Free Autumn in London by Louise Bay Page B

after leaving my sister’s it crept back into my head and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
    We were in a cab, going back to her apartment, but there was no way we were staying there. I wasn’t fucking her in that bed, where she’d fucked other men, especially men who didn’t deserve her. Jesus, the thought made me want to punch something.
    “You’re quiet,” she said. I’d not said anything since we’d left Jessica and James’s.
    Her hand was in mine, as it had been for most of the night, and I squeezed. Trying to give her reassurance of something. I wasn’t sure what.
    “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Ben. I know you’ve asked me.”
    “Don’t say his name to me,” I said, staring straight ahead.
    “I didn’t bullshit you,” she said finally. She was right, technically she hadn’t lied but I hated that there was so much of her I didn’t know. She was mine and I wanted to know everything.
    When we pulled up outside her apartment, I could tell she was wondering if I was going to come in. As if I would leave her. She wasn’t spending another night in that apartment, certainly not alone.
    She tried to let go of my hand as I paid the driver but I wouldn’t let her. We made our way into the apartment. “I need you to pack a bag. We’re staying at my hotel tonight,” I said, still not looking at her.
    “Ethan—”
    “Don’t argue with me. Not about this.”
    She didn’t. I released her hand and she made her way around the apartment gathering her things. I stayed by the front door, waiting.
    I felt better when we were out of her place and back in another cab. But not good enough to be able to have a conversation with her. I was concerned I’d lose it. I wasn’t used to dealing with shit like this. She hadn’t done anything wrong but I was still angry at her for not telling me. And for dating other people before me. It was irrational but it was how I felt. I was angry at myself, that I’d not met her before this prick Ben, before all the other guys she dated.
    When we arrived at the hotel, I picked up my messages at the desk and led Anna to the elevator bank, wheeling her suitcase behind us. She’d packed a decent amount, which was a good thing because she wasn’t going back there.
    “When does your apartment sale go through?” I asked as the elevator doors opened.
    “The week after next.”
    I nodded. “Which apartment that we saw today did you like?”
    “They were all amazing.”
    “Which one do you prefer?”
    “It’s not for me.”
    “Anna.”
    “The second one.”
    I nodded. “Okay, I’ll speak to the realtor. It’s empty so we should be able to move in quickly. We’ll stay here until then.”
    “Ethan—”
    “Not a fucking word, Anna.”
    “I don’t get to speak?”
    “Not yet.”
    “Then when?”
    “When I’ve fucked you so hard you’ve forgotten what you wanted to say.”
    She didn’t respond and as we entered the hotel room, the door slammed behind us. I set her suitcase down and walked across the living area to the bed.
    “Come here,” I said, trying to disguise the anger I felt. It was anger mixed with lust. I couldn’t look at her as I undid her shirt and peeled it from her shoulders. I concentrated on her soft, smooth skin. I wanted to mark it and I tipped her head to one side and attached my lips to her neck. I sucked hard. There would definitely be a mark and the thought increased my need for her and took the edge off my anger. She made no complaint, just held herself steady against my shoulders. I moved to the other side and did the same.
    “Take the rest of your clothes off,” I ordered as I started to undress myself.
    Silently, she complied. I could feel her looking at me, trying to catch my eye. I wasn’t ready to face what I’d see there.
    Naked, I knelt before her. I could smell her perfect pussy right in front of me. I grabbed her bottom and her hands went to my hair. I pushed my tongue against her. She was soaked and I couldn’t