by F. C. Clark
‘I don’t want the money, anyway.’
‘I know. I have some pictures to show you of Katenka. I haven’t had a chance to unpack Ivor’s boxes, which arrived this morning from Russia.’
‘What do you mean, Ivor’s boxes?’ Harry looks confused.
‘Christ, Harry, it was bloody odd. God, it makes me feel sick. Ivor had a room that was covered – and I mean covered – in pictures of me, throughout my entire life, and obviously the photos included you. That’s when I discovered that Dad is probably your biological father. Ivor assumed I had already worked it out – he told me he was in prison when we were both born and when Katenka died. I think, with everything that had happened, I struggled to remember my name, let alone think logically.’
‘Christ, Kate… I was in bits when you flew to Russia. I couldn’t even speak, let alone put facts together.’
‘The worst part was that some of the photos were taken in Mum and Dad’s house – our house.’ I shake my head. ‘Ivor paid Aunt Christina for the pictures.’
‘Are you joking? Paid her? She acted like she didn’t even know him. Is that why you were off with her?’
‘Yeah. You know I said I needed to talk to her about paperwork…’
‘Sort of. Jesus, I take it you haven’t told Mum?’
‘No, of course not. I don’t think they had any contact other than the photos and money. Apparently, it was all done to keep us safe.’
‘Bullshit!’
‘Money fucks with your brain.’
‘What a bloody mess.’ Harry rubs her forehead, apparently trying to ease the tension, but no amount of rubbing will alleviate the strain. I feel the same.
I reach for the photo Ivor gave to me. ‘Here.’
Harry takes it. ‘Oh my God, you look like her.’
‘I know, it’s weird. I kept looking at it when I was at Ivor’s house, thinking you’re dark like Dad and I’m blonde like… her. Ivor had a hard time looking at me. Apparently, I speak my mind like she did.’
Harry produces a small smile, the first I have seen tonight.
‘I guess we’ll never know. Keep the picture – there must be more in the boxes.’ I reach for Harry’s hand. ‘We still have each other, and the same mum.’
I watch tears trickle down her cheeks.
‘Kate, I don’t know what to think any more, I’m so confused.’
‘You have Raymond and the wedding to think about. Besides, Dad is your dad.’
‘I feel guilty that you have no parents in your life.’
‘I have you, and Luke. Mum and Dad are still our parents, aren’t they? They were there for us when we were little – and still are. Blood doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Maybe Katenka giving us away was the hardest decision of her life.’
Harry nods. ‘You’re the strongest person I know.’
‘No, I’m definitely not strong; I’m holding on for dear life.’
We will keep this secret for the time being.
A gentle kiss on my neck wakes me.
‘How are you this morning?’ His voice gets me every time.
‘OK.’ My eyes scan his body. ‘You’re dressed.’
‘You’re wide awake.’ His killer smile pins me to the mattress.
‘Word of warning – I’m back on track. There’s no need to wrap me in cotton wool.’
‘Is that so? Feeling frustrated?’
‘Yes.’ I sit up to face him. ‘I suggest you stop playing doctor and resume your role as sex god, or I’m off to Russia to find boob man. I can’t remember his name; you stole his number from me.’
Luke’s face softens when he laughs. ‘Boob man!’
‘Yes, Fiona’s Russian friend, remember my emergency number in my bra?’
‘Argh – boob man! If you mention going to Russia or anywhere else for that matter, you will – and I’m serious when I say this – be locked in this house.’
‘Fine! Anyway, what’s kept you from your duties this morning?’
‘A meeting with the extra security staff.’
I can’t help rolling my eyes.
‘Part of my deal… Work equals tight security. Until I have intel on Ivor’s whereabouts, you’re under house arrest.’
‘OK.’ I look at my watch. It’s ten thirty. ‘Bloody hell, look at the time – I’m supposed to be meeting Harry and Mum at the hospital at eleven.’
‘Rest is what you need.’ He bends down and kisses my nose.
‘And to see my dad… Look, you stay here. I’ll take Max, if he’s around.’
‘Max is already on standby for you. For some reason, he would do anything for you. You’ve taken over my staff.’
‘What can I say? I’ve charmed them. Maybe you should try it sometime.’ I offer him a wink.
‘You have far too much to say for yourself this morning.’ He lies beside me and prods my waist. ‘You’re the biggest pain in my arse.’ I try to stop him, but I can’t help laughing.
‘Luke, stop… No more, I give in… Lock me up.’
He holds my hands above my head. ‘What shall I do to you now?’ Playfully, Luke nibbles at my neck, and I giggle. Suddenly my humour fades, turning into desire as he threads a necklace of kisses along my jaw. His tongue gently brushes against mine. God, I’m hungry for him. But then his phone ringing stops his touch. You have to be kidding me!
He pulls away. ‘I need to get this.’ He stands, tenderly skimming my cheek with the back of his hand. ‘Yes,’ he says abruptly to the caller. I know I’ve lost him. He moves away from the bed. ‘Hold, please.’
‘It’s fine. Go – I’ll meet you downstairs.’
‘Sorry, baby.’ He plants a kiss on my lips and disappears.
Out of the shower, I feel the need to make myself look human. I enter my second-favourite room in this house: the walk-in closet. I scan my wardrobe, which is still waiting for my clothes from Harry’s house. I decide on cream jeans and a coffee-coloured camisole top – a mating call for my Sex God, I hope! I layer my outfit with a cream cashmere cardigan (another gift from Valerie, Luke’s personal stylist), tan shoes and my cream Chanel bag.
The office doors are open, with various voices filling the room. Men, lots of strange men. The conversation stops as I appear in the doorway.
Luke stands up. ‘Gentlemen, this is my girlfriend, Kate Harper.’
I offer a small wave. ‘Hi.’
Luke walks towards me and guides me to the hallway. ‘You look beautiful.’ He scans my outfit.
‘I think it’s safe to argue I looked like crap. It really wasn’t a challenge to look better.’
Luke rests one hand on the wall and uses his other hand to brush my silk camisole top. ‘You’re wearing underwear.’
‘Your observational skills are commendable, Mr Fashionista Sutton.’ I raise my brows. Challenge me, Luke – knock yourself out!
He produces his one-sided sexy smile that hits a nerve, causing my clit to scream his name – slowly…
‘My impertinent Kate is back! Welcome home, baby. As for allowing you to wear this – today it is acceptable.’ He stifles a smile, knowing humour is the key to my heart.
‘Oh, really! Why, thank you, sir… do you have any other requests?’ I giggle and link my hands around his neck, letting my fingers play with his hair.
‘I have a list that you may find useful.’ He smiles and brings his face closer to mine. ‘I would suggest using “sir” more frequently.’
I laugh and shake my head. ‘Would sir like to kiss my arse?’
‘Is that a request or an invite?’
‘Whatever! I would like to point out you have a room full of men waiting for their commanding officer.’ My hand skims the swelling pushing against his zip. ‘Looks like you’ve got a long, hard afternoon ahead of you.’ I rest my hands lightly on his chest and give him a q
uick peck on the lips.
He runs his thumb across my lower lip, leaving me no option other than to take a small bite. His eyes darken and his tongue skims his lower lip. God, he looks hot.
‘I need to be inside you.’
‘I have to go… Maybe you can fit me into your schedule later.’ Wow, did I shower in bravado?
‘Are you trying to push my buttons, Kate Harper?’
I lean closer to him. ‘The only button I have for you is play – you should know that.’
Max arrives in the hall. ‘Ready, Kate?’
‘Yes.’ I reach up and give Luke a kiss. ‘Can’t wait for my appointment later.’
He stifles a laugh, and is now frustrated. Thank fuck for that… payback is always so damn sweet.
‘Stay out of trouble,’ he says to me. He turns to Max. ‘Call me when you get there and when you leave.’
Max nods. Not wanting to let my bravado shower gel down, I give Luke a salute as I leave.
We remain at the hospital most of the day. The atmosphere is odd, or maybe I just feel uncomfortable, but I smile and try to appear normal. However, my mind is in Russia, or the Cayman Islands. Fury and abandonment keep me quiet. I’m not only feeling confused about Ivor, but also guilty for wanting to know him. My dad lies in a bed, having been badly beaten, and I want the man that doesn’t want me – his daughter.
Five o’clock arrives. Max returns me safely to the palace. The black door opens and I’m home. I head straight to the office – and Luke. Instantly, he hugs me.
‘Look at me.’
I raise my head for him to read my eyes.
‘Talk to me.’
I shake my head. ‘I have nothing to say… I feel so lost.’
‘Ivor?’
I take a large breath. ‘I was jealous of Harry today; she has her dad. I have… I’m so alone.’
Luke places a tender kiss on my lips. ‘I can’t pretend to know how you feel, but I need you more than you realise.’
‘You’re my saving grace, Luke. If anything happened to you, I would…’ I shake my head and look down at the floor. ‘It would kill me, I love you so much.’
‘I’m here. Nothing is going to happen to me.’
My lips make contact with his, hard, while my hands slide down his chest and hastily unbutton his shirt. Within seconds his upper torso is naked, allowing my lips to layer kisses across his muscular body. Luke slips off my cardigan and slides his hands under my camisole top, reaching for my erect nipples.
My hands move to his waistband. I drop to my knees and pull his jeans and boxer shorts down his powerful thighs. His erection stands to attention. I take his entire length into my mouth. My body has no sense of time, just one of need – my need for Luke. My mouth works quickly, and he grows thicker and stronger every time I sink lower.
Luke’s breathing quickens. I can hear the noise he makes when he loses himself to me. I continue to work fast, sucking and licking. I run my hand up and down his shaft, increasing the pressure, ensuring his body surrenders to me.
‘Kate.’ He tugs my shoulders. ‘Kate… No more. I want you, but not like this.’
I don’t want to listen. I need him to want me – the only person in the world who won’t leave me – ever.
‘Stop… I’m going to come – stop.’ His strong arms ensure that I release him. I stand.
‘Jesus!’ His hand rides up to the nape of my neck. ‘I want you but not like this.’ He tenderly strokes my cheek. ‘I love you.’ The tone of his raspy voice arrows to my heart.
I nod. Our eyes lock. Dark and appeasing meet dark and demanding.
Luke places his hands on either side of my face and kisses me hard. He must be able to taste himself on my tongue. He removes my top and bra and then works at my jeans, then drops to his knees and strips me naked.
His kisses begin at my calves and work up until he reaches the apex of my thighs. Gently his fingers slide inside my sex. My eyes close and my breathing shallows.
‘You’re so wet.’
I lower my gaze and watch him devour me. His tongue flicks against my sensitive clit. My arse rests against the table for support, and my legs are weak.
My sex god knows me better than I know myself. He stops and pushes me back on the table, taking my legs and spreading them wide. His tongue continues to brush against my clit, while the pressure of his fingers increases. The first crash hits me hard – my breathing labours and my legs quiver. All I can do is groan – loudly.
Luke slides me further up the table and stands between my thighs. I can feel his hardness pushing against my sex. My hands slide down his back, drawing him to me. The head of his thickness slides into me slowly. But fast and hard is what I need – one full thrust and that’s what he gives me.
‘Look at me, Kate.’
My gaze falls to his.
‘You have me.’ He places his mouth over mine, giving himself to me.
He cups my arse, offering him the access he needs to work me harder. I can feel myself begin to climb. As I lose myself to him again my body grips him. I can’t let him go.
‘Oh my God… Luke.’ My orgasm bursts over me. ‘Don’t stop.’
‘I’m with you.’ He hisses the words I love to hear, prolonging my orgasm.
My body tingles with the aftermath of multiple orgasms, but I still need Luke. His eyes lock on to mine as his lips skim my nose.
‘You have just fucked with my hotel plans.’
‘I thought I would offer some additional input.’ I giggle.
‘It’s music to my ears to hear you laugh.’ Luke slides out of me and helps me to stand. He lifts my chin.
‘I need you more than ever now.’ Tears roll down my cheeks.
‘Us forever, baby.’ He kisses me tenderly.
4
‘Fuck, I can feel you coming, Kate.’
My ankles tighten around Luke’s waist, and my back grinds against the wall of the shower.
‘Yes,’ I whisper.
He thrusts twice more and gives himself to me. He’s hot and sexy as hell.
Luke slides out of me, and lowers my legs. His lips deliver soft tender kisses, a sign of appreciation for a morning of hardcore sex.
‘How are your nerves?’ His hands travel across my sensitive nipples.
‘OK for now, but we can’t have sex all day; I need to go to work!’
Luke smiles. ‘If you worked for me, we could stay in bed all day.’
‘Tempting as that sounds, home accessories excite me a little more than – whatever it is that you do.’
‘You could work directly under me.’
‘I did this morning!’
My hands slide down his back and grip his firm arse, and my head rests against his heart. Orgasm over, my anxiety returns.
After we have showered and dressed, Luke and I head outside to start our days in the professional world – Luke in search of world domination, and me to cope with my first-day nerves. As ever, we’re worlds apart. We are greeted outside by Max – and a new face.
‘Kate, this is Jack Thomas – he will be working with Max.’
I hold my hand out. ‘Pleased to meet you, Jack.’
‘You too, Miss Harper, and call me Thomas.’
‘OK, and call me Kate.’
He’s dressed in a dark suit with a grey shirt, and is maybe in his late forties, slightly younger than Max.
‘I think Thomas would rather call you Miss Harper.’ Luke’s response whips out.
I shake my head. ‘Fine!’ I walk pass the three men and get in the black Bentley.
Luke slides in next to me. He immediately takes hold of my hand, skimming his lips across my knuckles: a green light for me to move closer.
‘You understand the security rules.’ Yet again he repeats the plan of action. This must be due to his mi
litary training… Or then again, maybe not!
I sigh. ‘Yes. I’ll wait for Max at all times, and won’t go outside alone, or collect two hundred pounds when I pass go!’
‘There’s a time and a place for your humour – and it’s not today.’
‘Jesus, Luke, lighten up… I’ve got it, don’t go anywhere alone. Sorry, Max, you’re in for a real treat today – lunch with Harry.’
‘No Max – no lunch. You’re lucky you have him; I had two others in mind for you.’ Bullshit! Luke trusts Max with his life – and now mine.
The journey takes about thirty minutes, just enough time for my nerves to kick in. We pull up at Pacific Tower, the home of Hudson Bay Interiors, my new employer. You can do this, Harper – this is your dream job.
Wow! The building looks bigger than I remember. I feel excited – and nervous.
‘You’ll be fine – just be yourself. A word of advice: remember to filter what pops into your pretty head before you speak, just for today.’
I look across at him. ‘I use my filter for most people except you.’
‘Call me. Let me know how your day is going. I’ll collect you later.’
I lean to his mouth and kiss him. ‘I love you.’
‘I love you too.’
Max and I stand side by side on the pavement. I watch the man who holds my heart disappear into the distance. This is it; the world of interior design is waiting for me on the fifteenth floor.
We walk towards the building.
‘Will you be loitering all day?’ I ask.
‘Loitering!’ Max looks at me.
‘I could have said stalking.’ I can’t help but laugh – at myself.
‘Neither.’ He continues to walk with me, checking for Russian mobsters, under strict orders from his commander-in-chief, Mr Control Freak Sutton!
We enter the large revolving doors.
‘I need to collect my security pass.’
‘OK,’ Max says.
As we approach the desk, the security guard looks up. Something feels odd, almost familiar, about him. Before I can say anything, he speaks.