Hot Revenge Box Set 2

James and Richard return, both smiling. “So,” says Richard. “Here’s where we are. My old associate is keen to get his cash. He’d like more, but he’ll settle for fast. Which means that if you two seriously would like to buy the mill, we’d better get the wheels turning before he has time to change his mind.” He looks between us. “Yes?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Yes,” says Ryan. “But we’re all but on top of Christmas and I’ll need to set up an appointment with my bank to discuss a mortgage. They’ll no doubt want cash projections, surveys and who-knows-what else…”

Richard cuts him short. “Yes, of course they will. Which is why this is my suggestion instead. Let me push this through for you. I just wanted a chat with James here for an idea of how much work is going to be passing from my company to yours over the next year or so. That gives me something to work with to get a loan fast-tracked for you…”

“But…”

Richard breaks him off again. “Not to put too fine a point on it, if you go through normal channels, your case will be assessed by clerks and computers. The banks will demand so many checks and measures on you that they’ll effectively cripple you for the next five years. If I step in, I’ll side-step the… um… lower echelons… and get an answer for you from the top. You’ll get a better deal and faster. What do you think?”

Michael cuts in. “Kirstie, Ryan. Why don’t the two of you join us for Christmas?”

Ryan blinks. I think I do too, at the apparent change in subject. “For Christmas dinner you mean?”

“That too,” smiles the big, blond man, “But what I meant was, stay over the holiday. Go home now, pack yourself a suitcase for a few nights, then stay with us over the period. That way you get a good holiday and you’re right where you need to be if you need to talk with Richard. Or if he needs to talk to you.”

I’m torn between excitement and reality. “I can’t do that, Michael. It would be great, but I can’t just leave my dogs.”

Michael waves airily. “Oh, bring the dogs along…” James’ head swivels his way. Michael ignores it. “As you said, they loved it here. And Scruffy will enjoy the company too.”

*****

Two Days Before Christmas

For the second time in two days we pull up at the Threesome’s…

Fivesome’s?

… home, this time with my Gang of Four in the back, howling enthusiasm as they realise where they are; yapping, barking and baying demands to be let out right now.

back hastily as my Gang barge past him in a hairy, slobbering crowd into their old ‘home’. “Looks like they remember where

too.” I kiss his cheek. “And thank you so

“You got here just in time, I’d say. The forecast says there’s going to be a heavy fall tonight and by the look

snowflake drifts down, lying on the cold ground like the most delicate of lace. A moment later it is joined by another. And

continues Michael. “I’ll show you your room

of parcels. I display my bags of bottles, cake and a

the tree later when we’ve got it all together.” He leads us upstairs. “I made up the Green Room for you.” His face is suspiciously straight as he opens

Oh, my God...

which overlook the slopes down the mountain. A fire burns in the red-tiled hearth, throwing out

up most of the room: an enormous four-poster

Ryan's eye dance.

What a Merry Christmas…

behind the facade, laughter bubbles as he points across to another door. “That’s the en-suite through there. I believe James will be laying out a buffet in a couple of hours. So, take your time,

he exits, he drops me a

twists. His gaze shifts sidelong to mine. “I

“So do I.”

linen unwrinkled. His hands apparently working independently of his eyes, he slides his tie from the

mind, I am already naked for him. The action merely underlines his thoughts. I slip off my boots then turn to face away, sweeping my hair to one side, allowing him access. Between

until the dress falls open and he slides it over my hips and down. Stepping out of it, I hear the soft rustle as he picks it up, folding it neatly to lie over a chair. Standing straight, knowing what he enjoys, what he wishes from me, I wait until I feel the tug and pull of his touch on the catch of my bra. As it unfastens, he slips the straps from

give me your

to the bar…” His eyes cast up to the top post of the bed… “Or

“I’ll hold it.”

curled around the top bar, I stand, wearing nothing but the black

close behind me, the fabric of his shirt and jacket tickling over my naked spine. One palm resting on my shoulder, he brushes my hair away with the other, opening his mouth over the crook of my neck to shoulder, biting softly. His palms curve around my waist, to right and left, stroking over the slight curve of my stomach.

and spiralling, the fingers coil into the hair which grows warmer

against me to the rear, his shaft hard through his clothes, pushing

I want you…

want you