by Brook, L M
“Oh Darcey, this is so you!” Lesley holds up a beautiful black lace dress with a nude corseted petticoat. “The men won’t be able to take their eyes off you.”
The dress is sophisticated with lace covering the breast up to the neck bone and cupping the shoulders before dropping away at the back to the waist. I grin taking the dress in one hand holding it up to take a better look.
Lesley smiles as she holds up another dress against her slight frame. It’s rich emerald green silk which complements her short red hair with a v neck showing off her bust gathering to one side at the waist in a cluster of diamantes before elegantly falling from the hip to the floor. “This is beautiful; I think I’m going to try this one on.”
Like teenagers we gather in the changing room and admire our figures in the mirror which the dresses show off perfectly. The black lace material hugs my body and the expanse of bare skin down my back enfolding my bottom before kicking out from the knee touching the floor. Mum sits on the sofa and smiles with glee as she watches us twirl and dance around the changing room.
“What about shoes?” Lesley excitedly exclaims, Deena returns promptly.
“What size are you both?” Deena gets busy searching for glittery, jewel encrusted shoes and sandals. She quickly returns and the floor becomes littered with the sexiest footwear I have ever seen. Wow the difference a pair of heels can make to how a dress can look.
One hour later we conclude choosing our equally glitzy earrings and clutch bags; in particular I choose one that I can comfortably hide a Beretta inside. This shopping is really exhausting. We emerge from the shop at 4.15pm and dusk is upon us, where has the afternoon gone. Time really does fly when you are having fun and not once did I think about German gangsters or poor Simon waiting outside in the car park.
“I think it must be nearly happy hour!” Lesley strolls ahead spotting Simon with the headlights on. He steps out of the Bentley and opens the boot unloading Lesley and I of our bags of goodies.
“Was it a good afternoon of shopping ladies?” Simon seems cheery and talkative.
“Yes and now we’re ready for cocktails at Willie’s Bar.” I sink into the sumptuous front passenger seat feeling extremely pleased with successfully completing all my tasks today. Mum and Lesley relax in the back.
“Are we collecting Lola?” Mum squeaks from the back
“No she is meeting us at the bar straight from work. Her last appointment finishes at 5.15pm.” I flip down the passenger visor to apply some fresh lip gloss.
The roads are busy with people rushing to get home after a day shopping in town. My stomach is a flutter as I think about seeing Anthony tomorrow and meeting his family again. Or perhaps my belly was rumbling with hunger since our light salad lunch. I can’t wait to see his reaction on Thursday evening when I walk in wearing that gorgeous, racy new dress.
Pulling up at Willie’s Bar Simon waves as we run inside then goes in search of a parking bay. He has been given strict instructions not to leave my side and I cynically wonder who has insisted on this.
The bar is quiet for early evening apart from small groups huddled at the bar and sofas enjoying their cocktails and freshly prepared grilled fish platters. We claim our bar stools and eye the cocktail list.
“Do you both like Strawberry Daiquiri?” I put down my list and Mum and Lesley both nod looking overwhelmed with the choice. “Let’s have a jug between us.”
They both close their menus and the cute barman is instantly on the case.
“Those fish platters look good.” Lesley licks her lips and picks up the food menu.
“Shall we order a couple of different platters to share and then if we still have room we can attack an equally naughty pudding?”
“Sounds good to me, let’s wait for Lola she won’t be much longer” I take hold of the jug of Daiquiri. “Shall we move to the cosy leather sofas?”
While we wait for Lola, Lesley and I decide to make rough notes for our acceptance speech. It begins with the usual stuff recognising how the Army’s entrepreneurial approach has made it all possible to get the project off the ground and change so many children’s lives for the better. Lesley speaks of her first-hand experience with military pupils and how they now have a stable base with close constant friends and peers.
Simon eventually perches himself on a stool at the bar ordering coffee and reading his newspaper. Lola arrives earlier and I hug her tightly not realising how much I have missed seeing her. Pouring her a Daiquiri we begin telling her all about our wonderful afternoon spending money on dresses, shoes and bags. She looks worried when she spots the small cuts just about visible on my cheek.
“Darcey are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself involved in?” She sips her cocktail sitting on the edge of the sofa. “Don’t answer that, I know exactly what you’re thinking. Daniel hasn’t exactly been an angel.”
“Lola I love them both but I trust Anthony with my life.” I nod my head towards Simon “With this much security I ‘m sure nothing is going to happen to me.”
“So it is true, you and Anthony are an item?” Lesley scoots up to the edge of her seat. “I knew it! His behaviour was very strange at the management meeting.”
I blush a little appreciating that I’d never spoken to Lesley about us. “Well we have a hushed relationship with everything going on around us at the moment.”
“So what happened between you and Daniel?” Lesley is fired up and pumping me to tell all.
“Let’s just say Daniel found romance elsewhere.” I’m starting to feel as though Simon is cramping our style and eager to get rid of him. “I’m just going to have a quick chat with Simon, I’ll be right back.”
Simon eyes me suspiciously as I approach. “Simon, why don’t you take a couple of hours off to go home, relax and have dinner? We’re fine here; we won’t be going anywhere else.”
“Darcey, you know I’ve to be with you at all times.” He shifts back in his stool.
“But it’s only a couple of hours, what can happen?” I smile sweetly “I’m sure you have stuff you need to do.”
Looking under pressure he answers “Ok, I get the message, you want some space. I’ll wait in the car.” I watch him slurp back his coffee and fold away his newspaper.
“Darcey, any issues call me immediately.” Simon disappears towards the car park as I return to the sofas feeling relieved.
“Come on let’s get some more drinks and order food.” I grab my handbag “More cocktails or wine?”
“Wine please” Lesley sinks back again into the sofa.
“That would be lovely, a nice cold white to go with the fish platters.” Mum licks her lips.
“I’ll help you.” Lola stands and curls an arm around my shoulders “come on.”
Lola and I go back a long way, living in the same neighbourhood and hanging around with the same friends. She’s always been there each time we moved back from stints of being relocated abroad with Dad.
“How’s your love life at the moment Lola?”
“What love life! To have one would be nice.” Lola greets the barman to place our order. “Hi can we have a bottle of Pinot Grigio with one hot and one cold seafood platter, thank you.”
“Coming up, I’ll add this to your tab.” The barman gives Lola a sexy smile and she enjoys the attention.
My phone rings inside my handbag, at a glance I can see it is Anthony calling. “Hi” The reception is poor and I can vaguely hear his voice. I mouth to Lola that I’m going to take it outside. Reaching the pavement I try to talk again.
“Hi, how’s things at Hornchurch, have you been busy with Marie?”
“Yes but I had to postpone this afternoon’s meeting. I’ll fill you in when I see you.” Anthony sounds on edge as though he has something important to tell me.
“Anthony is everything ok?”
“Darcey, I need you to keep with Simon at all times. Is he with you now?”
I start to panic wondering whether he knows that I’ve sent h
im packing. While immersed in our conversation I can feel a dig in my side. With the phone still attached to my ear I tilt my head to the side to see a gun poking my ribs. I follow the arm up to the face of a man.
“Oh shit!” I exclaim realising this is not a friendly familiar face.
He’s tall, dark almost Italian in appearance, wearing a dark grey suit and black shirt. “Hello Darcey, remember me? Put the phone down and move towards that parked silver car.”
My mouth doesn’t engage as I try to consider what to do next. I can hear Anthony yelling down the phone warning me not to go with him then shouts “Darcey use your gun.”
“Ok take it easy, I’ll put the phone away.” I slowly lower my hands to my bag, opening the clasp and dropping the phone inside the zipped pocket while grabbing my gun and releasing the safety mechanism. He pushes me into the road towards the silver car which suddenly bursts into action, revving up pulling alongside us. The rear door swings open as I abruptly withdraw my gun. Turning swiftly our eyes lock as I aim directly at his chest.
Sneering he smiles “you haven’t got the balls.”
“Really?” I rise to his challenge holding my nerve with clammy hands tightly gripping the gun. He grins as I slightly lower my aim. Pulling back the trigger I send one failsafe bullet into the top of his thigh.
He yells in pain, doubling over and holds his leg. “You fucking bitch!”
Hearing cars screeching to a halt behind me, I’m instantly aware that we’ve been joined by others including Simon brandishing a gun. The injured man hastily limps into the back of the silver car which accelerates away.
“Darcey, give me the gun.” I recognise Nick’s voice.
Nick and Simon lower their guns and take possession of mine. The other cars and security officers who I’ve never seen before all disperse immediately as Nick disposes of my gun into the Marina’s cloudy waters. He hastily sprints back towards Simon and me as we stand waiting outside his car. With full force he suddenly ploughs into Simon holding him up against the car.
“Don’t you ever fuck up again….do you hear me?” I have never seen Nick like this before.
“I’m sorry ……it won’t happen again.” Simon looks like a child compared to Nick’s larger frame.
“You bet it won’t or I will have you kicked out of the team.” Nick releases Simon and opens the rear car door hustling me promptly inside.
We move slowly away from the waterfront as Nick’s mobile phone buzzes from the front. He twists in his seat and smiles as he answers the call on loud speaker.
“Do you have her?” I can hear the anxiety in Anthony’s voice.
“Yup she is here with me.” Nick grins and winks.
“Thank god, is she ok?”
“I’m fine.” I shout unable to resist breaking up their conversation as if I’m not present.
“That was too close for comfort! Simon next time this happens will be your last do you understand! Is everyone else ok?” I can hear Anthony pacing as he speaks.
“Yes they’re fine Anthony, I’ll stay here with them as planned and Simon will bring Darcey to you.” Nick scans the area around the car.
“Hold on one minute I can’t leave my Mum and friends………… we’ve just ordered seafood platters.” My brain is scrambling as I recall “I just shot a man. What if they come back?” I shock myself how easily I accept the crime I’ve just committed. I feel desensitised by the presence of guns as now part of my daily life. How wrong is this!
Anthony is not amused. “What? Is he dead?”
Nick laughs “No but he’ll be hobbling around for a while.”
I can tell that Anthony doesn’t find this funny “Did anyone see and Nick have you disposed of the gun?”
“There were too many security cars surrounding us for anyone to see and yes the gun has gone.” Nick fiddles with his gun before tucking it back inside his jacket.
I hear Anthony sigh “Nick I’ll speak to you later, Simon bring Darcey to me.”
I feel angry that obviously Anthony has rearranged my evening without consulting me and is speaking to Simon and Nick as though I’m not in the car with them. The full effect of the cocktails starts to loosen my tongue.
“Where are you and when did you arrange all of this? Did you set up the little gun fight too?”
Anthony replies with a stern tone “I think you’re forgetting the danger you’re in right now. Nick has already discussed the arrangements with Lola so stop worrying.”
CHAPTER 9
We drive around the vicinity a few times to satisfy Nick that there are no immediate threats. Simon pulls up back outside Willy’s bar as we sit in silence which makes me feel extremely awkward.
“Darcey, you wouldn’t believe how we’ve all been to hell and back this afternoon to ensure you are safe. I think you should be mindful of how serious this is and our efforts to protect you.” Nick picks up his phone and storms from the car.
Simon says nothing as he starts the engine and pulls away. I feel awful, how could I’ve be so disrespectful. He turns on the radio breaking the silence.
I quickly tap out a text and send it to both Nick and Anthony.
“Sorry, I’m not thinking straight. I’m forgetting I don’t live a normal life anymore. Darcey x.”
Nick responds straightaway “No worries enjoy tonight.”
Then Anthony “Just get your arse here. A x”
I smile to myself as Simon veers into the entrance of the Arcazia Hotel. He steps out of the car to open my rear door.
“Simon I’m so sorry for being such a bitch back there. I know it was my fault for persuading you to leave us alone in the bar, I do appreciate all that you do for me.”
He smiles “come on Darcey, I’ll escort you up to Anthony”.
“Anthony is here and not at Hornchurch?” my mouth hangs open in disbelief. “When did he get back?”
“About an hour ago.” Simon offers his hand as I step out onto the paved entrance.
We walk together to the glass lift at the rear of the foyer. Simon presses The Suite button and then swipes a security card. The lift softly jolts into motion taking us to the top floor of the hotel.
The doors open and there is my sexy Anthony leaning against the lobby wall with legs and arms crossed in his don’t mess with me stance. He looks so hot in a navy suit and a plain, crisp, white shirt, with no tie and the top three buttons revealing those few stray hairs. His eyes meet mine and I smile excitedly wanting to tear off his shirt and drop to my knees for his pleasure.
“Thanks Simon.” Anthony steps forward uncrossing his arms. “I’ll call when I need you to collect us.”
Simon nods and steps back in the lift pressing another button. The doors softly close and we are alone.
Moving slowly towards Anthony I wrap my arms around his waist “what have you been up to and why all the secrecy?”
“I’ve organised a surprise for you but everything got a little side-tracked this afternoon.” Anthony slides his arms around my back.
“So you rescued me and had me brought here.” I’m so happy to see him that I intentionally block out the fact that I’ve just shot a man. Perhaps it’s the only way my head can handle what’s happening in my life.
“Yes, I want you all to myself tonight as we’ll not be alone tomorrow.” Anthony whisks me up into his arms and carries me through to an amazing lounge with pure white leather sofas and a roof terrace overlooking the marina.
“Wow what a view!” I can’t tear my eyes away from the boats bobbing on the water below.
Anthony lowers me down and wraps his arms around me from behind. “Do you like my surprise?”
“Anthony it’s amazing, how long can we stay? Forever?” I twist in his arms to face him.
“I’m afraid The Suite is ours for tonight only.” His lips are tender against mine. “Darcey you taste of strawberries.”
I grin with delight “so what have you got planned?”
He steps back and opens double doors
to a white bedroom with red roses strategically placed in ginormous vases, champagne on ice and pretty boxes beautifully tied with gold ribbon, placed in a neat pile on the bed.
“You did all of this for me?” I pull him closer. “It feels like Christmas!”
Anthony stares down at me with a cheeky smirk “I know what you need.”
“Oh really, what do I need?” I love him when he is playful.
“You need a bubble bath with a glass of champagne after all that hard work cooking, shopping and shooting baddies!” He hugs me tightly and steals another gentle kiss.
“Perhaps I’ll need help with undressing, the shopping was pretty exhausting.” My hands wander happily down to his firm bottom squeezing his hips closer to mine.
Anthony’s eyes are wide and focused “Ms Brooks, you’re completely under my control tonight. I’m going to devote every minute to your pleasure, starting now.” He lifts me up and carries me over to a sunken circular bath heaving full of bubbles. Fully dressed in his suit Anthony steps down into the bath and instantly releases me into the sea of foam.
In fits of laughter I struggle to get to my feet, weighted down by my drenched jeans and top. Anthony sits laughing heartily removing his shoes and jacket throwing them to one side. Water saturates his white shirt, outlining his muscular frame. My eyes dance over his masculine shape immersed in the bubbles. Wow he looks good. I crawl along in between his legs, fingering his nipples through his sodden shirt. My lips find his as I kneel in front of him. Right now I’d do anything he asked me to, I’m totally under his spell. Anthony rests his arms on the edge of the bath and contently watches me.
“Darcey I love it when we are alone like this, you make me feel as though nothing else matters.” He reaches forward pulling me onto his warm body.
Astride his legs, one by one I undo his buttons, opening his sodden shirt and running my fingers through his chest hairs. The sight is driving me wild like a woman possessed. “That is because nothing else matters. Anthony I need you inside me now.”
