Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  Lighten the mood, Harper.

  ‘So you want me to kick your arse, do you, Sutton?’

  ‘In your dreams, baby, but I’ll teach you to defend yourself.’

  We stand in the well-equipped house gym.

  ‘Kate!’

  I look at Luke, who’s standing in front of me. ‘You need to concentrate.’

  ‘Yeah, but I was just thinking I should exercise. Well, not today, and tomorrow, as I’m busy, then I have Barney’s party to sort out, and a couple of dress fittings with Mr Jones…’

  ‘Jesus. Were you this easily distracted at school?’

  I place my hands on my hips, slightly offended.

  ‘No!’ Of course I was easily distracted!

  ‘So tell me what you know about self-defence.’ Luke stands in front of me, arms folded, looking all Commander Sutton.

  ‘Kneeing whoever in the balls and then run, and of course scream. And always make sure I have my phone with me.’

  ‘Fuck all, then.’ Suddenly Luke grabs me and holds me tightly, my arms locked around me. ‘Can you reach my balls, or your phone?’

  ‘Obviously not – you’re holding me too tight.’ He releases me. ‘I wasn’t ready.’

  ‘That’s my point, baby – an attacker doesn’t warn you so you can call for help. You do know that, having been on the receiving end.’

  ‘Fine.’ I roll my eyes.

  ‘Hit me.’

  What? ‘I’m not going to hit you; I might hurt you.’

  Luke laughs.

  ‘That’s unlikely. Now hit me.’

  ‘No!’

  Luke pushes my shoulder.

  ‘Ow! What was that for?’

  ‘Hit me.’

  ‘No, I don’t want to.’

  ‘Kate, you need to hit me so I can show you how to defend yourself.’

  This game is shit. I have no intention of hitting him. However, if he pushes me again I’ll knock him out.

  ‘Fine, if you want me to hit you, then close your eyes.’

  ‘Shut my eyes?’ He smirks.

  ‘Yes, is there something wrong with your hearing? Besides, with all your stealth 007 wannabe training, I’m sure your super-senses will detect where I am going to attack you.’

  ‘Is that so?’

  ‘Eyes shut.’

  To my amazement, he closes them. My first attack is directed at his lips as I lock my arms around his neck. Obliging Commander Sutton allows my tongue to probe in his mouth, inviting him to enjoy the assault.

  Finally Luke pulls away. ‘That’s how you defend yourself?’

  ‘Only from you.’ I kiss his jaw, as my hand moves to the waistband of his joggers, heading for his erection.

  ‘Do you need to defend yourself from me?’ Luke’s voice is low and sexy. I can hear that Commander Sutton has left the building and now my sex god is standing in front of me.

  ‘No. But you may want to defend yourself from me,’ I say.

  My mouth finds his again as my hand works on his thick erection. He scoops me up in his arms and walks to the bench press, pulling me to him. I rid myself of my grey leggings and his joggers, allowing his hardness to spring free. It’s a bonus we’re both commando this morning!

  Silently, I straddle him and lower myself onto him. Slowly he sinks further inside me.

  ‘Christ…’ He takes a deep breath and reaches for my T-shirt, pulling it over my head. Then he grabs my breasts, using his thumb and index fingers to play with my nipples. As my feet are able to touch the floor I have the power to ride him fast, sliding up and down his shaft, taking him deeper with every thrust. His hand leaves my nipples and slides between my wet lips, brushing against my clit.

  My thrusting becomes quicker, as Luke’s fingers mirror the pace set on my clit. I am desperate to come. The world around me dissolves, until only we exist; it happens every time my body surrenders to Luke.

  Minutes later, I’ve gone.

  ‘Luke.’

  Shit, why does each orgasm still take me by surprise?

  ‘Give it to me, baby. Kate, look at me.’

  My eyes rest on his as the last wave washes over me. He has me; this is me, stripped naked. Luke’s hands move to my hips. He takes a low breath and I know he’s coming.

  ‘Fuck…’

  Seconds later he holds me still. I lean forward and tenderly kiss him.

  ‘I think my idea of self-defence has actually knocked you on your arse.’

  ‘Touché, baby.’ He laughs at my evaluation as I slide myself off him and stand.

  ‘I quite like this form of self-defence. What’s it called – fuck and run?’

  Later that day we leave for my next Sutton training, one that I have absolutely zero interest in. After last night, I can’t help but wonder if this made Luke the way he is today: watching your best friend die in your arms must alter you in some way.

  ‘What happened after Max took you to Hereford? Sorry, shouldn’t I ask? I mean, you don’t have to tell me.’

  He reaches over and squeezes my thigh.

  ‘Basic army training. They definitely kicked the arrogant arsehole out of me.’

  ‘Really?’ I reply sarcastically.

  Luke laughs. I’m sure he’s reminiscing about my initial thoughts of him, which I did share more than once.

  ‘Kate Harper, tell me your opinion has changed.’ He tries to act wounded.

  ‘Well, all I can say is they obviously didn’t kick you hard enough.’

  ‘Maybe.’ He offers me a sideways smile. ‘After my induction I then went through rigorous army training. I was a quick learner. As you know, I speak fluent French, Italian, and I can get by in German, plus a few additional languages – it came easy to me.’

  I turn to him, full of admiration.

  ‘Bloody hell, Luke.’ My attempt at ordering a drink in French seems somewhat pathetic!

  ‘A few years down the line I was picked out and deployed to the SAS. We trained hard at Hereford; the Brecon Beacons were tough, and – the rest is history that I won’t disclose.’

  ‘You leave me speechless. How the hell have you packed so much into your life? Christ, this time last year I was working with Mr Jones – and now you’re engaged to me.’ I laugh; he must have drawn the short straw.

  ‘Why is that funny?’

  ‘Christ, Luke, you’re a hot gazillionaire who can shoot and speak in God knows how many languages, and yet you’re with someone who thinks French toast is the answer to any world problems.’

  ‘It did help last night.’ He squeezes my leg again. ‘Kate, you keep me grounded, and you keep me thinking the best of people.’

  ‘Your business – did you start it as soon as you left Sullivan and Parker?’

  ‘I’ve always had a love affair with stocks and shares. I began to use my grandfather’s inheritance to make enough money to start Sutton Global.’

  ‘You said your family don’t know about your 007 life.’

  He turns to me.

  ‘007! And, no, they think I was working abroad in a bank.’

  I laugh. ‘Really, not out assassinating people? I can’t imagine you in a bank. More to the point, how on earth did they believe that? They must have asked questions.’

  ‘The day I signed up, I knew I had found my calling. Max was right – I needed to channel my anger into something.’

  ‘But you left home – surely your mum was worried?’

  ‘I took my passport, packed some clothes and told her I was travelling and working. The bank job – so to speak – came slightly later. I had no intention of them finding out what I was involved in, so I invented a career to stop my parents asking questions. I went home when I could, trained hard, and took up a hobby of investing in stocks and shares.’

  ‘You give a whole new meaning to th
e word hobby.’ I say.

  ‘Kate, I knew that at some point I wanted to start Sutton Global. So, in between various… jobs—’

  I laugh. ‘Jobs? Is that code for assassinations?’

  ‘I’ve never unlawfully killed anyone. However, taking one man out with a bomb to save a school bus full of innocent children – that’s a no-brainer.’

  ‘I’m teasing you. Luke, you have to remember my life has been so sheltered compared to yours. Not just our backgrounds, but every part of you. We’re so different. I mean, you planned Sutton Global in between missions, you can hear how mad that is – but not for you. You think so differently to me.’

  Luke pulls up in a parking space.

  ‘I don’t think we’re that different, Kate. I need you as much as you need me. Surely that’s enough.’

  I lean over and kiss his lips. ‘It is for me.’

  I stand in a cubicle, Luke at my side. He leans forward to whisper in my ear.

  ‘Why do you always look so hot?’

  ‘I don’t – it’s you and your addiction to sex,’ I say cheekily. His statement has me in his hands.

  Within ten minutes a gun specialist who Luke seems to know well joins us. He is carrying a handgun.

  ‘Luke, is this what you want?’

  Luke takes the weapon and points it forward. Then he slides something up and down. I’m already lost in the world of military Sutton.

  ‘Kate, put your ear defenders on – I’m going to shoot.’

  I nod, feeling a little anxious. I know I heard gunfire in Russia but this feels different, maybe because we’re in a controlled environment. Luke holds the gun forward and points it towards a long-range target. There is a loud noise that causes me to scream. Luke and his friend turn to look at me.

  ‘Sorry!’ My face glows. Clearly, I’m out of my comfort zone.

  ‘It’s perfect for Kate’

  Sorry – did I hear right? ‘Luke, I don’t think any gun is perfect for me.’

  ‘I’ll leave you to it. You have a box of ammo underneath. Do you want me to put it on your account?’ the gun specialist says.

  ‘Yes,’ Luke says, inspecting the gun and removing the cartridge.

  We’re alone. My training session is about to begin. Luke hands me the gun.

  ‘Here, take hold of it. I want you to feel it in your hands.’

  ‘Really?’ I look at the love of my life, who is wearing his stern face.

  ‘Kate, this is an introduction – you won’t be leaving here with a gun; I just want you to know how the mechanics work.’

  ‘What’s the point?’

  ‘Peace of mind for me… I hate that you were surrounded by weapons in Russia and clueless about how they worked.’

  ‘Luke, I wouldn’t have picked up a gun anyway. Besides, I have you with me 24/7 – personal Sutton security!’

  ‘Funny. This is for your protection, that’s all.’ He touches my cheek. ‘Just let me show you.’

  ‘Fine.’

  ‘Here.’ He hands me the gun again, and I hold it at arm’s length, letting it swing from my fingers. ‘Kate, you need to have more contact with it. Hold it the same way I did.’

  I mirror Luke’s action. It does feel bizarre. I bring it closer.

  ‘Well, what do you think?’

  ‘Hmm… Do they make it in pink?’

  Luke’s face drops.

  ‘I’m joking! But I could stick some diamantes on it.’

  ‘No! Now be serious.’

  ‘OK, chill, Commander Sutton.’

  15

  The annoying sound of my alarm wakes me. My eyes closed, I switch it off. Crap! Today is D-day: do or die for Harper Jones. I’m mentally prepared for a ‘no’.

  I roll to my side, knowing Luke left in the early hours of the morning. Instead of him, there is a note and a single red rose. I sit up and take hold of both gifts, smelling the rose first.

  Dear Kate,

  Happy Valentine’s Day.

  Sorry I’m not with you this morning – our first.

  I have planned a romantic evening, but I will have to meet you there. All I’m going to tell you is that for some part we will be outside.

  I love you.

  Luke x

  My heart skips a beat with excitement. What the bloody hell shall I wear? Sensible or daring? I’ll think about it today.

  Within an hour Thomas is walking me to my office.

  Stella looks up. ‘Kate, how are you? I spoke to Luke last night.’ She makes her way round the desk to join me. ‘Poor Max – and you too.’

  ‘I’m fine, Stella, just worried about Max and Luke.’

  She follows me through to my office. ‘I can’t believe it – how do you get over losing a son?’

  ‘I don’t know. Burying your only child – dear God… That poor man.’ Stella places her hand over her mouth.

  ‘Luke was only seventeen.’

  ‘I can’t bear it, Kate.’

  I place my arm around her shoulder, pulling her towards me.

  ‘I just hope Max can cope with us all knowing about it – he’s pretty guarded, and rarely talks about personal stuff.’

  ‘We need to behave normally around him, and if he needs us then of course we will help. Let me get you a coffee. Tanya is here, and I believe your Harper Jones recruits will be here shortly.’

  ‘Don’t remind me. I hope they want to be recruited.’ My hand slides across my stomach, which is cramping with nerves.

  ‘Of course they will – who wouldn’t want to be a part of your project?’

  ‘You should join us. I love having you around, but I know Luke would never let you go.’

  ‘I would never leave him, my darling.’ She smiles for the first time this morning, then leaves the room as Tanya enters.

  ‘Morning, Kate.’

  ‘Hi – are you ready for today?’ I ask. ‘God, I feel nervous.’

  ‘I’ve got a good feeling about this.’ She makes her way towards the board table.

  A knock at the door halts my thoughts, which I’m grateful for.

  ‘Come in.’

  A delivery boy from the post room walks towards me, carrying a bouquet of red roses.

  ‘Miss Harper, these were delivered for you.’ He hands me the flowers.

  ‘Oh, thank you.’

  Tanya smiles. We all know who’s sent the bouquet of love.

  I place the bouquet, which is already in water and tied with a stunning red silk bow, on my desk, and read the note.

  Dear Cook,

  I will always remain in your hands, today and every day.

  Yours always,

  Boss x

  I smile at the message, which reminds me of how I met Luke, when I was his cook, and he was my elusive boss. I take my mobile out of my bag – I need to thank him.

  Dear love of my life,

  Thank you for the bouquet and the message. Yes, you will be in my hands tonight. However, food will not be the reason!

  Love you forever x

  ‘Sorry, Luke’s gone all mushy. Shall we go over the Bagrov paperwork before the others arrive?’

  ‘Yes, sure.’ We sit at the board table as Tanya tells me in great detail about mergers and contracts. I struggle to take it all in. When will this all make sense?

  I check my watch. It’s time for my guests to arrive. There is a knock at my door.

  ‘Come in.’ The same delivery boy enters, holding a duplicate bouquet of flowers. I move towards him. ‘Thank you again. It looks like I might get to know you pretty well.’

  He smiles awkwardly. ‘Maybe.’

  ‘You’re popular.’ Tanya laughs.

  I remove the card.

  Dear Kate,

  I hope your day is long and hard, waiting for me to live up
to the title that you have given me.

  Yours always, Sex God x

  Holy shit. A burning crimson tide creeps up my neck. I clear my throat. ‘I swear to God someone has possessed Luke.’

  Again, I retrieve my mobile.

  ‘You give me hope that romance is still alive,’ Tanya says.

  Now what shall I text him?

  Dear Sex God,

  I believe it was you who said that distance makes the heart and groin grow harder.

  Think of me while you are at work today, with my hair all over your lap and my mouth sucking you dry.

  Love you from the moment you got me wet…

  PS: love the roses. Thank you – again x

  Will he be able to continue his day of self-discipline? I hope not!

  There is another knock at the door – not more flowers?

  ‘Come in.’

  The door opens. ‘Hi.’ It’s Maria.

  She joins us at the boardroom table, and is shortly followed by Valerie and Mr Jones.

  ‘I can’t believe it… Honestly, I’m so bloody excited, you’ve made the best decision. I promise I won’t let you down.’ I raise my glass. ‘Here’s to Harper Jones – and lots of fabulous clothes.’

  We raise our glasses, but yet another knock on the door interrupts the celebrations.

  ‘Come in.’ My new friend returns with yet another identical bouquet of roses. ‘You have to be kidding.’ I laugh as I make my way to the post boy. ‘I was joking earlier, but you may as well tell me your name.’

  ‘Toby Miller.’

  I hold my hand out. ‘Pleased to meet you, Toby, and call me Kate.’ I take the new bouquet. ‘Now, am I likely to see you again, Toby?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ He suppresses a smile. Thank God he can’t read the notes with the flowers.

  I place the new flowers on the coffee table and take the note.

  Dear Kate… aka the techno-phobic female in my life: how can someone with a fear of buttons push mine daily?

  Tonight – let’s push boundaries!

  Yours always, Techno Boy x

  Oh my God, I want to cry and combust at the same time. Shit, he’s planned this flawlessly. His delivery and timing are in perfect sync: he is matching all of his alter egos from our past notes, reminding me of our history from the beginning. I stand and collect my phone.