by J. A. Kerr
Their worlds couldn’t be more different. Members mingled together harmoniously. Guy saw Braille Club members looking at other members curiously. Was the person next to them a Key Holder? There was no way to tell. They must wonder if they had, or would in the future, be sharing the most intimate of experiences with the woman beside them, or the man at the bar; it got their pulses racing.
Key Holders could be as exclusive or open as their desires demanded; married couples were no exception, but mutual consent for zone choices were required before Guy could process a booking. He had heard this detail was often a bone of contention between couples when appetites differed. However, there could be no booking until a compromise was agreed.
Guy sat looking pensive. Recent events had left him reeling but someone had to run the business, and at the moment, he was doing that single handedly. Benedict and Siena were contactable by phone and email but he didn’t like to disturb them unless it was necessary. He still blamed himself but Benedict had dismissed his misgivings.
“Guy, you could not have foreseen what happened,” he said tiredly.
Guy didn’t altogether agree. He had been distracted by Anna, if he had been more focused then maybe...these thoughts continued to haunt him as he sat staring at his computer. Soon he was absorbed in the complexity of running both clubs simultaneously. Benedict understandably had taken to working from home to be close to Siena and the twins. He also wanted to spend as much time as he could with Matt. Christ, he’d almost died, and secretly Guy thought the Matt he’d grown to admire and like had. The husk that lay in the hospital was not Matt. Guy recognised the desperation in his eyes but didn’t know how to help him. Luckily, Benedict did. He was making progress with Matt he’d told Guy, but admitted it wasn’t easy.
Guy had promoted two of his best staff to Deputy Managers. They were both ready for the challenge. Excellent at their jobs, he trusted them to work together to keep Harrison’s and The Braille Club running smoothly. He’d recruited further staff, and they were undergoing extensive training. He was so busy he was living at the club full time at the moment. As always, it wasn’t long until his thoughts turned to Anna. He understood she needed space and time to sort out her life. Well, he’d given her that. What with his work commitments and her court schedule, they’d hardly seen each other. He still felt guilty about Niven. His lack of attention to detail could have proved fatal. Thankfully it hadn’t come to that, but was too close for his liking.
Matt’s fledging relationship with Niven didn’t make it. Apparently she had been devastated but nothing she did or said would convince Matt to change his mind. Her impending trial had been stressful for both of them and seemed to widen the rift that had been developing over the last few months. Anna had done a fantastic job of representing Niven. It was a high profile case. The press had gone wild. Niven’s face was in every newspaper in the country. “Beautiful model abducted by her stalker and step-brother!” screamed the headlines. They had hounded her relentlessly. Benedict had stepped in and offered her seclusion in the form of an E-suite and Niven had gratefully accepted. When she was in Harrison’s she was safe. Guy had grown fond of her and hoped she would remain a Braille Club member.
Was he trying to make amends by working night and day? Subconsciously, did he blame Anna? She had been distant and preoccupied when they’d met for a brief lunch. He had been tired and uncommunicative. He’d been relieved when she’d left early, already eager to get back to the club.
Their contact had been sporadic over the last few weeks, texts and calls mainly. Anna’s divorce seemed to be going smoothly but, if anything, she seemed more unavailable than ever. At first, Guy didn’t have the time to worry if their relationship was in trouble, but now things had calmed down he was beginning to wonder.
Finally his creation was complete. The sensory suit was finished and worked seamlessly with all the sensory devices, including the Braille Chair. The fabric of the suit was patented and ground breaking. Guy was confident it would be used worldwide in many applications. The wand had been tested and was now available. It was proving to be extremely popular amongst Braille Members. Guy felt strangely flat. The euphoric feeling he anticipated when at last his work was complete was short lived. He was as busy as ever but lacked motivation. Sighing, he hoped his mood would change.
Chapter 4
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. E Key Holders have no control and no influence within these walls. They don’t get to misbehave, and they don’t get to choose. Being late is not an option, and they cannot, under any circumstances, talk about it...least of all to the press. When they step inside, the reality is E Key Holders must obey...if they want to play. All will be blind before they can see and all must walk in the dark to find the light. Welcome to Elysian, The Braille Club’s most exclusive set.
Anna
Anna lost all sense of herself due to her separation from Robert and her upcoming divorce. Her life had been turned upside down since the night of their terrible fight. Bruised and battered she’d been grateful when Guy arrived after her call. It had been surreal. They reconnected both physically and emotionally, making her realise how right they were together. She truly wanted to be with him and then all hell broke loose at his work. She’d barely seen him since his call telling her he had a major situation on his hands. It was several days before he came to her house and she tried to hide her annoyance. His face had been drawn and grey. She listened; appalled as he told her about the attack on a club member, how it put Siena and her children in grave danger and resulted in a mutual friend being stabbed.
Anna struggled to process what he was saying. He seemed distant and cold; perhaps still in shock after recent events, but Anna was hurt. He didn’t seem interested in how she was, and he didn’t seem to care. Anna sensed then that things had changed between them. Just when she needed Guy the most, he was suddenly unavailable. She tried to be understanding, but undergoing a crisis herself, she had no choice but to deal with the end of her marriage alone. She hadn’t thought she would miss Robert, but she did. Years of being together had fused a strong bond between them. They shared many interests like travel, theatre and film. She discovered she knew almost nothing about Guy’s interests. Did he even have any? The thought depressed her as did the large empty house that also seemed to mourn the loss of Robert. Anna returned to work on the assumption she could get time off if she needed to view flats.
Her bruises had faded enough to be disguised by make-up. She felt self-conscious as she entered the building. She might look like the same person on the outside but was anything but on the inside. It was through work she heard of a potential rental. One of the junior partners was being seconded to the Manchester office and needed a decent tenant. Anna rang the number on the noticeboard advert. The first person to respond, she was delighted to secure a viewing for later that evening. Gail, whom she knew, chatted for a bit, but neither mentioned why Anna needed to rent a flat. She was certain her circumstances had been round the office like wildfire, and her cheeks burned at the thought of her marriage breakdown being the focus of gossip.
Martin, the head partner, barged into her office unannounced. “Ah, Anna, I need to speak with you about new clients we’ve taken on,” he said sitting down opposite her. She was surprised; he rarely spoke with her about his clients.
“Involved in television, so high profile, I’d like you to represent Simon if that’s okay?” he continued. “Can you join us for lunch today?”
“Martin,” said Anna exasperated. “I’m just back, have you seen my desk?” It was literally piled high with case files.
“It’s important, Anna. I’d like you to be there as partner and representative of the firm.”
Anna couldn’t miss the emphasis he put on partner. Something was brewing, she just didn’t know what. She wondered if any of the other senior partners in the firm were considering retirement or leaving. Was there a possible opening? Would she be considered a suitab
le candidate with her new divorcee status? It could go against her; divorced women got a very bad press these days. She pushed aside some papers to get to her diary.
“Martin, I can give you thirty minutes between 1.30pm and 2.00pm and that’s it,” she replied firmly.
Martin smiled at her brightly. “That should be fine, Anna. I’ll dine with Simon and then you can join us for coffee. How does that sound?”
“Fine,” she sighed. Like she had a choice. “Where are you going?”
“Max’s, across the street,” he replied, getting up. “I’ll leave you to it.”
Anna didn’t lift her head until her secretary buzzed reminding her about the lunch. Flustered, she gave her hair a quick brush and applied fresh lipstick. The restaurant was busy when she arrived but she saw Martin waving at her. Deciding she’d grab a glass of wine before she joined them, she made her way to the bar. She stood trying to get a waiter’s attention, but the bar was packed. Hearing her name, she glanced around but with people packed around her, she was unable to move.
“It’s Anna, isn’t it?”
She swivelled her head. The voice belonged to the man standing behind her, so close she could feel him pressed against her. She stared at him dumbly. He was outrageously handsome. His slow smile flirtatious.
“Y-yes,” she stammered. She tried to collect her thoughts, “and you are?”
“Si,” he replied smoothly. “Martin sent me over to rescue you.”
“Oh,” said Anna as his hand settled in the small of her back. She pushed through and allowed Si to escort her to the table as every nerve ending in her body sizzled.
“Anna, perfect timing,” beamed Martin, his face flushed from the wine. “I see you’ve met Simon.”
“Yes,” she murmured. She couldn’t believe it. He was even better looking in real life; television did not do him justice. He seemed to host everything at the moment, although she hadn’t seen his new show. She sat down.
“Wine, Anna?” Si asked.
“Yes.”
“Red or white?”
“White, please.”
Martin stood. “I have to apologise, but I must get back to the office.” Looking directly at Simon, he said, “Simon, I’ll leave you in Anna’s capable hands.”
“Call me Si, Martin, everyone does.”
“Of course...Si,” said Martin hesitantly, a look of unease on his face.
“It’s been a pleasure, Martin.”
Anna felt panic sweep over her. She didn’t want to be alone with this man. There was something sexual about him. She noticed the ring on his finger and almost snorted; as if being married made any difference. She knew better than anyone, it was not a deterrent. Her current divorce was a painful reminder, but there was no denying, she was attracted to this man.
“Shall we retire to the bar and let them clear the table?” he inquired. “The waiter will bring the wine.”
Anna stood, aware of his closeness as they made their way back to the busy bar. She was conscious of his hand on her arm, appalled and thrilled all at the same time. She glanced down at his crotch. He had a huge hard on. He saw her looking and held her gaze, studying her face before moving slowly down her body. She shivered, if someone could fuck you with their eyes...then he just had.
Her cheeks grew hot as she looked away and gulped down her wine. She’d barely looked at his file, but noted a recently submitted gagging order; a court judgement that forbade certain sensitive information being made public.
“Ah, here she is,” said Si, turning to embrace the petite blonde who had just walked in. “Anna, this is my wife, Tess.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Anna politely.
It all fitted, she recognised Tess immediately. They were TV’s golden couple. Tess was the woman who tamed and married the infamous Si Lawrence, when so many others had failed. Anna looked at her closely. She had the frame of a child. The dress she wore was demure but somehow on her, it looked sexy. She had an open face that smiled warmly at Anna but again, there was something sexual about her too. Anna noticed her hardened nipples through the fabric of her dress, the way her mouth parted as she looked at her husband. My God, she thought disgustedly, get a room.
“Sorry to miss lunch; I had an appointment. I couldn’t cancel my beautician. She’s booked solid, her waxing skills are legendary. God, it hurts, but it’s worth it. You’re like a newborn afterwards,” said Tess to Anna, looking directly at Si.
The sexual tension between them had Anna squirming with embarrassment. She even saw Si put his hands in his pockets. Was he playing with himself now? Pictures of him lying naked beneath her filled her mind. Alarmed, she realised her attraction to him was dangerous. In fact, she would like nothing better than to get down and dirty with this young, sexy and gorgeous man. She could show him a thing or two. Anna shook herself. What was she doing? She was with Guy.
“It’s lovely to meet you both,” she said hurriedly, “but I must get back.”
“Of course.” Si smiled while Tess slipped her arm around her husband.
With relief, Anna turned and was almost out of the restaurant when she felt his hand on her arm.
“I need your card, Anna,” said Si as he drew her closer.
Anna’s body leant into him; the contact seductive.
“In case I need to see you again.”
Speechless, she fumbled in her jacket pocket and gave him her card. His hand was warm—Anna shivered and practically ran out the restaurant.
Chapter 5
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Guy was working on new fingerprint security and they were trialling it in the Elite Suites. A scanner at reception copied the thumbprint, and that was sent wirelessly to the door lock recognitions system. Only the clients thumb would unlock the door, no more lost keys. They hoped to use the technology throughout the club.
Virinder
Virinder sat before Guy in his swan persona, his outward calm in stark contrast to his inner turmoil. Again, he wondered why he was here, but of course, he knew. He was running scared, his arranged marriage getting closer and closer.
“Everything seems in order,” said Guy. “If you’d like to follow me, I’ll show you the club and the facilities. You can book your sensory lessons direct with The Braille reception.”
The club was everything he had hoped for and more—he was mesmerised. For the first time since the nightmare of his arranged marriage had started, he experienced a rush of pleasure. After the tour, he sat in a beautiful lounge within the club and ordered tea. The membership had been expensive but he saw it as a lifeline. He needed to collect his thoughts. His bride to be, Noor, was a beauty. His family were proud and excited for him but he did not share their enthusiasm. Something in Noor’s dark eyes made him shiver. He had met her only once and a sixth sense set alarm bells ringing. When she smiled, her beauty charmed those around her, but not Virinder, he felt only dread. He had tried earlier to bring caution to the proceedings but his mother hushed him. When he tried to speak with his father, he had gotten angry.
“Virinder,” he said sharply. “We have been patient; we have given you a fine education and freedom until now. It is time for the next step. This is a good match,” he said confidently. “What is it that worries you?”
Virinder couldn’t verbalise what he felt, so settled for the truth.
“I don’t like her,” he replied, feeling foolish.
“Nonsense, she is beautiful and will make a good wife for you,” said his father dismissively.
Virinder dropped his gaze and tried to reign in his increasing panic. Trapped, he paced around his father’s study.
“I won’t marry her,” he said defiantly.
“Virinder, in this you do not have a choice,” his father’s voice was cold. “You will not shame this family. Do you understand?”
He nodded dejectedly unable to reason with his father in this mood. Fear clawed at his insides. The net was closing and there was not
hing he could do to stop it.
“Virinder?”
He could hear his mother’s voice calling him. She was hovering outside in the hallway. He looked at his father’s set expression and with reluctance slipped out the room.
“Virinder, there you are.” His mother’s face was anxious. “Noor will be here any minute. You’re not even ready,” she exclaimed.
“Mother, I am ready,” he said quietly.
“Surely you’re not wearing that?”
Virinder glanced down at his baggy black jeans and shapeless black t-shirt and shrugged.
“Put on a shirt at least,” she pleaded.
Annoyed, Virinder walked towards his room. All this fuss, he wanted to scream, but the thought of The Braille Club and his scheduled sensory lesson calmed him. He had been there earlier that day. Virinder hated his body. His doctor officially confirmed he was clinically obese. He worried his weight would prevent him from joining the secret club and had spent many anxious weeks waiting. When nothing arrived after several months he resigned himself to the fact his application had been rejected, and then his membership arrived. Scarcely able to believe his eyes, he had activated his card and arranged his orientation tour. Hope soared through him that perhaps it wasn’t too late for him.
Virinder had been bullied since that, “fine education,” as his father had put it, had started. As a much-wanted son, he was spoiled. His older sister, Zita, was as thin as a rake like his father, but he was more like his mother. Her plump face radiated happiness. He had gone from a chubby toddler to an even chubbier boy. His mother struggled to get a school uniform to fit him and he had found it tight and uncomfortable to wear. The only time he saw his mother cry was at the hands of his father; another bully. Virinder remembered his father’s shout of outrage.