In Too Deep

Chapter Twenty - Game & Set

I collapse back against the headboard. I am sweating. I feel a movement beside me and look down at Nell. Her shoulders are shaking. What the fuck?

"Are you awake, Minx?"

She rolls over and turns to me. She's laughing. "That was priceless." She laughs harder at my fierce expression. "I'm sorry!" She tries to school her features into seriousness. She's looking at me with minx eyes not sorry eyes.

"How much did you fucking hear?"

"I think, most of it. You did brilliantly." She pushes herself into a sitting position.

"You could have helped me out?" I growl indignantly.

"I couldn't possibly discuss 'comdons' and 'the sexual intercourse' with my boys." She teases. "I have far too delicate a disposition."

"I wish Tiffany had a more delicate disposition." I grumble, sliding out of bed and dragging on my jeans. I still have a limited window. The boys might come back up.

"Louis is fascinated by that family." Nell murmurs. "Their mum, Chanelle was a glamour model. She was very successful. She runs a modelling agency now. Tiffany took one of her old calendars into school. Louis said her bosoms were hanging out." She rolls her eyes. "Chanelle's car number plate is BL0 JBB."

"Christ; classy." I mutter dryly. How much is Nell paying for this school?

"I made an excuse when Paris invited Louis for tea." She pulls a face. "I suppose that's a bit judgemental of me." Those two little frown lines have appeared.

"Hey." I bend to kiss her. "You're just following your instincts. That's not being judgemental. If you can't look out for them who can? You wouldn't want Jack taking photos to school of you with your bosoms hanging out." I wink.  "Even though, they are fabulous bosoms."

She rolls her eyes. "Stop! You're outrageous."

I open my mouth to make the standard retort, however Nell is already serious again.

"Was I hypocritical? You did stay last night. The boys know we had 'the sexual intercourse'."

"They don't know for sure and they are only here, because that witch brought them home early. We didn't plan this." I kiss her again. "Relax. Enjoy a lie in. I'll make you tea. I'm going to set up the X-box with Jack and Louis and then I'll scram. You should have the day with them; just the three of you. Give them some quality time with their Mum." I'm so fucking honourable, my halo must be glowing.

"You bought them an X-box?" She asks, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"It's bribery, Minx. I'm resorting to bribery."

I spend an hour or so setting up the X-box with the boys. I've bought a handful of games and they seem pleased with the choices. I'll have to thank Scout for good research. I set up an internet account and Louis finds loads of his friends who are already online. Jack sits on the sofa and watches, arms folded, swinging his feet. He has the same little frown lines as Nell.

"How about you Jack? Shall we find your friends?"

"It's fine. I'll do it later." He looks at the floor and I study him thoughtfully. His hostility is obvious. We can't shrug it off. Jack has a problem with me; with us. I think back to Nicole's advice. Nell has to sort this. I could make it worse. I'll just have to try and charm him. I won't push this today.

"Ok. You know what to do; now we've set Louis up. I've got an online account too, so you can talk to me if you get stuck." He gives me a look which tells me, I'd be the last contact he'd make online.