A Promise of Passion

by Maggie Carpenter

  “I need to go all the way,” she begged.

  “But you haven’t yet asked permission.”

  “Ooh, Sir.”

  “If you wish me to fuck you hard again, ask, and when you want to come, beg. Maybe I will say yes, or maybe I will make you wait. Tell what you want.”

  “Please, Sir, will you fuck me hard?”

  “And then?”

  “And then I will ask permission to come.”

  “If I say no?”

  “Ooh, Sir, I will accept it.”

  “Oui, that was the right answer,” he muttered, and surging forward he started to pump with vigor, accelerating as her sounds told him she was nearing her orgasm once again, but this time, much to his cock’s relief, he continued until she wailed her plea.

  “Sir, Sir, please may I come?”

  “Yes,” he growled, pushing his thumb deeply inside her, “you will come for me now.”

  Throwing back her head and letting out a long, soulful wail, her body tightened with its first spasm. Her joyful release sent his cock into its eruption, and united they shared their glorious climaxes, until spent and drained, they breathlessly flopped on the bed. Softly moaning, Vivien snuggled next to him.

  “What a miraculous day,” she murmured.

  “Oui, so it has been,” Dominic said letting out a heavy sigh, thinking about the timing of Robson’s visit and his offer of help.

  “I wish you were coming with me to France. I don’t want to be away from you.”

  “Don’t worry, ma chérie. All will be well soon enough.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  It was late the following afternoon, and the police had returned to Harrison Towers. Alana had answered a call from an unidentified number, and the man on the line had said he was watching her, and that he would soon be knocking on her door. She’d been in her suite at the time, and had frantically put in a call to Harry, who had immediately contacted the police and hurried down to see her.

  It was puzzling. The phone was brand new, replacing her previous phone which had been given to the police. It was of great concern that the caller had been able to uncover her new number with remarkable speed. The detective leading the investigation was perplexed.

  “You said you purchased the phone from a local vendor, a place you’d never been before.”

  “That’s right,” she said nodding her head, “and I opened a new account under the name, A. Sylvia Dalton, not Alana Dalton, and as I said, the only people who have the new number is my agent and my closest friends. You have all their names.”

  “Mr. Harrison, can you give Miss Dalton a phone to use, one that’s registered to your company? No doubt you have many at your disposal.”

  “I should have done that in the first place,” he frowned.

  “I’ll be back in touch as soon as I have something to report,” the detective promised, taking the phone from her and handing it off to another officer.

  “We’re leaving town tomorrow morning for about a week,” Harry said. “Please contact my assistant, Madeline Pierce, with any updates. She’ll know how to reach me.”

  “At least you’ll be out of the city and you won’t have to worry about your safety,” the detective remarked. “We’ll put our best people on this. Hopefully we’ll have some answers by the time you get back.”

  “Thank you,” Alana said gratefully. “I just hope you catch this bastard sooner rather than later. I won’t sleep until you do.”

  As Harry walked the police to the door, Alana moved across to the small bar and poured herself a shot of vodka.

  “This has you rattled,” he said, striding back to her.

  “It does. He sounded so creepy.”

  “Why did you answer the phone? It was an unidentified caller.”

  “The phone was brand new! I haven’t entered everyone into my contacts list yet. I thought it was someone I knew. Jeez!”

  “Easy there,” Harry frowned. “I’m on your side, and I’m not taking any chances. You’re bringing all your things up to the penthouse right now so I don’t have to worry about you.”

  “You’re worried about me?” Alana purred, gazing up at him.

  “Of course,” he nodded, then suddenly realized he actually was.

  Harry Harrison rarely worried about anyone but himself, but a wave of concern had swept through him when he’d heard about the threatening phone call.

  “Nobody worries about me,” she said softly, “what a lovely thing.”

  “I can’t believe that,” he smiled. “I’m sure a lot of people worry about you. I’m sure your agent does, and-“

  “My agent worries about me because of his ten-percent,” she quipped, interrupting him.

  “Well, I am worried,” he said, taking the vodka glass from her hand and placing it on the counter she he could hug her. “It’s disturbing to see you so upset.”

  “I’m fine, I’m tough, I can handle it,” she muttered.

  “I don’t think you’re as tough as you claim, and it’s nice to meet your feminine side, very nice.”

  “I plead the fifth,” she said, leaning against him.

  “Pack up your things and I’ll take you upstairs, then I have to go back to my office. Probably best if you didn’t go out.”

  “It’s nice to meet your sweet, protective side,” she smiled, pulling back and staring up at him.

  “Touché,” he grinned, “now grab your stuff and let’s go.”

  As she turned to walk away, he swatted her backside, hard, and squealing, she spun around and glared at him.

  “Why did you do that?”

  “Why? Because I felt like it, and I knew it would distract you from the drama. It did, right?”

  “The second reason is acceptable, the first is not,” she retorted.

  “Hey, if you’re coming upstairs, get used to it,” he declared. “I like spanking cute butts, and you’re is one of the cutest I’ve seen.”

  “Uh, thanks, I think,” she said with a frown, then staring at him, she added, “are you flirting with me?”

  “Would that be a good thing?”

  “That’s not an answer.”

  “I plead the fifth,” he chuckled.

  “Touché back at you!” she laughed.

  “Go on, get your things. I have work to do.”

  “I’m going, I’m going,” she said impatiently.

  Harry watched her scurry away, and for the briefest moment the familiar twinge sent a slight shiver down his spine.

  “Strange,” he muttered.

  Pushing it aside, wandering across the room to stare out at the city, he thought back to the call he’d received that morning. Vivien had told him she and Dominic couldn’t join him and Alana for dinner that night because Dominic had made prior plans. Harry had immediately suggested they swing by for an early evening cocktail. He wanted her in his penthouse. He wanted her in his penthouse very badly.

  “I can come,” she’d replied, “but Dominic has been offered a new commission. He’ll be busy until we have to leave for the dinner party he was invited to.”

  “I see. What a shame,” Harry had lied. “Never mind, I’m sure there will be many other opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing you. I know I told you it was just a friendly dinner, but there’s more to it.”

  “There is?”

  “Yes, Vivien, there is.”

  “Can you give me a hint?”

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

  That had been that, and as he waited for Alana to finish packing, he allowed himself a moment of silent satisfaction. Life had taught him not to break open the celebratory bottle of champagne until the deal was done, but he had absolute confidence that things would evolve exactly as he had planned.

  In her bathroom, Alana was busily gathering up her makeup and various lotions and potions. She had three toiletry bags, and became very irked if the wrong bottle ended up in the wrong pouch, and as she zippered up the one containing her moisturizers, she paused and sm
iled at herself in the mirror. Things were going well, very well, and she had every confidence that things would work out just as she wanted them to.

  A short distance away, Vivien and Dominic had just returned home from the doctor’s office. Vivien had picked up a prescription for birth control pills, which she had promptly filled, and they’d both had their blood drawn, paying extra so they would have the results in twenty-four hours. As Vivien put the kettle on for a cup of tea, Dominic’s phone rang. It was Robson’s name on the screen, so he walked quickly to the bedroom and closed the door before accepting the call.

  “Hello, Robson.”

  “Hello, Dominic. Is this a good time?”

  “Oui, Vivien is making some tea.”

  “I have good news,” Robson said happily. “My contact is more than happy to step in. He is already making the necessary phone call. Walter Fairmont’s problem will be resolved.”

  “This is such welcome news, Robson, or should I call you Robbie?”

  “Robbie, if you don’t mind. It’s who I am now, though I know that’s bit of an odd thing to say.”

  “Not at all,” Dominic replied “I must get in touch with Walter right away. May I tell him you stepped in?”

  “Perhaps not. I don’t want him to feel obligated.”

  Dominic smiled. The Robson he’d encountered the year before would have seen the favor as something to hold on to and exploit in the future.

  “Then it will remain out secret,” Dominic replied, “though of course I’ll tell Vivien when this is all behind us.”

  “Of course, but it’s a shame Vivien is leaving tomorrow,” Robson remarked. “Just one more day and you might have been able to fly off with her.”

  “I’ll take off as soon as I know everything is done.”

  “I think you’ve handled this whole thing very wisely,” Robson said, “but isn’t it extraordinary that I should come along just the right time? It’s like a gift for us both.”

  “I agree,” Dominic exclaimed. “It’s a miracle for Walter, and I hope karma sends a miracle your way as well.”

  “It already has, and her name is Mary,” Robson said with a smile in his voice.

  “Are you ready for the big day?” Dominic asked. “You must be very busy.”

  “My best man, who is Alfie of course, he is the busy one,” Robson laughed. “I’m leaving all the last minute details to him. He complains a lot, but I know he has loved every minute of, and here he is now, walking towards me looking a bit worried. I’d better go. I’ll be back to you soon, bye for now.”

  “Bye, Robbie, and thanks again.”

  Ending the call, Dominic broke into a broad smile and headed back to the flat. He found Vivien at the kitchen table, the teapot waiting to be poured, and some toasted, buttered crumpets smothered with butter and honey sitting temptingly on a plate.

  “What a delicious surprise?” he declared.

  “You look happy? Was that call good news?”

  “Very good news,” he nodded sitting down.

  “Can you tell me?”

  “Not yet, ma chérie, but soon.”

  “I don’t suppose it means you can join me on that plane in the morning, does it?” she asked hopefully.

  “No, and later, when I explain everything, you will understand. Now I must have one of these crumpets.”

  “I still have to finish packing and then get changed to go to the penthouse,” she sighed, pouring the tea. “I wish I didn’t have to go. I wonder what it is Harry has to tell me.”

  “What was it he said again?”

  “Not much, just that there was more to it than a friendly get-together.”

  “Call me on the way back if it’s anything major.”

  “I will,” she promised, biting into a crumpet. “I should send a packet of these back to mom and Will. Do you think they’d stay fresh long enough to be any good once they arrived?”

  “I don’t think so, but you could try.”

  “I’ll call them later when I get back from Harry’s. I’m really happy to be back here, but I’m starting to miss them.”

  “Your mom will come and visit. She promised.”

  “Yes, she will,” Vivien smiled. “Gosh, look at the time. I need to get ready.”

  “And there’s someone I must ring,” Dominic said, returning her smile.

  “Is it about that phone call you just got?”

  “Yes, it is. No more questions. You finish your crumpet and go and change. I’ll order the taxi to pick you up in twenty minutes. Okay?”

  “Perfect.”

  When the cab arrived to collect her, Dominic walked her outside, and they found the clear skies had clouded over. It wasn’t yet raining, but the smell of it was in the air.

  “You should take an umbrella,” he said as he studied the clouds.

  “No, I’ll be fine. I’ll only be stepping from the taxi into the building and back out again.”

  “But it has that big open area in front,” Dominic argued. “I can run back into the flat and grab one for you.”

  “I don’t want to be late. Besides, it may not even rain,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. “I’ll call you when I’m leaving.”

  She climbed in, and he closed the door behind her, waving her off as the car started down the street, but as he walked back to the flat his mind was racing.

  I wish I could have gone with you, but Harrison is too sharp. He might have picked something up. I wish I could have told you everything that is going on, but if you’d known you might have acted differently around him. No, it’s better this way, and besides all of that, there is a journey here you must make alone, ma chérie. I am sure you will come back to my arms and be at peace, but if you don’t, then our life together was simply not meant to be.

  The traffic was as busy as always, and by the time the taxi pulled up outside Harrison Towers it was a few minutes past six o’clock. Vivien quickly paid the driver, and as she stepped out the first drops of rain began to fall.

  “Dammit,” she muttered, wishing she’d taken Dominic up on his offer to fetch an umbrella.

  As she started across the expansive area in front of the building, the few drops suddenly became a torrent. She broke into a run, but the wet stuff was bucketing down, soaking through her clothes. Squinting through the driving rain she could see the doors were nearing, but just as she reached them, the heel of her right shoe caught in a tiny divot and she tumbled forward. She let out a scream, then suddenly, out of nowhere a hand grabbed her, saving her from hitting the concrete just in the nick of time.

  “Thank you,” she yelled, trying to be heard over the din of the downpour.

  “Glad I was here,” the man yelled back as he pushed open the glass doors and helped her inside.

  “Oh, Lord, look at me,” she groaned, staring down at her saturated clothes. “I’m absolutely drenched.”

  “Not to worry. I’m sure I can rustle you up something to wear.”

  Darting up her eyes, she was stunned to see it was Harry Harrison who had been her hero.

  “Harry! Where did you come from?”

  “I needed to come down here for a minute, and I saw you getting out of the taxi.”

  “Talk about timing,” she exclaimed.

  “My dear, timing and presentation are the keys to success, whatever the goal.”

  “I’ll remember that,” she said, then abruptly began to shiver.

  “We shouldn’t be standing here talking! You’re freezing. You’ll catch your death.”

  Taking her by the elbow he guided her quickly across the lobby and into his private elevator. As it zipped them upwards, Harry took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

  “It’s not completely dry, but it’s certainly not wet through, and it’s wool so it has some warmth to it,” he said as he began to rub her arms.

  “Th-thank you,” Vivien managed, trying to stop her teeth from chattering.

  Charles had a high-tech pager, and whenever the elevat
or was about to arrive it beeped. He’d hurried from the kitchen, and had just arrived when the doors opened. When he saw the state of her, his usually unruffled demeanor evaporated.

  “My goodness gracious,” he exclaimed. “Let me show you to the nearest guest room, then I’ll make you some hot tea.”

  With Charles leading the way, Harry moved her quickly forward, and as the efficient majordomo opened the door for them, he promised to return with some dry clothes, and leave them on the small hall table just a few feet away.

  “Take a hot shower,” Harry said urgently. “It’s the fastest way to get warm. You’ll find a robe hanging on the back of the door.”

  “Ok-k-kay,” she nodded.

  “Quickly,” he said sternly, already walking out. “You’ll get sick if you don’t warm up.”

  “Ok-k-kay,” she repeated.

  Staggering into the bathroom she peeled off her wet, clinging clothes, and with a trembling hand, she reached into the shower stall and turned on the faucets, wrapping herself in the robe as she waited for the water to turn hot. Though it only took a few seconds it felt like forever, and finally stepping under the warm inviting stream, she leaned against the wall and let out a grateful sigh.

  In the small lounge adjacent to the dining room, though she was feigning concern, Alana wasn’t happy. She’d watched as Harry had helped the bedraggled Viven out of the elevator, his coat draped over her and his arm around her shoulder.

  “I do hope she doesn’t come down with a cold,” Alana said as she sipped her champagne.

  “I have a homeopathic preventative,” Harry remarked. “I’ll make sure she takes some home with her.”

  “Your tea, Sir,” Charles declared, placing the tray on the coffee table.

  “Thank you, Charles. Were you able to find the cashmere tights and matching sweater?”

  “Yes, sir, and I left it on the hall table along with some socks and slippers. I guessed a size eight. Will there be anything else?”

  “Bring me a bottle of that flu elixir, and let her know where we are when she appears,” Harry replied.

  As Charles left them, Alana took a breath and stared idly around the room.

  “What is it?” Harry asked.