Flame

by Toya Richardson

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Amberley felt numb waiting for the police to arrive. She thought about calling Simon but decided not to, there was no need to spoil their evening, but they arrived home before the police. Amberley burst into tears, unable to hold back any longer.

  ‘What’s happened now?’ asked Simon.

  Amberley passed him the envelope and its contents with shaking hands.

  He looked at the photos. ‘Good God have you called the police?’

  Amberley nodded.

  ‘Have you told Greg?’

  ‘No, I haven’t. The police are on their way but I want to tell Greg when I see him tomorrow. I’m not calling now; it would serve no useful purpose.’

  Sarah put a comforting arm around her shoulder. ‘It’ll work out, don’t worry,’ she assured her.

  ‘I bet he hasn’t done this on his own, you know. He’s probably hired a private detective. That would be his style. You mentioned seeing a guy taking pictures of you, it all adds up.’

  Amberley sighed deeply. ‘Perhaps you’re right.’

  ***

  An officer came and took away the evidence – and yet another statement from her.

  ‘You’ll have enough statements to write a book about this case,’ she said with a bitter smile on her face.

  ‘I appreciate that this is most distressing for you, Miss Masterson, although the positive thing is the more incriminating evidence we have, the tighter the case against him will be when he’s apprehended. Have you made a Victim Personal Statement yet?’

  Amberley shook her head. ‘No, I will not be known as his victim,’ she said determinedly.

  The officer paused for a moment, putting the envelope and photographs into an evidence bag.

  ‘We’ll contact Devon and Cornwall police to update them with this new activity. It may also be an idea to visit them on your return to discuss the possibility of security measures and some kind of surveillance.’ he advised her.

  She smiled weakly. ‘Thank you.’

  Some minutes later, she made her way to bed. She felt drained and tomorrow was going to be a tense. There was the new twist in her relationship with Greg and the most recent event with Steve.

  ***

  As the plane landed at Newquay, Amberley felt on edge. She had not slept much the previous night. In her mind, she had enacted how she would tell Greg about the latest incident with Steve. The more she thought about it, the more troubled she became. She could see Greg waiting for her, the smile on his face made her heart melt. He moved purposefully towards her, he folded her in his arms and kissed her deeply – not caring that they had an audience. The kiss was sweet and loving and she burned for him.

  ‘Wow, that was one hell of a greeting,’ she said in a breathy voice.

  He held her close and whispered in her ear, ‘you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that.’

  ‘Well, don’t wait so long next time,’ she murmured, stroking his face.

  Then she remembered the photographs.

  ‘We need to talk. Steve’s been in touch again.’

  They sat in the airport café while Amberley related the events of the previous night. At the end, she lightly touched Greg’s hand. ‘Are you sure you want to be with me? This problem with Steve is getting much worse. The deeper you get involved with me; the more chance there is of something happening to you.’

  He held her hand tightly, his face steely with determination. ‘I have not waited seventeen years for you to come back, just to let you go again. I meant every word I said to you last night. I want you in my life and no one is going to frighten me away.’

  She smiled, tears brimming in her eyes. The conviction with which he spoke – and the sincerity in his eyes – gave her hope that their relationship would blossom and flourish, hope that she could at last find happiness.

  ‘I don’t deserve you, Greg Winters,’ she said, holding his fingers to her lips, kissing the tips lightly, ‘but I’m so glad I have you.’

  ‘I guess first stop is the police station,’ he said, standing up and holding out his hand to her.

  ***

  The visit to the police station was stressful for Amberley, as she had to recount the events again. Greg’s presence at her side was comforting and gave her the strength to deal with it. The officer had given her a number for Victim Support, who had experience in dealing with situations like hers.

  ‘I think it will be best if I stay with you again for the time being. It will give me peace of mind to know you’re safe,’ Greg said, as they walked from the police station back to his car.

  ‘But what about your Mum? I don’t want to leave her vulnerable either,’ she said, a troubled expression on her face.

  ‘Mum will be safe. The shop and house are both alarmed.’ he said as he parked outside the cottage. ‘I’ll quickly pop home and grab some stuff.’

  As he went to leave the cottage, he called out to her. ‘Can you come here a minute?’

  ‘What’s wrong?’ she asked, as she stepped up to him.

  He put his arms around her and pulled her close. His lips descended on hers, kissing her deeply once more. As he broke from their kiss, he grinned mischievously at her.

  ‘Nothing’s wrong. I needed to kiss you to make sure it was as good as the last time.’

  She laughed and pushed him playfully away from her. He jumped into his car grinning. She followed him out and put her head through the car window.

  ‘I can see I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you.’

  He smiled back, blowing her a kiss before starting up the engine.

  ***

  A few days later, the police rung her to say they’d been contacted by a private investigator employed by Steve. The investigator had called them when he became suspicious of Steve’s highly irrational behaviour. He had also delivered the envelope to her brother’s address, not realising the extent of the dangerous game Steve was playing. Amberley filled Greg in as he pottered about in his new studio, waiting for the meeting with the other unit residents and the Centre owners.

  ‘Did they manage to find out where Steve is hiding?’ Greg asked.

  ‘No, he apparently said he was my husband and wanted to check if I was having an affair with you. He always paid in cash and met the investigator in different locations for the transactions. He was shown a picture of Steve and has positively identified him.’ She paused for a moment to look out of the window before continuing, ‘He’s been asked to contact the police immediately if Steve gets in touch again. But Steve won’t be that stupid.’

  ‘Don’t worry, it’ll only be a matter of time before he slips up then he’ll be caught.’ Greg kissed her head and lifted her chin. He was concerned by the dark circles he saw under her eyes. ‘You look done in, why don’t you go home and get some rest.’

  She was about to protest when Greg held up his hand.

  ‘Look, one of the other unit owners lives in the next village down to us. I’m sure he won’t mind giving me a lift. You can take my car home; you’re insured to drive it.’

  She kissed him once and left for the cottage.

  ***

  Amberley heard the front door open, making her stir in her sleep. She got out of bed and went to the stairs just in time to see Greg rushing up, a huge smile on his face.

  ‘Sorry did I wake you?’

  ‘No, I was only dozing. I take it from the look on your face it all went well?’

  ‘Yes, they’re a good bunch of people. Apart from me, there is a potter, a shop selling local produce, a jeweller and craft shop, a wrought iron and stained glass specialist and the last one is knitwear and textiles. Oh and it looks like everyone has agreed to the proposals put forward by Keith and you, although you didn’t hear that from me.’ He tapped the side of his nose and winked conspiratorially.

  She beamed at him, her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time.

  ‘We should go out and celebrate,’ she said.

  ‘It’s a little af
ter nine, too late to go out,’ said Greg, indicating the wall clock.

  ‘Goodness, I didn’t realise it was that late. I thought I’d only been up here a short while. ‘Not to worry.’ She headed for the kitchen. ‘There’s plenty of food in the house, let’s see what I can rustle up.’

  ‘Let’s do it together,’ said Greg, joining her in the kitchen.

  ‘What about linguine in a tomato and herb sauce?’ Greg asked her, while he rummaged in the cupboards.

  ‘Good idea, I’ll make a salad to go with it and I think there’s still some garlic bread in the freezer.’

  After the meal, they sat down on the sofa. Greg stretched and sighed contentedly.

  ‘Happy?’ she asked him.

  ‘Yes. It’s been a long time coming but well worth the wait,’ he said drawing her closer to him, ‘plus I get to be with the woman I’ve always wanted.’ He kissed her deeply.

  Amberley pulled away and got up.

  ‘Hey, I was just getting started, come back,’ he said patting the empty space beside him with a feral glint in his eyes.

  ‘Not just yet. I have a little something to celebrate your success.’

  ‘I know how I want to celebrate,’ said Greg, giving her a knowing smile.

  ‘All good things are worth waiting for,’ she replied, winking at him.

  She came back from the kitchen holding a bottle of the local sparkling wine they’d had before and two champagne flutes.

  ‘I thought you’d like this,’ she said handing him the bottle.

  ‘The glasses were made locally too,’ she added.

  ‘You really have put a lot of thought into things, thank you. I take it you want me to open the bottle.’

  She laughed nervously. ‘As long as you promise me not to take your eye out, or mine… don’t forget, I know your track record.’

  The air was heavy with tension. She felt heady, almost breathless with anticipation. The way he was looking at her made her feel extremely feminine and sexy. She wondered what the coming night would bring.

  Greg could feel it too; his hand shook a little as he attempted to open the bottle. This time, the cork did not come out as expertly as it had before when he’d opened a bottle. It sprayed from the bottle like an erupting volcano, most of it going over him.

  Amberley laughed. He looked so comical, with the bottle still in his hand and the liquid dripping off him. He stood up and placed the bottle down on the table. Amberley stood up too. She bent forward and held her knees trying to regain her breath. It had been such a long time since she’d laughed that much.

  ‘Oh that was so funny. I wished I’d recorded it on my phone. Your face is a picture, Greg.’

  She could feel the mirth bubbling up inside her again. Raising her head to look at him once more, she could see he had a twinkle in his eye. A deliciously wicked smile crossed his face.

  ‘So, Miss Masterson, you think that was funny do you?’

  ‘It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.’ She laughed loudly again.

  ‘Come here,’ he said, a trace of authority in his voice.

  ‘And why should I?’ she replied, placing her hands on her hips, a look of challenge in her eyes.

  ‘Because you need to take your punishment for laughing at me.’

  ‘And what if I don’t?’ she asked, raising her eyebrows.

  ‘If you don’t, then I will just have to come and get you. So what’s it to be?’

  Slowly Amberley backed away from him, putting the sofa between them.

  ‘I will not come quietly, so I guess you’ll have to try and catch me.’

  ‘Right, you asked for it,’ he said, edging slowly towards her.

  She backed further away and stood near to the dining table.

  ‘Well, come on then, I’m only a helpless female after all… so what are you waiting for?’

  He leapt towards her, quicker than she expected. He grabbed her hand but she managed to wriggle free, squealing with laughter as she did so.

  ‘You’ll have to be quicker than that,’ she said with laughter in her voice.

  She made a dash for the other side of the sofa, shrieking as he chased after her. Her toe caught on the mat; she tripped and fell onto the sofa. She turned and attempted to get up. Greg was too fast; he pounced on her, pinning her down on the cushions.

  ‘Gotcha,’ he said panting.

  ‘Okay,’ she replied, still trying to control her breathing.

  ‘Now you’ve got me… what are you going to do with me?’

  The invitation was left hanging in the air. Before she could resist his lips were on hers, his hands in her hair bringing her nearer to him. The kiss was deep and demanding. Momentarily he broke away. Taking her face in his hands, he looked deeply into her eyes.

  ‘You are such a beautiful woman, Amberley,’ he said, his voice hoarse with longing.

  She closed her eyes, revelling in the feeling of his fingers while they caressed her face and hair. Feeling the warmth of his breath close to her lips, she wrapped her arms around his neck bringing him closer. She kissed him slowly. He kissed her back with a passion equal to hers.

  She pulled his wet T-shirt from him, almost tearing it, her hands desperate to touch his flesh. She allowed her fingers to trail over his chest and back, wanting and needing to touch every bit of him. Her mouth followed her fingers, causing his muscles to ripple beneath the skin. Greg’s fingers trembled as he attempted to undo the buttons on her blouse, making the task virtually impossible.

  Amberley pulled her mouth away from his skin. ‘Just rip it off… please,’ she begged.

  Greg complied, sending the buttons skittering across the floor. He undid the clasp of her bra and allowed his fingers to roam gently over her breasts. Slowly he kneaded her nipples until they were both tight, hard, little peaks. She whimpered and moaned when white heat ripped through her body. His teasing touch was driving her insane, her body coiling tighter and tighter. She wanted to feel him inside her, taking her beyond the edge of sanity. Suddenly, he pulled away from her.

  ‘What’s wrong, Greg? Please don’t stop now. I need you,’ she begged him desperately.

  He stroked her face. His breathing was ragged and his face flushed.

  ‘Are you certain about this, Amberley? I want you more than anything but I need to be sure you’re absolutely positive.’

  She sat up to face him and pressed one finger softly to his lips. Standing up, she held out her hand to him.

  ‘Greg, I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. I want you to make love to me.’

  That was the spur he needed. Taking her hand, they rushed upstairs.

  Once inside her bedroom, they fell into each other’s arms kissing passionately. Amberley broke from their kiss and slowly discarded the rest of her clothing, her eyes firmly on Greg’s the whole time. She loved the changing expressions on his face. He wanted her so badly, his eyes darkened with lust. She looked down to the jeans he still wore, the bulge at his crotch telling her just how much he wanted her.

  ‘I don’t think you’ll need these for a while,’ she murmured eyeing his erection hungrily.

  She moved towards him, her whole stance predatory. With his aid, she managed to undo the buttons on his jeans. She pulled them down his legs and over his feet and gasped aloud as she realised he wore nothing else underneath.

  They came together once more, their kissing unrestrained, hands stroking bare flesh with a hunger borne of desire. Amberley groaned in frustration as Greg pulled away from her once more. He led her to the bed, kissing her deeply again.

  His kiss was intense, almost savage. She wanted it to go on forever; she needed everything to slow down. But this had been building for far too long, there was too much urgency, too much need.

  He kissed and stroked her all over her body. Her senses screamed out in anticipation, his hands leaving trails of fire wherever they touched. His tongue outlined her breasts, making ever-decreasing circles until he reached her nipples. She dug her nail
s into his back, powerless to stop the moans that escaped her lips.

  His tongue now trailed towards her thighs. She felt it flick back and forth over her heat, capturing her hard nub in his mouth and sucking hard upon it. Each time she felt close to release, he would change direction, prolonging the agony and ecstasy. Just as she thought she could stand no more, he allowed her to climax. She felt, rather than heard, the cry escaping from her lips.

  His mouth made its way up her body, until he reached her lips. This kiss was hot and passionate; she returned it with an urgency of her own. She felt him enter her gently; it felt so right, as though she’d been made exclusively to join with him. She loved how he stretched her to the fullest. He moved inside her, long, slow, strokes, each one threatening to send her over the edge.

  ‘Don’t hold back, Greg,’ she whispered her voice breathy.

  His strokes became faster, more urgent until they rushed headlong into their climax, crying out as one. They held each other close not wanting to lose the intense feelings they had discovered. They kissed softly, Amberley nestled closely to his chest. At last she felt at peace, whole, and totally and utterly loved and in love. They fell asleep, listening to the beat of each other’s heart.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Amberley woke the next morning to feel strong arms holding her close and warm breath tickling the back of her neck. She untangled herself from Greg’s embrace and turned to look at him. He was sleeping peacefully, a small smile on his mouth. She kissed him softly on the lips and went to get up.

  ‘You’re not going anywhere.’ Greg’s voice was still husky with sleep – an incredibly sexy sound.

  She allowed him to pull her back into bed and they kissed long and lovingly. He rolled her onto her back and still kissing her, he entered her in one swift move. She moaned softly, loving that he was so hard for her. This time it was hard and fast and it didn’t take them long to fall over the edge.

  They lay holding each other close for a long time, allowing the aftershocks of their lovemaking to pleasure them a little bit more. Amberley’s head rested on his chest. She listened to the beat of his heart as it finally slowed and snuggled closer. He kissed the top of her head. After a while, Amberley got up.