by J. A. Kerr
He needed to know where Anna lived. That was important. A city pad was very convenient. He couldn’t wait to see her again. He had wanted to kiss her badly, but understood why Anna took him to the busy bar. She didn’t want to be alone with him. Even better, she was trying to resist. He loved a challenge and Anna was looking like one. Smiling, he’d allowed her to run away to her flat. But he had her firmly in his sights.
Watching until she disappeared through the doorway, he’d turned to Tess. Unzipping his fly, he’d groaned as he reached for her but Tess had pushed him away. Stunned, he tried again.
“Don’t, Si,” said Tess angrily.
“Tess, I need you,” he said, trying to soothe her. He wanted her mouth around his cock.
“We’re in a public street,” she protested.
“No one is looking,” he assured her, stroking her arm.
He took his shaft in his hand and squeezed his fingers around its swollen length.
“Tess,” he said sharply. She gripped it with her hand.
He knocked it away roughly. “I want your mouth.”
“No,” sighed Tess.
Si grunted and grabbed his erection. Throwing his head back he thought of Anna. His fist pumped furiously up and down. He imagined fucking Anna. He groaned and the thought of filming her had his hips jerking forward while hot spurts went everywhere.
“Shit,” he exclaimed. He had forgotten about the mess because Tess was his usual clean up. Her mouth took everything he had to give and left him clean.
“Tess, does this fucking car have any tissues?” he barked.
As she leant over him to pop the glove box he had an urgent desire to make her lick up the mess. To ground her face in his lap, the silly bitch deserved it, but he restrained himself. He was shaking with rage as he mopped up his trousers.
“Look at the fucking mess,” he spat.
“There’s another pair of trousers in the boot,” said Tess quietly.
“Get them then,” said Si harshly.
Tess got them and he snatched them off her.
“Drive the fucking car, Tess.” He glared at her as she sat there staring at him. He grabbed her thigh and squeezed hard. She gasped.
“I said drive.”
He had wanted to grab her by her skinny neck and choke her but he couldn’t. She was on television and the bruises would show; he wasn’t completely stupid. He watched her fumble to start the car as he tried to get his temper under control.
“I’m sorry, Si,” she whispered.
He could see she was crying but ignored her as he pulled off the soiled trousers. Cursing, he finally got the fresh pair on. When he looked up they were driving slowly.
“Stop the car.”
“What? Why?” asked Tess, alarmed, but pulled the car over.
Si heaved the door open and slammed it closed. Turning his back on Tess, he walked away quickly turning the corner. His mind was on sex and how quickly he could get satisfaction. Tess had just made a big mistake. They were at the end of the road. Their journey had lasted longer than he had imagined, but there was no going back now. He thought about Anna but he was in no mood for seduction. No, he wanted a professional. He stopped to get his bearings, his mind debating the best way to achieve his goal. He didn’t want a hotel but he didn’t want to go home either. It would teach Tess a lesson, although he was by the stage of caring. He’d always had an arrangement with Phil, their manager. If they ever went their separate ways he would continue to manage Si. Tess was a dead weight, pulling him down and, like any dead weight, it was time to cut the cord.
He was annoyed to hear Cara was not available, and this did nothing to improve his mood. He entered the hotel and checked in under Mr and Mrs Smith. Making his way to the bar, he hoped he wouldn’t have to wait long before the escort arrived. He ordered a drink from the sullen bartender and took a gulp. He didn’t blame the guy for being unhappy. The job had unsocial hours and no prospects.
Tess would have argued at the very least, it was a job. Why was he even thinking about Tess? He scowled moodily. He gulped down the rest of his drink and ordered another. He checked his phone but there were no missed calls, well, other than Tess’s. Several drinks later he saw her; a stunning girl, tall and willowy. His gaze locked onto her as she made her way towards him. She was dressed in a red floor length gown that had the right mix of allure and class.
“About time, what took you so long?” Si blurted, but was surprised she had arrived so quickly.
“Mr Lawrence?” she asked.
Si frowned. He’d told the agency never to use his real name. They knew who he was but for discretion, he was always known as Mr Smith. The first name he’d thought of and, although lacking in originality, it did the job.
Si grabbed her wrist. “Shhhhh. What the fuck are you playing at?”
She turned to him and smiled. He was dazzled by her beauty.
“Games are for later,” she said. “I want a drink,” she addressed the barman. His gaze swivelled to Si and he nodded. She fiddled with her handbag.
“I’ve got a tab going. What do you want?”
“A glass of white wine, please.”
Si ordered the same and was annoyed to see the girl turning to sit at a table.
“We can take the drinks to the room,” said Si, hovering beside the table.
“Some business first,” she replied.
He sat down reluctantly.
“How long will you require me to stay?” she asked.
“The usual arrangement,” said Si, puzzled.
“I’m sorry; I’m new to the company. Tonight was a...rush, so I need to fill in some blanks.”
Si stared at her suspiciously. “Like what?” he asked impatiently.
“How long?”
“I’ll pay for as long as it takes,” he snapped.
“What drugs?”
“Christ, you really are a rookie. We can discuss it in the room.”
“I’ve only got coke,” she replied.
“Fine,” he hissed through gritted teeth. “I suppose you’re going to ask for your money next?”
“How did you guess?” she replied.
He gripped her arm and pulled her close. “I’ve got an account and I want to fuck, so finish your drink. You’re on my time now.”
She gasped and her face paled. Si released her. She grabbed her bag and rubbed her arm. “I need to go the ladies,” she said, standing quickly.
She almost ran across the foyer. Again Si frowned, something was off, and then his heart sank. Another girl was walking towards him. She was smiling. Si knew instantly she was from the agency. So who the fuck was the other girl? His bad feeling intensified. Suddenly, he felt exposed and on show. His eyes darted around. Several people were looking at him. He was drunk but thankfully that wasn’t a crime. However, he realised people had seen him talking to the girl. Again, not a crime, but not smart either. This had been a mistake. He hadn’t thought it through. He should have gone to his room immediately and called the agency with his room number.
“Mr Smith?” she asked.
“Yes, but change of plan. Tell the agency I’ll sort everything out but I need to go home. An emergency,” said Si. His eyes darting around the room but he saw no sign of the girl in the red dress.
“Of course.” The girl smiled and turned to leave.
Si was out in a cold sweat, he couldn’t think. Panic ripped through him now. He suddenly wanted Tess. He took out his mobile and dialled her number but it rang out. He called the landline but the answer machine greeted him.
Please, Tess, please answer the phone, he thought desperately as he tried her mobile once more, but it was only her recorded voice asking him to leave a message. He hung up. That’s when he saw them. His guts turned to ice as he turned away, walking quickly.
“Mr Lawrence, would you care to comment on recent allegations; you pay for sex?” the man shouted as he followed him. Si could hear the camera shutter clicking and broke out into a run.
> “Excuse me, this is a hotel,” the receptionist called after the men.
Si hoped she was calling security. He got as far as the lifts but had to stop, cornered. He tried to hide his face but the photographer was relentless. The reporter was pushing against him, his voice loud as he repeated his question. Footsteps running towards them, the ping of the elevator as it arrived, and the doors opened. Si stepped inside as he watched the reporter and photographer being escorted out of the hotel and saw the flash of red. She was running straight for the exit and Si’s shout was lost as the lift door closed.
Chapter 33
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Swingers Zone. Guy had several complications when compiling the zones. Some swingers liked male and female, male and male, female and female, the combinations were numerous. He must devise a system that catered for members’ preferences; perhaps easier said than done.
Tess
After Si slammed the car door, Tess sat stunned. She was frightened. Si was in a rage and she regretted not doing as he’d asked. She’d been angry. Didn’t he understand how humiliating it was for her? She was expected to relieve him....when his hard-on was for another woman. Where the hell was he? The thought struck her; he was going back to Anna’s. Tess was convinced of it as tears streamed down her face. Her thigh hurt where he’d squeezed it painfully, but she was frantic. She’d turned the car around and sped back to Anna’s flat. She’d been so sure he’d be there but he wasn’t.
Anna had been surprised but she hadn’t turned her away. Tess blurted everything out. Shocked and upset, she’d shared her darkest secrets with the woman her husband was trying to seduce. She felt such an idiot and yet Anna had been kind to her. She’d listened without judging and Tess knew her concern was genuine. Where was Si now? Was he home already? Her mobile hadn’t rung again although she had called Si over and over, but he wasn’t answering. After leaving Anna’s, Tess drove slowly. Anna’s words went round and round in her head. It was a gamble. The plan might fail. She might lose everything but her choices were limited. It wasn’t just the affairs that were damaging and dangerous. Tess’s career was linked intrinsically with Si. If he was discovered, it would not only end his career, but hers too. She had worked so hard and he was putting everything at risk. Other TV personalities had been caught with prostitutes and drugs, their careers over as soon as the papers got wind of it. Si thought because he was married he was safe, but he was a fool. The incident with the girl scared the shit out of Tess and that was before she knew she was pregnant.
She still couldn’t believe it had happened. She was on the coil for Christ’s sake but they hid behind percentages. Nothing was 100% safe she’d been told. She’d been feeling like shit and thought getting an abortion would be simple; a no brainer. However, as she made enquires, she knew her heart wasn’t in it. Si had been cool towards her but all she felt was relief. She should have known that could only mean trouble. As soon as she saw Si with Anna, she knew, she’d found it. The corset she’d been wearing to keep her tummy in check was getting uncomfortable. Si thought it was sexy underwear, but she was wearing it for a reason. When he flipped her over the sofa she pushed out with her hands to protect her stomach. She had enjoyed the sex but not Si’s obsession with filming her. Films often had the habit of falling into the wrong hands but secretly, she was always afraid Si would use it against her.
Why had she let him do it? Fear. Fear of losing him; it always came back to that. The constant fear of losing Si had Tess making bad decisions. Blackmail was a dangerous game and she should know. The sex films were a prime example. He could destroy her by leaking them to the media. He was always filming and therefore there was no possibility his face was on screen. But there were films before Tess insisted on using a mask. Those were the ones she worried about. Anna’s plan was not without risk. Tess must use her body for the last time to secure her own future and that of her unborn child. When the shit hit the fan, everything must be in place. She scrolled through her contacts and shivered when she found his name. He owned her and it was time to call in her debt. He answered on the third ring. Their conversation was short, but she had his agreement in principle.
Fear was gripping her now. She wasn’t sure if Si would come home, probably not, then an idea. The ‘find your iPhone’ feature was easy to use. Si wasn’t that far from her. She knew exactly where he was and what he would be doing. Parking the car, she lifted her phone and stared at the journalist’s number Anna had given her earlier. Slowly, she punched in the numbers and heard the line ring. When the call was finished she felt sick but knew it was too late to stop what she’d started. Anna told her to be brave. She didn’t feel very brave. In fact, she felt miserable. When Tess had given the address, the journalist had been excited, was in fact close by at an industry dinner. With shaking fingers, Tess started the car and turned towards home. She was almost there when Si called but she ignored it.
Going inside she packed her things hurriedly. She didn’t look back as she turned the car around and pressed the accelerator. Tess let the tears fall as she drove. Anna had suggested she stay with a friend for a few days. Tess had struggled to think of any. Since the fiasco of her wedding she’d lost contact with most of them. She didn’t need the competition or the betrayal. Thinking about the last few years, everything was about Simon and how her life pivoted around his needs and whims.
When she stripped it all back she had nothing of her own. No friends, no hobbies...she didn’t even have a home. Sure, she had a percentage in Si’s house but that wasn’t the same. They coexisted as financial independents. She contributed to the household expenses; she had always paid her own way. Also, she had lavished a lot of her money on Si until the last few months. He hadn’t noticed that she’d stopped. She had been shocked at her extravagance. Tess was guilty of trying to buy his love and that was never a wise investment. She had savings, but not nearly enough. She wished she’d saved more and regretted wasting her cash on Si. Anna offered to let Tess stay with her but she’d declined.
She didn’t want any connection with Anna. She had been complicit in encouraging Si. Tess could see that she regretted it. However, she couldn’t trust her; it always came back to that with women. Si never had her trust, but in the beginning her friends had. Her stupidity cost her dearly and the most important day of her life had been ruined as a result. Her phone rang again, and she jumped in fright; her nerves at breaking point. She expected to feel guilty...but was numb instead as she muted the ringer. At first, she had considered going to her parents but was sure Si would check there first. They idolised him. Told her repeatedly how lucky she was. They couldn’t see under his surface charm to the real man beneath, and if they did, they chose to ignore it.
He was a celebrity and they were in awe of him. She didn’t have the heart to shatter their illusions; the papers would do that soon enough. There was only one place Tess could go—Harrison’s. She would be safe there; hidden from the press and media. She would call into the studio on Monday. Tess felt the fatigue tug at her as she saw the welcoming sight of the private members’ club. The garage door opened and she drove the car inside. The girl at reception was so lovely, Tess almost broke down. Now, in the privacy of her room, she did. The suite was newly finished and among the first to be used by members. Everything was beautiful but Tess was too distracted to appreciate the decor. Alone for the first time in years, she was completely adrift. All her safety nets removed, she knew she was on dangerous ground. She saw the list of missed calls from Si as she switched her mobile phone off, ensuring she’d get peace, and crawled under the covers. Her leg hurt but she was too exhausted to care. She turned her tear stained face onto the pillow and was asleep in seconds.
Chapter 34
The Braille Club Undone
The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Swingers Zone. Guy was certain he had all areas covered; so many variants to contend with. The addition of another Patron was the first adjustment; member
s who liked to watch. However, in the Braille club they too must play.
Nick
Very little surprised Nick anymore but the news he’d heard from Cassidy was a surprise. He’d enjoyed the encrypted recording. Cassidy would be off work for some time while his broken bones healed, and Nick smiled. Vengeance felt great. Nick must do more research as a result. However, finding out it was Guy Walker behind his attack and not Harrison didn’t change anything. He was still gunning for Harrison and now he added Guy Walker to his list. Nick, well read, came across the same evidence time and time again. The best way to disable your enemy was to find their weakness. Everyone had one. He admired the way the mafia controlled people. They were ruthless. The first thing they did was to turn to a person’s nearest and dearest. Kidnapping or killing as the situation dictated. When the person realised their wife was missing or that their brother had been shot; the pain and guilt were crushing. It was an excellent strategy. People who were emotionally impaired were weak. Now, he must find Guy Walker’s weakness and exploit it. He hoped he had someone he loved. He would enjoy taking them from him.
His visitor was all he had hoped for and more. Katie was perfect for his purposes. As soon as he saw her again he knew she was the one. He enjoyed their time together enormously. They had flirted and talked. He got her address explaining he wanted to write to her. He sent her flowers and a gift. The letter he’d received this morning told him how much she liked him and his attentions. He smiled, pleased with himself. Katie had been his patient. Mentally unbalanced, he’d struggled to treat her range of problems. She fixated on him immediately. This was not unusual. Nick had dealt with similar cases. Transference could be managed and manipulated. In the past, he had one-night stands and the odd fling, but patient relationships were what he enjoyed best.