by F. C. Clark
Next, I begin to undo another gift, a small one this time: a purple box with silver writing. I know the signature look of Asprey of London, having received a similar box on my birthday. I remove the lid to reveal the most beautiful diamond stud ear rings.
‘Bloody hell, Luke, they’re stunning.’
‘They match your necklace.’
I remove the earrings and place them in my ears, modelling my gift.
‘Beautiful.’
He takes another present, a larger box, and removes the paper.
‘Silly, I know.’
He laughs. ‘It’s been a while since someone has given me a toy.’
‘I know how much you love your Aston. I thought a remote control version might help brush up your parking skills.’
He shoots me a look – oh, how I love pressing a Sutton button. ‘I was unaware I needed to brush up my parking skills.’
‘It all helps.’ I bite my lip.
‘How thoughtful of you!’ He laughs and glides his hand over the box as he reads the information. ‘I’m just a bit shocked.’
‘Good.’ I relax, watching his face light up.
Luke passes me another gift. I tear off the paper to reveal another box that I’m familiar with: Agent Provocateur.
‘Now, Mr S, if my memory serves me correctly, the last time you gave me a box like this it was a joint present.’ I lift the lid. Wow! A full-length silk nightdress in the palest of pink edged with cream lace. There’s also a matching silk robe. ‘I love it.’
‘I knew you would.’
I stand up and strip, sliding my present over my naked body. My hands run down the fabric and I twirl.
Luke whistles. ‘I can’t guarantee I won’t remove it within the next hour.’
I sit back and give him a kiss on his cheek.
‘Thank you.’ I pass him another box – the biggest one.
He shreds the paper in no time. I know he will love this.
‘Are you trying to keep me young, Kate Harper?’
‘No, simply addressing your mental age.’ I can’t help but laugh.
‘Are you challenging me to a race?’
‘Are you ready to lose to a girl?’ Who would have thought Scalextric would bring out the competitive side of Luke Sutton?
‘We’ll have fun with this.’ Luke stands. ‘I have one more present for you – wait here.’
He returns with a gift the size of a large mirror or picture frame.
‘Come here.’
My hands work quickly, removing the paper. A picture looks out at me: us at the ball in Venice – the evening that changed my life. My hand skims the image of us dancing. ‘Where did you get it?’
‘My mum showed me some images a few weeks ago. I zoomed in on our faces.’
‘Look at us! So much has happened since then.’ I giggle. ‘Just think – we hadn’t even had sex or kissed.’
Luke tenderly touches the image. ‘That’s the point: look at your eyes.’
I nod. ‘I loved you even then.’
Luke takes a deep breath. He knows I’m his.
‘OK. So, do I take it home or… No, lift it above the fireplace.’
He rests the frame on the mantel.
‘You look stunning in this. I’m a very lucky man.’ He places his hands around my waist and kisses the top of my head.
‘Yes, you are.’ I chuckle at myself. ‘And you have one more gift.’
I pass Luke his last present. He removes the lid, and picks up a black leather book inscribed in gold with two words: Harper Sutton.
‘Open it,’ I instruct a confused Luke.
He does, and begins to read the first page.
‘Dear Luke, you have taken possession of my heart and soul. I will love you forever.’ Crap. My face glows.
‘I found the notes in your office,’ I explain, exonerating myself.
He continues to turn the pages.
‘It’s your very own cookbook. What do you give to a man that has everything?’
‘Cooking lessons. Kate, this is very clever.’
I reach across and turn a page. ‘My note with the first meal I cooked for you, followed by the recipe and your note.’
‘Lasagne… I never saw you coming, Kate.’ His eyes meet mine. ‘The day you arrived at Sutton Global… I thought I had everything I needed.’
What! Self-effacing Luke Sutton plays havoc with my heart…
‘And now you do: your ex-cook is going to give you cooking lessons… Look what else is in the box.’
Luke produces two aprons, a black one for him with COOK and a pink one for me with BOSS embroidered across them.
‘So you think you have the patience to teach me?’
‘Will you be a good student?’
His eyes remain fixed on the pages. He shakes his head.
‘This is… you can’t put a price on this… this is our history.’ His lips reach mine, gently kissing me.
We sit together on the rug, surrounded by a picnic of ham and cheese sandwiches, pickles, caramelised onions, crisps and a glass of bubbly. Perfect…
‘So tell me, how long are we here for? I assume you have a plan?’
‘Until New Year’s Day. As for the days we are here, we have no plans – just us, the bed and food.’
‘You mean, your idea of heaven.’ I roll my eyes.
‘You know me far too well, and now we have toys, I think we may never leave.’
‘Are you ready for a race?’
‘Be prepared to have your arse whipped, young lady.’
‘Bring it on, Sutton.’
The bright sunshine filtering through the full-length windows is blinding, but it is the noise ringing in my ears that has woken me.
I roll to the side of the bed, looking in the direction of the racket.
‘At last she’s awake… Are you up for a challenge?’
‘What time did you get up?’
‘I’ve been up a while.’ Luke saunters around the room semi-naked, in grey jogger shorts. He looks at me with his captivating smile. ‘Look at my track.’
‘It looks… hmm… interesting.’ I gaze across to the empty boxes and leftover pipework.
‘It’s a work of art!’
‘Tell me – is this present staying here?’
‘No… I texted Declan earlier. He wants a race night when we get back to London.’ He flashes a boyish smile.
‘Oh!’ I sit up and reach for my new pink robe, pulling it round my naked body. ‘Are you hungry?’
‘Yes.’ He says, his eyes remaining fixed on a road layout.
I step out of the bed.
‘Whoa – look out.’
I freeze as my foot nearly crushes a box, or what appears to be a handmade jump.
‘You’ve taken over the entire room.’ I walk towards him. ‘And I was concerned you wouldn’t like your gifts.’
He stands and wraps his arms around my body, dipping me. Mr Playful Sutton is with me, I hope for the foreseeable future.
‘I told you I loved it – please don’t doubt me.’ He kisses me, and returns me to an upright position.
‘Holy shit… look at the view.’ I walk towards the large glass windows and try to open the door.
‘Let me… It’ll be cold out there.’
‘I don’t care.’
The bright, sunny morning hits me. The panoramic view is amazing. I head to the steps and walk the short path towards the beach. Instantly the sound and smell of the water makes me feel alive. Luke is right; it’s bloody freezing, not just the icy temperature, but the sand beneath my feet as well.
‘Oh my God. Luke, it’s stunning.’ I walk further forward. As it’s so early, the beach is deserted. There are few houses, some distance away. ‘The house isn’t overlooked.’
‘That did have an impact on the land price.’
‘I guess it would.’ I dread to think how much our house was. The houses on either side are just as huge and expensive-looking!
The day passes quickly, and gives way to a cold dark night. Having watched far too many Christmas films with the added sound effect of cars racing, I feel Mr Sutton should cook dinner tonight – something easy from his book.
I move from the bed and place my arms around Luke’s neck.
‘I’ve been thinking.’
‘Go on.’
‘You should cook dinner.’
‘Is that so?’ He kisses my arms, which are lovingly wrapped around him.
‘Yes – something easy. How about bacon chilli pasta? Are you up for the challenge, cook?’
‘Always.’
As I thought. Goodbye boredom, hello prick-teasing girlfriend! I swiftly move with a certain amount of excitement and collect Luke’s new book and apron.
‘I’m going to change. I’ll join you in the kitchen.’ As I reach the stairs, I say, ‘Oh, and if you collect the right ingredients there may be a reward.’
He raises his head and fires me a look. ‘And what might that be?’ he asks suspiciously.
I tap my nose.
I’m grateful Luke had some foresight and bought me the new underwear. I put on a black lace bra, garter belt and lace-top stockings. I slide up my French knickers, then tie my apron on over them, and slip on black Louboutins.
My heels tap seductively against the wooden floor as I enter the kitchen. My eyes fall to Luke, who is concentrating, which always makes me horny: it does at home and now at Sandbanks. My spell breaks when he looks up at me. I move towards him.
He scans my body. ‘Are you expecting me to cook when you’re dressed like that?’
‘I thought, as you’re going to so much trouble, that I’d dress for dinner.’ I can’t hide my amusement.
‘Dress for dinner!’ The tone of his voice alters. Is my mission complete? Hell, yes!
I turn and walk towards the larder, where I grab a bottle of Luke’s favourite burgundy Caymus wine.
I open the red wine and collect two glasses, pouring equal measures. I pass one to Luke. ‘Cheers – happy Boxing Day.’
‘Here’s to pushing my buttons.’
‘I’m not pushing your buttons. But I do feel hot.’ I suggestively untie my apron and remove it. Luke moves towards me.
‘No!’ I hold up my finger.
‘No?’ Luke suppresses a laugh.
‘Let’s eat first.’
‘I’m not hungry.’
‘You’re always hungry.’ This is hard! Stay focused, Harper.
My eyes lock to his: dark and sexually needy meet dark and sexually teasing…
I blink to break the spell.
‘Let’s see how you’re getting on.’ I move in front of him. ‘OK. You have most of the ingredients – well done.’ I can feel his laboured breathing on the back of my neck. I reach for the jar of rigatoni pasta, causing my arse to push up against him. God, he’s ready!
‘Fuck, Kate.’
‘Concentrate, Luke.’ I purse my lips. At last I’ve kicked the hornet’s nest.
His mouth moves to my ear. ‘Oh, baby… If you stick your arse out again I will take you now, and it won’t be for you.’
Diversionary tactics are needed – for me! I jump up and sit on the worktop, crossing my legs.
‘Have you read what’s next? So, you need to finely chop the mushrooms, onion, garlic and chilli.’
He listens and begins to chop the mushrooms.
‘Well done.’
‘Well done?’ he repeats.
He loves the game we’re playing. He’s built to play – and, of course, win.
‘You need the large pan and some oil.’
I can feel his dark eyes observing me, slowly working their way down towards my legs. I lean across the book to collect the bottle of wine. ‘Sorry.’
‘You will be’ – threatening talk from Mr Frustrated Sutton – oh, what fun.
I uncross my legs and provocatively re-cross them. ‘Do you want me to help you?’
‘Help, and how are you going to help?’ Luke sounds frustrated.
I reach across him again, this time brushing my breast against his arm. Luke grabs both my wrists, preventing me from moving. His grip tightens.
‘So you want to play a game, do you?’ His eyes are scorching, a warning he’s going to take me.
‘No… cooking.’
‘Kate Harper, you know I always win.’
I try to remain in control: however, my act is fading rapidly. Giving me no time to answer, Luke claims victory over my mouth, and his tongue begins to move against mine. I willingly respond, as I always do.
He grabs my hips and aggressively removes my knickers. He leaves my mouth. I pant, wanting more.
‘This will be quick.’
I nod. My eyes remain fixed on his, watching and waiting for his next move. He roughly spreads my legs. I yank at his waistband and my eyes fall to his erection. Jesus, he looks harder than usual. I lick my dry lips. At the same time, he grabs my hips with one hand and guides his erection to my sex with the other. One thrust and he’s deep inside.
‘Christ, Luke!’ He feels harder than usual.
He withdraws, only to drive into me again, with power. I hold on to the side of the worktop in case I fall. He thrusts harder and harder. He knows I want and need more. I also know he’s not going to give it to me. He picks up my hand and places it on my clit.
‘Now let me watch you work.’ I don’t argue; quite the opposite – I gratify his demand.
How does he do this to me? Make me want and need to please him? My hand remains on my clit, working in time with Luke’s pounding. He looks from my eyes to my hand. This is Luke Sutton declaring triumph: he’s in total control – not me.
My orgasm is on the brink of release as Luke’s thrusts become more hard-hitting, touching the area that sends me to a place of incoherency. Shockwaves begin to roll through me as my body jolts.
‘Kate, look at me.’
My gaze locks to his as the tremors begin within me. Christ, my clit is on fire! As my orgasm erupts, he drives hard enough to find release. The rise and fall of his chest is visible; I have him, hot and deep-rooted.
‘Are you enjoying your cooking lesson?’ I tenderly kiss his jawline.
‘You’re a prick-tease. There’s no teaching here.’
I kiss him as he slides out of me, making me wince slightly.
Luke lifts my chin. ‘Did I hurt you?’ Panic shows in his eyes.
‘No.’
He looks away.
‘Hey, I’m fine.’
‘If I ever go in too – deep or…’ His lips brush against my forehead.
‘Christ, Luke, you’re missing the point… I like it when you’re…’
‘Rough?’ His features alter.
‘No, not rough… It turns me on when you need me so much – like life or death.’ I pull his face to mine and kiss him. ‘I like teasing you. I can’t control any part of your life, except this – us, you dripping down my leg.’
‘You control me, period, Kate.’
‘Last night was different – it was making love, but this is fun too. I like the chase and conquest. Crazy, right?’
‘No… Us and sex is always about love; it’s what drives me to want you.’
‘Me too.’
His thumb skims my lips. ‘I would never hurt you.’
‘I know.’
Another day arrives, and we both feel the need to burst our Harper–Sutton bubble and get back to the real world, so we leave our love nest and head to Canford Cliffs, a nearby village. We amble through a small high street looking for somewhere to have lunch.
‘Over there,’ I point across the street, ‘the Duck and Goose.’
The pub is perfectly quaint with an amazing open fire. However, I do feel slightly overdressed in my new black faux-fur coat!
We sit and read the menu.
‘Too many choices! OK, I’ll have the steak and stilton pie and a glass of Guinness.’
‘Guinness!’ Luke looks at me.
‘My dad drinks it.’
‘Guinness it is, and I think I’ll join you.’
Luke goes to the bar.
My eyes lock on the flickering flames. I take a deep breath and mentally return to the night I spent with Ivor. So many questions remain unanswered. ‘Where the hell are you?’ is my first question, followed by, ‘did you try to kill me – twice’?
‘Kate!’
‘Sorry, I was miles away.’ I reach across and take his hand.
‘Anywhere special?’ His warm smile almost stops me from answering.
‘Honestly?’
‘Always,’ he says.
‘Ivor.’
Luke’s brow creases.
‘I know it pisses you off, but it makes me so mad. I know he may have tied me to the chair, but the fact he walked away kills me… I don’t understand how he could do that.’
Luke brushes my cheek with the back of his hand. ‘I understand.’
‘How can you? Your parents idolise you.’
‘So do Malcolm and Susan.’
‘Do they?’
‘Why would you say that?’
‘They kept a huge secret from me and Harry.’
‘For good reason – they love you, and I think you need to spend some time with them.’
‘I know they love us, but everything’s changed… Christ, Luke, the day Harry and I sat with them to “talk openly” about the adoption, Mum sobbed and Dad left the room after ten minutes, to work on something – apparently. They aren’t dealing with it and I can’t carry them. God, I have my own issues to work through.’ I take a sip of my Guinness. ‘Dad struggles to be in the same room as us; it’s like he’s lost the right to be our dad. They forget they did this – not me or Harry.’
‘Give them time. Your dad could have died, and today could have been different for all of you. ’
‘That makes me feel guilty. You can’t hide the fact that I did that to him; my inheritance could have killed him.’