Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  ‘What do you need? Water, tea…?’

  I shake my head. ‘Just you – please hold me in bed so I can sleep.’

  He smiles, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

  We lie in our usual position, my back resting against his chest. Safety has arrived – him.

  ‘Love you,’ I murmur as my eyes close.

  Feeling the sun’s warmth seeping through the windows is relaxing. I look at my watch. Seven thirty, and where is Luke? I tie the hotel bathrobe tightly around my body.

  From the large French doors of the lounge area, I watch him, sitting out on the veranda. I walk over to him and place my arms around his shoulders.

  ‘Working already?’

  ‘Yes.’ OK – one-word answers. I guess the wounds of last night are still raw.

  I take the chair next to him.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ he asks.

  ‘OK.’

  ‘Good. I ordered a light breakfast – just breads and fruit.’

  I reach for a croissant. ‘I’m starving.’ I pour myself some coffee and top up Luke’s cup. ‘What are you working on?’

  ‘Us.’

  I look at him. ‘Sorry? Us… we need work.’

  I raise my brows; this is absolutely bloody true.

  ‘Actually I was talking about our wedding.’

  ‘Oh.’ I drink some coffee, feeling pleased and a little confused.

  His gaze fixes on me. ‘Saturday – we’re getting married on Saturday.’

  Luke nearly receives my mouthful of coffee.

  ‘Are you shitting me? Saturday?’

  He tilts his head. ‘I’m not shitting you, and yes Saturday.’

  ‘As in… today is Sunday, so less than a week?’

  ‘Yes.’ Luke begins to gather his paperwork together.

  ‘Can I ask why the sudden change of plan? And why you didn’t think to speak to me first? This does affect both of us. And how the hell have you managed to book a wedding in less than a week?’

  ‘I have my ways.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘Does it matter?’

  ‘Er – yes it does. Luke, you’ve just informed me that we are getting married in less than a week. Where was I in this decision?’

  He sits back in his chair. ‘You do want to get married in Venice?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘And, I assume, the Hotel Cipriani, as discussed?’ He passes me various printouts and taps a sheet. ‘Is there anyone I have missed out? Other than Molly, who said she would rather not fly?’

  I scan the names. ‘No.’

  Grrr – I want to scream at him. ‘OK. So you’ve listed everyone, but what about all the details? A wedding day is every girl’s dream, and I want it to be perfect.’

  ‘The city hall and venue are booked, and the jets will be ready and waiting for everyone on Friday. You told me your dress is finished, and we already have an appointment to choose our rings. You will need to speak to the hotel manager, who speaks perfectly good English. He wants to know about flowers, cakes, etc.’

  I sigh and draw my legs up to my chest.

  ‘Luke, you’re missing the bigger picture – I wanted to do it with you.’

  He takes my hand. ‘I like control. Last night I lost control and went to a place… a place I don’t want to go back to. Please allow me to do this for you, to make us permanent, I want to give you the day you deserve.’ He leans to my lips and gently kisses me. ‘I will never hurt you again, please let me do this for you.’

  I run my hands through my matted hair. ‘Talk to me, don’t just book our wedding without me! Sometimes, Luke, I don’t understand you.’ Only sometimes?

  He watches me closely. ‘There’s no point waiting.’

  ‘Maybe not… But can we arrange everything in six days? Will everyone be free? ’

  ‘I’ve spoken to everyone on the list. We depart Friday morning, and our wedding is on Saturday at two o’clock, at the city hall and then afterwards at the hotel.’

  ‘I’m sure you need permission or paperwork, don’t you? There’s a lot more to it than you think.’

  ‘I think about everything, Kate. Trust me: I have it sorted.’

  ‘Clearly.’

  He stands and places a kiss on my forehead. ‘I have a meeting with Bradley.’ He waves his hotel plans at me. ‘I should be no more than a couple of hours; you can come with me if you want.’

  ‘No, I’ll stay here… and think about our wedding.’

  At eleven o’clock, feeling exhausted, not only from our flight home but our entire stay at Dubai, I climb into bed. My mind is spinning. Bloody hell, I’m getting married in six days! Holy shit.

  The following day Luke and I sit at his boardroom table, several rings laid out in front of us. They are all platinum and bloody expensive – I feel as though I am in the most self-indulgent sweet shop in the world.

  ‘Which shall I try first?’ I look at Luke, then at the man from the jewellery shop, then at his security guard, and then at Max.

  ‘May I make a suggestion?’ the jeweller says.

  ‘Yes, please.’

  He selects a band, which is a little too large for my liking.

  ‘Hmm, I’m not sure. Luke, what do you think?’

  ‘It’s up to you.’

  I look at Max, and he shakes his head. I scan the box and catch sight of a thin band, covered in the most beautiful, delicate square-cut diamonds. It’s simple and elegant.

  ‘This one.’

  ‘Try it on,’ Luke commands.

  I try it with my engagement ring, and hold my hand up to the light.

  ‘I love it – what do you think?’

  Luke takes my hand. ‘Perfect.’

  My eyes meet Max’s look of approval. Now Luke has to choose. This takes all of thirty seconds: he goes for a simple platinum band.

  Another day passes in which I have barely any contact with Luke, verbally or physically. Apparently he’s super-busy at work, with early mornings and late-night meetings. Bullshit. Once again, I lie in bed alone.

  This week is filled with dress fittings; Mr Jones the perfectionist wants every detail to be flawless. As for the wedding, there really isn’t much planning needed, as the day will be held under one roof and the hotel will organise everything. Luke and I had decided a while ago not to have bridesmaids and a best man; we didn’t see the point in having a small number of guests and turning them into puppets for the day.

  On Thursday afternoon, I check the cases, ensuring every detail is in order. Mr Jones has made a new white shirt for Luke, with Mr & Mrs Sutton written on the inside of his cuff as a surprise for him, and I have bought him some socks from Primark (a pack of six for five pounds). Each pair carries a different message: Mr Perfect, Mr Right, 100% Man, I’m Always Right, I’m The Best, and You and Me = Right. He can decide which to wear on the day! I pack the black tie I made with Mr Jones the day after we met, and then his eat me cufflinks. All will be worn with his classic black Jones Tailors suit.

  On Thursday evening, Fiona seals the last foil in my hair: this is the last thing on my to-do list before we leave tomorrow.

  ‘Forty-five minutes, and then you need to rinse, OK?’

  ‘Fine. Is Pete looking forward to tomorrow?’

  ‘We both are. I’ve always wanted to go to Venice. Kate, I’m so excited.’

  She sits next to me, finishing her tea.

  ‘You seem nervous.’

  I sigh. ‘I am.’ I look at my mug. ‘To be honest, I think Luke is avoiding me. That sounds great, considering we’re getting married in just over forty-eight hours.’

  She reaches across for my hand. ‘Men get nervous too. He thinks the world of you. I have to admit, when I spoke to him on Sunday I was shocked – shocked he called, but also that you were unaware of hi
s plans. He told me that you were asleep and he needed to know numbers instantly for the hotel booking.’

  ‘Ah, so you have been introduced to Mr Control Freak Sutton. We had a… heated discussion… on Saturday, and I know he is festering over it. Let’s hope he gets over it sooner rather than later.’

  She stands and places her cup in the sink. ‘Why don’t you take him by surprise – I mean, make him see you?’

  ‘Maybe! It does feel like he’s avoiding me, and he hasn’t had dinner yet…’

  ‘He’ll have to see you tomorrow.’

  ‘I guess, unless we travel in separate jets!’

  My hair washed and straightened, my body cleansed in the best scent in the world, I stand in the walk-in closet rummaging through my underwear drawer. Bra, French knickers, garter and stockings – all that remains is Luke’s black Jones Tailor shirt. Perfect attire in which to call my sex god. I also pack a hamper filled with his favourite foods.

  The lift doors slide open and I’m faced with the large silver lettering saying SUTTON GLOBAL INDUSTRIES.

  I hold Max’s arm before he walks forward. ‘I can make it the rest of the way.’ I feel a battle brewing, and there’s no need for Max to witness it.

  ‘What’s going on with Luke?’ he asks.

  I thought it was just me, but maybe other people have noticed that Luke is behaving oddly.

  ‘Nothing, really.’

  ‘Let Luke tell me you’re leaving with him.’

  ‘Look, he lost his temper on Saturday – and I mean he lost it big-time with me. That’s why he booked the wedding – he actually planned the entire day while I was asleep. He said that when he was so angry he went to a place he didn’t want to revisit. I don’t know if he meant something to do with his previous work or… Paul.’ Max closes his eyes. This is the first time I have mentioned his son’s name. I grip his hand. ‘Sorry.’

  ‘Don’t be.’

  ‘Max, I hate that he’s distant from me. I need him to talk to me, get it out of his system. Christ, we’re leaving for Venice in the morning.’ He couldn’t protect me from his temper, the one thing he strives for, and yet he didn’t save me – like he couldn’t save Paul.

  ‘OK.’

  ‘Max – I didn’t mean to…’ I tail off.

  ‘Shh – it’s fine. Paul was a big part of his life. If he’s back there, then he’ll need you.’ He smiles and brushes his thumb against my cheek. ‘Paul would have liked you, Kate.’

  ‘Are you trying to make me cry?’ I give a pathetic smile, hoping it will delay my tears.

  ‘Go and rescue him, but don’t leave this floor without Luke – promise?’

  ‘Promise.’

  I nervously fiddle with the door handle to Luke’s office. He looks up from his desk.

  ‘Kate.’ He checks the time.

  I move towards his desk. ‘Hi. I thought you might be hungry, and you’ve barely been home all week.’

  ‘I’m busy.’ Busy? Here we go: the battle has commenced.

  ‘You still need to eat.’ Despite his words, I walk towards the boardroom table and set the hamper down.

  He remains buried in his paperwork. This mission may be more challenging than I thought.

  ‘Kate, I said I’m busy. Go home – I shouldn’t be much longer.’

  I sit. ‘I’ll wait.’

  He tilts his head. ‘We leave tomorrow; I have a lot of work to complete before then. Where’s Max?’

  ‘I told him to leave; he’s waiting in the car.’ I check my nails, killing time.

  ‘Kate, I don’t have time for this… Go home.’

  I stand and move towards him. ‘You don’t have time to eat – or time for me.’

  ‘No. I have work.’ His head remains low.

  ‘I’m not leaving until you talk to me. As you just said, we leave for our wedding tomorrow. Yes, us – me and you… But there hasn’t been an “us” since Saturday.’ His dark eyes meet my hurt eyes. ‘You’ve left early every day and worked stupidly late… Why?’

  ‘I really don’t have time for a sermon. You can eat and then leave.’

  ‘No, I want to sort this out. Why haven’t you touched me since Dubai?’

  ‘You have your period, and…’

  ‘And you’ve been busy… Bullshit, Luke.’ I move to his side of the desk. ‘We had a heated debate, it’s done. Get over it. Besides, my period finished a few days ago.’

  He runs a hand through his hair and groans in frustration. ‘Have you finished?’

  ‘That depends on your next words… And as for my period, it’s never stopped you before. You always ask me if I’m feeling OK before we have sex.’

  ‘Christ, you drive me mad.’

  ‘Good – I would hate for you to get bored.’

  I take his pen from his hand and kiss him gently, but his response is cold.

  He stands up from his chair. ‘Jesus, Kate, not now.’

  He has never refused me before. This is what we do, how we complete us.

  ‘You’re saying no to me?’

  ‘I’m saying not now.’

  ‘Luke, we had sex on Saturday and, yes, you were rougher than usual, but it’s over with.’

  He shuts his eyes, taking long slow breaths. ‘Fuck, Kate, I can’t do this. Stop it.’

  ‘Stop what? Luke, talk to me.’ God, I want to punch him, he frustrates me so much.

  ‘I won’t take you. It’s not the right time.’

  ‘What do you mean it’s not the right time? What the hell are you saying?’

  ‘Go home, Kate.’

  ‘Fine: you leave me no choice.’

  Changing tactics, I undo the buttons of his shirt and slip it off. All I’m wearing underneath is my sexy lingerie.

  ‘Jesus, Kate… I said I can’t, not now!’ he shouts.

  ‘Can’t or won’t?’ Come on, Sutton. I move towards the door of his office. ‘OK, have it your own way. I’ll leave.’

  ‘Aren’t you missing something? Your coat?’

  ‘No! What difference does it make who sees me? Clearly you have an issue with me.’

  ‘Don’t you dare set foot outside this office.’

  I turn to him. ‘Or what?’

  He glares. ‘Don’t push me.’

  ‘I wouldn’t do that; it may tip you over the edge. Oh no, it already has.’

  I reach the door and turn the handle. I can already hear him moving towards me. I make it to Stella’s desk. I’m sure no one is working late; I don’t remember seeing anyone, only the cleaners!

  Luke scoops me up in his arms and marches back to his office, slamming the door behind us.

  ‘What the fuck is wrong with you?’ he rages at me.

  ‘You – you’re my problem. Where is my Luke? It’s not this person standing in front of me.’ I push his shoulder, hoping for a reaction.

  His fists clench, allowing me to read the tell-tale signs of his frustration. Bollocks to this! With no warning, I launch myself at him. Locking my arms around his neck, I pull him towards me, allowing my lips to make contact with his. At last he responds, his tongue violently swirling in my mouth. My hands move to his hair, encouraging him to deepen the kiss.

  Finally I pull away. ‘Fuck me now.’ I sound like a Sutton in training.

  My hands move to his shirt and I rip the buttons – please let it be an inexpensive shirt!

  ‘I need you, Luke.’

  He pushes me back against the wall, grabbing my breasts, freeing them of my bra. His mouth takes hold of my nipples, sucking and nipping.

  ‘Shit, Luke.’

  He repeats the act again, this time wilder. Sensations erupt inside me. ‘I want you inside me.’

  My hands move to his button and zip, freeing his erection into my hand.

  ‘I love you, always,’ I an
nounce.

  His eyes lock to mine: dark and remorseful meets dark and forgiving.

  Luke slides my knickers off me; I wriggle to help him. I hook one leg around him and take hold of his erection.

  ‘I need more space.’ At last he speaks.

  He picks me up. I lock my legs around him as he carries me to the boardroom table. My arse meets the cold wood as he positions me at the edge of the table. Holding his erection, he enters me with force.

  We remain immobile, absorbing each other.

  ‘Baby, I’m sorry.’

  ‘Shhh, Luke. Hard and fast, just as I like it. Please.’

  My back makes contact with the table as Luke begins to drive deep inside me, hitting the spot that sparks my body into a frenzy. This is what I need: him taking me. The climb is almost too much, as my body begins to shudder with the first wave of my orgasm.

  ‘I’m coming…’ My back arches as I ride the wave of my orgasm.

  ‘Fuck. Yes.’ His eyes remain shut as he comes. A residue of his guilt and basic need lies deep within me.

  He holds himself in place, ensuring I have all of him – body and soul – tonight. He leans towards me, planting a kiss on my lips, and I tug his hair, begging for his touch. He slides out of me. Taking my hand, he pulls me to face him.

  ‘Don’t ever leave me out in the cold again, Luke. Never.’

  He bows his head. ‘I can’t get the memory of Saturday out of my head.’

  ‘It’s gone. This, right here, is the only memory you need.’ I pull his face to meet mine. ‘Luke, I don’t fear you – I fear losing you.’

  23

  ‘Ready?’ Luke looks at me. Holy crap, this is it: the start of us becoming husband and wife. God, I’m nervous, but my excitement is overwhelming. I love him with all my heart.

  ‘I guess.’ My stomach turns cartwheels as the car door opens. ‘Thanks, Thomas.’ I step out and a take a breath.

  ‘You’re welcome, Miss Harper.’

  ‘I won’t be Miss Harper for much longer!’

  We enter City Airport to cheers and whistles. We are both equally shocked by the unexpected attention. We separate to greet our friends. My first stop is Barney.

  ‘Here comes the bride, all fa—’