“I most certainly will not. I’ll have my wife when and where I please, and when I please is now, and where is in her boudoir.” Austin flipped her over, pushing her up against the century old oak headboard. Inserting himself into her, her handsome husband began slowly undulating, each stroke becoming more urgent. As the orgasm welled up inside every fiber of her being, Kari buried her lips on his strong arm, biting as a low moan escaped her mouth. Grabbing both buttocks firmly, Austin made his final entry into his writhing wife, lifting himself up in primal triumph, a full blown howl echoing throughout the room. Collapsing in each other’s arms, Austin roared as Kari turned beet red as outside the door shoes treaded quickly away.
Kari slapped him playfully. “ Now you’ve done it lover boy. In less than an hour I’ll be the house whore.”
Austin got off the bed tucking his shirt in and zipping up his trousers. A satisfied grin on his face. "I want to screw to my wife until she is spent and what happens? The maid arrives to let us know dinner is served. I happen to like dessert before dinner. I will not be denied your charms, Kari. I don't give a damn where we are. You are my wife, and I will have you. And besides, it won’t go any further than the house. Now pluck up and get dressed. Hold your head high, darlin’."
Taking careful aim, Kari blasted Austin with a king sized pillow. Flustered and blushing a dark crimson, Kari nodded toward the door unable to speak. This kind of talk and unabashed sex still made her shy. Finally finding her voice, although slightly breathless, Mrs. Austin Du Quaine made her point again. “Real nicely done, my husband. Not that anyone knows I’m your wife. You are definitely going to make up for this one, Babe!”
Austin walked over the massive bed and sat down folding Kari in his arms. “I’m just having a little fun with the help. Besides, most of them have known me since I was a kid. It will give them something to talk about around the kitchen table later on.”
“Great. Fodder for the late night conversation. How will I be able to look any of them in the eye?” Kari squirmed in his arms. Secretly she was loving every minute of it, especially knowing she was carrying his baby; this being something she couldn’t wait to reveal to him knowing how happy it would make him.
Austin kissed her hair lightly. “But think how much more they’ll have to talk about once they find out we’ve been married all along.” Rising up, he gazed at Kari with such pride. “Hurry up and get dressed darlin’ and we’ll go downstairs together. And look everyone straight in the eye like you always do. You’ll be fine.” He winked at her as she escaped from the sheets and hastily dressed, before his eyes of course.
****
The dinner was informal by DuQuaine standards. Austin and Kari were seated next to each other with Jordan across from them. Candice and Mitchell were on opposite ends of the table as they had always been. The conversation was light, Austin and Kari mostly talking about their house. Both had settled considerably after being so rudely interrupted. Neither dared look at the other for the moment, afraid the fire might rekindle right there in front of everyone. Marital said nothing and gave no indication of what had preceded dinner.
Jordan was having the time of her life. Mitchell was taken with her lively, animated personality. Candice was ever the gracious hostess and Harriet hovered over Austin, fussing over his every move.
Kari was amused by Harriet's attention to her husband. She could see that he loved the attention, but at the same time was somewhat embarrassed by it.
After the main course Mitchell invited everyone into his study for dessert and coffee. Austin was amazed by it all. No one ever went into his father's study unless it was for an important meeting. Things had really changed since he'd left, and he was eager to find out what was up. Harriet had filled him in somewhat while he'd been in the kitchen with her. She'd told him that after Austin had gone, his father had taken his mother on a trip to Jamaica for two weeks.
Austin could hardly believe it. As far as he'd known, they'd barely spent any time together the last few years. When they had returned, his father had started spending more time at home and less time the office. His mother had blossomed under the new loving eye of his father. They'd been very happy the last two months. Except, she'd said, that something was missing. Nothing was ever said, but the housekeeper knew it was the loss of their only son. They were aware of his location, and rather proud that he'd landed a very good job, but they'd never discussed him. At least not as far as she knew. And, Harriet knew just about everything that went on in that house. Whatever had happened in his absence had been good.
Austin wasn't sure what his father wanted to talk to him about, but he had a feeling it was about DuQuaine Industries. He wasn't certain how he felt about that. Kari had made it plain that this wasn't the life for her. Time would tell one way or the other. He turned his attention to the discussion at hand.
"It sounds so interesting, Miss Walton. I can see you are very good at what you do." Mitchell was attending to Jordan with great interest.
"I love my job, Mr. DuQuaine. It's been a double pleasure since Kari and Austin have been there. With those two, one never knows what to expect next. I suppose Austin told you about his horses. He was so worried that he wouldn't find a good horse in Florida. I guess he didn't realize that Texas isn't the only state with fine horses."
Hearing his name, Austin strolled over to the two of them. "You would love the horses, Dad. One is a big red thoroughbred. He reminds me of Secretariat, big and strong. The other is a smaller black I purchased just for Kari. She isn't real big on horses so I have to work on her slowly."
"I would love to see them, son. I'll be having a lot of time on my hands as soon as I retire. If you'll have us, your mother and I would love to come for a visit, after the wedding."
Austin didn't miss the point of his saying after the wedding. His mother joined them.
"I have a surprise for you and Kari. The Houston Charities Ball is tomorrow night. It would be the perfect time to introduce Kari to all our friends. I know you won't really mind, will you, Austin? I wouldn't let your father tell you on the phone because I was afraid you wouldn't come this weekend if you knew. I know how you loathe those events, but I thought it would be an appropriate place to introduce your bride-to-be. It will be so exciting!" Candice looked hopefully at her son.
Austin's face turned dark as he shook his head vehemently. "You know how I loathe those things Ma-mother! Besides, Kari and Jordan didn't bring anything suitable for an elegant affair."
"I've already taken care of that, dear. I have an appointment with Mr. Darcy tomorrow at nine for the girls. It is a gift from your father and I. Your tuxedo is in your closet. " Candice turned to Kari and Jordan. "It will be so much fun. I've always wanted to have girls to dress."
"Mother, we can't let you do that. I can afford to buy their dresses."
"We wouldn't hear of it son. This is on us and I won't hear another word." Mitchell still commanded respect when he had his say. He took Austin by the arm, leading him away from the three woman who by now were planning excitedly for the next evening.
"I don't mean to interfere son, but your mother is set on this. Let her have this night. It's really important to her. I know how you feel. I feel the same way, actually." Father and son eyed each other knowingly.
Austin sighed. "Okay, Dad. Just this once, and because it is for Mother. How about a round of golf tomorrow? A dollar a hole?" Austin knew that his father always loved a good challenge.
"You're on, son. But let's make it five a hole."
Austin nodded his head in agreement. His father still had to have the last word. That would probably never change. Austin wasn't sure he wanted him to. It would keep his father young, being in charge.
"We'll have an early breakfast and then go to Mr. Darcy's salon. He will have several dresses ready for you girls to try on." Candice's eyes sparkled.
Kari and Jordan were starting to get caught up in the excitement. Jordan saw this as an opportunity to make new friends. Kari saw it a
s an opportunity to see the life that Austin had given up for her. Candice prattled on, telling about this one and that one, and which ones to avoid at all costs. They listened, a captive audience, as she described many of the people they could expect to see there. Lisa Wentworth's name wasn't mentioned, although she crossed Kari's mind.
With the evening drawing to a close, Kari was glad to finally get to her room. She was tiring much faster these days, although she wasn't getting sick as often. Undressed, she slid her nightshirt on. She figured Austin would be up as soon as he and his father had their talk. Yawning she closed her eyes to rest them and promptly fell in a deep sleep.
Austin slipped in her room an hour later. Gazing down on her peaceful slumber he reached to brush her hair lightly off her face. He left her to her dreams and went to his own room.
Getting ready for bed, Austin thought about their first meeting. The thought of not meeting her at all made his blood run cold. He couldn't imagine life without her. Right now he would probably have been working late at the office. Lisa would be waiting for him at one of her many watering holes with Nick or Marty no doubt. His life would be one of long days and dull nights, probably spent alone.
Kari had changed all that. She'd saved his life and he would love her forever for that. He removed his clothes and fell into bed au natural. He was glad he was exhausted. He closed his eyes and within minutes he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of Kari and stormy green eyes.
****
Mr. Darcy stood with one hand on his elbow and the other holding up his chin. His concentration was one of pure professionalism and perfection.
"Turn around dahhhling, and let me see the back. Yes yes, it needs a little tuck here and.... there. Yes, it will be perfect on you, Miss Walton."
Jordan looked at her reflection in the full length mirrors surrounding her. It was the most beautiful (and expensive she was quite sure) dress that had ever graced her exquisite figure. The dress was sleek and hugged her every curve. It was styled off her delicate shoulders, showing a slight cleavage, following her figure line to swirl around her lower calf. The silver sequined dress was slit on one side to just below her thigh. She stood in silver shoes that matched the dress, with a simple silver choker and round silver earrings the size of quarters. With her dark long hair swept up she was absolutely stunning. Jordan admired herself and laughed loudly. She was certain to have a great time. She stepped down as Kari took her place on the platform.
Kari's dress was one she’d always dreamed of wearing. It was a strapless dress of shimmering pale emerald material, narrow to the waist with a fuller skirt that swirled around her ankles. Her shoes were ballerina slippers of the same color only deeper. Her light auburn hair was piled on top, with wispy tendrils curling down. The only piece of jewelry was a sixteen inch pearl necklace adorning her neck. Kari peered in the mirror and saw a princess staring back at her. She smiled as she thought of her prince taking her on his arm to the ball. She eyed the slippers on her feet. At least she couldn’t trip in these.
Mr. Darcy nodded his approval. It was always a pleasure to serve Mrs. DuQuaine. She was never hard to please and he loved dressing beautiful women. These two Yankee girls would certainly have the attention of all the men tonight. Southern men had a thing about northern girls. It was the mystery surrounding them. Yes, he was very pleased with himself. The rather eccentric man waved at the girls helping him to take the dresses away to be delivered later on that day. After they had dressed, he led the three women to the door and saw them to their limousine. It had been a very profitable day!
****
Kari put the finishing touches on her look. She didn't want Austin to see her until she was completely ready. She loved the way the dress made her look sexy and slim, hiding the tiniest of bulges that was beginning to show. She glanced at the clock on the dressing table. It was six thirty. Almost time to go. She walked over to the door between her and Jordan's room. As she was about to knock the door opened.
"You look exquisite, my dear." Jordan got the first words in of course.
"The men will fight to fill your champagne glass, Gourdy! "
Jordan stuck her tongue out at Kari. "I plan on having a great time and whatever happens, well, happens."
Kari looked at her wickedly. "You haven't forgotten about Jimmy already have you?"
"No. He'll be in my heart. He will just have to share it for one night."
"You are really something, woman. But that is what I love about you." Kari reached for her friend and hugged her.
"This will be such fun. Of course, everyone will be looking to see the woman Austin left his fiancée for. Jordan, you know she'll be there. How will I deal with that?" It was a relief to finally have it out in the open.
"Don't worry, sweetie. I'll watch out for you as I'm sure Austin will. Just think about how great you look and what a good time we will have."
Kari sighed. "Just as long as I don't trip over my size tens, I'll be fine."
There was a soft knock on the door. Kari stepped over to open it expecting Maurita. Austin stood there in his tuxedo, looking like he belonged in one all the time. Kari's hand flew to her mouth as an Ohhh escaped. He was so handsome, no beautiful.
Austin stared at her, slowly appraising her from head to toe. "Lord, Kari, you can't keep doing this to my mind and body. Every time I think you can't get any more lovely, you do it to me again. And so down right sexy. I will be thinking of removing that sexy dress all night, count on it."
His dark chocolate eyes blazed with fire. He looked around her and spied Jordan. "You are too lovely for words, Jordan. The other women will be jealous the minute you enter, and I know you will love every minute of it."
"You got that right, honey. Let's get this show on the road as they say in show biz."
Austin held out an arm for each of them. They went down the stairs to meet his parents, the party of five stepping out of the door together.
Eighteen
The Houston Charities Ball was well underway by the time the DuQuaine party arrived. As they made their entrance, all eyes were riveted towards Austin and the two mysterious women with him. Heads started turning and people were whispering to each other as they entered. The host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Wright came over to welcome them.
Mrs. Wright was the society gossip. If someone wanted to know the latest goings on anywhere in high society, she was the one to ask. She maneuvered closer to Austin, all the while keeping her eye on Kari and Jordan.
"How lovely to see you, Austin. We have missed you. Where have you been keeping yourself and who are these absolutely fabulous creatures with you?"
Austin wanted to say to her that surely she knew where he'd been, seeing as she knew everything about everyone, but he held himself in check. He smiled patiently.
"May I present my fiancée, Miss Kari McKinnon and her friend, Miss Jordan Walton."
"Fiancée! My my. Won't Lisa be surprised! Why, she pales in comparison to you dear. It is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss McKinnon. And you too Miss Walton." Julia Wright took Kari by the arm.
"Miss McKinnon, I'd like you to meet some of Austin's old acquaintances. You don't mind do you, Austin, darling? Come with me, dear, I'll show you around. After all, when Austin inherits all that money, you will need to know certain people."
She led Kari away before Austin could protest. His face grew dark with concern. He started to follow, when Jordan held him back.
"Don't worry, Austin. Kari can handle herself. That woman wants you to make a scene. I've met her kind before. Besides, everyone should meet Kari. It's what your mother wanted."
Austin took Jordan by the arm, practically dragging her out on the dance floor. He bent his head, whispering fiercely in her ear.
"You don't know the woman, Jordan. She's a female shark! She's poison. In case you didn't catch it, she mentioned my ex fiancée right away. If Lisa is here, you can be sure that Julia will make sure they meet."
"What are you afraid of, Austin? Is ther
e something you don't want Kari to know about?"
Austin's eyes grew dangerously dark, almost black. Jordan was taken aback by this quick display of temper. It was a side of him she'd never seen."
He practically hissed in her ear. "No! I'm done with Lisa. I never loved her in the first place. I just don't want Kari subjected to any kind of snobbishness, or.....lies!"
Jordan stood away from him, looking at him strangely. This was a very distraught man. She watched his face as he searched anxiously for Kari. There was a fear in his face that she'd never seen before, or ever expected to see. He was really worried about something. Jordan gently shook him to bring him back to face her.
"What is it, Austin? What are you afraid of? Tell me so I can help." Austin brought his eyes back to her.
"There is nothing you can do, Jordan." He forced a smile. "I just worry about her, that's all. She has seemed so tired lately. I should never have brought her here so soon, and now this. A big introduction to Houston high society wasn't a good idea right now."
If you only knew, Austin. Jordan wasn't going to be the one to tell him. The fact was, she was worried also that it might be too much for Kari.
A tap on her shoulder brought her to the present. She turned around and found herself staring up into bright blue eyes.
"Austin old man, would you mind if I had a dance with Miss....."
"Miss Walton. Jordan Walton. And you are?" Austin admired how Jordan could take over the moment.
"Jared Jackson at your service, darlin'. Would you care to dance?"
"Darlin', I believe I would like that!"
She took his arm as he looked back at Austin somewhat bewildered. Austin shrugged his shoulders and turned his palms outward. Jared was a big boy, and he was way in over his head with Jordan. Austin smiled to himself. It was just what the cad deserved.
He continued to study the crowd in search of Kari and Julia. He spied them talking to an older couple that his parents had a passing acquaintance with. She seemed okay. Maybe he was just being foolish. He hadn't seen Lisa yet, although he couldn't imagine her not showing up, especially knowing he was back. And he was certain she knew.
Austin's Pleasure Page 16
