Thing? “This thing is a Ducati 1098.” I slip my helmet on the handlebars and make a grab for her. “Kiss me,” I order quietly, leaning her back and moving in, not giving her the opportunity to comply. I can’t wait. And neither can she. She holds me tightly, and I’m a slave to what she does to me, the feelings she evokes.

So when she starts trying to break free, I’m indignant, naturally. I’ve only just got her in my arms again, so I hold tighter, kiss her harder, feeling her hands on my chest, trying to pry us apart. What the fuck is she playing at? I release her mouth, but not her body. “What do you think you’re doing?”

She continues to squirm. “Let me go.”

Never. “Hey. Let’s get one thing straight, lady,” I say, sounding as outraged as I’m feeling. “You don’t dictate when and where I kiss you, or for how long.” That’s my call.

“Jesse,” she huffs, out of breath from her struggling. “If Patrick sees me with you, I’m in all kinds of shit. Let me go.”

My instinctive flinch as a result of her foul mouth gives her the break she needs, and she’s gone from my arms, putting way too much space between us. “What the fuck are you talking about?” I yell, feeling immediately lost without her close, adding to my grievance. “And watch your mouth!”

She snorts and glares at me, a glare fierce enough to sever my dick. “You have not paid your bill, and now I’m supposed to be giving you a polite reminder,” she says, straightening herself out. A polite reminder? She’s not sounding very polite right now. In fact, she’s being plain rude. “I was forced to give some spiel about you being away.”

“Consider me reminded,” I grunt, reaching for her. “Now get your arse here.”

“No.”

I’m stunned. Because I didn’t pay my bill? Truth be told, I totally forgot about the bill. That’s her fault, anyway, and now she’s punishing me? I don’t think so. Let’s get some things straight before she sends me off the deep end.

Too late, Ward.

I get off my bike, clawing through my head for the right words, words that’ll cool the heated situation. “Three . . .” Perfect. I’m such a cock. Seems Ava’s shocked by my choice of word too, because her chin just hit the pavement. But I’m committed now. I’m not backing down. Oh no. “Two . . .”

Wide eyes join her gaping mouth. Then she huffs. “I’m not getting into a row with you in the middle of Berkeley Square. You’re a child sometimes.” She’s gone faster than I can think of a comeback, marching away. Child? “One,” I bellow, going after her.