Page 36 of This Woman Forever
I inwardly laugh to myself. I know Kate, yes. Firecracker. And I don’t know Dan very well, but I know I don’t like him. “But now he’s back.”
“Yes,” she breathes, sounding flat and defeated. “But he’ll be gone soon.”
What can I say? Good? Ava’s brother is an interference I really don’t want around. A punch-up waiting to happen.
“What about Kate and Sam?” she asks.
“I’ve told you, that’s none of our business.”
“But she’s a member of The Manor. Why did you allow that?”
“It’s not my job to ask potential members why they want to join. I check for criminal records, medical issues, and financials.” Or Sarah did. I frown, wondering where I might start with that when we get any new member applications. “If they can pay, they’re clean, and have no serious offences, they’re in. I don’t run therapy sessions to delve into their reasons, Ava.” Shit, will John know how to deal with new member requests?
“Members could screw anything between visits to The Manor and catch something,” she grumbles. “Or be arrested for violence. How would you know?”
“Because they’re required to undertake monthly tests, and I obtain regular reports. They are not issues that can be completely prevented, but it’s controlled as best we can. There is no penetrative sex without condoms, and their honesty and disclosure form part of their agreement. These people are respected members of society, Ava.” Well, some. Many are plain wankers.
“Who love having kinky sex with strangers and weird contraptions.”
“None of my business.” It’s just my... livelihood? I frown again as I remove her corset. Ava’s my livelihood now. The Manor is just... there.
I place my lips on her shoulder, kissing her gently, because she’s precious. Delicate. I feel her body expand on an inhale. “She’s going to get hurt.”
“What makes you think that?” I ask, tugging her against me. In all honesty, I think the chances of Kate getting hurt is less with Sam than with Ava’s brother.
“I know she likes him.”
“And I know Sam likes her,” I reply quietly, pressing my body into her, doing myself no favors, goading my cock.
But her reaction to my touch? Magic. “Then why can’t they date like any normal couple?” she asks on a wispy breath.
“None of our business,” I murmur, trying to talk my dick down. It’s no good. Ava’s awake, I can feel every tingle on her skin, my dick is stirring, and there’s no chance of it resting until it’s satisfied. I’m about to turn her and worship her, but she beats me to it and spins fast, thrusting into my chest, forcing my backward steps to the bed. She looks determined. Who am I to argue? Besides, we haven’t had sex today. Criminal.
“This marriage is getting consummated,” she declares as I land on my back. She’s soon sitting on me. “Mr. Ward, I’m taking the power. Any objections?”
My smile could short-circuit The Manor. Taking the power? Oh, lady, you are welcome to it. “Knock yourself out, baby.” Then I scowl. “But please watch your mouth.”
“Mouth,” she retorts huskily, pulling me up to her by my tie. Jesus, she soon got over her tiredness. Horny. I’m here for it. “Who has the power?” she asks.
“It looks like you do for now.” I’m slightly alarmed by her purpose. “Don’t get used to it.”
She slams her mouth on mine, eating me alive, and I fall back to the bed, taking Ava with me, letting her at me, cupping her arse, squeezing and stroking, moving to her hips, her back, her neck, and back down again.
“Damn you, woman.”
“You don’t want me?”
“Don’t ask stupid fucking questions.” I shudder, her mouth working around my ear, and all I can think is... get inside her. I’m not up for being teased, and that’s what Ava does when she takes the power. She torments me, gets the most satisfaction from turning me into a desperate wreck. I think I’ll lose my mind.
I lift my upper body ready to take her onto her back but barely get an inch off the mattress before I’m flat again. “Oh no, Ward,” she pants, one eyebrow hitched cheekily. I’m immediately worried. I can’t manhandle her, can’t be too rough with her, I just... can’t.
She takes my hand.
I take a breath. What is she?—
I inhale when I realize her plan, my muscles tensing, stopping her from lifting my wrist to the headboard, the cuff still dangling around my wrist. She firms up her hold, tugging, fighting my resistance, as I try so hard to shake off the instant anxiety creeping into me, remembering the last time we were here—Ava with cuffs, me at her mercy. She left me defenseless and alone on the bed. It wasn’t nice. My reaction was quite extreme, admittedly, but way past my control.
I breathe in, going against everything I am and know, letting her take my hand to the headboard. I have to prove I’m working on myself. It’s just one hand. But... “You won’t leave this time.” I hear the metal meet the wood, and my arm jerks in response. “Promise you won’t leave me this time.”