She’d never stopped being angry with him. A strange kind of love, but Rex saw it then. She was driven by a broken heart.
“Did he leave you a letter or something?”
“Just basic legal instructions.” He wasn’t sharing the letter with her. He hadn’t even shared it with Carmen yet. What with everything that had happened in between, it was still folded away in his wallet.
“So don’t let him get to you with any sense of obligation or sentimentality.”
Rex felt disturbed by that. It touched a nerve. He had felt for the old man when he’d sat in his father’s chair in his stronghold in the library, holding the letter, looking at his portrait. “I’m not sentimental about the house. Don’t think that.”
“Carmen, then?”
“I do care about her.” Care about her enough to put you through questions I wish I hadn’t had to. “Look, we’re just enjoying some time together while we deal with the property.”
She studied him in silence and refrained from further comment, but he could tell she was uneasy. She glanced at her watch. “I’d better make tracks.”
Rex gestured for the bill. “I’ll walk you back.”
Once again Rex scoured the busy sidewalk as he escorted his mother back to the gallery, always watchful. It was difficult to concentrate, to keep in mind that he might be being followed, when his mother had given him so much to think about. He already had enough on his mind.
When he bent to kiss her goodbye outside the gallery, she reached up and touched his cheek briefly before they separated, studying him again. “I hope this Carmen is worthy of you.”
More like I’m not worthy of her. “It may never happen.”
“You have got it bad, poor Rex.” She smiled. “I can tell I better get online and find out more about Carmen Shelby.”
Rex gave her a final kiss and then waved as she walked away.
Got it bad? He supposed he did have it bad. One way or the other, Carmen occupied all his thoughts. Between his insatiable desire for her, and his more recent concerns about her safety and well-being, it was as if everything else in the world had become far less important.
He hailed a taxi, giving the driver directions to Slipstream. Then he pulled out his phone to check on Carmen. He thought it might irritate her, but she laughed casually and poked fun at him.
“Promise you won’t leave the building until I arrive.”
“It’s barely even a sprained ankle. Really, I can manage. It doesn’t hurt at all, honestly.”
“Hush now, you’re ruining my excuse to carry you everywhere tonight.”
She laughed softly.
After their call ended, he phoned the manor.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Amery, it’s Rex. I’m thinking of going through those papers in the library myself, so I wanted to ask you to leave the job to me.”
“I can understand that. Rest assured of my discretion, sir.” She was thinking about the letter she’d unearthed.
“I know that.”
“Is there something that you’re specifically looking for, Mr. Rex, I mean...Rex. Surely I can help.”
That was some effort on her behalf. Rex pondered. He didn’t really want to tell her exactly what he was looking for. Then again, she might be well aware of his father’s other property interests and the woman called Olivia. Perhaps Charles Carruthers had even taken the affair to the house, before he met Sylvia Shelby. “Yes, perhaps you can. I’m looking for any paperwork relating to an apartment in London. He bought it ages back, possibly in the ’80s.”
“I’m making notes.”
He could hear the pen scratching. She hadn’t reacted and didn’t seem to know anything. “What I need is the address and any other contact information, names or telephone numbers.”
“What I’ve been looking through is mostly old accounts for the estate, but I’ll have a good hunt for you.”
“Thank you. Call me back if you locate anything.”
“Immediately, of course.”
There was something else he wanted, but he hadn’t decided quite how to go about it. His intention was to have the private investigator check out the house, but he had to make a cover story to introduce that person into the manor. He couldn’t trust any of the staff at the present time, but he’d find a way. “I’ve got some other business in mind. I might want to bring in contractors for some maintenance and renovation work, but I’ll phone you later on in the week regarding that.”
A wary silence emanated from the other end of the phone. “We may not be the workforce we once were, but Bill and his men are very capable.”
“I’m not questioning that.” He had to tread carefully. He didn’t want to offend them. “I’ve given Bill permission to make the necessary repairs on the service stairs, but I’m thinking about drafting in some people to look at other renovations. Don’t worry, Mrs. Amery, no one is criticizing your work. Think of it as a few extra hands.”
She didn’t sound convinced, but at least he’d broached the subject.
When he hung up, he looked at his watch. He had a couple of hours at Slipstream, then he’d head off to collect Carmen. He couldn’t help wondering what her mood would be. There was no telling, but at least he knew how to keep her in check. That thought made him smile.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“I STILL CAN’T believe you managed to force me into this around-the-clock thing,” Carmen said as Rex slowed the car down, ready to turn it into the underground car park beneath the rented apartment.
“It’s not so bad, is it? My initial aim was to keep you safe, but I am enjoying playing house.”
She laughed.
“I’m serious,” he continued. “I wanted to see how we might get on, on neutral ground. Perhaps it’s just a whim, as you would call it. Humor me. Let’s be anonymous for the week.”
“Anonymous?” She stared across at him with an amused look in her eyes, making the most of the time it took for the security gate to scan his number plate, roll up and allow him to drive in. “The whole point of this arrangement is Burlington Manor, and my part of the bargain was to give you a certain number of weekends.” Her tone was teasing. “Now we are no longer at the manor, and you’re taking liberties with my time beyond what we agreed.”
Rex drove the car quickly into its designated parking space, pulled on the brake and switched off the engine. He turned to look at her. “Tell me, is it so awful being with me? Are you pretending to enjoy yourself when you occasionally let rip?”
She pouted. “No, I have enjoyed being with you. You know that. It’s just that I’m used to my own private space at the end of the day—”
“You can be alone tonight if you want to,” he interrupted. “I’ll sleep in the guest room.”
“I don’t have any of my things around me,” she continued, ignoring his offer to sleep alone.
Rex restrained a smile.
“I really don’t understand you,” she added. “You’re lucky you’re so good in bed.”
“Why, thank you.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, God, your ego is so huge!”
“Hey, there’s a reason I’m doing this, you know that. I wanted to be sure you were safe.” He reached across and covered her hand with his, forcing her to let him in. “But it’s more than that. I’ve only got a short lease with you,” he said, and noticed that she rolled her eyes in response. “I’ve been enjoying our time together immensely. It’s been very special.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. It was true. He was planning to get her on board no matter what, but the words were what he felt. “Sometimes being at Burlington Manor feels like too much of a compromise, or a barrier, and I wanted to know what it would be like without that influencing our behavior toward each other.”
She stared at him in silence for a long mo
ment. Reaching for him, she kissed him full on the mouth. It took him by surprise, but he responded instantly, and when she moved closer his arms went around her, his hands automatically trying to lift her into his lap so he could feel her against him. When his hand curved around her bottom, he groaned with longing.
She drew back and laughed. “We can’t do it here in the car. Someone will see.”
Rex didn’t really care who saw them as long as they got close again. The tension between them was evaporating, for which he was immensely grateful. “If you’re that fussed about it, I’ll take you inside first.”
“Inside our anonymous apartment?” There was laughter in her eyes.
It warmed him through. “Yes, let’s have anonymous sex in our anonymous apartment.”
“Okay, then.” She moved fast, climbing out of the car.
Rex did the same.
When they walked to the elevator and stepped inside, he looked at her.
Her lips curled. She looked aroused and mischievous.
He dropped his laptop bag to the floor and grabbed her into his arms, kissing her.
She moaned into his mouth, clutching at him eagerly. He backed her against the wall of the elevator, pressing himself hard against her. She shifted him back. They ricocheted back and forth, and she chuckled as they drew apart. The elevator pinged. Rex ducked down and snatched up his bag, then grabbed her by the hand and led her to the apartment, fast.
Once inside, he started taking off her clothes.
Carmen laughed. “This place may be anonymous but you’re not, Mr. Rex Carruthers, and you never will be.”
The teasing tone in her voice set him alight. “What if you couldn’t see me?”
Her attention sharpened. Desire poured from her. “Are you going to hide?”
“Kind of.” He pulled off his tie, and held it over her eyes.
Carmen inhaled sharply. “Oh.”
“Anonymous enough for you?”
She nodded.
Rex stepped behind her and secured the tie. Then he finished undressing her and led her to the bedroom. “We’re in the bedroom now.”
He stationed her at the end of the bed.
Rex quickly undressed, kicking off his shoes and flinging his clothes aside. He climbed onto the overly wide bed, punched the pillows into position and folded his arms behind his head.
Carmen was standing where he’d left her at the end of the bed, entirely naked but for the blindfold. She cocked her head and he could tell she was listening for audio clues on his actions.
The room was lit by two lamps, and her body was cast in a mix of light and shadow. She looked beautiful.
“Your anonymous lover is on the bed, admiring you.”
She smiled nervously. Her fingers moved, as if unsure whether to reach out. She captured her bottom lip between her teeth.
Rex had meant to remain in position and simply observe her, but seeing her that way focused him in a way he hadn’t been expecting. He’d been planning to enjoy her, without her knowing his reaction. It would be interesting, but for some reason that wasn’t possible.
It was her vulnerability. She affected him strangely. It was as if he couldn’t bear to leave her there without assisting. “Step forward. You’re about ten inches from the end of the bed, and then you’ll find what you’re looking for easy enough.”
Her expression changed. She smiled.
Seeing that smile caused an instant feeling of mellowness. That wasn’t part of the scheme, but it didn’t affect his libido. His cock was long and hard. Ready for her. He didn’t like to see her too vulnerable, though. Was that because of the potential danger she might be in, the accident she’d experienced, or would he respond like that, anyway? Rex frowned. This wasn’t the time to be thinking on those sorts of questions. They were anonymously hidden and now they were going to have anonymous sex. Except it wasn’t anonymous, and he was in the curious position of being able to enjoy her without her being able to see him. It made him aware of how deeply he cared for her. He wanted and needed her. Above and beyond that, he wanted her to be happy, as well as safe.
When her legs moved against the edge of the bed, she came to a halt. Her breasts bounced and she laughed breathlessly. She turned her head from side to side, trying to get her bearings.
Rex shifted, rising up onto his elbows. Stretching out his left foot he touched her with his big toe and drew it down the front of her thigh. She smiled, and then reached down to close her hands around his ankle.
“Oh, my, what big strong calf muscles you have,” she whispered as she stroked her hands underneath his legs.
“All the better to chase you with.”
She inhaled, and her hands paused in their exploration.
What was she thinking?
How beautiful she looked. Had she really never been submissive like this with another man? It could be true, because she was so often unsure about it. Rex had never known a woman so deliciously conflicted by her sexuality. It was a pleasure edging her toward an understanding of it, but it was also dangerously close to becoming an obsession for him.
She climbed onto the end of the bed, knees on either side of his lower legs, then reached out and trailed her fingers over his erection.
It jerked in response. “Found what you’re looking for?”
She ducked down and rested her cheek against his knee in silent request. “Rex, I want you...I want the taste of you in my mouth.”
When his knee shifted, she nudged her face between his legs, seeking his cock. It was eager for her mouth. “Permission granted.”
The sight of her crawling to his cock with her lips parting was so damn hot. Then she wrapped one hand around the thick stem of his erection and drew it to her lips. She ran her tongue over the swollen crown. With her other hand she lifted his balls, clasping them as she took him fully into her mouth, riding the large crown of his cock against the roof of her mouth, her tongue lapping against the underside.
Rex’s blood pounded, pleasure roaring over him with every suck, squeeze and stroke she gave him. Taking him deeper, she began to move up and down, swallowing a little more of his length each time. When he released a guttural moan she moved faster still.
“Enough, I want to be inside you.” With one hand on her shoulder he eased her away, his breathing labored.
He rested one hand around the back of her neck, staring down at her.
“Get up here and sit on me,” he instructed, then grappled for the condom he’d left on the bedside. He couldn’t pull it on quickly enough.
Carmen climbed over him with her knees either side of his hips.
The sight was too good. Her pussy, open and ready, her body primed, her lips parted and damp from his cock.
“Okay, I’m ready for you.”
She grasped his cock, directed it to her and then flexed as she took it inside. “Rex...” She paused halfway, and she was panting loudly. “It’s so good.”
She worked herself down his length some more, and he felt her give, stretching to accommodate him. She cried out.
“Tell me what you feel,” he demanded, and he could hear the gruffness in his own voice.
“Everything. I feel everything.”
Desperate for her, he sat up and buried his face against the base of her throat where he kissed her so heavily he sucked her skin into his mouth.
She jerked but then sank into his harsh kiss.
“Bite me harder,” she cried out.
He sank his teeth into her shoulder.
Her hips rolled. “Oh, yes, yes...it hurts, but it feels so good.”
They were wrapped in each other, raw and uncompromising, and the artifice had gone, the role-playing. He knew this was real, and it sent him into overdrive. He bit her again. When she responded by digging her nail
s into his back, he looked at her, and even though her face was partially obscured, he saw her pleasure in the pain.
The scratch of her nails seemed to tug at his balls, priming him for the climax. He stroked her breasts, cupping them in his hands.
Her cunt tightened on his length.
Rex cursed and grasped the soft flesh of her breasts more firmly, molding it in his hands. Just a tweak of her sensitive nipples and she bucked her hips, her body clutching his erection so tightly that her hot juices spilled down around the base of his cock.
“Take your pleasure now,” he instructed, knowing he wouldn’t last long. Not with her like this.
She rode him faster.
Desperate for release, Rex clenched his jaw.
She leaned forward, rubbing herself against him with every thrust and roll of her hips. She was close. He could see it. While she ground down on him, his cock was solid and he wasn’t going to come until she did—but, bloody hell, it was hard not to.
“There’s nothing like this in the whole world,” he whispered, and his hands locked around her hips, holding her in place as his body bowed up beneath her, thrusting into her.
She gave a wild cry, and her body tightened on him as she reached her peak. Rex let rip, ejaculating hard while her body shuddered to completion.
CHAPTER TWENTY
REX HAD NEVER hired a private investigator before, so he wasn��t sure what to expect. Samuel Jacobson immediately dispelled any concerns Rex had.
Neatly dressed, wearing glasses and carrying a standard briefcase, there was nothing out of the ordinary about him. He was an unassuming character, a person you wouldn’t look at twice. Rex shook the man’s hand and gestured to the casual seating in the corner of his office. “I appreciate your coming to me.”
“From what you told me on the phone, I understand your concern. My first question is, why haven’t you gone to the police?”
“No real evidence of any misdemeanor outside of the tampering with the banisters. Not a lot to go on. But the two events can’t be a coincidence, and if we assume it was carefully planned, how many were involved? It would be almost impossible for one person to be behind both events because of the timing and the distance between where I was and Burlington Manor, where the other incident occurred.”
The Burlington Manor Affair Page 23
