Thanks to everyone who's read so far, especially those who've taken the time to leave a review. Without further ado …
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Chapter 2
"All right, all right. Keep your hair on …"
Jason took the stairs two at a time, wondering whether the person persistently ringing his doorbell might be Lorraine in search of justifiable revenge. A forlorn hope, he knew, but still. He was somewhat nonplussed to find a slim, attractive brunette on his doorstep, hands on hips, chin thrust aggressively forwards, an expression of utter disdain on her face.
"Can I help you?"
He blinked at her in confusion and her eyes narrowed as she looked him slowly up and down, her lip curled in derision.
"Not really. I just wanted to see what a complete and utter bastard scumbag looks like, and now I know."
She virtually spat the words at him, and his eyebrows shot up into his hairline.
"Erm … do I know you?"
Her eyes glittered dangerously.
"Not yet, but you ever come within a hundred yards of Lorraine again and I'll cut your balls off and wear 'em as ear-rings. Do we understand one another? Good."
And then the penny dropped. Shit. Must be Lorraine's flatmate. With one final contemptuous glare she spun on her heel and made as if to stalk off, but he grabbed her arm.
"Wait. Just hear me out first, will you?"
"Take your effing hands off me, you two-bit pimp, or I'll do you for assault."
She hissed it at him and he released his grip and took a step back, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
"Look, you have no bloody idea how sorry I am for what I did. The minute I set foot outside the door I regretted it …"
"Sorry? Oh, well I guess that makes it all OK, then."
She was practically breathing fire as she jabbed him in the chest with a long manicured fingernail.
"You treated her like one of your cheap whores, you arsehole. As if she hasn't been through enough already. Poor kid, it nearly killed her when she had to get you arrested."
"It did? Really?"
His heart leapt as he searched her face for confirmation. She crossed her arms and blew out a long steadying breath, some of the initial fight going out of her.
"God knows why, but she loved you."
"Funny way of showing it …"
He looked away, but not before she'd caught the flash of pain in his eyes.
"She was just doing her bloody job and believe me, they had her arm twisted so far up her back she had no choice, none. Why do you think she quit? She couldn't live with what she'd done to you, even though you brought it entirely on yourself."
He grimaced, shaking his head in regret.
"I thought she'd chosen the job over me. It hurt, you know? She was the first one …"
He tailed off, unwilling to share his innermost feelings with a relative stranger, thrusting his hands deep into his pockets and rocking back on his heels.
"Anyway, I had eighteen long months to think about it and in the end I stopped blaming her. Believe it or not, I went round intending to make peace, tell her I've changed, that I'm going legit from now on."
He sighed, looking down at his feet.
"Maybe even see if there was still a chance for us. And then out of the blue she tells me she's quit, like it meant nothing to her. Ergo I meant less than nothing, just an annoying piece of shit on her shoe. Anyway, no doubt you know the rest."
She hugged herself tighter, chewing her lip before she replied.
"Oh yeah, I know. I've spent the last forty-eight hours picking up the pieces."
"How is she?"
She rolled her eyes.
"Oh, just hunky-dory. She can't sleep, she won't eat …"
"Shit. God knows, I wish I could turn the clock back."
He ran a hand through his hair and came to a sudden decision.
"Look, all this soul-bearing's thirsty work, I'm sure we could both use a drink. Or would you prefer I got on me knees and grovelled for forgiveness out here?"
She narrowed her eyes and stared at him for a long moment. His heart sank. She was going to refuse.
"Neutral territory seems like a better idea. Got a decent local around here?"
He smiled for the first time since he met her.
"As it happens, there is. Just let me grab my wallet."
"Fine. And you can save the grovelling for Lorraine. If she ever deigns to speak to you again, that is …"
xxxxx
"So. How did you end up … you know …"
Jason raised an eyebrow, smirking at her obvious discomfort.
"Running a brothel?"
She nodded, interested despite herself.
"It's all I've ever really known."
Faye blinked at him in puzzlement and he shrugged.
"I grew up in one, love. My old man pushed off the minute he found out my mother was up the duff – he was married, by all accounts – and she struggled to feed us, clothe us and keep a roof over our heads. She was desperate, the landlord suggested payment in kind, and that's how it all began, I guess."
Faye's hand went to her mouth.
"That's awful …"
He nodded.
"I imagine it was, for her. For me, less so. When I was a kid the other women took it in turns to look after me, it was like having a load of scantily-clad doting aunties. And when I got a bit older? Well, its every teenage boy's dream isn't it, pussy on tap?"
She gasped and he chuckled, knowing he'd shocked her.
"You mean … Oh my God, how old were you?"
He pondered the question for a moment.
"Hmmm … about fourteen, I think. I fancied this one girl, Candy. Willowy blonde with big brown eyes. Turns out she had a thing for me, too. Ah, lovely Candy, taught me just about everything I know."
He raised his glass in a mock salute and flashed her a wolfish grin. Caught in that piercing blue gaze, she was not only struck by how undeniably attractive he was but shocked at the little frisson of arousal that trickled down her spine. She covered her confusion with a tart comment.
"How did you pay? With your pocket money?"
He snorted, but didn't miss a beat.
"Oh, she never charged. I gave her a lot more than any of her clients ever did. Adoration, my undivided attention – and a damn good time in the sack. Let's just say I was a very quick learner …"
He waggled his eyebrows at her and she felt the heat rising in her face. Lips twitching with suppressed amusement, he got to his feet.
"Another one?"
"Please. I have a feeling I'm going to need it."
She watched him stroll to the bar, moving with the confidence of a man who didn't have to try too hard to attract female attention. Glancing around she realised she wasn't the only one checking out those broad shoulders, that tight backside and the endless legs. And then there were the disarming 'come to bed' eyes. He was currently using them to devastating effect on the woman behind the bar, a brassy blonde who was all but thrusting her ample cleavage into his face. Faye shook her head and rolled her eyes, at the same time finding herself quietly amused especially when the bar maid turned away for a second and he favoured her with a knowing grin.
She had to admit he wasn't at all like she'd expected. She'd guessed he was probably a looker but he was also easy company: funny, charming and refreshingly honest. Down, girl. Remember, this one's got 'Property of Lorraine' stamped on that admittedly cute butt. For a brief moment she imagined digging her nails into it as he showed her a damn good time in the sack and groaned inwardly, pushing the lurid image away with some regret. She really, really needed to get laid, and soon. As he rejoined her, pushing a glass of wine across the table, she took a deep breath.
"So. The question is exactly how are we going to persuade Lorraine to accept your grovelling apology when she never wants to set eyes on you again?"
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How indeed? Hope you enjoyed. If so, do let me know.