Billionaire Devils Club-Palm Beach

by Ashley Woods

  Karl pulled her close, "Kristen, I hope you are enjoying Thomas, and I know that he is also enamored with you." Kristen looked up at him in confusion, and was ready to refute his statement, when Karl held her more tightly.

  "Thomas and I would like you to accompany us to another gathering that is being thrown in his honor later tonight. He really wants to get to know you better. That is something that I want too. You can have the best of both worlds."

  Kristen started to reply, but Karl brushed his finger across her lips to stop her. They silently danced a bit longer, and then he gave her a friendly spank as he walked her to her chair.

  Kristen knew exactly what he had been proposing, and finally opened up. She slyly replied, "Karl, if you think I am going to do a twisted threesome with you and the Ambassador, you can just keep dreaming on. It's not going to happen."

  Karl's eyes blackened with anger. Kristen grew fearful as he snapped, "We have not even had relations with each other. How can you go so low to make that statement? Get your pretty head out of the gutter Miss Kenworth. This is neither the time, nor the place to speak like that."

  Kristen still believed that she was right. Though she enjoyed the Ambassador's company, she still resented Karl for not paying enough attention to her this evening, and especially for all past transgressions.

  She now sarcastically said, "Please tell Thomas that I would love a hook up alone with him. You can watch us if you would like!"

  Karl replied with disdain, "I can only assume Kristen that you have had too much to drink, and that is why you are completely out of character right now. This is exactly why I have not delved further into a relationship with you. It is not that I am older than you, again, the problem is that you are just too immature for me, and most everyone else for that matter."

  Kristen still wanted to keep on annoying him, “I believe you know Karl that I am just enough woman for you. Tell me exactly what type of place that you want to take me to tonight? Do I need to bring my black square with me? Is that the only way you can express yourself?"

  She gathered more courage, "Karl. Why can't you show that you have feelings for me?"

  With that, Karl pulled her into his arms, and consumed Kristen in a kiss for the ages. When he finished, as far as Kristen was concerned, she had become his, and finally quit challenging him.

  He looked down at her with a knowing smile, “Now Miss Kenworth... What were you trying to tell me?"

  Kristen said nothing, as she clinged to Karl while he said his good-byes, and then walked her out of the hotel.

  The couple climbed into a limousine and headed south. Karl held Kristen’s hand tightly as they sat close to each other. After a long silence, Kristen looked up at him, “Karl, ever since I met you, my life has changed, I am acting differently and I don’t know why this is happening. All I know is that I can’t get you out of my mind, and I feel like everything that I do, whether good or bad, somehow it all comes back to you.

  She leaned closer to him, “I feel that I have to be near you, and I also feel that I should be running away. And most times, I don’t know what to feel.”

  Karl smiled down at her, “It’s alright Kristen, I think you know deep within what is happening, but you won’t let it surface. And, you might think you know me, but I fear my dear,” he said with a chuckle, “You never really will.” He then let go of her hand and turned his head to look out the window. Kristen moved back to her side and pressed her head hard onto the tinted glass, as tears began to well in her eyes.

  As she stared out, the scenery gradually looked more ramshackle, and it soon became obvious that they were returning back to the closed nightclub in the questionable part of Chicago, that he had taken her before.

  As they pulled up in front, Kristen noticed that this time, the building was dark and there was no one in sight. She was surprised to see the front door wide open.

  As they walked in, there were sheets partially draped over the furniture, and the place had a musty smell. Karl led her through the main room, and then downstairs to the lower level.

  Kristen looked fearfully around her at the familiar surroundings, as Karl took her into the room with the three crosses.

  This time they were all facing downwards.

  He lit a large floor candle and then reached over to her. Without a word from her lips, or even a flinch, he held Kristen up to the middle crucifix, and gently strapped her hands onto the crossbar. As she hung from it, she watched him nervously, as he slowly walked behind her.

  Kristen cringed as she felt the teeth of her zipper scrape against her skin, as it was being pulled downwards. Karl then held his arms around her as he slid her dress off, and onto the floor below.

  He stood back and admired her, as his strong hands reached out to follow the curves of her slight frame. Kristen closed her eyes and longed to become one with his dark mind and be taken into his world. She knew she was supposed to be with him…

  Karl's deep voice brought her abruptly back from her thoughts, “I am sorry Kristen. It's still not time yet. Please understand."

  He then quickly pulled her out of the restraints. As he released her, she let out a deep sigh of disappointment and opened her eyes, as the candle flame flickered, and the room filled with light. She felt vulnerable without her clothes and pulled her arms across her body to shield it.

  She shivered in the icy room, as Karl put out the candle and handed her garment to her. He then walked out slowly, as if he were hesitating.

  Kristen dressed, and then stumbled through the darkness as she made her way back upstairs. The club was still empty, and Karl was nowhere in sight.

  She walked around the front area, “Karl? Karl? Where are you?" There was no reply.

  Kristen became worried and walked back outside. She was relieved that the limousine was still there. The driver was holding the back door open for her, but Karl was not inside it.

  Without a word, the driver closed the door and proceeded to her house. The partition window was dark and remained tightly closed. Kristen sat in silence.

  When they arrived, he appeared at the side of the car. She thanked him as he helped her out, and asked,

  "Where did Karl go?" He stood without expression and handed her an envelope.

  "He wanted me to give this to you. Good night Miss."

  He then returned to the car and drove away.

  Kristen opened her front door, and immediately went to her dining room table to read the note.

  As she tore open the side, a check for $75,000 fell out. Kristen shook her head, "How could he have known about Robert?"

  Dearest Kristen:

  I enjoyed your company this evening. I hope that it all makes more sense to you now, and that our paths will cross again soon. No need to fear me. Please use this money wisely. Don't be afraid to take it.

  Until then…Karl

  9 THE AMBASSADOR

  The next morning found Kristen in such a conflicted state, that she was afraid to get out of bed.

  “What was that all about last night?”

  She tried to shake the sleep off. Then she just groaned and burrowed her head back under her pillow. It was way too early, and she felt too weak to face the day ahead of her.

  Kristen was completely mystified about Karl and could not believe that again, she let herself get into those type of circumstances with him.

  “I have absolutely no interest in that kind of stuff. What the hell is going on here? It’s like I have no way to back away from it.”

  She was utterly bewildered. She didn’t feel safe anymore, and felt it was even possible that she needed to move out of town to free herself from Karl’s grasp.

  Then of course, he made it clear to her that he had no further interest in her. Which Karl was the real one? His moods changed too much for her to keep up with. She wished now that she had learned more about Karl from William, while she had the chance. She felt like calling him up.

  She climbed out of bed and began looking for her cell ph
one. As she was about to reach for it, it rang.

  “Oh, God! Please don’t let it be Karl. I absolutely can’t deal with this right now.”

  A tingle, deep inside of her, reminded her that she was not through with him. In fact, she wanted him even more. She loved the level of excitement he brought to her whenever she saw him. It was like no other experience ever felt before. She eagerly clicked on her phone to answer the call.

  “Kristen?”

  Kristen pulled the phone closer to her ear. She could detect a British accent, but she wasn’t so sure it was Karl on the other end.

  “Who is this?”

  “Is this Miss Kenworth?” Kristen almost felt like saying it wasn’t.

  “I am sorry to disturb you this early in the day. This is Thomas.”

  Kristen was incredulous, “You mean the Ambassador?” Her voice went into a high pitch, “You’re calling me?”

  Thomas laughed, “Yes, that’s right. Don’t be so surprised. You left quite an impression on me. I was hoping that I could have spoken with you more at length. I find you both beautiful, and fascinating.”

  “Wow,” Kristen replied, “I don’t know how to react. I am kind of feeling shy now.”

  “Well, then the best remedy for that, is for us to get together today for a light brunch at my hotel. Would you like to do that Kristen? I would enjoy your company.”

  Kristen paused, “I don’t know Thomas. Is Karl going to be there too?”

  Thomas burst out, “Oh my, I hope not! That would be too crowded for my liking. As far as I know, he has already left town by now. He never stays in one place very long.”

  Kristen said happily, “Well, then I would be glad to see you today.”

  “I am happy to hear that Kristen. I was supposed to swing by a few charities today and talk to their directors, but I would prefer to be with you.”

  Kristen felt nervous. She wasn’t sure she could handle being with him. Thomas was so handsome, and so out of her league. Again, it added to the list of occurrences that were happening around her, that just didn’t seem like they were meant for her to be the center of. It was like she was living someone else’s life now.

  Kristen could not restrain herself, “Thomas, is it true that you are not married? My friend heard that you aren’t.” Kristen was afraid to hear his reply, she was afraid she was being too nosey.”

  “Yes, unfortunately, I am also one who doesn’t stay very settled. I divorced my second wife last year. She had her sights set on my royal cousins. I was not enough for her, I guess.”

  “I am sorry to her that happened to you. By the way, how did you get my number? Did Karl give it to you?”

  “No, the last thing I need is for Karl to think I want to talk to you.”

  Kristen inquired, “You mean, he didn’t have plans for the three of us to get together last night after the party?”

  “No. I am not sure what you are talking about?” Kristen could instantly detect the uncertainty in his voice.

  Thomas quickly said, “Let’s end this call, and converse in person. If 11 AM will work for you, I will send a driver over about 40 minutes prior to pick you up. I will meet you inside the Drake’s Palm Court. It is right near the hotel entrance.”

  “That will be perfect. I will start getting ready. I look forward to seeing you.”

  “And I look forward to being with you. I will see you later.” Thomas then hung up.

  Kristen scrambled to the shower, and then switched into high-gear to get ready. She was too excited for Karl to cross her thoughts again. He didn’t call anyway, so it was probably the end of something, that never even took off. It was just another big waste of her time and energy.

  A short while later, she heard a knock at her door. The driver was standing there.

  “I am here for you, Miss. Please follow me.”

  It was a quiet ride downtown, and there wasn’t any traffic to battle. Kristen was let out in front of the hotel.

  She walked toward the restaurant and was met by Thomas. He took her hand and kissed it, as he led her to their table.

  The room was relatively empty. Kristen guessed that they were before the lunch rush, and she enjoyed the chance to be with Thomas in such a private setting. The wait staff filled her water glass, and Thomas handed her a menu. Here, select something that you enjoy, and I will order it too. Maybe you can teach me more about American cuisine. Surprise me.”

  “Well, I bet you can’t find a nice fresh lobster in England. I think they usually catch them on our side of the Atlantic.” Kristen laughed, “So, I am going to have a lovely lobster salad.”

  “And, I am going to have a big lobster,” Thomas replied, “I am very hungry. Seeing you is working up my appetite.”

  Kristen blushed and looked down at the table. She could feel his eyes watching her.

  “Tell me Kristen, I am trying to determine what type of relationship that you think that I have with Karl? More interesting, how well do you know him?”

  Kristen was unsure of how to answer his question, “I really don’t know how to explain it Thomas. I cannot even figure it out for myself.” She knew not to tell him anything about the club in Chicago, since she did not want to damage Karl’s reputation.

  The waiter arrived with their meals, and they began eating. After a few minutes, Kristen spoke, “I really thought that Karl had set us up to meet each other last night. He seemed to have pawned me off on you, while he was concentrating on other people. It was like being on a blind date.”

  Thomas chuckled, “Well, if it was our first date, I would have liked for it to be a bit more like courting you, and much more romantic.” He then stretched his leg under the table and rubbed her leg with his foot.”

  Kristen began to blush even more, “Aren’t you two good friends? That’s what I thought.”

  “Karl and I may run in the same circles, and belong to a few of the same country clubs, but we are in no way close to each other. It seems more of an obligation, rather than a friendship, when it comes to him.”

  He then began to look very worried, and changed the subject, “Kristen, if I thought you were interested in me, I would consider prolonging my stay here in Chicago in order to spend more time with you. Is that something you would also like?”

  Kristen blurted out, “I am not a Hollywood actress or anyone famous, just what is it that you like about me? I am not trying to get down on myself, in fact, I do have a healthy ego, but how did this happen? What is the attraction?”

  As soon as she said it, Kristen knew that she was making self-deprecating comments. Why was she trying to ruin this? Now, she felt as unsure with him, as she did with Karl.

  Thomas reached across the table to take her hand.

  “Just you, being you, is what I like. There is no acting on your part. You are not like most women, who feel they have to take on a different personality to impress a man in my social standing.

  That was the problem with both my wives, they couldn’t just love me for myself, it was everything, but that. And, it always made me feel that I was all alone. Even at my age, I have not yet found out what it truly means to be in love.”

  Kristen said quietly, “That was beautiful Thomas. I don’t think I have been seriously in love either. Mostly they have just been infatuations. But, I did have a crush on someone when I was young, and I thought back then that it was love.”

  “Ahh, young love.” Thomas left his chair and walked around the table, “May I?” He then bent down and gave Kristen a soft kiss.

  She reached up and put her arms around his neck to kiss him back. She then laughed.

  “OK, enough of the public display of affection, time to finish our brunch before we offend someone in here.”

  Thomas said, “I would pay everybody to leave the room to be alone with you right now.”

  Kristen gave him a little tap on his arm to get him to return to his seat. She laughed, “This is getting gushy now. Let’s just talk.”

  “Again, you reall
y know what to say to me.” Thomas grinned like a schoolboy, “I did have some scotch while waiting for you. Afraid it makes me a bit of a demon. And even worse, alcohol is like bloody truth serum. It always seems to get me in some kind of trouble.”

  Kristen had figured as much and was glad that they were now going to carry on at an acceptable level. But, she didn’t mind the kiss, and he made her feel very appreciated.”

  She was about to start speaking again, when she looked at the restaurant window, and noticed a black car on the side-street. It had three men inside, and it was obvious that they were staring in the window at them.

  “That’s funny,” Kristen said, and pointed.

  Thomas leaned out of his chair to see what she was looking at. He saw the men and became visibly disturbed.

  He stood up, and pulled his cell phone from his pocket, “Excuse me, Kristen. I have to go out in the hallway to make an important call. Please remain here. Don’t go anywhere.” He then left.

  Kristen seemed surprised at his abrupt departure. She looked out the window again and observed now that the car had moved down the street. She was not sure if the men were still inside it.

  She started to eat the last of her salad and waited for Thomas. It was over twenty minutes before he returned.

  She looked up as he walked back in. His face still showed concern, “I hope you don’t want any dessert,” he said, “I would like to leave now. We can take a walk outside in the courtyard, and I will tell you why.”

  Kristen reached for her purse, as Thomas held her arm and guided her through a side door to the outside garden.

  “Oh, it is beautiful out here. I have never seen this before,” Kristen remarked, “You can smell the flowers without even going near them.”

  Thomas said nothing and walked her along the path. They now seemed to be headed for the street.

  WHAM! Someone came up behind Thomas and hit him in the head, knocking him cold to the ground. Before, Kristen could help him, she was grabbed, and a blindfold was tightly tied around her head.