Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  Harry’s eyes begin to haze with tears as she takes my hand.

  ‘I’m so pleased! All I’ve ever wanted is for someone to love you, and Luke does… He’s crazy in love with you.’

  I hear a noise and turn to see Raymond heading our way. ‘Kate.’ He walks towards me and delivers his usual double kiss. ‘I thought I heard your voice. Congratulations.’

  ‘Thanks. You look well – so you had a good honeymoon?’ I look at Harry and her face answers my question.

  ‘Yes, it was relaxing. Harry is doing well with her French.’ He places his arms around Harry’s shoulders and gives her a kiss. ‘I will let you talk. I have phone calls to make. We will catch up soon.’

  ‘Definitely.’

  He smiles and walks off to his art studio.

  ‘Well, married life seems to agree with you both.’

  ‘I know. I love him… I’m truly pathetic. Anyway, how’s the pack?’

  ‘OK. I haven’t spoken to Molly for a few days, although Barney saw her and said she looks well. As for Kiki… she worries me.’

  ‘Declan.’

  ‘Yeah. I haven’t really spoken to her because of flying to New York. She’s going skiing so I’ll see her in a few days. That’s my point – she’s going skiing with Declan.’

  ‘Are they seeing each other?’

  I drink some coffee and shake my head. ‘I don’t think they’re dating, more like shagging. She won’t admit it, but I know she likes him. Luke hasn’t got a clue what his brother thinks, and isn’t bothered either way.’

  ‘Shit, I hope she doesn’t get hurt.’

  ‘I warned her and Declan about this… Two shag monsters together are not a good combination. Before I forget Barney’s birthday, Luke said we could have the VIP area at SGI.’

  ‘Barney will love being the centre of attention – that’s perfect.’

  ‘He was really excited when I told him. Also, I want you to come to a charity ball – well, the whole pack.’ I drink the remainder of my coffee.

  ‘Sounds like fun. Will the super-bitch be there?’

  ‘Yes, so you need to come in guns blazing.’

  ‘Absolutely,’ Harry laughs. Hell has no fury like a pack of scorned women.

  ‘You look tired, babe.’

  ‘I’m fine. Back to reality is hard.’

  ‘Yes, Mrs Leclair… I’ll leave you to it.’

  ‘Before you go, how was New York?’

  I sigh. ‘OK, sort of. Let’s save that conversation for another day.’

  Within half an hour I am inputting the security entry code. The large black door opens. I notice the office doors are closed. Feeling exhausted, I head straight upstairs in need of a bath. As I walk into the bedroom, Luke appears in front of me, making me jump and scream.

  ‘Holy shit, Luke.’ My hand rests against my erratic heart.

  He pulls me to his arms. ‘I wanted to surprise you.’

  I pull away. ‘Jesus, you did!’

  ‘Sorry, baby. Your bath is run, and Chinese takeaway should be here in thirty minutes.’

  I reach for his face and tenderly kiss his delicious lips. ‘Thank you. I would love to have sex, but my stomach hurts like hell.’

  ‘Christ, Kate, I’m not trying to woo you. Yes, I love fucking you, but our relationship is not based on sex.’ He tilts his head to one side. ‘OK, so most of the time it is – however, not tonight.’ He smiles and kisses my cheek.

  ‘Sorry. My head is all over the place.’

  He takes my face in his hands. ‘Baby, never doubt my need for you… Plain and simple, you are my world.’

  13

  Our flight from Heathrow to Zurich was relatively smooth, and we now have a two-hour drive to Klosters. Having passed through various towns, we’re on the last leg of our journey. The four-by-four climbs a small hill to a chalet Livy and Edward have rented. I’ve switched off from Luke and Declan talking, as I can’t tear my eyes from the jagged snow-capped mountains.

  Then the car turns a corner and enters a cleared driveway. Livy and Edward’s car is parked ahead. They drove all the way from London, as they do each year, apparently.

  ‘Chalet’ is a poor description of the house. It’s huge, and most of what I can see is made of glass. As ever, I am amazed by the Suttons – we are worlds apart!

  ‘Kate.’ Luke squeezes my hand.

  I turn to him. ‘Bloody hell, this place is amazing.’

  ‘Wait until you see inside.’

  ‘I know you like a view, Mr S.’ His eyes gleam. ‘Oi, I wasn’t referring to my arse.’ I tap his arm.

  ‘I was, soon-to-be Mrs Sutton.’

  I plant a sassy kiss on his delicious lips. ‘Is that right? Threatening talk from Mr Frustrated Sutton.’ The tail end of my period is here, thank God.

  ‘All right you two, at least wait until you get in your room,’ Declan says.

  I step out of the car and shiver.

  ‘Edward, they’re here!’ Livy emerges from the front door and runs to us. ‘How was the journey?’

  ‘Good.’ Declan wraps his arms around his mum. ‘I’m starving.’

  ‘There’s plenty to eat inside.’ She moves towards me. ‘Hello, my darling.’ She gives me a motherly hug.

  ‘Hi, Livy. I can’t get over this place, it’s stunning.’

  She pulls away and links her arm through mine. ‘We love it here. Let’s get you inside, Kate. The boys can get the luggage.’

  Luke smiles as he watches us walk away.

  We enter the chalet. It is awe-inspiring, modern and elegant. The rear of the property is made entirely of glass; the view is out of this world. I’m truly speechless. We enter the kitchen, where a chef and waitress are busy preparing breakfast. Bloody hell, this is some set-up.

  ‘Kate, let me take your coat,’ Livy says, clearly enjoying the prospect of mothering her family for the next few days.

  ‘Thanks Livy.’ I remove my coat and hand it to her.

  ‘Now then, you must be hungry?’

  ‘Whatever they’re cooking smells good.’

  ‘Kate, how are you?’ Edward locks his arms around me, squeezing the air out of me. ‘Have you lost weight? You look thinner.’

  ‘Err… no, still the same old me.’

  ‘Oh, Edward, leave her alone.’ Livy taps her husband’s arm.

  ‘I’m sure Kate and Luke will give us our first grandchild, and I believe weight loss can affect fertility. I read an article in the paper.’

  What! Is he kidding? ‘Me, pregnant?’ That’s the last thing I need right now.

  ‘Pregnant… who’s pregnant?’ Declan enters the room. ‘Luke, have you knocked up your fiancée?’ He laughs.

  ‘No!’ I scowl at him.

  Luke arrives at my side. ‘Have I missed something?’

  ‘Apparently, Kate’s pregnant.’ Declan finds this highly amusing, watching me squirm.

  ‘Thanks, Declan, but I can assure you I’m definitely not pregnant.’

  ‘For goodness’ sake, let’s not discuss this any further. Luke, your father started the conversation. Sit, everyone.’ Livy points to the chairs.

  ‘I was merely saying I think Kate could do with putting on some weight, especially if they want children.’ Edward takes his seat.

  Oh my God, do I look like I’m ready to have children? I have problems taking care of myself.

  ‘Thanks, Edward, I’ll bear that in mind in a few years.’ I sit down, Luke at my side.

  ‘A few years?’ Luke looks at me.

  ‘Sorry?’ I turn to face him.

  ‘Is that how long you want to wait?’

  ‘I don’t know. I can’t say I’ve given it much thought.’

  ‘OK. I think that’s enough discussion regarding children, and Kate is right, you have plenty of time to think a
bout it. Now, the omelettes are delicious; I would highly recommend them.’ I am grateful that Livy has changed the subject. At least one Sutton can see sense.

  After breakfast, Luke takes me through to our bedroom. Since we’re on a hill, the town in the distance looks fairly small. Everything is covered in a dusting of snow that was delivered during the night – it’s stunning.

  ‘What do you think?’ Luke places his hands around my waist and lowers his lips to the top of my head.

  ‘I love it.’ I feel him smile.

  He turns me, placing his lips over mine. Instantly, our tongues begin their mating dance, twining against each other, and my hands automatically cup the base of his arse, drawing close.

  He pulls away. ‘I need you… how do you feel about a hot shower? You said your period had stopped.’

  ‘Just.’

  ‘How do you feel?’

  ‘Ready for you.’ I laugh.

  ‘Good.’

  ‘You have no self-control, Luke.’

  ‘Not when you’re around.’

  A knock at the door stops us.

  ‘Luke, ten minutes and then I’m off.’ Declan shouts a challenge through the door.

  ‘OK.’ He looks down at me.

  ‘Go. I’ll join you later.’

  Eventually I make it out to the snow, wearing my newly acquired ski attire. Valerie and I decided to bring the black fitted salopettes and a black fitted jacket with a fur-trimmed hood.

  We reach the top of the mountain and begin our descent. I follow Edward, as Livy skis parallel to me. It’s high season so the slopes are rammed, and yet I weave through the crowds with some degree of elegance. We continue down the next run. I reach the base of the mountain before Edward and Livy. I turn and can see them approaching me, but then from nowhere I am hit by another skier and sent flying. The other skier ends up lying flat on top of me. Judging by their weight, they’re male.

  Within seconds someone has lifted the skier off me, and I’m pulled to standing.

  ‘Are you OK? Kate, look at me.’ Luke moves my glasses.

  ‘I’m fine.’ I brush snow from my jacket.

  The skier stands up and holds a hand out to me. I wave my arm. I’m fine and in one piece – no harm done.

  Luke removes his glasses. ‘Fucking prick – next time look where you’re going.’ The skier clearly understands English, as he glares at Luke and moves towards him.

  ‘Luke!’ Livy reprimands her first-born.

  Declan tries to calm things. ‘Chill… Everyone’s fine, let’s move on.’ He looks at the skier, encouraging him to move before Luke ‘helps’ him.

  ‘He needs to watch out; she could have been hurt,’ Luke says.

  ‘Yes, but she’s fine. In future, watch your language.’ I admire Livy’s no-nonsense approach towards her son.

  Luke turns to me. ‘Baby, are you sure you’re OK?’

  ‘I’m fine; it was an accident.’

  ‘I think we could all do with a coffee break,’ Edward says.

  ‘Actually, I thought Kate and I could go into town.’ Livy says with a look at Luke.

  ‘OK, that sounds like a good idea. Go and have fun with Declan, but please be safe.’

  ‘Back at you, baby.’

  Livy drives for about twenty minutes before we arrive in Davos. She parks the car and we amble through the snow-covered streets that are lined with designer shops, clearly aimed at tourists with deep pockets. However, browsing is free.

  ‘Edward and I found this wonderful café the other day; let’s stop there and have some cake.’

  ‘Sounds great – calorie-free, I hope.’

  ‘Of course, my darling.’

  I find a table while she orders coffee and some cake. I remove my jacket and sit back in my chair to people-watch. I glance across the room, then do a double take. You have to be kidding! A cold wind from the north obscures my view of tranquillity.

  It’s obvious that Alexis Cooper is aware of my presence. She glances in my direction, then quickly looks away when she sees I’ve noticed her.

  Livy returns, armed with sugary treats.

  I feel at ease with Livy; she has welcomed me into the Sutton family, for which I am really grateful.

  ‘Any more wedding plans?’ Her eyes light up as she mentions the word ‘wedding’.

  ‘No, not yet. We’ve only agreed on the location, but you know that… Oh, and Mr Jones has made the pattern for my dress. When it’s ready, I want you and Mum to come with me for my fitting.’

  ‘Really? I’d love to.’ She reaches for my hand.

  ‘Of course. I don’t want you to feel I’ve stolen your son… You’re a massive part of Luke’s life.’ She nods. ‘So, you know Mr Jones will be using vintage lace for my dress.’

  After a couple of hours we decide to head back to the chalet. I glance at Alexis. She is still seated in the corner of the café, studiously ignoring me.

  I follow Livy to the door, which opens before we get there. What the hell?

  ‘Maddy.’ Livy greets Luke’s ex-fiancée with kindness.

  ‘Hi, Livy – you look well.’ They exchange double kisses.

  ‘Kate, nice to see you again,’ says Maddy.

  ‘Hi.’ I manage a smile.

  ‘Congratulations. I was thrilled when my dad told me about your engagement. I texted Luke congratulating you both.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Text – what bloody text? He didn’t mention it to me.

  ‘Well, we must go. Take care, Maddy, and give my love to your parents.’ Livy places another kiss on her cheek.

  ‘I will, Livy.’

  ‘Bye,’ I quietly respond, seething inside.

  We return to the warmth of the chalet. Edward is the only one there, sitting in front of the crackling fire. I take refuge in my room, stripping off my clothes, leaving my underwear on, and slipping under the duvet. The super-efficient staff have lit a fire and also left me a tray of tea… I may need to take these people home as a souvenir.

  Even though I’m tired, Maddy is all I can think about: she has Luke’s mobile number, and can contact Luke at any time. God, the thought makes my blood boil.

  I hear the door open and close, and I turn my head to see Luke. I must have fallen asleep. He walks towards the bed.

  ‘Hi, baby.’ His cheeks are rosy.

  ‘Did you have fun?’ I ask.

  He looks totally relaxed.

  ‘Kicked Declan’s arse – no surprise really.’

  I shake my head. His eyes follow my trail of clothes. ‘I know that look, Harper.’ He dives on the bed next to me. ‘What’s on your mind?’

  ‘Nothing, really. I had a lovely time with your mum… But the super-bitch was at the café. I know she saw me, and she didn’t even say hello to your mum.’

  Luke takes a deep breath. ‘It’s probably best that you stay away from each other.’

  ‘Not a problem for me. Actually, when we left the café, it was a bit awkward – Maddy was there. So your poor mum had me on one side and your ex-fiancée on the other.’

  Luke’s eyebrows shoot up.

  ‘Did you know she would be here?’

  ‘Kate, most of my parents’ friends come here every year. But no, I wasn’t aware that Maddy was going to be here – why would I?’

  ‘I don’t know – maybe she told you when she sent you a text?’

  ‘I assume you are trying to make a point?’

  ‘Too bloody right I am. It’s so comforting to know your ex is just fingertips away.’

  Luke leans onto his elbow. ‘She did text me to congratulate us both. Other than that, I haven’t heard from her.’ He takes a deep breath. ‘I’m tired of these pointless discussions.’ His voice becomes hard.

  ‘Pointless? Are you shitting me? You need to get a new phone number! I’m ser
ious; I won’t play second fiddle to any of your exes.’

  He runs his tongue along his lower lip. ‘You’re jealous.’

  ‘Well done, Sherlock! I’m cross you never told me she texted… And it pisses me off that she seems quite nice.’

  ‘What can I say? I have good taste in fiancées.’ His eyes lock to mine as he begins to laugh.

  ‘I can’t believe you just said that.’

  His hand brushes against my cheek. ‘It was a joke.’

  ‘Well, I’m not laughing… I’m bloody cross.’ I sit up slightly and fold my arms.

  ‘Maybe you need to wear some red lipstick; confirm your ownership.’ Luke places his head on my lap, trying to hide his laughter.

  ‘I don’t bloody think so, Sutton – the mood I’m in, I will bite your dick off, never mind suck it.’ Luke is calm and laughing – how can I stay mad with him?

  He raises his head.

  ‘Step away from the red lipstick… Can we remove all red lipstick from the house?’ he bellows.

  ‘Oh, you think you’re so bloody funny.’ He is; I can’t help but laugh. No Harper–Sutton battle today.

  ‘Come on, let’s get in the shower.’ He stands and pulls me up to join him.

  We stand, side by side, in the wet room, the shower running. As soon as I meet his gaze, his lips are on me: brutal kisses that leave me horny and breathless, a sexual combination I can’t live without. Luke pulls away and rapidly removes his clothes.

  ‘I need to use the toilet.’ My face glows.

  ‘Go for it.’

  ‘Turn around.’

  He smiles.

  ‘This isn’t a turn-on, now turn around.’

  He obliges. Once I’m ready, I slip past him and move directly into the hot shower. He follows close behind and slides his hands around my wet torso, heading for my breasts. He turns me to face him. My hands skim his defined stomach and take hold of his erection. I manipulate him, and he grows within my firm grip. He lowers his lips to my nipples, circling his tongue round each before sucking them, hard. He is driving me crazy… just touch me.

  ‘Luke.’ My voice is low, but my body is screaming: I need you inside me.