by F. C. Clark
He crawls between my legs, kissing me all the way until he reaches my face.
‘I love you… Never leave me, Luke.’
He doesn’t reply, but his answer glimmers through his dark eyes.
9
My eyes open reluctantly.
‘It’s only seven thirty. You have plenty of time.’ Luke runs his finger down my cheek. He’s dressed and ready for world domination. ‘Tea is next to you.’
I bury my face in the pillow, already fretting over my meeting with Tanya. I sit up slightly, wrapping the duvet around my naked body.
‘What time did you get up?’ I reach for my tea.
‘A while ago; I went for a run.’ He sits on the bed.
‘You have far too much energy.’
‘I need my strength to deal with you.’ His soft lips gently touch my forehead. ‘Other than Tanya, what else do you have planned for the day?’
‘I’m going to call Mr Jones, invite him over for dinner. Will you be home or are you working late?’
‘It depends how my day goes. After a week away, no doubt there’ll be a pile of work to do.’
Luke stands, adjusting his trousers. ‘I’ll be downstairs.’
I lie back down on the bed and give him a wave.
‘Get up, Harper!’
‘Not for much longer – Sutton.’
I study my reflection in the French mirror: a fairly short navy lace skirt, navy opaque tights and a tight-fitting navy polo neck, tan shoe boots, and a wide tan leather belt to highlight my narrow waist. Feminine, yet smart. My entire outfit cost about forty pounds, though that doesn’t include my underwear, which must have cost Luke triple that!
I enter the kitchen and the noise stops. Luke silently scans my outfit.
‘Morning. You OK, Rosie?’ I place my bag and coat on the island and move to the fridge.
‘Fine, darling,’ she says, heading off to the laundry room.
‘Toast and fruit OK, Luke?’ I ask.
I close the fridge door to face Luke.
‘Did I miss the memo that stated my fiancée must look far too sexy to leave our house today?’
‘Yes. You also missed the memo requesting my sex god this morning… You’ve dropped the ball on this deal… Do I have to take my business elsewhere?’ I reach up and kiss his cheek.
Luke whistles. ‘So, is this why I asked you to be my wife? Simply to push my buttons?’
‘Yes. Now sit. I’ll make your breakfast.’
Shortly, we finish our breakfast, which we have eaten mainly in silence.
‘I called Mr Jones. He’s coming over tonight around six thirty.’ I look across at Luke, who’s reading paperwork and clearly not listening. ‘I thought I would go to your office naked… Maybe just wearing my fur coat.’
‘Not if you want to enjoy the rest of your life.’ His eyes meet mine. ‘I was listening; you have a tendency to not allow me to answer.’
‘No, I don’t!’
He leans to my cheek and leaves a tender kiss.
‘Do you realise you’re always talking?’
‘You know I hate silence.’
‘I do. The only peace I get is when you’re asleep.’ He laughs.
I fold my arms with resentment. ‘We don’t have to spend so much time together; you can have time out.’
‘Not a chance, and don’t flip this conversation. If you’re with me then I know you’re not in trouble.’
‘I’m not a child! Besides, I think we should set some boundaries.’
He stands. ‘Boundaries?’
I join him. ‘Boundaries.’
His eyes darken. ‘Is there a point you’re trying to make?’
‘I love you, but I can’t spend all day here, and what else do I have? A group of board members who want me once in a blue moon.’
‘Then explain to me why Mr Jones is coming over this evening – your new venture? What the hell are you talking about? What sort of boundaries?’ Collecting his paperwork, he heads towards the office.
I follow him. ‘I just need something else other than this – us.’
‘I have no issue with that, but I will follow close behind you.’
‘Lucky me; my fiancé wants to be my stalker.’
‘You’re lucky you’re not tied to our bed.’ He plants a cheeky kiss on my lips.
Max draws Luke’s black Bentley to a halt outside an impressive glass building, owned by Sutton Global.
We stand side by side in the lift, hand in hand. Luke’s fingers skim my newly acquired ring. I raise my eyes to meet his. We both know the ring symbolises more than love: Luke Sutton wants me – forever – and I can’t deny I like it.
The doors slide open at the top floor. A sign with large silver lettering, saying SUTTON GLOBAL INUDSTRIES, is the first thing I see. It blows me away that the man who frustrates the hell out of me, and can take me with just a smile, runs this show!
Luke’s grip remains firm as we walk towards his office, while what feels like the entire staff of Sutton Global follow his every step. Stella, Luke’s personal assistant and one of the most important women in his work life, looks up as we approach.
‘Kate, happy new year.’ She moves towards me and folds me into her arms. Her actions always leave me feeling sad – sad that she was unable to have children. That’s why she idolises Luke – he’s the son she never had.
‘Same to you, Stella, how did you and Richard get on in Yorkshire?’
‘It was relaxing, and wonderful to see Richard’s family.’
‘Stella.’ Luke looks at her with his usual stern expression – the boss has officially entered the building.
‘Luke, happy new year.’ She hugs him, which makes me laugh – internally, of course!
I take Stella’s hand. ‘I want to show you something.’ I walk with her into Luke’s large office and head towards the sofa. I remove my fur jacket and place it next to me with my bag.
Luke silently moves to his desk and watches me from his throne. Without a doubt I bring something different to Sutton Global – warmth.
I drop my gaze to my hand, which rests on my thigh, and remain silent. Her brow creases with confusion. At last she looks at my hand.
‘Oh my goodness, is that what I think it is?’ Her hand covers her mouth.
‘Yes.’
She pulls me to her chest. ‘How to brighten up a dull January; I am so pleased. You’re so good for him, but you know I’ve always thought that, since the day we hired you to cook… I knew he needed you.’ She stands and moves towards Luke. ‘You, young man, have made me very happy. Come here.’
Luke can’t help but smile. She holds him close.
‘This is by far the best decision you have ever made. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you.’ She sniffs, and a tear escapes.
‘Not you as well! Why has everyone cried at our news?’ Luke tries to lighten the moment.
I move to join them. Luke places his arm around my shoulders.
‘Our news gets better… wait for it! We’re getting married in Venice, something small and simple, and we want you and Richard there. You have to be there, Stella, you’ve been at Luke’s side since… well, forever.’
‘Of course, we wouldn’t miss it for the world. Oh, I almost forgot, how was Harry’s wedding?’
‘It was stunning.’ I turn to mush at the thought of Harry’s magical day.
‘I don’t mean to be rude, but I have to work. Stella can you send a memo informing everyone of our engagement? I would rather they hear it from me before I announce it to the wider world.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Stella says.
‘The world?’ I laugh.
‘The world of business.’
‘Oh.’ I just told three friends and my sister…
‘Ladies.’ Luke nods towards th
e door.
‘I’ll wait for Tanya at your desk, Stella.’
Stella and I both turn to leave, but Luke pulls at my hand. ‘Don’t distract my staff.’
‘I won’t. Oh, and just so I’m clear, does that include you?’
‘No. Distraction from you is acceptable.’ He kisses me hard on the lips. The Bagrov and Cooper meeting with Tanya at Sutton Global might not be as dull as I thought…
I perch on Stella’s desk showing her and Tanya, Luke’s ex-assistant and now my personal assistant, photos from Harry’s wedding. I lose all track of time. Suddenly Luke emerges from his office.
‘Stella, I requested a file… But I see you have a distraction at your desk.’ He exhales and glares at me.
I try not to laugh. God, he would drive me mad if I worked for him. Stella deserves a medal.
‘My fault – apparently I’m more entertaining than your mergers!’ I move off the desk and walk towards him. Placing my hands on his shirt, I reach up on tiptoe, allowing my lips to brush against his ear. ‘I’m horny, in your office – does that count as a welcome distraction?’ I slip away and enter his office. ‘Tanya, shall we make a start?’ I turn and catch a flash of a frustrated Sutton. Wow! To say I feel hypnotised is an understatement.
Tanya and I sit at the board table at the far end of Luke’s office. She organises the paperwork for New York, and I watch and admire her skill. I must take note! Her phone rings, which allows me a few minutes to send a formal complaint to Luke.
Dear sex god,
I would like to point out that my needs have not been met today and, as I said earlier, do I need to take my business elsewhere? In the meantime, I shall sit here and think of you at your desk – and me on my knees, yum yum!
Love from your deprived fiancée.
I hit send and glance across at him. I count: one, two, ping! He looks at his phone and then continues to work. Ouch! Not even a smirk on his face. Perhaps, he needs one more message.
Dear sex god,
Do you need me to fuck with your paperwork? Just a thought, while I Google male escorts for hire!
Love from your frustrated fiancée.
‘Kate.’ Tanya interrupts me.
I place my phone on the table. ‘Sorry.’
‘OK. Let’s begin with these documents.’
I nod. Poor Tanya has the task of morphing me into a businesswoman – I wish her luck.
‘Firstly, you need to sign these.’ She lays out some paperwork. ‘Five companies have been sold; this is just a formality for the shareholders.’ She shows me where I need to sign.
I read the title on another dossier. Rosewood Ivy Hotel, New York. I pull it out.
‘Are they buying a hotel?’
‘Yes – that’s one of the main reasons we’re going to New York. They need a unanimous vote to purchase the hotel.’
‘OK. Crap! I’m never going to get to grips with this.’ My eyes fall to the amount of money at the bottom of the page. ‘Bloody hell… How much?’
Tanya laughs. ‘Kate, the company is worth a lot more than the cost of the hotel… This is what they do, buy and sell, similar to Luke.’
I rub my forehead.
She reaches out to me. ‘It will be fine… We’ve got this.’
‘We’ve got this! The only thing I’ve got is a splitting headache.’
Tanya continues to prep me on the various issues that will be addressed while we’re in New York. Luke made the right decision suggesting I hire her.
‘Do you feel OK with everything we’ve discussed?’ Tanya asks.
I shake my head. ‘Not really.’
‘You’ll be fine.’
‘I don’t have a choice.’ I look at my watch. ‘Is that it for now?’
‘Any questions?’ she asks.
‘Not really, only what shall I cook for dinner?’
We stand and make our way to the door of Luke’s office. I feel a tug on my arm.
‘Tanya, would you excuse us?’ Luke’s eyes are black. So intense they have begun to peel my clothes from my sensitive body.
She shyly looks at Luke before me. ‘Certainly, Mr Sutton. Kate, I will see you in a couple of days. You’ll be fine,’ she rambles before bolting for the door. Without doubt she has felt the tension between us.
‘Luke, I have to go food shopping.’
Luke closes the door and locks it. He stands in front of my only exit.
‘Fuck with my paperwork? Kate, don’t push me, and don’t tease me at work.’
‘I was playing.’
He walks towards me as I retreat further into the room.
‘I agree.’ He looks down at the bulge almost bursting from his trousers.
I giggle. ‘Oh.’
‘You think this is funny?’
His face is within kissing distance.
‘No.’
‘No? Kate Harper, don’t feed me bullshit.’ He places his hands in my hair.
‘OK – maybe a bit.’
His surprise kiss is hard-hitting, while his hands rampage all over my body. He breaks free and walks me to the sofa, where he sits and unbuttons his trousers, freeing his erection.
‘Pull your tights down. I want you to sit on me,’ he commands.
My hands fist on my hips. I feel slightly shocked, yet fiercely turned on.
‘Only because you asked so bloody nicely.’
Luke’s gaze is scorching.
‘Are you still fucking with me? I know what you need… Now strip and sit on me.’
He knows my need for him is as strong as his need to control the sexual game we’re playing. I remove my shoe boots, tights and knickers, complying with his demand.
He slides his hand down the full length of his erection. I’m drawn to the sight, and watch him grow harder with his touch. Fuck – I’m drooling; I need him now! I straddle him.
‘Slowly,’ he whispers.
Our eyes meet. Dark and commanding meets dark and compliant.
‘Don’t tease me at work. Do you understand?’ His thumb skims my clit.
I nod.
‘Good.’ His free hand moves up my body to the nape of my neck. ‘Ride me quick, baby – time is not on our side. I have a meeting in thirty minutes.’
Again, I nod. But he knows he has control of my orgasm. His words echo in my head: ‘ride me quick.’ I slam down harder on him, taking all of him inside me. He pushes my shoulders, and I lean further back, allowing his hand the space to reach my clit, ensuring I orgasm quickly. The heat between us is stifling; my body is on fire this morning. I have no control.
‘Oh God, Luke.’
‘Don’t stop,’ he demands, continuing to work my clit. ‘Keep going… I’m coming hard.’
Again, my body responds until he holds my hips still and I feel his warm release.
I lean forward and gently kiss him.
Luke pulls away. ‘Don’t kiss me.’
‘What?’
‘I’m still hard for you.’
I slowly move my hips. Christ, he is still hard!
‘Stop.’
No!
He grasp my hips. ‘I have to work… No more, Kate.’
His dark eyes entice me. What he does to me… it’s like nothing else I’ve ever encountered.
I lean to his ear. ‘I’m not stopping you.’
My body begins to move. I need more. My touch becomes aggressive as I kiss him hard. His hands slide up my back, to the nape of my neck. Luke’s breathing grows shallow. Round two to me: there’ll be no mercy until he’s offloaded in me again.
‘Touch me,’ I whisper.
He smiles.
‘I love that you’re greedy.’
His hand slips between my wet thighs, and slides across my swollen clit. Hot juices from us both lubricate me. It ap
pears that our roles are reversed: I have become the aggressive lover and Luke my personal enabler. Again, I ride him quickly; this time it’s my deadline, not his. I’m highly sensitive from my last orgasm, allowing the second to arrive quickly.
‘Kate, harder, I know you’re going to come. I need you harder.’
Oh Christ – my orgasm hits me. I try to maintain my speed and pressure yet the ferocious shockwaves affect my ability. Luke leaves my clit and lifts my hips, guaranteeing I take every ounce of his hardness.
‘Yes… yes, Kate, keep going… OK. No more.’
I collapse to his chest. My heart beats uncontrollably, matching Luke’s rhythm as our Harper–Sutton workout takes its toll on us both.
Finally, I raise my head from his chest. ‘Too much for the office?’ I lean up and slide myself off him, probably looking slightly dishevelled.
He stifles a smile. ‘I would say so.’
He stands and strides to his en suite. I collect my clothes and follow him to the large bathroom, which is fully kitted with his usual Jo Malone masculine scent. I wash myself thoroughly – a double helping needs a little more attention than normal.
‘I keep asking myself, is this going to work, the days you’re here?’
My gaze meets his reflection. His smile reveals the absolute truth: he wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘You need some self-control, Mr S. You like to control me – maybe you need to control your dick.’ I smirk.
‘Is that right?’
‘You told me this morning that space is not an option.’ I walk out of the bathroom and retrieve my bag, then retouch my lip gloss and shake my hair, not wanting to tell all Luke’s staff we’ve just had sex.
Luke walks to his desk. ‘No, it’s not, Kate, but neither is this. Christ, you know what you do to me.’
‘Self-control, Luke, or you can just say no. I’m sure I can find other ways to amuse myself.’ There’s no need for me to turn around; I can feel his glare burning into me… Holy shit, what did I eat this morning to make me this brave?
Within seconds Luke is at my neck, whispering in my ear: ‘I like fucking you, just not where I do business.’
I turn and loop my arms around his neck.