She sniffed and a quivering smile formed around her mouth.
“Cecile was his PA and was always by his side. She carried him on her hands and it flattered him. He felt like a man. I never realized, but at the time, he blamed himself more than me. He was sure he was the one … well … as I said, she made him feel like a man and that is when the affair started. It only lasted about two months. I found out about it by chance when I phoned his hotel room and she answered the phone. She claimed she came to fetch some paper work, but it was late at night already. He was in the shower at the time and she knew it would be me when the phone rang, which is why she deliberately picked it up. She thought I would leave him and he would marry her. She was over confident. Especially, about the effect she had on Miguel. I was livid. I immediately got on a plane and stormed in his room early the next morning, while they were having breakfast on the patio of the hotel room.”
“Oh no, it must have been terrible!” Clarissa could imagine what Retha must have felt like walking in on such a cozy picture.
“Oh, no indeed! To this day, I still see Miguel’s expression when I walked through the door. He turned as white as a sheet. Clearly, Cecile did not even tell him I phoned the evening before. She sat there in a skimpy nightgown with a smile of satisfaction on her face. I saw red! I stormed over to her, grabbed her by the hair, pulled her out of the chair, through the room and literally kicked her out the door.”
“Retha! You did that? I can’t believe it!”
“He was the love of my life. I was not going to allow an empty-headed tart to ruin my happiness and future. Well, Miguel snapped out of it immediately and cried in my arms. That was the last of it. He never strayed again and accepted that it would always be just the two of us.”
“And Cecile?”
“That was the worst of it. She married Miguel’s twin brother less than two months later and Ray was the honeymoon baby. Obviously, Miguel and Darius had a fall out about that and they never mended the bridge. Darius passed away when Ray was only six years old. Miguel was overwrought with guilt and made right by Darius by becoming the father figure in Rays’ life. He was our sunshine and we adored him. Ray followed Miguel wherever he went and he ended up spending more time with us than with Cecile. She did not mind though, it gave her the opportunity to become the social butterfly she always craved to be. Darius left her a fortune and a small part of his shares in the Princeton Group, the rest went to Ray.”
“Ray has shares in the Princeton Group?”
“Yes, fifty percent at this point, but when Ray and Miguel had the fight, he wanted nothing to do with it and refuted his claim. Apart from becoming a success and an extremely rich man on his own and with his shares income over the years that earned interest all the time, combined with his own hotel group’s success, he is now a billionaire a few times over.”
Clarissa beckoned Retha to follow her to the kitchen, where she quickly set to make some tea. Back on the Patio with the pot of tea and biscuits between them, they settled on the deck chairs. Both gazed out to the sea.
“Ray was such a happy child, yet serious at the same time. He aspired to succeed, to be the best at everything. He studied hard and got his degree in record time. He was happy to start at the bottom, to learn and have the knowledge of all aspects of the group, but Cecile was not. She kept telling him he was useless, that he was a mere clerk in his big uncle’s hotel, even though he owned nearly half of it. Eventually she wore him down. She was his mother after all and he respected her for that. She kept referring to Darius, how disappointed he would be to know his son was a failure at what he himself excelled. Well, he was young, impressionable and Cecile knew which buttons to push. He started rebelling against everything Miguel told him to do, they had horrendous fights, until Miguel had enough and everything erupted in a titanic disaster. Ray denounced Miguel as family and stormed out. He swore that he would show us all; he would become a success and an even bigger name than Princeton. It was so sad. That boy was the son we never had to Miguel. He became withdrawn and aged overnight. He tried to make amends, but Cecile had adequate time to make the wounds fester even deeper and Ray refused to talk to Miguel.”
Clarissa felt the love for this man pulse deep in her heart, stronger and deeper than before. She suddenly understood so much more than she ever had.
“It was only after a while that we realized what her real reason was for wanting Ray out of the Princeton Group. She nearly depleted her inheritance and only had six percent shares in the Hotel Group. Money … that was what she was after. She tried to get Miguel to buy Rays’ shares. Miguel refused and made it clear to her that Darius left it to his son as his legacy, but bought her six percent at an exorbitant price and promptly ceded them to Ray. The relationship between Cecile and Ray deteriorated over the years. Ray realized Cecile was only interested in what she could gain from others and not in his success or feelings.”
“She never liked me. She always made me feel that I was not good enough for him. Ray always said it was my imagination, but come to think of it, he never really defended her and always changed the subject,” Clarissa whispered in understanding.
Retha’s expression turned painful.
“Well … I just thought you should know why Ray is the way he is. Your leaving devastated him more than his mothers’ rejection of him ever did. You, he loved and he is retaliating in the only way he knows how. Ruthless … it is how he got where he is today. Ruthlessly worked him to the ground, ruthlessly pursuing success, life … and love …”
Clarissa realized that ruthless was the correct word. He was ruthless in the way he treated her, but love had nothing to do with it. He hated her now … ruthlessly! Moreover, he made it clear that he lusts after her body … and after the scene in her office; she knew he was going to pursue that too … ruthlessly.
All around them were gaily-dressed pirates, tavern wenches and sailors. The spirit of the Pirates’ festival was present everywhere you looked. The sound of laughter and music filled the air all around so that even the trees looked as though they were dancing and having fun.
Clarissa and Bette stood on the first floor veranda looking down at the festivities below them. Both relieved that the night so far was a success and no problems have veered its ugly head. Bette was dressed as a “deck hand”, barefoot, torn shirt and pants, her hair in tangles with an old knitted cap stuck on her head. Even dressed like that, she was a beauty.
Clarissa opted for something a bit more formal and looked super sexy in the finery of a female pirate. She wore tight black leather pants that molded to her curves, with black knee high boots over it. The snow-white silk shirt caressed all the contours of her body and hugged her full breasts. A make believe pirates sword on a broad belt adorned her hips and her hair hung loose down her back. Big hoop earrings glittered in her ears and a replica of Captain Hooks’ black hat sat on her head. The two of them looked like real life pirate and mate!
Her eyes skimmed the entertainment area below and came to rest at a table next to the pool. Her breath caught in her throat. Raymond was a picture of rugged handsomeness; somewhat how Blackbeard must have looked like, minus the beard. He even wore a black eye patch over one eye!
Bette also caught sight of him and exclaimed, “Goodness! The two of you look like mirror images of each other! You could be the Bonny and Clyde of pirates!” She giggled and Clarissa smiled back.
“I think it is time we mingled. We can’t allow all these pirates and rough sea sailors to roam free around here!”
Laughingly they made their way down the stairs. Some of their regular guests, who wanted to know more of the festivities to come, almost instantly surrounded Clarissa. She was in her element, carefree and enjoyed every minute of it. She left the hotel for the swimming pool area, where the tables were set for dinner, specifically to accommodate the performance that would be show cased afterwards.
As far as she went, she stopped and chatted to the guests, leaving smiles in her wake. She was very
popular with everyone on the island, but more so with the guests. Some were regulars who returned every year for the pirate’s festival and already knew her quite well.
Suddenly two strong arms captured her from behind and drew her back against a warm body. She stiffened and pushed at the arms around her. Immediately they loosened and she swung around.
“Oh … Trace!” Relief resonated from her voice.
His mischievous grin would have melted many a heart. He spread his arms wide.
“Now who else would be so forward as to manhandle a feared pirate in public? E’ning, my lady pirate. You are looking beautiful as always!”
He took her by the shoulders, spun her in a full circle, and gave a low whistle when she faced him again.
“Hm … mmm .. Hm … you are going to break some poor sailors’ heart tonight that is for sure!”
She laughed with him, her eyes shining in merriment. “And you, dashing sir, some poor tavern wench’s!”
He draped his arm around her and steered her towards the bar. “What can I get Lady Red to drink?” She glanced at him with a question in her eyes. He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Well, you are a pirate! Every pirate must have a feared name!”
She burst out laughing. “And Lady Red is going to make all those sailors quiver in their boots?”
Laughingly they got their drinks and took a leisurely walk around the pool, Clarissa waving at people as she passed them by.
Throughout it all, she was constantly aware of where Raymond was. The time he got up to take Robert to the restroom, the time he took a stroll with Miguel and stood chatting with Bette and her boyfriend, Kevin. Even the times a petite blond woman hung on his arm, draped around him like a vine.
At times, she felt his burning eyes on her, causing tingles to shiver down her body. Eventually she realized she could not continue walking circles around them. Miguel was already shooting questioning glances her way.
With apprehension, she guided Trace towards them, all the time aware of Raymond’s unwavering gaze fixed on her. As they neared their table, she glanced towards him and her steps faltered. His gaze was hot, literally sweltering with fire, the eye patch removed long ago. An unspoken promise gleamed in them.
Her breath caught in her throat and she swallowed. When Trace glanced down at her, she realized that she clutched his elbow in her anxiety of the inevitable meeting with him beside her.
His gaze followed hers and he sensed the sexual tension emanating between the two of them. He frowned, he knew who Raymond was, have met him a few years ago in Manchester and have great respect for the man he was. What was the connection between them? Was he the reason Clarissa would not love another?
“Trace, how delightful to see you again! I am so glad you are here to look after our girl!” Miguel pumped Trace’s hand vigorously and thumbed him on the back.
Raymond’s mouth tightened beholding Miguel’s actions and glared at Trace. He took his hand briefly in a hard grip and merely gritted through clenched teeth, “Michaels”.
They stood chatting for a while about the festival and Miguel encouraged Trace to talk about his Agency, which he did with enthusiasm. Trace was very passionate about what he did and enjoyed every minute of it.
Robby’s hand crept into hers and he tugged at her hand. “Rissa, you look very nice.” She laughed down at him.
“Thank you, sailor man!” At her words, he proudly swirled around, showing off his white and blue sailor suit with a red bandana around his head. He looked like a small replica of a modern sailor.
To escape the relentless scowl of the man standing opposite her, she quietly excused herself, indicating that she was going to show Robby around. He happily hopped next to her, chatting incessantly.
Raymond found them a half hour later where they sat on the lawn, each with a laden plate of food in front of them. Robby still chatted away excitedly about Blackbeard ever since she told him the legendary tale. His eyes brightened when it lit on his dad.
“Dad! Come sit with us. Rissa said you are a modern day Blackbeard!”
His eyebrows lifted. “I am? Now why is that, Miss Langston?”
Clarissa glanced up at him, but before she could respond, Robby piped up: “Cause you are always glaring at her and you are dressed like him!”
He speared a glance at her. “I am, am I? Mayhap I’ll show your Rissa later on exactly how Blackbeard would treat a wench like her!”
She blushed as his hot gaze trailed over her face and came to rest on her full breasts straining against the silk blouse. Retha’s arrival offered Clarissa respite from sparring with him. Retha grabbed Robby by the hand.
“Come on imp, the street parade is about to start.”
“Jaai! Rissa told me about all the different boats people build and the dancing and singing in the street! Are you coming too, Daddy?”
He grasped his fathers’ hand and pulled him along. Clarissa let out a brief sigh of relief, but even before its birth, Raymond seized her hand and pulled her along.
“We can’t leave you behind to miss out on all the fun, now can we?”
She tried to pull her hand out of his, but his grip only tightened and she had no other choice but to follow them down to the main street where the parade was about to begin.
People all around them laughed and danced to the music drifting from all the different floats. Slowly following along to the center fountain where everyone gathered for a street party.
Raymond’s grip shifted around her hand and he plated his fingers through hers, his thumb gently rubbing the veins on her wrist. She felt the heat shimmering inside her and blood rushed through her veins. How could such a simple gesture set her blood afire?
They reached the center fountain and met up with Bette, Kevin and Trace. Bette’s excitement was evident in the energy she exuded in her dancing movements. She grabbed Kevin and pulled him amidst the dancing couples, calling out to Clarissa: “Come Boss … let’s have some fun!”
Trace immediately took Clarissa’s hand and followed them, forcing Raymond to relinquish his hold on her. Laughingly she joined in the fun and followed Trace’s dance steps he changed all the time in tune with the music.
She relaxed completely and for a while totally forgot about the tension between Raymond and her. She laughed and danced until she was breathless. Now and then, her eye caught Raymond’s, who still stood motionless on the same spot, his eyes trained on her unwaveringly.
Raymond felt the anger escalate in him, higher and higher, until he felt he ready to explode. Every time Michaels caught her in his arms after a twirl, pulled her close and danced in circles with her, he wanted to rip his throat out! What right did he have to put his hands on her? As though she belonged to him!
Retha placed a hand on his arm. “Calm down, son, she is having fun for a change.” He barely glanced at her and she sighed. “I think Robby had enough fun for tonight. He is literally falling asleep on his feet. We are taking him to bed.” He acknowledged her with a nod, his eyes still glued on Clarissa.
When Trace pulled Clarissa close and bend down to kiss her full lips, something exploded in Raymond. Without even realizing it, he moved towards them, murder in his eyes.
He seized her by the hand, and before Trace could react, hauled her with him down the street back to the Hotel. Clarissa had to run to keep up with him and tried to tug her hand out of his.
“Ray, what are you doing? Let me go!”
Without breaking his stride or looking at her, he growled: “If you know what is good for you at this stage, Clarissa, you will just shut up!”
They reached her cottage and he threw the door open and slammed it shut the minute she was inside after him. He jerked her around and up against him. His eyes burned into hers like blazing embers.
“You should have known better to openly challenge me, honey.” His voice was soft and harsh, yet smooth as silk. The anger within, thinly veiled.
“Ray, what are you talking about?” Desperately she tried to put
some distance between them, but his hands tightened around her arms.
“Throwing lover boy in my face, the whole evening! Pushing against him like a bitch in heat!”
She blanched, anger intensified inside her like a volcano. “How dare you!”
He yanked her higher against him, his voice thick with anger. “I dare! I warned you yesterday morning! You are mine!”
She realized that even though a volcano of heat slowly sizzled inside her, his had already erupted and she started struggling in earnest.
“Let me go!”
Instead, his one arm folded around her waist like a steel band, his other moved up to grip her chin roughly between his fingers. He forced her face up, his blazing eyes fastened on her quivering lips. He held her so tight she could not move, and she beseeched softly: “Ray, please…”
His hard gaze fixed on her. “Please … you use that word so nicely, my darling. Be aware, that before this night is over … you will say it many times more! You compared me to Blackbeard … well wench … I will show you Blackbeard!”
His head lowered and his mouth closed over hers. He kissed her hard, forcing his tongue between her shocked lips immediately, going deep, allowing her no quarter. He was marking his territory, telling her with his mouth that he was the master. His burning fury still pulsated through his body.
His mouth slanted across hers, hurting her and she moaned. He let go of her chin and his hand wound around her body to settle on her bottom, drawing her hard against him. She felt the hard ridge of his arousal press against her stomach and immediately a rush of heat spread down her body to pool between her legs.
His lips softened against hers. Her arms crept helplessly around his shoulders and she caught his head in her hands. Her fingers curled in the hair at the nape of his neck. Her mouth opened wider under his and her tongue met his, stroke for stroke.
Cayman Desires Page 6