Escape down under Read online

  A tap on the window brings me back to the present. I'm surprised Jen managed to pull herself away from lover boy so soon. Maybe she realised what a shocking friend she has become and actually wanted to say goodbye after all. I look up and see the most beautiful blue eyes staring back at me. It takes me a moment to realise what is happening, that I am not having some weird daydream. Realising he isn't a figment of my imagination, and that he does indeed seem to be very, very real, I'm suddenly hesitant to open my window. What the fuck is he doing here? Has he put some sort of tracker on me? I knew he was intense but stalking is some next level, crazy shit.

  He continues to stare me down and I feel myself drawn to the pull he creates between us. He signals for me to open the window and to my horror, I find myself opening it. It would seem my mind falls short of responsibility whenever he's around.

  "What are you doing here Jess?" He says, a frown rising on his face, making him look more shaggable. He actually sounds angry. Why the fuck would he be angry if he's the one following me?

  "Maybe I should be asking you the same thing." I say trying to sound angry myself and failing miserably. He leans in and places both hands palm up on my roof of my car and leans his head down so he is closer to me. I lose all sense of focus as his heated breath hits my face. My heart starts to pick up as he closes the distance between us and breaking down my resolve in the process.

  "Come and talk with me?" His voice is softer this time.

  My mind doesn't even think before I open the door and get out of the car. The moment I'm stood facing him, his hand find their way to the base of my neck pulling me closer as his lips come crashing down against mine. My breath hitches as I feel the warmth of his touch, his lips alone causing an inferno to fire up inside me. My skin is on fire. My hands find their way to his hair and again as if on instinct I pull him in that little bit closer. As our connection intensifies, I'm suddenly desperate for more. I feel as if I have been starved of this man my whole life. Our tongues collide, hungry for more, teasing, exploring and savouring each other. A shameful moan escapes my lips, as pleasure builds up from within me. The sensations that vibrate through me almost leave me whimpering on the spot.

  "I've been waiting to do that since I left your office this morning. Fuck Jess, you drive me fucking crazy." he gasps.

  He grips my thighs and pulls me up against him, giving me just enough friction to tease my sweet spot as he leans me back against my car. In this moment I literally have no shame as I begin to slowly work my hips and grind against him. The fact that I am getting it on with this Adonis on Jen's driveway doesn't bother me one iota. I need more of him. I need friction, something to ease the ache that is pulsating at the apex of my thighs. Sensing my growing despair, Max presses into me and begins to move his hips in slow, agonising thrusts. Biting down on his bottom lip, I can't take it anymore.

  "You work me up so fucking crazy, sweetheart."

  What? I work him up. Shit, I am about to combust and he thinks I drive him crazy. He pulls away and I am left confused, but he just looks at me with that knicker dropping grin of his. He grabs my hand and leads me to the house next door to Jen's.

  "Whoa, Max. What are you doing? That's not my house, I don't live here." my voice is slightly raised but breathless. I'm scared that Luke will walk out of Jen's house and call the police for us breaking and entering. Obviously he wasn’t here long enough to see which house that I came out of.

  "No." He flashes me a wicked grin as he gives my arse a firm slap. "But I do."

  How is that possible? He can't live with Luke, can he? I look at the man stood in front of me, the man who in just a matter of days has turned my world upside down and he still has the power to shock me when I least expect it. He pulls me closer to him as we make our way through to the kitchen. I'm itching to get my hands on that mass of hair and feel him against me again. I hold back though, surprising myself over my control.

  "How do you know Luke?" I ask. The question just rolls off my tongue. "I thought you were just here on business?"

  "You sure ask a lot of questions sweetheart."

  "I'm just curious to know, plus, you're the one who came rocking over to my car and practically manhandled me." I mock.

  I notice the more time I spend with him, the more comfortable I feel around him. He still has that edge of danger and I know that I am going to get hurt one way or the other, but like George and Jen have pointed out to me; I need to let my hair down and have some fun. He pulls out a bar stool and signals for me to sit down. I do as I am told and hop up. He turns me around so I am facing him again and he spreads my legs slightly with his knees so he can get a little closer, never taking his eyes from me the whole time.

  "Jess." He whispers. "That was far from manhandling you sweetheart. I'm just claiming what I want, and make no mistake," He places tender kisses along my jaw leading down to my neck. "I. Always. Get. What. I. Want." He breathes in between kisses. "You would do pretty well to remember that."

  Fucking hell, his words are so demanding yet they turn me on endlessly. I am thoroughly fucked here. Even if I wanted to walk away, I seriously don't think I would have the willpower to stay away from him for long.

  "We'll see about that, big shot." I say as my hands finally find their way to their newly found favourite place. Entwined in his hair. There is no resisting the magnetic pull that draws me too him, no matter how much I try to fight it.

  Yes, I think I can most definitely do fun. Jen and George would be so proud.

  "Spill it then, Mr secretive. How is it that a man who lives on the other side of the world, such as yourself; happens to end up staying at my best friends shag piece's house while on a business trip?" His face remains impassive as he continues to play with the loose strands of my hair.

  "Me and Luke go way back. I came to stay with my uncle when I was younger for a few years. Obviously I had to attend school while I was here and that's how we met. We've stayed pretty close since. Your turn."

  "Hmm?" I say, basking in the way he makes me feel when I am with him.

  "How long have you known Luke?" His forehead now pressing against mine. He's too much, completely intoxicating and I don't think I will ever get my fill of him.

  "Not long. In fact I only just met him earlier tonight, but I can assure you; I have heard all about him from Jen. From what I have been told, he's not exactly shy is he?"

  I am silenced as his lips come crashing down to meet mine, his hands firmly placed on my hips, holding me that little bit tighter as if I might disappear at any given moment. As our tongues search each other hastily, I feel the ache within me start to build again. My back slams into the breakfast bar as he leans down on me. The low throaty sounds that come from deep within him makes me want him that little bit more. Knowing that it is me that is causing this effect on him has me desperate for him in more ways than I ever thought possible.

  "You're fucking breath taking." He says throatily, in between kisses. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly want him any more than I do right in this moment, he comes out with a comment like that. I allow myself to lose all control completely. What's the point of trying to deny the inevitable? I have tried to keep Max at arm’s length, but the more I try, the harder he is becoming to resist. I can't even leave my best friend’s house without coming into contact with him.

  My back arches automatically as he brushes his fingers over my already erect nipples, every fibre of my body is on fire. I have never felt so alive, so wanted in all my life and it feels fucking amazing. I need to be closer to him, need him in me, need to feel more of this amazing pleasure that he is igniting all over my body.

  My hands are removed from his hair as Max skilfully removes my top. I am completely visible to him now, the only thing between us being my yoga pants. My arms are pinned behind my back and I feel Max bind them together with my top. Oh shit. He's going to be one of those kinky bastards. My mind is soon pulled from its worry as Max begins his decent from my breasts slowly working his way do
wn, tantalising me in every way possible. Just go with it Jess, go with it, I say to myself. When he reaches the top of my pants he stops and meets my eyes with a wicked grin. That look right there is enough to make me combust. I shuffle on the barstool to gain some friction and to also point out what I need.

  "The more you move sweetheart, the longer I'll make you wait." he growls at me.

  Fucking hell. Those words, coming out of that mouth. I have never been so turned on so much. He's obviously into this kinky shit. I'm well and truly out of my depth here. Sex with Josh was your standard missionary with the odd bit off doggy thrown in to spice things up a bit. I bite down on my lip to try and stop myself from moving, but it only heightens the need that's rocketing through my body.

  "Shit, man. I'm sorry dude." Luke's voice fills the living area, which leads off into the kitchen where I am currently bound at the wrists by my top, widely displaying my assets for him to see.

  "Back the fuck off Luke. Right now. Walk the fuck away!" Max yells. He covers me in an instant, the muscles in his back flex as he takes a protective stance to cover my modesty. All I want to do is leave as soon as possible. I knew this was a bad idea. "Fucking move." Max bellows again. I guess Luke doesn't wait around any longer to face his wrath. Max is on me in seconds, his hands firmly holding my face to make me look at him. I can't do it. As much as I want to, I can't look him in the eyes. Still tied at the wrists, I feel embarrassed and completely humiliated. All I want is to get out of here pronto.

  "Untie me, please. I think it’s best if I leave." I say, my eyes focused on the floor below me. If I look at him, I'm terrified of what he will say. I have already witnessed how persuasive he can be.

  "Look at me Jess. Fucking hell, I didn't know he was going to come walking back in here. Do you think I would have you on display if I did?" He pleads as his hands work the knot he has formed. My wrists are set free and I feel more vulnerable than ever. I try to reach for my top, feeling more naked than before as I sit in front of him like this. "For fuck sake. Will you just look at me!" He shouts. I lift my eyes slowly to look at him. His hands come back up to cup my face, his touch still sending sparks through me.

  "I'm leaving Max. This shouldn't have happened." I feel tears begin to well in my eyes. I'm absolutely mortified. Snatching my top from behind the bar behind me, I quickly cover myself. "Don't try and stop me Max. It was stupid to even contemplate this." With that I quickly shuffle into my top and make a dash for my car, refusing to look back and praying that somehow I can get out of this trip with Mal. There is no way after tonight I am working with Max. The embarrassment will be burned into my memory for all eternity.

  MAX

  Fucking Luke. Why did he have to come back? Shit, why did he even have to open his fucking mouth? He could clearly see I was busy. The prick could have easily turned back around and kept his fucking mouth shut. Now I'm left with a serious case of blue balls and Jess is that embarrassed that she wouldn't even stay, wouldn't even talk to me.

  I keep calling her but it just goes to voicemail. Should I leave her a message? What's the point; she's the most stubborn woman I have ever come across. There's no fucking way she's going to check it. Even if she does it's highly unlikely that she will reply after tonight.

  I need a plan.

  I need to get her to admit that she wants this too.

  Anger starts to rage inside of me. I can feel myself losing control around her. This shouldn't be happening. I need to rein it in. Fuck, I haven't felt anger like this in years. I need something to calm me down, a little bit of normalcy. Maybe it's time I give Liss that call I have been promising her for days. Leaning back on my elbow, I make myself comfortable; this phone call could take a while. The call rings out for a while. I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't want to talk to me, it's not like I have never gone back on my word with Liss before. No matter what, I have always been there for her, she has always come first. She's probably thinking that I'm the world’s biggest bell end right now. The call finally connects just as I am about to hang up.

  "And so he finally calls." She snaps. I can tell already that this isn't going to be the easiest of conversations. Fucking women, they drive me up the fucking wall. What's a guy got to do for a peaceful fucking life these days?

  "Ahh Liss, c'mon. I've been a busy guy, what do you want me to do?" Although not as busy as I would have liked, I think to myself. "I'll be back on Monday. Can you not save the ear bashing until then?" Liss has never been able to hold a grudge so come Monday all should be forgiven.

  "Yeah, we'll see. How's Luke these days? I so wish I could have come over with you. I can't tell you how excited I am to see Mal when he makes it over. It's been years since I saw him last."

  "I'm pretty sure he's just as excited to see you too. So, how are things holding up without me? Everything going ok with you and Stella?" Dread fills my stomach when I think of those two being left alone together. Melissa and Stella have never been close; I just suppose they have kept things amicable for my sake.

  "What. That bitch!" I literally have to pull the phone away from my ear to protect my ears from her piercing screams. "Shit Max. When are you going to open your eyes and realise she is only out to get what she wants. She'll stab anyone and everyone in the back to get her what she wants, not caring who she hurts in the process."

  "Seriously Liss. You want to do this now, when I am on the other side of the fucking world?" Sometimes her childish shit irritates the hell out of me. "She's a fucking good employee Liss and you damn well know it. There have been times when I would have crumbled without her around."

  The line goes quiet as she takes in what I am saying. I wouldn't blame her if she hung up on me. I really shouldn't be taking my frustrations out on my little sister, but jeez, she needs to give me a break. "Liss. You still there? Hey I'm sorry okay." I take a deep breath before I continue. "I've got heaps going on right now, and my head's all over the place. It's my problem; I shouldn't be taking it out on you, or anyone for that matter."

  "Fuck you Max. She's a fucking witch and the sooner you realise that the better." Then the line goes dead. What is it with women hanging up on me today? Well that went fucking brilliantly if I do say so myself. Now my sister is more pissed at me than before, Jess doesn't want anything to do with me thanks to Luke and I have a ton of shit to arrange with Mal.

  I'm sorry. X

  I hit send before I can change my mind. If she doesn't want to reply then that's fine. All I can do is apologise and if she doesn't want to accept that, then that's her mother fucking problem.

  JESS

  I wake up with a full on mission. A mission that will see me heading into Mal's office first thing to inform him that after much consideration, it is with much regret that I have to sadly inform him that I am no longer the right person for the job. This is most likely going to be one of the hardest things I will ever have to do, but I have to do it? Do it for my sanity, my job, everything that I have worked so god damn hard for. I spent most of last night tossing and turning while the embarrassing events constantly played out in my mind on repeat in my head. There is no way I am prepared to work with Max. Not now, not ever. There is no possible way it can work; it's a bloody disaster waiting to happen. A full on cat and mouse chase.

  My whole morning has been spent rehearsing exactly what I am going to say, over and over in my head. Everything will work out. Jesus, with technology these days I can easily stay in the loop with emails and Skype. It's not as if I can't be updated when I need to be.

  After straightening out my dress for the hundredth time I make my way to Mal's office. The door is closed so I take that as a good sign that he is in there. He's like a toilet that man, closed when in use and open when vacant. It's one of his many qualities. As I walk through the main foyer, paranoia takes hold of me as I feel eyes of my colleagues burning into my back. It's as if they know. Know that I am about to screw over the one and only person who believes in me the most and guess what? I'm about to thank him for it w
ith a massive slap to the balls.

  I wonder if I should be as honest with him as he has been with me an just come out with: “Sorry Mal, I can't work on this project with you because I'm a huge slag and ended up almost splayed across a breakfast bar whilst tied up for Max's friend to see." I don't think that would go down well with Mal and I’m pretty certain that my job could end up in jeopardy if I start bringing my personal life into the equation.

  Taking a couple of deep breaths and trying to gather my thoughts, I walk straight in with all guns blazing and immediately wish I hadn't. Mal isn't sitting at his desk where he would normally be perched at this time of day. In fact, Mal isn't even in his office. No wonder everyone was staring at me as I headed in this direction, knowing what waited behind these double oak doors.

  My mouth goes dry, my palms become clammy and I feel panic and embarrassment overcome me. Colour instantly floods my cheeks as my mind chooses this moment to flash back to last night, making me relive all of those glorious sensations that I have been trying so hard to forget.

  "Is Mal around?" I say, my eyes looking everywhere but him. This is so bloody awkward. I'm stood here like a naughty little school girl as I wait for Max to respond. He's clearly enjoying toying with me as he takes his time responding to my question. He just sits there looking at me, running a pen between his fingers. I refuse to stand here and allow him to make fun of me. "Let him know I'd like a word with him when he returns." My voice comes out a lot calmer than I expected. "I'm sure you two have a lot to discuss so I'll leave you to it."

  "Don't even think about walking out of that door Jess." The sound of voice fills the room and makes me jump. So powerful, so demanding, yet my body reacts to it instantly.