Hanleigh's London

Chapter 11: I Misjudged Her

I should drop this conversation and start kissing her again, but I am completely engrossed in what she is saying.

"A list of rules to break."

She bites her lip again and I cup her chin with my hand, releasing her lip from its prison.

"What rules are on this list?" I ask as I run my fingers down her neck and along her collarbone.

"All sorts." Her voice is harsh, and it's nice to hear that I am affecting her. It's almost a relief. I was beginning to think I was on my own in this hell. "Just every rule my parents ever gave me."

Her answer surprises me.

"Surely you've broken most of them already?"

I really misjudged her, it seems. Not many people can surprise me like that. I'm impressed.

She shakes her head.

"Nope. I'm very good at keeping the rules."

Those words do something to me.

I picture her tied up and completely at my mercy. I've never thought of myself as particularly dominant, but there's something tantalising about the idea of her submitting to me; me giving her rules to follow.

I could easily give her a couple of rules; I wonder if she could keep them.

I find her control irresistible. I want her to give it to me. I want to make her lose it.

I want to ask what rules she wants to break but instead, I find myself asking, "is there anything I can do to help?" and I'm hoping, almost praying that she says yes.

Her answer isn't immediate. She keeps me waiting and it's frustrating.

She laughs, but I can tell she's thinking. She's buying herself time. Her eyes are serious as she deliberates on my offer. I'm anxious for her answer.

"You could take me home," she says confidently, her eyes bright with an excited trepidation.

I give her a wolfish grin.

"Yours or mine?" I want to be certain.

"Yours."

She doesn't miss a beat. She's owning the decision she's just made with the confidence I'd seen from across the bar. She doesn't even blush, and it almost disappoints me. I promise myself that I'm going to spend the whole night finding ways to make her blush.

"Good." I kiss her once more before saying, "Let's go."

As we walk back through the bar to the exit, I wonder if she needs to say goodbye to her friends, but she beats me to it when she says, "Meet me at the exit? I need to say goodbye to Lou and Cameron." That must be the name of the guy.

"I'll come with you if you like," I offer and take her hand without waiting for her reply.

I'm not leaving her side now that I've got her to agree to come home with me. She's mine tonight.

We find her friends quickly. They are sitting in a small group in the booth where I first spotted Aurora sitting.

"We wondered where you got to."

Tallulah winks at Aurora before regarding me with curiosity. I get the impression this isn't a regular occurrence for them.

Tallulah looks like she's assessing me and the dark-haired guy Cameron, is looking at me with unconcealed concern and challenge. There's a threat in there; he's telling me he'll f*ck me over if I hurt her. I'm not intimidated at all by the challenge in his expression, but I regard it seriously, nodding my head gently, acknowledging his silent declaration. I might not be intimidated but I can certainly respect another man's protective instinct.

I watch Aurora as she awkwardly tells them that she will see them tomorrow and then we are heading out the door.

Henry is waiting just outside with my Lexus. There is no visible sign that he has just been dragged out of bed by a text from his bothersome boss and for that I'm grateful.

I texted him shortly after the first round of shots I shared with Aurora. He has a smile on his face when he spots me coming towards him, probably thinking he'll be able to get back to bed soon.

The man might deserve a pay rise. It's a good job I don't make a habit of waking him up in the middle of the night.

"Sir," Henry says as he opens the back door.

I guide Aurora into the back seat before joining her.

"Thank you, Henry."

"Anytime sir," he replies. "Where would you like to go?"

"Home."

"Very well sir."

He nods before closing the door and walking round the car to the driver's door. He gets in, places the key in the ignition and pulls out of the car park.

I can't wait to get this girl into my bed. She's got me breaking rules I just don't break, and yet I don't regret a second of tonight. I've had a great time.

It's a good job I don't live too far away because I'm impatient. I'm not accustomed to having to wait for what I want. I won't be kept waiting much longer, thank f*ck.