by F. C. Clark
Kiki laughs. ‘You worked there for one bloody day.’
‘OK – but it felt normal for a day… Explosions and seriously ill boyfriends don’t enhance your career.’
‘Well then, get stuck in at Bagrov and Cooper. You can do this! Don’t let the super-bitch take over – no way are you to sell to them,’ Kiki says.
‘No – never! Come with me, Kiki, just to kick arse.’
‘My pleasure, babe, but you’ve got this.’
‘Anyhow, I won’t be alone. I have Tanya, one of Luke’s ex-assistants, with me, and she’s totally clued up.’ I need to change the subject. ‘So, Miss Shag Monster Marlow, how is Declan? Obviously, you really like him.’ I place my arm around her shoulder. ‘I don’t want you to get hurt – either of you.’
‘It’s just a bit of fun. He’s invited me to stay with him at Klosters in a couple of weeks. Apparently the entire Sutton family goes every year, Luke too.’
I look at Kiki. ‘Luke hasn’t mentioned it. But then he’s shit at sharing information.’
‘He has a lot on his mind – you’ve both been through so much,’ Harry says.
‘Bullshit, Harry, this has nothing to do with the explosion. But I hear you… So we’re leaving soon, Luke has a surprise for me.’
Kiki nudges me. I place my arms around both of the girls, drawing them closer to me. ‘Here’s to us, and good girls do win – eventually.’
I can feel him, and smell the Sutton scent directly behind me. I turn to see Luke.
‘Girls, I need to steal Kate – we have some celebrating to do.’
Kiki looks at Luke. ‘I bet you do. I may have some of my own, Luke – your brother is quite entertaining.’
‘Kate, we need to leave.’ Luke repeats, ignoring Kiki’s remark.
‘Did I hear my name mentioned?’ Declan arrives at Luke’s side.
‘Actually, Kiki was just explaining that you know how to entertain.’ I laugh, but Luke glares disapprovingly.
‘You know me, sexy Kate, Sutton through and through.’
‘Say goodbye, Kate,’ Luke commands.
Fifteen minutes later, we pull away from the venue, and leave the perfect fairy-tale wedding.
‘Where are we going?’
Luke looks at me, smiling. ‘I’ll tell you in about four hours.’
‘Oh!’
Thirty minutes into the journey, the sun disappears, and for the first time it feels like Christmas Day – with just us. I place my hand against his thigh and take a breath.
‘I wanted to arrive in daylight.’
‘I haven’t got a bloody clue where we’re going! Your surprises always knock me on my arse.’
‘Good.’ He smirks. ‘I told you I wanted to give you the world.’
‘Yeah, and I told you I only want you.’ Even in darkness his Sutton smile warms me.
‘Are you going skiing?’
‘Yes, we are,’ he answers firmly.
‘We are… since when?’
‘My parents hire a chalet every year.’
‘And when were you going to tell me?’ My hand wanders further up his leg.
‘You know now.’
‘I hate hearing things second-hand.’
‘Can you ski?’
‘I’m OK. I won’t win any medals, though. Kiki is bloody good – actually, she’s a lunatic on the snow.’
‘Good to hear; she’ll keep Declan off my back.’
‘Oh, and just for the record, Kiki and Declan slept together.’
‘I know.’
‘You do? Has Declan been bragging?’
‘Kate, I know my brother, a little too well.’
‘In that case, you should know that I know Kiki too well and she likes Declan – a lot. And, let’s face it, your brother likes to share his dick. A lot!’
‘Jesus, Kate, the words “Declan” and “dick” should not come out of your mouth.’
‘Just words, Luke.’
‘Not to me.’
‘Well, anyway, I’ve told him not to mess with her head.’
‘I would like to point out they’re both old enough to decide for themselves.’
‘I’m just saying… I don’t want either of them to get hurt.’
I yawn.
‘Sleep, baby.’ Luke touches my cheek. ‘I’ll wake you when we arrive.’
‘By the way – I love you.’ No more words are spoken as my eyes close.
‘Kate?’ I feel a hand on my face.
‘Are we here?’ I feel disorientated.
‘Nearly. I want you to wear this blindfold.’
‘Oh.’
Luke slides it over my face, covering my eyes.
The car moves again, but only for a few minutes.
‘We’re here. Stay where you are – I’ll come and get you.’
‘OK.’
I hear the door open and then Luke’s strong arms lift me out of the car.
‘I can walk.’
‘It’ll be safer if I carry you.’
‘Safer?’
Eventually Luke lowers my feet to the ground. I hear him unlock a door, then there’s an alarm bleeping.
‘Don’t move.’
Move – where to?
He takes my hands. ‘Small steps.’ We continue to walk. ‘OK – stop.’ He slides the satin mask from my eyes. ‘Merry Christmas, Kate.’
7
‘Do you like it?’ Luke asks.
‘I don’t understand. Is this your house?’ I look around the room, which is covered in fairy lights.
‘Ours. I bought the land just before we met. As I said, I wished we could arrive in daylight.’
‘You built this house?’
‘Zhan designed it… It was completed a few weeks ago, just in time for today.’
‘You had this all planned.’
‘Yes.’
I move further into the huge room, which houses a large white French bed, and beyond that stands a Christmas tree, at least ten feet high. ‘Where are we?’
‘Sandbanks – Dorset. My grandparents had a house not far from here.’ Luke holds his hand out. ‘I want to show you something.’
I slip my hand into his palm. He then walks me to the far side of the room. He presses various switches on the far wall, illuminating the outside deck, and opens one of the full-length concertina glass doors. He gestures; I step out and move closer to the handrail.
‘I can hear the sea.’ I turn to him.
Luke laughs. ‘That’s because we’re on the beach – can you smell the salt water?’
‘I can.’ My hands cling to the wooden railings as I inhale the cold fresh air.
He takes me into his arms and kisses me. My tongue swirls against his, stroking him, wanting more. He pulls away.
‘I love it, Luke.’
His chest expands. ‘This is our hideaway from everything and everyone. It’s just for us.’
‘I don’t know what to say.’ My teeth chatter.
‘You’re cold – let’s get you inside.’
We return to the large room. I now feel invigorated, and excited about the house.
‘You may notice there’s no furniture… except…’ No more words are needed. He offers a killer Sutton grin.
‘It’s a bit hard not to notice! So, is this a romantic gesture, or is my sex god the big surprise?’
‘Both… Truthfully, I wanted this house to be ours – yours, for you to choose the décor and furniture.’ He holds his hand up. ‘As for the bed, it seemed appropriate for you as it’s feminine.’
I move towards the large bed in the centre of the room. ‘It’s beautiful – and huge.’ The width can take four pillows lengthways, easily.
‘Obviously, it won’t stay here, but as the house is empty…’
‘Perfect… we can sleep and play right here.’ I hold my hands out to him.
‘Play? I like the sound of that. You wanted us, and a tree.’ Luke’s face lights up.
‘For someone who doesn’t listen to me, you certainly knock me off my feet.’
I pull him towards me, kissing him hard. He pulls away.
‘Let me show you around.’
‘OK.’
‘Obviously, this is the main lounge.’
‘The fireplace is stunning.’ I walk towards the coffee-coloured stone surround, feeling the coldness against my fingertips. ‘It looks French.’
‘It is.’
The entire house is painted off-white with dark wood flooring; a winning combination.
I follow Luke to the front of the house.
‘As you can see, this is the kitchen – well, a makeshift kitchen. The company are waiting for you to design it.’
‘What!’
‘It’s your domain – as you’re aware, I can’t cook.’ He runs his hand through his hair.
‘I guess. I’ve never designed a kitchen.’ I walk towards the makeshift worktop.
‘They will help you, but ultimately the choice is yours.’
‘Oh.’ The room must be at least forty foot square. No pressure, then!
Luke takes my hand as we make our way back to the large lounge.
‘Over there are two additional rooms. Once again, you can decide what they’ll be used for – although I may need an office.’
‘I don’t think you will.’ I reach up to his lips, not quite touching him. ‘If I don’t need clothes, then you don’t need an office.’ I giggle at my man, and the need I have for him.
‘You’re trouble, Harper.’
‘Maybe, but I’m your trouble.’
He takes in my words and releases a contented sigh. ‘Let’s look upstairs.’
We climb the incredibly wide white staircase with dark wood handrails and reach the landing, where the stairs continue to another level.
Luke moves towards a set of double doors and pushes them apart. ‘This is our room.’
‘Wow!’ The empty room also has full-length windows, with a whitewashed exposed vaulted ceiling. I brush past Luke and move further inside the room. ‘I love it. Oh my God, just think what I can do to this room… It’s beautiful.’ I turn to Luke.
‘I was thinking the same – what I could do to you in this room.’
‘Really?’ I laugh at my boyfriend. ‘Are you feeling frustrated?’ I bloody hope so!
‘Yes.’ He walks towards another set of doors leading off the bedroom. ‘I know how much you like a dressing room.’ A smitten look beams across his face.
This one is slightly smaller than the closet in London, with drawer units in the centre and white open rails, which already contain some essentials. However, a couple of the garments look unfamiliar.
‘Have you been shopping?’
‘Yes.’
I laugh. ‘OK, so jeans and T-shirts I get.’ I move closer. ‘But this…’
‘Exquisite.’
My hand skims the full-length fur coat. ‘I assume it’s fake?’
‘Of course.’
‘Hmm – and the sexy black underwear… Is that to wear under the coat?’
Luke pulls me to him, and I enjoy a sense of closeness, and a sense of anticipation for what may happen very shortly.
‘This is no use – presents, and then I’m going to have you on our new bed.’
‘Christmas Day does nothing for your self-control.’
‘No.’
‘Luke, I’m blown away.’
‘Good… Maybe a smile from you would back up your words.’
‘I am happy, but how can I compete with you?’
‘Don’t overthink this.’
‘I’m not.’ My hands run down his chest, moving to the button of his jeans.
‘Fuck! I can’t wait any longer. I need to have you.’
‘Marking your territory?’ I giggle.
‘You’re mine, there’s no going back now.’
He scoops me up in his arms.
‘Luke!’
‘No arguing.’
Not a problem.
He carries me downstairs and lowers me by the bed.
‘I’ve fallen for this place. Let’s not bother with furniture – this could be our fuck pad.’
‘Sweet words from such a beautiful woman.’
‘You’ve corrupted me Luke Sutton.’
My hands begin to unbutton his shirt and my mouth takes control, ruthlessly attacking his lips, demanding that Luke play with me. I fear that my hunger for him will never be fulfilled.
Luke’s shirt falls to the floor. His taut chest screams for my attention as my lips slide across every inch of his perfectly toned torso.
‘I want you naked, and I want to eat you on our bed – now.’
I giggle. I hope this means at least three courses…
My top and bra hit the floor in record time. Luke grabs both of my breasts and lowers his mouth, sucking and nipping my nipples in turn. I need more. My clit is screaming for some action.
His hands move to my zip and his fingers slide inside my knickers.
‘Jesus, baby, you’re wet.’ His touch moves from the edge of my sex to my clit, and almost gives me my first orgasm. My breathing hitches. Luke moves to my ear. ‘Not yet.’
He lowers me to the bed. My boots and clothes are discarded, leaving me bare and vulnerable. I watch him strip. He’s hot and naked. His needy mouth works from my ankles up to my hip bone, then he brushes his lips against my pubic area. I sway my hips against him.
‘Greedy.’
‘Luke, please… Touch me.’
‘Where?’
‘Just touch me – please.’
He takes my hand. ‘Show me.’
Oh, for the love of God!
One hand covers my eyes, while the other slides between my wet lips and brushes gently against my clit.
‘Kate, look at me.’
I move my hand from my eyes and watch his hand slide up and down the length of his shaft. I blow air through my lips, needing to come – but not yet.
‘Spread your legs, baby, I’m hungry.’
In seconds, his tongue flicks against my clit, and moves slowly down to my sex. Christ! His touch is almost too much to bear. Fast and slow, dipping and sliding. Is this his gift, to torture me?
‘No more… please,’ I beg, and not for the first time.
‘I love taking you close. I could come all over you just watching you.’
His mouth returns and his fingers skilfully slip inside my sex.
The first wave washes over me. ‘Luke,’ I manage to whisper as my body helplessly buckles under his touch.
As ever, he brings me to a place of greed and demand.
His lips move towards my stomach and then my breasts, with slow, leisurely sucks on each nipple. I’m still reeling from the aftermath of my climax. At last his mouth meets mine, and so does the head of his hardness. I hold my breath the moment he enters me; we remain still. Holy shit, it feels good to take him – all of him.
‘I love you.’ His low voice echoes through my body.
‘I love you too.’
His eyes burn not just with desire, but something different tonight.
‘Kiss me?’ I ask.
His lips are brutal.
My hands slide down his back, encouraging the deepness that I enjoy. His touch and tempo are spot-on; he understands my body like no other. He takes hold of my leg, and I raise my pelvis to meet his rhythm. Hard and fast sex – merry Christmas to me.
‘Don’t stop, I need to come.’ The start of my second orgasm begins. The sensation is intense. As my breathing increases, I begin
to climax. ‘Luke… I love you.’ I can barely speak.
My nails dig into his skin and his lips make contact with mine as he groans into my mouth. Two more thrusts, and I have him.
Afterwards, Luke lights the fire and we sit on the rug close to the Christmas tree, surrounded by our presents, wearing matching grey Abercrombie T-shirts, wet hair and ‘just fucked’ faces.
‘Hold that thought.’ Luke saunters to the kitchen and returns with an ice bucket and two flute glasses.
‘Are you feeling up to it?’ he smiles, taunting me about last night while releasing the cork from the champagne.
‘Funny, ha ha.’
He passes me a glass. ‘Cheers, baby – merry Christmas.’
‘Cheers, I love you.’ I lean over and kiss him. ‘Present time… Just a heads-up; there’s no house lurking under the tree.’
‘Good to know!’ He laughs.
I pass Luke some smart black boxes tied with black satin bows: very masculine and very Luke Sutton.
‘Where shall I start? I see a perfectionist has been at work.’ He smiles as he passes me my gift boxes.
‘Crap! Your presents are… Luke, you’re the hardest person in the world to surprise.’
‘Hey, I love them already… You go first,’ he commands.
‘OK.’ I take one at random, untying the red bow and lifting the lid of the white box. I’m faced with another box inscribed with the words Aspinal of London. I open it and laugh.
‘I love it!’ It’s a pink leather notebook with a gold inscription: EAT ME. My fingers trace the words that remind me of our early days together. The notes I left Luke from the day we first met. How can two simple words carry so much weight?
‘How could I resist?’
‘Now open one of yours.’ At last I feel excited.
He decides to go for the smallest present. I begin to laugh.
‘Am I missing the joke?’
‘No, just open it and you’ll see.’ I take another sip of champagne.
Luke tips the contents of the black velvet pouch into the palm of his hand. Instantly he laughs.
‘Great minds think alike.’ He holds a set of brushed platinum cufflinks with an inscription: EAT on one and ME on the other.
‘I thought it was a bit of fun – do you like them?’
‘I do; they’re perfect.’