Naked Souls: A thriller and suspense series

by Karen Botha

  Instead he asks. “What are you doing later, do you fancy going somewhere quieter?”

  Adam

  Well, she’s caught me off guard there. I was expecting this evening to be a tad on the strained side if I’m honest. Lucy, having had her close shave, has spent a few days licking her wounds. But, today when I arrive home from work, she’s like a different woman. She’s all fired up and has just made a shocking announcement.

  “I want to get married.”

  “What?”

  “I want to get married. You want to, don’t you? I thought it was just me that was holding matters up by not being ready?”

  “Well, yes, but where has this come from? What’s going on?”

  “I just thought it was about time. I’m going to give up doing treatments at my place. We can set up a room downstairs here for me to work out of if any clients want to follow me. I was thinking that we can segment off part of the garage downstairs and make it into a small room. That way I still have some financial independence.”

  “OK, I’m not sure how that will work with the cars, but carry on, you’ve clearly thought this through.” I pronounce my words carefully.

  “Well, do you need all those cars?”

  Erm, no. But, do I want them? Of course. “We can talk about that later. Carry on with what you have to say first.”

  “OK, so me travelling less between our two homes, will mean that I have more time. I can use that to train, do some more martial arts.”

  “OK?”

  “Yes. I’ve not quite decided which one yet, but I used to kickbox years ago and I’d like to get more involved in some form of self-defence again.”

  “OK. I can see where you’re going, but why not just give up your few private jobs? It’ll cost more to build the conversion to create massage rooms than you’ll earn, and ultimately, on a house this size, it could devalue the property price as well. This house needs a large garage.” I’m watching her closely, hoping she goes for it.

  She listens but does not hear what I’ve said. “Hmm, I’m not sure. But we can discuss that later. What do you think about the idea of getting more time freed up though?”

  “Are you just wanting to get married so you have more time? This has all come a bit out of the blue, Lucy.”

  Frankly, I have no idea why Lucy suddenly wants to get married. This is the first I’ve heard of it. I wonder what has brought about this sudden, albeit welcome, but slightly unstable about turn in her behaviour. I’m too smart to get myself in trouble, though. “It seems fair. Where has all this come from though?”

  “I just decided, why not?”

  I’m not getting much sense out of her, so I leave it. Honestly, I’m not about to propose on command, so we don’t need to decide anything now.

  Plus, it sounds suspiciously like the actions of someone who has had the life scared out of her and is acting out in response to that. The last thing I want is to wind up married to someone who only wants me because she’s too scared to be alone. I don’t want her to marry me because she sees this as an opportunity to free up more time so she can train to ensure it never happens again.

  Instead of replying with any of these thoughts that race around my mind, I answer blandly, “It seems like a positive. You don’t need to decide today, this very minute, so why not leave it a few weeks and see how you feel then? It’s not like you need to make a snap decision.”

  She eyes me, caution veiling their previous manic excitement. “OK. But I won’t change my mind. I want this Adam. I want you.” Her voice is firm, with a slightly elevated pitch from her usual tone.

  “Fabulous.” I draw her into me. Breathe in that intoxicating smell of her hair that I’ve become so attached to, and whisper, “I want you too.” An inexplicable sense of foreboding shivers its way down my spine. I push it to one side. “Shall we go out for dinner? We could go to the local.”

  Ten minutes later we’re walking into the tiny front room of a Public House, ordering our usual drinks and taking our usual seat. “I’m going to have their lasagna.” Lucy plops the plastic menu back on the table.

  “Me too.” I get up, order and am back within a matter of seconds.

  “Any news from Paula?” I ask, wondering if we can start to get to the bottom of my possible new fiancée’s strange mood.

  “They found Brian’s place. Uniform are staking it out until he reappears. Oh, and some more bodies up North. They think the killer saw them at the warehouse, which is a bit creepy.”

  “Can they check the CCTV and see who passed by that location, near the time the police were there? There can’t be that many, surely?”

  “Yep, that’s exactly what they’re doing. And the CCTV around the bodies they just found at the side of the canal too. It means they may be able to get a lead because, if the same barge goes past both places at roughly the right times, then it is probably more than a coincidence. Paula’s hopeful. The team are on it.”

  “They’re a good bunch.” I pick at the table with my nail and cause a graze in the varnish. I check myself and wipe my hand over the mark, trying to brush it away. However, like this whole situation, it remains ingrained.

  She looks at me, eyes wide, hiding any mania for the moment. “Do you know if Eric’s guys found anything on Brian?”

  I shake my head, “I’ve not heard from him, I think he’s keeping a low profile. I expect if we want to know something, I need to call him. I’ve been too angry to be honest, so I’ve stayed away. Would you like me to find out?”

  She also shakes her head, eyeing the mark on the table. “It might be good to know if he’s still out there, but I don’t think he’ll come for me and I’d rather not know if Eric has done him harm. Even though he deserves it, that will be on me.”

  I open my mouth to berate her. Quite frankly, he had it coming. Who knows what level of involvement he’s had in this whole case, before you even start with him hurting Lucy.

  But she holds both hands up in front of her, “I know, I know. Maybe on another day I’ll feel differently.” She smiles, tilts her head to one side in that adorable way that she’s made a habit of, and my frustration melts. “I think the self-defence is a good idea,” she whispers.

  I cover her fidgeting hand with mine. She looks so small, and defenceless, with her back against the wall in that pub, that I can’t help but agree. I forget for a second that she single handedly got away from Brian when he was doing his worst.

  Lucy

  I know Todd is rolling in it, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to help Adam out with the business, but knowing something and seeing it with your own eyes is a different matter. Our cab drops us at his prestigious address in South Kensington and we walk up the steps between the two white columns which are so popular in these expensive districts.

  His penthouse is full of history, but perfectly up to date at the same time. It’s been knocked through, so that the galley kitchen opens onto the dining and then lounge area via a marble breakfast bar. But it’s the combination of the original cornicing and huge glass roof light which really gives his home the wow factor.

  I can’t contain my excitement, “This place is gorgeous.” I stand in the middle of the room staring at the architrave which patterns the ceiling in elegant Art déco diamonds. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Todd laughs in a way which tells me he’s appreciative, but doesn’t actually respond to my words, other than to say, “Come and sit, Lucy.”

  He guides me over to one of the two mink velvet sofas which face each other. A glass coffee table sits between them, already laden with a selection of board games. I’m pleased to spot Pictionary on the top. I had worried that this would be more akin to an IQ test than a fun night out with new friends.

  The most gorgeous creature I’ve ever seen shifts over to create room for me to sit next to her. She holds out her hand, “Hi, I’m Daisy,” she says as she flicks her long, black hair from her shoulder.

  We make our introductions, as I h
ear Todd telling Adam he needs to sit opposite Daisy and me. “It’s going to be boys against girls tonight.”

  We form the appropriate “ooh” sounds in response to his announcement and he runs off into the kitchen, returning with a plate of “nibbles.”

  I’ve seen nibbles before, they’re a pack of hastily opened Doritos or perhaps a bag of nuts on a good day. What Todd walks in with are mini Yorkshire puddings stuffed with a sliver of rare steak and some horseradish. “In honour of your Yorkshire roots, Lucy.” He bows and serves me first.

  Well, what is a girl to do? I accept graciously and then instantly regret it. Daisy is speaking to me, “So, what do you do?” she enquires. I’m struck by how radiant her dark skin is. She’s dressed in nothing special, just jeans and a dusty pink silk top, but she looks a million dollars - literally.

  I curse to myself. Firstly, if I wore that colour, it would highlight the rose undertones of my fair skin. And secondly, I’m busy munching down on a stuffed hors d'oeuvres, which means I’m left smiling and nodding, jabbing a finger at my mouth as I rush to finish my mouthful, so I may answer her question.

  She waits patiently, flashing her pure white teeth in a polite smile as I nod my head in time to my jaw action.

  Eventually, I start telling her all. She’s all ears, listening intently to my tale of giving up work to become a therapist and now my latest plans to convert the downstairs of our place. It seems odd calling Adam’s house our home, but seeing as we’re getting married, I’d better get used to it, I suppose.

  “What do you do?” I finally get around to asking.

  She’s another entrepreneur. The room is filling up with them as some more of Todd and Adam’s business associates arrive. I used to think I was a high flyer, but I’ve never had anything on this lot. They’re in a different league.

  “I’m just looking for investment in some properties I’m going to build,” Daisy continues.

  “Oh, really? Well, don’t look in this direction, we’re all strung out at the moment.” I laugh, although I guess it’s actually not that funny.

  Her dark eyes widen and her full lips gape open before she shits them. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to think I was being forward.”

  I'm not certain what she’s going on about, but I’m pretty sure if I’d have shown more interest in her investment she’d have been happy to give me facts and figures there and then.

  “I heard you were attacked this week. Todd was surprised you could make it.” She gestures towards the bruising still blushing purple around my throat.

  “Yeah, I won’t let the bastard beat me,” I reply.

  “Quite right, you should find him and have him done over.” Her pretty features are stern, making her point.

  “Have you played Pictionary before?” I ask, in a bid to change the subject to something lighter.

  She takes the bait, happily moving on from business, “Yes, and I was terrible! You?”

  “The same. Looks like we’re going to be on the losing team tonight.”

  She relaxes back into the sofa, and as she does, the high energy which had been radiating from her slips away. Her dark features, which had been striking before, soften and, as her face changes, so does her beauty. This woman is fascinating. I sense how her personality functions on different layers and I’m drawn to her.

  Two more people arrive, and so, armchairs are pulled up around the tiny table. It strikes me that Todd may well be surprised at the number of people who have accepted his invite. We’re the first glass of wine down now and conversation is flowing much easier between a group who, until tonight, only had Todd in common.

  Adam speaks, “So, we need to know how you're acquainted with everyone, Todd.” Our eyes lock across the table, and my loins warm through. He feels it too, flashing me a smile which is entirely held within the glint of his eyes.

  “Quite right, Adam. As you know, I’m a pretty recent addition to this fair town.” He switches up his laid back southern drawl to a staccato British affair and we all giggle. “So, I’m keen to make new friends. After all, it wouldn’t do to be lonely in a strange city.”

  “I don’t think there’s much danger of that,” a blond guy guffaws. I can’t place him, but he looks familiar, there's something about the way his curls fall around his face. The conversation moves on without allowing me time to consider him further.

  Todd is graceful about the jibe, “Of course, a man can always find company, but friends are a different matter, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be yours.”

  Ooh, that was quite heartfelt and I warm to him a little more.

  The night progresses and it’s fun. These people are a total contrast to Paula, but I love them all the same. They’re colourful characters and the room buzzes with the energy of life and intelligence.

  Don’t get me wrong, we’re all perfectly happy making idiots of ourselves. There isn't so much as a sniff of Trivial Pursuit, which is a relief, as I had dreaded being the thick one amidst a new bunch of people. But there is intelligence to their conversation, which isn't snooty, but it is on an entirely different level to what I'm used to socially. No-one has mentioned the quality of the wine, whereas Paula and I would be raving about it. This lot appear to take it for granted. They're not up themselves, they’re warm people and I’m having the most fantastic evening.

  Daisy and I are in the middle of giggling over a caption we’re incredibly proud of creating for a meme when Adam announces, “Excuse me, little boy’s room.” He points as if that’s some kind of required further explanation.

  An idea springs free and maybe it’s the drink, but I can’t push it aside. I’ve forgotten all about how clever Daisy and I are, all I can focus on is escaping in as polite a manner as possible and following my future husband.

  “Excuse me.” I do not indicate where I’m headed, neither with further verbal explanation nor with a point of my finger. But instead I rise and follow Adam.

  Once around the corner and unseen by my new friends, I hurry so he doesn’t come out before I have the chance to surprise him. I find the toilet and twist the knob, betting on Todd not wanting to ruin this part of history by piercing the wood with a lock. I’m correct and it inches open as I creep in just as he’s washing his hands.

  “Oh, what are you doing here?” He smiles at me in the mirror as I come up behind and wrap my arms around his waist as I nuzzle into his neck.

  “I thought I’d come and see you.” I purr.

  Adam

  I can tell a come-on when I get it, and I think Lucy has had the perfect quantity of wine to be giving me just that. Her eyes flash with a naughtiness I can’t resist as her hands sneak down the front of my jeans.

  I can’t help myself, she’s not even touched me and I spring up, hard.

  My gaze focuses ahead, watching in the mirror as she unbuckles my denims without breaking our reflective eye contact. Her hand is warm as she slips inside my boxers and takes me in her palm.

  Pulling me backwards into her, she breaks our eye contact and moves around me, sinking to her knees between me and the washbasin. She looks up, winks, then runs her wet tongue over her lips which darken with her saliva. Her tongue swirls round my head and when her mouth finally encases me, I’m pulsing, keen to sink into her.

  I slide down her throat as her face bobs forwards, sucking me down, her swollen lips engulfing me to the base. She swallows, then raises back, grazing her teeth gently against my swollen skin.

  My breathing rings in my ears, sharp and fast, made all the more so, by us having gone missing together from Todd’s party. Surely someone will be looking for us soon. The thought speeds my momentum, her mouth releases, teeth replaced with the flat surface of her tongue as she sucks me against the roof of her mouth.

  Pressure builds in my balls, they contract and I gasp as her cheeks hollow. It’s the sexiest I’ve ever seen her look, all slick and horny.

  I pull out and grab her under her arms, pulling her to stand with h
er back to me, bending her over the oval soaker tub. Dragging her panties to one side, I slip inside her easily. The knowledge that I made her so wet almost sends me over the edge as I grind, grabbing her hips and pounding between her thighs.

  And that’s how Todd finds us, with my pants down by my knees and two bare bottoms raised up, in front of his luxury tub.

  “What the...?” I hear through my fog.

  I’m nearly there, I ignore it with ease, but Lucy does not.

  She shrieks, pulls away from me, leaving me turning to face Todd with my erection poking out towards him.

  “Put that away, you dirt-bag.” Todd has his hands on his hips, but his face is crumpled, thankfully in amusement. He’s never sounded more camp.

  “Oh God. I’m so sorry.” Lucy rushes forward, arms flailing out front ready to beg forgiveness.

  “Come and look at what I found.” Todd bellows down the hallway. The rest of our new party of friends must already have been on their way though, because they are there in seconds, arched around the doorway, scrabbling for the perfect view.

  Humiliation radiates from Lucy’s pink cheeks which, a moment earlier, had been sucking my penis. The memory makes my now limp member shudder in appreciation.

  “I’m sorry, look. You know how it is...” I try to make light.

  “It’s fine. It’s certainly the finest dinner party gossip I’ve had since coming to London. It’s fabulous to see you have it in you, Adam. Or rather, in Lucy.”

  She cringes at the joke, but rolls her eyes, the gracious humour of our group emanating through her embarrassment.

  And that’s it. The teasing ceases.

  That’s what it’s like to be friends with a playboy.

  You take the few seconds of cheeky teasing, and then you all head out to the lounge without further incrimination and continue to play a game of charades. And albeit, some answers were slightly more racy than they no doubt would have been before our encounter, there’s no more said of it. Sex in the bathroom is clearly a half expectation.