by F. C. Clark
He strides over to me, takes me in his arms and kisses me. I respond with tenderness. Eventually he pulls away to read my eyes: dark and enthralling meet dark and thankful.
‘You took your time. Happy birthday, Luke. I love you.’
‘I love you too.’ He holds my chair for me, then lowers his lips to my ear. ‘What are you wearing?’
‘Your birthday present. I can take it off within ten seconds.’
He sits opposite me. ‘Ten seconds – as long as that?’
‘I’m pleased you like it.’
‘Yes I do, but I’m not alone.’
‘Oh, I sense you’re a little frustrated.’ I slip my foot from my shoe and slide it between Luke’s legs.
His eyes close for a second as he takes a breath.
‘Just so you know, I have ordered our meal. Since I have been in control of your day, I thought I would extend that to dinner.’
He flashes me his best Sutton smile at my reminder of our first visit to Hotel Le Meurice.
‘This is going to be a long meal. Shall we get room service? I take it we’re staying here?’ he says.
‘Yes and no, we will not be getting room service. I will provide that later.’
Once again he laughs. ‘You’re teasing my dick.’
‘Yes. Happy birthday.’
‘Quite the little plan.’
‘Have you enjoyed it?’
He tilts his head and smirks at me. ‘Yes, most of it.’
‘Barney!’ I laugh. ‘Are you going to show me your shuffle ball change?’
‘No, and honestly I nearly left the studio. Let’s just say we compromised.’
‘I wish I could have been there. Even Max was shocked.’
‘Speaking of Max, he told me that you asked him to take Valerie out. He is on to you.’
‘About bloody time! I think telling him to wear his navy suit and pale blue shirt was a bit of a giveaway.’
‘OK, I admit…’ Luke holds his hand in the air. ‘He does seem a little more…’
‘Cheerful? Perhaps he knows he might get laid.’
‘End of conversation.’ Luke’s brows knit.
‘I’m sure he wants to have sex. Can you imagine abstaining for years?’
‘No,’ he says and roll his eyes.
‘Well, you wouldn’t have that problem. Let’s not forget that half of Chelsea would be queuing up. No dry spell for you.’
‘You’re probably right.’
My jaw hits the ground. ‘What?’
‘I love sex.’
‘No shit, Sherlock, but remember that’s only with me, not with the Chelsea contestants.’
‘Baby, you seem a little hot under the collar.’
‘I’ll show you hot!’
After our fish starter, we have steak, but I already feel full. Good job Mr Birthday Boy Sutton has a large appetite. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom – again. Not only do I have to contend with feeling nauseous in the middle of the day, but now I need to visit the loo every five minutes, or so it feels.
As I return, Luke watches every step I make through the crowded restaurant. I almost collide with another guest. I apologise and the young man places a hand on my arm. Luke stands up, and I move towards him.
‘What’s up, birthday boy?’
‘Complete strangers touching you piss me off.’ He runs his hand through his hair.
‘Come back to the light, Luke,’ I say and smile.
‘I need you – now.’ Perfect, Luke.
He signals to the waiter, who arrives instantly. Luke chats to him in French, then stands and holds his hand out for me. ‘We’re leaving.’
‘We haven’t had dessert.’
He lowers his face to my ear. ‘If we don’t leave I will be fucking you on this table. You choose.’
‘Fine.’ I collect my bag from the table and slide my hand in his. He pulls me to him, kissing me fiercely, taking my breath away.
As we leave the restaurant and enter the magnificent foyer, we come face to face with Max and Valerie. And Max’s arm is around Valerie’s waist!
‘Hi.’ I greet them both, feeling the need to cartwheel – internally, of course.
‘Luke, happy birthday.’ Valerie says. ‘Kate, are you feeling better?’
‘Much better… Max, you look lovely. I love that blue suit on you. Don’t you think it looks lovely on him, Valerie?’
‘Say goodnight, Kate,’ Luke commands and walks on.
‘Bye, see you in the morning,’ I shout over my shoulder.
Luke continues to hold my hand firmly as we wait for the lift.
‘Problem, Mr S?’
‘Only my wife.’
‘Oh, I’m a problem, am I?’
‘Yes, you’re like a dog with a fucking bone.’
‘And?’ I say.
‘And…’ He doesn’t finish. He lets his lips do the talking with a sizzling kiss. The lift arrives, and we enter.
‘What floor?’
I push the button and pull at his new black suit. He pushes me back against the wall. This time my mouth devours his. He breaks free.
‘What I wouldn’t give to fuck you in this lift.’ His voice, full of desire, is all I need to hear.
‘Do it,’ I say.
‘There are security cameras. If I stop the lift they will override it.’
My hand gropes the very prominent bulge in his trousers. His eyes close with the need to be buried deep inside me.
The lift stops and the doors open. For a change, I guide him to our room. As soon as we enter, Luke slams the door and pushes me against it. Savagely his lips are on mine and he slides one hand up my dress while the other hand pulls at my straps. The dress is incredible flimsy, allowing Luke to almost tear it from my body. I wrap one leg around his arse, drawing him to me.
‘Fuck, I need to be inside you.’
I nod. ‘Do it.’
I drop my bag to the floor and my hand works at Luke’s zip and he rips my knickers from me. In seconds he is hard in the palm of my hand. Driven mad by desire, I guide him to me. He lifts me and enters me ferociously, pushing me hard up against the door.
‘Holy shit,’ I mutter.
He stills.
‘I’m fine. Just take me, Luke.’
‘My greedy wife. How I’ve missed you today.’
He continues to thrust into me and my internal walls lock around him every time he hits the spot. As Luke thrusts harder, I’m almost at the point of climax. My head falls back against the door as the first wave hits me.
‘Shit, Luke, I need to come.’
‘I’m with you, baby.’
‘Harder, Luke, harder.’
I can feel him smile against my neck. ‘Fuck, I need you.’
Moisture released from my orgasm layers the head of Luke’s erection as he takes what he needs and drives harder into me until he comes. He stops dead, resting his forehead on me.
‘Happy birthday, Luke,’ I mutter.
‘The best,’ he pants.
He lowers me to the floor. ‘Bath?’ he asks.
I nod.
We lie at opposite ends of the bath.
‘Have you had fun?’ I ask.
‘What do you think?’
‘You’re a bloody nightmare to buy for.’
‘The notes were very clever.’
‘Everyone wanted to help me.’
‘Yes, I can imagine.’ He strokes my feet. ‘Thank you for the suit.’
‘Did you laugh at the lining?’
‘I assume it’s unique and I’m the only person with a lining that reads I love Luke Sutton?’
‘It’s a one-off, handmade for you.’
‘Good.’
‘I’m pleased you’re here. Pathetically, I
was missing you.’
‘Honestly, I was disappointed to not see you this morning… You have some making up to do.’
‘I thought I just did.’ I giggle.
‘I’m due more than a quick fuck against the door.’
‘So you’re horny again? At least wait for me to give you your presents,’ I say.
He looks a little confused. ‘I thought you were my present.’
‘I have a couple of extras.’
We lie in the bath for as long as possible before Luke stands and wraps me in a towel. We sit on the bed in matching white robes. I pass him his gifts.
‘I really do not need any presents.’
I reach for his lips. ‘Yes, you do… Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean I don’t want to buy for you.’
‘OK, what shall I choose first?’
‘Here, this one.’
I pass him a present. He removes the grey bow and lifts the lid off the box.
‘I know it’s silly but…’
Luke chuckles and takes a bite out of a flapjack. ‘Hmmm, my favourite.’
‘That’s why I made them – with extra chocolate chips.’ I reach in and take one.
He opens the remainder of the presents. First, he opens a black Aston Martin lightweight jacket.
‘Thank you.’
‘Do you like it? I thought you could wear it at the weekends.’
‘Of course I like it! Why do you doubt your choices for me?’
He opens another box. I know this will make him smile. He puts the black Aston Martin baseball cap on his head.
‘Well, do I look fuckable?’ He smiles at his own question.
‘Always.’ I remove the cap. ‘Look at the back.’
He smiles at me. ‘Where did you get this?’
‘From the Aston Martin shop. I got Daddy embroidered on the back… your first gift from the two dots growing inside me.’
‘Jesus, you get me every time.’ He takes a breath, obviously feeling overwhelmed.
‘OK, this is your last present.’
He opens the box and removes a snow globe. Automatically, he shakes it.
‘The car in the globe?’ I raise my brows, wondering if knows what the globe represents.
‘Aston Martin.’
‘Right. I thought about ordering you a new car. But for two reasons I didn’t: first, I can’t accept the price tag, and second, I don’t have a bloody clue what extras you would like.’
‘Agreed. I would sooner choose it myself.’
‘So I booked you a trip to Lapland, although it’s not until February next year, so you’ll have to wait. You get to drive an Aston Martin across ice.’
He looks surprised – really surprised. ‘That sounds incredible.’
‘Look under the tissue paper – there’s some information about the trip. Though the babies will be here by then, but you can take someone else if you want to.’
He shakes his head. ‘No, we’ll go together as a family.’
‘I thought it looked amazing.’
‘I have never heard of it. Thank you for all the gifts.’
He reaches in the box and takes another flapjack.
I remove all the gifts from the bed while Luke wears his cap and shakes the globe.
‘Did you get this made? The car has eat me on the number plate.’
‘I did.’
‘Come here.’ He hugs me. ‘I can’t remember the last time I had a birthday like this – probably never.’
‘I know you’re a controlling gazillionaire, but you deserve happiness and surprises.’
‘Thank you – I think.’
I giggle. ‘Lucky for you I’m partial to a controlling gazillionaire.’
‘Lucky me.’ His smile warms my heart.
My hand sneaks under his robe and glides across his chest. ‘Did you wonder why I brought you here?’
‘Your watch. It was the first time I told you I loved you.’
I look up at his face. ‘Yep, and that was the first time I knew I could never be without you.’
My mouth meets his. Flapjack kisses – perfect.
15
Tenderly Luke kisses his way down my spine before he gently bites my arse. Of course I laugh. God, I love a playful Sutton.
‘I know we only got back yesterday, but I need more than one night in France. Let’s take a sickie and stay in bed.’
‘Kate Sutton, you’re nothing but trouble.’ Luke rolls me onto my back.
‘I love being at home with you.’
‘Good, but I have to work and you have a meeting today.’
Luke’s mouth hovers over my bump. ‘Mummy is going to be trouble today. Watch out, babies!’
‘Oi. I’m fine, I just want to stay here. Is that a crime?’
‘No, but if we both stay here there will be a crime committed against my wife, thanks to my need to fuck her.’
Great, I’m now turned on – again!
Luke and I take our seats in the Bentley. I shuffle across to his side and swing my legs over his. I need to feel close to him today. I need him. He puts his arm around my shoulders and lowers his lips to my head.
‘If you’re tired, call off your meeting.’
‘No, I’m fine.’ I take his hand, which rests on my shoulder. ‘Let’s have a lazy night in front of the TV.’
‘I have a meeting late this afternoon and a workout booked.’
‘Am I not keeping you fit?’
He laughs. ‘Yes, but I need more.’
‘You always do.’
‘Have you thought about baby names yet?’ he asks.
‘No. Have you?’
‘Only our mothers’ names if we have girls, and my name for a boy.’
‘OK… Just a heads-up. I love our parents, but not necessarily their names.’
‘It’s tradition,’ he says, sounding amused.
‘Maybe in the nineteenth century.’
‘You surprise me. I thought you loved tradition.’
‘Not passing down names!’
He lifts my face. ‘And my name?’
‘It suits you – not our children.’
His smile spreads. I love it when he is this happy. ‘Are you saying you don’t like my name?’
‘It belongs to you. Besides, I gave you a book of five thousand names, so why would you use a name that someone already has?’
‘Fair point.’
‘Why don’t we compromise and use family names for middle names?’ I say.
‘Middle names it is,’ he says.
That was easy.
Tanya and I sit at the boardroom table reading through magazine articles about Mrs Gold’s charity show.
‘Well?’ Tanya waits for a response.
‘This is really encouraging,’ I say, utterly amazed.
‘I know.’ She reaches across and takes my hand. ‘I’m so pleased.’
‘Me too, even more so for Mr Jones.’ I sit back in the chair and clasp my hands over my bump. I’m convinced it’s bigger than yesterday. ‘I’ll never forget the day he showed me the cupboard in his shop… His design books were stacked high.’
‘What a waste.’
‘I know, and now he’s finally receiving the recognition he deserves.’ I look at my watch. ‘Right, the crew should be here soon. Have you spoken to Alexis?’
She nods. ‘Yeah, while you were in France. Kate, I must admit I’m a little shocked that Harry is coming on board Bagrov and Cooper!’
‘Oh!’ Tanya has no idea that the evil fucker was Harry’s father. I take a breath. ‘Listen, I have something to tell you but it has to stay between us. If Luke finds out I’ve spoken to you, he’ll do a Sutton code red!’
She tilts her head.
‘Trust me, it�
�s not pretty. Why am I saying that? You probably know exactly what a Sutton code red is like – you worked with him.’
‘He’s not that bad, maybe a bit hot-headed.’ She smiles.
‘Er, I beg to differ, but we have to work together and there’s this huge bloody elephant in the room.’
‘OK,’ she says, looking confused.
‘Promise you won’t breathe a word, not even to Harry and Alexis, even though it involves them? I haven’t got a clue how this will all pan out. Shit, I really shouldn’t…’
‘You have my word, you know that,’ she says.
‘I trust you – completely.’
She squeezes my hand, encouraging me.
‘OK, so life for me and Harry changed last year when we found out…’ – I take a breath – ‘we were adopted. Hence the business.’
Tanya remains silent.
‘Anyway, you know Ivor Varizin is my birth father.’
‘The Russian guy.’
‘Yep, well, he’s not Harry’s dad. We’ve known for a while but kept it quiet to protect Mum and Dad. We will never tell them.’
‘Malcolm and Suzanne,’ she says looking a little puzzled.
‘Right. Philip Cooper – may he burn in hell. I hate him more than you will ever know. He… raped my biological mother.’
‘Oh my God.’ Her hand covers mine. ‘Kate, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.’
‘It gets worse. Harry is…’ I swallow acidic bile.
‘No way? She’s his? She can’t be,’ Tanya says. She looks the way I feel.
I nod. ‘She was conceived when he raped my mother. Look, we’ve only just found out.’
‘That explains why you and Alexis have signed over shares to Harry. I’m so sorry, and of course you have my word this will go no further.’
‘Thank you, and sorry for landing this on your lap.’
‘It’s fine – at least it all makes sense. I couldn’t get my head around Alexis being your friend after how rude she’s been to you. But I guess you had to make peace for Harry’s sake.’
‘Yeah.’ Oh, and she saved my life. ‘As I said, this isn’t public knowledge.’
‘I totally understand, and I would never hurt you or Harry.’
