by F. C. Clark
‘What the fuck are you doing?’
I pull Luke to me, allowing skin-to-skin contact, my breasts against his wet bare chest.
‘I’m sure this is what you want.’
‘Yes, but for my eyes only…’
‘I suggest you open the door.’ I step away and untie my bottoms.
He unlocks the door, pulls me through and slams the door. Seconds later, his wet shorts are on the floor.
‘Fuck, this is what you do to me.’ He takes his erection and begins to slide his hand up and down the thick shaft. Stop drooling, Kate!
I clear my throat. ‘Self-inflicted.’
‘You have all the power, Kate.’ He takes a step towards me, closing the gap between us, continuing to play with himself.
‘Are you feeling horny?’ I ask. My stomach contracts and I feel dangerously close to coming.
He kisses me hard. My body responds to his aggressive touch: my nipples peak and dampness builds between my thighs.
‘Fuck, you scare me, Kate. What you make me want to do to you.’
‘Then do it. I’m not stopping you.’
He swiftly turns me and takes hold of my breasts, manipulating my nipples, gently squeezing and tweaking them until my breathing hitches. My head falls backwards to his chest and his lips make contact with my ear.
‘Promise me, if this hurts your wound, tell me…’
‘Shh. Just take me, Luke,’ I whisper.
With no further debate he pushes my body towards the table. My bare breasts meet the cool wood. Luke dots kisses down my spine, slides his fingers inside my sex, then spreads my juices to my clit and my arse. Oh God, my body is on fire. Touch me, Luke – everywhere.
At last I feel his erection at my sex. One thrust and he’s in. Slowly he begins to slide back and forth, going deeper with every thrust. I push my arse closer to him, needing more.
One hand runs up my spine to my neck while the other continues to gently touch my clit before skimming across my arse. Christ, I need more. Again I push my hips back towards him.
‘Patience.’
‘Patience, my arse.’
‘Arse.’ He laughs. ‘You only had to ask.’
There are no more words. Luke begins to ride me harder, pulling himself out only to slam back into me. His hand continues to touch my clit and the other now plays at the entrance of my arse. I pray for his touch.
Eventually he inserts his thumb.
‘Oh, Luke.’
‘Does it feel good? Tell me, Kate, or I’ll stop.’
There are no words when you zone out with pleasure. Luke removes his thumb and slows down the thrusting. Bastard.
‘Luke.’ Is that enough?
He leans forward and caresses my spine with his lips. ‘Tell me, Kate.’ His voice is low and sexy.
‘Touch me,’ I say.
‘Where?’
‘Oh, for fuck’s sake, you know where.’
‘Temper… I sense your frustration.’
I try to move but he holds me – not only physically but also in a state of sexual torment.
‘Tell me where and I will touch you.’
‘My arse.’
His hand returns, tormenting me.
‘Do you like this?’
I try to nod.
‘Sorry. I didn’t hear you.’
‘Yes, I like it.’
‘Good.’ His thumb returns, slowly tormenting me. ‘Like this, Kate?’
‘Yes.’
Even though I agree, he removes it.
‘Beg, Kate! Beg for an orgasm. Beg for me to touch your arse until you come on my dick.’
I am going to fucking knock him out. At this rate I will come from sheer excitement alone.
‘Please, Luke, don’t stop. I need to come.’
No sooner have the words left my lips than he starts to thrust, hard and fast. He slides his forefinger and middle finger into my arse, his other hand moving in tantalising circular movements against my clit.
The climb is like no other. Reaching the peak of euphoric pleasure has never been this exhausting. Maybe delayed gratification is why it’s so intense.
‘Shit, Luke, I need to come – now!’
‘I’m with you. Fuck, Kate, I’m going to take you harder.’
I don’t care how he takes me, so long as he doesn’t stop. Shockwaves ripple out from my core, totally obliterating my senses.
‘Luke,’ I manage to say. My head feels heavy against the table, and my body remains motionless.
He removes his fingers and continues to slam against my arse. ‘Jesus, Kate, your body is on fire… I’m coming.’ He does, thick and fast. Moments later, he stops and lowers his head to my back, catching his breath. He slides out. Droplets of cum trickle down my thighs.
He pulls me into his arms, kissing me lovingly. How can he be sensitive and yet so sexually brutal within seconds?
‘What you do to me, Kate, I can’t explain it. I need you so much. You put a spell on me.’ I can’t but look at his erection, which remains hard. We have equal parts to play in this possessive relationship.
‘Back at you, Luke.’
‘Are you OK?’
‘Honestly, I’m fine. I just have you running down my leg.’
His lips curl. ‘How I love your honesty.’
‘It’s the only way I can be with you.’
‘May that never alter.’
‘Do you like it when I touch your arse?
‘Maybe.’ I close my eyes for a second.
‘Baby, look at me.’
My eyes open to his warm gaze. ‘I enjoy it. Is that what you want to hear?’
‘Kate, I intend to look after all your needs.’
I nod.
‘Talk to me, tell me what you enjoy.’
‘I didn’t know I liked it until…’
He kisses me, but as he pulls away I see something else in his eyes, almost like a dark cloud.
‘Tell me,’ I say.
‘Tell you what?’ He touches my cheek.
‘What’s in your head, Sutton.’
‘You.’
‘No, there’s something else. I can read you, and you had the same look when we were in the hospital and the other morning out on the decking when we were talking about Paul and that man Anderson.’
‘I have work on my mind.’
‘No. Something else.’
‘What we just did… If I lost you.’ His eyes close. ‘I have never felt like this, Kate, and it scares me.’
‘You’ll never lose me.’ I watch him closely.
‘I just want to protect you.’
Yeah, right, Sutton. You are definitely holding out on me.
‘OK, so you have three days left to protect me in every inch of this bungalow. I want the full platinum service.’
He laughs, thank God. ‘Platinum service.’
‘Yep, I mean it. Twenty-four seven Sutton-style protection begins here.’ I point to my lips. ‘I love you, Luke.’
Again our eyes lock. Dark and withholding information meet dark and I see you Sutton.
11
‘You both look well.’
‘Thanks, Max. Did you miss us? Two weeks of bliss without us, right?’
‘Kate, get in the car, you’re getting wet.’ There’s no mistake we’re home – not just because of the miserable weather, but Luke also seems to have left his charm in Bora Bora. Surely that’s enough of a reason to return.
The journey from Heathrow Airport took ages due to the busy traffic, but I never tire of London’s hustle and bustle. Eventually we arrive at the palace.
Home sweet home – there is nothing in the world quite like it. I walk through to the kitchen.
‘Kate, you’re home.’ Rosie makes her way towards
me. ‘Let me look at you! You have a lovely colour. Was the resort as beautiful as the brochure?’
‘It didn’t do it justice. Honestly, it was like I had stepped into another world.’ I turn to see Luke enter the kitchen. ‘Luke, tell Rosie how magical it was.’
‘Impressive.’ Short and not so sweet! He turns and exits the kitchen.
‘And how are you all?’ She lays her hand across my stomach.
‘OK. I had a couple of mornings when I felt sick. Pleased to be home. The flight was really long.’
‘You both look rested, which is exactly what you needed.’
‘Tell me, how is Adam?’ I head towards the kettle. I need tea and the compulsory return-from-holiday bacon sandwich.
‘He’s fine.’
‘What about Jerry?’
She takes a seat on the stool. ‘Better than I thought, but Adam goes home in two days.’
‘Bloody hell, that’s flown by. I guess we’ve been away for most of it.’
‘We had a marvellous day yesterday, sight-seeing in London, just Adam and me, plus Barney.’
I look up from making the tea. ‘Barney?’
‘Yeah. Oh, Kate, he was hilarious. He and Adam seem to be getting on really well.’
‘I can imagine.’ I can bloody imagine – but he promised to behave himself. ‘Good, I’m glad that you’ve managed to spend some quality time together. So what now? Has he said anything about coming back?’
‘Well, between you and me, he met up with an old work colleague he’s known since university, who has offered Adam a job here in London.’
I stop. ‘Really?’
‘I’m trying not to think about it.’
‘Don’t get your hopes up, just in case. I mean, it sounds as though he has an amazing job that would be pretty tough to give up.’
‘That’s what Barney said.’
There’s that name again. I wonder what he’s been up to.
‘Either way, he’s back in your life for good.’
Shortly after, balancing two plates and two mugs in my hands, I walk through to Luke’s office, but he’s already busy.
‘Here.’ I place the mug and plate on his desk.
‘Thank you.’
‘I thought you’d be hungry.’
He nods and takes a large bite of his sandwich.
‘We’ve only been home for two minutes and already we seem to be back to normal.’
He looks up. ‘Sorry. I have some calls to make.’
‘That’s fine. I think Sutton Global can have you back. I need a rest.’ Which is true.
‘Come here,’ he says and pulls me to his lap. ‘Honestly, I wish we were back in our bungalow. That’s a first for me, not wanting to work.’
My arms lock around his neck. ‘It’s been the best time of my life.’
‘Back at you… Listen, I need to go to the office. I thought I would be able to delay it for one more day, but I can’t.’
‘That’s fine.’ The back of my hand glides across his bristly face. ‘You look tired.’
‘I am, so I won’t be long.’
‘OK. I need to unpack and I’m desperate for a bath.’
‘Wait for me.’
‘I’ll try. I want to call Mum and Harry, let them know we’re alive. Make sure you call your parents too.’
I stand up and he joins me, collecting documents from his desk.
‘The boss turning up in jeans and a polo shirt, what will your employees think?’
‘Element of surprise. They’re not expecting me.’
My body sinks into a warm bath. I am officially home, where I feel safe and secure.
‘We’re home, babies.’ I laugh at myself, but strangely talking to my babies feels natural.
I reach for my mobile, feeling the need to chat to Barney. I hit send. It only rings for a few seconds.
‘Well, if it isn’t my favourite Sutton girl.’
‘Hi, how are you?’
‘Yeah, good. How was Bora Bora? Did Luke wear you out?’
‘Oi, cheeky. Actually, he bloody did.’ We laugh. He did, and I have no reason to lie. Barney understands that Luke’s appetite for me is a little … off the chart.
‘You sound happy, babe. That was just what you both needed. No Russians or sick fuckers, just the two of you and some sun.’
‘Thanks, Barney. I know Luke still has issues with Russia, and Ivor.’ And possibly something else that he won’t talk about.
‘You can’t blame him, Kate. You really don’t know Ivor that well. He seems an all-right bloke, but…’
‘I know, Luke is only protecting me.’
‘He is, babe, although he’s a little controlling for my liking, but if that shit turns you on, then knock yourself out.’
I can’t help chuckling at his honesty.
‘So, now we’ve discussed my life, tell me, how is Adam? A little birdie told me about your day out.’
‘Rosie grown some feathers since yesterday?’
‘No, she’s a concerned mother. To be honest, she loves having Adam here, which leads me to ask you if you feel the same.’
There’s a silence. I sit up slightly. Barney, silent? This never happens.
‘Barney?’
‘Shh. I’m moving away.’
‘From what?’
‘Adam, you dozy cow.’
‘Oh.’
I hear him close a door. ‘He came with me to the studio. I have some new dancers auditioning.’
‘Sounds exciting.’
‘Yeah, it is. I’ve set up a meeting with the string quartet from your wedding.’
‘Really?’
‘Just something I’m working on.’
‘So tell me. Adam?’
‘Kate, he’s pretty damn amazing.’
I can read between the lines.
‘I mean it, he’s bloody fantastic. But don’t worry, I haven’t done anything about it. No chasing, kissing or shagging. I stayed true to my word.’
‘No parading naked?’
‘Well, not really.’
I sink back into the water. ‘But you like him?’
‘Yeah, I do, and I’m pissed off that he’s leaving tomorrow.’
‘Oh, babe. Listen, Rosie told me that his friend wants him to work here in London.’
‘She told me the same. But if he wants to work here it has to be for the right reasons.’
‘Holy fuck, who are you and what have you done with Barney Curtis?’
He chuckles. ‘That is me… But this is different. I really like him.’
‘I’ve never heard you talk like this. I wish I could do something to make it happen.’
‘I have to let him leave. If he feels the same, he’ll come back.’
‘Have you told him how you feel?’
His silence speaks volumes.
‘Barney, have you told him?’ I repeat.
‘No. He might run.’
‘Oh, Barney, I don’t know what to say. I just want you to be happy.’
‘I’ll get there.’ He takes a deep breath.
‘OK, I know I ordered you to stay away from him, but maybe you should come clean and tell him.’
‘I’ll think about it. Anyway, how are you feeling? Getting fat yet?’
‘Luke says no, but I think my stomach is sticking out a bit, plus I’ve been feeling sick.’
‘You’ll still look sexy even when you’re fat with swollen ankles.’
‘Cheers, Barney! Now, New York next week. That’ll help take your mind off Adam.’
‘I’ll be fine. Just getting a taste of my own medicine.’
‘Don’t say that! You deserve to be happy – maybe Adam is the person for you.’
‘Time will tell.’
‘I
’m at Jones Tailors tomorrow. Make sure you pop in for your suit fitting.’
‘See you then.’
After my bath, I change into comfy clothing. The day turns into late afternoon, and I’m hungry. I need something warm and homely: roast chicken.
Standing in the kitchen, I stir the gravy while trying to read yet another pregnancy book. If only I was allowed wine to alleviate the shocking images of birth…
I hear Luke walk through the hallway, which is all the excuse I need to put the book down. Luke ambles in.
‘Smells good.’
‘Roast chicken,’ I say.
‘How was your afternoon?’
‘OK. Did you sort out your issues?’
‘Yes.’ He goes to the fridge for a cold beer.
‘I’m going to be flat out this week finishing off the collection for New York,’ I say.
He nods, swigging from the bottle.
‘You know I will be fine in New York.’
His eyes meet mine. ‘Kate, I am fine about you leaving. If I can get everything sorted in Dubai, then I will make the show.’
He walks towards me.
‘You don’t have to. I know you’re super-busy.’
‘Yes, but if I can then I will.’ He looks at the books resting on the worktop. ‘Reading?’
‘These books should come with a warning: may cause you to pass out with fear.’
He looks amused.
‘It’s OK for you. I have to give birth twice.’
‘We have plenty of time to plan for the day. Samantha called today.’
‘Oh.’ Is Dr Jacob on speed dial?
‘We had a chat about Alexis. She also wanted to make sure you were feeling OK.’
‘I spoke to Harry. She said Alexis seems fine – well, not fine, but better.’
‘That’s good. By the way, I moved your twelve-week scan to Friday. I wanted it before you go to New York.’
‘I’m excited.’ My hands link around his neck, allowing my lips to make contact with his.
We’re exhausted. We eat in silence, though jet lag seems to have no effect on Luke’s appetite. Although it’s early, I crawl upstairs to bed, leaving Luke at his desk. There’s no doubt we’re home!
The sound of my phone vibrating on my nightstand wakes me. Our bedroom is in complete darkness apart from the light coming from my phone.
Sleepily I look. Caller ID – Kiki.
