by Anna Edwards
"You said that reporters are interested in your relationship with James, right?" Elena sat down with another coffee.
"Yes, unfortunately."
"Well, I think the guy over there might be one. When I was buying the coffees, he was staring over at you the entire time."
Amy turned her head to where a middle-aged man was pretending to read a newspaper. He had rugged features framed by salt-and-pepper hair. He seemed familiar to her but she couldn't place him.
Sonia stood and grabbed Amy's hand.
"We need to leave, now."
"What is it?"
"No time for questions Amy. Come on."
Amy grabbed her bag, and Elena did the same.
The man was out of his seat and walking towards them. "Miss Jones, I mean you no harm."
"Amy, move." Sonia was tugging her now, pulling her out of the shop. "Out of the way, sir, she has nothing to say to you."
"I disagree, Miss Anderson." Everyone in the coffee shop was now looking at them. Elena had a puzzled look on her face, and Amy was confident she wore the same. They reached the door, but as they were about to exit the man spoke again, "She’s my son's girlfriend after all."
Amy ground to a halt and turned. "Mr North?"
"Yes."
"Amy, we have to go, James doesn't want anything to do with his father."
"No, he doesn't, but I haven't got a clue why." She shrugged Sonia off her arm and stepped forward with her hand outstretched. "It’s a pleasure to meet you. Maybe we should take this conversation back to the dance school, though. I’m sure it’s one we shouldn’t have in such a public place."
"I couldn't agree with you more." James’ father stepped forward and held the door open for Amy and the others to walk through. When they reached the street, Sonia pulled her aside.
"You know I have to phone Matthew."
"I wouldn't want to get you into trouble. Do what you have to." Sonia peeled away and pulled out her phone. "Elena, are you coming back?"
"No, I’ll go and collect the new t-shirts for the uniforms."
"Thanks."
"Not a problem." Elena left Amy alone with James' father. She had so many questions going around in her head. All Amy knew was that he had left Miranda for another woman. None of the family ever spoke about him, there were no photos in the house and any Google searches she had performed in the past for information on James made no mention of his father. If it weren't for Sonia's reaction, Amy would have questioned this man being who he said he was.
"Mr North, the school is a few minutes walk this way."
"I hope that I won't get you into too much trouble." His expression was genuine. "I just wanted to see you. Your friend must have thought me a stalker."
"She thought you were a journalist."
"The rumours in the magazines this morning are true then. You’re back together with my son?"
"We’re taking things slowly, but yes, we’re back together."
"I’m glad. I’ve seen the way he looks at you in pictures. I don't think I have ever seen him so happy before."
"Mr, North. Please. I don't understand why you’ve searched me out." Amy stopped.
"I need to tell you some things about my son. I don't want him to hurt you."
"If you mean about the scars on his back? I already know." Amy started walking again. She went around the corner into the parking lot of the school.
"He told you?" Mr North scrambled to catch up with her.
"Yes, he did. We’ve no secrets from each other."
"You’ve changed him."
Amy opened her mulberry handbag and searched inside for her key. When she retrieved it, from amongst all the other contents of her bag, she twisted it into the lock. "I haven’t changed him. He’s just open with me."
"What about his mother?"
"He’s as open with her as I have ever known. Look, I don't want to be rude, but James told me you left Miranda for another woman. He doesn't want anything to do with you, and I wish to respect his wishes. If you’ve nothing more to tell me, than what I already know, then I think you should leave."
"I wondered what he’d tell them. Controlling as always."
"What?" Controlling. That word that summed her lover up completely.
"He hasn't changed a bit, has he?"
Before Amy could answer that, Sonia appeared beside her.
"I think we’ll have company very soon."
"I’d better put the kettle on. Are you coming in, Mr North?"
CHAPTER FIVE
James
"Er. Boss. I’ve just had a phone call from Sonia." James looked up from where he was examining a set of architectural drawings spread out over the boardroom table.
"And?"
"You might want to sit down."
"What has Amy done this time?" James turned his attention back to the drawings. "She’s probably just testing me; I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt."
"I don't think it’s her testing you."
"What is it then?"
"Your father is with her."
"My father!" He gripped the desk tightly, his knuckles white and about to rip out of the joints. "What the fuck is he doing with her?" He strode around the desk and grabbed his jacket off a chair. "Let's go."
Matthew followed him from the room and down to the garage.
"Apparently, they were in a coffee shop and Mr. North was there. He approached Amy, and she invited him back to the school to talk. Sonia tried to warn her against him, but you know Miss Jones."
"Get us there, quick."
"Yes boss."
James settled back in his seat as Matthew drove. His fists were still clenched as he tried to calm himself. Even though he wanted to go in all guns blazing and beat his sperm donor -- he sure as hell wouldn't call him father -- to a pulp, he needed to stay as calm as possible in front of Amy. They’d only been back together a few days, and he couldn't risk losing her again because of his temper. Why did his father have to come back into his life now? He thought he’d never see him again.
The car pulled up to the school, and James jumped out.
"Boss."
"It's alright Matthew; I know I must stay calm."
"I’ll wait outside for you."
James entered the school. "Amy?" He called out.
"In here."
James entered and saw Amy sitting with his father; cups of tea in front of them.
Sonia stepped forward. "I’m sorry, boss. I said I didn't think she should speak with him."
"It isn't Sonia's fault. I asked your father to stay."
He nodded at Sonia, "Matthew’s outside." She left to join him as James walked closer to the table and pulled out a seat for himself.
"I thought I made myself clear when you left. You’re not a part of this family anymore. You lost that right when you cheated on mum." He reached out and placed his hand over Amy's. She was watching him suspiciously, probably waiting for him to lash out.
"I’ll never stop being a part of this family. I’m your father."
"In biological terms only." He shifted forward in his chair.
“I know how much you care for your mother, but maybe you should listen to what he has to say. That was in the past. A lot has happened since then."
"No."
"Please, just listen to him?"
Why was she doing this? Why would she not leave it be?
"She’s a smart girl. Not one of your usual then?"
Okay, that was enough. He was trying to hold it together, but his father was pressing his buttons, deliberately trying to wind him up. "I’ll not lay a hand on you, but if you don't get out now, I’ll have Matthew throw you out."
"You’ll never change, will you? All I wanted was to find out how my family is."
"We’re not your family. You lost any right to that when you fucked that whore."
"Whose whore?"
"Get out!" James jumped to his feet. The chair flew back into the wall. Amy stood and pressed her bod
y into his, her presence calming his temper.
"Maybe it’d be best if you left, Mr. North. You said you had something to tell me about James, and so far, I don't think I’ve heard anything I don't already know."
"So he said he paid for that woman as well."
"James has done a lot in the past that he regrets now, it’s in the past." Amy was defending him.
"I had such high hopes for you, James. You were my first-born son, my glory. I was so proud of you when you started the business and worked so hard to make it the success it was. I was amazed that someone so young could be so intelligent and determined. But you got consumed by the darkness of your own mind."
His father blamed him. He blamed him for everything that had happened. And James was back there; he could hear the argument in his head.
"What the fuck are you doing?"
"James?" His father withdrew from the woman, one of James’ ex-escorts, and scrambled from the bed. He turned his head as his father found his trousers and put them on. "It isn't what it looks like. It’s a mistake."
"Too fucking right it's a mistake."
"James, please don't tell your, mother. It won't happen again."
"No, it won't." James strode to a wardrobe, pulled out a suitcase, and began to throw all his father's clothes into the bag. "Because as soon as you are dressed, you’re leaving and never coming back."
"You can't do that."
"I can and I will. You will not hurt mum."
"Like you are with this dominant stuff?" His father took a step back. "Shit, sorry I didn't mean that."
James pulled his hand back and sent it flying into his father's face.
"Get the fuck out, now. I swear if I ever see you again I won't stop punching till you are dead!"
"James, please look at me." Amy's voice permeated the dreaming fog of his brain. "Mr. North, please leave. Matthew, Sonia!" She called out for their bodyguards.
"You think I deserved it, don't you? Everything that happened? Everything has always been my fault. That’s why you used her. To teach me a lesson."
"Finally you understand."
"Enough." Amy interrupted just as Matthew appeared at the door. "Matthew, escort Mr. North out." James could tell she was fuming. She had seen the blame for his beating laid at his door by his own father. Matthew did as he was instructed and his father made no effort to fight the inevitable. As the room went quiet around them, Amy nestled into his chest.
"I’m sorry."
"Why are you sorry?" He didn't understand.
"I allowed him in, and he was obviously trying to insult you."
"You weren't to know. I hadn't told you about that day. I still haven't really."
"No, but you will when you’re ready." She went up on her toes and gave him a tender kiss.
CHAPTER SIX
James
He looked at his phone for what was probably the fiftieth time. He had texted Amy in the morning. She had sent him a brief reply straight away saying there was a problem with the club, and she’d message him later. That had been three hours ago. He was sure everything was fine, and she had just got caught up with her work and would message him soon.
Jesus.
Surely it should be Amy moping over her phone waiting for him to call or text.
He put his phone in his pocket. Amy would be round later, so he’d get some lunch and then look for a present for her. It had been a month since they’d laid down the rules. Both had stuck to it, and James was even relaxing in the time he was home alone. He marched out of his office, and Marie instantly jumped to her feet, pouting and pushing her breasts together to accentuate her curves. It did nothing for James.
"Mr North, how can I help you?"
"I don't have any meetings this afternoon, so I’m going to take off. I have a call at eleven tomorrow morning, please can you move it to one in the afternoon?"
"Of course Mr North. Aren’t you feeling well? Do you need me to get anything for you? I could bring it over to your home."
"No, I don't need anything. I’m going shopping for my girlfriend."
"Oh, her. Yes." James watched as she sat back down and pulled up her contacts list.
"Marie, there is something you can do for me. I want you to arrange to have some flowers sent to Amy. Make sure the bouquet includes lilies and lots of blue to match her eyes. I want the note to read, 'To my beautiful love, I can’t wait to see you tonight. Love James.' And get them to add a couple of kisses to the end of that.”
His secretary's lips pursed tightly as she wrote.
"I’ll do that for you, sir." She was seething, though, and he didn't feel guilty for one minute. That woman needed a reality check.
A few hours later James felt like he had been wandering the shops for ages looking for something for Amy which was under the budget that had been set. It was proving a difficult task. Perfume, clothes, a watch, handbag, jewellery--he had already bought her all of those. He looked towards Matthew and could tell he was completely bored.
"Does she really need a present, boss? Didn't you get her something last week?"
"I was hoping she’d count it as the start of a new month."
"The new month will start from thirty days after the last present."
"Why did I have to pick the most stubborn girl in the world to fall in love with?"
"Because she’s the only one that would put up with you." Matthew chuckled.
"There goes your Christmas bonus.”
"You cut my Christmas bonus and you can lug your own Christmas tree up the stairs."
"I’m sure I wrote that into your contract as a requirement of the job.” James groaned. "Christmas. That’s going to be fun. I’ll probably have to negotiate all that and agree to more rules. Come on Matthew. You must have an idea. Help me out."
"Do I get my bonus back?"
"If you can find me the perfect gift for Amy and it doesn't get me into trouble, then I’ll double your bonus."
"Follow me." Both left the store and headed down the street to a little alleyway. Matthew led James down it and stopped outside what seemed an ordinary house.
"What’s this?"
"A place I learned about when in the employ of Her Majesty."
"Is it legit?"
"They may not pay their taxes, but yeah, it’s cool."
Matthew knocked on the door and a man opened it. James stood back as Matthew spoke to him in a language that sounded Russian or Eastern European. Where the hell was Matthew taking him?
"Come in, sir." The man who had opened the door motioned with his left hand for him to enter. "You are most welcome. I’m Sergey, I help you find what you look for."
James smiled and followed him.
"What is this place, Matthew?"
"You’ll see, boss."
The ragged-looking man, dressed in jeans and a Chelsea football shirt, opened a locked door and revealed a large room filled with every sex toy James could imagine. And a lot more. James visualised Amy writhing in pleasure, her pussy wrapped around his cock or one of the massive dildos, and the smile on her face when she was completely sated and unable to move.
James walked around, taking in everything. These were gifts for him, as far as he was concerned, so he could buy whatever he wanted. Amy's gift would be free when he used them on her. Half an hour, and two rather full carrier bags later, James handed a figure well over the two hundred and fifty-pound limit to the shop owner.
"If you ever need more, my door always open for you and Mr Matthew. All best quality. Guaranteed to make women very happy."
"I hope so. Thank you."
James and Matthew headed back to the car.
“We don’t have a normal boss/employee relationship, do we?” James laughed as Matthew took the shopping from him to put in the boot.
“Would you have it any other way, sir?”
“Not at all.”
James pulled out his phone. He forgot he had put it on silent. He had six missed calls, all from Amy. He dialled her ba
ck quickly. She answered after the second ring in tears, and his heart froze in terror.
"Amy, what’s wrong?"
"I thought it would be easy, but I’ve ruined everything …" Her sobbing was so fast he could barely understand her. James leapt into the car. Matthew got in the driver's side.
"Amy. Beautiful. Calm down. I can't understand you. Tell me what’s wrong. Matthew and I are on our way. Are you at the school?"
"Yes," She let out a distressed howl. "There’s water everywhere."
"Water?" James looked to Matthew, who was swearing under his breath. As the lights turned red in front of him, he took a turn, a bit too fast, to escape the wait.
"There was a leak. I tried to fix it. I don't know how to turn the water off, and I’ve made it worse. It’s flooding the stage, and the ceiling came down. I can't get a plumber to come and help me. They’re all too busy."
James let out a long sigh of relief.
"Is that all? I was terrified, Amy."
"What do you mean is that all? James, the stage is ruined. It’s all such a mess. I have to cancel classes. I’m going to be tidying up for weeks."
"Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way." Matthew tried to hide his smirk at James' faux pas. "Look. Matthew and I’ll be there in a few minutes. Try and find where you turn the water off and get some buckets under the leak."
"Ok." She started sobbing again.
"It’ll be alright. Come on. You’re strong, remember."
She hung up. James, put his phone back in his pocket, his head against the headrest, and shut his eyes.
"You alright, boss?"
"Yeah, you’d better get us there quick."
"Two minutes."
As they pulled up to the club, Amy ran out to them. She was covered in dust and grime and was thoroughly wet. James was barely out of the car before she had his hand and dragged him to the stage. Water cascaded through the ceiling which had indeed collapsed, and the remnants of it were all over the stage.
"Matthew." James turned to his bodyguard. "Go with Amy and find where you can turn this water off. There should be details in the office, it’s a requirement of all the health and safety crap."
