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.

to Michael... “Ah, that’s great,” he says. “You made it…” Then he stands back hastily as my Gang barge past him in a hairy, slobbering crowd into their old ‘home’. “Looks like they remember where they

pleased to be here too.” I kiss his cheek. “And thank you so much

you too Ryan. We were worrying you might be beaten by the snow.” He cranes out, scanning the sky. “You got here

as he speaks, a fat snowflake drifts down, lying on the cold ground like the most delicate of lace. A moment later it

“I’ll show you

you want these?” Ryan hefts his armful of parcels. I display my bags of bottles, cake and a hastily

on the side for now. We’re still in mid-decorate. The parcels can go under 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

Oh, my God...

which overlook the slopes down the mountain. A fire burns in the

what takes up most of

Ryan's eye dance.

What a Merry Christmas…

will be laying out a buffet in a couple of hours. So, take your

he exits, he

bed, tracing fingers over the posts, dark timber, carved into heavy twists. His gaze shifts sidelong to mine. “I don't know about you, but

“So do I.”

is still crisp, the linen unwrinkled. His hands apparently working independently of his eyes, he slides

see it in his eyes. In his mind, I am already naked for him. The action merely underlines his thoughts. I slip off my boots then turn to face away,

lie over a chair. Standing straight, knowing what he enjoys,

give

him, he is already holding up his tie. “Do I bind you to the bar…” His eyes cast

“I’ll hold it.”

nothing but the black lace and silk panties. Despite the heat

the other, opening his mouth over the crook of my neck to shoulder, biting softly. His palms

smoothing over the skin. Tangling into my curls, circling and spiralling, the fingers coil into the hair which grows warmer and damper by the moment. My lungs shudder and behind my ribs, my heart thumps

shaft hard through his

I want you…

you inside