Free Inked Chaos by M. J. Grace Page A

Just take me to the nearest hotel.  I’ll
sort out some other accommodation in the morning.” I remonstrate.
    This is ridiculous.
 How dare he be so high handed?
    “No.  Not
going to happen.  You’re coming back to mine and like I said we will sort it
all out tomorrow.  Now calm down, we’re nearly there, it’s only a few more
minutes.”
    I peer
out of the window, and notice we are no longer in the city, but climbing up into
the hills surrounding LA.  I’ve been so busy arguing, I haven’t noticed us
leaving the bright lights of LA behind.  I can’t believe he’s being so high-handed,
but I have no choice but to wait until we arrive at wherever we are going.  Maybe
then, I can phone for a taxi to take me to a hotel.
    AJ
manoeuvres the car down what appears to be a private road, and pulls up in front
of some high gates.  Removing a small remote from his pocket, he presses the
button, and the gates silently swing open.  He drives through, and turning in
my seat, I watch as they automatically close behind us.  
    “Fort Knox.” I comment as he cruises down a long driveway.
    “Unfortunately
a necessity, but the house is far enough away from them to not impact on the
view.”
    Parking in
front of one of four garages, he swings himself out of the car, and walks
around to open my door.
    “Do you need a hand?” He smirks looking down at me.
    No way am
I going to admit I need help, even if I do.  I’d rather crawl out on all fours
than ask him.
    “No
thanks, I’ve got it.” I say as I climb out of the car; in what has to be said,
a not so ladylike manner.
    He pulls
the door down to close it, and we both walk towards the house, and I’m not sure,
but I think I hear him chuckle under his breath.
    Stopping,
I let my eyes wander over the house.  Unable to see too clearly due to the
darkness, what I can see, I have to admit is beautiful.  A classically designed
building with large windows, some of which are lit up making it seem welcoming
and homely.  It’s not the kind of home I would have expected him to have.  I
thought he would have been more of a bachelor pad kind of guy.  Not have a home
that seems to be crying out for a family to live in it.  
    Following
him through the front door, I find myself in a large square reception hall,
with polished wooden floors, a large spiral staircase and high ceilings.  Oh
my, it’s beautiful.  I could never imagine living in a house like this.  It’s
so large and airy it makes the house in Cornwall seem small and poky, which it
totally isn’t.
    “Do you want a drink or anything before we turn in?” he asks.
    Before
we turn in! He makes it sound like we’re going to turn in together.  My
imagination takes over as I visualise him lying in bed, bare chested, the
sheets pulled up to his waist.  
    “No, I’m
fine thanks.” I say, keeping my face averted, avoiding his gaze, as I feel
myself blush and my traitorous body react with the thought. 
    “Are you sure?” At my nod, he continues “Right, this way then.” and
starts climbing the stairs.  
    I follow
behind him slowly, still taking in the décor.  He has some amazing artwork on
the walls, and I make a mental note to remind myself to study them more closely
in the morning.  Stopping in front of some double doors, he waits for me to
catch up.  
    “Sorry.”
I say as I rush to reach his side. “I was admiring the artwork, they’re amazing.”
    “Thanks.
 I’m not an art connoisseur.  I just know what I like, and if I like it enough,
I buy it.  This is you.” he says opening the door and turning on the light.
    I walk
into the bedroom, taking in my surroundings.  The room is huge, with a deep
pile cream carpet to match the beige toned walls, complementing the dark wooden
furniture; and taking prominence in the room is very large bed.  Its stylish
and elegant and a total surprise.  
    “Bathrooms
through here.” he says, walking over and opening a door. “If you need anything,
I’m