A Very Corporate Affair book 3 (The Corporate series)

by Latham, D

  "Do those poor guards trail everywhere?" Lynzi asked.

  "Yep. He gets edgy without them. Probably don't need them here, but he was kidnapped several weeks ago in Russia. It was terrifying."

  Realisation dawned on Lynzi's face, "I thought he looked a bit familiar, is he Ivan Porenski?" I nodded. "No wonder he's got his own plane. Sorry, I didn't put two and two together."

  "Out of context. You wouldn't expect to see him somewhere like this. It's a novelty for me too, and him. He normally holidays in a villa, surrounded by staff and security."

  "Isn't this all a bit, well, ordinary for him?" she asked, clearly curious.

  "No, I don't think so. He's enjoying it, and although he's wealthy, he's quite ordinary too. We don't eat caviar for breakfast or anything like that." We took our places on the volleyball court. "Ready for us to whip your arses?" I called out.

  "No chance baby, we have Becca, the secret weapon, on our side," Ivan called back, as I launched the ball into the air, and straight past his head. It landed at Becca's feet. "Hey, I wasn't ready," he grumbled.

  "A poor excuse," yelled Lynzi, catching the ball from Becca. She served a stonker, which James scrabbled to reach, just managing to keep it in the air. Ivan managed to get it over the net, and I slammed it back, jumping to get to it high, and wallop it to the ground.

  "Nico! Can you play volleyball?" Ivan yelled, "we need reinforcements." Nico nodded, and looked around to make sure nobody was watching as he took off his jacket, gun holster and tie, handing them to the other guard, before removing his shoes and socks, and rolling up his trousers.

  With Nico on their team, it was much more evenly matched, and they beat us 29/30. We all went off to the pool while Nico called for another guard so he could go off for a shower, and change. "That was fun," said Ivan, "you really are good at sports. There has to be something I can beat you at."

  "I'm rubbish at tiddlywinks, maybe we should try that." He looked at me quizzically, clearly having no idea what I was talking about. "Doesn't matter," I said, jumping into the pool. The rest of the day passed all too quickly in a blur of laughter, food, and alcohol. I woke up Sunday morning with a bit of a hangover, having had a late night with the group of Germans that Becca's new beau was part of.

  I looked over to see Ivan splayed out like a starfish, clearly out cold, and went to make myself a restorative cup of coffee. James was already out on the balcony, swigging coffee. I made him a fresh one, and sat down beside him. "Is Lynzi here?" I asked.

  "Yeah, fast asleep. We were both a bit hammered last night. Those Germans like a drink don't they?" I nodded in agreement. "What time are you flying out?"

  "About ten. Thankfully it's not a long flight. I might not get my fingers broken this time."

  "Is he that bad?"

  "Yep. Sweats, shakes, and can't stand up. I feel sorry for him, it must be hell."

  "Wow, who'd have thought it?" He swigged his coffee.

  "You gonna be alright here on your own?" I asked.

  James smiled, "I think I'm going to be just fine. I know at the moment it could be classed as a holiday romance, but I do actually think it'll be more than that. She only lives a ten minute drive away, through the tunnel, so I'm going to carry on seeing her, if she wants to that is."

  We drank our coffee in companionable silence, and watched the Mediterranean Sea for a while. "I need to go pack, I think we're leaving straight after breakfast." I made more coffee, and went into the room. Ivan stirred slightly as I put his cup down on the bedside table. Quietly, I pulled open my case, and put my laundry at the bottom, covered by a layer of shoes, and methodically re-packed my clean clothes on top. I left out just my clothes for that day, and the toiletries I needed. Afterwards, I packed Ivan's weekend bag, leaving out a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, as well as his shaving gear, and toothbrush. Eventually, his eyes opened.

  "Morning sleeping beauty," I said, as he struggled onto his elbows to sip his lukewarm coffee. He pulled a face at it.

  "Morning baby. God, my heads banging," he glanced at my case, "have you packed the headache tablets already?" I nodded to a packet of neurofen that I'd left out, just in case, and went to fetch him a bottle of water, and boil the kettle for a fresh coffee. He sat up in bed, and drank, looking pretty rough, although 'rough' for Ivan was the sort of look that graced magazines. I thought he looked sexy as hell with a bit of stubble, and his hair mussed up.

  "Shall we shower after breakfast? I asked, "I'm a bit hungry after all that vodka last night. I need some food inside me." The German lot had insisted on a vodka based drinking game, as soon as they'd learnt that Ivan was Russian. It had all been a great laugh at the time...

  "Yes, ok. Maybe food will make me feel a little better." He swung his legs out of bed and threw on the clothes I'd left out. We went downstairs, and ate.

  I felt a lot better after a full English, and copious amounts of orange juice and coffee. By the time I'd showered, I was almost back to normal. Ivan seemed to perk up too once he had some food inside him.

  The porter collected our bags, and after hugging James and the others goodbye, we went to the front desk to check out. While Ivan sorted his bill, I paid for all the food and drink that James and I had charged to the room, as a nice little surprise for him.

  The flight to Tuscany was thankfully quite short, although Ivan, as usual, was rooted to the seat, sweating and shaking. He didn't even bother to try and hide it from me this time. He held my hand in an iron grip, as I read my kindle one handed.

  Oscar had sent a pair of cars to meet us when we landed, and I sat looking at the landscape as we drove down to his villa, inhibited by having Nico in with us due to space restrictions in the car full of guards behind. Eventually, we came to a pair of gates, which were open, and travelled along a dusty road through what looked like a vast estate.

  I took a sharp intake of breath at my first view of the 'villa', which looked more like a mini castle. "Wow, I thought it would be nice, but it's really quite something, isn't it?" Ivan said. Oscar and Lucy were waiting by the front door.

  "I'm so pleased you could come. Ivan, nice to see you. I trust you had a good flight?" Oscar said, as we got out of the car. "Come on through, I'll show you to your room, then a drink on the terrace before lunch."

  "Lucy! Lovely to see you." I looked quizzically at her.

  "Tell you later," she whispered, looking a little embarrassed.

  "This villa is spectacular Oscar. How long have you had it?" Ivan asked as we followed Oscar through the hall, and up the rather grand staircase.

  "My Father bought it about forty years ago, as a bit of a wreck, and restored it as a bit of a project, probably to give him a break from patching up Conniscliffe. He did enjoy organising builders. The estate is managed for us though, I don't really have to deal with it much these days."

  Our room was delightful, with an enormous bed, crisp white linen sheets, and a view over rolling hills, set into fields. As usual, Oscar had had a luxury bathroom fitted, which was as big as most people's living rooms.

  The terrace outside was lovely, made of ancient looking stone, and arranged around a rather lovely pool. It had a covered area, as well as an open area, with sun loungers, and a couple of parasols. We sat at the large table in the covered part, and drank cold, white, Italian wine, brought out by a butler clad in pale linen, rather than the usual butler attire that Jones at Conniscliffe wore.

  "So have you heard any news about what's happening back home?" I asked.

  "Well, the CEO of Natwest resigned, quite rightly I might add. The CEO of Lloyds is still clinging on by his fingertips. Goldings is having a bit of a bonanza from the whole scandal, although, as the banks bankers, it isn't without repercussions completely. It all comes down to what action the Bank of England takes. If they imposed punitive fines, the consequences could ripple outwards, but I'm lobbying the chairman to make sure that doesn't happen."

  "So does that mean I'll be looking after a couple more banks when I get home?"
I asked.

  "Yep, 'fraid so. You'll probably need to oversee a couple of rights issues too. They're going to need to generate vast amounts of cash fairly quickly."

  "Baby, between Oscar and I, you'll make partner sooner than you think," Ivan interjected.

  "Nobody under the age of 40 has ever made partner before. I still have a long way to go."

  "There's a first time for everything," Lucy chirped. "Ms Pearson does seem rather fond of you, and to pull in that many prestige clients couldn't go unnoticed."

  "Plus you're going to get Conde Nast too, don't forget that," added Ivan.

  "Best I flop about and relax then. Seems like I'm gonna be hitting the ground running next week."

  "I have something to tell you," said Ivan, "I spoke to Ms Pearson in the week, and arranged another week off for you in August. To come to the South of France, to make up for being a rubbish boyfriend."

  "That's brilliant news," I beamed. "You really seem to be able to get round her."

  "He probably flashes his film star smile at her," laughed Oscar, "she's a sucker for a pretty face."

  "She's a sucker for a big wallet, and the prospect of Conde Nast," replied Ivan, smiling at me, his eyes shining with...love?

  We had a glorious lunch on the terrace, Oscar was right about the food, it was the freshest, most flavourful Italian food I'd ever tasted. Afterwards, Lucy and I flopped onto the sun loungers, while Oscar went off to show Ivan round the estate. I watched as they walked away, deep in conversation. I took off my shorts and vest, and lay flat on the comfortable steamer chair. Lucy did the same. She looked incredible in a bikini.

  "Right, come on, spill," I said to Lucy. She sat up on the side of her lounger, and leaned forward.

  "I haven't even been to visit my parents yet. We only got dressed this morning for the first time since we got here. Elle, we're in love, and it's fantastic."

  I looked at her, and noticed that she didn't actually look any more tanned than she did on Saturday night at the ball. "We went to Whisky Mist, and talked until it closed. He came back to mine, and had a coffee, didn't leave till four in the morning. Met me for brunch next day, and we haven't been apart since. Elle, he's everything I ever dreamed of and more."

  "I'm so pleased for the two of you. I did tell his mother that I'd introduce you. I thought you'd get on well." Despite my little pang at losing my fallback position, I was pleased for them both. Oscar had looked happy and relaxed, if a touch tired, and Lucy was positively glowing as she spoke about him.

  "It's all moved quite fast, but we've both hinted at the word 'love'," she added, "he's just so...what can I say? Gentlemanly, sexy, clever, kind..."

  "Rich, powerful.."I said, we both giggled.

  "Yeah, that as well. We are definitely compatible in the bedroom." Really Luce? Blimey. "You and Ivan look happy together. He's incredibly good looking isn't he? I bet you have to fight other women off, not many men are that.." she struggled for the word, "pretty. I bet he's a sex god too."

  "Oh yes. Definitely a sex god. It's going really well. I'm happy. I think he's happy with me, and we're extremely compatible. I feel comfortable with him."

  "Elle, can I ask, why did you and Oscar split?"

  "Just wasn't the right chemistry," I lied smoothly, "he's better with you."

  "Yeah, that's what he told me too. His mother liked you though?"

  "Eventually. Can I give you a tip? Type up her church newsletter, and set it out nicely in word. Check the spelling of anything the dozy vicar writes, and she'll think you're wonderful. She's actually lovely, and a real blast. I really enjoy her company now."

  "Good advice, I'll do that," she smiled.

  The butler interrupted us with glasses of cold, freshly squeezed orange juice, and icy cold flannels to refresh us. We chatted about Spain, and the hotel I'd stayed in, until the men returned. I watched as Oscar leaned over to give Lucy a soft kiss, his hand resting gently on her shoulder, as if he needed to be touching her at all times. They looked impossibly good together. I also saw Ivan watching. What if he goes for Lucy now to rip her away from Oscar? It's what he did with me.

  "Are you ok baby? Not too hot?" he asked.

  "No, I'm fine thanks, although that pool looks rather inviting.”

  We had a super afternoon and evening. Oscar and Ivan were both on good form, and I watched their interactions with rapt fascination. They were both powerful, alpha males, but seemed at ease together, and not as competitive as I would have expected. We talked about Ivan's villa in France, which he described as 'modest', until I laughed, and told Lucy it was enormous, bloody gorgeous, and had a view to die for.

  That night, we lay in bed talking about Oscar and Lucy. "Are you surprised?" Ivan asked.

  "No, funny enough, I thought they'd get on well. She's very much his type, and she's a little aristocratic too. I never met her ex, so I had no idea whether or not Oscar would be her ideal man, but they seem to have hit it off."

  "He's very loved up. I can tell. Does that bother you?"

  I looked up at him, "Not at all. I'm delighted for him, I'm more worried about you."

  He frowned, "in what way?"

  I took a deep breath, "because of the things you said to Paul. You only wanted me in order to piss Oscar off. I'm worried that now he doesn't want me anymore, neither will you." There, I've said it.

  Ivan drew me into his arms, "Were you honestly worried? Baby, none of that was true, I've told you many times. How I feel about you has nothing to do with how Oscar felt about you, he was just a rival, nothing more, nothing less. Did you think I'd chase after Lucy now?"

  "It crossed my mind," I admitted.

  "She's a nice girl, but she's not you. She doesn't have your amazing mind, nor your pretty face. She doesn't have your iron backbone, and she most certainly wouldn't understand my hangups about my background. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. My heart belongs solely to you. I worry more about other men stealing you away because I'm a rubbish boyfriend."

  "Don't keep saying that. You're not always a rubbish boyfriend, sometimes you're wonderful."

  "I try. I'm learning. I was pleased you didn't go topless in Spain. I was worried," he said, changing the subject.

  "For your eyes only. I figured you wouldn't like it, so I kept them covered Mr Caveman." He cupped my left breast with his hand, holding it gently.

  "See, that's why I love you. You understand me perfectly. Other women wouldn't have given it a second thought. Ya lublu tebia ee hotchu zhenitsia na tebe."

  I prodded him in the ribs, "Don't talk Russian. What does that mean?"

  "I'll tell you soon," he said, before kissing me softly. We made love slowly that night, mindful that we were in someone else's house.

  Chapter 14

  The next morning I woke early as usual, and went downstairs in search of coffee. I found the kitchen, complete with a tiny Italian woman making breakfast pastries. She waved me off to sit on the terrace, promising to make me a latte, (in pidgin English). I sat outside, looking at the beautiful view, and five minutes later she appeared with both a latte, and a tea tray with teapot, accoutrements, and a milk jug set in a bowl of crushed ice. I drank the latte first, then poured out a tea. After about half an hour, Oscar wandered out.

  "Morning, sleep well?" he enquired.

  "Very well thank you. It's a very comfortable bed." The tiny woman reappeared with another tray, and took the first one away. I poured myself another tea, while Oscar sipped his latte.

  "It's working out well with you and Lucy by the sounds of it?" I asked.

  He beamed. "She's lovely. I didn't think I'd meet anyone who would measure up to you, but she does, and I'm genuinely happy."

  "I'm glad for you. You deserve to be loved, and be happy. Do you think she might be 'the one'?" I watched as he pinked up slightly.

  "It's early days, but yes, I think she is. She's bright and clever, but not fiercely intellectual, beautiful, but not overdone, and she loves my dirty talk."

&nb
sp; "Sounds like a match made in heaven," I said, smiling at him. "The two of you look great together, and she doesn't seem at all intimidated by your wealth."

  "Her family is well off, so yes, she's comfortable around money. It's not been an issue." He paused. "You and Ivan seem very relaxed with each other. He seems to smile when you're around. I think the two of you fit together very well, although it pains me to say it." He grinned to show me he was teasing.

  "Yeah, we're good. He's trying hard."

  Breakfast was quite a lavish affair, with lovely pastries, rich cheeses, and fresh bread served alongside the usual bacon and eggs. "I said I'd feed you up a bit," said Oscar, as I reached for another pastry.

  "She doesn't eat enough. I keep telling her she gets too thin," agreed Ivan. I patted my rather round tummy, and sat back in the chair, smiling, as Ivan squeezed my hand.

  "I know what I meant to ask you," said Oscar, "what happened to Mrs Smith from Derwent Engineering? Has it gone to court yet?"

  "Yes, she pleaded guilty. She only got six months though, because of her age. The hearing was last week."

  "I didn't know. How come I wasn't asked to testify?" I asked.

  Ivan shrugged, "She pleaded guilty, so there was no trial. It was only a sentencing hearing. I didn't have to go either."

  "Mother was asking, there were lots of rumours flying round the village, so I promised her I'd ask you."

  "Anything else happen last week?" I asked, looking at Ivan.

  "Not really. Lassiter came up with some potential execs who I'm meeting this week, and Andrei found someone to rent the Windsor house. A sheik I think, wants it for his son for a few years. It's got to be ready by the end of August. Apart from that, it's all been fairly quiet."

  "Any word from Natalya?" I asked.

  He shook his head. "Not yet. I have a meeting with her tomorrow. I'll know more then."

  We finished breakfast, and I went up to the room to change into a bikini and sarong. I threw some sun lotion and my kindle into my bag, along with my phone and sunglasses, and went back down to the pool. I was swimming lengths with Lucy, when I heard my phone ring. I asked Ivan to get it while I swam to the edge. "Claire Plant wants to speak to you," he said, handing me the phone.