"I'm not sure. I think that would be a huge public humiliation for my father. I think he'd prefer status quo until he's no longer in office. It's far less messy," she affirms. "After that, who knows," she shrugs. "I doubt there’s ever been any real love between them, but lately, I could bet my fortune that he doesn’t even like her. I'm not sure he's willing to admit that to himself or to anyone else."
"Not that I've ever been in office, but I can understand your father wanting to deal with that private part of his life when he's no longer such a public figure," Holden points out.
"That’s true," I commiserate.
"I hope you're right. What worries me is that Daddy doesn't admit defeat very easily. I hope he isn't stubborn enough to want to fight for something that's been broken since day one. He deserves to be happy and that'll never happen as long as he stays married to that leech.”
CHAPTER 57
Amelia
I race from the bathroom to my bedroom when the ringtone to my personal phone chimes in. I grab my phone from my dresser and accept the call I’ve been waiting for.
“Are you on your way?” I ask, giddy.
“Honey, I can’t make it,” Charlie says.
“What do you mean you can’t make it? We’ve been talking about this all week, Charlie. You’re supposed to come over for support. I can’t do this by myself,” I say in a slightly panicked voice.
"Your chaperone will be there shortly," Charlie points out.
"Yeah, but it's not the same thing. I don't know her. She hasn't been there for me at every milestone in my life. You have," I exhale loudly. "Are you ditching me for a bloke?"
"Have I ever done that?"
"Well…" I pause, searching my memory banks. "No, you haven't," I concede.
"And, for the record, I'd never allow a guy to take precedence over you. Well, I guess I shouldn’t quite say that."
"Seriously, Charlie?" I protest.
"It's not what you think. I was on my way to your place when I got a call that threatens to derail my entire weekend. Once again, Jason Belvedere is fucking ruining my life."
I let out a long sigh. "It's a quarter past eight o’clock on a Saturday night, do escorts even work this early in the evening?" I laugh.
"No. This isn't a sex scandal, it's just Jason being a complete fuck up."
"What did he do now?"
“It’s too long to explain, but suffice to say it's another colossal mess."
“My God, that boy is a train wreck,” I sympathize.
“And that’s exactly why I told the record company, I’m done. I’m cleaning this up, then I want nothing more to do with Jason Belvedere. Yeah, it’s a super lucrative contract for my company, but it’s not worth the aggravation. I’m on my way to London Stadium right now. Terry is already there waiting for me. He’s equally pissed off because he had a hot date with a sexy guy he’s been flirting with for weeks now.”
“That royally sucks. I’m so sorry, Charlie.”
“Honey, I should be the one who’s sorry. I can’t believe this idiot will force me to miss your big night. But you’re ready, right?” she asks.
“I think so," I laugh nervously.
“I know I’ve asked a hundred times, but you still want this? I mean both the club experience and you’re ready to take things to the next level with your American hunks?” I hear the concern in her voice.
“Yes, I do,” I state firmly. “I haven’t seen them all week and I miss them like crazy. We’ve chatted every night on Skype, but I’ve kept this big reveal a surprise. I’m just a little freaked out. Maybe I should have waited for them to make the first move,” I say, suddenly feeling a bit insecure about my brazenness. “I just don’t want them to think I’m being too forward,” I add.
“Honey, no man in his right mind would ever think that. They’ve eluded to it. You’re just letting them know that you’re game.”
“You’re sure?”
“I'm positive. It’s like offering them a fully pimped out Aston Martin for free and throwing in petrol for two years. They’ll gladly take the gift.”
“I guess, you’re right,” I laugh. Trust Charlie to come up with such a colorful analogy. “I’m sure I’ll calm down when I see them.”
“You will,” she reassures me. “What are you wearing?”
“Brandon and Holden texted me to let me know that I should expect a little present. My chaperone is bringing it with her. Apparently, they’ve taken care of selecting my wardrobe.”
“Meow,” she purrs. “I can’t wait to see the photos.”
“God knows what they have in mind. Then again, I doubt I have a suitable outfit for a sex club.”
“I still can’t believe you get to live yet another sexual experience I know nothing about. I’m a bit jealous,” Charlie laughs.
After the third round of toe-curling sex after the boat ride on the River Thames, Brandon and Holden had dropped a bomb on me. They revealed they were planning on taking me to an adult club with their friend Nikolaj. I nearly died. I was hyperventilating for a solid ten minutes. The idea that someone could recognize me and photos of any prospective debauchery could be plastered all over the Internet frightened the hell out of me. That would bring so much shame to my family. I doubt we’d ever be able to recover. Daddy would be mortified and I'm certain he’d disown me. That would definitely set me a step ahead of King Albert's grandkids.
After Brandon and Holden were able to calm me down, they explained that these sorts of upscale adult clubs cater to highly visible and powerful people—hence, my identity is as safe as any CIA secret document. They promised a night filled with mind-blowing and sensory-overloading experiences that would leave me begging for more. Honestly, I’ve never considered this before, but I can’t imagine venturing into something that naughty with anyone else. Once I was convinced that my presence there wouldn’t cause a scandal, I agreed. What can I say? I'm a little curious.
"I never thought I'd see the day where I trump you in the sex department," I laugh. "Without you, I wouldn’t know a thing,"
"I guess this is a case of the student surpassing the teacher," she says.
We both laugh.
I open my mouth to speak, but the doorbell rings.
"I think my chaperone is here," I say. Butterflies flutter in my tummy. I can do this.
"You did say the party starts at eight thirty at your place," Charlie teases. "This is it," she cheers. "I’ll be impatiently waiting for the play-by-play. You have to ring me up the second those two take a break from shagging you," she laughs.
"I promise."
"In any case, the taxi just pulled up in front of the stadium. I'll talk to you tomorrow, honey."
"Okay. Wish me luck."
"You don't need it. Based on everything you’ve told me so far, you're in very good hands. Those two Americans cherish you and I'm sure tonight will also be testament to that."
"I'm a lucky girl," I say, unable to contain the smile that stretches across my lips.
"No, honey, you’re a very lucky bitch. That's a world of a difference."
We both laugh.
"Okay, I have to go," I say when the doorbell rings for a second time.
"Have fun and live out all of your sexual fantasies."
“I already am,” I say.
I hang up and run to the door. When I swing it open, I freeze.
“Miss Cavendish, Mrs. von Henningsen is here to see you,” Officer Stohler announces. “I believe you're expecting her.” My eyes are glued on the statuesque woman with the most amazing head of wavy curls I've ever seen my life. Holy sex bomb. “Miss Cavendish?” my officer repeats when I remain standing there with my mouth open.
"Yes. Yes, I am," I babble. "Thank you, Officer Stohler."
"Excellent. I'll return to my post," Officer Stohler says before turning on her heel.
I pull my eyes up to the very tall brunette standing elegantly in front of me. Blimey, she’s gorgeous! "Ciara, I can't believe that after all tho
se phone calls and text messages, we finally meet," I smile wide.
"I agree. I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
“It’s the same for me too.”
“May I say that those photos of you on the Internet don't do you justice.” One perfectly groomed eyebrow arches up. “You're absolutely gorgeous. It's such a pleasure to meet you, Amelia," Ciara says before bending her knees to kiss me on both cheeks.
Instinctively, I get on my toes and do the same.
"The pleasure is mine. And allow me to set you straight. Who are you kidding? You look like you just stepped off the catwalk," I exclaim.
"You're so sweet," she laughs. Even her laugh is bloody sexy.
"Where are my manners? Please come in. Don't stay out in the corridor like this," I wave her in.
"Thank you," she says stepping in. When she does, my eyes zoom in on her killer five-inch heels. Wow. Ciara’s feet are strapped inside a pair of red satin high heels that lace up at the ankle with a black ribbon. The contrast is arresting.
I close the door and rest my back against it admiring the newcomer to my home. “Those are bloody amazing shoes.” The words come out of my mouth before I catch them.
She tilts her head back sending her cascade of curls swinging behind her and lets out a boisterous laugh. “You’re too adorable. They’re from Nikolaj. As impressed as you are now, wait until you see what you’re wearing tonight,” she flashes me a complicit smile. That woman must’ve broken quite a few hearts before she got married.
Brandon and Holden didn't say much about Nikolaj’s wife other than she’s an incredibly talented and successful lighting designer who speaks four languages fluently. They omitted to tell me that the tall and elegant American is an absolute knockout. In fact, she's the kind of stunning beauty that can make you very self-conscious. I’m used to being the short one, given Charlie’s height, but for some reason, it’s even more accentuated standing next to Ciara’s towering figure. Great.
"Oh, okay,” I say simply, before pushing myself off the door and taking a step towards her.
“I love the shoes you’ll be wearing tonight so much, I might have to hunt them down.” She flashes me that perfect smile again. My God, her makeup is flawless. What am I talking about? Her face is flawless.
“I don't know what your husband looks like, but the two of you must stop traffic." Once again, I speak without thinking.
“Between us girls, I lucked out,” she winks at me. “My husband is smoking hot," she smiles wide. "I mean ridiculously good-looking. I’m still in awe, he’s mine. But then again, I have to be content with one drop-dead gorgeous hunk. You get to play with two. Your boys are delicious, honey," she seductively licks her lips and her brown eyes are sparkling with mirth.
Instantly I turn beet red. I'm fully aware that Ciara knows about Holden and Brandon, but since there are very few people privy to what we share, I feel so naked and exposed right now.
"It’s a little weird that this is out in the open," I say. “And I’m not sure they’re my boys. We’re just seeing each other,” I correct her. I know I call them that way. So does Charlie. Hearing it from a stranger is unsettling.
"It isn't anything to worry about,” she says, touching my arm, “I'm sure Brandon and Holden have already told you this, but when Nikolaj gives his word, it’s a done deal. The same applies to me. Basically, your secret is safe with us.”
“Thank you for saying that.” I let out a long sigh of relief.
“As for your last point,” she flashes a wicked smile. “Hardcore bad-boy bachelors like your two former Navy SEALs don’t tend to bring a woman to an adult club unless there’s something there.”
“Oh.” There I go blushing again.
“Did I put your mind at ease?” she asks.
“Yes,” I reply. I pause for a beat before saying, “Thank you for not judging me.”
“What do you mean?” She looks genuinely surprised by my comment.
“Of course, you knew about Britain's Prime Minister's daughter and her two lovers," I say, "but I kept wondering if maybe a part of you might think less of me. I mean it isn’t the norm. It's very unusual for a woman to be in my position.” I swallow hard.
“How can I judge when I’ve had my fair share of debauchery before getting married?” She has? “I've even had many threesomes. It was usually one guy wanting to fuck two women at the same time. I don’t have sex with women, but I don’t mind touching, fondling boobs and kissing on the lips. I don't eat pussy and unless you have a cock, I don't want your lips on mine.”
Holy Jesus. I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover.
"I've been down and dirty,” she continues, “but I've never been with two guys at the same time and none of the past threesomes have led to anything more than a few nights of raunchiness. What you share with Brandon and Holden is vastly different. They can’t shut up about you!”
Really? “I don’t know what to say.” I didn’t realize they talked about me like that.
“Just soak it in,” she advises. “Those two are a great catch.” Yes, they are. “And they’re yours.” I bite off a smile at her words.
“Why don’t I take your jacket,” I offer when I realize I’m doing a poor job at this hostess role.
“Thank you.” She drops her black bejeweled clutch on the Murano glass console near the door and removes her fitted black jacket before handing it to me. I gasp when I take her fully in. “What you're wearing is so sexy and chic. Tasteful even,” I exclaim. "It's not at all what I expected for an adult club," I add. I head to the closet to hang her jacket.
"At Nightfall, anything goes. Given the upscale crowd, it always tends to be designer and very expensive. That said, you'll find some women strutting around in nothing more than a pair dental-floss G-string panties and a see-through bra. Don’t think their skinny wafers. The last time we were there, there was one sexy voluptuous woman with massive breasts—I mean huge—with eye-popping inch-long nipples and wearing a joke of a bra. Everything was showing, but I guess that was the point since every time I saw her she had a different guy—or girl—sucking on her tits. Did I mention she was wearing crotchless panties?”
“Oh God,” I grimace.
“Yeah. I know,” Ciara sympathizes. “On the other scale, you have women who prefer to only allow their men to see their best assets. I tend to fall into the latter category," she smiles wide. "I've never been shy with my body, but my husband gets a kick out of knowing that no other man on the planet gets to see me," she winks. "This is as flirty as I'll get at the club," she says, before extending her left leg to the side.
"That's so sneaky," I cheer.
Ciara is wearing a long sequined skirt with a very high slit that hits her at the hipbone. Unless she's walking or posing like she is now, you can’t see her skin. She paired the skirt with a sexy laced bustier that shows her midriff. It was hidden only a few minutes ago underneath her jacket. The pop of color from her shoes adds a dramatic element to her all-black look.
"I thought so,” she flashes me that perfect set of teeth again. “What your boys have selected for you is a cross between vampy and demure. In other words, it’s your typical good girl gone bad look," she winks.
"Speaking of which, where are the items they bought for me?" I ask, realizing for the first time that other than her clutch, Ciara isn't carrying any other bags.
"Now that we've made acquaintance, I’ll text my chauffeur, so he can bring your things up. Your boys bought far more than I could carry on my own. They have great taste, by the way. Tonight, you'll definitely be the belle of the dirty ball."
***
After giving Ciara the grand tour, we’re in my bedroom admiring the four black boxes and two red bags her chauffeur brought up. I can’t believe all this stuff is for just one evening.
“Did they buy me a whole new wardrobe?”
“It’s all about building the anticipation. Nikolaj played the same trick on me the first time we went to For Your Eyes
Only—Chris’ original club. Why don’t you just go for it and open the big box first,” Ciara suggests. "The bags are from me. You'll see what's inside once you're all dressed up."
Something about the way she says that has me slightly worried, but I don't question her.
“All right,” I say with feigned courage. I exhale and clamp my hands on the side of the box before carefully lifting the lid. “Wow,” I say as I part the gold tissue paper. “Not quite what I expected.”
“What you’ll be wearing is for their eyes only. The super well-cut black Burberry leather trench coat will ensure that. It’s long enough to hide your assets, but short enough to offer a tempting tease,” Ciara explains.
“I see,” I nod. "Did they choose all of this, or was it you?" I’m no longer certain.
"Nikolaj gave them suggestions. Your boys did contact me to track down the best stores and we did have our fair share of Skype video chats while they were on the hunt, but this comes from them. They even refused the idea of hiring a personal shopper. They bought everything on Monday morning before they left for Dublin," she admits.
“That’s so sweet.” I'm so giddy, I don't know what to do with myself. I love the personal touch. Without being prompted, I move on to the next box. “Oh,” I gasp when I read the brand name on the small beige-colored box that’s tucked inside the bigger black one. “They’re gorgeous!” I say when I lift the lid to reveal what's inside.
“I told you.” Ciara flashes me a knowing smile.
"How did they even guess my size?" I’m utterly shocked.
"You'd be surprised what men notice when it comes to the right woman," she taps a finger against my nose and I blush furiously.
“They must be from Holden,” I say, in an attempt to hide my sudden bout of nervousness.
“Actually, it’s a combination of the two. Holden selected the shoes. Brandon got you the accessory.” I knit my eyebrows together. “You’ll see,” Ciara waves a finger, pressing me to resume my exploration. “There’s more,” she says. “I discovered those a few months ago and thought they might look good on you. Brandon didn’t need any more convincing. Although I am warning you in advance, they might cause cardiac arrest.”
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