Part 1 (2/2)

I look around me, but I'm definitely on my own. 'h.e.l.lo?'

'Over here.'

I do a full three sixty turn and see the intercom further down the lane. I drove straight past it. I run over, pressing the b.u.t.ton to announce myself. 'Ava O'Shea, Rococo Union.'

'I know.'

He does? How? I look around and spot a camera installed on the gate, then the s.h.i.+ft of metal breaks the countryside peace around me. The gates start opening. 'Give me a chance.' I mutter as I run back to my car. I jump in my Mini and creep forward as the gates swing open, all the time wondering how I'll remove the gla.s.s of port and cigar that are, quite clearly, wedged up that miserable sod's a.r.s.e. I'm looking less forward to this appointment by the minute. Posh country folk and their posh country mansions are not in my area of expertise.

Once the gates are fully opened, I drive through and continue on the tree lined, gravel driveway that seems to go on forever. With mature Elm trees lying on either side of the lane at regular and even intervals, you would think they had been strategically placed to conceal what lies beyond. After a mile or so of sheltered driving, I pull into a perfectly round courtyard. I take my sungla.s.ses off and gape at the huge house that looms centrally and demands attention. It's superb, but I'm even more apprehensive now. My enthusiasm for this appointment is dampening further by the minute.

The black doors a adorned with highly polished gold furniture a are flanked by four giant bay windows, with pillars in carved stone guarding them. Giant limestone blocks make up the structure of the mansion, with lush bay trees lining the face. The fountain in the centre of the courtyard, spraying out jets of illuminated water, tops the sight off. It's all very imposing.

I stop, cut the engine and fumble with the door release to get out of my car. Standing and holding on to the top of my car door, I look up at the magnificent building and immediately think that this has to be a mistake. The place is in amazing condition.

The lawns are greener than green, the house looks like it receives daily scrub downs and even the gravel looks like it receives a daily hoover. If the exterior is anything to go by, then I can't imagine the inside needing any work. I look up at the dozens of sash bay windows, seeing plush curtains hanging at them all. I'm tempted to call Patrick to check I've got the right address, but it did say The Manor on the gates. And that miserable sod on the other end of the intercom was obviously expecting me.

While I'm pondering my next move, the doors open, revealing the biggest black man I've ever seen. He saunters out to the top of the steps. I physically flinch at the sight of him, stepping back slightly. He has a black suit on a specially made for sure because that's no regular size a a black s.h.i.+rt and a black tie. His shaven head looks like it's been buffed to a s.h.i.+ne, and wraparound sungla.s.ses conceal his face. If I could build a mental image of who I would have expected to walk out of them doors, he, most definitely, would not be it. The man is a mountain, and I know I'm stood here gawking at him. I'm suddenly slightly concerned that I've turned up at some mafia control centre, and I search my brain trying to remember if I transferred my rape alarm to my new handbag.

'Miss O'Shea?' he drawls.

I wilt under his ma.s.sive presence, putting my hand up in a nervous wave gesture. 'Hi.' I whisper, my voice laced with all of the apprehension I truly feel.

'This way.' he rumbles deeply, giving a sharp nod of his head and turning to walk back into the mansion.

I deliberate on cutting and running, but the daring and dangerous side of me is curious of what lays beyond those doors. He's no butler. I grab my bag, shut my car door and check for my rape alarm as I walk towards the house, only to find I've left it in my other bag. I carry on anyway. Pure curiosity has me walking up the steps and crossing the threshold into a huge entrance hall. I gaze around the vast area, and I'm immediately impressed by the grand, centrally position, curved staircase that leads up to the first floor.

My fears are confirmed. This place is immaculate.

The decor is opulent, lush and very intimidating. Deep blues, taupe's with hints of gold and original woodwork, along with the rich mahogany parquet floor, makes the place striking and ma.s.sively extravagant. It's exactly how I would have expected it to be and nowhere near my design style. But then again, looking around, why any interior designer would be here is becoming more and more confusing. Patrick said they requested me personally, so I would be inclined to think that they want to modernise the place, but that would've been before I got a glimpse of the exterior and now the interior too. The decor suits the period building. It's in perfect condition. Why the h.e.l.l am I here?

Big guy heads off to the right, leaving me to scuttle off after him. My tan heels clink on the parquet floor as he leads me past the central staircase, towards the back of the Mansion.

I hear the hum of conversation and glance to my right, noticing many people sat at various tables eating, drinking and chatting. Waiters are serving food and drinks, and the distinct voices of The Rat Pack are purring in the background. I frown, but then I click. It's a hotel a a posh country hotel. My shoulders sag slightly in relief at concluding this, but it still doesn't explain why I'm here. I'm lead past some toilets and then a bar. A few men are sat on bar stools cracking jokes and teasing a young woman, who has, apparently, returned from the lavatory with toilet roll stuck to her heel. She playfully slaps the main instigator on the shoulder, scolding him while laughing along with them.

This is all beginning to make sense to me. I want to say something to the mountain of a man leading me, G.o.d only knows where, but he hasn't looked back once to check I'm following. Although, the clink of my heels tells him I am. He doesn't say much, and I suspect he wouldn't answer me if I did speak.

We continue past two more closed doors. Judging by the clanking of pots, I a.s.sume one to be the kitchen. Then he leads me into a summer room a a ma.s.sive, light, stunningly lavish s.p.a.ce that's sectioned off into individual seating areas by the positioning of sofa's, big arm chairs and tables. Floor to ceiling bi-fold doors span the complete face of the room, leading to a yorkstone patio and a vast lawn area. It's really quite awe inspiring. I inwardly gasp when I spot a gla.s.s building housing a swimming pool. It's incredible. I shudder to think how much the nightly rate is. It has to be five stars a probably more.

Once we've pa.s.sed through the summer room, I'm lead down a corridor until big guy stops outside a wooden panelled door. 'Mr Ward's office.' he rumbles, knocking the door, surprisingly gently given his mammoth size.

'The Manager?' I ask.

'The Owner,' he replies, opening the door and striding through. 'Come in.'

I hesitate on the threshold, watching as the big guy strides into the room ahead of me. I eventually force my feet into action, moving into the room, while gazing around at the equally luxurious surroundings of Mr Ward's office.

Chapter 2.

'Jesse, Miss O'Shea, Rococo Union.' Big guy announces.

'Perfect. Thanks, John.'

I'm dragged from my awed like state, straight into high alert. My back straightens.

I can't see him, he's obscured by the big guy's ma.s.sive frame, but that raspy, smooth voice has me frozen on the spot, and it certainly doesn't sound like it's coming from a cigar smoking, overweight, wax jacket wearing Lord of the Manor.

Big guy, or John as I now know him, moves to the side, giving me my first glimpse of Mr Jesse Ward.

Oh good G.o.d. My heart crashes against my breast bone and my nervous breathing rockets to d.a.m.n right dangerous levels. I suddenly feel light headed, and my mouth is ignoring my brains instructions to at least say something. I just stand there staring at this man, while he stares back at me. His husky voice halted me in my tracks, but the sight of him...well, that's just turned me into a non-responsive, quivering wreck.

He rises from his chair, my gaze traveling up with him until he's stood at full height. He's very tall. His white s.h.i.+rt is casually rolled at the sleeves, but he still wears a black tie, loosely knotted and hanging down the front of a broad chest.

He makes his way around his ma.s.sive desk and slowly walks towards me. It's then that I take in the full impact of him. I gulp. This man is so perfect, I'm almost in pain. His dirty blonde hair looks like he's half attempted to get it into some semblance of a style but given up. His eyes are sludgy green, but bright and way too intense, and the stubble covering his square jaw does nothing to conceal the handsome features beneath it. He's lightly tanned and just...Oh G.o.d, he's devastating. Lord of the Manor?

'Miss O'Shea.' His hand comes toward me, but I can't persuade my arm to raise and clasp his outstretched offering. He's beautiful.

When I don't offer my hand, he reaches forward and clasps both of my shoulders, then slowly leans in to kiss me, his lips brus.h.i.+ng lightly over my burning cheek. I tense all over. I can hear my pulse throbbing in my ears, and even though it's completely inappropriate for a business meeting, I do nothing to stop him. I'm all over the place.

'It's a pleasure,' he whispers in my ear, which only serves to make me moan slightly. He must feel my tenseness a it's not difficult, I'm rigid a because his grip eases up and he lowers his face to my level, looking me directly in the eyes. 'Are you okay?' he asks, one side of his mouth lifting into a semblance of a smile. I notice a single frown line across his forehead.

I snap myself out of my ridiculous inertness, suddenly aware that I've still not said anything. Has he noticed my reaction to him? What about big guy? I glance over, seeing the big guy stood motionless, gla.s.ses still in place, but I know his eyes are on me. I mentally shake myself and step back, away from Ward and his potent grasp. His hands fall to his side.

'Hi,' I cough to clear my throat. 'Ava. My name is Ava.' I offer him my hand, but he's unhurried in accepting it, like he's unsure whether it's safe to, but he does...eventually.

His hand is clammy and slightly shaky as he squeezes mine firmly. Sparks fizz and a curious look flits across his stunning face. We both retract our hands in shock.

'Ava.' He's trying my name on his lips, and it takes all of my strength not to moan again. He should stop talking a immediately.

'Yes, Ava.' I confirm. He's the one who seems to be off in his own little nirvana now, while I'm becoming increasingly aware of my rising temperature.

He suddenly seems to come to his senses, shoving his hands in his trouser pockets as he shakes his head slightly, retreating backwards. 'Thanks, John.' he nods to the big guy, who smiles slightly, softening his hard features, then leaves.

I'm alone with this man, who has rendered me speechless, motionless and pretty much useless.

He nods towards two brown leather couches, positioned opposite each other in the bay window, with a large coffee table sitting between them. 'Please, take a seat. Can I get you a drink?' He drags his gaze from mine, walking towards a cabinet with various bottles of liquor lined up on top. He surely doesn't mean alcohol? It's midday. Even by my standards it's too early. I watch as he hovers at the cabinet for a few moments before turning to face me again, looking at me expectantly.

'No, thank you.' I shake my head as I speak, just in case the words don't come out.

'Water?' he asks, that smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

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