by J. A. Kerr
Anna
Anna wasn’t happy. Horrified by the twin’s abduction, she had been deeply troubled by recent events. Danger seemed to stalk the Harrisons and Anna worried it would spill over and affect Guy.
She’d been thrilled when he agreed to move in with her but if she thought their honeymoon period was about to begin—she couldn’t have been more wrong. She barely saw Guy. He was living with her in name only while he spent most of his time at Harrison’s. Anna had a love-hate relationship with the club. She resented the time Guy spent there but more than anything she resented the hold Benedict and Siena had over him—especially Siena. Anna knew it was silly to be jealous, but she saw the way Guy looked at her. If Siena’s relationship with her husband had not been as strong as it was, Anna might think something was going on between them. However, she saw the way the Harrisons looked at each other—they had what she craved.
The Braille Club had opened up an exotic and pleasurable world that not only had her darkest desires satisfied but sated. Anna was learning Kinbaku too. She was fascinated by the whole process. The more she learned about the ancient eastern discipline the more she craved it. But it wasn’t something they practised at home. They experimented at the Braille Club in their own exclusive zone. Guy was the dominant, and it thrilled her. The balance was restored in their own bedroom when the roles were reversed, and Anna took control.
Lately, Anna had felt neglected and undesired. Guy, tired from a long day at the club, would often be monosyllabic when he returned. He didn’t ask about her day or show any interest in her life, and she was getting sick of it. When he awoke shouting and shaking in the night, she wrapped her arms around him. Her mouth found his and their lovemaking was rough and punishing in its intensity. Anna felt alive then and loved. Guy had stopped with his conspiracy theories about Nick Waters because Anna challenged him to provide the evidence to back up his claims. They argued over it. Anna knew Guy wasn’t being objective. There simply was no evidence. But Guy was like a dog with a bone and now shut her out completely.
She needed him to focus on their lives and not his bloody work all the time. He had retired from one work obsession, only to replace it with another. Work on their zone was at a standstill as Guy focused on the abduction case. Anna was sick of that too. She realised how heartless that sounded, but if she didn’t object now, where did that leave them? Guy must have sensed her unhappiness and surprised her by taking the weekend off. She’d been so excited to spend time with him. She’d made plans like normal couples did. However, Guy was bone tired with dark circles under his eyes. She’d let him sleep late on Saturday and they’d spent a quiet evening with a takeout and a DVD box set Anna had been trying to get Guy interested in. After he yawned repeatedly and fought to keep his eyes open, Anna told him to go to bed. She tried not to get annoyed as their Sunday lunch reservation loomed with no sign of Guy stirring from the bedroom. She cancelled with the restaurant, no longer hungry.
Anger bubbled inside her. She hadn’t signed up for this. As she cleaned furiously, the day slipped away. Her mood did not improve when she checked the bedroom to see Guy not only awake but on his laptop.
“I hope you’re not bloody working,” she snapped.
Guy looked away guiltily and quickly shut his computer. “No. Just reading the news.”
Bollocks, thought Anna. “How long have you been awake?” Her nostrils flared.
“Not long,” he replied but didn’t meet her gaze.
Anna was suddenly tired. What the hell was happening to them? It was obvious his work was more important than her. She turned and walked out of the bedroom in disgust. She waited for him to join her in the kitchen but when it became obvious he preferred to stay in the bedroom, she ground her teeth to keep her anger in check. Guy finally emerged and sat down. When his mobile rang she willed him to ignore it, but when he didn’t she grabbed her keys and stormed out of the flat.
It was probably fucking Benedict or his bloody demanding wife, she thought. She jabbed the elevator button repeatedly. Everything was more important than her. She walked aimlessly around until a shop window caught her eye: a travel agent. Anna took a deep breath and stepped inside. She had no idea where she wanted to go and leafed through the vast array of glossy brochures. She wanted luxury and pampering. Time alone with Guy to refocus their relationship. She stopped. Guy had promised her things would be different, but they were falling into the same destructive pattern.
“Can I help you?” said the woman, dazzling Anna with her smile.
“Yes,” said Anna, sitting down and making herself comfortable.
“I want to book somewhere hot and luxurious.”
“Do you have a budget in mind?” she asked, tapping at her keyboard.
“Money isn’t a problem.” Anna’s tone was firm.
“Okay,” she said, her smile even wider. “Dubai is lovely at this time of year, not too hot and, well, it does luxury on a whole different level.”
“Sounds perfect,” said Anna. “Let me check our schedules.” She opened her phone and looked at her diary. Work was busy but they could squeeze in a five day break at the end of the month. She quickly blocked out the time.
“I need to make a call,” she told the girl, getting up. Taking a deep breath she pressed the call button.
“Welcome to Harrison’s, how can I assist you?” said the efficient and cultured voice.
“I need to speak with Benedict Harrison, it’s Anna Dunbar calling.”
There was silence for a beat before the voice said, “Mr Harrison is not available at weekends. I can take a message and ask him to call you on Monday.”
“No,” Anna snapped. “Can you put me through to his suite?” She felt her hesitate. “It’s concerning Guy Walker.”
“Please hold while I check he’s there.”
Anna held on, tapping her feet impatiently on the floor while the sales assistant served another customer.
“Hello.”
Anna closed her eyes. The last person she wanted to speak to was Siena Harrison.
“Is Benedict available?” she asked and knew she was being rude.
“Yes. Can you wait a minute, he’s just finishing a call on his cell.”
Anna pursed her lips.
“How are you, Anna?” asked Siena sounding tired.
“Busy,” said Anna, trying to put more warmth in her tone.
“Yes. I know the feeling.”
Anna felt awkward. “How is everything with you?”
“Okay,” she answered.
Anna didn’t know what to say and was conscious their ordeal wasn’t over. They would want justice. What parent wouldn’t in their position? The flatness in Siena’s tone told her, she was anything but okay.
“I’m sorry to disturb you but I wanted to check Guy’s diary.”
“Oh,” said Siena in surprise.
“Yes, I’d like to book a few days away.”
“Sounds like a wonderful idea,” said Siena sounding wistful. “Hang on, Anna, I can check our system on my laptop. What are the dates?”
“The last weekend of this month?”
“Okay, I’ve just checked. There are a few diary appointments but nothing Benedict or I can’t handle.”
This time it was Anna’s turn to be surprised. “Really? So I can book it?”
“Sure,” said Siena, warmth in her voice. “We’ll cover. In fact you’ll be doing me a favour; I’m going crazy cooped up here. It will be nice to get away from...the case and the madness.”
Anna didn’t know how to respond. “I know it’s hard, but I have every faith in the police,” she said finally.
“Mmmm,” said Siena, her tone noncommittal.
“Thank you,” said Anna. “I’ve got to go. Lovely to speak with you again.”
“Anna?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“I worried about Guy. He’s not been himself since all this happened. None of us have. I think time away would be good for him.”
Anna’s cheeks burned. Earlier today she had been berating this woman, unfairly as it turned out. “If there is anything I can do?” Her concern was genuine.
“Well, as a matter of fact there is,” said Siena. “Would you both be available to join us for dinner sometime?”
The question was so unexpected, it momentarily threw Anna.
“Have a think about it,” said Siena.
“No, I’d love to have dinner,” said Anna, and then immediately regretted it.
“Wonderful,” said Siena. “We’ve been meaning to do it for ages but...”
“I understand. Tell Guy the date and we’ll be there.”
“Good,” Siena said and sounded like she meant it.
“See you soon then.”
“Yes,” agreed Anna. “Bye.”
How had that happened? Why had she agreed to spend time with the very people she resented the most? It didn’t make sense even to her. She sat lost in thought until she noticed the sales assistant approaching.
“Do you have your dates?” Her expression was hopeful.
“Yes.” Anna moved back to her desk. “Dubai it is.”
Chapter 6
The Braille Club Reborn
Siena
Siena was still shocked and coming to terms with the aftermath of her children’s abduction. She missed her home and the space it gave them. Harrison’s was safe but hardly ideal for family living. Trapped was how she felt, but at least they were safe. She now had a potential bodyguard/driver. She didn’t even argue when Benedict suggested it. A colleague of Guy’s, if Sienna approved, would be employed. She was surprised to learn the bodyguard was female. Strangely, Siena would have preferred a male, but Guy’s recommendation counted more than her preference. Siena was to meet with her later today. Guy remarked she was perhaps the best officer he’d ever worked with.
Siena wondered if she could learn from her. She desperately wanted to protect not only herself but her children, going forward. However, she knew Nick was the key. Benedict had mentioned Evan Radley. They had a meeting scheduled. They’d both been disappointed it wasn’t sooner but Evan was a busy man. His secretary confirmed it was his first opening. Benedict told Evan to pop into the club anytime and look around. Siena was sceptical. A modern day bounty hunter seemed farfetched in her opinion. Nick didn’t need to be found. He was out in the open, but Benedict was convinced he would disappear. Siena’s certainty that Nick had been involved with the abduction had wavered with his release. All she had to go on was a hunch. Nick’s familiar scent that day would hardly stand up in a court of law. Siena had no way of knowing other than her gut. Her gut told her it was Nick.
She didn’t dwell on what had happened; as a mother her children were her only priority. She would not allow her panic attacks to control her. Nick Waters was like a cancer eating her up inside. He was dormant at the moment but like any potential threat, he could be deadly. Often it was said the cure for cancer was almost as deadly as the disease itself. Siena needed a cure for Nick; the deadlier the better.
She wore her medical bracelet constantly. The new waterproof version meant she had no reason to remove it. Her health was her responsibility, but recent events had been out of her control. Keeping her sugar levels constant had been the last thing on her mind. However, poorly controlled blood glucose levels increased the likelihood of developing a wide range of health complications. The one that terrified Siena the most was Retinopathy where the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue) at the back of the eye is damaged. Blood vessels in the retina can become blocked or leaky, or can grow haphazardly. This prevents light from fully passing through your retina. The better you control your blood sugar levels, the lower your risk of developing serious eye problems. Siena had not been in control of her blood sugar levels lately.
Stress was a major factor. There were other health risks, like heart attack and stroke. She felt unwell but had said nothing. The health of her children was more important. She’d worried about another hypo but it hadn’t happened. Liver failure was also a complication. Benedict’s mother died from organ failure. Siena has seen first-hand the devastation it caused. Benedict had been destroyed. She would not inflict that on her own children and decided to book an appointment at her doctors. She was worried but tried to dismiss her concerns as silly. Benedict didn’t need to know until she knew more herself. When he asked why she was going to the doctors, she’d told him it was a routine appointment to check her diabetes. He nodded distractedly, something Siena still found difficult to deal with. She didn’t want Benedict excluding her from what was going on because he thought she was weak or ill. She wanted to know everything. Guilt weighed heavily on her mind. Nick was her problem. If Benedict had been with someone else he wouldn’t be going through this hell.
Siena also wondered why she had asked to meet up with Anna Dunbar. Her hostility towards Benedict and herself was apparent, but in a way Siena didn’t blame her. Benedict told her Guy was working too hard and that he never seemed to go home anymore. Poor Anna. She had every right to resent his employers. Siena wanted to bridge the gap between them. She wanted Anna on her side and Guy’s and the dinner would be a good distraction. Benedict and Guy were becoming obsessive. Even Siena could see it wasn’t healthy. She’d left it with Anna, unsure if her invitation would be accepted—there was no way to tell.
Benedict looked like the world was on his shoulders. He’d gone to their home last night to collect some things he needed from the office and had been very withdrawn when he returned. They both agreed to sell the house but letting it go would be painful. They had poured their heart and soul into the renovation. It was still a wrench to sell the house and start the process of packing and storing their furniture until they knew what to do next. It was like their life was frozen.
Siena thought of returning to the US, but would they be any safer? So many things had happened. She was tired of being frightened. She needed to get well so she could fight, and when it came to it, hunt Nick Waters. It was her he wanted. She was the ultimate bait; he could not resist her. She must toughen up and meet the threat head on. She must get her shit together and deliver what she promised to do when her husband pulled her babies from the ground. Nick Waters was an animal. She must become the hunter and he her prey. She would show him no mercy.
Chapter 7
The Braille Club Reborn
Chloe
Chloe sat opposite Guy Walker thinking how sexy he looked. He seemed in a bad mood. She shook herself. Stop it, she chided. Chloe pushed back her hair and tried to quell the butterflies in her stomach. She had applied to the Braille Club some time ago and had been surprised to receive this invitation. Jack’s words had the habit of coming to her at times like this. Chloe you’ll end up a thirty-something desperado, he was wrong about that. She was heading for a forties-something desperado.
Jack had been her first love but she ruined everything when she cheated on him. Chloe had a weakness for bad boys. If there was one within a ten mile radius she’d be drawn to him. Successful in her career, her personal life was a disaster. However, she was tired, jaded and disillusioned after dating one bad boy after the other.
She thought of Jack happily married with three kids, and in her heart, knew she envied him. She had spent the last few years looking at new ways to find Mr Right but somehow ended up with Mr Wrong. Internet dating was worse than useless. It left her self-esteem not only on the floor, but as soiled as any doormat. Chloe decided to change her approach. No longer looking for love, Chloe sought the next best thing, the dark where she could hide, and the Braille Club gave her the key to enter. She stared at Guy Walker as he pressed grumpily on his keyboard and wondered what it would feel like to kiss him. He was just her type.
“Chloe, the tour I gave you earlier did not include all the zones. There are some still under development. Do you have any questions?”
Are you single? She thought, but shook her head instead.
“Your next step is to book your first se
nsory lesson with Grace.” Guy found it hard to focus.
“Okay, I’ll do that,” said Chloe, trying and failing to make eye contact.
“Good,” said Guy as he turned away.
Chloe’s face warmed, and she blushed. Why did she never get used to this treatment? The attraction was obviously one-sided. She hurriedly stood and turned to leave. Just as she got to the door his voice stopped her.
“Chloe?”
She turned.
“Welcome to the Braille Club,” he said.
His smile changed his face and Chloe almost swooned. “Thank you,” she managed to reply. God, he was sexy. Chloe imagined being trapped in a zone with him and almost giggled. Now that would be interesting.
“Come with me now and I’ll take you to Grace.”
The sensory lesson had blown Chloe’s mind: the rules, the game, the experience. She’d loved it all and Guy Walker had been at the centre of her fantasies. She shivered as she remembered the touch on her skin and the vibrations coming from the chair below her. Her nipples tightened and her whole body ignited with desire. God, she couldn’t wait to experience the zones for herself, and the other two sensory lessons for that matter.
She wandered through the club, loving the ambience and with no further plans for the day was in no hurry to leave. She had the evening to herself and tried not to let the thought depress her. Work had been less demanding of her time. Her online empire was now managed by a host of employees. Chloe still couldn’t quite believe it was hers. She started as a blogger when no one else was doing it and gained followers quickly, with her passion for fashion. She could spot a trend before anyone else and now was often the instigator. Sharing her love of fashion had been a joy. It still was, but now she had editors and assistants to co-ordinate her blog which was more like an online magazine. She had the power to make things popular and sponsors were falling over themselves to give her their products. She was still truthful to her original style format; she wasn’t stupid. That formula had made her successful. She incorporated the designer’s clothes with her own style: like product placement.
