by F. C. Clark
‘Of course I’m bothered,’ I snap, and stand. ‘If you’re going to be arsey with me then I’ll go and have a bath.’ I move towards the bedroom, removing my tights along the way. I slide my dress over my head and strip off my underwear. As I turn, he stands in the doorway with a dark cloud over him.
His eyes lock on mine, making me feel intimidated. He moves slowly towards me, unbuttoning his shirt and dropping it to the floor. He stops and removes his handmade leather shoes and socks, then works at his trousers and boxers. No words are spoken as we stand, naked.
I reach up for his lips and kiss him softly. My hands run down his back, gripping his arse, and his erection digs in to my hip. He guides me to the bed. I scramble to the centre and lie on my back. Luke moves between my legs. Without any thought I push him to his back and straddle him. My hand instantly grips his erection, which hardens in seconds. His fiery gaze catches mine, as his breathing quickens.
‘Kate.’
‘Shh…’ I lean towards him. ‘You can’t control everything, Luke, and that includes me.’ I can’t break away from his eyes. My body stretches and takes his thickness deep inside. His hands brush against my nipples, slide down my torso and rest on my hips. With his help, I begin to ride him. No words are spoken: our only communication is eye contact.
I have no time to scrutinise his behaviour as my orgasm arrives, quickly taking over my body and senses. My stomach contracts with the first wave.
‘Luke!’ is all I can gasp.
I bathe in the feeling of hedonism as my orgasm lingers. Luke holds my hips, helping me move faster, ensuring he comes quickly.
‘Fuck.’ He holds my body in place as I feel a faint shudder, the last of his climax.
I lean to his lips. ‘I love you,’ I declare before I kiss him and free myself.
He is quiet – too quiet. I tuck my body next to his, and instantly he places his arm around my waist, drawing me closer. My hands glide over the contours of his torso and the fine hairs that cover it.
‘You’re quiet.’ Nothing. I rest my chin on his chest. ‘I assume you’re pissed off.’
His eyes lock to mine. ‘Was.’
‘Was… OK, so why are you quiet? You know I hate silence.’
‘You also hate protection, and you can’t be reasonable.’ He’s not so silent now!
‘How so? Luke bloody Sutton, are you suggesting I’ve misbehaved? Irrational Sutton has entered the building.’
His dark eyes close. ‘You and Tanya were out by yourselves. Max wasn’t with you, and I worried about you. Christ, you know what buttons to push, Kate – no one else has this effect on me, personally or in business. It’s hard for me to adjust.’
‘You said I didn’t need Max here… The trip was short and door-to-door, so to speak.’
‘Every detail was last-minute, for a reason.’
‘OK. Last-minute means what? You said there were eyes and ears everywhere earlier. Care to share exactly what you mean?’ I know Commander Sutton when I see one.
‘No…’
‘Luke.’
His eyes close for a moment. ‘Jesus, baby, I feel myself losing control with you.’
‘Does that scare you?’
His fingers spread against my hipbone.
‘Yes.’
‘I know you’ll never hurt me.’
‘Never.’
‘Then what is it? I don’t understand you, Luke.’
‘The explosion might still haunt you, but it’s far worse for me. You need to give me this.’
I move and straddle him again. ‘How’s it worse for you? I saw you lying on the ground… I thought you were…’ God, I hate going back to that day.
‘I should be able to protect you.’ He runs his hand through his hair. ‘Fuck, Kate, I’ve been trained to protect people and then you walk into my life.’
‘You say that like it’s a bad thing.’
He grabs my hips and moves us both further up the bed. ‘No.’
‘I was drinking champagne this afternoon, that’s all. I was safe. If today is why you’re acting weird, then we need to sort you out.’
‘Weird?’
‘Yes, you’re odd. At first I thought it was because you’re hot and loaded, but that’s not it. I went for a walk with Tanya – that is a normal thing to do! Your behaviour is not normal.’ He closes his eyes for a second. He is seriously struggling. ‘Hey, I want to be your wife, but you need to change.’
He nods.
‘Luke – I mean it.’
‘I’m trying.’
‘Bullshit! You need to trust me and give me the freedom I need to grow… Is this why you’ve been single for a while?’ He frowns. ‘Not many girls would put up with this.’
‘I have never been like this with anyone else.’
‘I feel so blessed.’ My cheeky remark makes him smile.
‘You’re a head fuck, Kate Harper.’
‘Sutton… very soon.’
‘Sorry – very soon to be Mrs Sutton, and I’m sorry for…’
‘Shh… no more.’
I move from his lap and stand. ‘Let’s have a bath and get room service. We can lie in bed and watch the city.’ I hold my hand out to him. ‘Come on, oddball.’
He laughs. ‘I’ll give you fucking oddball.’
It’s rare, but the next morning I wake first. I turn and look at the view. The city that never sleeps is awake. I roll on my side and study the other stunning view in my life, although this one is asleep.
He pulls me towards him. Can he sense me in his sleep? Military training? I wonder.
‘Good morning, wife-to-be.’ Thankfully, he seems to be in better spirits today.
‘Sorry I woke you.’ My head turns to the view again. ‘I can’t help but stare. The view is amazing.’
He places his hand on my naked arse. ‘I couldn’t agree more.’ It would seem Mr Playful is with me this morning. ‘I think this T-shirt needs to go, so I can enjoy the view better.’ Luke yanks at my T-shirt. ‘You need a Sutton workout. Call it a de-stressing workout.’
God, I love New York.
‘Are you sure?’ I check my reflection again, running my hands down my fitted black faux leather pencil skirt.
‘You look fine, as I told you five minutes ago.’ Luke’s eyes remain on his paperwork.
‘I’m not sure… Does the polo neck look business-like? Maybe I should change. I mean, do people wear polo necks to meetings? Although it is winter so I guess it makes sense. But…’
‘Jesus, Kate! You do realise you haven’t stopped talking? Sit down and eat some breakfast.’
‘I can’t eat, I feel sick.’ I brush my poker-straight hair again and check my makeup for the hundredth time. Too much black kohl or not enough?
The knock at the door ends my fashion dilemma – for the moment.
I open the door. ‘Thank God.’
Tanya steps inside the suite.
‘Fashion question for you, and Luke’s not playing my game. What do you think?’ I use my hand to gesture at myself from head to toe. ‘I know, you don’t like the polo neck, do you? I was unsure, but I thought it was smart casual.’
Tanya shuts the door and walks towards the dining table. ‘It’s fine, you look fine.’
‘Fine? Define fine.’
‘Ignore her,’ Luke says.
‘Cheers, Luke… I’m nervous and you’re not helping.’ I move towards him.
‘Tanya, I have repeated myself for the last twenty minutes.’ Luke stands and pours some coffee. He looks at Tanya. ‘Coffee?’
‘Yes please, Mr Su—’
‘Oh no! Luke, I told Tanya to drop all the formal bullshit and call you Luke. Besides, I’m her boss and I’m telling her to call my fiancé by his name.’
Luke glares and Tanya bites her lip.
&n
bsp; ‘Point taken. Tanya, please call me Luke.’ His frown shows he would have appreciated a heads-up on this discussion.
Tanya sits awkwardly and begins to sip her coffee. I move Luke’s arms, enough for me to sit on his lap.
‘Is there something wrong with the other chairs?’
I link my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. ‘I need this. God, I feel sick… Look at my hands.’ They are shaking.
Instantly his strong arms lock around my body. ‘I’ve got you.’
***
Tanya and I step out of the limousine. I look up at the tall glass building, aware that I have been putting off this visit since the day I received news of Katenka’s estate. Crap, here we go.
We step out of the lift among a sea of workers. I stop dead in my tracks. BAGROV AND COOPER. My mum’s name in large gold script. It hits me that this was her business, my family business. I swallow hard and follow Tanya. We are escorted to a vast boardroom. We refuse a drink, and sit and wait.
One by one the chairs at the large table fill up, and various assistants come in and line the back walls. Soon, only two chairs remain empty.
Several eyes dart around the room, surreptitiously glancing at me, the woman who owns sixty per cent of their company. To say that I feel out of my depth would be a huge understatement.
The atmosphere instantly alters with the arrival of the super-bitch and her father. Philip Cooper walks in and sits directly in front of me, smartly dressed in a dark suit. He makes my skin crawl. Alexis sits in the last chair next to him. I can’t help but notice her stunning black pinstripe suit: very chic. God, I hate her, but I love her clothes.
I keep looking forward. Breathe and don’t run is my new mantra – for the next thirty minutes.
A man stands at the front of the room. He introduces himself as Mr Stewart. Apparently he’s one of the board members. He then addresses the board. I look at him, not looking at the evil Cooper duo. My poker face is commendable, but internally I’m flagging. Breathe, don’t run.
The spokesman begins to read through the items listed on the agenda. Thankfully, he needs no input from me. We reach the last two items. First, selling a company that is thriving, and has a hefty price tag. I raise my hand and agree. The hotel is the last item to be discussed. I remember the paperwork that Tanya showed me in Luke’s office: the renovation of a hotel. It needs a unanimous vote.
Philip Cooper coughs, indicating he’s about to speak. Unfortunately, this means I will have to look at him.
‘You’re fully aware we need to agree on this project in order to continue our growth within the hotel industry.’ He looks at me. ‘Miss Harper, I take it you understand what is going on here. I suspect your fiancé has explained the importance of this vote… I should also congratulate you on your engagement. Mr Sutton has landed on his feet, marrying into money and a business.’ The evil smirk plastered across his face chills me, but his look of hatred when he mentions Luke’s name is far more unsettling and leaves me wondering why he feels like this. I can only think he’s threatened by Luke.
He has landed on his feet. Prick!
‘Thinking outside the box and branching away from like-minded people has done him the world of good.’ My eyes lock with Alexis’s. Yes, you bitch: that comment was a joint Cooper reply.
‘Life is full of surprises. Luke Sutton is a… let’s just say, he likes business and women. You think you can tame a man like him?’
The stillness in the room is nerve-racking.
Oh my God. I clear my throat. ‘I’m his new venture, Mr Cooper. Watch me tame him!’
He laughs loudly. ‘I wish you luck, Miss Harper… I wish you luck.’
Luck? He’s bloody lucky Luke’s not here.
I lean towards Tanya’s ear. ‘When is the deadline for this deal?’
She skims through her paperwork. ‘Tomorrow, three o’clock. Why?’
‘Good.’ I return my gaze to the Coopers.
The spokesman speaks to the masses. ‘All those in favour?’
People raise their hands. All eyes stop at me. I search for strength. Dig deep – you’ll be a Sutton soon.
My eyes remain on Philip Cooper. ‘I’m not sure about this project.’ An eerie silence fills the room like a dark cloud. Kiss my arse, slimeball.
‘Can you repeat that, Miss Harper?’ His face reddens with anger.
I lean further across the table, ensuring he can hear and see me. ‘I’m not sure about this deal… You have until tomorrow. I believe three o’clock is the deadline.’ I shrug my shoulders. Fuck you, arsehole.
He bangs so hard on the table that everyone stops breathing – including me. Clearly, he’s pissed off.
‘Let me make something clear! You’re here because you are the beneficiary of your late mother’s fortune. Do not sit there and think your input matters. All you need to do is turn up and look pretty.’
‘Looks like you have a problem.’ I sit back in my chair. ‘I apologise for my ignorance, but I do own a majority share in this company, yes?’
I’m sure I can hear gasps from the masses watching me deal with their boss. ‘Feel free to correct me at any point. As I was saying, you need my vote – and I’m not sure I want to give it to you.’ I grab my bag and stand. I look at Tanya, informing her we’re leaving. ‘I’ll let you know my answer tomorrow.’
‘You’re making a mistake… Just go home to your fiancé and practise playing wifey.’ Philip glares at me.
I swear to God I’m going to crawl across the table and knock him out. I push my chair in. ‘Oh, and when I return tomorrow I expect an office – the biggest you have, just so I can paint my fucking nails!’
The people in the room part, making way for my exit. Tanya follows. No one tries to stop us. I’m not sure if it’s due to fear or utter disbelief.
We are given our coats, and make our way to the lift. Tanya looks at me, trying not to laugh. Thank goodness, the lift promptly arrives, and we step in and the door shuts.
‘Fuck, fuck, fuck, crap!’ I rub my forehead. ‘Oh my God, what was I thinking? Shit, now I have to come back tomorrow. I need a gag! I can’t help myself; I have to say whatever comes into my head. I told you this would happen. I’m not a businesswoman, and never will be. Shit, shit, shit…’ I slump in the corner.
‘Philip’s face – I thought he was going to explode,’ Tanya says, laughing.
‘I know. I was amazed that Alexis just sat there and didn’t say a word. Oh bloody hell, what have I done? Luke is going to go mad. All I had to do was say yes. Yes – see, it’s easy; I said it.’
‘He was disrespectful to you, and mentioning Luke was unethical.’
‘Bloody weasel! That made me so cross. I’m guessing this is nothing like your usual meetings?’
‘Far more entertaining!’ She smiles.
Back at the hotel, I pace the suite, replaying the meeting in my head, feeling cross with myself for allowing the Coopers to intimidate me – and now I have to return.
Hastily, I strip off my clothes, leaving my underwear on, and slide under the duvet. I spend the next few hours watching reruns of Friends and the complete saga of Keeping up with the Kardashians, as well as eating all the overpriced M&Ms from the fridge.
‘Kate!’ Luke bellows from the living area.
‘I’m in the bedroom.’
As he enters the room, my heart skips a beat.
‘Why are you in bed?’
‘Oh my God. I’m so bloody mad at myself.’
He removes his shoes and lies next to me. ‘So, what happened? I can read you, Harper.’ His lip curls.
‘It’s not funny.’ I sit up slightly.
‘I’m not laughing, baby.’ He runs his hand down my cheek.
‘Pissed off… that’s what I am. It was running OK until the prick mentioned you’ve found yourself a catch and asked if I
had the power to tame you! Apparently you like business and women – in that order… Can you believe him? I nearly crawled over the table and knocked him out. Even Tanya said he was unethical.’ I fold my arms, still raging.
‘Kate Harper, are you protecting me?’ Luke tips up the empty packets of chocolates. ‘Hungry?’
‘See, this is what he’s made me do, eat all the chocolate, and I bet they cost a bloody fortune… Add that to the list of reasons why I despise the man. And now I have to go back tomorrow.’
Luke looks puzzled. ‘Why’s that?’
‘I thought you would have spoken to Tanya.’
‘I tried, but her phone went to voicemail. Honestly, I thought you were in good hands.’
‘Tanya was fine, if that’s what you mean… They needed a unanimous vote to purchase a hotel, and I said no – well, for today. They have until tomorrow to finalise the deal.’ I take a deep breath.
Luke tilts his head.
‘Philip told me to stay at home and play wifey, so I asked for an office, a large one where I could paint my fucking nails.’
Luke bows his head, laughing.
‘It’s not funny. The weasel said they didn’t need any input from me, and that I should just sit there and look pretty… How about my right foot up his arse? I’m sure that’ll look pretty.’
‘What am I going to do with you?’ He kisses me tenderly, soothing away my anger. He pulls away and nips my nose.
‘I thought you’d be pissed off.’
‘No. Am I surprised something like this has happened? Not really. If Philip Cooper had kept his mouth shut, the deal would have been completed, but he spoke out of turn, and I agree with you that he can be a prick.’
I place my arms lovingly around his neck.
‘As for taming me, you have.’
I scream under my breath with frustration.
Luke brushes my cheek with the back of his hand. ‘There are many Philip Coopers in the world. You just need to remain calm and when the time comes you will be able to kick him up the arse.’
‘Maybe… This is why I want a nine-to-five job. I’m not cut out for this world.’
‘You’ll get there. So, what would my headstrong fiancée like to do?’