Our annual glamorous shindig/gigantic orgy is four weeks away. I’ll confess to Ava before then. Tell her what this place really is, and then she can come. Be my date. Obviously, she won’t leave my side. Or step foot in the communal room. I nod agreeably to myself. Four weeks. I can do that.

“How was last night?” Sarah asks as I take the stairs.

I look over my shoulder, finding what I knew I would. Curiosity. “The launch? You should know, you were there.” I round the gallery landing, heading for the new wing. I am not talking to Sarah about Ava. I might say something I regret like yesterday and be forced to apologize by guilt.

“She doesn’t know what goes on here, does she?”

My teeth scrape together. “Not yet.” If she laughs, I can’t promise I won’t lose my shit. “But she will,” I add, wondering how the fuck I’m going to tell Ava. She thinks I’m a hotelier, for fuck’s sake.

“Planning on keeping her around, then?”

I stop just shy of the entrance to the new wing, turning to face Sarah. “I need you to back off.”

Her face softens. That pisses me off too. “I’m just looking out for you.”

“I don’t need you to look out for me, Sarah.” I motion up my tall, well-built frame. “I’m a big boy, in case you haven’t noticed.”

She looks at me tiredly. “You’re vulnerable.”

I laugh. “What?”

“In case you’ve forgotten, you’re a bloody millionaire, Jesse. And she’s a lot younger than you.”

I wince, disgusted. “Are you insinuating she only wants me for my money? Kick me in the gut, why don’t you?” I motion down my body. “This body is the most desired around these parts, so take your conclusion on Ava’s intentions and shove it up your tight arsehole.” I turn and stalk off, hearing Sarah laugh as she follows.

“This arsehole isn’t very tight after last night, actually.”

I grimace, pushing my way through the final door. “Too much information,” I say, but at the same time, I smile, remembering last night, the kitchen, the bedroom, the ecstasy. Ava’s flushed cheeks. Her wonder. How easily she accepted me into her body. All positive signs. But what about her heart? Will she accept me into that?

“I’m just pointing out the obvious,” Sarah goes on. “As I’m sure many will.”