Weapon of Desire

by Brook, L M

  “You didn’t think that I was going to let you and Lesley have all the fun did you?” Anthony breaks a chunk of bread and dunks into his soup. “Darcey you need to rest this afternoon, you’ve a busy day tomorrow.”

  Finishing my soup I rest back in my chair with a feeling of temporary calmness and serenity around me. If I could live this moment for the rest of my life I’d be more than happy. Anthony is right I’m exhausted, I need to rest.

  He stares down at me softly placing his hand on mine. Standing he offers his other hand to join him. “Ready for a lay down?”

  Mum smiles and utters “Thank god you’re safe here Darcey.”

  “Have a good afternoon shopping Mum.” I’m briskly led away by Anthony.

  Tom calls after me “Darcey you still owe me that game of chess.”

  Lying beside me in the middle of his bed Anthony leans on one arm and brushes my hair away from my face. We’re both too tired to talk; he obviously hasn’t slept well in the past couple of days. I’m just happy to be here with him staring into my eyes.

  I wake to the sound of tapping on a keyboard; Anthony is sitting beside me on the bed working on his laptop.

  I can see it is dark outside and I’m confused. “What time is it?”

  Anthony looks at his watch “Just gone six.” Putting down his laptop he leans on one side. “You slept for five hours, you needed the rest.” His sweet kiss on my forehead sends my heart pulsing. “Darcey I’ll be leaving shortly to visit Ma at the hospital. Pa wants you to join him for a game of chess.” His eyes twinkle a flash of playfulness as he tugs me into his clutch with a slow smouldering kiss.

  “I won’t be long” he whispers. “Nick is on his way back with Rose and Lesley. When I return we can all have dinner together.”

  “Ok tell Tom to get ready for a thrashing!” I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world once again.

  CHAPTER 12

  Waking up beside Anthony is bliss, with his arm coiled around my waist and his warm body touching mine. The bright morning light filters through the shutters as a hive of activity can be heard downstairs. His lips follow the outline of my bare shoulder and dance at the nape of my neck.

  “Morning” he whispers nibbling my ear lobe.

  My whole body relaxes and tingles enjoying the tender touch of his searching fingers. “Morning” I twist my body sideways to claim my morning kiss.

  “I have a complete day of being pampered lined up for you starting now.” Anthony slithers on top parting my legs with his grinding hips. His mouth continues to tantalise my neck as his hardness probes.

  I wrap my legs around his circling thighs and caress his firm shoulders and back. “Can I stay in bed with you all day?”

  I hear a chuckle as he drives his hips harder against me and then directs his creaming length deep inside. His gentle pumping and winding pins me firmly to the bed as his mouth circles mine.

  “I love you inside me.” My hips jerk forward initiating deeper penetration.

  “Does this feel good?” His hips pound harder over and over.

  “Oh…… yes.” I smother my mouth nestling into his shoulder.

  “How about this?” He slows his thrusts but with each controlled motion he drives in deep and then out, grinding against me before plunging again. The rhythm is intense as his tongue teases mine.

  Intoxicated by the building sensation I clench my inner muscles gripping him inside me.

  He suddenly pulls away gliding down my body “I want to taste your wetness.”

  Anthony’s tongue loops around my clitoris and then sucks hard on my lips. His mouth surrounds the whole of my sex as he sinks the tip of his tongue inside scooping my juices. He moans with delight working faster with his mouth.

  “Anthony make me come …..I want to come.” My hips are pushing harder against his greedy unrelenting mouth.

  His fingers wander inside as his mouth continues to suck and arouse me with manipulating sweeps. “Come for me Darcey.”

  The concentrated force and penetration sends me into a quivering orgasm with spasms throughout my body. Anthony quickly fills my contracting wetness and mercilessly thrusts faster and faster, groaning loudly unable to hold back his overwhelming release. His head drops onto my shoulder as he continues to slowly move inside me. "I love you Darcey.”

  “I love you too.”

  After showering and dressing in bathrobes we are unable to keep our eyes off one another as we join everyone in the kitchen. Tom is enjoying the company and conversation with Nick, Lesley and Mum. Marc prepares a feast of fruit, muesli and homemade yoghurt, full English breakfast with poached eggs and freshly baked bread. I wonder to myself whether we are going to fit into our dresses as we finish our tremendous breakfast.

  “Ladies I have arranged for the Arcazia spa to come to you today.” Anthony stands and looks at his watch “I’m going to the hospital this morning and then have a few loose ends at Dorton.” His soft hand wanders up the back of my bare neck. “Nick can you call Garner, tell him to meet us at Dorton about 12.30.”

  Mum and Lesley are likened to excited school girls seated in the conservatory. Anthony disappears upstairs, reappearing twenty minutes later looking sexy in his silver grey suit.

  He strolls towards me and lovingly kisses my lips. “Enjoy your day.” His smile warms me to my inner soul. “See you later.”

  The day flies by with massage, pedicures, manicures, facials and hair styling. If the beauticians buffed and polished us anymore we would be gleaming. It’s just after 3pm and Anthony is still not home from Dorton. My stomach is in flutters with nervous tension knowing the cars will be here in just over two hours. I sit on the edge of the bed looking up at my dress hanging in the wardrobe. I’m suddenly struck with anxiety and feel sick to the bottom of my stomach. Where is Anthony? Is something wrong?

  Staring back in the mirror I twiddle with stray curls that frame my face as part of my messy up do. The smoky charcoal makeup sparkles on my eyelids as I slip into my black lace dress and new shoes. I adjust my dangling quartz crystal earrings and apply another layer of lipstick. Carefully unwinding the bandages on my hands I stare in horror at the extent of the attack. A knock at the bedroom door breaks my concentration.

  “Hi Darcey, can we come in?” Lesley and Mum peep around the bedroom door. “We’ve brought you something.” Walking towards me I spot black silk gloves.

  I smile realising that Mum always has that special knack of making me feel better.

  “Darcey we’re leaving in a moment, Richard and Simon are here. Tom said to join them downstairs for a drink while you wait for Anthony.”

  Mum is looking beautiful in a deep blue silk dress. “Wow, look at you two.”

  Lesley provides a twirl “we still have it!”

  “Ok let’s get Tom to take a picture of us together.” I put on a brave face taking a deep breath to calm my nerves as I follow them downstairs. I don’t want to leave the security of Sebel House and the tight sting across the palms of my hands reminds me of their threat to return. As we reach the hallway Anthony arrives with Nick. I feel relieved to see him. He looks suave and sophisticated in his dinner suit and what I would give to be alone with him right now.

  Moving towards him I grin “I’m going to have to watch you with the ladies tonight!”

  “I only have eyes for you.” He smirks and pulls me in close. “You look stunning Darcey.”

  I blush a little as I fiddle with the locket that hangs around my neck. “Did you have a good day? How was Freya?”

  “She can’t wait to come home, seems to be back to her stubborn old self.” Anthony suddenly gets over protective as Tom joins us along with Richard.

  “Hello Darcey, you’re looking gorgeous, such a shame I’m not travelling with you as I was really looking forward to another chat with you.” Richard is a practiced antagonist and Anthony stands resolute not removing his tight clutch from around my waist. “Is it true that you were attacked in Dorton Abbey?”

&nbs
p; “Yes but I’m fine now.” Keen to change the subject I smile up at Anthony “I suppose it’s time for us to leave?”

  “Yes I think we should all make a move.”

  I sense the heightened security personnel surrounding our cars. My heart is racing and my breathing quickens as all the cars pull away. Anthony holds my gloved hand and smiles reassuringly. I can hardly muster a grin as I listen to the security radio channel. Voices exchange information in coded language; Nick looks back at me in the mirror and acknowledges my concern with a sympathetic smile.

  “Stop the car, please stop!” leaning forward I feel weak and sick. I look down at my shaking hands as I open the car door to make a dash towards the hedgerow bending to retch.

  “Darcey take deep breaths, calm down.” Anthony’s hand caresses my bare back.

  “Anthony I can’t do this,” I turn away to retch again “Please take me home.”

  “Listen to me.” Anthony grabs hold of my arms and looks down at my teary eyes “You can do this Darcey this is your special day, don’t give them the satisfaction.”

  I’m instantly aware of the scene I’m causing as security officers step outside their halted cars with Mum and Lesley watching nervously from the back window of their car.

  “Anthony I’m so scared, what if they…….” My voice trails off to a silent sob.

  Pulling me near he kisses my forehead as I close my eyes to hold back my tears. “Darcey I’ll be with you I promise, just think about us lazing around the pool in Dubai with the sun on our faces.”

  The peaceful image is etched in my mind as my breathing slows. “Thank you for being so patient with me Anthony.”

  He takes my hands “Are you feeling a little calmer?”

  I nod and smile as he guides me back to the car.

  The journey is thankfully uneventful and we’re soon pulling up in front of the beautiful grand Gresham Hall. We are overlooked by two life sized stone lions that lay regally on the top of the front entrance veranda which is supported by wide stone pillars.

  Nick opens Anthony’s rear door as he turns to grasp both of my hands. “Remember I’m with you. Take deep breaths and enjoy the evening, ok?”

  “Yup.” I grin appreciating his care.

  A handful of photographers greet us as we make our way hand in hand up the steps to the main entrance. My eyes dart around taking note of new faces also searching for those unwelcome familiar ones.

  We are met by the Chairperson of the Education Awards Committee and the Mayor of Suffolk dressed both in their splendid robes and finery. Anthony firmly shakes the Mayor’s hand introducing us to them both.

  “Good to meet you Anthony, ah Darcey Brooks.” He offers his podgy hand.

  “Lovely to meet you.” I feel Anthony’s comforting hand on my lower back.

  “I’ve just met your wonderful mother, you look so much alike.” His genuine smile is warm and soothing.

  “Yes she is so looking forward to this evening.” I feel Anthony’s hand glide around my waist.

  “Perhaps she will save a dance for me later.” His rosy pink cheeks wobble as he chuckles.

  “I’ll remind her to do so.” I look up at Anthony’s affectionate glance as we walk through the marble entrance hall.

  The hall is drenched in caramel light from stunning gold and crystal chandeliers. Paintings of preceding members of the Gresham heritage smile down on passing guests as sweet melodies flow from violins and cellos inside the Great Hall. Handsome footman in black tail suits with white bow ties wait just inside the spectacularly carved oak doors. The tables are elegantly dressed in white linen and heavily decorated silver cutlery with central ornate gold candelabras.

  As we are led to our table I am captivated by the harmonies rising from four woman playing cello, violins and a grand piano on a raised stage directly in front of our table. I hum the tune which is very familiar and hauntingly poignant. Mum, Lesley and Richard are already seated and smile while entranced by the music.

  As we are seated Anthony leans across and whispers a line to the song as his fingers dip inside the back of my dress. “Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?”

  I smile adoringly into his eyes and gently kiss his lips.

  The footman hands us a drinks lists. “Would you like an aperitif?”

  Glancing at the menu I answer quickly “Kir Royale please.”

  “Same for me, thank you.” Anthony hands back his menu and then continues to sing in my ear sending a tingle down my spine.

  The mesmerising music has Anthony and I spellbound in each other’s company as though nobody else exists. Leaning into his space I breathe in his hypnotic scent and smooth my hand along his inner thigh. Our eyes are locked with lips only inches apart as we inhale each other’s long deep sighs.

  “Good Evening Darcey.” A deep voice above breaks our spell.

  “Good Evening Colonel.” Garner stands behind us with Marie on his arm. He is surprisingly dashing in his finest army regalia. Marie also looks beautiful in a plain white halter dress with amber jewel detail around the neck. “Good Evening Marie.”

  Anthony is instantly on his feet to greet Marie apologising for the last minute change in car arrangements.

  Garner sits down beside me removing his hat and leaning forward onto one knee. “Darcey, I’m so sorry about the breach in security at Dorton. How are you?”

  Taking a sip of my Kir Royale I’ve suddenly taken on a brazen attitude. “Apart from having my hands carved up I’m fine.”

  The Colonel breathes in sitting up straight as though my remark has delivered a sharp blow. He runs a finger along his lip as though sealing his mouth while deep in thought before he replies. “We’re still examining CCTV but we suspect that the assailant was hidden in the boot of a car belonging to a member of staff. Security at the main gate confirms that no visitors were checked in on Tuesday.”

  This piece of information has me flabbergasted, “So someone we know or possibly I work closely with is involved in this?”

  “Yes it looks that way. This is why security has been stepped up surrounding both Anthony and you.” Garner accepts the drinks list as the footman returns. “Gin and tonic please, Marie would you like an aperitif?”

  “Yes I think I will join you Darcey with a Kir Royale.” She steps forward and whispers softly in my ear “So sorry to hear you were attacked and I’m sure that Colonel Garner is doing everything to find those responsible.”

  I smile sweetly but something in her comment ignites a sense of wondering who really is on our side and who can I trust? “I’m sure he is Marie, how are you?”

  “I’m looking forward to a wonderful evening celebrating some amazing people.” She smiles as she looks back at Anthony.

  “Marie let me introduce you to everyone.” Anthony can’t help himself pampering around her and showing her off.

  The footman returns with their drinks and I swiftly knock back the remainder of my Kir Royale handing him the empty glass. “Another would be perfect, thank you.”

  Garner looks unimpressed “Darcey slow down the night is young.”

  The hall is gradually filling up with smartly dressed gents and attractive woman in an array of glitzy ball gowns. The footman returns once again with my drink and turns politely to Garner “Colonel would you mind if two journalists joined your table, the media table is full due to late additions?”

  “Not at all, the more the merrier!” Garner twists in his seat beside me and says hello to Mum and Lesley opposite as Marie and Anthony still stand talking to Richard. Eventually Anthony returns to sit beside me after pulling out the chair for Marie as she delicately scoops up her long dress to sit next to Garner.

  The Head Footman stands behind me with the two journalists and I can tell that this isn’t a welcome arrival as I read Mum’s and Garner’s expressions of concern. “Colonel, Ladies, Gentlemen please may I introduce Daniel Frances and Melissa Stone of the East Anglian Daily News who will be joining your table tonight.” />
  I’m suddenly frozen to my seat and dare not turn my head. Anthony spins around abruptly with his glass still in his hand. He says nothing as everybody resumes normal polite conversation and Mum glares across to me. Taking a deep breathe I turn slowly and adopt an all is well approach.

  “Hello Daniel, Melissa.” I stand to kiss them both on the cheek “Lovely to see you both and what a surprise that you’re joining us this evening.” A side glimpse to Anthony indicates his disdain.

  He puts down his glass and slowly stands “Daniel” he offers his hand in what seems to be the most awkward unconvincing welcome I’ve ever seen.

  “Anthony.” Daniel’s smirk has me nervous as to what he is playing at.

  Anthony turns to Melissa withdrawing his hand and leaning forward to kiss her cheek “Hello Melissa.”

  “Nice to meet you Anthony.” Melissa is obviously not enjoying this especially as this is the first time I’ve seen her since catching them out. They follow the footman around the table to seats opposite between Marie and Mum as other waiters scurry around setting new places at the table and pouring wine for all.

  Anthony and I sit down and grin as I whisper “thank you for keeping calm.”

  He smiles and firmly grasps my hand for all to see. Bending towards me he murmurs “You’re mine and as long as he gets it we have no issues here tonight.”

  Marie and Mum immediately break the cold atmosphere chatting to Daniel and Melissa. I relax a little knowing that the distance across the table will help maintain limited interaction with them both.

  The room is buzzing with excitement as the lulling music helps to ease frictions around our table. Another Kir Royale later and I feel well and truly oiled and comfortable in my surroundings. I again begin to hum along with the violin chorus as I try to recall the name of the song.

  Anthony slides closer and sings in my ear. Our lips collide and I’m lost in his kiss. Remembering we aren’t alone we pull apart and Anthony turns to talk to Lesley still clutching my hand. I catch Daniel’s glare under the candlelight and have the urge to escape.

  “Darcey, I hear you plan to get married at Christmas.” Garner has softened towards our relationship.