Beneath This Man

‘Yes.’ I answer quickly. I definitely remember that. ‘But Tom went to the toilet while Kate was having a cigarette.’ I add.

‘Okay, do you remember what happened during the time you were on your own?’ he pushes.

‘Yes.’ I won’t tell him why I remember. Holy shit, mentioning Matt would be a grave mistake. ‘Why?’ I ask.

‘Because, Ava, I don’t want anyone poking you about unless they really need to, so please, think hard.’ He squeezes my hands. ‘Before I turned up, were you okay? Do you remember everything?’

‘Yes, I do.’

‘That is good.’ Doctor Manvi interjects. ‘But, Ava, I would be happier if you would consent to the examination.’

‘No! I know nothing happened. I have no bruises, no cuts.’

‘If you are one hundred percent sure, Ava, I can’t force you.’

‘Damn right you can’t f**king force her!’ Jesse hisses.

Oh God, get me out of here. ‘Nothing happened. I remember everything until Jesse arrived.’ I look at Jesse. ‘I remember everything.’ My voice is shaking. I’m shaking.

He slides his palm over me cheek. ‘I know. I believe you.’

‘Okay. All of your vitals are fine.’ Doctor Manvi says. ‘You’ll have a sore head for a while, but other than that, you will make a full recovery. Once I’ve sorted your discharge papers, you can go home.’

‘How long will that take?’ Jesse has reverted back to madman.

‘Sir, we are in the aftermath of a Saturday night in central London. How long is a piece of string?’

‘I’m taking her home now.’ Jesse says with utter finality. I look up at him and know immediately it’s a battle not worth fighting – not if you want to live. Doctor Manvi looks at me, and I nod my acceptance.

He rises from his chair. ‘Okay.’ he practically sighs. He’s not happy.

I lay back in a complete trance as I watch the Doctor talking to Jesse. I hear nothing. It’s all a muddled garble in the distance. How did this happen? I didn’t once leave my drink unattended. I didn’t accept a drink that was offered. I was careful and sensible. Jesus, what if I had of gone to the toilet a few seconds earlier and missed Jesse at the door? I could have been unconscious and completely unaware of anything going on around me. I could have been raped. I’m attacked by unexpected tears and uncontrollable shakes as I start sobbing in my hands.

‘Baby, please don’t cry.’ I feel his warmth engulf me, holding me tight as my body jerks under him. ‘Baby, I’ll get really crazy mad if you cry.’

I sob relentlessly while he comforts me, muttering his own little curses and prayers above my head. ‘I’m so sorry.’ I heave between sobs. I don’t know why I’m sorry, maybe for defying him and going out anyway. I really don’t know, but I feel so remorseful.

‘Ava, please shut up.’ he pleads, holding me tight and stroking my hair soothingly. I’m aware of the frantic clatter of his heartbeat under my ear.

When I’ve finally regained a little control, I wipe away my tears and sniffle. I must look like a tear stained mess. ‘I’m fine,’ I say, taking a few calming breaths and pushing him away, ‘I want to go home.’ I sound like a spoilt brat.

I start to clamber from the bed, but I’m met by the fierceness of a tall, lean, green-eyed wall. He picks me up and starts for the door, meeting Kate on the way. ‘Get her stuff.’ he orders, striding past her.

‘What’s going on?’ Sam jumps up from the chair outside the room.

‘She was drugged.’ Jesse states flatly. He doesn’t stop to give any further explanation.

‘Oh shit!’ The horror in Sam’s voice is clear.

I hear Kate’s heels trying to keep up with us. ‘What? Like date rape?’

‘Yes, just like f**king date rape!’ he shouts as he proceeds down the corridor with me in his arms. ‘I’m taking her home.’

We emerge into the morning air, and I squint at the offensive, harsher natural light. I’m lowered into the DBS and secured in my seatbelt. I flinch when the door closes, and then I hear the mumble of voices outside the car. There’s a subtle tap on the window, and when I look, I see Kate giving me the call-me gesture. I nod my acknowledgment and rest my head against the window as Jesse slides in and places my shoes and bag in the foot well. I close my eyes again and drift off.

‘Come here you.’ I open my eyes as Jesse lifts me from his car and carries me through the foyer of Lusso.

‘Oh, Mr Ward?’ Clive appears alongside us as Jesse makes his way to the penthouse elevator. ‘Is everything okay?’ He sounds concerned. It’s not unusual for me to be seen carted about by Jesse, so I’m guessing I look terrible, and I know Jesse does too.

‘I’m fine, Clive.’ The elevator doors close, leaving a concerned Clive mystified.

I rest my head against Jesse’s firmness and the next thing I know, I’m being lowered into his huge bed. I’m vaguely aware of my dress being removed and disapproving grumbles coming from Jesse. I roll over when I’m free from my clothes and release a contented exhale of breath when I’m greeted with my most favourite smell in the world; fresh water and mint. I know I’m back where I belong.

Chapter 28

‘Ohhhhhhhhh Goddddddd!’ I stretch out and it is the most satisfying stretch I’ve ever executed. I feel better, much better. I roll over and find a cool spot. Propping myself up, I crane my neck and gaze around the room to find it empty of any other inhabitants, so I gingerly shift to the edge of the bed and sink my bare feet into the lush cream carpet, bracing myself for an attack of dizziness as I stand, but nothing happens. I feel surprisingly steady. I pad across the bedroom and out onto the landing to see Jesse below, sat back in one of the huge armchairs talking quietly on his mobile. He’s showered and shaved and is wearing some pale blue jeans. He’s naked from the waist up.