Wethering the Storm

Chapter FOUR

You promise you can’t see anything?” Jake asks for the tenth time.
“I promise I can’t see anything.” I sigh, feeling a little exasperated and a lot blind.
I’m currently sitting in the passenger seat of Jake’s treasured Aston Martin DBS, aka the James Bond car.
Jake’s driving, and I’m wearing a blindfold.
Yes, a blindfold.
A makeshift one, made from the silk scarf I was wearing.
Why?
Because Jake has a surprise for me. A surprise that apparently requires me to be blindfolded to get it.
We’ve been back in LA for five days.
Jake has spent most of that time at the label, dealing with the accountants, trying to sort things out with the fraud. It’s definitely five hundred thousand dollars stolen, but they are no closer to finding out who took it.
It’s consuming all of his time. He is literally getting home as I’m heading to bed, and he’s gone when I wake.
Am I worried about the strain this will be putting him under?
Absolutely.
Am I checking for visual signs of him using again?
Definitely.
I hate that I am, but he’s not long clean. I would be stupid not to be a little worried. I don’t want either of us to go through what we did before.
It’s not that I don’t trust him, I do. I just know how easily a slip can happen. I watched it happen to him before and I was blind to it, and it got too far too fast.
I won’t let that happen again.
Have I checked the cisterns in the toilets and other hidey holes in the house for drugs?
Yes.
I know it’s horrible, checking on him like that, and I know he would be really angry if he knew. But when Jake’s life is in play, nothing is more important.
I know he went to a meeting with his drug counsellor on our first day back, and I heard him on a call with someone I think is his sponsor late the night before last.
It’s natural that he’ll still be struggling, especially now back in the real world, surrounded by temptation. I’m just glad he’s making use of the professional support he has to help him get through it.
And I’m here for whatever help he needs.
In my heart I don’t think Jake will ever go back to drugs. I saw what the last episode did to him, losing us because of it.
It nearly broke him.
But it also doesn’t hurt for me to keep alert for any signs of trouble.
Of course I ask him how he’s doing, but I haven’t asked directly about his recovery steps, because I know if he wants to talk to me about it, he will.
I’ve missed him like crazy this last week. But the time apart has had its benefits. Now I’m back from holiday, it’s back to work, and I’m glad for it, even if I am working from home. It’s allowed me to get on with my work writing Jake’s bio, and I’ve also been working on my column for Etiquette.
Etiquette is the magazine I work for. Vicky, my boss and close friend, is the sole reason Jake and I came back into each other’s lives. She landed an exclusive interview with Jake and sent me to do it.
I’ve really missed my job, and the bonus of working means I need to talk to Vicky. Which is fab because I’ve missed her tons as well.
God love Skype is all I can say.
I called my folks too on the telephone; apparently Skype is just too technological for my mum and dad.
But mostly, I miss Simone.
I’m used to seeing her every day, and it’s taking some time getting used to not living in London with her anymore.
I may have called her multiple times over the last few days. And maybe I cried a few times while on the phone too.
I’m just so glad I have Stuart, my only friend in LA. Aside from Jake, of course.
The downside of Jake not being around this week, apart from the obvious, is that we haven’t talked about the “no sex in his house” issue since that night. Just like we never talked about the “not having kids” issue on the island.
It seems Jake and I are really good at ignoring things and avoiding discussions on important matters.
I wonder if that’s partly why he’s spent so much time at the label this week.
This is the longest Jake and I have gone without having sex since we got together. We’ve gone from multiple times daily while on the island to nothing at all.
I know this is my doing, but I’m starting to worry big-time, because Jake is a highly sexual man. For Jake, having sex is as essential as breathing, and the fact that he’s not even trying to get it from me is worrying the shit out of me. I’m scared that if he’s not getting it from me, he’ll start to look elsewhere. Or maybe he already has.
“You know, we could get pulled over by the cops. They might think you’re kidnapping me, having me blindfolded like this,” I say.
“The windows are tinted, sweetheart.”
“Of course they are.”
I fold my arms over my chest at the sound of Jake’s soft laughter.
“Well, with the speed you drive at, we’ll probably get pulled over for a ticket. Then what will you tell them?”
“That my fiancée is kinky, and she gets her sexual kicks from me driving her around blindfolded. Then, and only then, will she let me f*ck her.”
“Jake!”
“That, or we’re into BDSM, and you’re my submissive. And seeing you like this is how I get my kicks.” I feel his hand go to my leg, his rough fingertips gently stroking the skin just above my knee.
This is the first time in five days that he’s touched me intimately. My pulse jumps and my whole body responds.
“Do you realise how hard my dick is right now, just looking at you sitting there in those f*ck-hot boots, that short skirt…blindfolded.”
Holy f*ck.
“And what do you plan on doing with it?” My voice has taken on a husky tone all its own.
“Something which will mean you being naked very soon, wearing only that scarf over your eyes and those come-f*ck-me-now boots wrapped around my waist.”
Sweet baby Jesus.
I wonder if he’s taking us to a hotel for sex.
My insides pool at the thought of Jake naked and inside me. I have to suppress a moan.
His hand leaves my leg, and I hear the indicator tick-tocking a turn. Then he stops the car, lowers his window, and talks to someone. A man.
I’m blindfolded here, and Jake is talking to some guy.
Where the hell is he taking me?
“Good to see you again, Mr. Wethers. I’ll open the gate for you.”
“Thank you.”
I hear Jake’s window close, and he starts to move the car slowly forward.
A thought thuds into my head.
Oh my God, what if he’s taking me to some kinky sex club?
He was just talking about BDSM, and he did say I’ll be naked soon, wearing only this scarf and these boots.
Oh, holy f*cking mother of God.
I’m not into that kind of stuff. I’m a straight-up-sex type of girl. A little dirty talk, sure. Maybe Jake tying me up…I’d happily give that a try. But not outright kinky stuff.
I didn’t think he was either, to be honest. I know he’s a little dominant in the bedroom, which is really sexy, but I didn’t think whips and chains were his kind of thing.
Maybe this is just another thing I didn’t know about him.
F*ck.
“Where are we going?” My voice comes out small.
“You’ll know in about two minutes. Think you can hold on that bit longer?”
“Are you taking me to a sex club?” I blurt out.
I hear choked laughter. “Do you want me to be taking you to a sex club?” I can feel his body shaking next to me.
“God, no!”
“Good, because I’m not into sharing you with anyone.” He takes hold of my hand, sweeping a kiss across my knuckles. “I’ve already told you, Tru, you’re mine, and mine alone.”
Jake stops the car and turns off the engine.
Releasing my hand, he says, “Wait there, I’ll help you out of the car.”
Doing as he asks, I wait until Jake gets out of the car, then opens my door.
Taking hold of my hands, he guides me out. With his arm around me, he walks with me. “Okay, stand right there,” he says, positioning me in place. “You ready?” I can feel his warm breath on my face.
“I’m ready.”
I’m actually not. I’m really shitting it now as to what I’m going to be revealed to.
I hate surprises. Why does he insist on surprising me all the bloody time?
God, what if I don’t like whatever it is he wants me to see?
Crap.
Jake’s hands reach around to the back of my head, and he unties the knot holding the scarf in place.
Loosening it from my eyes, Jake removes the scarf and stands aside.
Blinking rapidly, I let my eyes readjust to the bright sun.
Then I see a house.
A huge house, situated about fifty feet before me.
It’s single-story. Concrete, stucco, and wood—the combination is incredibly striking. It’s modern and stunning, and it’s instant love.
If I could marry a house, this would be the house I would marry and have minihouse babies with.
“What’s this?” I ask, pulling my eyes from the house to Jake.
I find his eyes already on me. Nervous eyes. “A house.” He smiles tentatively. “Our house if you want it.”
I turn from the house to face him. “You bought a house?”
“I bought us a house. I put an offer in and they accepted. But if you don’t like it, I can pull out and we can find something else.”
“No.” I glance back at the house. “It’s just…”
“Tru, if you don’t like it, honestly, it’s fine.”
“I love it.” I look back to him. “Really love it. Well, what I’ve seen so far, but if the outside is anything to go by, then…wow. Seriously, wow. But…it’s just…I imagine it wasn’t cheap.” I smile, uneasily. It feels clumsy and awkward on my lips.
Couples buy houses together, share the mortgage. Jake buys a house outright. A house that I’m guessing cost millions of dollars.
One that I have no chance of being able to contribute toward.
“Call it birthday present number five.”
I let out a high-pitched laugh. Since we came back into each other’s lives, Jake has been buying me special gifts to make up for the missed birthdays in the twelve years we were apart. “This is a little extravagant for a birthday gift, even for you.”
“You can call it two birthday gifts in one if you want.” He moves closer and tucks my hair behind my ear.
“More like a hundred in one. Wow, Jake. I’m just…speechless. Seriously bloody speechless. I just wish I had something to contribute.”
“What do you mean?” He frowns.
Looking down, I scuff the toe of my boot against the concrete. “Well…you know, normal people get a mortgage together, pay half each for the house. That kind of contribution.”
Lifting my chin, he says softly, “We’re not most people, Tru. I told you when we were on the island that I want you to have the best of everything. This house is part of that. I want us to have a home together.”
I know why he’s bought this house. Because of how I feel about his place. Jake has shopped for a new house and spent an inordinate amount of money, all because of me. As if he hasn’t got enough to deal with at the moment.
I’m such a selfish bitch.
“Jake…I’m sorry.” I drop my gaze. “I know why you bought this house. And I didn’t mean for you to sell your home and buy a brand-new house.”
“Look at me.” His tone is firm, causing my eyes to lift to his. “You have nothing to be sorry for. And I had a house, Tru. It was never a home. You’re my home. I want you happy. And you’re not happy at my place, and honestly, I don’t f*ckin’ blame you. Christ, if it was me, I’d have been climbing the goddamn walls if I had to live permanently in a house that you’d shared with—” He cuts off. He doesn’t say his name; he doesn’t have to. I know he means Will.
Will, the man whose heart I broke when I had an affair with Jake. Will, whom I left so I could be with Jake. But it still didn’t stop me ping-ponging between the both of them in the beginning. I hate so much that I did that.
And I hate the pain it still brings to Jake’s eyes. It’s like a blow to the gut. A reminder of how badly I handled everything. How much I hurt him.
“You bought us a brand-new house so you could have sex with me again?” I smile, trying to ease the atmosphere. “You do realise getting us a hotel room would have been much cheaper.”
He runs his finger down my cheek. “Sweetheart, I would give everything I own to be able to f*ck you again.” He returns my smile with his sexy grin, and I know I have him back to good.
“Well, it’s one hell of a shag-pad-to-be.” I tilt my head in the direction of the house.
“Tru.” He grabs my face, trapping it between his hands. “I want to make love to you in every single room in that house. But it’s not just that. I want a fresh start for the both of us. This place is brand-new. It was completed a few months back. No one has lived in it before. It’s ours to fill with memories.”
Tears well in my eyes, and one escapes, running down my cheek, trickling onto Jake’s hand.
“You’re crying—good or bad?”
“Good,” I reply as he wipes the wet away. “Really, really good.”
Jake smiles, and it’s so beautiful it makes my heart ache.
I wrap my arms around his neck and reach up on my tiptoes to meet his face. I kiss him gently on the lips.
“I love you,” I whisper over his mouth.
“I love you too, baby. Now come on,” he says, releasing me, sounding suddenly excited. “Let me give you the tour.”
Jake opens the huge wooden front door to reveal an open-plan living room with high ceilings. Across from me are floor-to-ceiling windows that span the whole of the back wall, offering a panoramic view of LA.
Holy f*ck, it’s breathtaking.
“Jesus,” I whisper, walking farther in, my eyes glued to the view.
“What do think?” Jake asks beside me.
Closing my mouth in attempt to form words, I utter, “It’s stunning.”
“The view is spectacular at night,” Jake says, moving through the living room toward the window.
I follow him, dazed, trying desperately to take in my surroundings. It’s decorated throughout, finished with two huge light grey sofas, a glass table, and modern art hanging on the walls. There’s also an open fireplace—one of those trendy ones with the artificial flames.
“The furniture is just for show,” Jake says, as if reading my mind. “You can decorate however you want.”
“However we want,” I correct.
“Right.” He smiles.
“This is one of the best features in this place.” I watch with interest as Jake flips open a little panel on the wall beside the glass. He presses a button and the huge glass wall starts to slide open, disappearing into the far wall, opening the living room onto the patio.
My jaw drops.
“Holy f*ck,” I whisper, stepping through. “That’s awesome.”
“I know, right?” Jake’s grinning like a boy with a new toy.
I glance over the huge plush patio area, my eyes locking on the swimming pool. It’s massive. The size of the ones you find at the local swimming baths, but way, way nicer.
I move closer and discover it’s an infinity-edge pool.
Moving from the pool, I approach the seating area, which is decked out with an L-shaped wicker sofa, padded with thick white cushions and centred around a gorgeous fire pit.
I glance out again at LA. “Whereabouts are we?”
“In the hills.”
My eyes nearly pop out of my head. “Hollywood Hills?”
“The very ones.”
“Holy f*ck.”
I can’t stop saying holy f*ck. But really, this is a “holy f*ck” moment in my life if ever there was one.
I’m in a house in the Hollywood Hills. A ginormous house that Jake wants to buy for us.
I may just have a panic attack. Or faint. Or maybe both.
F*cking f*ckety f*ck.
I don’t know much about property prices, but I’m figuring this one costs a lot more than Jake’s place in Pacific Palisades.
I wonder who the neighbours are.
“How much is this place going for?”
Jake leans back against the seating area. He eyes me carefully for a long moment before answering. “Thirty.”
I have to steady myself on the table, as I’m guessing he doesn’t mean thirty thousand.
“Thirty million dollars!” My voice has reached maximum pitch. I’m expecting to hear glass shatter any moment now.
I know Jake has a lot of money, but holy f*ck.
Holy f*ckety f*ck!
“I know it seems like a lot…okay, it is a lot,” he adds at my pained expression. “But it’s not like I can’t afford it. And I don’t plan on us moving again. I wanted the best place for us, equipped with everything we need for now and for the future. This place is as good as they come.”
Future. Kids? Kids he doesn’t want.
Swallowing down on that heart-wrenching thought, I ask, “How many bedrooms?”
“Five.”
“Five! Jesus Christ, Jake! There should be at least fifty for that price!”
Snuffling a laugh, he comes over to me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close.
“Baby, there’s plenty enough here for the price, trust me. It’s a gated community. The house itself is surrounded with gates, and that guy you heard before, he’s the security for the house. It’s manned twenty-four hours.”
“To keep your legions of female fans out?”
“I was thinking more about keeping the legions of admiring men away from my girl.” He squeezes me tight. “It’s a great place, baby. A great neighbourhood. It’s got a huge garden,” he says, nodding to the right. “There’s a two-bed guesthouse in the garden, which is where Stuart will live.”
“Stuart’s not going to live with us anymore?” I pout.
“Well, we talked, baby, and we decided it was time he move out and get his own place. He’s all grown up, ready to face the world. We have to let him go sometime. We can’t keep him forever.” Jake gives me a grave look, clearly taking the piss.
“You’re an idiot.”
“Takes one to know one.”
“That it does.” I smile warmly.
He rubs his nose against mine, Eskimo-style. “I just thought it would be good to have our privacy, and Stuart gets his too. Also, I no longer have to run the risk of catching him making out with a dude.”
“You love it really.”
“What? Catching Stuart making out with a guy?”
Pressing my lips together, suppressing a smile, I nod.
“Sweetheart, nothing could kill my hard-on quicker, believe me. I like the person I’m with to be soft and warm.” He runs his fingertips down my bare arm. “I want her made to fit around me.”
“Like me?” I scratch my fingernails over the denim covering his pert behind.
“Exactly like you.”
Jake bends his head down to mine and kisses me softly.
“Will you miss him?”
“Are we still talking about Stuart?”
“I’m just worried he’ll think my being here is pushing him out.”
“Sweetheart, he works for me, and it’s not like he’s going far.”
“I know he works for you, but he’s your friend too. You guys have lived together for such a long time. You’re like Joey and Chandler. Except you’d probably have been Joey, and Chandler was never gay. Oh God, would that make me Monica or Rachel?”
“What the f*ck are you talking about?” He laughs.
“Friends.”
“I’m gonna have to watch this show, aren’t I, just so I can figure out what the f*ck you’re talking about half the time.”
“Yes, Pervy Perverson, you are. Honestly, I have no clue how you haven’t. I’ll buy the first season on Blu-ray and we can watch it together.”
“Can’t wait.”
“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Wethers.”
“No, but you wrapped around me does.”
“Later,” I say, pushing back from him, grinning. “Because right now you have the rest of this place to show me.”


Half an hour later, the tour of my new home is complete. Jake and I are back in the living room, looking out at LA.
I’ve discovered this place has a gym, a cinema room, an office, a wine cellar, a library, and a games room. There’s another guest section that has two rooms, which Jake said he’ll turn into a studio like the one he has at his house. I also discovered this house has the biggest kitchen I have ever seen, complete with a separate utility room, a dining room, and of course the five bedrooms, complete with en suite bathrooms.
It’s so big I actually fear getting lost in here. And I have no clue how the hell I’m going to keep it clean. It’ll be a full-time job in itself.
I’ve decided that aside from the living room, my favourite room is the master bedroom. Obvious reasons aside, it has the same breathtaking view of LA as the living room, with the same floor-to-ceiling windows.
“So…do you want me to go ahead with the offer on this place?” Jake asks from behind me, resting his face against the side of mine, his arms moving to tighten around my waist.
I have a vision of Jake and me standing here like this late at night, his arms wrapped around me, as we stare out at nighttime LA.
I feel such an intense wave of contentment that I know unequivocally that I want this house to be our home.
“Yes,” I say, unable to keep the happiness from my voice. “I absolutely want you to go ahead with the offer.”
“Thank f*ck,” he says, his hand slipping inside my top to cup my breast, making me gasp at the contact I’ve been so badly missing these last few days. “So can I make love to you now in our new home?” His breath is hot against my ear.
Swallowing, I reply, “Yes,” with a breathy moan.
Jake spins me around, and my mouth hits his at exactly the same time, with the same hungry need.
“I can’t wait,” he growls. “I need to be inside you now.”
The urgency and command in his voice soaks my panties.
“I thought you were gonna f*ck me blindfolded and in my boots?” I whisper across his lips.
He groans. “Next time, because right now I just need to bury my cock deep inside you.”
“Where do you want me?”
Jake’s eyes hit the couch. My back does a second later. A few more seconds, and I’m shirtless and skirtless, my panties torn off.
Jake has barely gotten his own pants off before he’s thrusting his insatiable cock inside me.
“Eager much?” I breathe, lifting my hips.
“Too f*cking right I am. Jesus Christ, Tru, I am never going that long without being inside you again.”
I know it’s a stupid thing to ask, but I still have to, because this is me. “Why haven’t you been near me?” I ask quietly.
He pauses, staring down at me, a look of confusion on his face. “I was trying to be respectful. I knew how you felt about my house.”
I nod, feeling relieved that was his reason why and loving him so much more for it.
“It was really damn hard keeping my hands off you, you know. Why do you think I bought this house so quickly?”
The grin he wears makes me giggle and brings me back to the now and the feel of him inside me.
Taking hold of my hips, he kneels, lifting my lower half with him, giving him the access he wants to get deeper inside me.
“At least I got to wear the boots.” I tap the heels of my ankle boots against his back.
“F*ck,” he groans, rocking into me. “You’re gonna be the death of me.”
“Maybe we should stop. I don’t want you dying on me.”
“No f*ckin’ way,” he growls, burying himself deeper inside. “You’re not going anywhere until we’ve both come.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Say that again in Spanish.”
“Sir?”
“Yes,” his voice is strained.
“Sí, se?or,” I whisper. “No me jodas, por favor.”
“I f*cking love you, Tru, so damned much.”
I’m struck by the depth of his need for me, what I can do to him with my words alone, and the total control he takes over my body. And my heart. He owns me. It leaves me breathless.
“Te quiero,” I whisper.
He shudders, a deep sound escaping his throat. “Keep talking Spanish to me, sweetheart,” he groans, thrusting harder, in and out of me, chasing his need for orgasm, never forgetting mine as he presses his fingers against my bud and licks his cock against that sweet spot deep inside me.
Lost in him, wanting to please him, I whisper words of Spanish, heated praise I would never dare say in English, until my orgasm tears through me, pushing Jake over the edge.
I watch in awe as he throws his head back, the muscles in his neck tightening, straining, as he growls out his orgasm, pumping his hips hard into mine.
When he’s done, he falls onto me. Brushing my hair from my face, he tenderly kisses my lips, then rests his head beside mine.
I turn my face to his. “So that’s the living room christened. Only sixteen more rooms to go, excluding bathrooms, of course.”
“Well, I’m good for a few more rounds,” he says, grinning. “Where next?”