Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  ‘I’m serious – you can’t secretly watch me. That’s messed-up shit, even for you.’

  He slides out of me and stands up. Taking my hands, he pulls me upright.

  ‘It’s irrelevant how long I have been watching you.’

  My hands rest against my hips.

  ‘No, it’s not. Don’t patronise me, Luke.’ He offers me a tissue. I snatch it from his hand.

  I move my bra to its original position and collect my knickers from the floor. Luke fixes himself, looking shit-hot.

  ‘I had to deal with some business before I joined you. The security cameras continuously record. I saw you dancing with Barney – very erotically. I assume you know how the remainder of the evening played out.’ His unforgiving expression cuts me.

  ‘Erotically? Luke, I was having fun with Barney. Maybe you should try it some time.’

  His dark eyes lock to mine – it would seem I have just kicked the hornet’s nest.

  ‘Do you think of Bradley Taylor when you think of fun?’

  ‘What! I can’t believe you just said that! For Christ’s sake, Luke, you know how much I love you. I’ll tell you what – why don’t I get it tattooed on my forehead, then everyone will know.’

  ‘Don’t be petulant.’

  ‘Petulant?’ Great, I sound like a bloody parrot. ‘Oh my God, you make me want to scream, Luke Sutton.’

  ‘Don’t let me stop you, baby.’ He smirks, watching me slip my knickers on. ‘Seems a shame that you’re getting dressed.’

  ‘It’s not my fault Bradley’s here… And besides I can’t change the fact he works for Bagrov and Cooper.’ I grab my dress from the floor.

  ‘Kate, the man wants to fuck you. I do know what I’m talking about.’ He walks towards the corner of his office and pours two drinks, adding some ice.

  ‘Well, I don’t want to shag him. And in future, don’t bloody watch me.’

  He offers me a tumbler. ‘Drink this.’

  ‘I don’t want a drink!’

  Luke shakes his head, downs his drink, and places both glasses on the desk.

  ‘I can see the way he looks at you. How do I feel about him touching your face?’ He turns away, rubbing his jaw. ‘Fucking mad.’ He perches on the edge of the desk and pulls me towards him.

  ‘How many times do I need to tell you I love you? Us, this is it.’ I look away. ‘I’m bloody cross that you sat up here watching me – it’s wrong. Besides, he wasn’t touching me; he moved my hair.’

  Luke’s hand travels up my dress, while the other moves to my hair. I sigh and look at the ground.

  ‘I have the means to protect you, and I will.’ He places his hand under my chin. ‘What did he say to you?’ What the hell?

  I swallow the truth. ‘Nothing, really.’

  ‘Shall I ask him?’ His expression makes me believe he will do as he threatens.

  I roll my eyes and look away. ‘For God’s sake, Luke.’

  ‘It’s a simple question, Kate.’

  ‘Fine.’ My head lowers slightly. ‘He asked me, if I wasn’t engaged, would I go on a date with him.’

  Once again Luke lifts my chin. ‘You’re mumbling. Did you say date?’

  ‘No, not really. Well, sort of. He asked if I would go out with him if I was single.’

  Luke takes my glass and downs the calming, rational thought-provoking fluid – I hope!

  ‘And your answer was?’ He places the empty glass on the table next to his. ‘Kate, what did you say to him?’

  I fold my arms, feeling incredibly exposed through no fault of my own.

  ‘I said he shouldn’t ask me questions like that as I’m engaged to you. He wasn’t trying to upset me; he did laugh.’

  ‘Laugh – yes, I imagine he would laugh. It was a highly inappropriate question. You might have noticed that I don’t find this amusing. I’m fucking pissed off.’

  ‘You know I don’t have feelings for him.’

  ‘I know.’ He turns the monitor and taps the images. ‘You can’t lie to me.’

  ‘Or hide, it would seem. You’ve seriously lost the plot.’

  ‘He will never touch you again – do you understand me?’

  ‘Christ, Luke, he didn’t really touch me.’

  ‘Shall I call Maddy to touch me?’

  ‘That was shitty, and you know it. I’m not Maddy, and you can kiss my arse if you think I’m going to stand here and let you fire bullshit at me.’

  I move away from him and head towards the door. Agile Luke reaches the door before me.

  He moves the hair from my neck and brushes his lips against my skin. ‘I was making a point, not a comparison.’

  ‘Don’t compare me to her. Or maybe you do. Am I not living up to your expectations?’ I shut my eyes and lean my forehead on the door.

  ‘This has nothing to do with expectations. Kate, turn around.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Kate, turn around… Baby, please.’

  Baby. God. He turns me. My eyes are compelled to speak the truth as one tear falls down my cheek.

  ‘Jesus, Kate, you know I love you.’ He wipes away my tear.

  ‘Not Maddy,’ I whisper.

  He bows his head. ‘No. I fucked up! I wanted you to know how it feels when someone invades your space.’

  ‘Invades your space? It takes two, Luke, why don’t you understand I’m not interested? Bloody hell, we’re going to be married soon.’

  ‘That will make me feel secure.’

  ‘Really? I don’t think either of us believe that a change of name and a ring on my finger will stop you being irrational – or invading my privacy.’

  Luke laughs.

  ‘Yes – that’s what you’re doing. You have no right to do this.’

  ‘It’s for your own protection, baby.’

  ‘Stop treating me like a bloody child.’ The atmosphere between us alters.

  ‘I don’t want to argue, Kate, but whether you like it or not, Bradley Taylor wants to fuck you. I need to protect what’s mine. You will never change my mind on this.’

  ‘Then you need to trust me. I’m not Maddy.’ I reach out to touch his face. ‘I would die for you but, Luke, you will kill me if you can’t control your temper.’

  His face softens slightly. Is he listening? ‘Jesus, Kate, I would never hurt you.’

  ‘Not physically, but this tonight… Watching me, that hurts. I will never leave you. Christ, you have all of me – never have I felt like this… never. The way you touch me – I can’t explain it. Each kiss feels like the first time we touched.’

  He rests his forehead on mine and takes my hand, placing it over his heart. The pounding ricochets against my palm. I’m the one thing that scares him.

  Tenderly, I kiss his jaw. ‘Us, Luke, no one else.’

  His breathing hitches. I know the sound and what this means. My hand slides across his zip. As predicted, he’s hard as steel again. I take his hand and guide him to the black leather sofa.

  ‘Sit down.’

  Without questioning me, he sits. I unzip my dress and roll my knickers down my thighs. I fall to my knees and undo his trousers, freeing his hot erection. I lower my mouth and take him in.

  ‘Christ, Kate.’

  He tastes of sex. My warm mouth works quickly, pumping him hard. He needs no time tonight, as pre-cum hits my tongue quickly.

  He pulls my shoulders. ‘Kate, sit on me.’

  I stand and begin to straddle his lap.

  ‘No baby, turn around.’

  I look at him, slightly confused.

  He moves to the edge of the sofa, and I straddle him again, this time with my back to his chest. Luke guides my body to the head of his hardness.

  ‘Slowly, baby.’

  I gently sink onto Luke’s erection. He unclasps my bra
and fingers my hardened nipples, which scream for his dexterous touch. The delicious pull in my core sparks the launch of my next orgasm.

  ‘Look forward.’

  Bloody hell. There’s a huge mirror directly in front of us – answering my question as to why the change of position. Releasing one hand from my nipples, he moves it directly to my clit, rubbing it in circular actions that make me gasp for air.

  ‘This image, baby, this is us.’ His voice is low and raspy.

  Slowly, I look away. I have never seen us so together and so raw.

  ‘Kate, look at yourself.’ His voice is stern.

  ‘Luke, I…’

  One hand still rubbing my clit, his free hand moves gently to my face.

  ‘Watch yourself ride me, taking all of me: baby, you own me too.’

  I have no words. I just feel confusion and desire.

  ‘No one will ever have you except me.’

  Once again I nod. Jesus Christ, how can he speak coherently when all I can do is perform like a bloody nodding dog?

  He takes my hand and places it on my clit.

  ‘Touch yourself, baby, I need two hands to take you harder.’

  ‘OK.’ Wow – I’ve managed to say a word…

  My hand is as demanding as Luke’s hold on my hips. Instantly, my body responds.

  ‘Luke, I’m coming…’

  ‘Look in the mirror – I need to see your face.’

  My vision locks on Luke’s reflection.

  God, I’m on fire. My orgasm explodes and my entire body shakes. My eyes remain fixed on the sight of Luke climaxing: his jaw tightens and his lips slightly part. I’m addicted to sex with him.

  He loosens his grip on my hips and leans forward, gently kissing each vertebra.

  My body is spent. I lean on Luke’s firm thighs and free myself. I slump next to him, feeling emotionally exhausted. He moves the loose hair from my face.

  ‘Only me, baby, please.’ There’s a vulnerability in his tone.

  ‘I would never leave you. Christ, I need you too much, you’re under my skin.’

  He takes a large breath and gives a relaxed smile. ‘Shall we return to the party?’

  I stand up, in desperate need of the bathroom.

  ‘I need to know you’re OK – I mean, with Bradley. Please, Luke, no blood-shed.’

  ‘No blood, I promise. However, I do have a proposition for him.’

  ‘Proposition?’

  ‘Dubai. I want to ensure he stays the fuck away from you.’

  ‘What? You’ve lost me.’ I fold my arms.

  ‘Zhan has another project in Colorado. I need a good architect to take over my hotel.’

  ‘So, you thought of Bradley? You have officially gone mad.’

  He kisses the tip of my nose. ‘Kate, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. By giving him a large pay rise and a challenging project… I hate that he likes you, but I respect his solid reputation.’

  ‘You’re basically paying him to stay away from me.’

  ‘Yes.’

  We arrive at the VIP area. Luke slips away as I watch him closely. Within ten minutes of circulating he goes in for the kill, selling Bradley a ticket to Dubai. Smiles and handshakes confirm that Bradley accepted the deal; a deal that pleases his new employer more than he realises. I pour myself some champagne, as Bradley and Luke head in my direction.

  ‘Kate, I have to leave – my friends want to head off.’

  ‘It was lovely to see you.’ I smile.

  He plants a kiss on my cheek.

  ‘You too, Kate. I’ll drop by Sutton Global and update you on the Rosewood Ivy.’

  ‘OK. Just call the office and speak to Tanya. I have a couple of wedding dress fittings this week.’ Dropping the word ‘wedding’ is a threat and a promise to both men.

  ‘I have your cell number. I’ll call you.’ Great – more ammo for Luke.

  Bradley turns to Luke. ‘I’ll look forward to receiving the contracts.’ He holds his hand out to Luke.

  Peace on earth!

  17

  A tantalising touch wakes me. The warm sensation increases, then slows to a gentle stroke. My eyes open fully. I am in our darkened bedroom. I lift my head.

  ‘If you carry on, I’ll come.’ I smile at my words and the feeling of Luke’s mouth delivering pleasure to my clit far too early.

  He lifts his head. ‘All part of my plan – I thought I would wake you before I leave in approximately twenty minutes.’

  ‘Shh, please, no more words. Use your mouth wisely, Mr S…’ I chuckle.

  Luke laughs before he resumes his toe-curling touch with his tongue. I try to hold off, which is pointless. Luke’s mouth controls how and when I come.

  ‘Oh God!’ I grip the sheet and try to move my legs, but they are pinned to the bed by Luke’s strong arms.

  His tongue slows with tenderness as the last of my orgasm lingers. He kisses my thighs and moves towards my hipbone, sliding my short silk nightdress up my body. His mouth makes contact with my erect nipples, drawing the peaks between his lips. He continues his journey of discovery until he reaches my face.

  ‘Morning, baby – I couldn’t resist.’ Tenderly, he kisses my lips, allowing me to taste a very early morning orgasm on his mouth. He pulls away, smiling, before he gets ready to embark on a day of global domination.

  ‘What’s the time?’

  ‘Nearly five o’clock – more importantly, it’s time for me to have you.’ He moves his body between my legs.

  ‘Five o’clock!’ I link my hands around his neck.

  ‘We’ve barely seen each other this week, and I will be home late again.’ He runs his nose along mine. ‘I apologise for the early morning call. What can I say? I need you.’

  ‘Well, stop talking and take me.’

  The head of his hardness makes contact with the edge of my sex. I cup his arse to encourage him. He smiles lovingly, pleased that I’m greedy for him. One thrust from his perfectly toned hips and he is inside me. Our eyes lock: dark and deprived meets dark and fully awake. Our lips meet and at the same time he begins to slowly ride me. He knows I’m a hard and fast girl, early morning or not. I lock my legs around him.

  ‘Luke, harder.’

  ‘I want it to last – any harder and I’ll come. This has got to see me through a long day.’

  ‘I want more.’

  ‘Jesus, you’re killing me.’

  ‘Well, you woke me. Harder, Luke.’

  One hand takes hold of my hip, tilting me, and he thrusts faster, working me into the mattress, hard and fast. My body adjusts to the quickness. I try to muster enough self-control to withstand my climax, but fail.

  ‘Luke…’

  ‘Go, baby, I’m with you.’

  Luke gives me my second orgasm at approximately five fifteen. I’m exhausted by the arrival of two orgasms at a ridiculous hour of the day. Luke continues to thrust until he delivers every last drop inside me.

  ‘I’m sorry to fuck and run.’ He cheekily kisses me on the lips and releases himself.

  ‘That’s fine; I’m fully aware that was a booty call.’

  He gets up and laughs. ‘Booty call! Point taken. Now go back to sleep.’

  My eyes are already closing. Two orgasms is a sedative in itself.

  My phone wakes me. I hit snooze again, then roll onto my back and allow my eyes to adjust to the light in the room. I turn my head to Luke’s side of the bed. There’s a note.

  Dear Kate,

  The booty call was needed more than you know. It will keep me going – all day.

  As I said at five o’clock, sorry – I’ll be home late – again.

  May your day be trouble-free; I suggest you stay in bed and dream of me.

  Yours always,

  Luke x


  I chuckle at his words. I place the note in the drawer next to my bed, adding it to my growing collection.

  Now what to wear for a day in the office? Smart casual, I think. I select black crepe boyfriend trousers rolled up to reveal my ankles, and my black shoe boots, a black lace fitted turtleneck (although a little transparent, it steers away from slutty and remains sophisticated). I pull my hair into a ponytail, and apply my usual makeup, with extra black kohl for added drama.

  I grab a thermos mug and fill it with hot coffee.

  ‘Morning, Kate.’

  I turn. ‘Hiya. Did you get the latest email from Adam? I left it in the usual place.’

  ‘I did…’ Rosie touches her lip nervously. ‘Do you think he’ll definitely come?’

  I look across at her. ‘What’s wrong? Are you worried about Jerry finding out – I mean, not just the emails but about Adam coming over?’

  ‘Yeah. Oh Kate, to have contact with my son again is… I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what’ve you done.’

  ‘Hey, you’re his mum, it’s the right thing to do. OK, so Jerry is—’ Jerry is stubborn and scared, scared that he will have to accept his son is gay. ‘Look, for what it’s worth, I would do the same.’

  She sits on a stool, locking her fingers together.

  ‘He’ll go bloody mad. Besides, where will Adam stay? I’ll want to see him.’ She runs her hand through her unruly strawberry blonde hair.

  I sit next to her and take her hand. ‘Firstly, we don’t know that he’s definitely coming, and secondly Adam can stay at my old house with Barney.’ I raise my brows at a disconcerting thought: Barney the man slut and a handsome gay houseguest! ‘You’ll have lots of errands that week, which means you will have to “disappear” a lot.’

  ‘You’re right. I just keep thinking, what if Jerry finds out? He’ll be so angry.’

  ‘Let’s cross that bridge when and if we come to it.’ I kiss her cheek. ‘I need to go, or Thomas will be in here searching for me. See you later.’

  My new office at Sutton Global feels safe: even though Luke can watch my every move, I know it was the right decision. I kick off my shoe boots and slip in my ear buds – playing music in the office breaches the Sutton code of conduct. The coffee table is scattered with gel pens and glitter: is this work? It feels slightly reminiscent of my childhood. I lie on the sofa holding up some completed drawings: Mr Jones’s simple designs with the added twist of leather, studs and fabulous fabrics.