Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Are you telling me what to do?’

  I laugh at his bemused face. ‘Novelty for you, but yes I am. As this is a new experience for you, I want you to lie there and let me suck you off.’

  Silence.

  I move up the bath towards Luke’s erection.

  ‘You have eight weeks.’

  ‘What! Eight weeks’ worth of blowjobs?’

  Luke pulls me towards him. ‘The wedding – I need a date. I want everyone to know you belong to me.’

  ‘Belong to you? Can you hear yourself? Only because you asked me so lovingly. Besides, what’s the urgency?’ My hands slide across his pectorals as I straddle him.

  ‘Why wait?’

  I kiss his lips. ‘Does this have something to do with Maddy or my conversation with Charles?’

  ‘Neither. I just want people to know that you’re Mrs Luke Sutton.’

  With these words, I am his.

  ‘OK, we’ll set a date. In the meantime, would you like me to thank you with my mouth, sucking you hard and fast until—’

  His hands slide into my hair, guiding his lips to mine. He makes me want him so much.

  ‘I want to come in your mouth, and later, if you can wait that long, I will take you.’

  Later, I check my dress for this evening’s gathering. I’m wearing a black skater-style dress with gold and green embroidery running down the front and across the shoulders. I join the partygoers in the lounge area, my faux-fur coat resting over my arm. Luke’s eyes rake over me. Have I passed the test? He smiles. Bloody good job, as it’s either this or underwear!

  We arrive at the restaurant, which is incredibly busy. Not only is the super-bitch there, with her slimeball father, but so is Luke’s ex-fiancée and Charles Morley. Great.

  The food and atmosphere are perfect, and watching Luke so relaxed with his brothers is a rare treat. After our meal, and after emptying numerous bottles of wine, the Sutton men retreat to the bar. The restaurant now feels like a wine bar, with people moving to other tables, hooking up with friends.

  Kiki leaves my side to be with Declan, making the most of her time with him, as she leaves tomorrow to holiday with her dad.

  ‘Kate, may I join you?’ I turn my head. It’s Maddy – what the hell?

  ‘Hmm… yeah, sure.’ Maybe I could take her phone and erase Luke’s number.

  ‘I would like to clear the air; I don’t want there to be any awkwardness between us. Maybe it would help if I introduced myself as Maddy – try and forget my relationship with Luke.’ She smiles. I can tell she’s anxious, and I admire her courage for making the first move.

  ‘Fair enough. ’ I laugh. ‘Honestly, I have tried to dislike you but, as Luke pointed out, he has good taste in fiancées.’

  She looks surprised. ‘Did he really say that?’ We laugh, which begins to thaw the ice between us. ‘Look, Kate, I know we will never be the best of friends, but in situations like this, it would be easier not having an atmosphere.’

  ‘Agreed.’

  ‘It’s obvious Luke adores you, and you make him happy.’

  ‘Thank you.’ I look across to Luke, who is laughing. Perhaps he hasn’t seen the guest of honour at our table.

  She passes me a shot glass. ‘I took the liberty of bringing you a drink; I did wonder if I would be wearing it.’

  ‘I don’t normally have bar brawls.’

  ‘No. The gossip is that you have balls and speak your mind.’

  ‘I wonder where you got your intel from. Let’s just say I’ll never be friends with Alexis Cooper. She hates me and has done since the moment we were introduced.’

  ‘I’ve known her for years, so has Luke – we all grew up together. She is well known for her fiery behaviour.’

  I tilt my head. Really? ‘I can’t argue with that.’

  ‘Kate, you’re not alone; we’ve all been on the receiving end of Alexis and her sharp tongue.’ Maddy raises her glass. ‘Here’s to new acquaintances, and good riddance to bad feelings.’

  We clink glasses.

  ‘Cheers.’ The fluid hits the roof of my mouth, burning through layers of skin. ‘Christ, what the hell have you given me?’

  ‘Poison! That’s what we call it. My advice? Don’t have too many.’

  ‘Safe to say, this will be my first and last.’

  She looks across at the bar. ‘Well, it has been a pleasure to get to know you, but I can see Luke watching you. I’ll leave you to it.’

  I stand with Maddy. ‘I appreciate you clearing the air. Thank you.’

  ‘Take care, Kate.’

  Luke watches me closely as I manoeuvre around people to reach him. My arms instantly slide around him.

  ‘What was that all about?’ He looks curiously at me.

  ‘You know, comparing notes. Maddy agrees that you have good taste in fiancées!’

  ‘You told her?’

  ‘Yes. Kiss me.’ His face comes alive as the smile that knocks me senseless creeps across it. My tongue swirls against his. With no hesitation, he meets my heat with desire.

  ‘Mr S – please take me home and fuck me as you promised.’

  14

  I scan the pictures scattered across the countertop, feeling as confused as I did last night. We’re back from skiing, which means reality is knocking at my door, and the first thing I have to deal with is the kitchen in Sandbanks. Luke has asked me to design the kitchen, and it’s a massive room with a huge budget.

  Luke enters the kitchen, on his phone. I gesture that I need a word. He’s fully aware I’m staring at him, and he flashes the Sutton smile that filters through my core and reaches my clit. Sexual desire will drive me wild all day.

  He finishes his call. ‘You wanted me?’ He tilts his head, knowing I literally want him. What the hell has he done to me?

  ‘Always!’ I smirk. ‘OK – look at these kitchen pictures?’

  ‘You showed them to me last night.’

  ‘Yes, but you were distracted last night.’

  ‘By you.’

  ‘That’s irrelevant. I need your opinion – the kitchen company wants my final choice today.’

  He leans over my shoulder.

  ‘As I said, they all look the same.’ He plants a tender kiss on the top of my head.

  ‘Not really. Yes, they’re all white, but they are different.’

  Luke moves his hand over the images. ‘Where did you get these pictures from?’

  ‘Magazines I bought while we were in New York. The Hamptons reminds me of Sandbanks, and I bought some stunning lamps and starfish…’ I look up to a silent Luke. ‘You’re not loving the idea? I thought, as the house is so close to the beach, a beach theme would be good… and grey weatherboarding in the kitchen.’ I wait for a response.

  ‘You’ll make the right decision – you always do.’

  ‘Luke, this is serious. The kitchen company charges a lot of bloody money. To be honest, I think we could get it cheaper elsewhere.’

  ‘No. I used them here; they’re efficient and produce good-quality products. Kate, I have no reason to doubt your taste: your office at Sutton Global is a perfect example.’

  ‘Oh! You’ve never really said much about it. Considering you have an opinion on most things, sometimes you don’t say enough.’ Should I be careful what I wish for?

  He pulls me to standing and straight into his arms.

  ‘I don’t have time to tell you every thought I have.’ He gently kisses me. ‘As for your office, I told you I liked it.’

  He kisses the tip of my nose and then pulls away.

  ‘OK, so you want my opinion?’

  I nod.

  He points to his choice. ‘This stands out more than the others.’

  I give a girly clap. ‘Fab, that’s my favourite too.’

  ‘Looks like we�
�re on the same page for once, baby.’

  I begin to gather the magazines. ‘For once.’

  ‘Before I forget, these are for you, and I need an answer ASAP.’ He hands me a couple of brochures. ‘I would go with the Covent Garden studio; however, the rent price matches the trendy area.’

  I look at the pictures. ‘You need to know now?’

  ‘The agent has held both studios, but I know he has potential buyers showing interest.’

  ‘Shit… the pressure.’ I rub my temples. ‘There’s not much difference in the size, so maybe the location. I think you’re right: Covent Garden will be better for Barney. OK, that’s my decision: Covent Garden. Oh my God, Barney will burst when he finds out.’

  Luke looks at his watch. ‘What time is your appointment?’

  ‘Ten. Do you want me to call you when I’ve finished?’ I continue to clear away the breakfast crockery.

  ‘Yes.’ He walks towards me and gives me a kiss. ‘Stay out of trouble.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ the kitchen designer asks, for the hundredth time.

  ‘Yes. Can you print me a picture to take home?’

  ‘Certainly. You just need to check and sign the paperwork, and return it as soon as possible.’

  I stand up from my chair and allow the blood to flow to my numb arse. Don’t give a girl too many choices!

  ‘I’ll drop it off in the next couple of days.’

  ‘Very well.’ The patient kitchen designer hands me a folder containing my 3D image of a potential design layout.

  I make my way towards Max, who is in the corner of the kitchen showroom, overdosing on caffeine.

  He looks up. ‘Ready?’

  ‘Sorry, it took a lot longer than I thought it would. No wonder Luke gave me the job.’

  ‘Where to now?’

  ‘I want to stop at the deli and I need some currants; I promised Jerry a cake.’

  ‘OK.’

  We head to the car park. Once again, Max drives my new car, and now it feels normal to sit next to him. I’ve given up trying to drive alone.

  I sit admiring my kitchen choice, excited about decorating our first home, together. I only wish Sandbanks was on my doorstep. I find my mobile and search for Luke in my contacts. Suddenly the car comes to a sudden stop. Giving me no time to understand what’s going on, Max unfastens his seatbelt and opens his door.

  ‘Max!’ I call.

  ‘Stay in the car.’ He says without looking at me, and slams the door shut.

  All I can see is a man walking down the street. My stomach instantly churns and a wave of panic washes through me.

  Max closes the space between himself and the stranger, and punches him. His first punch was a surprise, but the stranger was expecting the second one.

  Holy shit! I open the door and run towards them.

  ‘Max, stop!’ I scream, but he continues to pound the man.

  What the hell is going on? I’m no match to stop them.

  Max takes another blow to his face, and he falls. While he is on the ground, the other man kicks him hard in the stomach. Somehow Max manages to stagger to his feet. The stranger clenches his fist, ready to deliver a hard blow to Max’s face. I can’t take any more; I stand in front of Max. The stranger punches me instead. Jesus, that hurt! I manage to get up, and face the stranger as he raises his arm again.

  ‘Go on, hit me.’ I push at his chest. ‘You fucking arsehole, are you going to hit me again? Because you’re not hitting him.’

  ‘Fuck off, you bitch.’ The man wipes his face with the sleeve of his shirt.

  ‘I suggest you leave. As I saw it, you started it!’ I look around, wondering if there’s any CCTV to catch me out.

  ‘You fucking cunt, don’t lie to protect this piece of shit,’ the man spits.

  ‘We’re going to leave. I advise you to walk in the other direction.’

  Amazingly, he turns and begins to walk away. My eyes fall to Max, who is doubled up on the ground. Fuck! What did he do that for? The taste of iron swirls in my mouth. I wipe the blood off my lip, and touch my tender cheekbone.

  ‘Shit, Max, look at the state of you.’ I bend to help him stand. ‘Lean on me; let’s get to the car.’ My fear is that the man might return, this time not alone. ‘Max, please, we need to get to the car.’

  I shuffle along, almost dragging Max with me. He is over six foot. My five-foot-five frame is no match for his. We reach the car. I lean Max against the passenger side and open the door. He falls into the seat. Christ, what just happened? I reach for his seatbelt and buckle it around him, although I’m too late to protect him. I race round to the driver’s door.

  With the door shut and locked, I move the seat forward and push the start button. Shit, I don’t know where I am. My hands begin to shake as tears begin to fall. I search for Luke’s number from the car, thanking God for Bluetooth, having dropped my phone somewhere in the car. His mobile goes straight to voicemail. I call Stella.

  ‘Stella Trevant speaking.’

  ‘Stella…’ I try to speak but my emotions are all over the place.

  ‘Kate, what’s wrong?’

  Within seconds Luke’s voice echoes through the car. ‘Baby, what’s wrong?’

  ‘Max is covered in blood and I don’t know where I am.’

  ‘Kate, slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s happened?’

  I begin to inhale and exhale slowly, calming my voice.

  ‘Max just had a fight. I didn’t know what to do. Luke, he has blood everywhere. I think he needs the hospital.’

  ‘No. I’ll take care of him. Are you hurt?’

  ‘Just a cut lip.’

  Heavy breathing is his response. Hurt me and you will die!

  ‘You said you don’t know where you are. Look around you.’

  Max always drives through the rat runs in London; he never sticks to recognisable main routes. I look up and notice a street sign on a house.

  ‘Drayton Gardens.’

  ‘Good – that’s ten minutes from Sutton Global. Press your sat-nav button and hit memory. I have already stored the address. Press it now, and start driving. I’ll meet you out the front.’

  I nod and press the buttons on the sat-nav.

  ‘Kate?’

  ‘Yeah, I’m moving.’

  ‘I’ll be waiting.’

  I nod as tears flow down my cheeks. I look across at Max. My instinct tells me there’s more to his silence than physical pain.

  Luke was right. Ten minutes later, the car draws up along Sutton Global. I see him running towards the road in black trousers and white shirt. I stop the car and jump out, falling into his arms, sobbing.

  ‘Luke, I’m sorry. I tried to get them to stop… they kept hitting each other… I tried.’

  He holds me close, and lowers his face into my hair.

  ‘Shh, it’s OK.’ He pulls away and looks at me. ‘Fuck, look at your lip.’ He rubs his hand across my cheekbone.

  ‘Ow!’ I wince. His chest rises. Once again he was unable to protect me.

  ‘Get in the car.’ Luke moves the car seat forward, allowing me to climb in the back. He gets in the driver’s seat. Max turns his head for the first time and looks at Luke. Their eyes communicate silently.

  ‘Anderson?’

  Max nods. Luke shakes his head and rubs his jaw.

  Anderson… Who the hell is Anderson? I’m guessing the man with a good right hook. I’m also guessing I shouldn’t ask.

  We arrive at the palace relatively quickly, given the traffic. Luke steps out of the car and moves the seat forward, allowing me to exit. I enter my number in the black door and watch Luke help Max out of the car. How can a man who feels the need to protect me crumble before my eyes?

  Luke half-carries Max inside. I feel completely helpless as Luke continues through to the kitch
en, and gently lowers Max to a chair. At the same moment Rosie walks through.

  Her hands cover her mouth as she rushes over to us. ‘Oh my God… What’s happened?’

  ‘I need you to get Max a clean shirt and pack him a bag for a few days,’ Luke says.

  Rosie silently nods and walks off to Max’s apartment.

  ‘Luke, what do you want me to do?’ I look at him. He is in complete control.

  ‘Help me undo his shirt.’

  ‘OK.’ I reach forward and begin to undo the buttons of his shirt as Luke checks his wounds. I notice a large cut on his shoulder, maybe from when he fell to the ground. ‘There’s a lot of blood coming out of this cut.’

  ‘Use his shirt to compress the wound. I’ll get my medical kit.’

  Luke disappears into his office. Max raises his eyes in my direction. It kills me to see the hurt in his eyes. I reach forward and give his blood-soaked cheek a kiss.

  ‘You’ll be fine. Luke will sort you out.’ I place my arm around his shoulder and then hear the familiar sound of Jerry whistling. He stops dead in his tracks.

  ‘Jesus! What the hell happened?’ His words fire out so quickly that his Northern Irish accent thickens.

  ‘Max had an… accident.’

  Jerry frowns, definitely not swallowing my bullshit, and moves towards us. Luke returns to Max, bag in hand.

  ‘Kate, get me some warm water. Jerry, pour Max something strong to drink, and get an ice pack for Kate’s cheek.’ We all carry out our tasks set by Commander Sutton.

  Within ten minutes, Rosie returns with a shirt and an overnight bag. All three of us watch Luke clean and attend to Max’s wounds, using steri-strips to close his lacerations. Luke helps Max into a clean shirt.

  ‘Kate – a word.’

  I follow Luke to his office, holding the ice pack against my cheek.

  He pushes the door slightly closed.

  ‘Let me look at you.’ He gently touches my cheek. ‘It feels fine – I think it’s just bruised, and your lip.’ He touches it with his thumb and then tenderly kisses me. He pulls me into his arms. ‘I’m sorry, this should never have happened. I know you have questions, but I need to take Max away for a few days.’