She tugs her face away, and I sigh. “Are you okay?” I ask gently, now calm. It’s because she’s here, within touching distance. I reach for her again, but she withdraws. I take it on the chin. She looks . . . emotional.

“Funnily enough, no, I’m not,” she snaps. “Why did you do that?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“You want me.”

“More than anything,” I admit, unapologetic.

“I’ve never met anyone so full of themselves.” Is she laughing? “Did you plan this? When you rang me yesterday, was this your intention all along?”

Did she honestly think I’d be able to stay away? And did she honestly want me to? Good lord, if I’m full of myself, she’s full of fucking shit. What I’ve done is as obvious as how I feel. But in case she’s truly missed all of that, I spell it out, loud and clear, no holding back. “Yes. I want you.”

She shakes her head. No, I can’t believe I’m here either, but I am, and so are you. So, deal with it before I go certifiably mad. “Can you open the gates, please?” She marches off, and I watch her, ignoring her request. There’s no way I’m letting her out of here, and I wouldn’t even if she hadn’t had a drink. Not until we’ve talked. Sorted this shit out. Found a middle ground. Which is what, Ward? She flies around, fuming mad. “Open the damn gates!”

“You honestly think I’m going to let you go wandering aimlessly out there when you’re miles from home?”

“I’ll call a cab.”

“Absolutely not. I’ll take you.”

“Just open the fucking gates!”

What the actual fuck? Why is she speaking like a whore when she’s a fucking lady? “Watch your fucking mouth!” I roar, and she recoils in shock.

“I’m not prepared to be a notch on your busy bedpost.”

I’m beginning to think she’s the crazy one here. A notch? Oh, she will be no notch. “You actually believe that?” I ask, astounded. Hasn’t she heard anything I’ve said? Does she think I say this shit to every woman I bed? I’m about to ask, but my phone rings. I dig it out of my pocket and answer. “John?” I try to walk off some of my stress, pacing in circles.

“All right?” he asks, probably having gotten word of me flying around The Manor like a madman.

“Yeah.” I’m not going into it now. I cut the call and face her with a stare that she better not mistake as anything less than determined. “I’ll take you home.”

“No, please, just open the gates.”

I shake my head. She can beg all she likes. I’m not backing down. “No, I’m not letting you out there on your own, Ava. End of. You’re coming with me.”