by F. C. Clark
With a glass of champagne, the bubbles entering our bloodstream, tonight is now starting to look promising.
‘Kate.’ I turn to see the super-bitch in all her glory – she looks as stunning as ever.
‘Barney, this is Alexis.’ I coldly introduce the light in my life to the chill.
‘I would say I’m pleased to meet you, but that would be a lie, so I won’t,’ Barney refuses to be courteous.
‘I have nothing to say to you. Your dad is… where shall I start?’
‘He shouldn’t have touched you, but as a shareholder you have a responsibility to the company. You can’t come to meetings and disrupt our plans.’ Her eyes look different tonight; I can’t explain how or why.
I desperately want to give her a piece of my mind but for Luke’s sake my mouth remains shut.
‘Kate, I have warned you before not to piss my father off. Getting on the wrong side of him is… lethal.’
‘And I’ve told you I won’t be bullied.’
‘We run a tight business that involves a lot of money for a considerable amount of people. If you wish to continue at Bagrov and Cooper, then you need to be a team player.’ The old Alexis is returning, ‘Kate, there is no “I” in team.’ She stands strong, defending her slimeball dad – poor deluded woman.
Barney laughs. ‘Un-fucking-believable. I tell you what, sweetheart, there is a “U” in fuck you – now I suggest you jog on.’ He takes my hand. ‘Come on, babe, there’s a bad smell under my fucking nose.’
Alexis’s face falls. Did she think Barney had perfect etiquette and decorum? Big mistake!
‘Kate… Kate, my lovely.’
I turn to see Mrs Gold approaching us, wearing a full-length silver lamé dress.
‘Wow, Mrs Gold, you look fab.’
‘I have to keep up with you young people.’ She pulls me towards her for a double kiss. ‘Likewise, you look beautiful.’
‘Thank you – this is the first dress made by my new business.’
‘How exciting, you must tell me more – but first, who is this handsome chap?’
‘Mrs Gold, this is Barney Curtis, my best friend. Barney, this is Mrs Gold, the lady who organised this event.’
Barney takes her hand in a firm grip and gives her a double smacker.
‘Pleasure to meet you, Mrs G. Kate is right – you look fan-bloody-tastic.’
Laughter is her only option. Barney evokes the same response from most.
‘Kate, I already love him. Mr Curtis, I assume you will be seated with Kate at the noisy table?’ She offers me a wink.
‘He is the noise at the table.’
‘There’s no point denying it, Mrs G.’ Barney holds his hands up in defeat. ‘I hope you weren’t expecting a quiet night.’
Mrs Gold links her arm through Barney’s. ‘On the contrary, these events normally bore me to tears. So I am looking forward to an evening of noise and raucous behaviour.’
‘You’re in luck – the party bus is here, climb aboard.’
Hook, line and sinker, I’ve sold Barney to the highest bidder.
‘Kate, would you mind if I steal Mr Curtis and introduce him to my friends, to inject some life into the proceedings? Are you up for the challenge, Barney?’
‘Mrs G, are you asking me to misbehave?’
‘Yes.’ She reaches across and takes my hand. ‘And where’s my handsome Luke?’
‘He should be here soon. Take Barney, have fun.’
‘I’m not leaving you alone. I promised Luke I would stay with you.’
My eyes scan beyond Barney. ‘No need – I can see him.’
Barney and Mrs Gold disappear, and my eyes remain locked to Luke. I watch as he scans the sea of guests. Bingo! Dark and protective meets dark and anxious.
His strides are long; I count in my head to ten until he reaches me. I link my arms around his neck. His lips reach mine first. After the day I’ve had, this is what I need.
He pulls away, searching my eyes.
‘I’m fine… In one piece. He only grabbed my arm, and…’
Luke is furious. ‘What else?’
‘Nothing. Max came in.’
‘Never again.’
I place my hands on his cheeks. ‘He didn’t hurt me, just took me by surprise.’
‘He tried to – that’s the same in my book. In all my years of business I have never resorted to any form of bodily harm. If you lose, then you lose – a lesson learned. You don’t fucking hurt people.’
My hands slip into his. ‘Luke, what happened in Scotland?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Did it get physical?’
‘I threatened them, that’s all.’
‘And Philip Cooper?’
‘He is AWOL. And of course he’s now not attending tonight.’
‘Please don’t go after him. I know he’s a creep, but this could blow up in our faces… He might call the police, or worse.’
‘Worse! He threatened you – it doesn’t get any fucking worse.’ He kisses me again. ‘I’ve made a decision to buy your share of Bagrov and Cooper. You will never go near him again.’
‘Can you do that?’
‘My lawyers are already looking into it.’
‘Good. I never want to see him again.’ I smile. ‘You know what this means – you owe me twenty pounds. That was how much I asked for the company at the beginning.’
‘I owe you?’ One side of his lip curls.
I nod. ‘Don’t worry if you don’t have the money; you can work it off.’
‘I’m always happy to work it off, but we do have one small issue to discuss first.’
‘Go on.’
‘Your dress – well, what there is of it. Stand back and let me look.’
I hold my breath – this could go either way. I hope he likes it.
‘I’m impressed. Is this your design?’
‘Yep, all mine… and of course Mr Jones brought it to life.’
‘You look stunning – well done.’
‘You really like it?’
‘I do… But I’d like it to be on the floor of our bedroom. Now I have to sit and watch you all evening.’
We are interrupted by one of the organisers, who is taking photos and interviewing people. With his empire, Luke is high on the list. Most surprisingly, the organiser wants to speak to me about Harper Jones and the kind of designs people should expect from us. I am a little overwhelmed and speechless, so Luke entices her with more information on the brand – bloody hell, he’s good at this. Words fall from his mouth. God, he could sell ice to Eskimos…
Tonight the entire pack is seated together. Poor Molly looks ready to burst, but Kiki seems to be finally getting over Declan – I hope. Harry chats to Tanya and Maria, and Barney is deep in conversation with Valerie. As everyone is engrossed in table chitchat, I get to chat to my delicious sex god.
Tonight I am grateful that Luke’s arm rests against the back of my chair, as I still feel unnerved by Philip’s actions.
‘Will we get to see your hotel tomorrow?’ I lean towards him, inhaling his scent, which is intoxicating and far too exhilarating.
‘A brief visit.’ His lips work their way from my jaw to my ear, and the roughness of his cheek makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
I turn to face him. ‘So tell me, do you have a plan to work off your debt?’
He frowns mischievously. ‘Debt?’
‘Yes – twenty pounds.’
‘Argh – yes, to be paid in kind.’
‘To be paid in full. I warn you, don’t go in arrears.’ I laugh and run my hand up his thigh. I believe a small amount of teasing is on the menu – who needs dessert with this edible man seated next to me?
Luke takes hold of my wandering hand and gently kisses my fingers, stoppi
ng at my engagement ring. His eyes lock to mine. ‘I’ve made an appointment with Asprey for our wedding rings.’
‘You did? When?’
‘Today.’
‘Today? You didn’t say you we were going to book an appointment.’
‘That’s because I only made the decision today.’
‘Before or after my visit to Bagrov and Cooper?’
‘After.’
‘OK. It has nothing to do with you buying my share of the company; being Mrs Sutton would make life easier.’
‘I could buy Bagrov and Cooper in a second; this is just about my need to make you my wife.’
‘You’re my kind of crazy, Luke.’
‘Good.’ His eyes begin to darken. God, I love it when Mr Frustrated Sutton is with me – welcome!
‘Oi, get a room, you two,’ Barney says.
I nudge his arm. ‘Leave us alone, we haven’t seen each other since last night.’ I giggle at my incessant need to be with Luke, any way I can get him.
Luke stands up from the table. ‘I’ll be back in a moment.’
‘Where are you going?’
He taps his nose.
Silence falls when dessert is presented – lemon soufflé.
‘Where’s lover boy?’ Barney asks.
‘I have no idea. You don’t think he’s gone to find Alexis, do you? He’s pissed off with the Coopers.’
‘They deserve it,’ Barney says.
‘Maybe.’
I smell the Sutton scent before I even get a chance to turn around. Luke is at my side, holding his hand out.
‘You’ve lost me… are we going somewhere?’ I place my hand in his palm, feeling slightly confused.
‘You may need your bag.’
‘Why?’ I collect my simple black Chanel bag from the table.
‘Do I need to give you a reason?’ He smiles.
‘Yes.’ I giggle, reading his eyes. ‘Mr S, you’re up to no good. What’s going on?’
He looks at his watch. ‘We have fifty minutes – actually, make it forty-nine and ticking before people will notice – so move your delectable arse.’
Barney stands to join us, stretching after the generous meal. He’s eaten half of mine too.
‘Off somewhere?’
‘I don’t know – are we going somewhere?’ I look at Luke, still searching for an answer.
‘Yes. Apparently you can book rooms by the hour.’ His eyes are scorching, a personal invite for my libido to cartwheel.
‘Oh my God, have you booked a room for a booty call? Luke!’ What the hell!
‘Bloody hell, Sutton, you’re on form tonight.’ Barney almost gives Luke a high five.
‘Luke, I can’t believe you would book a room for an hour – no, sorry, fifty minutes. Actually, it’s probably forty-eight minutes.’
‘We have a suite that cost three thousand pounds – that was all they had. Speeches start promptly in forty-eight minutes, now move.’
‘Jesus H Christ, three grand? Bloody hell, Sutton, I normally get a toilet cubicle – they’re free, mate… Not very stylish, but free.’
Luke almost drags me across the ballroom. I spot Alexis seated in the far corner. Luke also turns his head in her direction.
‘Luke.’ We stop – no, that’s not strictly true. Someone stops us, giving no thought or consideration to our needs.
‘Jack, how are you?’ Luke shakes the man’s hand.
‘Very well, and yourself?’
‘Good, thanks Jack. This is my fiancée, Kate Harper.’
‘Pleased to meet you,’ I say.
He leans to my cheek. ‘Edward speaks very highly of you, Kate.’
‘Oh, thank you. I don’t mean to be rude, but we have…’ I look at my watch, ‘to be somewhere urgently.’
‘Of course, don’t let me stop you.’
‘Jack, I will catch up with you shortly,’ Luke says over his shoulder as I yank his arm to move.
‘Do you know where we’re going?’
‘Top floor.’ He gives me his best ‘fuck me now’ smile.
‘A room with a view.’ Of course it is. Mr ‘I Only Buy The Best View’ Sutton would book the top floor for a booty call.
The lift doors slide open and we race to the door of the suite. Luke opens the door with urgency. I walk in ahead of him. As expected, the room is stunning. Shame we won’t enjoy it for long. I follow him towards the bedroom. He removes his jacket and sits in a large armchair, his eyes focused on me: not undressing me, merely watching me.
‘Strip… slowly.’
‘What? Are you feeling frustrated?’
‘Yes, turned on and fucking horny. Now strip – slowly.’
‘Yes, sir.’
First I undo the button at my neck and then the delicate buttons at each cuff, then the zip is all that remains. I slide it down my arms and the dress falls directly to the floor.
‘Fuck… You’ve been naked all this time.’
I nod suggestively and move towards him. My eyes lock to his and then move slowly towards his bulge, which has ripened beautifully.
‘Stop. Touch yourself.’
Anything for you. My confidence has risen to another level, as my hand wanders effortlessly between my legs. Taking a deep breath I absorb the sensation.
‘Does it feel good?’
I nod.
‘Tell me.’
‘Yes,’ I whisper.
‘You look so fucking sexy, I could come right now.’
He undoes his zip and releases his erection. Oh God, this alone will tip me over the edge.
‘Jesus, baby, I’m so hard. Are you wet yet?’
I nod. Fuck this, I need him.
I drop to my knees in front of him and watch his hand slide up and down his thick, heavy erection.
‘Let me take over.’ I lick my lips and gently take him into my mouth, holding him firmly between my lips.
‘Argh… Jesus, Kate.’
His hands move to the side of my head, holding me there, while his hips move in time with my rhythm. After just a few minutes of intense pressure from my mouth, his breathing alters: he breathes more shallowly, and makes small noises in his throat.
‘Baby, slow down.’
Gradually, I reduce the speed and pressure, leisurely licking the full length of his shaft and paying special attention to his crown, only to resume sucking him faster again.
‘Kate, no. I want to fuck you, not your mouth,’ he hisses. Whatever! I can taste pre-cum, and I know he’s ready. ‘Keep going, baby, harder.’ His hips rise to my touch, pushing his erection further into my mouth, almost gagging me.
He comes hard and fast. I swallow quickly and then release him. From my position on my knees, I look up at his face and move towards him. He grabs my breasts.
‘I wanted to fuck you, not your mouth.’
‘You must have left your self-control downstairs.’ I can’t help but chuckle.
‘You know we don’t have time for round two.’
‘Please tell me that’s the first time you’ve paid three thousand pounds for a blow-job.’
‘Yes.’ He suppresses a smile and stands up, adjusting himself. ‘Lie on the bed and spread your legs.’
I look at my watch. ‘We don’t have time… you can pay me back later.’
‘Lie on the bed. I’m not asking you, Kate; I’m telling you.’
Giving me no time to think, Luke guides me to the edge of the bed, and lies me on the mattress.
He sinks to his knees and begins to devour my clit in firm circular movements. My body is already climbing, and he knows it.
‘Luke, keep going – I’m coming.’ My hands move to his hair as my hips begin to sway. My orgasm slowly begins to subside, but as I open my eyes I see Luke has begun to undo his tro
users.
‘We’ll be late.’
‘Jesus, Kate, this is what you do to me.’ He looks down at his erection. ‘Don’t worry; this will be quick.’
I nod. He pushes me further up the bed and rests between my thighs; his entry is quick. I lock my legs tightly around him as he begins to work me.
‘Fuck it.’ He pulls out. ‘On your knees.’
‘Luke!’
‘Now.’
I move to my knees and rest my elbows on the mattress.
‘I want to touch you everywhere.’
‘Everywhere?’
‘Yes.’ His fingers slip inside my sex before sliding to the entrance of my arse.
Giving me no time to question him, he thrusts hard into me, burying himself deep inside me. Oh God, I have him again.
‘Jesus, you are so fucking wet. This gets me every time.’
One hand moves to my clit as the other glides across the entrance of my arse.
‘I love you,’ he says as his thumb slides into my arse. This is enough to make me come. ‘Give it to me, Kate. Fuck, your body is on fire tonight.’
True to his word, he is touching me everywhere. He works me hard, too hard for me to hold off my orgasm.
‘Luke… Fuck!’
‘I know, baby… I’m coming with you.’
A few minutes later, we stand in the lift wearing identical ‘just fucked’ expressions. We enter the ballroom, which is silent except for one person speaking on behalf of the charity for Alzheimer’s. Luke grips my hand and confidently guides us to our table.
He remains close to me, his arm resting against the back of my chair. I refrain from looking around the auditorium in case people are watching us, knowing why we’re late.
Barney leans to my ear. ‘You might need to switch to digital, babe. I think you’ll find you were fifty-five minutes.’
I look at him, trying to stifle a giggle.
‘Not that I was timing you!’
We laugh quietly.
21
Luke! Please let him be alive. I gasp for air and bang my fist against his chest. I look across to Jerry, who is trying to help Max. Panic-stricken tears fall from my eyes. God help them…
My eyes open wide. I wipe my tears away. I’ve just had another nightmare. My hand moves to Luke’s side of the bed, but feels only an empty space. I panic. Scrambling free of the sheets, I head for the stairs.
