Beneath This Man

My heart is jumping and my legs are slightly shaky, but I make it to the entrance hall still standing. That was horrific, and while I knew that Jesse has dabbled, did I really consider the extent of it. Hearing those women talk about him like that has me more upset than mad. He really has put it about…everywhere…with a lot of women. I think I need a cigarette too.

I know I audibly groan when Sarah steps out from the doorway that usually serves the restaurant. She’s been waiting for this moment all night and after what I’ve just endured, I’m feeling even less tolerant of her than usual. I’m facing the fourth woman in as many minutes – no, probably seconds – who Jesse has f**ked. I feel sick and in no mood for Sarah and her viper gob, but I also don’t want to have a catfight in my stupidly expensive gown.

‘Sarah, you’ve done an amazing job tonight.’ I say courteously. I’ll get in first with the pleasantries so there is no mistaking my attempt to keep things civil, even though it is taking every ounce of strength I have.

She folds an arm under her already high chest, boosting it further while holding her sloe gin in front of her mouth. Her posture and body language scream superiority, and I’m bracing myself for the inevitable warning.

‘Did you collect your gift bag from the table?’ she asks on a smile.

It throws me completely. She’s changed her tone. I thought we were past faking pleasantries, especially when Jesse’s not around. ‘No, I didn’t.’ I answer warily. After seeing Kate’s face, I really didn’t want it.

She broadens her smile. ‘Oh, that’s a shame. There was something in there that may have been of use to you.’

‘Like what?’ I can’t help the curiosity in my voice. What’s her game?

‘The vibrator. I noticed yours was left in a million pieces on Jesse’s bedroom floor.’

‘Pardon?’ I blurt on a laugh.

She smiles slyly, and I dread the words I know she’s about to say. ‘Yes, when I rescued him on Wednesday morning after you left him handcuffed to his bed,’ She shakes her head. ‘Not a wise move.’

My stomach falls into my heels as I watch her weighing up my reaction to her information overload. Jesse called Sarah? When he was bollock naked, handcuffed to the bed and with a vibrator next to him, he chose Sarah to come and release him?

What?

I thought John freed him. Why did I think that? I can’t even reflect that far back. At the moment, I’m just looking at the nasty creature stood in front of me, smugly delighting in my misery. I’m going to kill him, but first I’m going to wipe that sly smile off of her botox pumped face.

‘Have you ever heard of tit tape, Sarah?’ I ask coolly. Her face drops, as do her eyes to her chest. I start walking forward. Oh, she is so getting trampled!

‘Excuse me?’ she laughs.

‘Tit tape. It’s widely known to keep br**sts secure, or…’ I shake my head. ‘Of course, it’s your intention to assault people’s eyes with your overinflated chest.’ I stop in front of her. ‘Less is more, Sarah. Have you ever heard of that saying? You would do well to remember it, especially at your age.’

‘Ava?’

No! Oh no no, no!

I turn and find Jesse stood with his frown line perfectly in place. Good, because he should be really concerned. I hear Sarah’s heels disappear off into the restaurant. Yes, she’s dropped her bombshell and has now f**ked off to avoid being hit by the shrapnel.

‘What’s going on?’ he asks, his handsome face full of confusion and concern.

I don’t even know what to say. I glance around the entrance hall of The Manor and see many members making their way upstairs. It must be past ten thirty.

‘Ava?’

I return my eyes to Jesse as he starts walking towards me. I step back and he stops in his tracks. ‘I’m leaving.’ My tone is completely resolute. I can’t stay here and listen to women boast about their sexual encounters with Jesse, listen to them pass judgment on why I’m with him. Neither am I watching as he disappears with another woman with no explanation. And I’m certainly not setting myself up for humiliation by Sarah. I turn and walk with purpose to the huge, double doors that will take me out of this hellhole. My heart is hammering and tears of frustration are brimming.

‘Ava!’ I hear him yell, and then the telltale signs of his thumping footsteps coming after me.

I have no idea what I plan on doing when I get outside. I know he will catch me, and I know he won’t let me leave. I’ll steal a car. I don’t care that I’m way over the limit. My visit to the toilet was bad enough, but Sarah has completely finished me off. I can’t subject myself to this torture anymore. It’s rotting my reasonableness, turning me into a jealous, resentful monster. I shouldn’t have come here.

‘Ava, get your f**king arse here!’

I make it to the steps and bump into Kate. ‘Where have you been?’ she asks shortly, her eyes widening when she obviously catches sight of Jesse in pursuit of me.

‘I’m going.’ I blurt, gathering my dress up, ready to take the steps. She watches me hastily pass her with a what-the-hell look coated all over her pale face. I fly down the steps, stupidly fast, and collide with his solid, suit-covered chest. That f**king chest! I’m hoofed up and slung over his shoulder with no effort at all.

‘You’re not f**king going anywhere, lady.’ he growls, and starts back up the steps to The Manor.

I flick my hair out of my face and push my hands into his lower back to try and break free. ‘Let go of me!’ I yell frantically as I wriggle, but he has a tight hold, and I know he would die before letting me go. ‘Jesse!’