Rumours

by Claire Ayres

  “Let me look after you like you look after me. We’ve got this together, we’re a team.”

  Ignoring his parents are in the room she takes his head in her hands and she kisses him making sure he knows how deeply he is loved before she turns to deal with the problem involving his parents.

  “Maria, we will be staying for lunch as you kindly invited us.” Maria puts a hand over her heart and looks relieved.

  “I love you.” He grinned at her some more pulling her into him for a hug.

  His father, clearly outnumbered, leaves the room.

  ◆◆◆

  So far, the meal was going well, Mark and his Father were being civil to each other and Maria and Blair are getting on wonderfully. Maria kept glancing at her son and then to Blair with a faraway look in her eye and then halfway through dessert she came out with it.

  “When are you planning to get married?”

  Mark and Blair looked at each other for several long seconds trying to decide the best way to handle this question.

  “I hadn’t actually asked Blair that question yet Mother.” Mark finally answers. Blair giggles and Maria makes a silent O with her mouth.

  “I have your Grandmother’s ring when you want to.” She says.

  “Shouldn’t we be having this conversation in private, you know, without Blair present?” He responds and Blair bursts into laughter which is loud and disturbs the formality of the lunch Maria was aspiring to.

  “It’s not as though we are traditional with anything Mark” She finally manages to say and he looks at her eyebrows pulled together in a question.

  “What are you saying?” His parents eagerly listening to this conversation.

  “I’m saying if you’re game I’m game.” She says and Maria squeals

  “I don’t need Grandmother’s ring.” He says, dropping to one knee and dipping his hand into a pocket in his jacket.

  “Blair, I knew the moment I met you, we were destined to be together. I saw this ring days after we got together and it haunted me until I went back to the store and bought it for you, I’ve been carrying it around with me ever since, even when you broke up with me.” Mark pauses for a moment then he looks at her with the eager eyes of a boy filled with the love a of a man. “Shall we do it? Shall we get married?” He opens the box, and there inside is the ring which had caught his eye when he was at the jewellery store with Luka. He places it on Blair’s hand, stands and wraps his arms around her. “I love you, darling.” He whispers in her ear.

  “I love you too, the ring is perfect, and it would make me happier than I have words to describe to marry you.”

  “Congratulations Son.” Says his Father

  “Thank you.”

  His Mother rushes around the table to hug them both and tells Blair how excited she is to have a wedding to organise and her pleasure at having another daughter in the family. All before they sit down to finish their lunch and Blair spends half her time looking at the ring on her finger and wondering how she got this lucky.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Mark

  “What are you asking me, Mark.” My Father crosses his legs and takes a sip of his brandy. I’ve finished telling him everything Blair has been through, about the likely court case hanging over her head. I don’t come to my Father for anything, I’ve never asked for his help, ever. Even as a child I circumvented him and found different ways to get what I needed. Right now, I have to protect the woman I love, and I feel like this man may be my best way to achieve that.

  “Honestly, I’m not sure. She needs a lawyer, a good one who will fight her corner, I was hoping you could help me.” I rub my palms together, this is taking all I have, for Blair, I’m willing to give everything. My Mum is keeping her busy, I asked her to spend some time with Blair while I spoke to Father. They seemed to connect so I hope it’s going well.

  Father looks at me, nodding, sipping his Brandy. “What’s your ulterior motive for this Mark?” He says and I’m instantly pissed.

  “Ulterior motive? Why do you always think the worst of me?” I stand up and cross to the window staring out and trying to calm my temper. Turning slowly yet staying where I am. “The woman I’m going to marry has been abused and attacked, the man who did it not only pretended to be her friend, he is famous and rich. I want to make sure she’s protected.”

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. You’re right I always think the worst of you. I will get her the lawyer and I’ll pay for them until it’s all finished however long it takes. I’m also going to do some digging and see if I can assert any influence, I doubt I can do much although it doesn’t hurt to try. You’re right, she deserves for the scales to be balanced.” I smile, relief pouring through my body, Blair’s going to be looked after.

  “Thank you.” My hands cradle my head as I try to contain my emotion.

  “You really love her don’t you son?” He says as I walk back to my seat opposite him next to the large fireplace.

  “Yes, is it really such a hardship to believe?”

  “You’ve never shown interest in relationships before. It’s a surprise, a very good surprise I might add.” I look up and he is smiling, it’s rather disconcerting, not something I’m used to seeing.

  “She came out of left field, I didn’t expect to meet her and I couldn’t be happier I did. I’ve been ready to meet somebody for a while.” I admit to him. He tops up our glasses then returns to his seat.

  “I never told you how I met your Mother did I?” He says, and I shake my head. “I was 22, past marriageable age according to my parents.” I chuckle, and he gives me a look. “I was still living here with them, it was a Saturday and they said we had a guest for dinner. They had invited Maria, the daughter of one of my Father’s friends. She was 21 and still not married, her parents wanted to rectify it and both sets of parents had decided to bring us together come what may. What they didn’t expect for us to fall in love.” I’m aghast, now I know why my Father was playing those games with me because it worked for him, I can’t even form words. “I shouldn’t have played matchmaker with you, Mark, you’ve always been stubborn, and when you said you had met somebody I should have listened instead of assuming it was a lie.”

  “Thank you for telling me.” I finally found words to say. “I’m glad you and Mother found each other, even if it was a little unorthodox. I don’t need that extra help with my love life though.”

  “No, you’ve always been self-sufficient.” His face strains a little then he looks up. “Would you and Blair stay a couple of days, I have a few things I would like to speak to you both about?”

  “We haven’t prepared to stay,” I respond. Then seeing his face which drops in a way Mark has never seen before. “I’m sure we can pick up a few extra clothes down the road though, it won’t hurt.” He smiles.

  ◆◆◆

  “Ssssh they might hear us.” Blair giggles as I toss her onto the huge bed in my old bedroom.

  “Darling my parent's room is on the other side of the house, there is no way they are going to hear anything. I used to play my cello in the middle of the night and they didn’t hear me.” I stalk over to where she is laying and see the heat in her eyes. “Hello, fiancé,” I say pushing her top up and over her head, keeping her hands pinned above her when I remove it. My lips come crashing down on hers and fiercely consumes her. I slowly let go of her arms, tracking my fingers down her side onto her breast, I push her bra out of the way and slowly squeeze and massage the nipple as she writhes under me.

  Pulling out of the kiss, I unhook her bra, staring into her eyes and pull it off. “When do you want to get married?” I ask taking her breast in my mouth. I’m not sure if her gasp is because of what I’m doing or what I asked.

  “Where did that come from?” She asks pulling my face up to meet her

  “I wondered, I don’t see any point hanging around,” I say, surprising myself.

  “Don’t you want a big wedding? Your parents will want a big wedding.”
She asks I realise I’ve totally killed the moment.

  “No, I want you,” I say, and know without a doubt it’s true, I only want Blair.

  “Same, I tried the big wedding before and it backfired, I don’t want to do it again.” She says.

  “Well, I ask again, when do you want to get married?” And I start kissing her in the nape of her neck, her earlobes, her breasts, and she moans.

  “Just don’t stop what you are doing right now. As for marriage whenever you want, no change that to as soon as possible.” She responds and I flatten my body on hers letting her feel how hard I am for her while I kiss her lips, at the same time fumbling with the buttons on her jeans, I can take them down followed by my own, once we’re both naked I switch us so she is straddling me then I bring her down on my cock and let her ride me while I watch her, holding her hips. I can’t stand it and pull myself up to a sitting position taking her breasts in my mouth, using my tongue and teeth to bring her incredible sensations. I lower my hand to her clit while she rides me and uses two fingers to rub and help enhance the orgasm she has spreading throughout every nerve in her body. The look in her eye is pure fire and I work on making her fire spread.

  When her orgasm hits she digs her nails into my shoulders, drawing blood, her cunt grips my cock like a vice which makes me lose it and tip over the edge, falling into a pit I grip Blair tightly and let myself fall, down into the depths.

  As I fall asleep, in the bed I had as a teenager, with the woman I love wrapped naked around me I work out the things I need to do before I can marry this woman, because I know absolutely nothing in the world is going to get in my way.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Blair

  Blair wakes up to sun filtering through curtains when she turns her head she sees Mark sleeping next to her, one arm across her chest one hand on her hip, their legs a tangled mess. She feels his erection pressing against her leg and smiles, moving her face closer to his feeling his breath which tickles her nose and mouth. His even breathing, in and out a perfect relaxed rhythm. She takes her hand and softly traces his lips, his jaw, his cheek. A small smile forms on his face and the hand on her hip tightens.

  “Are you trying to wake me up.” He murmurs, not opening his eyes.

  “No, I was memorising you,” Blair responds, shyly before closing the small gap she had left and kissed him. “Good morning.”

  “Mmmm, Good Morning to you too.” He finally opens his sleepy eyes which glisten with happiness. “Why do you need to memorise me?” He asks brushing the hair from her shoulder making her shiver when his fingers caress her neck.

  “I can’t help thinking this is a dream which will come crashing to an end. I want to make sure I’ve got you in my head when it does.”

  Mark suddenly rolls and he is now on top of Blair pinning her to the bed his hands cradling her head, his erection pulsing in her groin. He stares deep into her eyes.

  “I love you, Blair. We love each other. Whatever else is going on in our lives, or has gone on in our lives my loving you won’t change. We are together.” He kisses her eyelids, moving down her face peppering kisses until he reaches her mouth where his kiss is sweet and romantic, he puts his love and emotion into it reassuring Blair he is not going anywhere.

  She reaches her arms up to wrap around him and they come together slowly via a slow and sensuous kiss. He enters her deep, thorough his pace matches the kiss and they watch each other feel each deliberate movement.

  Blair brings her legs around Mark’s neck increasing the intensity and Mark increases the tempo not taking his eyes from Blair’s. They don’t speak a word, tied up in the moment and what this means to each other. Blair reaches down and gently massages Mark’s balls, his response is to growl, gritting his teeth against his reaction and need to come. He pushes harder, working to bring Blair to orgasm and her body responds flushing and contracting, making her scream. As he watches her he starts to rupture, his whole body losing control in a deeply intense orgasm unlike any he has had before. He bellows when he releases, and Blair watches him taking his head in her hands, kissing him when he stops shaking.

  “I love you Blair, so fucking much.” He says into her neck.

  “I love you too, I love you more than anything else in the world.” She tells him.

  As they cling to each other she thinks about everything she has yet to face and worries how they will get through it. She holds onto Mark she is sure he will know the answers when she becomes unsteady.

  “Come on, let’s get showered and dressed. I’m hungry.” He smiles at her and she groans wishing they could stay in their little bubble forever.

  ◆◆◆

  It’s been a quiet morning of drinking coffee, talking and reading, after lunch though Blair sees Mark whispering with his Father in the corner of the study. She feels the familiar ache of concern burn through her and starts to feel the burn to run away when Mark comes over to her, crouching in front of her chair.

  “Sweetheart, my Father has somebody here he wants you to meet, is that OK?” He takes both of her hands in his, and she pauses for a moment, taking in his body language. The look in his eye, is one of concern, caution and love.

  “What’s going on, Mark. You’re really tense, is this something bad? You’re Dad throwing his weight around again?” She asks him and he shakes his head, looking down and taking a long breath.

  “No, I asked him to do this, Blair. I asked him for help. For you.” She crinkles her brow, knowing Mark doesn’t ask his Father for help ever.

  “Why would you do that? I will be fine.” She tells him and he shakes his head.

  “That asshole hurt you, and he has a media machine and a team of lawyers behind him. You need someone good on your side, I couldn’t leave you unprotected.” There are tears in his eyes and pulling a hand away from his she rubs a thumb under his eyes before kissing him gratefully.

  “I love you Mark Huxley, and if you think this is best, I’ll go with it.” The relief on his face is like the sun breaking through clouds.

  “I love you Blair Palmer, thank you. Come on, let’s go meet your lawyer.”

  He leads her into his Father’s Study, a formal room which feels cold and unloved, much like his Father. His Father is sat one side of a walnut desk at the far side of the room, on the other side is a woman with copper hair in a tight bun and a black pantsuit. There are two chairs next to her, presumably ready for the two of them.

  “Ah come and sit down.” Says Mark’s Father. When the pair sit down he turns to the woman who has a pile of files on her knee. “This is Annette Brown. She’s an expert in this area of law and has agreed to look after your interests in this case. Annette this is my son Mark, and his fiancé Blair who will be your client. Now if you don’t mind I will leave you to discuss things.” He stands up and walks out of the office. Blair takes Mark’s hand nervous about what it means to have a lawyer.

  “It’s lovely to meet you Blair, and Mark, I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. Also, please call me Annette, no formalities between us.” Says Annette. Blair smiles nervously, her hands shaking.

  “Thank you, Annette, I think Blair is a little nervous,” Mark says sensing exactly how Blair is feeling and where her thoughts are going.

  “This is our first meeting, it won’t be anything too complicated, I’ve seen the newspaper report, the photo’s and I have a copy of the police report. I will need to go through things with you myself and we will do it later, at your own home where you will be more comfortable. OK?” Blair nods and forcing herself to find her words.

  “Um yeah, sure.”

  “Great, what I want to do is give you an idea of what to expect at this point and what I will be doing as your lawyer.” Blair looks at her lawyer and realises this is someone of a similar age to her, how did she end up working on cases like this and not go completely crazy? “I think although the charges have been filed, the CPA may not hold up the rape charge.” I gasp and look up at her.

  “But…�
� She holds up a hand.

  “Blair, nobody, least of all myself, is saying it didn’t happen. They have very little proof it happened and when they can’t prove it, taking it to court becomes a dangerous game. I’m going to push hard for it to stay, however if it stays, you have to be prepared for what will come next. If the charge goes to court you will be raked over the coals. In these cases, it’s not the perpetrator who is put on trial unfortunately it is the victim, you need to be ready.”

  “Hold on, aren’t you being a bit harsh.” Mark pipes up while silent tears start to fall down Blair’s face.

  “Not at all, if you think I’m being harsh now with a warning, wait until you see what they do in the courtroom because it will be brutal. I am not saying it is right or fair, it’s how it is. We will get a damn good Barrister to help us manage it the best we can, but Blair, I’m afraid you will need to be ready.”

  “Shit.” Mark looks at Blair and puts an arm around her “You know you can do it don’t you Sweetheart?” He says and despite her internal emotional battle, she looks at him a face full of defiance and answers clearly.

  “If it stops Heath hurting anyone else I’ll do whatever it takes.” Annette smiles before continuing.

  “He’s going to have a number of well-known witnesses, people who will vouch for his personality, his reliability etcetera. He may even have people willing to discredit you. We are going to have to work on a case to build up you as a reliable person, a strong person, a good person, and we will need to find people to vouch for you. It’s going to take time, we will have to spend time rehearsing answers. Overall, we are going to be getting to know each other very well.”

  “OK, I guess we will do what we have to do,” Blair says.

  “One thing I’m confused about, Annette says, and she glances at Mark. “You two. I don’t understand how you are engaged when you were in a relationship with this guy” she waves her file “such a short time ago.”