by C. C. Gibbs
‘Maybe,’ she said on another hiccupy little breath, not even sure why she was crying, her nerves shaky, her body in wistful overload, her emotions caught up in a riptide of frightening, tumultuous change. Because she was stupidly falling in love with a man who wouldn’t remember her name in a month … or probably a week.
He kissed her then, not deeply, just an affectionate, tender nuzzle.
And suddenly, a part of her was scared, knowing time wasn’t on her side. ‘Do we have to go? I know we do.’ She tried to smile. ‘Sorry, I’m losing it, for some reason.’
‘Hey, count me in. It’s the last thing I want to do.’ He kissed the tip of her nose. ‘Better times in a couple hours – right?’
She chewed on her lip, nodded.
Moments mattered in life; you missed them or they zipped by too fast, or you were looking the other way when you should have been paying attention. Either way you missed them. Dominic had learned that the hard way. So, vague misgivings aside, he wouldn’t look back on this moment with regret. Taking Kate by the hand, he drew her to a chair, sat down with her on his lap, his blue gaze half shuttered by his lashes. He took a small breath before he spoke. ‘I don’t want to fuck this up.’ He saw the sudden wariness in her face so he chose his words carefully. ‘There’s something I’d like to tell you. I’ve been thinking about me, us’ – he sighed – ‘my fucking calendar. I have to leave Hong Kong soon.’
Her heart stopped beating; it’s absolutely true what they say. Fear can make your heart stand still.
‘I’ve pushed everything aside for five days. I can’t do that for any length of time. So I thought –’ he paused, sure of what he wanted, not completely sure about his approach ‘– and this is just a proposal …’ Her silence, the stubborn tilt of her chin causing him to pick his words as if he were negotiating a ceasefire after a ten-year war. ‘I understand you don’t want to work for me. I wish you would – you know that – but if you’d rather not, at least come with me when I leave Hong Kong.’ Her mouth was starting to tighten. ‘Hey, don’t get hot till you hear me out. You set the guidelines, the rules, the game plan. Time, place, how often I can touch you. See, I really mean it. I’ll agree to whatever you want. I want you with me. On your terms. You’re in the driver’s seat on this one, babe.’ A man of action, he didn’t question his motivation, nor her willingness – only her stubborn streak. And he’d manage that too like he managed everything else in his life.
Her heart started beating again. She was being offered any version of paradise she wished to draft. An exceptional, extraordinary paradise with a man who in only a few short days had become essential to her happiness. To her continuing and future happiness. One starring Dominic Knight if she wished.
As the silenced lengthened, he dipped his head, held her gaze. ‘Say something.’
She could feel her heart pounding. ‘I’d like to think about it,’ she whispered. ‘If life didn’t get in the way I’d unequivocally answer yes. But –’ she dragged in a small breath, seriously overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the man and his life, not entirely sure she could stand up to the tidal wave of power, not sure she even wanted to when she loved him so much – ‘I don’t know about—’
‘Nana?’
‘For one, yeah.’ She bit her lip; he hadn’t mentioned love once. But maybe that was asking too much. ‘And I left a few job offers hanging.’
All manageable. ‘Understood.’ Dominic had only lost once in his life and if he’d been with Julia that day, he would have saved her. Other than that, he’d always won. He was confident of ultimate success. Why wouldn’t he be? A woman had never said no to him. ‘Take your time. Think about it. We’ll talk later.’ His smile was boyish, open and warm. ‘Now, would you like help dressing?’
‘From you?’ Her tone was deliberately teasing, preferring to move on to something less fraught with angst and unlikely romantic fantasies.
‘Who else?’ An amiable, wholly immodest response from a man who could do anything.
She grinned. ‘How much time do we have?’
‘Not that much time. But I can zip, buckle, whatever.’
‘I’m definitely interested in the whatever,’ she playfully said.
He glanced at the clock, frowned slightly. ‘Later, I promise. A car will be out front soon. Here, you sit and I’ll find you something to wear.’
A moment later, he lifted a grey wool dress off a hanger, tossed it on the bed, rummaged through the bureau drawers and pulled out a bra and panties. ‘Something conservative to go with a conservative dress. Since you’re a business associate you should look the part.’
‘Is that what I am?’ Sliding her hands under her breasts, she raised them into lush mounds. ‘Are you sure?’
He gave her a pointed look. ‘I’m sure for the next few hours because if you fuck with me, you’ll be sleeping alone.’
She dropped her hands. ‘Jeez, don’t get surly.’
‘You don’t want to see me surly,’ he murmured and crooked his fingers. ‘Let’s get this show on the road. Seriously, babe, if I could fuck you now, I would. People are waiting, that’s all.’ His voice went soft. ‘And I want you with me.’
Such simple words but divinely beautiful in her ears, capable of persuading her to be anything he wanted her to be. She rose from the chair.
He hooked the sensible white cotton bra, she put on the white cotton panties, he slid the sheath dress over her head, zipped it up, adjusted the small black satin cap sleeves on her shoulders, pulled the black-satin-lined scooped neckline up a fraction of an inch to cover the strip of white bra that showed and handed her a black satin belt. ‘Choose some shoes,’ he said, turning to the closet. ‘I’ll get dressed.’
After slipping on plain black pumps, she clasped the jet studded belt buckle, and surveyed herself in an ebony and gold framed cheval glass. ‘This bra still shows,’ she grumbled, tugging the neckline higher.
Dominic shot her a look as he buttoned his shirt. ‘Don’t bend over like that and it won’t show.’
‘I should wear a black bra.’
He smiled. ‘I like the contrast, that hint of plain white cotton is real sexy.’
‘For you and everyone else.’
‘Just don’t bend over, Katherine.’ He held her gaze as he reached for his trousers. ‘Understand?’
A ruinous tremor stirred inside her, a flush rose on her cheeks at the stark authority in his voice. She inhaled sharply as hot desire ignited, bust into flame; she struggled to suppress it.
‘I expect you to behave tonight, so keep that hot body of yours in check. Got it?’ He shoved his shirt into his trousers with a few swift thrusts, pulled up his zipper. ‘Damn it, Katherine, I need an answer.’
His gaze was as uncompromising as his voice. ‘Yes, yes, I understand.’ She took a breath, felt the ripples slow, regained her emotional footing once again.
‘Good.’ He buckled his belt. ‘I’ll introduce you to Olivia when we get to the house. You already know Max. They’ll see that you meet whomever you wish to meet. I’m keeping my distance so your reputation won’t be compromised. That’s about it.’ He slid a smoke-grey and carnelian check tie under his collar and smoothly tied it. ‘Any questions?’
‘No, but I need a better tone of voice or I’m not moving from here.’
He swung around from the bureau mirror, dazzled her with a smile and said, silken soft, ‘Please accept my apology. I’d really like you to come with me. I want to show you off.’
She unclasped her arms that had been folded across her chest. ‘That’s better.’
‘You look stunning, Katherine.’ He slipped his arms into a black jacket, shrugged his shoulders to adjust the fit, buttoned one button, then held out his hands. ‘Come here, babe. I’m the lucky guy with the best-looking girl at the party.’
She’d pulled her hair up with a diamond-studded clip, leaving a few wild tendrils to escape. A touch of dark eyeshadow and a splash of brilliant red lipstick dramatized the paleness of
her skin.
‘You clean up rather well yourself,’ she said, keeping it casual rather than offering him her undying love.
‘So we’re good now?’ He cupped her hands in his. ‘No tantrums?’
‘Don’t look at me. I’m Miss Mellow.’
‘I wish I were. I’d like nothing better than to rip off that dress and fuck you all night.’ He groaned. ‘Unfortunately …’ He gave his head a shake. ‘OK, I can do this.’ He released her hands and crooked his arm. ‘May I escort you to two hours of hell, Miss Hart? I promise to make it up to you.’
‘In that case, Mr Knight,’ Kate said with a sweet smile, ‘I’d be delighted.’
Max and Olivia were at the house to greet them when they arrived. After Kate and Olivia were introduced, Olivia gave them a tour through the various reception rooms that had been readied for the occasion. The staff was still busy with last-minute arrangements: setting out food trays, adding a few more vases of flowers, stocking the two bars that had been set up – all under Leo’s cool orchestration. Dominic thanked Leo for his Herculean effort in such a short time frame, praised the gala splendour of the rooms, said he hoped they could hustle everyone out the door by nine – to which Leo responded with an eye roll.
And Dominic groaned.
‘You only have to smile for two hours, Dominic, and it’s over,’ Olivia lightly said.
He sighed. ‘I’ll do my best, Liv.’
Kate glanced at him, her eyebrows going up delicately. ‘It’s a good cause. I’m sure two hours will go by quickly.’
Dominic’s sharp look gave way to a grin. ‘My conscience,’ he drolly said.
Olivia smiled. ‘Then how nice that you brought Katherine along, Dominic. The philharmonic is grateful. Shall we?’ She waved toward the entrance hall.
Moments later the small party was standing near the door, waiting for their guests to arrive – the ladies with a glass of champagne in hand, the men with whiskies. ‘You have my permission to escape after two hours, Dominic, whether guests are still here or not,’ Olivia said with a gracious smile. ‘And thank you again for stepping into the breach at such short notice.’
‘My pleasure, Liv. Now tell me, who needs convincing to take out their chequebooks?’
As Olivia began to run through a list of people, Dominic nodded from time to time, commented on one or two, asking for particulars, emptied his glass, casually held it out for a waiter to take from him without shifting his attention from Olivia. ‘I think I have it. A hundred grand from the two ambassadors and the Principessa, fifty from Ng, Chen, Tsui, Dan Lee, Malcolm, the Dunhams, Schultz, and ten from all the rest. You’re going to take in a haul tonight, Liv.’
‘That’s the idea.’
‘I hope this won’t be too boring for you, Katherine.’ His voice softened, his gaze for her alone. ‘If it is,’ he said, suddenly speaking in a conversational tone as though he’d not just made her blush, ‘go upstairs and make yourself comfortable. You can’t be expected to talk to all these strangers. I’d prefer not talking to them, but’ – a shrug, a quick grin for Olivia – ‘I’m happy to help you out, Liv.’ He took Kate’s hand. ‘Promise you’ll leave if it gets tedious. But not for too long. I’ll go into withdrawal.’
Her blush deepened. ‘I promise,’ she said, a slight tremor in her reply. ‘Don’t worry.’
‘Hey.’ He dipped his head, held her gaze. ‘Are you all right?’
She dragged in a breath, smiled tightly. ‘I hadn’t thought about all the people – looking and staring. Until now that we’re actually here.’
‘How about a breath of fresh air? If you’ll excuse us,’ he said without looking at either Max or Liv. ‘Come.’ He began to move away, gently drawing Kate with him. ‘We’ll check out the stars from the terrace.’
‘Well, well, well,’ Liv said on a slow exhalation as the couple walked away hand in hand. ‘Katherine’s definitely more than a playmate, considerably more. ‘I’ll go into withdrawal. Really?’ There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll be leaving with Dominic on Tuesday. And Antonia’s going to be really pissed when she sees that shocking display of affection. I’d better see that Penzance does his duty to crown and country because Dominic might very well be rude. He can be.’
‘You think?’ Max had seen him tear competitors to shreds with a few razor-sharp remarks. ‘Although he did promise to be nice enough to Antonia to get your donation.’
‘I’m not sure he’s capable of such guile tonight. He’s like a changed man. He was never like that even with Julia … protective and solicitous, guarding that young girl against the cold, cruel world. Do you think that’s her appeal. Her naivety?’
‘I doubt it. Miss Hart is pretty no-nonsense and assertive.’
‘I didn’t see that.’
‘She can be.’
‘Just like he can be a huge prick but he’s not with her. I don’t know, Max. I think we’re seeing something astonishing. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in love with her. She certainly is with him.’
‘No!’
‘For heaven’s sake, Max. You men never get over the terror of that word.’
‘I beg your pardon.’
‘I don’t mean you don’t love me, darling. I just mean Dominic is going to call his feelings everything and anything but love. And his little Katherine will try to disguise her feelings because, as you say, she’s not stupid. Dominic would bolt.’ She uttered a little trill of laughter. ‘What fun it will be watching them tonight.’
‘Or watching Dominic fend off Antonia in order not to anger Katherine.’
‘Plus we’ll be taking in a few million for a good cause.’ Olivia threw her arms open wide in playful drama. ‘Won’t it be grand!’
Dominic had taken off his jacket and wrapped it around Kate’s shoulders before they walked outside. Holding her close, her back to his chest, his arms around her, they stood in the lee of the wall, the sparkling lights of Hong Kong harbour and the mainland laid out before them in a radiant panorama.
‘I didn’t think about all the people staring. I thought it was enough to stay away from you,’ he said, his chin resting lightly on her head. ‘I don’t know what I was thinking. Any little bit of gossip always stokes them.’
‘Don’t worry.’ She didn’t want to be ungracious or difficult. ‘I’ll manage just fine. I’ll ignore the stares and mingle.’
‘I don’t want you to mingle. Jesus,’ he grumbled, ‘that’s the last thing I want you to do. Every man here is going to hit on you.’ His arms tightened around her. ‘Stay by me, we’ll deal with the gossip.’
‘That’s stupid and you know it. For you, for me, for your philharmonic friends who will be delighted to spread salacious rumours.’
‘Fuck.’
‘Is that a promise?’ she teased.
‘It’s a goddamn guarantee. In two hours. Oh, shit.’
‘I felt that.’ She rubbed against his rising erection. ‘Ummm … nice. I remember him well.’
‘I’m going to see that you don’t forget him. Damn, I wish I could have refused this reception.’
‘You couldn’t, it’s important. Thank you for bringing me.’
‘As if I wouldn’t.’ He spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world for him to bring his current playmate to a public function. When he never had. No more than he ever questioned his actions. ‘Although I warn you, if I see anyone looking down your dress, I’m going to punch him out.’
‘Don’t you dare. It’s your fault I’m wearing this bra. Not only is it white, but it’s cut too high … so if I move even a little the wrong way it shows.’
‘Then don’t move the wrong way,’ he said gruffly, ‘or I’ll spank you when this party’s over.’
‘In that case …’
He groaned. ‘I haven’t felt like I was sixteen since, Christ – even when I was sixteen, ready to fuck every second, ready to fuck you every second.’ He blew out a disgruntled breath. ‘It’s going to be a long two hours.’
; But once they returned to the reception rooms, time passed swiftly, the crowd descending, as predicted by Max, earlier than seven, the noise levels escalating as the liquor flowed. The rich, powerful, beautifully dressed and bejewelled people milling through the enfilade of magnificent rooms, air-kissing each other, exchanging gossip only those in the small incestuous world of moneyed Hong Kong were privy to, taking our their chequebooks in response to either Liv’s or Dominic’s smiles, doing their duty to the cultural universe.
Kate deliberately stayed in the background, or at least tried to. But dressed as she was, beautiful as she was, men converged on her like bees to honey. She looked up from time to time from one inconsequential conversation or another, saw Dominic watching her and, if possible, discreetly met his gaze.
It wasn’t always possible. She’d see him frown and her body would begin to heat up, as though his authority reached across the room, imposing its will, expecting compliance. She’d quickly look away, force herself to ignore the tumult warming her senses, concentrate on whomever was talking. She could have left; Dominic had offered her that option. But she didn’t – jealous, perhaps, of all the women besieging him, filled with doubt and suspicion whenever he smiled at one of them. Then he’d catch her eye and grin and everything was beautiful again.
Like him.
He was, literally, the handsomest man in the room.
But the women surrounding him all wrote cheques or had their escorts write cheques while Dominic charmed and flattered them with hugs and kisses, a light arm around their shoulders, a whispered comment in their ear – before politely moving on. He was truly masterful, Kate thought, faced with the stark reality of Dominic Knight’s seductive charm. Each discarded female was left with a smile on her face.
Something to file away in her mental database.
Well into the second hour, Liv hove into view carrying a fresh drink for both of them, shooed away Kate’s admirers and handed over a gin and tonic. ‘Dominic follows you with his eyes when you walk around the room,’ she said with a smile. ‘I find it quite lovely.’