Page 35 of Disgrace

“I’m always worried when it comes to you, beautiful.” His voice is softer, almost a whisper. “But maybe we can both relax a little now. Did Leon tell you?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

“I have my ways, and I know you. Your very responsive body has been all tied up in knots, and I should be the only reason that ever happens,” he drawls seductively, then his tone abruptly changes. “Richard left through a major airport. I had asked our security team to keep an eye on him. Is there anything else you wanted to know?” I pull the phone away from my ear to check that I am still talking to Jason.

“Excuse me?” I stutter. I think for a moment then realise someone must have walked in on him for his manner to change like that. I know he likes to keep his private life private, and maybe he doesn’t want whoever came in to know he is talking to me.

“If there is nothing specific, my intern is here Sam.” He clips. “I will see you later, much later, though, so no need to wait up.” His cold dismissal is a stark contrast to his sensual greeting.

“Oh, no danger of that, dickhead!” I snap the phone shut and throw it onto the pile of cushions on the floor.

“Hey, hey don’t go breaking the only phone we have between us that’s still working.” Leon approaches with two mugs and a bottle of something tucked under his arm.

“Sorry,” I mutter and take the piping hot drink from him. Before I take a sip he drops a large slug of rum by the smell of it into my cup.

“Trouble in paradise?” he teases.

“Did Jason strike you as bipolar?” I sniff only half serious.

“Um, no.” He chuckles.

“No, me either, so he’s just being an arse then?” I grumble.

“Oh, he definitely strikes me as being an arsehole.”

“I said arse not arsehole,” I correct.

“To-may-to….to-mah-to.” He shrugs dismissing my concern and changes the subject. “So what’s with the baby clothes?”

“Sofia’s best friend, Bethany. Her baby is due any day now. It’s why I am not going to cut Jason’s bollocks off when he gets here,” I mutter begrudgingly.

“Jason’s the father?” Leon chokes back his drink, just avoiding spluttering over us both with his shocking question.

“He wouldn’t be alive if he was.” I quip. “No, Jason’s boss, Daniel Stone, is the father. He’s on paternity leave so Jason is workingallthe hours. I told you about them.” I roll my eyes at his blank expression.

“Probably…doesn’t mean I actually listened.” He nudges me and gives me a cheeky smile.

“Don’t be mad, beautiful.” Jason’s warm breath kisses my neck; his strong arms wrap around my waist. Even sleeping, my tension is evidence that I am still angry enough to resist his embrace. Not too much and not for long, because ultimately, I relax into his hold, and he softens to allow me to twist around. I hitch my leg over his hip, and my hand snakes down between our bodies. He groans with satisfaction but chokes back a yelp and freezes, and I grab hold of his balls, my long finger nails exerting enough force to make their presence abundantly apparent.

“Sam,” he growls out a warning, even rolling his hips into my grasp. His cock swells from semi to rock hard. “I am sorry if I upset you, but I didn’t think it was professional to carry on talking to you like that. I was at work.”

“I am aware of where you were, Jason, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a full-blown arsehole to me. Wait…why would it be unprofessional to talk to your girlfriend in front of your intern?” His eyes widen because my grip just tightened.

“Do you want to let go of my nuts so I can answer that question?” His voice is level, but there is underlying stress in his delivery.

“Actually, no. I want to hold them right here.” I tug a little, closing my fingers around his most precious sac. A deep groan escapes his chest, and he rocks his hips and his hard-on against my tummy. I can feel my own heat melt, but I won’t be distracted. “Jason?”

“She’s been invaluable this week. With Daniel MIA I have welcomed the help, and she’s worked every extra hour I have.” His explanation sounds remarkably like an excuse.

“As she should…she’s an intern, but why would it matter how you spoke to me?” His evasive answer has my hackles rising, and the flash of worry in his eyes is justified. I am holding his life in my twitchy hand.

“I have just been impressed with her hard work. Surprised actually. She’s been very focused and hard working.” His iteration is fuelling my fire. My grip tightens, and he puffs out a sharp breath with the truth. “She has a crush on me, that’s all, and as much as I have made my position clear, I’m still not that much of an arsehole to rub you in her face. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”

“But being an arsehole to me is perfectly acceptable?” I let go of my hold because this is no longer a cheeky bit of fun. I leap from the bed. He sits abruptly and reaches out, trying to prevent me escaping. I stand away from the bed and roughly pull on my yoga pants and t-shirt, which were lying in a wrinkled heap on the floor. I glance at him sitting bolt upright and naked, his face hidden in the shadow of the room. Only his cut chest is illuminated by the light from the door when I open it to storm out. He is hot on my heels as I reach Leon’s door.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” He grabs my hand as I reach for the handle. His fingers wrap mine, and he crushes me against the smooth metal. I don’t cry out but turn my head to scowl at him. His face is impassive but his eyes darken with rage.

“I’m going to bed. It’s all right, Jason; I’ve made my position with Leonperfectly clear.” I repeat his ridiculous sentiment back at him. He breathes heavily through his nose, and I can see his temper start to fray. Good, fucking arsehole.

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