Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  ‘That’s not fair.’

  ‘Kate, you drive me insane.’

  Me? I drive him insane? I don’t think so. Maybe Mr Hotshot Sutton should look in the bloody mirror.

  ‘I don’t need this – you coming in here all guns blazing at me. I got a battering last night; I really don’t need a repeat performance.’

  He stops dead in his tracks. Is this good? I’m not sure. I’m still learning about him. He’s silent.

  ‘Luke. I’m OK – honestly.’

  ‘I’m so fucking mad at you. How can you be so calm?’

  ‘Calm? Are you kidding me? If you knew the evening I had last night… The police, then the hospital – oh, and that was followed by Harry insisting she had to sleep with me. I woke up to my mum watching me sleep, not to mention everyone else staying at my house, apparently for my safety. If you think for one second I’m calm, then you don’t know me very well.’ I take a deep breath. Babbling has begun and doesn’t look likely to end. ‘I have never been so scared – why would a man want to punch me for no reason? I didn’t know when he was going to stop, so I’m trying not to think about it. If that’s OK with you.’ Tears form at the corners of my eyes.

  Luke pulls me towards him, locking his arms around my body.

  ‘Shh, don’t cry… I’m so cross with myself. I should have taken you to work.’ His hold tightens, allowing me to feel the strength of his firm body.

  ‘Argh… my ribs.’

  He releases his grasp and pulls at my T-shirt, assessing the damage. There could be further fallout with the view of a rainbow that has already formed at the side of my body.

  ‘Fuck,’ he murmurs and pulls me close.

  His tenderness strikes a chord. I inhale deeply, absorbing his scent.

  ‘Kate, please.’ His hand slides through my hair. ‘I apologise for shouting. Unfortunately, my temper gets the better of me… I’m furious I was at home and you were…’ I can feel the rise and fall of his chest. He lowers his lips to the top of my head.

  This is where I needed to be last night – with him, in his arms.

  He loosens his grip and holds my face in his hands. ‘Do you feel OK?’

  I nod. He uses his thumbs to wipe my tears from my cheeks.

  ‘Come and sit down, I need to speak to you.’ He leads me to the sofa. ‘Drink. We both need a drink.’

  He walks to the shelf in the kitchen and pours equal measures of amber liquid.

  ‘Drink this.’

  ‘Thank you.’ I manage to say.

  I drink the fluid, which burns my throat and numbs various parts of my body.

  ‘What did the police say?’ Concerned business-like Luke is now with me.

  ‘Nothing. I couldn’t tell them anything. The man was wearing a hoodie, I couldn’t see his face – thank God…’ The thought makes me shudder. Maybe a faceless memory is easier to accept.

  Luke rubs his chin. What’s he thinking?

  ‘No witnesses? What about CCTV?’

  ‘No, just the man who helped me. My dad asked the same question.’ My skin crawls with the memory, causing me to shiver.

  Luke takes hold of my hands.

  ‘You’re safe.’

  ‘I know. Thank you for that.’ My fingers brush against his knuckles.

  ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there to rescue you.’ He lowers his head. He feels he’s let me down.

  ‘Luke – please. This is no one’s fault, as I said: wrong place at the wrong time.’ Seeing the man who controls my heart crumble to a guilt-ridden emotional wreck breaks my heart.

  He looks at me. What is he thinking?

  ‘Are you free this weekend?’

  ‘Hmm… yeah.’ I really can’t think straight.

  ‘Good. I have a meeting and then a ball to attend in Venice, as long as you feel up to it.’

  ‘Venice?’ Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.

  ‘Our flight will leave early in the morning. I have a couple of meetings, so you are free to do as you wish – sight-seeing, shopping, whatever you like.’ I’m in shock at Luke’s request. ‘It’s your decision, but I think it will do you good to get away.’

  ‘I guess, it’s just a lot to take in. Thank you for asking me.’

  ‘It will be my pleasure. So that’s a yes?’ Is he trying to rectify the attack, painting it over with an event and money? Am I just expecting the worst of him, waiting for Luke to fall at the first hurdle just so I can say ‘I told you so’?

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Good.’ He reaches inside his suit jacket, retrieving his phone, and dials a number. ‘Stella… I need all tickets sent home plus my files for the meeting, and call Valerie – tell her to send over the dress.’ He listens for a moment, holding his hand over the mouthpiece. ‘You do have a current passport, Kate?’

  I nod.

  ‘Yes, she’s fine.’ There’s a further silence as he listens intently, but his eyes remain fixed to mine. ‘I will read through the proposal.’ He listens again. ‘If they need me call me at home. I just need to sort Kate out, and then I will email them. Thanks, Stella.’ He finishes his call and places his phone in his pocket.

  Sort me out!

  ‘Is everything OK?’ I ask.

  ‘Yes – do you feel better? I think you have regained some colour in your cheeks.’ He gently touches my face. ‘I do have to work, as I came home early… I know, in a fit of rage.’ He smiles and sighs ruefully, acknowledging his uncontrollable temper. ‘Max will take you home to pack. That should take no longer than an hour.’

  ‘You want me to stay here?’ I frown.

  ‘Yes, we have to leave at four o’clock in the morning.’

  ‘Oh – but I wanted to have a bath and wash my hair, you know… Paint my nails, things that girls do.’

  ‘Well, no, I don’t know…’ He gives me a boyish grin. ‘As far as I’m aware, the guest bedroom does still have an en suite… Unless you have rearranged that too.’

  I laugh. ‘Ha, ha, very funny.’

  ‘Why, Kate, you know that getting dressed is far easier since you entered my life.’ He raises a brow, as only he can. This hits a nerve deep inside me.

  ‘Pleased to be of assistance to you, boss.’

  ‘So that’s sorted – you will stay here. Besides, I can keep an eye on you.’

  I shake my head, feeling too weak to argue.

  ‘Fine, I’ll pack and then serve dinner.’

  ‘Good, but I will order a take-out. Your ribs will need some time to heal.’ A stern look crosses Luke’s face. Honestly, I prefer his empathetic look.

  ‘Yes, Dr Sutton… Anyway, I’ve already prepared a lasagne so no take-out needed.’

  ‘Of course, my organised cook would have prepared a meal, even with a battered body.’

  He stands and holds his hand out for mine. Clearly I can no longer help myself. Yet, I oblige and follow him to the hall. He retrieves his mobile from his jacket.

  ‘Can you take Kate home to pack?’ he asks someone, presumably Max.

  ‘Luke, I’ll just get my bag.’ My hand is still firmly locked in his. ‘Luke, my hand – I need to get my bag.’

  He’s lost in thought. I wish I could read his mind.

  ‘Yes… Sorry. Though if I have it, you may stay out of trouble.’ He touches my cheek, pushing the loose strands of hair away from my face.

  We both hear Max enter the hallway. He lets go of my hand.

  ‘Luke… Kate.’

  ‘Hi Max,’ I say.

  ‘Kate, you have an hour. I know the traffic will be busy, so pack quickly. If you haven’t returned within that time, I will hunt you down and carry you back myself.’

  ‘Very bloody funny.’

  The drive home was fairly quick, although my head was not really following the traffic. The attack is still at the forefront of my
mind, and now Venice … spending time with Luke leaves me with other unresolved issues.

  I enter my room, collecting everything I’ll need. I stop for a moment to call Harry. She instantly answers.

  ‘Hi babe, how are you feeling?’

  ‘I’m fine – well, not fine, but better. Luke asked me to go with him to Venice – tomorrow. I’m packing as we speak.’

  ‘Venice – has he seen you? I take it he knows about the attack?’

  ‘Yeah… he was angry. I’m talking seriously pissed off. He offered me a lift to work last night, but I said no.’

  ‘I told you he cares about you.’

  ‘Maybe. He had the bloody cheek to call me stubborn – can you believe that?’

  ‘Kate Harper, stubborn? Who would have thought… And yes, I would be pissed off at you too.’ Harry’s voice has changed from caring to unforgiving.

  ‘Harry, I’m not stubborn, I walk home every night.’

  ‘Bullshit. If you’re not stubborn then what do you call it? I know you walk home every night, but Luke clearly feels guilty.’

  ‘Anyway, I won’t see you as I’m staying at Luke’s – we have to leave at four in the morning.’ She offers me silence. ‘Harry?’

  ‘Kate, please relax and enjoy yourself. You have to let him in… Promise you’ll try.’

  My mind skims over her request.

  ‘I’ll be back Sunday evening. Can you tell Mum and Dad it was a last-minute plan, something to do with Luke’s business? Mum keeps crying, I can’t handle it at the moment.’

  ‘They’ll be happy. I’ve sort of told them about Luke.’

  ‘What? Harry, there’s nothing to tell.’

  ‘There might be if you stop waiting for him to fuck up and tell him how you feel.’ I sense the presence of stern Harry Harper. ‘Promise me, Kate… I love you.’

  ‘I’ll try. I love you too – bye.’

  Luke joins us in the hall.

  ‘Everything OK?’ His expression is warm and sincere.

  ‘I think so.’ This feels awkward – a sleepover at the palace. ‘I’ll go and put the dinner in the oven.’ My eyes flit from him to Max.

  ‘I can do that. I may not be able to cook, but oven controls and timers are my forte.’ He raises his brows, provoking a smile. ‘I want you to rest.’

  I reach for my bags, but Max breaks the world record for bag intersection.

  ‘Kate, allow me.’

  ‘Thanks Max.’ I begin to walk upstairs, but when I look back, Luke is watching me like a hawk. ‘Luke, one ninety for half an hour – and don’t burn it.’ This time I watch him gracefully disappear.

  How bizarre to be holed up in the spare room of the palace. I suspect Luke asked Rosie to prepare the room with freshly laundered bedding. I run a bath and lay my clothes out, ready for our early start. However, packing my equilibrium is probably my best start. I fear a weekend away with Luke Sutton may test me on many levels, head to toe – or, in my world, head and throbbing groin.

  The bath is heaven, with Jo Malone White Jasmine and Mint oil; it has to be the most exquisite smell on earth. Not being in my own bathroom, I already feel like I’m on holiday, as I soak in the heat and enjoy the smell of the oil. The memories from last night begin to evaporate, leaving me feeling relaxed and protected for the first time today.

  After my bath, I slip on my grey loose bottoms and vest top. This is me at my worst; this is how I wake up and go to bed. Definitely not my most flattering of outfits, but it does show off my slim frame.

  I leave the comfort of the guest room and come face to face with Luke at the top of the stairs. He’s wearing jogger shorts, with a T-shirt in his hand, allowing me a full view of his naked torso. Holy fuck, this man is stunning. There should be a law protecting women from men who have a body sculpted to this level.

  ‘Kate.’ He smiles, knowing he has stopped me in my tracks.

  My desperate need to distract myself is overriding any other needs.

  ‘How’s the dinner?’ I can feel heat rising on my face.

  Luke holds up the timer. ‘Six minutes remaining.’ He laughs. ‘Do you have everything you need?’

  Can I ask for him, or am I being a little too forward?

  ‘Would you mind if I borrowed a sweatshirt?’

  ‘No problem. I would offer to get one for you, but I’m a man with a timer. Besides, you’re better acquainted with my closet than I am.’

  I roll my eyes as he darts downstairs. The bed hits me as it does every time I walk in his room. The smell of Luke – the same smell I just encountered at the top of the stairs is present. I retrieve a grey Abercrombie sweatshirt – no high-street merchandise for him.

  I enter the kitchen at the very time Luke removes the dinner from the oven. Unfortunately, he’s dressed for dinner, and is wearing his T-shirt. I walk round to join him.

  ‘Let me dish it up?’ Automatically I take control of my domain.

  ‘I’ll get a bottle of wine.’

  He disappears to his cellar, and promptly returns with a bottle of red wine.

  I place our dinner on the island, side by side. A week ago this would have felt strange, but tonight there’s a sense of normality.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ he asks.

  ‘Good. Yesterday feels more like a distant memory – thank God’ – although the pinch at my ribs and the cut on my lip are instant reminders.

  Luke becomes silent.

  ‘So you said we have to leave early tomorrow?’ I change the subject quickly.

  ‘Yes. I think you should go to bed and rest.’ Mr Bossy Sutton has now joined us.

  ‘It’s only six o’clock – I think I can handle a little bit more of the evening. Besides, I want to paint my nails and, of course, I like an evening cup of tea and biscuit… World peace in a cup.’

  He whistles. ‘Rock and roll, Kate.’ He laughs, although I know my simple lifestyle is a refreshing change from his nought to sixty.

  ‘You better believe it, Mr S.’ I giggle, as there is not an inch of rock and roll in my body.

  ‘I do have to work, so you can do as you please – treat it like your own home.’

  ‘Thanks. Bizarrely, this house does feel like home – I spend more time here than anywhere else.’ I wonder if he has already realised that.

  Luke helps me to clear the kitchen, which we do in silence. I watch him, not in his usual work suit, but the casual Luke, barefoot, padding around the kitchen. A tender moment of ordinariness.

  Luke disappears to his office and I crash out on the sofa in the kitchen. Having painted my nails and watched far too many reruns of Only Fools and Horses, I make a cup of tea. Luke raises his head as I enter his office.

  ‘I made you tea. I wasn’t sure if you drank it or not but I made it how I like it – super-strong… just like my men.’ I place the mug on his desk. ‘And, of course, your treat for the day – a couple of biscuits. How do you feel about entering my rock and roll world?’

  He flashes his hot fuckable smile, which causes me to internally combust. Any room containing this man is a danger to my health.

  ‘Am I worthy, Kate? That is the question.’

  ‘I would say it’s borderline.’ I know he enjoys my humour – well, most of the time. ‘Did you forget I was here?’

  ‘No. I’m extremely busy. Besides, how could I forget that you’re here?’

  That’s my cue to exit his lair.

  I return to my position on the couch, and battle to stay wake.

  I feel someone moving me. I open my eyes to see Luke. He must have carried me upstairs. My head lies on the sumptuous pillow and the heavy duvet rests against my body. Suddenly, I feel afraid, and lock eyes with him.

  ‘Sleep, Kate, shh.’

  ‘Luke, can you just stay until I fall asleep?’

  No more words are sp
oken, but I feel the weight of his body lying next me.

  13

  ‘Kate.’

  I feel a gentle touch on my cheek.

  I see Luke, impeccably dressed, sitting on the edge of my bed.

  ‘Morning.’ He looks calm and serene, with the Sutton scent lingering in the air. ‘Did you sleep well?’

  Now for the difficult part: I have to make conversation.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘You have thirty minutes.’ He smiles softly. ‘Tea and a warm croissant are next to you.’ Mr Super-efficient Sutton has surpassed himself this morning.

  I sit up and stretch.

  ‘Ow.’ I hold my stomach and wait for the pain to subside.

  ‘I told you it will be sore for a few days.’

  ‘I can’t argue with that.’ I run my hands through my hair, taming my ‘just woken up’ look.

  ‘I will leave you to get ready – time is ticking.’ He gets up and leaves the room, looking hot in his signature black suit.

  I shower quickly, having a Sutton deadline to obey. I dress in black tailored shorts and a black vest top, layered with a cream sheer blouse. Standing in front of the mirror I now have the pleasure of dealing with Roller Girl.

  There’s a knock at the door.

  ‘Come in.’

  ‘Kate, is your bag ready?’ Max enters, looking as fresh as a daisy for such an early start.

  ‘Morning.’ I wheel my case to him. ‘I’ll be down in a minute.’

  He nods.

  I grab my black blazer and trilby hat. I take a quick bite of croissant, but it’s early – far too early for me to eat.

  Luke appears to be in a world of his own as I enter the hallway. I wonder what stresses are at the forefront of his mind this morning. He turns, realising I’m watching him.

  ‘Ready?’ He looks at his watch.

  ‘Are we late?’

  ‘No – Max said you were ready.’ He frowns.

  ‘I am.’ I smile, yet he remains stern.

  Luke sits quietly looking out of the car window, his hands resting on his knees. The atmosphere unnerves me, especially the silence.