by Brook, L M
“Darcey don’t tell me you can’t feel that.” Daniel’s eyes are wild and yearning.
“No Daniel, this changes nothing. I can’t trust you.” I push against his effort to pull me nearer.
“You still love me, I know you do.” Daniel seizes my face and I squint at the pain as he touches my cheek.
“Daniel no, you can’t put right seven months of cheating, it wasn’t just a moment of weakness!” I struggle to free myself from his clutch.
“Darcey come with me to Russia. We can go tomorrow.” Daniel still holds my face tightly and the pain shoots through my cheek.
“Daniel no, please let go.” His drunkenness is clouding his judgment and behaviour.
He grabs my hair pulling me into his mouth and smothers my release of pain. His mouth is ferocious and unrelenting as his free hand forcefully rips my tights. Daniel pulls back to look at me and I stare terrified into his eyes.
“I want you.” Daniel continues his onslaught biting my neck hard as I scream out loud.
“Stop, please stop.” I’m shocked at this Daniel I’ve never seen before.
Pressing me up against the wall he lifts me off the ground as I push hard against his chest. Mum dashes into the room immediately followed by Nick who ploughs into Daniel holding him up against the kitchen counter. I sink to the floor watching the restrained monster. He looks across the room at me with eyes full of regret.
“I’m so sorry Darcey, please forgive me.” Daniel breaks down into a sob as Nick steps back to free him.
“Darcey are you ok?” Nick stands above me offering his hand to help me stand.
“I’m fine Nick.” I watch Daniel sob into his hands. He is a broken man and right now needed to sleep off the alcohol. Moving towards him, Nick looks on nervously. I put one hand to Daniel’s face, he looks down at me. “Daniel you need to go home. Please accept that we are over, I can’t forgive and forget. I love you and will always be here for you but that doesn’t make it right between us.”
Daniel lightly touches my lips. “I’m so sorry.”
“Daniel call me when you’re sober. Nick will you drive Daniel home?” Nick nods and surprisingly I feel composed and in control.
Mum busies herself making tea as Nick and Daniel leave. I concentrate on my ragged appearance. Looking into the bathroom mirror I can see the bruising on my neck and blood smeared from the cut on my cheek. Removing my torn tights I search in Mum’s bedroom cupboard for replacements.
Mum is distraught at how the meeting with Daniel ended and apologises over and over again for causing me further pain. I sip my tea in a daze feeling numb to what has just happened.
Nick returns shortly to collect me and Mum makes him a coffee as he stands at the kitchen counter.
“Are you going to press charges?” Nick is deadly serious.
“No.” I avoid eye contact. “He was drunk.”
“He tried to rape you!” Nick is so angry. “What if he tries again, there might not be anyone around to stop him next time.”
“He won’t do it again.” I’m insistent and Nick doesn’t push the matter. “Are you going to tell Anthony?”
“I already called him to let him know. He’s not stupid Darcey, what were you going to say happened to your neck? Lies only hurt more.” He continues to drink his coffee. “Darcey you need to decide where your loyalties lie. I won’t let you hurt Anthony, he’s been through enough.”
Mum looks awkward at her attempts to get Daniel and I back together as Nick glares at me demanding reassurance.
“Nick, I won’t hurt Anthony and I certainly had no intention of lying to him. I just wanted to tell him myself.” I stand to put my mug into the sink and pick up my mobile phone and handbag. Lola has replied to my text confirming that she will take care of Daniel this afternoon.
Nick and I sit in silence driving back to Dorton. He is not convinced of my feelings for Anthony and understandably protective towards him. He fiddles with the stereo and Red Hot Chilli Peppers beats out a mellow tune.
“Nick I do care deeply for Anthony, I wouldn’t hurt him.” His eyes catch mine in the rear mirror.
“I know you do Darcey and he cares for you but Daniel is bad news as far as I can see, he’ll hurt you both.”
We continue the journey to Dorton in silence and wait in the car park for Anthony. My heart pounds and I wring my clammy hands tensely. The car door opens as I take a deep breath frightened to catch a glance in his direction. He slides in beside me and the car door slams behind him. There is silence again, nobody says a word. He swivels to face me and I can feel his fingers touching my neck where Daniel had bitten me. He is light and gentle as he tilts my head up to look at him. His eyes are sad as he still says nothing.
Anthony’s lips encase mine holding the kiss, closing his eyes. I reach for his face with both hands as he draws me up straddling his lap. Our kiss is hot and fiery, nothing like anything I’ve experienced. Is this really what true love feels like?
I’ve never before felt this deep yearning in my chest when I kiss a man. We are oblivious to Nick in the front of the car and desperately crave each other’s touch.
Unexpectedly Anthony snatches my hands from his face, pulling his mouth away from mine. He glares at me with angry eyes.
“Promise me you’ll never see Daniel again!” Anthony is furious and I swallow hard at this demand.
“He was drunk and very upset.” I try to explain Daniel’s inexcusable behaviour.
“Promise me you’ll never see him again, promise me!” Anthony’s voice is firm repeating his request again.
“What if I bump into him, it’s a small town.” I immediately regret this flippant statement.
“Promise me Darcey!” his voice rises with new anger building.
“I promise.” Our eyes are drilling into each other as though Anthony is assessing my promise as either a throw away pledge or sincerely delivered.
“Darcey I can’t bear the thought of him hurting you. What if Nick hadn’t been there? You don’t know what he is capable of.” Anthony releases my hands. “Darcey I swear if he lays a finger on you again……….”
To stop Anthony ranting I quickly place my finger over his lips “Anthony, I promise that Daniel and I are finished and he knows this. That is why he became angry. I promise I’ll not meet him again.”
Anthony scoops me into him as I rest my head on his shoulder feeling relieved that he is calmer. Nick starts the engine and the car smoothly takes us home.
Arriving at Sebel House, Freya greets us at the door. “You are back earlier than I expected. Everything ok at work Anthony?”
“Yes Ma, Darcey was overwhelmed this afternoon and therefore we decided perhaps a quiet evening is best. I’ve arranged for Rosie to serve dinner for the two of us alone after a relaxing swim.” I smile innocently as Anthony whispers in my ear turning with his back to Freya “I want you all to myself tonight!”
“I hope you’re ok Darcey, let me know if you want to leave out the hunting tomorrow, Tom will understand.” Freya looks on troubled.
“No I’ll be fine, I wouldn’t dream of cancelling. The walking will do me good. I just need a good night’s sleep.” I step away from the car attempting to hide my neck from display.
“Wonderful, enjoy your swim and get an early night Darcey.” Freya returns inside the house.
I’m regretful of how Nick had to come to my rescue this afternoon and before Anthony drags me away with a tight grip on my hand, I manage to tap on the car window to talk to Nick.
“Are you ok Darcey?” Nick lowers his window and Anthony watches puzzled as to my intention.
“Nick, I want to say thank you for stepping in when you did this afternoon. I thought about what you said at Mums and I won’t let you down.” I step back to indicate that was all I had to say.
“I’m glad. Have a good rest this evening. I’ll join you for hunting in the morning.” Nick smiles and closes the window as he pulls away towards the cart lodge.
“What’s that all about?” Anthony tugs my hand in the direction of a barn situated in a field to the right of Sebel House.
“Nothing, just a thank you.” I remember Anthony mentioning a swim “Anyway, what’s this about a swim? I don’t have a bikini!”
“You don’t need one.” He raises his eye brows tugging me along a gravelled path.
We enter through a stable style door which he locks behind us. The foyer wall lamps dimly light the warm stone on the floor. Two oak doors signify changing rooms. Anthony is on a mission pushing open one door still grasping my hand. The room is fitted with comfortable lounging chairs with large silver mirrors set against terracotta walls above stone basins.
“Come on, take off those clothes!” Anthony throws me a fluffy white bathrobe as he undoes his tie and shirt buttons. I watch him with interest - he is like an excited schoolboy. “Last one in gets no champagne!”
I giggle and sit to unzip my boots and roll down my tights. Anthony wears a mischievous smirk and within minutes stands naked with his muscular, tanned frame in front of me. He grabs a bathrobe and is gone through the door separating us from the pool. There is a loud splash as he dives in and then ripples of water as he resurfaces.
I tie my robe and open the door. The pool is beautifully lit from below with small amber lights and church candles flicker around the edges of the room. A table is set for two with champagne on ice and a circular lounger with cushions and fur blankets nestles in another candlelit corner. Has he arranged all of this for me? My mouth hangs open in astonishment.
Anthony watches me as he swims up to the edge of the walk in steps. I can see his naked outline highlighted under the water. He looks so inviting. I feel nervous, looking around I can see the windows shielded with French Louvre shutters. We are totally hidden in our own pool paradise.
Untying my robe, I let it drop to the floor as I step slowly into the pool down towards Anthony. He stands waiting and smiling up at me as I reach the last step. His hands slide around my middle pulling me into the water. Our bodies feel warm against each other. Moving us away from the steps he lifts me under my thighs, wrapping my legs around his hips as I lay my arms about his broad shoulders. The feel of nothing between our bodies but the warm water sensually swirling is deliciously sexy.
“I thought we were going to have a swim?” I can’t help but taunt Anthony.
“We are, this is breast stroke” I laugh at Anthony’s quip, his eyes are sparkling in the candlelight and my whole body is tingling with excitement.
Lifting me higher I can feel his hardness below. His hips jerk very slowly forwards as he sinks gradually into me. Anthony is tender staring into my eyes as I tilt my head back. He masters a gentle rhythm gripping my thighs firmly and maintaining control pushing hard reaching my deepest point. As he holds this position for a few seconds each time I squeeze my muscles around him to take pleasure in the fullness.
His lips find mine and again he steadily straightens and tilts his hips to possess deep inside me, my muscles clench tighter enjoying the firmness gliding in and holding position. This delicate movement heightens my growing orgasm with each controlled thrust as my hips begin to push harder wanting him further and further inside me. I try to increase pace rolling my hips but I am held down tightly with Anthony’s directing arms. He watches attentively as he repeats the smooth thrusting movements over and over. I give in to my growling need coming loud and shuddering against him, clasping tightly around his neck.
Anthony glides me through the water towards the steps, laying me down as he re-establishes the steady pulse also grinding hard against my openness and clitoris. With each slow hip rotation my muscles clench again wanting more. I clutch his hips taking all I can get as intermittent waves lap over my breasts.
Leaning forward he takes my nipple into his mouth sucking hard maintaining circular motion inside me, grinding over and over again. My muscles quicken as my body convulses allowing another orgasm to build and then overpower me.
He swiftly pulls me up against his body then turns me around with my back against him. I lean forwards to grip a handrail at the edge of the pool. From behind Anthony thrusts in hard and quickly develops a fast pace as the water undulates and crashes about me. I reach down to vigorously tantalise my clitoris pushing back to meet his hips. His mouth finds my ear as each deep breath is amplified.
“Darcey you’re addictive” Anthony purrs continuing to fuck hard. “You’re turning me on touching yourself, come again for me baby.”
My hand works faster frequently brushing against his come lubricated stiffness. My breathing becomes shallow as I feel the tightening in my muscles and the pulsing inside of me. I cry Anthony’s name out loud as he thrusts deep coming simultaneously. Moving slowly inside me, he squeezes me back against him. I feel his chest beating heavily as he pants loudly. I rest my head back onto his shoulder turning to meet his lips.
Opening his eyes he smiles down at me. “I think you’ve earned some champagne even though you were the last one in!”
Anthony glides me back to the steps where I lay on my front watching him walk naked out of the pool to retrieve the bottle and two glasses. His buttocks are so perfect that I want to bite them. Sitting beside me in the shallow water he pops the cork and pours. Brazenly Anthony tips the champagne over my bottom lowering his head to take twirling long licks from my skin. I wriggle enjoying the tip of his tongue.
“That tastes even better!” He smiles pouring another glass which I hastily snatch from his hand.
“So do you treat all of your ladies to champagne showers on the first night?” I eye his reaction as he sips the bubbles.
“Of course, I’ve high standards.” Straight faced he avoids looking at me.
“You’re very romantic or did you arrange all of this to teach me your breast stroke among other strokes?” The wine tastes good as I rest my head on the step above.
“Darcey I want our first night together to be special, it’s important to me. I’ve come to realise that there’s no time to waste. You’ve one shot – if you want something then grab it!” Anthony looks up with those sparkling dark brown eyes.
“You certainly did that.” I move closer to sit beside him with my feet circling in the water.
“I wanted you from the moment you dribbled strawberry juice down your chin.” Anthony smirks putting an arm around my shoulders.
“Oh no you did see that!” I am horrified and embarrassed.
“You were lucky I didn’t jump across that table and take you there and then.” Anthony pulls me between his legs as we sit looking out over the pool.
“You’re wicked! You carried on as though nothing had happened and why did you shout at me like that in the meeting?” I’m intrigued by what motivated him to act in that way.
“You were wrapped up thinking about Daniel and that made me angry. He didn’t deserve you, especially as we saw him outside Oscars kissing Melissa – that very evening of your birthday.” Anthony stops to swig his champagne knowing this will shock me.
I twist to face him “You knew about her? Did Daniel see you?”
“Oh yes, he phoned me the next morning threatening me to keep away from you.” Anthony chuckles to himself “He didn’t realise that he’d already lost you to me.”
“How did you know that?” I’m astounded by his confidence.
“Darcey, I can read you like a book. You wanted me in my office that day; I was virtually stripping in front of you. Your eyes give you away.” Anthony laughs as a knock at the main foyer door interrupts us. “Here” Anthony passes me my bathrobe as he ties his own before making his way to the door.
“Good evening Rosie, thank you for arranging this for me.” Anthony holds the door open as Rosie carries in a tray with two covered silver food salves.
“Good evening Rosie.” I stand to greet her as she lays the salves at the set places on the table.
“Good evening Darcey, are you feeling better after your swim? Freya tells me you may have overd
one it a little this afternoon.” Rosie lights a candle at the table and then indicates for me to sit as she lays a freshly pressed napkin on my lap.
Anthony is trying to contain a chuckle and I gently kick him under the table as he sits down opposite. “The swim was very relaxing - a real tonic thank you Rosie.”
I’m famished as she removes the silver lids to reveal chicken breast wrapped in bacon with a white wine sauce and roasted vegetables. “Rosie this looks stunning.”
“Chocolate dipped fruit is on the table beside the lounger. Enjoy your meal” Rosie exits as quickly as she has entered.
Anthony presses some buttons on a remote control and Ella Fitzgerald’s sultry voice drifts into the pool room. The food is delicious and I hardly take a breather from eating as I savour the first mouthfuls.
“Anthony how long has your family lived here?” I watch him pour more champagne.
“My grandfather bought Sebel house when he returned from service in Germany during 1944. He wanted a family home due to the fact that he had fallen in love with a German woman called Anna and acquired a new family in the process.” Anthony resumes eating.
“So you all grew up here on this beautiful estate. Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Taking a sip of wine I rest back in my chair before tucking into more chicken.
“I did have a sister Elizabeth who would’ve been 8 years older than me but she died of diphtheria aged only 4.” Anthony sips slowly.
“How about family in Germany, does your mother visit?” I place my knife and fork together polishing off my last tasty mouthful.
“My grandmother would always say that she never wanted to return and Ma talks with sadness when she recalls her German home, so we never talk of Germany.” Anthony sits back after finishing his meal. “So Darcey, are you enjoying your evening so far?”
