by S. C. Daiko
I switch on the coffee maker. Rain slides down the window pane and the central heating has clicked on, the floor warm beneath my feet.
I pull out the chair next to Ben. “What would you like to do today?”
“Can we make lunch for Catrin and Becca?” He spoons the last of the cereal into his mouth and gives me an expectant look.
I rub my beard. “What do you suggest?” I make my expression deliberately serious, although I’m chuckling inside my head. Ben’s and my repertoire is strictly limited to ready meals or what comes out of a can.
“Baked beans?” he asks hopefully.
I pretend to consider his question. “I think we can do better than that. Maybe we can invite them out?”
He stares at me, open-mouthed. “Awesome, Dad. Where?”
I crease my brow. There’s a pleasant inn in a not-too-distant village, where I’ve eaten a couple of times while he’s been at school. No one knows me there, so it will be perfectly safe. It’s the least I can do after Catrin cooked for us last night.
“Let’s make it a surprise.” I rumple his hair. “Run upstairs and put some clothes on. Then we can go next door and invite them out.”
He does as I ask, and silence descends on the kitchen. I reach for my phone. It’s the one I was given by Eric to use only when I need to contact him. I key in his number, but the call goes straight to voice mail. Damn!
The King’s Head is one of those traditional English inns beloved by tourists. Nestling beside the village pond and overlooking the cricket green, it oozes charm. There are oak beamed ceilings, an open fire and traditional country furniture in the cosy dining area. A good choice, I think.
Catrin’s face is a picture of delight as we step across the threshold, shaking the freezing rain off our coats. It’s warm inside, though, and there’s a choice of roast lunches on the menu. We opt for chicken; both Ben and Becca declare it to be their favourite. No alcohol for me, as I’m driving, but Cat deserves a glass of wine, so I order one for her.
“Thank you for bringing us here.” She lowers her voice to a whisper, even though the kids have discovered a play area with one of those ball pits and have left us to our own devices. “I thought you didn’t want to be seen with me in public.”
I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “It’s not that I don’t want to be seen with you. It’s that I can’t.”
She pulls her fingers from mine and fiddles with her hair, staring at me silently.
“I’ll tell you everything as soon as I can.” My voice cracks.
She plucks at her sleeves, and her eyes waver from mine. “You scare me a little. I mean, the other night when Toby went crazy, you acted like you wanted to kill whoever you thought was out there.”
“There was no one out there,” I reassure her.
A tremor of a smile comes to her lips. “I know. But your reaction...” She gives a shudder.
“They don’t call me the Brute for nothing,” I say with a deliberately sardonic laugh.
“Don’t joke, Daniel. You said you loved me. If you loved me you’d be up-front with me.”
And there it is, the bone of contention between us. I hardly need to spell it out. “Do you love me, Cat?”
“Yes.” She moves her chair closer to mine.
“If you love me, you must accept me as I am. I said I’d tell you everything eventually, and I will.”
“Touché.” She frowns then shrugs her shoulders. “I, on the other hand, am completely open. Ask me what you want.”
A sudden idea forms in my mind. I’ll try and arrange for Eric to stay with Ben for the day while I go and confront Gleb. There’s a school vacation coming up at the end of October. Maybe if Cat takes Becca to visit her family in Wales, she won’t question what’s going on…
“Have you really moved on from Josh?” I ask, my fingers closing around hers.
“I think so,” she says softly.
I tilt my head. “Are you in touch with his parents?”
“Yes.” She draws a shaky breath.
“Then maybe you should go and see them during the half-term break? Just to be sure?” There’s a note of firmness in my voice.
“I am sure.” Her eyes shine with warmth. “They’ll always be Becca’s grandparents. Josh was their only child and I’d never deprive them of her.” She shakes her head. “She’s what stops them from dwelling on the past. I’ll still go see them, though. It’s time I took her for a visit.”
I lift her hand, kiss the inside of her wrist, then place it on the table. God, I love her generosity. I fucking love everything about her.
“I’d invite you and Ben to come with us if I thought you’d agree.” She reaches for her glass of wine and takes a sip.
“I said I was going to sort out a future for us, didn’t I? Just trust me, okay? I won’t let you down. I love you.” I fix her in my gaze.
She gives a hesitant nod. “If you say so…”
“Be patient. In the meantime, we can meet for lunch every day, either at your place or mine.” I waggle my eyebrows. “And…”
A blush blooms on her lovely cheeks. “Continue my training?” Her body relaxes, and she leans into me. “I’d like that a lot.”
I’m about to sweep her up in my arms and repeat that I love her, but our server arrives with lunch. Cat catches my eye, smirking, and I smirk back at her. “I’ll fetch the kids,” I wink.
After we’ve finished eating, I go to the bar area to settle our check. Suddenly, the hair on the back of my neck prickles, and an icy shiver runs down my spine. I swear I can feel eyes boring into the back of my neck. I swivel around.
The door to the inn has just been opened then closed, letting in a blast of cold air.
Only my imagination.
I drive home slowly, the kids and Catrin playing a game to see how many horses they can count in the fields we pass. The rain has stopped, and weak sunshine lights the puddles of water on the road. I keep an eye on the rear-view mirror; it pays to be vigilant.
I pull up in front of the cottages, and the sound of Toby barking loudly comes from Catrin’s place.
Fuck, there’s Eric, leaning against the garden gate. He could have told me he was coming.
Ben pushes open the car door and runs up to him. Eric spoils my son; he always brings him a new video game. Sure enough, he hands Ben a gift bag.
I give Catrin an apologetic smile. “My agent has turned up out of the blue.” I squeeze her fingers. “I need to deal with him.”
“Of course. No problem at all.” Her smile is easy. “Thanks again for lunch. It was delicious.”
We pile out of the car, and Becca grabs Cat’s hand. “Hurry up, Mum. I need a wee.”
I give a gruff laugh and watch them until they’ve gone indoors. The dog falls silent.
Jangling the keys in my pocket, I walk up to Eric. “You could have messaged me.”
He shrugs. “I was up at Aldridge House. Thought I’d kill two birds with one stone. I didn’t think you’d be out on a Sunday.”
I open my front door. Ben goes up to his room with his new game, and I take Eric through to the living area. We sit opposite each other. “So? Did you manage to contact Gleb?”
“Not exactly. I’ve put out feelers. This kind of thing takes time...”
I grit my teeth and bunch my hands into fists. “You keep telling me that. My patience is wearing thin. You have three weeks to set it up.” I feel my nostrils flare. “And another thing. I’d like you to stay here with my son while I meet with my brother. I’d take him with me, but it’s too dangerous. Ben knows you and likes you.”
“What if I can’t set it up?” He folds his arms across his chest. “My employers don’t think it’s a good idea.” His eyes are so fucking smug.
Bloody hell. Eric is supposed to be on my side.
“You’ll set it up or I’ll go looking for him myself.”
Chapter Seventeen
Catrin
I’m in my bedroom, checking my appearance in the
mirror before going over to Daniel’s. I don’t wear much makeup… just a touch of lip-gloss and mascara. I look okay, but there’s a tenseness in my tummy; tomorrow, I leave for Wales.
I’m going to miss Daniel so much.
It’s been three weeks since he took Becca and me out, three incredible weeks of seeing each other every day. We spend the mornings apart, getting on with our respective work; I focus on everything I need to do for my clients, and my afternoons are free to spend with him. We always have a snack lunch together, either at his place or mine. Then, if the weather is fine, he helps me in the garden. It’s finally looking less like a jungle and there are even flower beds that have been hiding behind the thorny weeds. Often, like today, it’s too wet to work outside, but I don’t mind… that’s when he continues my ‘training’ and I freaking love it. My reflection stares back at me, eyes shining with anticipation.
I can’t wait to see what he has in store for me later…
Our relationship isn’t just physical, however; it’s much more than that. We’re falling deeper and deeper in love. He tells me I’m the balm to the ache in his soul. I’m almost certain the loss of his wife is what causes the despair in his eyes. What else could it be? It wasn’t just Victoria who died, I remind myself when darkness clouds his face; she was pregnant and that must have made the pain a whole lot worse.
Each time I see him with Ben, my heart squeezes; he’s such a good father... a pillar of strength, support and discipline towards his son. Becca has completely fallen for him too, just like she’s fallen for Ben. That kid melts me; I love him so much. Warmth spreads through my body. Daniel said his son has stopped having nightmares since I came into his life.
We’ve established a routine of either Daniel or me supervising the children’s homework, followed by play-time at his place or mine. I usually make us dinner, just something simple like grilled sausages, mashed potatoes and peas. Daniel seems to like what I make, which surprises me for someone from his wealthy background; there’s so much more to him than meets the eye. He hints he’ll be able to reveal his past to me soon, muttering he’s put the wheels in motion to sort out a future for us.
I’m desperate to know what that is…
He’s healed the vestiges of my wounds from losing Josh. I’ve finally kicked my wine craving; having a midday meal with Daniel we just drink mineral water followed by coffee. We only share a bottle of red between us in the evenings, and then only if the kids are having a sleepover at his place or mine. Most times, I just have one glass.
I guess it’s because I’m not lonely anymore…
Last weekend I didn’t go over to Aldridge House like I usually do on Saturdays; Eleri was off on tour, and Olivia came for a sleepover here. We included Ben, so he wouldn’t feel left out. He brought his tent over and Daniel helped the kids make Lion King masks out of old newspapers and glue. They painted them afterwards and left them to dry overnight in my kitchen. Daniel and I chilled together when they all went to bed. We watched an old DVD of Brokeback Mountain, and I sobbed at the tragedy of two people denying who they really were… who they really loved. It made me want to shout to the world about my feelings for Daniel.
Soon, he said.
I must be patient and trust him like I do when we play at BDSM.
My insides fluttering, I take one last look at myself in the mirror, tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear, and then make my way downstairs.
Toby bounds up to me, wagging his tail. I took him for a long walk this morning, so I just let him out in the garden for a quick pee. He sniffs around before relieving himself.
Suddenly, he starts barking.
Shit, something has spooked him.
I look around.
Nothing.
I check again.
No one.
I shrug and whistle for him to come back indoors, then chuck a couple of dog biscuits in his bowl. I leave him to sleep and make my way out of the house.
Daniel’s door swings open as soon as I knock. “What was Toby barking at?” He frowns.
“Nothing.” I don’t want to stoke his paranoia. “There was no one around.”
He smiles slowly. “I’ve made us cheese on toast.”
Melted and bubbling with golden-brown patches. Totally yummy. “Fab.”
We step into his kitchen, and he pours me a soda water. Eyes locked, we clink glasses. His body is so close to mine that his masculine scent makes me light-headed. His gaze is dark and fierce.
He’s getting into dominant mode and we haven’t even gone into the bedroom.
My body tingles in expectation.
I so love it when we play.
We eat quickly, barely speaking, our greedy eyes on each other more than on our food. We only have a few hours before we need to pick up the kids from school. It might seem like a lot of time, but it isn’t… not for what Daniel likes to do.
Upstairs in his bedroom, he holds me close. I feel his heartbeat against my shoulder, strong like a drum.
He releases me, stands back and looks me in the eye. “I’m going to push you out of your comfort zone today, darling. Give you something to remember while you are away.” His voice has turned rough.
I bow my head in submission, and gulp, “Yes, sir.”
He unzips his jeans and steps out of them; he’s gone commando and his cock has swollen to its full size. Heavy, reddened and veined. I stare at it as he works it in his hand. “Get undressed, Catrin.”
My stare fixed on his, I pull my sweater over my head. I deliberately didn’t wear a bra. Bending, I remove my leggings and thong.
“Lie down.”
I get onto the bed, still staring at him, and every nerve in my body tingles.
Wanting.
Needing.
He reaches into his bedside drawer for the cords. My heart stutters. Breath rasping through his nostrils, he ties one wrist and then the other to the bedposts, leaving my legs free.
“Close your eyes.”
I do as he asks, excitement fizzing through me as he ties a blindfold around my head. We’ve done this before, and I find it thrilling. Not being able to see him heightens my other senses.
He kneels on the bed, and I arch against him. Grasping my chin, he takes my mouth in a probing kiss. He pushes his tongue deeper, then breaks the kiss.
I let out a gasp.
He sweeps his fingers along the outer curves of my tits. Covering one nipple with his mouth, he starts sucking firmly. He moves to the other breast and bites down.
My hips jerk and my toes curl. I just love it.
He delivers a light downward slap with his fingers to one nipple and then the other.
I let out a hiss.
He slaps each nipple again.
I arch my back and lift my breasts to him.
He spanks his fingers against the distended nub.
I yelp as he does it again.
“That’s enough for now,” he says, giving both nipples a long, hard pinch.
I groan and strain at the ropes.
He slides his fingers between my legs and massages his hand over my slit.
I draw up my legs and open them wide.
He strokes my opening, and I surge at him. “Sir, please!”
“Please what?” I hear the wolfish smile in his question.
“I’m burning up, sir. Please fuck me.”
“Ah. Ah. Ah. Not yet.”
He lowers himself between my legs and fastens his mouth to my clit. His beard scratches my skin, but it feels amazing. My hips heave up and I pull at my bonds.
He carries on licking me while he pushes two fingers inside. He adds another finger and pushes them deep, still flicking my swollen clit with his tongue.
I’m close to coming, but I know that I mustn’t.
My orgasms belong to him.
He withdraws his fingers and raises me higher against the bedhead. Then he straddles me, his heavy cock nudging my cheek. “Lick my balls.”
I open my mouth. “Suck. C
arefully.”
The skin of his sac is silky under my tongue. I inhale his scent, breathing him in.
“That’s perfect, Catrin.”
I feel him shift his hips forward. His fingers fist in my hair. “I’m going to fuck your face now. If I go too far, tap my leg with yours and I’ll pull back.”
I stop sucking. “Yes, sir.”
With a groan, he drives the knob of his dick into my mouth, moving in short thrusts as I hold him tightly with my lips. His cock tastes beautifully musky, I can’t get enough of it.
“That’s good. Open for me. Open more.”
He thrusts slowly, ever more deeply; then he withdraws.
I gasp for breath, spit trickling down my chin.
He pushes in again. “You’re doing this perfectly, darling.”
I feel my jaw relax and, with each new push, he slides deeper.
I draw more breaths through my nose, my lips wrapped tight around him.
He pulls out and he tips my face up. “Well done, my beautiful girl.” He slips his fingers into my mouth, then over my cheeks, stroking them tenderly. “Just a little more.” He grips my chin, lifting it, extending my neck. With one hand in my hair, he pushes his cock into me until I can feel him touching the back of my throat.
I groan and my eyes water, but he holds me in place. He’s taken all my breath, but I’ve given it to him willingly. I won’t tap out.
He grinds hard against me, forcing himself into the turn of my throat. “Perfect, Catrin. Perfect.”
My body leaps and my cheeks bulge as he thrusts short and tight; I’ve become like a ragdoll beneath him.
He withdraws completely and strokes the hair back from my forehead. “All well, Catrin?”
I take a gasping breath, coughing and spluttering drool onto the bedcover. I can only nod.
He sinks deep and thrusts again. “You feel so good, my love.”
My mouth is stretched full of him and my throat feels like it will burst.
He plunges faster and deeper, his loud panting the only sound above my snorted breaths.
Tears roll down my face.