by Brook, L M
Anthony stirs, squinting with one eye. “Good Morning Ms Brooks.” His hands wander in the direction of my hips, fumbling and sliding me closer. “Did you sleep well?” His eyes are still narrowed attempting to adjust to the streaming day light.
“Very well thank you.” I weave my hands around his neck revelling as our naked bodies press delectably against one another.
He rolls me over onto my back and widens my legs with his body cushioned in between my hips. His arms are pressed into the pillow either side of my head. He grinds his hips into me and opens his eyes staring down.
“So Darcey what else do normal couples get up to in the morning?”
My throat and mouth is dry as I lick my lips, my hands leisurely patrol his buttocks as he squeezes tighter pressing me downwards.
“I wouldn’t know, I am far from normal, I like spontaneity and anything non-conventional.” I cheekily grin below him wiggling my hips to provoke a response.
“Mmm… so you like anything kinky… or… rude?” His hardening interest gives him away.
“Yes I suppose that’s what I meant.” Running my hands up his back, I grasp his neck pulling him closer to my mouth.
Pulling away he frowns “I want to know more about the kinky Darcey.”
“What would you like to know?”
“Exactly how kinky are you, are we talking apprentice, qualified or hard core expert?” Anthony’s eyebrows rise as I smile seductively.
“Hard core!” I purr pulling him close again.
“So how am I to know what you classify as hard core?” He grinds harder against my hips.
“Why don’t you find out?” I challenge him.
A knock at the bedroom door interrupts our game.
“Yes” Anthony barks holding his position with our eyes transfixed.
“Anthony, Detective Stevens is here with Darcey’s car.” Freya sounds fretful.
Anthony rolls his eyes and sighs with disappointment.
“I‘ll be right there.” He moves to the edge of the bed and I am treated to that heavenly rear view as he strolls to the bathroom grabbing his bathrobe and then throwing another across the bed to me. “Come on lazy, your kinkiness will have to wait.”
Detective Stevens is seated at the breakfast bar with a cup of coffee.
“Good Morning Ms Brooks, Mr Hunt.” He spins on the stool and stands to shake our hands.
“Good Morning.” I glimpse at the clock, it’s 9.15.
“Colonel Garner called to say that you’re moving to Dorton today and that you’ll need your car. Sorry we took a little longer than expected.” He holds out my car keys.
“That’s not a problem; Nick has been great escorting me around.” I’m immediately aware of our appearance together dressed in robes. Anthony becomes distant adopting his professional persona as he sits across the bar and collects a coffee. It feels so cold and I absolutely hate it.
“So how have you been?” the Detective seems chatty, more than when we’d previously met. “I suppose your boyfriend has been taking good care of you here?” He turns to address Anthony who is casually scanning the newspaper.
Lifting his head, Anthony smiles and coolly answers “Oh I’m so sorry to confuse you but I’m not Darcey’s boyfriend we are close work colleagues.”
Freya stares across the orangery and notices the annoyance in my face. That comment is as sharp as a knife but I know I have to get used to it.
I take a deep breath and accept my role. “Anthony and his family have been a great support while my boyfriend Daniel travels with work.” This is so peculiar and my brain is starting to short circuit.
“Well I’m pleased to see you’re on the mend and ready to return to work.” He puts down his coffee cup and makes towards the door. “I suppose I should get back to work instead of enjoying a coffee break.”
Detective Stevens sharply turns “Oh I nearly forgot, Darcey do you know of the Beust family in Germany?” I can hear Anthony folding the newspaper and standing straightaway.
“No, that name means nothing to me. Should I?” I am intrigued by this last minute questioning.
“They own the German company whom the Range Rover was registered to.” Steven’s eyes are skilled at reading body language as he ignores my reaction and focuses on Anthony and Freya. “Well I better be off.”
“Thank you for dropping by with my car.” Detective Stevens waves as I close the front door, something tells me all is not well. I make my way bare footed back to the kitchen where I can just about distinguish Freya’s voice.
“Does Darcey know?”
I am struck with not knowing whether to enter the room. Anthony’s reply is low and deep. “No.” I want to listen for longer but I can see Tom and Ian striding across the front lawns coming towards the house. Tip toeing hastily I retreat upstairs closing my bedroom door behind me. The shower seems the perfect sanctuary to hide and think.
The water rains down on my head as I try to puzzle out the connection. What is it that I don’t know?
“Darcey, I wondered where you’d disappeared to. Do you want some breakfast?” Anthony slides back the shower door as I swivel to face him.
“Anthony, do you know the Beust family?” His face is blank and it feels as though I don’t know him the way I thought I did.
“No of course not, we’ve never met.” He moves towards the enclosed space as I pull the door shut.
“Liar, my brother introduced you and Joanna to the Director of that German company in May this year.” I am furious with myself for allowing him to mislead me.
“His name was not Beust!”Anthony shouts standing the other side of the glass door. “He was Lukas Berg.”
I’m so muddled that I can’t respond. So what is it that Freya thought I knew but I don’t? How do I say I listened to your conversation?
Anthony opens the door again, drops his robe and steps inside. “If you won’t talk to me from out there, I’ll come in here.”
We stand staring at each other and I’m desperately yearning for his touch but still reeling about all of these secrets. My gut instinct tells me that he’s hiding something sinister.
Anthony uses his body to press me up against the tiles, holding my chin and aggressively delves his tongue into my mouth. Pulling back he searches my eyes “Darcey I know you’re hurting because of my performance down there but that’s all it was. I love you and don’t forget it.”
I’m shocked at his declaration of love but can’t measure his honesty as Freya’s words still ring in my head.
“Anthony, I heard your conversation downstairs…..” his eyes widen with surprise as water trickles over our heads. “If you love me, why are you deceiving me right now? We should have no secrets from one another.”
Anthony steps back with his hands rested on the wall behind me, staring at the water pooling on the floor. “Darcey, the least you know the better! I need to protect you and my family.”
“Then how can I trust you?” Our eyes meet and I am unable to read his expression.
“You just have to Darcey; I’ll never let anyone harm you.”
“Anthony I don’t question that but I need to know everything so I can trust you completely.” I pull away from his shielding arms and stand with my back to him directly under the flow of water.
“Darcey when I know the time is right I’ll tell you but until then it is safer for everyone concerned to remain oblivious.” He doesn’t approach me, remaining still.
“If you’ve nothing to hide, you’d tell the police the truth. They may be able to protect your family.” My mental reasoning reaffirms that it doesn’t take Einstein to work out that whatever Anthony is hiding must be illegal.
“They can’t protect us from that family.” Anthony’s words are cold and conclusive.
I spin around opening my eyes with fury “You said you didn’t know the Beust family!”
“Darcey, I didn’t say that. Detective Stevens put the question to you. I know of the Beust family but I hav
e never met them.” I reach for the door and Anthony holds it shut.
“Let me out!” My eyes are wild with anger.
“Not until you calm down and listen to me.” His arm still guards the door.
“I won’t have the police lead that family to my mother, they are ruthless killers.”
“So you think that ignoring them will work?” my sarcasm flows effortlessly as Anthony stares in astonishment witnessing for the first time the fiery bitch I have unleashed.
“Darcey, I found out about the family connections this week and instructed private investigators immediately.”
The realisation that Anthony has also been completely in the dark until this week highlights to me my selfishness and ignorance towards his own personal turmoil and needs. I step closer towards his wet body and run my hands softly down his face. “I’m so sorry for being such a self-centred cow.”
Anthony without warning swiftly lifts me up cupping my buttocks as I wrap my legs around his waist. He is like a man possessed, smothering my mouth with his and slamming me up against the wall. His fingers wander eagerly under my thighs and skim my wet lips. Wasting no time he thrusts hard inside me, driving deeper with determination over and over. Our mouths are greedy biting and gliding over one another. My inner pulse quickens as I push my hips forward to take all of him.
My moans are muffled as I nuzzle his neck. The frail invisible guard falls away, I am completely his as my danger sensor is blurred and tuned out. All I know is that I want him and I can’t stop my desires for Anthony to be inside me whether day or night.
“Anthony I love you.” The words roll smoothly from my lips as my body takes wave after wave of pleasure.
He stops pulls back to look me in the eyes while still holding me firmly against the wall. “What did you say?”
I nervously repeat “I love you.”
Anthony grins as he conquers my mouth with his probing tongue, circling his hips and thrusting harder. He stills “Tell me again.”
My lips caress his tenderly, mumbling the words in between each kiss.
“I love you, I love you!!”
His muscular torso glistens under the stream while my hands roam through his chest hair. Lowering my legs to the floor his fingers meander up my back as I tip toe still tongue locked. Breaking our kiss he rotates me towards the wall, softly parting my legs and stroking my bottom, drawing me out and upwards. I feel completely exposed as the warm water lashes my back.
Again he is inside me, slowly building pace and depth; I steady myself with palms down against the wall. Leaning forwards he whispers, brushing my ear sending shivers down my spine.
“Darcey I want to have all of you.” A single fingertip circles my bottom and probes into the moist opening as he maintains his long deep thrusts.
“Including here……. do you like me touching you here?”
My hand massages my clitoris as I search sideways for his lips. Closing my eyes in a heightened state of pleasure my tongue glides over his mouth.
“Yes,” I murmur “Yes I like it.” My legs are weakening as my orgasm builds.
Anthony’s finger delves deeper as his hips grind harder sending mind blowing waves to my soul.
“Anthony” I cry out as my orgasm explodes rippling through my body, taking every ounce of air in my lungs as I pant, pressing hard into the wall for support as he continues to pump. He pulls out breathing heavily then leans forward calling my name, driving his hardness in his hands until his warm juices spill over my back.
His hands curl around my waist tugging me back to him, his mouth at my ear
“Darcey, please trust me………….. I need you.”
Twisting to meet his mouth I kiss him adoringly, “Anthony I need you too.”
I pack some items as Anthony sits wrapped in a towel seated on the edge of my bed. We are both quiet sensing the end to our open, sensual closeness and an acknowledgement that we’ll have to grab moments of privacy whenever we can. I sigh as I twiddle with the locket about my neck and take in the view of the sofa and open fire with sweet memories of Anthony holding me tight.
“Darcey, I’ll understand if you want to take the opportunity to work in Dubai.” He looks down fiddling with the throw lain at the end of the bed. “I don’t want to hold you back.”
“I’m not going anywhere without you. You don’t get rid of me that easily!” My hands run through his wet hair as his sorrowful eyes meet mine.
“Good.” Anthony squeezes my waist closer to him.
“Anthony, how would you feel about coming to my mother’s for lunch on Sunday?” I’m pleased to see a flicker of happiness return to his eyes.
“My brothers will be there. I’m also thinking of asking Freya, Tom and Nick as a thank you for taking care of me.”
“That’s a lovely idea, they’d love to come.” He smiles as though he appreciates my good intentions but harbours uncertainty.
“I had better get dressed for work.” Anthony looks at his watch, rises and leaves.
My heart sinks and my stomach churns. I want to scream from the rooftops how much I love him. I know his mysterious secret is holding him back which confuses and scares me but also attracts at the same time. Anthony’s desire for freedom and a normal life is evident but will he ever be truly mine, in the way I want him to be.
While packing and dressing I begin to panic, I can’t take any more heartache. With Anthony I offer my heart and soul, lowering my defences and ignoring the danger signs. I convince myself that I’ve to maintain my own protection, distance myself and regain my self-dependence. Perhaps the move to Dorton is best for all.
I call Mum to discuss lunch on Sunday and offer to cook for everyone in return that I could stay over the whole weekend. The thought of sleeping at Dorton alone is unbearable. She is thrilled at the mention of meeting Tom and Freya and acts like an excited child as we plan a Friday night movie and take away pizza. I promise her that on Saturday I will plan the menu; go food shopping, clean the house, decorate the table and any prep cooking. The deal is done.
I meet everyone in the kitchen for breakfast. Anthony is deep in discussion with Tom and Nick although musters a smile in my direction. Freya and Marc are busy at the kitchen counter.
“Darcey, would you like tea?” Freya seems full of restless energy trying to engage me in conversation as the men continue in their huddle in the orangery. “Marc is cooking bacon, scrambled eggs and toast if you are hungry?”
“That sounds great, thank you.” I make my way towards the three men with renewed strength and a will to stand on my own two feet. “Morning Nick, Tom.”
I look down at them as their scheming conversation stops.
“Morning Darcey.” Tom swivels on his seat cheerfully as Nick rests back in his chair.
“Nick would you escort me to my apartment this morning before I move in at Dorton?” All three seem surprised at my decisive drive.
“Sure,” searching in his pocket Nick withdraws tiny metallic disks in a sealed, clear container. “Darcey have you got your locket and mobile with you?”
“Yes,” I unhook the locket and retrieve my phone from my hand bag. Nick fiddles with the intricacies inside my phone and then reseals pressing a few buttons. He then turns his attention to the inside of my locket before closing the clasp.
“Darcey I’ll be able to find you within 150 metres of your location using satellite tracking.” He hands the locket and phone back to me.
“When you’re out, you must get into the habit of being aware of who is around you. Make a point of noting who is following, even when you are driving. If you sense you are in danger, determine how many of them are present and then if you can text me immediately.”
“Wow I feel like a secret agent, thanks.” I secure the locket around my neck as I watch Anthony recover a gun from inside his briefcase. He places the M9 onto the dining table beside their empty plates as though it is the norm. Everyone remains mute.
Anthony’s eyes are dark and solemn a
s he slides the gun towards me. Tom and Nick process my facial expressions.
“Darcey, you’ll need this. Remember what Nick has taught you, keep it safe and with you at all times. Don’t tell anyone that you have it ok?”
Drawing my eyes up from the gun our gaze meets and I can’t resist his charms when he looks at me in this hot, sexy way. I pick up the Beretta and feel the same powerful sensations that I felt the first time I fired it.
“Ok” I mutter carefully opening my handbag and placing the gun inside the zipped compartment. My body and mind seems to be on autopilot. What is happening to my world? I now carry a gun and tracking devices although somehow they make it feel customary to do so.
Nick sips his coffee pushing aside his empty plate where eggs and bacon had once resided. “Darcey don’t use your email or work telephone to communicate information, call using your mobile. This way they’re unlikely to be able to track your movements or plans.”
Anthony looks down at his watch and stands to put on his suit jacket. “We better go Nick.” Moving closer Anthony tilts his head to kiss me tenderly goodbye.
“Nick will be back soon to take you to your apartment. Don’t be tempted to go alone! Have you called Colonel Garner?”
“Not yet” the room is silent as Freya, Tom, Marc and Nick look on. I gulp hard to swallow the emotions that are trying to escape me and manage to maintain a composed exterior. My world is tumbling around me and my heart is aching. I want to be with Anthony every hour but I know that isn’t possible. A gentle touch on my cheek and then Anthony turns away as though it is too much to look at me.
Striding towards the door he calls back “Nick you better look after my baby.”
Nick salutes with a wink “Darcey you are in safe hands.”
Breakfast with Freya, Tom and Marc is normal and peaceful if that makes sense. We enjoy pleasant discussions surrounding dinner on Sunday and both are overjoyed at the prospect of meeting my Mum and brothers.
As the hour passes slowly I decide to climb the stairs to my room to make the call to Colonel Garner.
Before I have a chance to speak Colonel Garner answers his mobile phone
