“Sounds like you want a sex slave, not wife.”
“I’m going to be your slave, darling. I’m planning to love you until you scream for release.”
The waiter brought their food, and Quincy took a bite of her omelet. Once she chewed the egg, she said, “Release?”
“Sexual release, my dear. Not release from the marriage bed. I’m going to keep you so happy, you’re never going to want to leave that bed.”
She took another big swig of her champagne. She sat silent and played with her omelet, shoving it from place to place on the plate.
Percy nodded at her food. “Not hungry?”
“Not as much as I thought, I guess.”
“I can’t help but feel something is wrong.” He reached over and patted her hand. “Want to talk about it?”
“Just curious. Are we taking your plane?”
“My plane?”
She nodded. “Yes, your plane. On the honeymoon?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Will it have guns in the hold?” She looked at him wide-eyed.
What the hell is she accusing me of? Does she know? What game is she playing? He shook his head, “I don’t think so, darling.”
“Why? Because you’ll be on board and can’t risk your own arrest?”
“I thought you understood that thing in Bali was not my fault. Someone got on my plane and did that. I’m as innocent as you are.”
She stared at him and pushed her plate back. “I need to go to the loo.”
He nodded, and she left. As soon as she was gone, he picked up his mobile phone and punched in some numbers. “Guido, I need you to follow the lady I’m bringing back to the office with me. Get a good look at her when she gets there. Keep on her until I tell you to stop.” He didn’t wait for an answer and clicked the phone shut.
When Quincy got back to the table, Percy stood. “Let’s go. I need to get back to work.”
“Can I go with you? I’d like to look around at what’s going to auction next.”
“Sure, darling, sure. You’re always welcome there.” He took her by the elbow and led her to the door. On the way out, he stopped by the maitre d’ and said, “Bill to my account. Give the waiter a twenty-five percent tip.”
“Yes, sir. We’ll do it, Mr. Hicks.”
They left the restaurant, and Miguel opened the car door for them. Quincy slid in first, with Percy behind her.
As soon as the car left the curb, Percy leaned over and slid his hand along Quincy’s thigh, up the slit of her skirt. He nuzzled her neck and murmured, “You wore that dress just to tempt me. Admit it.”
“Yes. I did.”
Percy listened to the tone of her voice and felt how stiff she held herself. She was a liar. It made him furious and more resolved to find out what she was up to. He’d make her pay. He continued to nuzzle her neck and caress her leg. Just because he could. She grew more and more detached from him as the ride continued. She should be grateful for my love and welcome me like a hooker would, not hold herself like a stiff, frigid, old nun.
* * * *
When they got to the auction house, Percy led her in and said, “I’ve got to go to my office for a while, and then I have a meeting out of the building. I can leave you on your own to catch a cab back to your hotel or I can have one of my employees take you back.”
“No. I’ll mill around here for a while and find my way back on my own.”
He leaned over and kissed her. She returned the kiss, afraid she’d blown it at the restaurant. It cost her a lot to kiss the man, but she knew she only had to act like she liked him just a little longer. “I’ll see you tonight, then, darling.”
“Yes. We’ll see you then. What time?”
“Is eight all right? Where are you staying?”
“The Thyme. And yes, eight is fine. We’ll be ready.”
“See you then.” Percy walked away.
Quincy went immediately to the ladies room and sat down in the antechamber on one of the plush navy blue floral patterned couches. She had to compose herself. Lunch had been one of the hardest things she’d ever sat through. And that car ride on the way back, dear God, what a nightmare. She shuddered at the memory and immediately began to plan how she could avoid dinner that night. Dancing with Percy would be awful.
After a few minutes, she took a deep breath and stood up. Gotta get back to it. The job won’t get done sitting here. She straightened her shoulders and left the safety of the ladies room. Quincy spent a long time milling around the sales floor and made her way down to the basements. On her last visit, she’d met some of the appraisers down there, and she planned to pretend to be looking for one of them if she was caught where she shouldn’t be.
No one was down on the bottom floor. It was a little creepy that the entire basement seemed empty. She didn’t see anywhere that anyone could have stashed any weapons, so went back upstairs.
Quincy asked the receptionist at the information booth right by the front door if Percy was still around, but he had left. She stepped outside and hailed a cab. As soon as she got in, she called Avery. “Find anything?”
“Maybe. We followed him when he left the auction house, and there was another warehouse. He met someone inside. He was in there a while and then came out. Mark said we should stay and see if anyone else came out. There were three other men. They were all big and Middle Eastern looking. We’re gonna go back tonight with tools this time.” She giggled a little.
“I sure hope this is it. I can’t take much more of Mr. Percy Hicks. He’s making me nervous, and I’m afraid he’s not going to take no on the sex thing very much longer. In fact, he got awfully close to performing hand sex on me in the back of the Bentley.” She paused. “I don’t mind telling you, I’m very scared.”
“Ugh. That sounds horrid. You’ve had a rough day. Come back to the room. Craig and Mark are in the same hotel. We’ll have a drink and relax.”
“I quaffed enough champagne at lunch to be drunk, but I think the adrenaline is keeping me sober. He’s got me so tied in knots, I can’t think straight.”
“Tied in knots why?”
“Not because I care about him, if that’s what you think.”
“No, no. I don’t think that. Don’t at all. Just wondered what you meant. See you soon. We’re almost back to the hotel now.”
“Me, too.” She closed her phone and disconnected the call.
Once she got back to the room and all the hugs were exchanged, she sat on her bed beside Craig. You guys think you found the right place?”
“Not sure, but we’re going back tonight. Avery says you have a dinner date with Percy and a friend. Craig and I will go in while you’re there.” Mark was cool and confident.
“I’m a little—no, a lot—nervous about that.”
“Why?” Craig put his arm around her.
“Because he was a little to amorous in the car today. I can’t sleep with him. Can’t.” She put her head in her hands and shook.
Craig patted her on the back. “Avery will be with you this time. She’ll be like a buffer. Make the jerk behave.”
“I hope you’re right. Percy looks thin and suave, but he’s quite muscular under those three thousand dollar suits. If he wants to force me, neither Avery nor I could stop him.”
Mark looked at her, aghast. “Do you really think the man is capable of rape?”
She shrugged. “A month ago, I didn’t think he was capable of smuggling guns and leaving me to rot in a jail cell for his crimes. I actually used to think he was quite charming. I don’t know the man at all, it seems.”
“I’m not sure I want you two going with him tonight.” Craig said.
“I don’t want to either, but we need to give you the chance to see what may be in that other warehouse. He’s not going to take any excuse either. He’s determined to spend time with me.”
Avery said, “I agree with Quincy. We need to go.”
Mark stood and held his hand out to Craig. “Let’s go so the ladies
can get gussied up for their ordeal.”
Craig stood and patted Quincy on the head. “Maybe you should’ve told macho man cop to come with us. He’d have your back on this.”
She looked up at him. “No. He would’ve tied me in a chair in my house, and I’d have never gotten free.”
“Being tied up by that hunk of man would be a pleasure. Too bad he’s not the type to look at me twice.”
“What about me over here, Craig? Are you forgetting me?” Mark looked at him with a mock pout.
“No, my love, never that, I could never forget you.” Craig put his arm around his lover. “Gonna go prove my love to this hunk of man, and we’ll be back when you’re ready to go.”
Quincy laughed. “So glad you finally embraced your true self, my friend. I’m so glad for you. And happy for Mark, too.”
He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, mate.”
They left and Avery and Quincy got dressed in their new frocks, courtesy of Percy Hicks.
* * * *
Percy and his friend William arrived right at eight. Quincy and Avery made a point of being in the lobby just before the allotted time. Craig and Mark sat on one of the couches in the lobby, drinking coffee and pretending not to look in the direction of the ladies.
They went to dinner at a private club near St.JamesPalace. The place was large and airy, candle light and dim chandeliers made for a nice atmosphere. The walls had almost all floor to ceiling windows. The dining area had a quite elegant feel with navy blue upholstered chairs. A live band provided music for the dancers on the floor. Most of the tables held four diners. A few tables for two sat along the walls. Percy had them seated at a table for four. The crowd was sizeable, and Quincy felt herself relax. Surely no harm would come to her and Avery here, among all these people.
They dined on spinach stuffed Dover sole with mushrooms in a white sauce. The fish was delicious, especially the white wine that accompanied it. The liquor tasted very expensive. Quincy felt herself relax even more. Until Avery kicked her under the table and hissed, “Don’t get too comfy.”
Percy looked up from his plate. “What was that, Avery?”
“Nothing.”
“I thought I heard you say something about being comfy.”
She laughed. “Oh, that. I was merely hoping we were going to dance. No point in getting comfy in the chair here if we’re gonna dance.”
“Ah, so you like to dance?”
“I love it.”
Percy took a swallow of his wine and stood. He walked over to Avery’s seat across the table from him, held his hand out. “Shall we?”
Avery put her hand in his and stood. She looked at Quincy and smiled.
Percy led Avery to the dance floor that was a large tiled area in the center of the room.
When they got to the dance floor, Percy took Avery into a waltz hold and held her close. “Glad I got to waltz with you. I wanted to ask you something.”
Avery felt the strength in Percy’s limbs as he held her. His arms seemed to be made of steel. She looked up at him. “What’s that?”
“Any idea what’s up with my bride to be?”
“What do you mean? Wrong? She seems fine to me.”
“I mean she seems distant. It’s like she’s upset with me.”
“It’s probably just nerves. You know, getting married, moving away from home.”
He pulled back and studied her face. “You think that’s it? Really?”
She nodded. “Oh, yeah. I’m sure. I know she’s been a bit worried about moving. She’s lived in that little house forever, and it’s a real wrench for her to leave it.”
He brought her back into the dance. “I hope that’s all it is.”
“I’m sure of it, Percy.”
The dance was over, and they returned to the table. Before Avery could sit, William stood and asked her to dance. They left to join the other dancers.
* * * *
Percy stood beside Quincy’s chair. Silent. Finally, she looked up. “What?”
“Will you dance with your husband to be? Or will you embarrass me in front of the members of my club and snub me?”
She stood and held out her hand. “Of course I’ll dance. All you had to do was ask.”
“I was standing here like a lunk. What did you think I was about?”
“Asking is always nice, Percy. Asking, not demanding. Not assuming, asking. Politely even. What’s hard about that?”
He took her hand and walked her over to the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms. “After the way you rebuffed me in the car today, I wasn’t sure you’d even show up tonight.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“That you are, darling. Now let’s enjoy this dance.” He twirled her around.
In a few minutes, the band played another waltz. Percy hugged her closer. “It seems there’s a romantic in the band tonight. They keep playing songs for us to dance close to. I like that. I can hold my woman in my arms in public and feel her curves.”
She just smiled and said nothing. As they made their way across the floor, he ran his hand up and down her back. The lavender dress had a scoop back and his hands on her skin made her want to vomit. She bit her tongue and held back the bile. I should’ve bought that high neck dress.
Percy said, “I like this dress I bought you today. It’s lovely. It looks spectacular on you. I can’t wait to see how it looks on the floor when I slide it off your gorgeous curves.” He pushed her pelvis close to his. “Feel how much I want you, darling? I plan to have you. Tonight.”
“I told you that I want to spend time with Avery before we marry.”
“Why do you think I brought Will? He’s gonna entertain her while I have my way with you.”
“Please don’t tell me that man’s a male prostitute.” Oh God, what am I going to do? Something needs to happen to save me. Pulling the fire alarm won’t work. What’ll I do? She looked around the room for an escape.
Percy laughed. “No. He’s just a red blooded man who likes pretty women. And your friend is appealing, you know.”
“She won’t sleep with him. She’s just met him.”
“You also said she wouldn’t use my Harrods account, and she did.”
She shoved him in the chest. “That’s different. I forced her to do that.”
He shrugged. “So she can be forced into compliance? That’s good to know.”
“Are you talking about rape?”
“Of course not, darling. Why would you think that?”
She turned and stepped away from him. She walked back to the table with him on her heels. She sat down and looked at him as he took his chair. He smiled at her and took her hand in his. He squeezed her hand till it ached, leaned over and hissed, “I’m smiling at you, bitch, not because I’m happy. I’m not. I’ll not be made a fool of. Don’t you ever leave me alone on the dance floor. Ever. You better act like we’re a couple in this club, or you’ll regret it as soon as we leave here. I’ll—”
His phone rang and interrupted his creepy, smiling diatribe. He looked down at the caller ID “I have to take this, but make no mistake, this conversation is not over.”
He held the phone to his ear, still with the fake smile on his face. Quincy listened to his one-sided conversation. She had to. He had a death grip on her hand.
The longer he talked, the more scared she got. It seemed someone had broken into one of his warehouses. She started to quake inside. Was this call about last night with her and Avery, or had they found Craig and Mark?
She tugged on her hand, and Percy let go. She stood up. Fast.
He looked at he, and she mouthed, “Ladies room.”
He nodded, and she walked past Avery on the dance floor. Avery excused herself from William and followed Quincy. When the door was shut, Avery said, “You’re white as an albino. What’s wrong?”
“Percy just got a call. It seems someone has broken into one of his warehouses.”
“Oh, no, that’s awful.”
They heard a toilet flush, and Quincy covered her mouth.
A tall, blonde woman came out of the stall. She said, “I’m Tara. It’s nice to see you. Aren’t you Percy Hicks’ fiancée?”
“Yeah. I am.”
“Couldn’t help but overhear you. Hope nothing got stolen. But I’m glad to hear how upset you are about it. It bodes well for the marriage, in my book, anyway.” The woman washed her hands and as she dried them, she added, “Nice to meet you. Guess next time I see you, you’ll be in white.”
“Oh, are you invited to the wedding?”
“Sure am. I’ve known Percy for years. I wouldn’t miss it.” She sailed through the door.
Avery looked at Quincy. “That was close.”
“You said it. By the way, just so you know, the plan is for Percy and me to make love while William keeps you amused.”
“Oh, my God. How crazy is he?”
“Which one, Percy or your date? And how we gonna get out of this?”
“Dunno. And I hope the guys aren’t caught.”
“Me, too. Me, too.”
When they got back to the table, Percy had Quincy’s wrap in his hand. He gave it to her. “We’re going to have to cut the evening short. Seems I have an emergency at work. Hope you aren’t too disappointed, darling.”
“I am, Percy, but I understand.” They walked outside to the curb where Miguel had pulled the car around.
“I’ll have Miguel drop you two off at your hotel, and William and I will take a hack back to the office.”
“I thought you hated cabs, Percy.”
“I do, my dear, but I can’t very well put you in one and send you home. It wouldn’t look good.”
“And that’s what it’s all about, huh?”
“What?”
“Your image.”
He fisted his hands at his side. “You’re getting awfully sassy with me lately, Quincy, and I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.”
Chantal, Jillian - Surfer Bride (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 19
