Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Miss Harper, Max.’

  I turn to Max. ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘It’s part of the security measures.’

  ‘Measures!’

  Max guides me away from the desk. ‘Luke provides the security in this building. Actually, SGI Security now has the contract for Pacific Tower.’

  ‘Are you shitting me? Since when? Christ, what’s his problem, and when was he going to tell me?’ I fold my arms and tap my foot against the marble floor. ‘Oh my God, I want to scream at him! He is seriously fucked up… Too many parachute jumps must have affected his brain. I would love to walk out of this building right now, but he knows I won’t do that because I want this job. Christ, he’s relentless.’

  ‘Protection.’

  ‘Protection, my arse! You know what, Russia has given him the perfect excuse to watch me like a bloody hawk.’

  ‘Jesus, Kate, don’t be so fucking dramatic.’

  ‘Dramatic… that’s unfair.’

  ‘Unfair was you flying to Russia and me watching Luke die a thousand deaths. You can’t win this round.’

  Frustrated, I sigh. ‘Tell me, was that man at the palace yesterday? Don’t bullshit me, Max, I know I recognise him.’

  Max nods. ‘They’re here for your safety.’ He places his hands on my shoulders. ‘Don’t overthink this. I know Luke can be controlling, but he’s trying to protect you.’

  My first day is already going tits up!

  ‘Kate, we still don’t know where Ivor is.’

  ‘I get it, but why didn’t he tell me? Christ, he keeps me out of the loop and it pisses me off.’ I look away, feeling dismayed.

  ‘Do you want to go to work or not?’

  ‘Yes.’

  We return to the security desk and receive our passes, and move towards the lifts.

  ‘Are you going to be sitting at my desk? This is going to be fun.’

  We enter the lift alone. ‘No! I’ll leave you on your floor and collect you at lunchtime.’

  ‘Of course you will.’ I’m so fucking angry.

  We arrive at my floor.

  ‘Goodbye, Max.’ I step out and blow him a sarcastic kiss.

  The first couple of hours pass quickly as I learn about the various departments, which distracts me from this morning and my need to scream at Luke. Honestly, sometimes he’s too much. For the last forty minutes the entire department has been called to sit through a talk from the new security team from SGI Security. The talk is given by the manager who runs the show, another face I recognise from yesterday.

  I sit at the back of the room, sinking further into my chair each minute. Any lower and I’ll be on the floor. Can anyone tell that this show is for me, engineered by Luke?

  After a rundown on how to avoid Russian ancestors from SGI Security (well, it may as well have been! We are told how to exit the building safely in an emergency, and to be vigilant at all times), I return to Christmas accessories, making notes for the buyers on what items I expect to be top-sellers in the UK. Finally I relax and lose myself in home interiors. My thoughts stop as my phone rings, startling me.

  I quickly retrieve it from my bag. Caller ID – boss. I’m not in the mood to make polite conversation – kiss my arse, Sutton. My mobile rings a few more times before I receive a text.

  To my impertinent Kate,

  Are you pissed off at me, as you are not answering your phone? I hope you are enjoying your day so far. How is your filter?

  Yours always, Luke… aka trying not to be a controlling boyfriend. x

  Oh really! I look around before replying.

  To my controlling boyfriend,

  When were you going to tell me about SGI Security? Don’t keep me in the dark. I am not missing you, but still love you.

  Kate, aka pissed-off girlfriend.

  PS: your ‘trying’ skills are shit. x

  PPS: don’t call me at work… Do you want me to get fired?!

  One o’clock arrives. I grab my bag and head to the lift with my new colleague Maria, who I’ve been shadowing. She’s sassy and really eccentric, judging by her creative passion and dress sense.

  ‘What do you think? So far, so good?’ Maria asks.

  ‘I love the Christmas line. Although it’s a bit early for me.’

  ‘You’ll get used to it – you’re always a season ahead of yourself.’

  ‘I guess.’ I get lost thinking about all things festive, especially stars. The lift doors open, dispersing all festive thoughts. Max.

  ‘Kate.’ He gauges my mood.

  ‘Maria, this is my friend Max. Max, this is Maria.’ He nods.

  Maria and I step inside the lift.

  ‘Where are you going for lunch?’ Maria asks, while checking out Max and our relationship status.

  ‘I’m meeting my sister at Gino’s, and Max will be joining us.’ I’m finding the extra security a little overwhelming, Russian father on the loose or not.

  ‘It’s nice at Gino’s. If you’re free tomorrow, we could grab something to eat?’ Should I tell her Max will be joining us?

  We arrive on the first floor. I need more freedom than this. I’ll be the brunt of the office gossip, with Max being called my stalker. Well, if the cap fits…

  Max and I head out to the front of the building, where he checks for unwanted Russians. Does he know what he’s looking for? I don’t suppose they walk around with a sign on their back.

  From a distance I notice Harry, and within a few steps I’m in her arms.

  ‘Thank God! Let’s go.’ I link my arm though hers as I almost drag her to Gino’s.

  ‘What’s up?’

  ‘I want to scream, that’s what’s up.’

  We enter the café and find a table. Max sits in the corner close by. I look across and smirk. He shakes his head.

  ‘Tell me, why is Max following you?’ Harry turns to look at him, tucked away in the corner, ironically standing out from the crowds. ‘I mean, I know he’s always with you… But not this close.’

  ‘Luke is driving me bloody crazy. Honestly, he’s reached a whole new level of control. He thinks I might still be in danger, as they don’t know where Ivor is. Because he’s so fucking irrational, I have security coming out of my arse.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘I’ll give you oh! Listen, it gets better! He’s got the security contract for Pacific Towers just so he can rely on his own security team when I’m at work!’

  Harry begins to laugh. ‘He’s trying to look after you. Besides, you did fly to Russia. I can only imagine what that did to him.’

  She takes hold of my hands.

  ‘It’s a bloody nightmare. When did my life become so complicated? I know that it’s not Luke’s fault.’

  ‘I think he’s brave taking you on, especially now…’

  ‘That includes you, and yet you don’t have Max stalking you.’

  ‘Ah, he’s a nice stalker, like a father figure.’

  ‘It’s not funny.’ We both giggle.

  ‘OK… Give it some time; you’ve both got war wounds. Anyway, Ivor is your dad, not mine.’

  ‘Don’t remind me… Look, I haven’t told you much about Russia or Luke rescuing me.’ I look away, feeling guilty that I’ve held out.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Harry’s brow creases.

  I swallow, wondering where to begin. ‘Luke found me tied to a chair, that’s when he realised I had been drugged. I don’t remember being tied up, just waking up and…’ I take a deep breath. ‘I was blindfolded and gagged.’

  ‘Shit!’ Harry takes my hands and squeezes them tightly. ‘You must have been so scared. I can’t believe this.’

  ‘I was… I know I didn’t tell you. I knew you weren’t ready to hear about it and there’s no way I would ever tell Mum or Dad – it would kill them.’ Out of the co
rner of my eye I notice the waiter heading our way.

  ‘Hi, can I have a white Americano and a chicken salad? Thank you.’

  ‘The same, please.’ Harry says distractedly. ‘I can’t believe it. Who did it – Ivor?’

  I shake my head. ‘No. I don’t know, but my instinct tells me no. The night before, when we were looking at the pictures, I got really upset.’

  ‘No shit. I think that’s understandable.’

  ‘Harry, he was… kind, almost like a father… He was awkward but caring – does that make sense?’

  Harry nods.

  ‘I told him I was cross that he’s never tried to make contact. He explained he did this for my protection… I believe him, I could see the hurt in his eyes.’ My emotions return.

  ‘I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Luke – what happened? I mean, how did he find you?’

  I hold up my beautiful birthday gift. Harry looks puzzled.

  ‘Welcome to my world, little sis. This lovely gift given to me by my boyfriend, who at the time I thought was being sentimental, has a tracking device.’

  ‘Holy shit! Are you joking?’ Harry’s jaw hits the floor. ‘Well, at least he found you. Maybe among all the madness, he saved your life.’

  ‘Maybe, but let’s not indulge him.’

  ‘Oh Kate – you poor love.’ Harry struggles to conceal her amusement.

  ‘You can imagine my face when I realised it was Luke who was untying me… Dressed like some 007 agent and carrying a gun. I’m all for a bit of role play, but seriously you could have knocked me on my arse.’

  ‘A gun? Seriously?’

  ‘Seriously.’

  ‘So he’s done this before?’ Harry asks.

  I nod. ‘He’s being tight-lipped. It’s in his past, before he started his business… Harry, he knew how to shoot and hurt people, and I mean really hurt people. I know he was saving my life, but it was still a bloody shock.’

  ‘I can’t imagine how you feel.’

  I look across to Max, who is glancing between me and his newspaper.

  ‘Anyway, he got me out of the house – that’s when he blew up some cars, and made me get on the back of a motorbike to escape. Although jumping out of a plane kind of beats the rest of the story.’

  Harry laughs. ‘What! You jumped out of a plane?’

  ‘Let me rephrase that. Luke dragged me, kicking and screaming, out of the plane.’ This time I join her and laugh. ‘Not a word, to anyone, not even Raymond. Max is the only person who knows. Not even Luke’s family know. If he ever found out I told you…’

  ‘You have my word.’ She places her hand on her heart: our gesture for secrecy at any cost. ‘I promise.’

  Information overload seems to have affected our appetites. We have discussed dead parents and corrupt adoptions – and also clothes, a pain-free topic.

  We both stand to leave the café, and Harry passes me some post that has arrived at my old house for me. ‘I meant to give you these yesterday.’

  I place the mail in my bag.

  ‘Friday, let’s meet up for a drink,’ she suggests.

  ‘Sure, if I’m allowed out of the prison.’

  ‘Be strong, Kate Harper, and remember he loves you.’

  Harry and I part. Max walks close by, carefully scanning the area. His phone rings. ‘Yes?’ he says and then hands the phone to me, ‘it’s for you.’

  ‘Sorry, I’m busy.’

  He takes a deep breath.

  ‘She’s busy!’ He remains silent while listening to the caller. He places his phone in his pocket. ‘Kate Harper, you’re a fucking pain in the arse.’

  ‘And you can tell Luke he can kiss mine.’

  We stop in front of the lift.

  ‘I think I’m safe; you can go.’

  ‘If you think I’m going to let you out of my sight, you’re mistaken.’

  The lift arrives and we step in. I watch the digital display while offering Max silence, his ideal style of communication.

  The door opens and I step out.

  ‘I’ll see you at five o’clock.’

  I walk off. ‘Whatever.’

  Maria takes me under her wing for the remainder of the afternoon. I concentrate on getting to grips with more products and understanding the demographic demand for them, not just in the UK but globally. It’s amazing how stripy fabric, seashells and ceramic starfish can change my sullen mood to one of happiness.

  Five o’clock arrives in the blink of an eye. I press the button for the lift and check my phone. No calls or texts – this can only mean one thing. Luke is either busy or pissed off. The lift arrives and the door opens. Holy shit… Our dark penetrating eyes lock together – I’ll go with pissed off!

  ‘Kate.’ He is wearing his black signature suit and white shirt, a black tie loosely knotted. Shit, he looks hot – I must stay focused!

  ‘Why are you here?’ I lash at him.

  ‘I told you that I would collect you.’ He moves towards the doors, holding them open. ‘Are you getting in?’

  I step in and move to the far corner. Luke presses the button and turns to me, placing his hands on the wall on either side of my head. His lips brush against my ear.

  ‘I thought I would relieve Max from dealing with my errant girlfriend.’

  ‘Errant! Excuse me, Mr Control Freak Sutton, you have a lot to answer for.’

  His eyes meet mine. ‘Is that right?’

  The lift stops and the doors slide open, allowing more people to enter. Luke grabs my hips and pulls me in front of him; my arse is now hard up against his groin.

  He leans towards my ear. ‘Apparently you’re pissed off, and now it’s my turn. Fuck, you know what that does to me.’ He words are quiet, yet so raw.

  I can feel my breathing speeding up as Luke’s growing erection presses against me. His hands are spread wide on my hip bone, ensuring there is no space between us. His desire is like a cold burst of air washing over my skin. My nipples harden and goose bumps coat my body. Seconds – that’s all it takes for him to fire up.

  The sound of the lift reaching the first floor breaks the spell, and Luke’s firm hold. He clasps my hand and swiftly moves out, weaving among the crowds of workers. He diverts to a corner shielded by artificial foliage. His mouth becomes an attacking force against my soft lips.

  He pulls away. ‘You drive me insane.’

  My hands are in his hair. ‘Back at you.’

  He kisses me again: a ferocious demand to claim my mouth.

  ‘We need to leave.’

  I can’t respond; he’s sucked the life out me.

  The Bentley waits by the kerb.

  I look at Max, who is holding the door open. ‘Hi… Did you have a good day?’ I smirk.

  Max shakes his head.

  ‘You can’t help yourself, can you? Get in the car,’ Luke commands.

  ‘Get in the car,’ I softly mimic under my breath.

  We sit in opposite corners. He takes my hand and runs his fingers over my skin. His touch is magnetic. I turn. Our eyes lock: dark and dominant meets dark and intractable.

  Fuck it! He had me at the lift! My body slides across. We now continue the journey with my legs over one of his and his arm around my shoulders.

  ‘I’m still pissed off, Luke. You should have told me about your little covert operation.’

  ‘Back at you.’

  ‘How so?’

  ‘You question everything I do. Max is here to help you, not for your amusement, and certainly not for you to antagonise him.’

  ‘Really?’ I look up at him. ‘I told him not to ride up in the lift with me – it’s embarrassing. I feel like I’m taking my dad to work with me.’

  He lowers his lips to my hair.

  ‘Get used to it. Until I know you’re out of danger that’s ho
w it’s going to be.’

  ‘Fine – but I’m telling you I’m not happy.’

  ‘As ever, Kate Harper, you provide the light in my life and the pain in my arse.’

  ‘Welcome to my world, Sutton.’

  I’m first to open the black door. We haven’t spoken since our earlier conversation. I swiftly move to the kitchen, and head to the fridge for a cold glass of wine. I hold up the bottle to Luke.

  ‘No. I have to leave for another meeting, which I would have continued this afternoon but I made a promise to collect you.’ His dark eyes glare.

  Wine has no effect on my mood. ‘And you made a promise not to control everything I do! It seems your definition of a promise is different to mine.’ My eyes meet his. ‘I never asked you to collect me from bloody day-care!’

  He has hold of me within seconds. Once again, his speed and agility leave me standing. His clinch is firm, one hand at my neck, the other cupping my arse.

  His breath glides across my lips. ‘I never promised. I aim to try.’ He tenderly kisses me, unlike the passion he displayed earlier. He moves slightly. ‘Kate, someone nearly killed your father and the same someone may have been involved in tying you up. I’m not going to take the risk – don’t undermine me on this.’

  I nod. Maybe he does have a point, and maybe I need to make some adjustments too. I return his kiss, my way of showing him I’m listening.

  I break free. ‘How long will you be?’

  ‘An hour or two. I’ll make it quick.’ His Sutton smile merely highlights his chiselled face.

  ‘Before I leave, how was your day?’ Luke asks.

  ‘It was good – really good. It feels perfect for me, I know it’s my first day, but it feels right.’

  ‘I’m happy for you.’

  ‘I was working on the Christmas line.’

  ‘Already!’

  ‘It’s what they do. The products are stunning. I assume you get a Christmas tree?’

  ‘No. I normally go to my parents or I go away.’

  ‘You’re in for a real treat, as I love everything to do with Christmas. I have huge plans for this house.’ I retrieve my mail and the Christmas catalogue from my bag. I begin to flick through the pages. ‘Look how stunning this will be in here… A big tree with lots of stars.’