Page 70 of Pure Recklessness

‘We still need to look for alternative manufacturers and watch our backs. Just in case. And think of other ways to generate revenue. Eleanor had some good ideas I’d like to run past you all.’

This morning, once the painkillers had properly kicked in and I was able to think more clearly, I remembered the suggestions she’d made and they were good.

‘Eleanor said something to me. Eleanor looked hot. Eleanor had some amazing ideas.’ Oscar did a terrible impersonation of me. ‘Jesus, bro. You’re obsessed! Eleanor and Blake sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!’

‘How old are you? Five?’ I shook my head.

‘I’m taking the piss. You’re so easy to wind up! Come on, even you’ve got to admit that you falling off a treadmill because you were ogling a woman is hilarious!’

I didn’t bother denying the accusation this time. Partly because it was true and I didn’t want to admit it, but also because Oscar would ignore me anyway.

‘It’s not hilarious. It’s fucking embarrassing.’ I dragged my hand over my face. Thank God the gym was empty. If news of this got around the office, I’d never live it down. I trusted Eleanor to keep it between us.

‘Did anyone else see?’ Oscar asked.

‘Thankfully, no.’

‘Good. So what happened afterwards? Did she offer to be your personal nurse and give you a bed bath? No, no, wait! She sucked your cock to ease the pain and help you feel better. That’s why you’re all starry-eyed today! About fucking time you stopped living like a monk.’

‘No, Oscar.’ I blew out a frustrated breath. ‘I did not get involved with an employee. I left and went to sort out my wrist.’

‘Ah, shame. The story was just getting interesting.’ He jumped off the sofa. ‘Still, it’s early days. Knowing your track record, it won’t be long until you fuck her.’

‘You need to get your ears cleaned because clearly you didn’t hear what I just said.’ I ground my jaw. ‘I told you, I will not be getting involved with her or any other employee. End of story.’

‘Keep telling yourself that, bro!’ Oscar laughed. ‘I haven’t seen you interested in any women since she who shan’t be named. And like I said, I know you. Once you set your sights on something, you stop at nothing to get it. It was the same when we were kids and it’s the same now.’

He was right about my persistence.

Mum used to say I was too stubborn. I called it determination.

My thoughts turned to that painting I’d bought last year at an auction. I saw it. I liked it. I wanted it. I thought it was a slam-dunk. No one else seemed to be bidding over a few hundred thousand pounds which was already overpriced.

But then I ended up in a bidding war with another guy. Although I liked the painting, I didn’t love it enough to warrant a fight, but I couldn’t lose. I ended up paying a million more than it was worth, just because I didn’t want to back down.

Stupid, I know, but I couldn’t help myself. I liked winning.

And Oscar was right. I always got what I want.

That was why it was a good thing that I didn’t want Eleanor.

Because if I did, she wouldn’t stand a chance.

28

ELLIE

Looked like Mr Devlin hated my ideas.

I’d emailed him first thing this morning and now it was after six-thirty and I hadn’t heard a thing.

I knew he was in the office as I overheard Calista saying she’d received a manuscript from him that he’d given to Valerie to bring down.

At least I’d tried.

I checked my phone to see if Dana had messaged. We were due to meet at the rooftop bar at six, but she was running late, so said it might be closer to seven. That was fine with me. I was glad to be out of the house and away from toy temptation.

It’d been days since I’d last used them, so I was going cold turkey and it was tough. I’d spoilt my vagina and now every night when I went to bed it was like it was begging for pleasure and chanting: