by F. C. Clark
‘Kate, it was lovely to meet you – perhaps we can do this again?’ She kisses both my cheeks.
‘Perhaps.’
‘Kate.’ Declan leans to me for a kiss.
Kiss my arse, Declan Sutton. I move away.
I notice Max waiting at the revolving door. I head straight towards him, linking my arm through his.
‘What’s up?’ For a man who doesn’t like to chat, he can read me well.
‘Let’s get out of here.’
‘Where’s Luke?’
‘Talking.’
I see Luke walking towards me. Christ, he looks handsome.
I pull Max’s arm, encouraging him to move out to the cold air, and straight to the Bentley. I sit in my usual position and wait for Luke’s wrath.
He enters the car. My head turns to stare blindly at the darkness outside. I’m exhausted after another evening of unnecessary stress, I close my eyes for a moment of peace.
‘Have you got over your tantrum?’
I turn to see Luke.
‘No, I haven’t.’ I return my gaze to the window.
‘For some reason, McGowan and Kennedy think you’re adorable and honest, with a huge passion for family.’
I stare once again. ‘Are you taking the piss?’
He rubs his jaw. ‘No; they think I have found myself a strong woman.’
‘It took you long enough to work your way round Chelsea to find me.’ Again my eyes return to the darkness outside. ‘Maybe I should have posted you the bloody shirts.’ Oh, how I love to push a Sutton button.
‘Clearly you’re infuriated with my brother.’
‘Well done, Sherlock!’
‘Kate, please look at me when I’m speaking to you.’
‘Actually, I don’t want to. Maybe you should have hung out with your brother tonight – you know, like-minded people together. Oh no, you can’t, he’s too busy shagging your leftovers.’
‘We both have pasts, Kate, and I refuse to indulge you.’
My eyes meet his. ‘Indulge me? Sometimes your spoiled Chelsea roots gleam like a bloody shining star. I must pinch myself that I’m so blessed to be with you. You’re lucky I haven’t fucked half of Chelsea.’
‘Watch your mouth.’
‘It’s OK for Declan to say it, but I can’t? There’s a surprise!’
‘You’re impossible when you can’t see reason.’
‘Then don’t talk to me.’
Thankfully the car soon pulls up at the palace. I get out of the car, feeling sick and cross. Needing a drink, I head straight to the kitchen and down a glass of water. I hear Luke but don’t turn to look at him. Instead I move swiftly from the kitchen and head towards the staircase.
At the first step I look back. He leans against the kitchen door, watching me. Crap – don’t look at me. I instantly weaken.
‘You’ve upset me – again. And I mean really upset me.’
He moves slowly towards me. ‘You have brought some of this on yourself.’
‘No, I haven’t, that’s unfair. You know I would be the same if it was Declan hurting. I wouldn’t let Kiki treat him like shit.’
He reaches out to me. ‘It was wrong of Declan to bring Sophie and to use my past to upset you.’
‘You didn’t stop him – that’s what hurts.’
‘It won’t happen again, that I can promise.’
‘So how many women have you fucked? I want a number.’
His lips make contact with my neck. ‘No.’ The smoothness of his mouth arouses me.
‘Shall I give you a number? Shall I tell you how many men have touched me?’ My fingers are burning; I’m taking a risk, placing them near the flames of Luke’s temper.
‘No numbers – do you understand? I can’t think about someone touching you where I touch you, someone placing their lips on your naked body.’ With one hand at the nape of my neck, his other hand snakes around my waist.
‘I hate arguing with you.’ I spin around. ‘Shitty comments about your past kill me.’
‘It’s in the past.’
‘Luke, it may as well have been yesterday. Just the thought of you with someone else…’ I trail off.
He sighs.
‘Luke, do you understand what you’ve done to me? You’re under my skin and I can’t breathe, which makes me sound like a bloody lunatic.’
‘It’s the same for me too.’
‘This can’t be healthy for either of us.’
He takes my face between his hands. ‘I can’t stop it, Kate, even if I wanted to.’
My lips give him the answer he wants.
20
The sun beams through the cracks in the shutters, making me stir. Luke left early for a meeting in Glasgow with McGowan and Kennedy – who would have thought you could discuss shipping for so long? I roll onto my side and smile when I see a note resting on his pillow.
To the love of my life, Kate,
Leaving you alone and naked in our bed leaves me feeling frustrated. I know today will be a busy day for you and the Harper Jones crew. I have faith in you and your designs. Chase your dreams, baby.
Yours always,
Under your skin, Luke
I spend the entire morning at Jones Tailors. Although Harper Jones will be run from Sutton Global, keeping Mr Jones’s business premises, with all his machinery there, is the best temporary option. The first two Harper Jones designs are completed: one dress for this evening and the other for the hotel opening in Dubai tomorrow. With the first two creations under our belt, our dream is rapidly becoming a reality.
Shortly after lunch, Max arrives to take me to Sutton Global, as I plan to spend the remainder of my day designing more dresses.
Stella appears at my door. ‘Kate.’
I glance at her friendly face. ‘Hi.’
‘You have a call on line one. Bagrov and Cooper.’
I swallow. ‘OK.’
‘They have requested you attend an emergency meeting in their London office – today. I have put them on hold.’
‘Why?’ I place my scissors and leatherette fabric on the table and move towards her.
‘It’s Mary on the phone, Philip’s PA. She was unsure why, but the meeting is in an hour and you have to attend.’
‘Crap!’ My stomach flips. Not only do I have to leave my office, but now I have to meet the super-bitch and her slimeball father.
‘I know Tanya is on leave today, so do you want me to come with you? I’m sure Luke would rather you didn’t go alone.’
‘This is ridiculous; I have to stand on my own two feet.’ I call on my inner strength – come on, Katenka, fire me up. ‘I’ll be fine; besides, I’ll take Max with me.’
‘OK.’
Stella disappears, leaving me feeling wretched. I need to conquer my fear of dealing with these two despicable human beings; more importantly, I need to get to grips with Katenka’s business.
The hour passed slowly, nearly as slowly as the journey to Bagrov and Cooper’s London offices. I think of Luke and how forthright he would be in my position. However, I’m not Luke, and would rather stay here working on Harper Jones designs!
Max and I step out of the lift and come face to face with the large gold B&C sign. My stomach begins to feel as if I’m on a rollercoaster.
I yank Max’s arm. ‘Give me a minute.’ I head towards the bathroom.
Washing my hands, I persuade myself that within half an hour I’ll be leaving and returning home to the palace – my safe haven. Thankfully, I dressed well this morning, in navy fitted trousers and a jacket to match, with a tan silk blouse and tan ankle boots.
Max and I are escorted to Philip Cooper’s office, not the boardroom. This feels odd.
‘Do you want me to come in with you?’ Max looks at me.
‘No.’ I tak
e a deep breath. ‘I have to do this.’
He brushes his hand against my cheek. ‘I’ll be here.’
A woman arrives at my side. ‘They’re ready for you, Miss Harper.’
‘Thank you.’ She must be Mary – today I will refer to her as bloody unlucky Mary. She opens the door. I swallow hard and move into the room.
Philip Cooper is seated at his desk, with Alexis in front of the desk, an empty chair next to her, presumably for me.
They watch me walk towards them. Alexis scans me from head to toe.
‘Kate, take a seat.’ She gestures towards the empty chair.
Nervously I sit.
Philip leans his elbows on the desk, allowing his eyes to bore into me. This heightens my hatred of this evil man.
‘I’ll cut to the chase.’ He glances at me. ‘We have the opportunity to purchase a company that will float on the market within,’ he looks at his watch, ‘an hour.’
‘Kate, we need your signature to release additional finance,’ Alexis says softly.
‘OK.’
Philip passes a dossier to me. Alexis reaches across and opens the file. I feel subdued and out of my depth. I look at the paperwork.
‘You need to sign here.’ Alexis points to the X.
‘What’s the money for?’ I ask.
‘Does it matter?’ Philip snaps, clearly loathing my presence and question.
Don’t worry, you prick, I’ll look for myself. I scan the documents, then turn the page. Holy shit! In bold print, it says: MCGOWAN & KENNEDY…
What the hell? Luke is in Scotland sealing a deal with these men. Are they double-crossing him?
Luckily, I work ignorance well. I will have to act obtuse for the next half an hour.
‘Who are McGowan and Kennedy?’ I look at Alexis, knowing Philip will keep his cards close to his chest.
‘A shipping company,’ she responds calmly.
‘Sign the paperwork, Kate.’ Philip leers at me. For a small man, his presence is hugely intimidating.
‘No.’ I close the dossier and slide it back to him.
‘What? You can’t say no.’ His voice remains calm but the tone he uses shows he’s pissed off.
‘I can, and I have. I just don’t feel comfortable releasing that amount of money.’
‘Kate, this is how we do business. If you want to be part of the team, you need to listen to us. Do you honestly believe my father and I would make a bad business decision? We never tolerate losing money at Bagrov and Cooper.’
I stand up. ‘I’m not signing the paperwork.’
Philip stands and moves towards me.
‘I’m not asking you, Kate, I’m telling you to sign the paperwork. Do you understand me?’
I fold my arms. For the first time I fear this man. Not only does he make my skin crawl, but I fear him.
‘Don’t tell me what to do, and you can’t make me.’
He moves, closing the icy space between us. ‘You will not come in here and refuse what I want. Now sign the fucking paperwork.’
‘Daddy!’ Alexis stands. ‘Let’s all calm down.’
I swallow my fear. ‘I’m leaving.’ My heart beats rapidly against my chest.
‘No! Sign it – now.’ He takes my wrist and pulls me to the desk.
‘Get off me!’ His hateful eyes fix on mine.
‘Do what I fucking say.’ His free arm rises.
Holy shit – what is going on? I freeze.
‘Daddy!’
He looks to Alexis and lowers his hand to the nape of my neck, pulling me towards him.
‘I don’t like to ask twice – now sign the fucking paperwork.’
‘Max!’ I shout, trying to shake Philip from me. ‘Let go of me!’
A second later, the door flies open. Philip releases my wrist the moment he sees Max.
‘Kate!’ Max looks at me, and then at Philip. He points at him. ‘If you ever touch her again, I’ll break your fucking legs.’
I walk to Max, and tuck myself behind him.
‘Get out of my fucking office before I call security.’ Philip glares at us both, small droplets of sweat covering his reddened forehead.
‘Kate, you’re making a big mistake.’ Alexis warns, but for the first time she seems weak. Two revelations from the Coopers today.
‘Max, let’s go.’ I pull at his arm, but he remains stuck to the spot.
‘This is not over, Kate! Go, and take your fucking puppet with you!’ Philip shouts.
Max shakes his head. ‘You don’t have a fucking clue.’ He grips my hand. ‘It’s not me you need to fear; when Luke finds out, you’d better watch your back.’
Finally we exit the building. Max stops. ‘Look at me – are you OK?’
‘No, not really.’ I hold out my hand, which is trembling. ‘He scared the shit out of me. I think he was going to hit me.’ Without hesitation I lean into Max’s chest, and his strong arms hold me close. ‘I need to call Luke. The money they wanted has something to do with the Scottish company Luke’s buying today.’ I look up to him. ‘I haven’t got a bloody clue what’s going on.’
‘I’ll call him.’
We head for the car while Max calls Luke, relaying what just went down.
‘He wants to speak to you.’ Max hands me his phone.
‘Baby, are you OK?’
‘I’m fine, a bit shell-shocked but OK. Luke, they wanted me to sign some forms, but Philip wouldn’t tell me what they were for, and then I saw the names McGowan and Kennedy – Philip did say he only had an hour until the company was going to float on the market.’
‘How dare he fucking touch you!’ His tone is raw – matching his temper, no doubt.
‘I’m fine, honestly. Max was with me – thank God. What about the company? How can they sell to you and the Coopers?’
Max opens the car door for me to get in.
‘Don’t worry about it. Where are you?’
‘In the car.’
‘Go straight home – no arguing, please.’
‘He’s rattled my cage, Luke. I told you there was something about him I didn’t like… God, he makes my skin crawl.’
‘I know, baby. Go home and get ready for tonight. I’ll make sure Max stays with you.’
‘Not in the bath, I hope.’ I try to disperse my anxiety with humour.
‘Absolutely not!’ I can hear him smile.
‘What about the shipping company? Just leave it and come home.’
‘I will leave soon, but first I need to kick some arse. Give my tux to Thomas; I’ll meet you at the ball.’
‘OK. I need to pack for Dubai.’
‘Good – now let me speak to Max.’
‘I love you, Mr S.’
‘Back at you, baby.’ His words make me smile as I pass the phone to Max.
Max barely speaks, merely listens to whatever request Luke is making. When the call has ended, he begins to drive.
‘Kate.’ He knows I’m not comfortable with silence.
I turn to look at him, as a solitary tear rolls down my cheek. ‘Christ, Max, thank God you were with me.’
‘You and Tanya are never to see him alone, do I make myself clear?’
‘Crystal.’ I reach over and take his hand.
Pulling my robe tightly around my body, I zip the last case and move it to the bedroom, ready for an early departure to Dubai tomorrow.
I need tea and biscuits. Dipping my first biscuit in my tea, my body freezes as I hear the black door open. I slowly move to the hallway.
‘Christ, Barney, you scared me.’ He walks towards me dressed in his tux and plants a cold kiss on my cheek.
‘Sorry, babe.’
‘Why are you here?’
‘I’m pleased to see you too.’
‘I’m all for go
od time-keeping, but…’
He follows me through to the kitchen. ‘Sutton called me; he didn’t want you to be on your own. He said something about the Coopers upsetting you.’ He walks towards the kettle and begins to make himself a tea. ‘To be honest, I’m amazed he asked me – flattered, but shocked.’
That makes two of us.
‘So what happened? Luke didn’t give me the low-down; he sounded crazy busy.’
‘Philip wanted me to sign some paperwork and I wouldn’t, so he…’ I take a breath. ‘If Alexis hadn’t stopped him, he would have hit me.’
‘Jesus, Kate!’
‘Thank God Max was there, and he came rushing in.’
‘Cheeky fucker! Did Max lay him out?’
‘No. But Luke is pissed off, and the company they wanted the money for is double-crossing Luke.’
Barney whistles. ‘Wow, play with fire and you get your fingers burned. You don’t want to piss off Sutton.’
‘Hurry up, Harper, you’re taking forever.’
‘Alright – I want you to be surprised. Give me a minute.’
‘Yeah, I’ll be surprised alright – when you’re bloody ready.’
Moving away from the mirror in the dressing room, I finally appear in front of Barney, who’s lying on my bed.
‘Bloody hell, you look amazing.’ He stands up, taking in my appearance. ‘Hot to bloody trot… Sutton’s going to come in his pants.’
‘Barney!’ I slap his arm playfully. ‘Do you really like it?’
‘You know bullshit is not my thing. You look fan-bloody-tastic. I can’t believe you designed it.’
‘Mr Jones is so clever; he made it from the drawing I gave him.’
‘Talented, babe, super-talented.’ He pulls me into his arms. ‘I’m proud of you, girl.’
I pull away from his grip and hold my hand out. ‘Fancy taking me to a ball?’
Of course Max delivers us safely to the door – actually, he even escorts us to the bar. Before leaving he scans the room. I can only assume Russians are not his point of interest this evening; maybe he’s looking for short, balding men who make your skin crawl!