the steps with her heels clicking and echoing around the space. I can’t help giggling at the thought of the boardroom table that she’s about to find and wonder if it’s been cleaned since the last time I was here.
I wander forward into what seems to be designated as a baking kitchen and open a huge set of double doors. Every utensil and type of cookware is carefully placed inside, right down to the varying shades of cutting boards for different foods. Double draining sink units, microwaves, prime cookers, chilling cabinets, vast baking ovens… God, there isn’t a thing that has been missed. Alex knows nothing about what would be needed here so he must have had some chef come in and order everything for him somehow. In fact, with this amount of work it must have all been ordered and discussed prior to me even saying I’d accept the place. I hoist myself up onto the work surface and stare around me again at everything he’s done for me. I have no idea how to say thank you for this and there’s clearly no way I’m paying him back. How does someone say thank you for something like this? I struggled to say thank you for the building in the first place.
I can feel the tears welling up as I try to come to terms with everything he means to me, everything he’s done for me. I just hope to hell that I can give him the same in return because he’ll never be able to understand how much I love him, how much I crave him near me and what his love is to me. How on earth can I make him see how wonderful he is?
I swipe away my tears and just stare, still in disbelief. I have no idea what it is that I’ve done to deserve him but I’m so glad for it regardless. For all his oddities and different little realities, he’s mine, and he continues to amaze me every day.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been sat here, swinging my heels against the units and trying to think of a suitable response to his gift to me, but it seems to me that there just isn’t one. I can only love him and hope that’s enough. I’ll just try to show him everything that love should mean, be there for him, protect him, cherish him and give him the peace he says he finds in me. That’s all I’ve got to give him anyway, isn’t it? So I’ll continue to do just that and allow him his mistakes and his past. Regardless of whatever’s in it that I don’t know about, that’s where it should stay, because that’s what he wants from me, to accept the man he is today and to forgive him his sins.
I swipe a tear again and close my eyes while I listen to the screaming that’s emanating from upstairs. It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a full suite of new computer systems and office stuff up there, probably supplied by Conner as his gift to Belle. What a pair of diamonds in the rough we’ve found.
“I haven’t bought anything to negotiate with this time,” he says from behind me somewhere. I smile to myself and keep swinging my heels quietly. I’m not at all surprised he’s here because it’s just like him to pop up when I need him most, as if he could hear me thinking about him and knew I wanted to have him wrapped around me. In all reality, Mr. Arse from outside probably phoned to check out who the maniac woman was.
“I’m not sure you’ve got anything left to negotiate with, have you?” I reply as I look at his reflection in the stainless steel splash backs in front of me, his arms crossed as he leans against the door frame and smirks at my back.
“There’s still plenty to use, baby. I’m just not willing to discuss this with you. Actually, it was supposed to be a surprise, which you have now ruined,” he replies as I watch his image taking steps towards me. My body hums with that familiar feeling as his hand extends to my hair and twirls a lock in his fingers. My head instantly leans toward him and rests into his hand as I close my eyes again and let his warmth infuse me.
“Then thank you, it’s a wonderful surprise,” I say quietly as his other hand wraps around me and pulls me back towards him.
“That’s it? No argument?”
“No, just thank you and I love you.” His chuckle is beautiful, so beautiful that I want to see it so I quickly spin on the counter and push myself towards him. Perfect crotch-grinding level - clearly by his raised eyebrow and twinkling eyes he’s aware of this fact, too. I’ve clamped my legs around him before I’ve even thought about it.
“Is it okay? Do you like it?” My response is to pull him even closer and lean my head into his chest, breathe him in and let him make me feel safe and warm. “Should I take that as a yes?”
“I want you inside me,” I reply as I nuzzle my head again and dig my hands under his shirt so that I can feel his skin. It’s all I want at the moment, and I refuse to not be completely honest about it, just skin on skin and preferably a bed. His amusement reverberates through his chest and straight through to my soul as he leans in and rests his chin on my head.
“Oh, sorry,” Teresa says from behind us as she flies into the room. I lift my head and peer at her. She’s doing the Macarena with her hips. I think she’s trying to suggest I should thank my man properly. I damn well would if everyone would piss off.
“Teresa,” Alex says in acknowledgement, as he turns round to look at her interesting moves with a smile. She flushes a little then smirks to herself.
“Well, he deserves it,” she says as she nods her head at him and sashays out of the room just as
Belle walks in and heads straight for him. I have no idea what the look in her face is trying to impart but the fact that she has wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek before I’ve taken another breath has me gawping instantly. He looks equally shocked and clearly has no idea what to do with his hands. She pulls away and pats him on the chest as she turns away.
“You did good, White. Not such a fucking arsehole after all,” is her comment as she leaves. I’m still too shocked to look away from the door as she shuts it.
“I think you just made it into her ‘genuinely liked’ books.” He chortles to himself and leans back into me. God, he feels good. My core ignites again as his lips meet mine gently.
“You still want me?” he asks as his fingers travel south toward a place I’m desperate for all of a sudden. “Do you want me all over you?”
“God, yes,” is my breathy reply. I don’t seem to give a shit about the workman milling around or the fact that my sister and best friend are circulating the grounds. No, I want him instantly inside me so that I can show him everything he is. He pushes me backwards onto the surface and crawls up on top of me until we’re lying down and I moan at the weight of him on top of me, wishing we were naked. He lines himself up with my unfortunately jean-clad crotch and braces his elbows by my head, his hands resting on my face gently.
“Why did I do this for you?” he asks as those light blue eyes blink softly at me.
“Because you could,” I reply quickly, trying to get my lips to his as he gently rubs his hard length against my clit, which is screaming at him for more pressure. His hands push my head down again softly.
“Why else?”
“Because you love me.” This rewards me with the pressure I was craving. Apparently it was the right answer.
“Mmm... Fuck, I love watching you, why else did I do this?”
“To help me... realise... Oh god, that’s good... my dreams.” I’m struggling now if I’m honest. Words are becoming hard to formulate. His tongue gently dips into my mouth as he feathers me with the sweetest kisses he has and keeps rolling his hips slowly, each thrust bringing me closer to finishing the ache he’s created.
“Why else, baby? I need to know you understand,” he says, his breath coming harder now as he reaches in between us, quietly unzips himself and pushes my jumper up to expose my stomach. I’m sure I should care that he’s about to do this with everyone around but I don’t, not in the slightest. His rhythm starts again. It’s not too quick. It doesn’t need to be because he’s somehow managing to find the exact spot I need to come.
“Because I give you peace.” His lips come down on me with passion as his speed increases a little with heavier thrusts. And oh shit, it’s all I need. My tongue entwines with his as my hands find his hair. His quiet groaning into my mouth as I pant for air finishes any last thoughts I had about whether or not to do this here because my back arches up into him as I lock my leg around his.
“Tell me,” he says as my core starts to splinter and alight. I throw my head back and let him take me there.
“I love you.” His hand tilts my head back to look at him, his eyes smiling while his beautiful lips pant out with restraint. He’s waiting for me, so I let him have everything as my body writhes for its bliss and then begins to shatter beneath him.
“Again,” he says, moving higher up me and groaning against my neck, now rubbing himself against my stomach as his fingers keep me spinning through my glory. He grabs hold of my hand and drags it down to wrap around his cock and starts to pump harder into it as he grunts out in pleasure.
“I love you,” I mumble out as I try to think of words and mould my other hand over his backside to push him down into me. His weight increases as he slows his movement slightly and looks back into my eyes with a groan.
“It’s all for you,” he rasps out as he stills completely and I feel his wet warmth spilling across me with his release. Eventually his hand lazily wanders and begins to push his come around my stomach, across my ribs, and then pushing my bra cup away roughly, he palms it all over my breast, all the time watching what he’s doing and smiling to himself. My eyebrows shoot up, This is new, obviously what he meant by all over me. His face lifts to mine with a very deviant glint to his eyes as he moves some more to the other breast, squeezes my nipple sharply then rubs his hand up to my throat. The scent of him assaults my senses as he raises his fingers to my mouth, silently commanding me to suck them, so I do and relish his taste on my tongue.
“Mine,” he states with a tilt of his mouth and a raised brow while I’m still licking.
I don’t think I’ve ever had come purposely used to... What? Mark me somehow, because that’s exactly what he appears to be doing. It’s kind of territorial and he really doesn’t need to but I can’t help my smile of amusement.
“Yep, all yours. Mr. White,” I reply as a giggle escapes me and I run my fingers through his very sexy looking, just almost fucked hair.
“You’re damn right,” is his response as he travels his teeth across my lips and nibbles. It’s far too polite and I’m so ready for more. I push my hips up into him again to indicate exactly that.
“This is not very sanitary for a baking kitchen.”
“Couldn’t give a fuck.” Neither could I if I’m honest.
Unfortunately, having slowed down from my, very lovely explosion, which didn’t quite cut it but was enough for the time being, I’m reminded of who’s around us as a loud banging noise starts up in the background, followed by a drill.
“Well that’s ruining the moment a little,” I say as I try to move. His hands find mine and hold me down again.
“Nothing could ruin me covering you in my come. You’re not showering for a fucking week. I like you smelling of me,” he replies.
“How very primal of you, Mr. White.” His growl of agreement has me imagining all sorts of things again as he pushes his now hardening cock into me again. “Again?”
“I’m debating putting it in your mouth this time,” he says with a cheeky grin as his lips meet mine again and he lets go of my hands. He could. I really wouldn’t mind. Frankly, the man can have anything he wants at the moment.
“Beth? Is it safe in there? Because we’re going,” Belle shouts through the door, breaking us from our gazing contest. Alex groans and rolls his eyes as he moves backwards and puts himself away. I pout at him but tuck my breasts back in and try to sort myself out while sliding from the table.
“Yep, all decent, honey,” I call back and the door opens. Well, as decent as I can be with him smeared all over me. His smirk of amusement at me wiping my neck earns him a small glare in return.
“There’s nothing decent about fucking on your own food prep area, but hell, I would have done the same,” she says as she turns to Alex and smiles. It really is a genuine one and my heart lurches at the sight of them interacting nicely. “Listen, I just want to know if it was you or Conner that sorted the computers and shit?” He chuckles and grabs my hand as we all walk out.
“I hadn’t gotten around to the computers and shit as you say, so I think it’s safe to assume Conner’s involved. Although how he knew or got in here is beyond me,” he replies as I gape again at my vast workspace and squeeze his hand, so in love.
“Sneaky bastard, well that’s really quite sweet of him,” she says, almost to herself as she looks up the stairs again. I follow her gaze and notice a blue bow on the door. Definitely Mr. Avery. I check my watch and notice it’s almost two,
“Why don’t you call him and we’ll go and have lunch somewhere? Where’s Teresa?” I reply, scanning the area. I can’t see her anyway.
“Possibly hooking up with a very nice looking joiner over there, last seen pulling her neckline down a little and going in for the kill,” Belle states nonchalantly as if this is perfectly normal. It possibly is to be fair, and given the Pascal thing, I’m happy for her.
“Not on my fucking time she’s not,” Alex says as he stiffens a little.
“O
h, stop being such a dick. He’s off the clock apparently,” Belle replies as she swipes out her phone. He sneers at her as if he’s still not happy with that response. I don’t suppose I would be if I was paying their wages either. I tug on his hand so he swings his eyes down to mine.
“Let her have this. She was hurt yesterday so this might help a bit,” I say quietly as I inwardly cringe at my own guilt and hope he doesn’t ask any more questions. He instantly narrows his eyes at me. I have no idea whether it’s the fact that she’s been hurt or that he can see me hiding something.
“What are you not telling me?” Clearly the latter then. Fuck, why does he have to read me so well? I really have to work on this impassive thing that he manages all the bloody time. My thumbnail comes up to my mouth without me even realising it. It was a stupid move because his eyebrow is now arched and questioning. Oh, sod it. I knew I had to tell him anyway so I might as well get it out of the way. I look over to Belle to make sure she’s out of earshot and glance around for Teresa again. No sign. Good.
“I... Umm...” His eyebrow manages to lift even higher. Fuck. “Look, Teresa was going to see Pascal for some entertainment and I didn’t want it to happen. I couldn’t persuade her otherwise so I texted Pascal and asked him not to, so he called it off, which it seems really hurt her feelings so I’m really glad he did, otherwise it would have been even worse and that would have been really bad. Unfortunately, now he appears to think I owe him something in return for his decent behaviour, which I am obviously grateful for given his normal indecent behaviour but... Well... You know. Anyway, I told him no, and to not make it difficult, and that I was yours but he said that it wasn’t your decision, that it was mine. I’m not sure what he means by that but I get the feeling that he wasn’t accepting no for an answer. So now I’m a bit confused as to what I’m supposed to do about any of that.”
There, it’s definitely a rushed explanation but it’s all out there now. I’ve done nothing wrong apart from try to save my friend. Well, that’s not strictly true but it’s near enough for this moment. His completely non-expressive response is giving me nothing to work with at all. Shit.
Feeling White Page 52