I stood up and strolled over to her. “Because I can't.” I gave her the fuck-me-look. God, she even made smoking look sexy, especially when she was wearing nothing but a black silk nightdress.

  In mid-motion I took the cigarette off her and placed between my lips. “You're thirty on Saturday” I inhaled. “Don't want you getting pre-mature wrinkles.”

  “Cheers” she sighed resting her head on my bare chest and curling her arms around my hips. She let out an agonizing scream. I carried on smoking her cigarette, I could feel her pain. I didn't want to go, but it had to be done.

  “Will you come straight back?” She asked almost childlike.

  “Don't ask stupid questions” I exhaled some more smoke. “As soon as it is over I'll be on that plane and back in your bed.”

  “Our bed!” She looked up with a cheeky smile. I returned it and rested my head on hers. It was hurting me as much as it was hurting her. I didn't know what a mess had happened out there, I just hoped I could clean it up.

  ***

  Georgina

  I walked around the house. It was massive; Indoor swimming pool, cinema room, gym, playroom for the kids, a big American kitchen/diner, a grand dinning room, six bedrooms each with their own private on-suite. Olivia even had her own space with all the latest gadgets.

  Here I was feeling completely alone in this monster of a house. Maddy had taken Bailey out for the day, Olivia was with friends and Maxwell had left early this morning.

  “Happy birthday” I sang to myself. I looked at the Pandora bracelet Maxwell had given me this morning. Like a bracelet was going to make up for missing out on Paris. Why did he have to put business before me? Why his mind was always focused on money just lately?

  I wouldn't care if we all lived in a cardboard box, as long as we were together. What was the point in having this house, cars and money if he was never here to enjoy them? I had to get out. Roaming around the house alone was depressing me. I pulled out my phone and began to write a text...... I'm bored! Want to go shopping?

  A few seconds later...... Shopping? Let's go and get pissed birthday girl X

  A massive smile appeared on my face. Surely Maxwell couldn't deny me having fun on my birthday. I ran over to the intercom and hit the button for Jay.

  “Mrs Thomas?” Jay's voice boomed over.

  “Jay, could you drive me to Riley's apartment please?”

  “Be with you in five.”

  I released the button. I had to go and get ready for my birthday celebrations. I clapped my hands in glee, I was glad I no longer had to spend the day alone.

  “Where are we going, baby girl?” Riley asked while checking out his reflection in his mirror. He ruffled up his dark hair and pulled on his leather jacket. I had to admit he was a handsome man. Tall, lean, sculpted face and dark sexy grey eyes. However, no man even compared to my Mr Golden Rule.

  He spun round and gave a little pose. “Good, isn't it?” I blushed, realizing I was still staring. “Miss him?” I was glad he knew I was thinking about my husband. I gave a little nod. “Never fear Riley is here,” he gave a little bow and I returned it with a little laugh.

  He raised an eyebrow. “I can't replace your man, but I am excellent company.” He held out his hand and I took it. I couldn't imagine not having Riley as a friend. Shame Maxwell never got on with him.

  Riley was kind, friendly and really easy to talk to. Although, I did feel guilty I had stolen Blake's best friend. However, when the whole kidnapping episode came to light no one wanted to know Blake. Well, except Amy and even that didn't last.

  “I know a cocktail bar. Also, you could help me?”

  I folded my arms and raised an eyebrow. “How?”

  “There is a barmaid there and she keeps turning me down. Maybe you could put in a good word. Please....” He begged.

  “I see,” I smiled in a Maxwell fashion. “I should have guessed there'd be a hidden agenda.”

  “Georgina.” He tutted and placed his hands on his chest. “Would I do a thing like that?”

  “I think you do and can... Always!”

  The cocktail bar was amazing. It looked like it had never left the eighties. All neon lights, black and white checked floor, old fashion disco and complete with a vintage dance floor. I was getting my groove on to Michael Jackson's-Billy Jean. Riley was dancing with a brunette he had just picked up. Sadly for Riley it had been the barmaid's day off. Thankfully for me, I didn't have to play cupid.

  I'd had a few cocktails and was fully aware I looked like a loner. Dancing in the middle of the dance floor, with only my glass for company.

  It felt like we had been here for hours and I was really enjoying myself. A few men had tried their luck, but my best friend had scared them away. I closed my eyes and swayed to the music.

  Why didn't I do this when I was younger? All that fun I had missed out on in University. I could have been partying, but I choose two degrees and a job! I took another swig of my cocktail and raised my glass back into the air. The song changed to Wham- I'm your man. I started to sing along and got lost in my own intoxicated enjoyment.

  I felt hands grab hold of my waist and I froze on the spot. “It's okay,” said a friendly voice, I spun round and there was Riley. I gave a breath of relief. “We are all going to go back to mine and continue the party.”

  “We?” I slurred.

  “Yes,” he pointed over to a group of people, the brunette he was dancing with was with them.

  I shook my head. “You don't want a married thirty year old mother spoiling your fun. I'll ring Jay and head home.”

  “Shut the fuck up,” he spat grabbing hold of my wrist. “You're coming, end of. Down the drink.” I did as I was told. I guess it wouldn't hurt going to a party. In fact, I hadn't been to many parties and after all it was my birthday. Fuck it! I was having fun and I really didn't want it to end.

  ***

  Maxwell

  I had arrived in New York over an hour ago and was escorted to some hotel. I hadn't caught the name, not like I cared anyway. I just wanted the fucker to sign and get back to my wife.

  The hotel receptionist had escorted me to this function room. I looked around. It was full of young people who looked like they didn't know their arse from their elbow. I grabbed a glass of wine from one of the waiters that were walking about.

  “Maxwell Thomas?” Yelled a voice. I turned to see who was screaming my name. My eyes fell on a woman with brown hair, curvy and wearing the lowest cut dress I had ever seen. My eyes widened.

  “Stella?” I said, surprised. “What are you doing here?”

  She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big hug. “Some flashy LA business man is trying to buy my agency and I'm not giving in without a fight. You?”

  I stood back and cocked my head to the side. “I'm the flashy LA business man.”

  She burst out laughing. “I know... I was kidding. Shell we?” She pointed over to a quiet table. I nodded and followed her over.

  ***

  Georgina

  My favourite song Kings of Leon- I want you were playing in the background. Everyone was sat around chatting and having a good time. I on the other hand was still feeling like a loner; Sat alone with only a bottle of vodka for company.

  I was missing Maxwell. It didn't feel right spending a birthday without him. I checked my phone. There was still no word from him. He must have still been in meetings.

  I looked round the room. A few people had spoken to me, when they learned I was Riley's boss it was uncool to be seen with me. I downed the rest of my drink. It was a trip to the bathroom and then a call Jay to pick me up. I couldn't bare the loneliness any longer, I wasn't a party person and I never had been. I just wanted to go home, see Bailey and go to bed.

  I stumbled to my feet and made my way to the bathroom. I was making my way up the hall when Riley appeared from his bedroom. The brunette woman followed behind. You didn't need to use imagination to know what they had been getting up to.

  “Hey,” he said, a cheesy grin permanently stuck on his face. “Having fun?”

  “No, not really. I'm going to call Jay and head home.”

  Riley tilted his head to the side. “The night is still young.”

  “Maybe for you, but I really need to get home.” Someone exited the bathroom and I stepped in. I was just about to close the door when Riley followed me in. What was he doing?

  He closed the door behind him and leaned up against it. He began nervously shifting from one foot to the other. His fingers ran through his hair and he took in a deep breath. I folded my arms and just watched. I hoped he would get on with it as I really needed to pee.

  “I need to tell you something,” he hesitated. My eyes began to do the rapid moving thing. Painful scenarios all containing Maxwell filled my mind. He held up his hand and shook his head. “It is nothing to do with Maxwell.” He stepped forward and placed a hand on my bare shoulder.

  Now I really didn't know what was going on. “Riley, what is it?” I said my voice full of concern for my friend. “You can tell me anything.”

  I watched as his eyes moved to my mouth and then back to my lips. “I think I'm in love with you” he exclaimed. His hand moved round to the back of my neck and his lips locked with mine.

  For a split second I some how managed to fall into his kiss. His tongue slowly playing with mine. Then everything hit me at once and I pushed him away from me.

  “I'm married!” I cried. “I am married woman with kids.” I wasn't sure if I was trying to remind him or myself. Guilt washed over, I had allowed another man to invade my mouth. I had cheated on my husband!

  Riley stepped closer and I moved out of his reach. “You're not happy with him, George!” My eyes widened and I felt my mouth tighten. “It's your birthday and where is your husband? He’s more concerned about money than spending time with his gorgeous wife.”

  “You don't know anything” I pointed my finger at him. “He loves me and I love him.” Riley reached out and grabbed my wrist. He tried to pull him into him.

  SLAM!!

  With my free hand I punched him in the face. I pushed him out of my way and managed to escape from the bathroom. I could feel the tears pouring by now. I reached into my jeans pocket and pulled out my phone. I hit Jay's number.

  “Jay” I sobbed as soon as he answered. I was now hysterical and wanted to leave badly.

  “Mrs Thomas, are you okay?”

  “No!” I felt stupid. I had betrayed my husband and my children. I wanted to get back to the safety of my home. How was I ever going to look Maxwell in the eyes again?

  I froze........I had been here before.

  I suddenly woke up and reached out for Maxwell. He still wasn't back. I looked over at the clock it was 4.30 AM. Thanks to the cocktails and vodka I had been able to get some sleep. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. A dark shadow was sat at the far end of the room crouched in the corner. I blinked thinking it was my imagination but when I focused my eyes it was still there.

  “Maxwell?” I called out into the darkness. The shadow nodded and relief filled me. He slowly stood up and made his way over to me. I switched on the bedside light and noticed he was still wearing the same clothes from the other day.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked stunned.

  He was giving me the cold stare and swirling a drop of Brandy in a glass. His lips remained tight. He sat down opposite me, just staring and not saying a word.

  “Well...” I urged him.

  “You.” He snapped. “Jay called me and said you were in a state. I jumped on the plane and came straight back. In fact, I've just got in.”

  I rolled my eyes... Of course Jay would have rang him. No doubt he was under strict instructions to keep an eye on me. I couldn't hold on to this guilt any more. I had to tell him. I could never keep anything from my Mr Golden Rule.

  “Riley kissed me” I confessed. I watched his hand clench into a fist and he threw the glass against the wall. It smashed and made me jump. I reached out to touch him. “It's okay, I dealt with it.”

  He jumped off the bed and began pacing. “It's okay? Okay? Now do you understand?” He screamed, it looked like he was about to explode.

  “Understand what?”

  He stopped moving and his eyes were on fire with anger. “Why I’m the way I am with you? I need to control and protect you. Another fucker has laid a finger on my wife and she says its okay.” He let out a little air and ran his hands through his hair.

  “Maxwell” I cried.

  He held up his hand. “I can't deal with this.” He hissed and stormed out slamming the door behind him.

  ***

  Maxwell

  I hadn't spoken to Georgina all day yesterday. I had locked myself away in my office and blocked out the whole world. The 21 missed calls on my phone showed she must have been worried about me. I just didn't want to talk to her until I had done something.

  There was a knock on the door, finally the person I had been waiting for. “Come in,” I ordered and that prick walked in. He looked uncomfortable and I took pleasure watching his discomfort. “Take a seat.”

  He sat down in front of me without even attempting to make eye contact with me. On the side of his face was a perfect imprint of Georgina's engagement ring. A little smile came to my lips, she was right, she had dealt with it. I got up and walked round behind him. I placed my hands on the back of his chair and he instantly tensed up. He was afraid of me... I still had it.

  “My wife informs me that you kissed her” I hissed.

  “Yes” he mumbled, he swallowed hard and shifted in his seat. “With all due respect Georgina didn't oblige to any of my advances.”

  “I can see that by the mark on your face.” I leaned over right next to his ear and he tensed up more. He was pathetic and I was enjoying tormenting him. “You see I have this obsessive compulsion where my wife is concerned. I don't like other men placing there dirty hands over what is mine.” I quickly stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. He froze and I wanted to laugh.

  “Normally, I of beaten the shit out you, but looks like Georgina got to you before I did. Guess you're lucky this time.”

  “I'm sorry, Mr Thomas” he said looking down at his hands.

  “Glad to hear it... I would fire you but that would be too easy. Instead I have decided that from now on you’re my client and you are to have nothing to do with my wife.” He nodded. “I own you now, Riley, do you understand?” He nodded again. “I can't hear you.”

  “Yes” he quickly replied.

  “Good you’re free to go.” Riley jumped out of the seat and raced to the door. “Oh, one more thing,” I turned round to face him. “Ever do it again and I will chop your fingers off and send them to you.” I changed the tone of my voice to a more cheery and upbeat tone.

  “Have a good day” and I gave him my smile. His eyes widened and he ran out the door.

  I gave a little chuckle and shook my head. How pathetic was that twat? I had to ring Georgina now and sort everything out. She must have been feeling like shit and I hadn't helped matters. I ran my hands through my hair and let out a little air. Could we recover from this?

  ***

  Georgina

  I slammed down the phone. What was he playing at? I had spent a whole day worrying about him and he had been sat in his office. Why didn't I go and check when I got to work? It was such an obvious place everything with him was about work.

  I stood up from my desk and left my office. I couldn't wait to see him and give him a piece of my mind. He had overreacted and left me to deal with it all alone.

  I couldn't wait for the lift and decided to take the two flights of stairs. Why had he acted like that? Why had he blanked me till now? Suddenly I was full of dread. What if this was going to be bad? What if he had done something in New York?

  My legs began to shake. I couldn't imagine him touching another

  Woman and telling them the same things he said to me. His was mine and mine completely.

  Surely I was just jumping to conclusions and everything was fine. I stepped into the lobby and I wasn't feeling as confident as I did a few minutes ago.

  “Morning, Mrs Thomas” Maxwell's assistant smiled at me. I reluctantly smiled back and stepped into his office. He was sat at his desk and immediately looked up. He was a mess, still in the same clothes as before, unshaven and his hair all roughed up. It was his eyes that haunted me the most, red and puffy. He hadn't slept and my heart broke at the sight of this troubled man. I sat down in front of him and he finally smiled. His eyes warmed a little and relief filled me. Everything was fine.

  “Hey” he whispered.

  “Hey” I whispered back.

  He reached out over his desk and grabbed hold of my hand. He held it tight, leaned over and placed a sweet kiss on my wedding band. My heart skipped a beat. “I missed you” he began. “I'm sorry I never took your calls. I just needed to think?”

  “Think?”

  “About us” he said slowly.

  I snatched my hand away and swallowed hard. Maybe everything wasn't fine after all. I nervously shifted in my seat. He rubbed his brow and let out a sigh of frustration. I just studied him not even saying a word.

  “Why are we not getting along?” I shrugged my shoulders. “I know it’s my fault and I should have never gone to New York.” He had my attention and I looked back at him. I watched the despair fill his face and his wonderful mouth was turned down at the sides. I couldn't bear to see my beautiful Mr Golden Rule in pain. I jumped out of my seat and climbed on to his lap. My arms clung round his strong neck. I never wanted to let him go.

  He returned my hug with the same need. He ran his nose through my hair. “Let’s go to tonight” he whispered into my ear.

  “Where? Paris?”

  “No!” He laughed. I never thought I would hear that sound again. “The north pole.”