Free Allure by Michelle Betham Page A

stubborn bitch. And it takes one to know one.
    ‘Make me a coffee, will you?’
    ‘Oh, so, it’s alright for me to make you a coffee, but if I want you to make me one it’s a no go?’
    ‘Just make me one, Joey, will you? I’ve got to go out in a little while.’
    He switches the kettle on and leans back against the counter, folding his arms in that disapproving manner he’s adopted over the past day or so. ‘Where to this time? A paid job? Or are you off to see our American boy? The one you’re giving it to for free.’
    ‘Piss off, Joey. I’m not in the mood. And if you must know, I’m meeting a new client, at the Draysman. We’re having lunch.’
    ‘Lunch, huh? Is he paying for dessert, too?’
    I just throw him a look. I’m really not in the mood.
    ‘Isn’t The Draysman where the delectable Mr Cannon is staying?’ Joey asks, examining his newly-French-polished nails.
    ‘It’s where I do a lot of business, Joey, It isn’t unusual for me to go there.’
    ‘Won’t it be awkward? If he sees you, I mean.’
    I throw him another look, narrowing my eyes slightly. ‘Look, Joey, what we have it – it’s difficult for anyone to understand…’
    ‘You’re telling me, angel. It’s so fucked-up it’s ridiculous.’
    ‘I work during the day, I spend my nights with him. That’s all it is.’
    ‘Keep that routine up for more than a few days and you’re not gonna be able to walk by Christmas.’
    I get up, ignoring his jibe. I’m used to them, and this is understandable. All Joey has ever wanted to do is protect me. I was a mess when he found me, and he vowed he’d never let me get that low again. But I’m fine. He did a great job of dragging me out of a pit of crap and turning me into the woman I am now.
    ‘So, let me get this straight. You’re telling me that, for the rest of this week, you’re going to spend every night with this man…’
    ‘He’s called Neal.’
    ‘I don’t care what he’s called. You’re spending every night with him and you’re not charging him a thing for the privilege?’
    ‘I’ve already taken two thousand pounds off him. I don’t want to take any more. Sleeping with him for money would feel seedy now.’
    ‘Jesus Christ, have you heard yourself? Are you actually listening to what’s coming out of your mouth?’
    ‘It’s what’s coming in it later that I’m looking forward to.’ I throw him a wink and quickly kiss his cheek.
    ‘You’re a filthy bitch.’
    ‘Being a filthy bitch is earning me a lot of money.’
    ‘Not if you start giving it away for free.’
    I do get that he’s only looking out for me, but he doesn’t understand. He wasn’t there. He didn’t feel that crazy attraction – a connection so powerful it shocked the hell out of me.
    ‘I’m not doing this, Joey. Just give me these few days, OK? Let me do something normal, feel something normal…’
    ‘You don’t do normal, Kira. You haven’t done normal for over a decade.’
    ‘So let me do it now.’
    ‘Because I’ll be here to pick up the pieces, right? When he walks away, and you come to your fucking senses and realise what a stupid, dangerous thing it was you did, I’ll be here to put your fucked-up life back together. Again. Is that it?’
    ‘I’m that much of a problem, huh?’
    ‘Jesus, Kira, that isn’t what I meant.’
    ‘Forget the coffee. I’ll grab one on my way into town.’
    ‘Kira! Don’t you dare walk away from me, lady!’
    I stop, throw back my head and turn around to face him.
    ‘I will be here, Kira. I’ll always be here… And I want to see that pretty arse of yours in Bam-Bams tonight, do you hear me? Before you go fuck Mr Blue-Eyes’ brains out. For free.’
    ‘Joey…’
    He holds his hands up, but I know he isn’t sorry.
    ‘You got a show tonight?’
    ‘That’s why I want you there, angel. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, before I go on. You’re my lucky charm, God help me.’
    ‘I hate you, you old drama queen.’
    ‘Get out of