by Lily Harlem
“Harsh words, dear.” Her mother winced and pressed her hand to her chest. “He’s a charming young man.”
“No it isn’t harsh at all, it’s the truth. I pity the woman he ends up with. He’s a mean bully with a nasty streak as wide as the Grand Canyon.”
Her father looked at her unblinking. “And here was us thinking you still liked him.”
“No. Not for a second and I never will like him. There are men out there who stick to their word, who fight for what they believe in and are not afraid of a hard days work. That’s the kind of boyfriend I want, not some whiner who…” She bit on her bottom lip, not wanting to say he’d hit her. It would ruin her mother’s friendship with Martha. Her dad would be furious and probably bust a blood vessel, not to mention there’d be a court case she could do without.
“Who does what?” Her mother asked.
“What aren’t you telling us?” Her father frowned.
She looked at him. “He’s just not very nice underneath the polite veneer he puts on for everyone else, okay.” She folded her arms and pressed her lips together.
Silence.
“It’s settled then.” Her father sipped his tea and looked at his wife. “No more mentions of Carmel and Cedric getting back together then.”
“I’d appreciate it.” And if the gypsies had given Cedric’s car a seeing to on her behalf, so be it.
“Well I do need to go and visit Martha.” Her mother stood and tapped her hair which she’d styled into a neat bob. “She’ll be inconsolable.”
“Well at least it won’t have been those gypsies.” He father also stood. “Too far away from here for them to bother. They’d have targeted us if they’d wanted a big house with silverwear and jewels. Just as well we had that posh new alarm fitted.”
“I agree.” Her mother pulled down the corners of her mouth. “Are you staying in, dear?”
“Yes,” Carmel said. “Studying again.”
“Good girl. Can you keep an eye on Rossetta? She’s supposed to be cleaning for eight hours today, I get the feeling she nips off early if I’m not around.”
Chapter Nine
Carmel sat at the kitchen table and studied for an hour listening to classical music. But when Rossetta began vacuuming and clattering around, she decided to head outside for a walk. The fresh air would do her good. Maybe perk up her mood. The sense of loss, of not finishing something she’d started with Harper, was a lead weight in her belly. She wasn’t sure if the sinking feeling would ever leave her.
And Cedric’s car. Martha’s jewellery. What was that all about? Harper had taken his driving licence when they’d been in the alley, so he knew where Cedric lived. And when she’d got to the camp yesterday there’d been a conversation…
“Hey boss, we just back ourselves.”
“You get the job done?”
“Yeah, sweet house. Phew, quite a fucking cracker.”
“I told ya to hit the car, nothing else.”
“Yeah we did. Exactly as you said.”
Closing her eyes she realised she’d guessed right at breakfast. The car being vandalised was Harper’s doing. But the house an extra he hadn’t ordered. Poor Martha. No doubt she had some beautiful pieces of jewellery. But then again, perhaps she should have raised her son better. Then the gypsies would never have been sent to her home. Clearly, like magpies, they hadn’t been able to resist her shiny things.
Carmel had opted for a short floaty skirt when she’d dressed that morning, choosing it because the pattern reminded her of Harper’s bright bedding. She’d teamed it with a pale lilac t-shirt and a set of silver bangles. And as she stepped out of the kitchen door into yet another warm day, she was reminded of the evening before. Of the way Harper had been waiting around the next corner. How he’d grabbed her, pulled her into the shadows, and kissed her like he’d never stop.
A tremor started in her belly and worked its way outwards. What was it about him? It had been so much more than his good looks, his unusual tattoos and silky black hair. Phew, and his body…well, maybe his body. No, it was the way he held himself with such confidence that was awe-inspiring. He was in control of himself and his world—as free as an eagle, as wild as a stallion. Nothing could tame him, no one could make him do something he didn’t want to do.
And God he’d wanted to fuck her. The atmosphere had been electric when he’d bent her over the bed, cupped her arse cheeks and got ready to plunge deep. She’d been moments away from feeling his cock burying inside her and making her come again.
Come again.
As she walked toward the wooded area she’d made her way barefooted through the night before, she circled her fingers around her neck. He’d given her an experience like nothing she’d ever encountered before. Being giddy and breathless as she’d climaxed reminded her of the one time she’d tried weed at university. It had made her feel as if she were floating and watching things happening around her. Was sex that way as addictive as a drug? Could she get hooked on the sensation of her whole body orgasming and her brain firing off signals which intensified the moment tenfold?
The dampness from the previous night’s storm lingered in the shadow of the trees, but when she came to the field a shimmering haze sat on the horizon as the morning heated up. Outside of her thoughts the world was peaceful, just the birds for company. But her mind was spinning, wishing she could find the last piece of the puzzle that was her time with Harper. But she never would—it was missing.
She wished she’d brought her lecture notes to send her train of thoughts in a different direction. Plus the summerhouse was always pleasant to sit in on a hot day. Cooled by the shade, yet with a sunny view it was private and comfortable. Her mother kept it well stocked with drinks in a small fridge and a day bed was set alongside a deep L shaped sofa, both matched with a pretty pink flowery design.
She pulled a hairband from her wrist and piled her hair up high. Maybe an hour relaxing in the summerhouse with just her thoughts would do her good. Perhaps then she could go back and concentrate on her studies.
Navigating around a muddy puddle, she stepped on a twig, the snap echoed around the trunks. It was then a figure in the distance caught her attention. It was a man, sitting on the stile she’d climbed over yesterday.
Dressed in big boots, loose brown trousers and a black t-shirt, his hair glistened in the sun and the bright red speck of a cigarette glowed as he sucked on it.
Harper.
It couldn’t be. The gypsies had moved on.
She paused for a moment. Scanned the area. In the field a piebald horse grazed, languidly flicking its tail. It was a horse she recognised. A horse she’d ridden.
Harper really was there.
Walking quickly, she made her way towards him. Her heart beating fast, and butterflies swarming in her belly. What was he doing on their land? Had he come to see her?
Of course he has.
It was as if all her prayers had been answered. Her longing had been acknowledged by the gods of fate and karma. Their relationship was unfinished business. And now that needed fixing.
She tried to look casual, as if the sight of him lounging on the stile, a delectable wandering spirit, wasn’t sending her hormones skittering. But it was impossible not to sashay her hips just a little. Puff up her chest, too.
As she neared he stood, dropped his roll up to the ground and crushed it with his boot.
“Hey,” she called.
He grinned and made no attempt to hide his gaze as he scanned her head to toes and back up again.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, placing one hand on her hip and twitching her eyebrows.
“What’d ya think?”
“Enjoying the sunshine, taking a ride out.” She gestured to the horse.
He shrugged, his grin still in place.
“I thought you’d moved on. From the field in Bowton.”
“Yeah, we have.” He stepped up closer.
She was aware of his spiced scent as she looked up
into his eyes. “They left you behind?”
“I stayed behind.”
“Why?”
“There’s something I need to do here.”
She swallowed. “What do you need to do?”
He cupped the side of her face. His hand warm, his palm a little rough. Lowering his head he rested his lips by her temple. “I need to fuck you.”
Her belly tensed, so did her thighs, her pussy, her buttocks. Thank goodness he’d sought her out. “Okay,” she managed. “That’s fine with me.”
He dragged his lips gently across her cheek to her lips and kissed her. He tasted of his roll up, of ginger, of rainwater and sex. Yes, he definitely tasted of sex, and damn she wanted some.
The kiss deepened and he ran his hands to her arse and pulled her close, his groin pressing against hers.
She moaned and clung to his shoulders. A damn fine erection was growing against her belly and the sooner she got up close and personal with it the better.
“I can’t get you out of my head,” he murmured.
“I’m glad you came to me.” She was breathless as she pulled back and looked up at him.
Desire flashed in his beautiful wild eyes. “I can’t give you what you need for the rest of your life,” he said, a slight frown marring his brow. “But I can give you what you, and I, need right now.”
“Yes. I know.” She nodded. They had no future together, she understood the situation. But for a moment in time, to be as a man and a women, without society, family, judging them, yes, they could do that.
He slipped his hands up her back and stroked her head, down her neck to her shoulders. “I’m thinking a classy bird like you would like a bed. Is your father home?”
“No, but…” She thought quickly. “We’ll go to the summerhouse. It’s just up here.”
“Sounds grand.” For a moment he seemed reluctant to release her, but then he stepped back and took her hand. “Lead the way.”
As they walked alongside the hedgerow Carmel could hardly believe how her day was going. She’d felt so desolate only minutes ago. But now her thrilling, beautiful man was here.
The summerhouse came into view quickly, but they’d walked with purpose. Twice Harper had adjusted himself by shoving his hand down the front of his pants.
“Nice place,” he commented, gesturing to the one storey, wooden cabin complete with two colourful window boxes and a mat on the small porch which said Welcome.
“It’s my mother’s little retreat. She likes to come here, pour a sherry and watch the sunset.”
“Simple pleasures.”
“She has many expensive ones, too.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure she has.”
Carmel lifted the plant pot to the right of the bench that sat on the porch and retrieved the key. She unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The air was a little musty so she quickly opened all four windows.
“A family could live here,” Harper said, hands on hips as he surveyed the place.
“I suppose so. A bit cold in the winter.”
“It’s why man started chopping down trees and burning them.”
“I suppose you’re right.” She smiled and reached for two crystal sherry glasses, then a bottle of Amontillado. “Would you like a drink?”
“When in Rome and all that.” He ran his hand over the back of the sofa and studied the view from the window.
“Will your horse be okay?” Carmel asked as she poured.
“Yeah. Won’t go far.”
She handed him a drink. “And you’ll ride him to wherever the new camp is?”
“Aye.”
“Well, bottoms up.” She touched the rim of her glass to his, then took a sip of the sweetly sharp liquid.
“Your bottom will be up in a minute.” His eyes flashed wickedly and he downed his drink in one go.
“I can’t wait.”
“You don’t have to.” He took her near full glass from her and set it along with his on a side table. “Because what we were interrupted from doing last night, is about to happen.”
A now familiar tremble of desire went through her.
“So where were we?” He bit on his bottom lip and took hold of the base of her top. “Oh yeah, you were naked and tipped over waiting for me.”
“Yes. Sounds about right.”
“Of course it’s right. I have a good memory where you’re concerned.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“There’s only you.” He pulled the top over her head then brushed his lips over hers.
“And I bet you say that to all the girls, too.”
“Right now, lovely, you’re all there is in my world. You and your sexy little body.” He released the clasp on her bra and slid the straps from her shoulders and down her arms. “Fuck you’re hot. I’ve wanted you from the minute I saw you. Didn’t think I stood a chance.”
“I guess I can’t resist a cute guy who comes to my rescue.”
“You think I’m cute?” His tone was incredulous.
“Yeah in a playing with fire kind of a way.” She plucked at his t-shirt. “And I’m ready to play.”
He quickly removed his top. Against his golden skin and smattering of dark body hair sat his necklace. It dangled forward as he stooped and tugged off his boots.
Carmel toed off her Jimmy Choo pumps, then discarded her skirt, kicking it to land on her mother’s watercolour box.
Suddenly his hand was on her neck again.
She gasped and stared up at him.
His eyebrows were low. The small cross on his hooped earring swung. “You want it like this again?”
“No.” She wrapped her fingers around his wrist.
“You didn’t like it?” He tipped his head. His fingers tensed over her windpipe. “Looked like you did.” He brought his face closer. “Felt like you did, too.”
“Yes, but…once was enough.”
As quickly as he’d put it there, his hand was gone. “I respect that.” He paused. “You won’t forget it though, will you? Or me?”
“No, never.” That was the truth. Harper would be indelibly etched into her psyche forever. She slipped her hands around his waist and pressed her breasts to his warm chest. He was like holding a riddle. She’d never truly know this man she was about to make love to. But damn she wanted to know his body right now, steal what she could learn about him. Live his free life vicariously for just a few thieved minutes by being as close to him as was physically possible.
Chapter Ten
Harper steered her to the day bed, and the next thing she knew she was flat on her back and he was hovering above her.
“Tell me your kinks?” he said. “What do you want from me?”
“Just you. I only want you.” Her words were the truth.
“Grand answer.” He kissed her, sliding his tongue into her mouth and stroking it over hers.
She pulled him closer, the heat of his body radiating onto hers.
His kisses headed lower and she stretched her neck so he could explore beneath her jawline with his lips.
Tingles of pleasure spread over her skin, travelling down her spine and over her scalp.
He shifted and kissed her right nipple, tweaking the left as he did so.
“Harper,” she gasped, arching her back. “Oh…”
His touch was firm, not enough to hurt, but certainly enough to understand the power of his passion and his need for her. This wouldn’t be a slow and gentle fuck, that’s what the nips on her breasts told her. It would be a feral satisfying of a desperate craving.
He plucked the waistband of her knickers. She wriggled her hips and Harper pushed them off.
“How come I’m always the naked one,” she said, slotting her fingers into his hair, she then tugged the band and freed the long strands.
“Soon change that.” He shoved at his trousers, quickly discarding them. It seemed he was commando as when he sat back on his bent knees his cock sprung upward.
“Fucking hell.” Carmel sprang forward, locking her arms behind herself.
Neatly looped through the end of Harper’s cock, from his slit to the upper outer edge of his glans, was a thick silver hoop.
“You’re pierced…there.” She gawped at the sight.
He chuckled. Clearly enjoying her surprise. “And it’s gonna feel real good inside your little pussy.”
Jesus. She really had bitten off more than she could chew with this bad boy. Did he have no limits? A hoop in his cock for crying out loud!
He gripped the base of his cock and ran his hand up the length. Plucking the hoop, he said, “It won’t come out, if that’s what’s bothering ya. Well and truly stuck in.”
“I can see.”
“So turn over,” he said, nodding his head to the right. “And I’ll show you how good it feels.”
She didn’t move.
“Don’t deny me now.” He set a firm kiss over her lips and held her waist. “You can see how much I want you.”
He turned her, as though she were as light as one of the feathers inked onto his neck.
She stared at the flowery pattern on the cover and arched her back. She trusted him. She knew she did. He could have killed her the night before, when he’d had control of her next breath. But as it turned out pleasure had consumed her.
And if he said the ring would feel good…well there was a first time for everything, as Harper was quickly teaching her.
“Good girl,” he said. His hands were everywhere. Smoothing up her back, over her ass cheeks, down her thighs then cupping her breasts. “Just relax.”
She curled her toes as he sought out her clitoris and rubbed with a perfect combination of speed and pressure. “Ohh…” Fuck. Where had he learnt to touch a woman with such skill?
He pushed into her pussy. She was wet and moisture eased the way. He went deep, his fingers filling her.
She groaned and closed her eyes. Lost to sensation she handed herself over to him.