The Pleasures of Spring Read online

  Evie Hunter

  THE PLEASURES OF SPRING

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Follow Penguin

  PENGUIN BOOKS

  THE PLEASURES OF SPRING

  ‘Evie Hunter’ is actually two authors who met at a creative writing workshop in 2010 and discovered a shared love of erotica. Since then, while they have both written fiction in other genres, they have also written a number of BDSM-themed novellas together. The Pleasures of Spring is their fourth collaboration on a novel, following the publication of The Pleasures of Winter (2012), The Pleasures of Summer (2013) and The Pleasures of Autumn (2013).

  For our real-life heroes, Tony and Seoirse

  Praise for previous pleasures books

  ‘More colour and better written than E. L. James and a more exciting read than any of Sylvia Day’s books.’ Irish Independent

  ‘A must-read if you enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey.’ Daily Star

  ‘Evie Hunter has managed to do it again! I adore this series … I devoured the previous books and was so consumed by them that I felt like I was actually a part of that world … if you like Erotica fiction that has depth and an action-packed story line, then this book is for you.’ Totally Bookalicious (5/5) (full review at: http://totally-bookalicious.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/book-review-pleasures-of-autumn.html)

  ‘I was riveted … I can’t wait for the next in the Pleasures series and am sad that there are only four seasons.’ Books-n-Kisses (4.5/5) (full review at: http://www.books-n-kisses.com/2013/10/kimberly-reviews-the-pleasures-of-autumn-by-evie-hunter/)

  ‘These authors have once again managed to inject a special brand of magic into their writing which captivates me as a reader entirely … This was a sizzling, exciting read.’ Me, My Books and I (5/5) (full review at: http://memybooksandi.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/the-pleasures-of-autumn-by-evie-hunter/)

  ‘A succulent, taunting and combustible thrillride … an intelligent and “smexy” read!’ Avon Romance (full review at: http://www.avonromance.com/post/the-pleasures-of-autumn-by-evie-hunter)

  ‘I had always thought that the majority of erotic novels have no plot … This wasn’t the case with The Pleasures of Autumn … Evie Hunter writes well and there are none of the clichés that I expected in my clearly misguided preconceptions!’ Plastic Rosaries Book Blog (full review at: http://plasticrosaries.com/review-pleasures-autumn-evie-hunter/)

  ‘The Pleasures of Autumn is definitely my favourite of the Pleasures series to date. Dynamic duo making up team Evie Hunter are hitting their stride. [It] showcases both their writing maturity as well as their ability to crank up the heat.’ Book Addict/La Crimson Femme (full review at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/673611433)

  ‘Watch out people, I’m telling you this writing duo is one to watch. They’ve knocked it out of the park with two in a row (Pleasures of Winter and now Pleasures of Summer). If you want a well-written book to read after Fifty or even better than Gideon Cross, look no further. Not only do you get all the tension with a hell of a pay-off, you get a believable HEA at the end. Masterfully written, artfully told, and yummy to read.’ My Book Boyfriend (5/5) (full review at: http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.ie/2013/06/the-pleasures-of-summer-pleasures-2-by.html?zx=7e2a07f2382adc48)

  ‘One hot read … but it never gets so heavy that it might leave the reader uncomfortable. Having said that, I have to admit that I was both surprised and intrigued by the alternative uses that were found for both Alka-Seltzer and tiger balm in this story. Who knew?’ Nudge Me Now (4/5) (full review at: http://www.nudgemenow.com/article/the-pleasures-of-summer-by-evie-hunter/)

  ‘Evie Hunter does it again! … This novel had me and wouldn’t let me go. I never had a reason to stop reading this book, and I’m so glad that I did get the chance to read it. As erotic literature goes, I’d say this novel would be in the top ten of amazing books to read in the genre.’ Manhattan Reader (full review at: http://headstrong-tomgirl.blogspot.ie/2013/06/the-pleasures-of-summer-by-evie-hunter.html)

  ‘The Pleasures of Summer by Evie Hunter is NOT just an erotic romp through the world of the Dom/Sub relationship, there is a plot – honest – and it’s a good one, filled with tension, danger and a kidnapping or two! Summer and Flynn are both well-developed (very – had to say that), dimensional (very – had to say that, again) and their bickering and bantering back and forth is actually chuckle-worthy at times!’ Tome Tender (5/5) (full review at: http://tometender.blogspot.ie/2013/06/the-pleasures-of-summer-by-evie-hunter.html?zx=c6d5aac4bee7872f)

  ‘Danger, heat, obsession and unexplored desires come together to form a combustive and sizzling tale, not soon forgotten … Did I mention the chemistry that they share?! You will definitely not need a blanket to keep yourself warm as you read this one! … [It’s] a knockout story that will grip readers and have them flying through the pages at a heart-stopping rate. There were times while I was reading that I found myself so emotionally engrossed within the story and the characters that I found my heart skipping and tears welling up.’ Romancing the Book (Full review at: http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/01/review-the-pleasures-of-winter-by-evie-hunter.html)

  ‘These authors can certainly write a hot scene … If you’re looking for something hot and steamy with intense chemistry, then you can’t go wrong with this one. I really hope that we get to see more of these characters in the future but I’ll be looking forward to anything that these authors come up with.’ Feeling Fictional (Full review at: http://www.feelingfictional.com/2012/11/review-pleasures-of-winter-evie-hunter.html)

  ‘All I can say is, holy yowza, Batman! Yes, this book falls firmly into the “What to read after Fifty Shades of Grey” category, but in my opinion – and pay attention to me here, people – this book blows Fifty Shades out of the water. That’s right, I said it … I unabashedly adored this book.’ This Bookish Endeavor (Full review at: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.ie/2013/01/the-pleasures-of-winter-evie-hunter.html)

  Quotes from Goodreads.com user reviews

  ‘The Pleasures of Autumn has it all. Romance, mystery, suspense, a great story line and a bunch of BAAA CHICKAAA WAAA WAAAaaa … a great read!’ 5/5

  ‘Who needs Fifty Shades of Grey when you’ve got Evie Hunter writing up a steamy storm! This novel has got all that I love: rubies, a touch of Irish and Paris and a dollop or three of man for my sugar fix. The only thing is that it’s left me wanting to go out and get the other two books!’ 5/5

  ‘The combination of eroticism and romance with suspense, action and some fabulous humour makes this book a superb read.’ 5/5

  ‘And the bonus prize goes to … the author for actually including a STORY! And not a bad one at that – a good plot, mystery, suspense, action, rom
ance … and erotic scenes that are not there for their own sake but that actually do contribute to your understanding of the characters’ relationship. And so I am thankful that my quest has been fulfilled – erotica can be well written – no more glorified porn for me!’ 4/5

  ‘The relationship between the two of them at times tended to be frustrating!!! I swear that communication is the key to a relationship and sometimes these two had none! That is exactly what makes this book so real to me. The fact that each of them was terrified to share their true feelings with each other which tends to happen often in real life, not just in stories. The makeup sex was HOT!!! It made me wish there was more book when I was finished reading.’ 5/5

  ‘Ms Hunter has done it again. Talk about a page turner. I started to read this book in bed one night and fell asleep reading it. The following morning I picked it up again and couldn’t stop reading until I finished it. This is more than just a love story. The sexy scenes are HOT and the hero is halfIrish and half Scots. What more could a girl ask for? I can’t wait for the next book.’ 4/5

  1

  Roz Spring stumbled when she saw the display of hunting knives on the wall. They were so out of place in the run-down London shopping centre that she couldn’t conceal her shock. She blinked and managed to control her face, but could do nothing about the cold sweat that chilled her back.

  ‘You all right, love?’ The man in Sunny Money came from behind the counter and caught her arm. ‘You turned a bit pale there.’

  Roz allowed herself to lean against his arm. The heavy weight of her swollen belly unbalanced her, and she would take all the help she could get. She sagged a little, the movement taking the strain off her back. ‘I’m sorry, it was those knives. They gave me such a fright.’

  Mr Sunny Money turned to look at them, as if he had forgotten they were there. Six knives, long and lethal, with handles of leather, ivory and wood, gleamed evilly from their display stand on the back wall. ‘They belonged to my great-grandfather. He was a big game hunter in Africa, back in the time when you were allowed to kill the animals.’

  He shrugged. ‘Of course, things are different now. You take photos instead of shooting them. That’s my hobby.’

  He smiled at her, a charming self-deprecating smile, but Roz couldn’t force herself to return it. Knives freaking scared her.

  She rubbed her belly restlessly. ‘I’m sorry, it was the shock of seeing them.’

  Sunny Money was on the first floor of Lewisham shopping centre, in a small unit sandwiched between a high-end jewellers and a boutique selling the kind of skimpy, fashionable clothes that would no longer fit her. The glass walls that divided the office from the walkway revealed neutral walls and carpet and a waist-high desk without the bulletproof protection so popular in banks. It was friendly, approachable and exactly what she needed in her situation.

  Her scalp prickled and she longed to scratch it, but couldn’t take her attention off the display. Roz shook slightly. Since that damp night in Paris over a year ago, she had nightmares about knives. ‘Do you think I could sit down? I’m feeling a bit strange.’

  Mr Sunny Money was all concern. ‘Of course. Here you are.’

  He pulled a chair forward and helped her into it.

  Roz lowered herself awkwardly, sighing with relief when she was able to relax. She leaned forwards and rubbed her lower back. ‘I had no idea pregnancy would be like this. It looks so glamorous on TV, all those glowing, happy women. It’s nothing like that.’

  She was close enough to read his identity badge. Dave Winston.

  Dave patted her arm. ‘I can see that, but you’re glowing in your own way.’ He paused delicately. ‘You must be due soon?’

  Roz averted her eyes. ‘Yes, that’s sort of why I’m here. I’m due in a couple of weeks, and it’s twins.’ She looked up again. ‘Twins! One baby would have been bad enough, but two? I had no idea they were so expensive. I’ll need a double buggy, and cots, and formula and a sterilizer and clothes and all sorts of things. I have no idea where I’m going to get the money, but my friend Stella said you’d be able to help me.’

  Dave smiled reassuringly.

  It was a very practised expression, Roz decided.

  ‘I understand completely. I don’t suppose the father …’ He allowed his voice to trail off.

  ‘No. There’s no father in the picture. My mate Stella is helping me get my child benefit organized. It will be extra with twins, but I need the money now.’

  Dave patted her arm. ‘That’s what we’re here for, love. What did you have in mind?’

  She took a breath. ‘Would a thousand pounds be too much?’

  His smile turned shark-like. ‘Of course not. Expensive, those young ’uns. Maybe you’ll need a bit more. Say fifteen hundred? Repayment’s only twenty quid a week, you’ll manage that easily.’

  Roz forced herself to look grateful. ‘Oh thank you, thank you. You’ve saved my life. And the interest?’

  ‘Will be no problem.’ Dave helped her out of her chair and over to the counter where he handed her an application form.

  Elaine O’Kennedy she wrote in the space for the name. She filled in one of the thirteen different addresses she had lived in as a child. Her dad didn’t believe in settling down. She allowed her eyes to wander over the space behind the counter, searching for a locked container.

  There. That was it. She scribbled a signature on the bottom of the page while he counted out the cash.

  ‘Perfect.’ Dave glanced at the form. ‘Now, do you have a driving licence? I need to see some ID.’ He held onto the bundle of notes.

  She shook her head. ‘No, I’m sorry.’ She allowed a trace of desperation to sound in her voice. ‘Does this mean I can’t have the money?’

  He frowned. ‘Something else then? Your Benefit card, maybe?’

  Her hand shook as she dug through her bag, looking for the card.

  Dave snatched it out of her grasp and looked at the details on the forged card. ‘Perfect. I’ll hold onto this for a few days while I check your details.’

  He unlocked the small heavy box behind the counter and dropped her card into it.

  It was time.

  Roz dropped the extra-fine condom she had filled with yellow-tinted water. It hit the ground with a satisfying splat, splashing the contents all over her legs and the carpet. She clutched her belly and gave a loud cry. ‘My waters have broken.’

  Roz doubled over. ‘Ow, ow, ow. That must be a contraction. OW!’

  ‘You said you weren’t due for a couple of weeks.’ Dave looked completely rattled.

  She straightened up enough to glare at him. ‘I’ll be sure to tell the babies they’re early.’

  She clutched her belly again, moaning loudly. ‘You have to call for help.’

  Dave fumbled around the counter, looking for his phone. It had vanished.

  Roz groaned again, her voice rising. ‘Ow, that hurts so much.’ She held onto the counter. ‘I thought there were supposed to be gaps between contractions. These babies are in a hurry.’

  ‘You can’t have them here.’ Dave stopped looking for the missing phone. ‘Wait here, I’ll go for help.’

  She panted theatrically. ‘Hurry, please.’

  He bolted for the door.

  As soon as he was gone, Roz ducked in behind the counter and grabbed the box. It was full of Benefit cards. Mr Sunny Money had being preying on her neighbours for months. Bastard. She lifted the skirt of her voluminous pregnancy dress, unzipped the top of her pregnancy ‘bump’ and emptied the contents of the box into it. Perfect. A lot of people would sleep better when they had those back. She quickly zipped up the ‘bump’ and lowered her dress, then looked around, checking to see if there was anything she had missed.

  Bang! Bang!

  Shots rang out, followed by the sounds of breaking glass and the screams of shoppers. Roz raised her head and caught a glimpse of a masked gunman holding a brutal-looking rifle. She dropped like a stone, praying he hadn’t seen her.
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  More shots, screams, the noise of dozens of people running. An alarm went off.

  Damn it! No prizes for guessing what had happened. A robbery at the jewellers had gone wrong, and the thieves were trying to shoot their way out. And they were between her and the exit.

  Roz stayed where she was, using the counter to shield her from the bedlam outside, but couldn’t resist peering around the edge to see what was happening.

  A tall figure was herding a bunch of kids down the service stairs. He was wearing an expensive looking wool coat, so it was hard to make out details, but there was something familiar about that figure.

  He turned his head, and she caught a glimpse of a familiar profile.

  Andy McTavish.

  No, no, no! Anyone but him. The last person in the world she needed now was Andy McTavish. She had spent over a year on the run, staying one step ahead of him. She was not going to let him drag her to the nearest police station and hold her there ’til Interpol arrived. She had worked too hard, risked too much, to be caught now.

  Her heart pounded. Why did they have to send someone so damn gorgeous to catch her?

  Roz forced herself to crouch down behind the counter, well out of his sight. The emergency exit door closed and he was gone.

  A police siren sounded in the distance, and a rapid splutter of shots told her the gunmen had a sub-machine gun as well as a revolver. Her chances of getting out alive were dropping rapidly.

  She barely had time to register the shadow moving before a large body slid over the counter and onto the floor beside her.

  ‘Oh!’

  His dark eyes, veiled by ridiculously long lashes and shadowed by strong brows, were narrowed. His cheekbones were razor sharp, creating shadowed planes on his angular face. The thin mobile mouth was tight until he saw her hidden behind the counter.

  She caught a wave of his scent, something woodsy and masculine that made her skin flush. How the hell could he have this effect on her?

  Despite his crouched position, he took a moment to make a small bow. ‘Sorry to disturb you, ma’am, but I need to borrow a couple of your knives.’