by D Latham
I checked my emails, put a wash on, and nipped round to the mart for a few bits. Back at the flat, I was sweeping the floors when there was a knock at the door. I called out to ask who it was. "Oscar," he called back. I opened up, and invited him in. "You look brown," he said, frowning.
"Been to France this weekend. How come you're not in Sussex?"
"Had a function up here last night. Did you go to Ivan's place?" I nodded "does that mean you're back with him?"
"Yes, I'm seeing him again."
"Are you mad? He put you in terrible danger, and he'll do it again."
"Dascha put me in danger, not Ivan."
"I don't care who it was. You should be running as far as possible from him. What I don't get about you Elle, is I make one mistake, and you tell me it's irrevocable. Ivan puts your life in danger, and you say 'never mind', and jump into bed with him. I just don't get it."
"Oscar, I really think you should mind your own business. Who I'm with has nothing to do with you. You kept me safe from Dascha last weekend, and I'm very grateful, but I did tell you from the outset I wouldn't be coming back to you. Please accept that."
"I just think you can do better than him. I know he's wealthy, but there's issues in his background that are less than savoury. Don't you ever wonder why he won't go anywhere without a posse of bodyguards? I'm far wealthier, yet I don't need them. Elle, you're going to end up living in fear if you stay with him. I don't even care if you go out with someone else, I just want more for you than he can give you."
"I really don't need a lecture from you, thank you. I have no idea how Ivan and I will pan out, it may just be a flash in the pan, or something deeper, I don't know yet, it's very early days. Right now, I'd quite like to be a single girl again, the amount of bloody hassle both of you have caused." I looked him in the eye, "and you both seem to forget that I earned my own living, and supported myself just fine before either of you turned up." He looked chastened. "Oscar, I appreciate you as a good friend, but I can't unsee the image of you and Darius together. I'm sorry, I tried to get over it last weekend, but I couldn't. Now I'm fully aware that Ivan has his faults, believe me, but he's kind to me, and we have a lot in common, so I'm gonna see where it goes. If you can't accept that, then it's your problem."
"Well, when it all goes wrong..."
"Yeah, you can say 'I told you so'. Fine. Just remember, neither of you have treated me particularly well by my standards, so I don't exactly think you should be standing there criticising anybody."
He looked embarrassed. "Don't you think I know that? And I'm trying to make up for it?"
His statement knocked the wind out of my sails a bit. "I don't want to fight with you. By the way, what did you come round for?"
"Nothing really, well, Sunday night telly really. I was a bit bored and a bit lonely."
"There's a bottle of wine in the fridge. Corkscrew's in the drawer. I'm just gonna finish the floor, and I'll join you for top gear."
"Ok." Oscar busied himself with the wine, although I'm sure he winced at the label. I finished sweeping through the lounge, before tidying the cleaning equipment away, and flopping onto the sofa and taking a swig.
We sat in companionable silence for a while watching our program. I was a bit cross at Oscar's outburst, and inside there was a little part of me that thought he might be right. I was also unsure as to why Ivan had turned so arctic on me after I had rescued his dog. Oscar interrupted my musings, "when's your flatmate back?"
"Twelfth of July. We're off to Spain on the fourteenth for a holiday."
"Ivan ok about that?"
"Not really, but it was booked ages ago, so there's nothing he can do. I'm not letting James down."
"Why would you go with your flatmate when you could go with your boyfriend?" Oscar looked puzzled.
"Because I can relax with James, I don't have to be alert and on best behaviour. I can drink too much, eat too much and read books without having to make conversation. Plus he makes me laugh a lot."
"Maybe he's the one you should go out with." Oscar looked a bit pissy.
"I don't even remotely fancy him. It's a shame, because personality wise, we get along fantastic, but there's no sexual tension there. I couldn't imagine shagging him." Oscar seemed to brighten up as soon as I said it. "So who are you seeing these days?"
"Nobody at the moment."
I didn't reply. Instead, I got out the ironing board, and switched on the iron. Oscar looked a little surprised, but it was part of my Sunday night routine to get myself ready for the week ahead. He watched, rather fascinated, as I worked my way through the pile of clothes. "Don't you have someone to do all that for you?"
I gave him a 'don't be daft' look. "It doesn't take long. I only really have to press work tops. My suits go the cleaners, and gym gear doesn't need ironing. Next week is busy, so I like to be organised at the start, in case I don't get a chance." I hung the final blouse on a hanger, and switched off the iron, leaving it on the island to cool down. "I'm gonna need to go to bed in a minute, so I'm going to have to send you home."
"Ok. Maybe we could have lunch in the week?"
"Sure. I'll call you tomorrow when I know my schedule. I know Wednesdays out, because I'm meeting your mum, and Friday, I have the funeral."
I saw him to the door, and said goodnight. When he'd gone, I wondered exactly what he'd wanted. Oscar didn't strike me as the type to want to just hang out, and watch telly. I also wondered why Ivan hadn't called.
I hit the ground running next morning, getting into work by half seven. My schedule told me I had several meetings planned, so I needed to prepare. I also needed to bill Justine for my time and expenses in getting her the two authors signed up, and do some work on the factory purchase for the rotund businessman who had eaten the Italian restaurant out of house and home.
I switched on my screen, and checked my emails, expecting to see one from Ivan. Instead, there were just a few work ones, one from the undertaker, and a load of internal memos, two of which, reminding me that I had to attend the annual law society awards dinner on the thirteenth of July. The night before my holiday. Not ideal when I was flying out at ten the next morning.
I replied, asking for two tickets. I knew it was one of those events that I had to show my face at, and as I already had a choice of lovely dresses, it would only mean a nice appointment with Guiseppe and Andre. I made a note to ask Laura to book me a slot with them.
I returned from my ten o'clock meeting with Mr Carey, to find an email from Ivan.
From: Ivan Porenski
Date: 24 June 2013
To: Elle Reynolds
Subject: Sorry
Darling Elle
I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable yesterday afternoon, but I was shaken up by the events of that morning. Anything that reminds me of the fragility of the lives of those I love causes me intense pain. I'm sorry I took that out on you. Bella is now back to her normal, rather badly behaved self, and says thank you for saving her, even though it should have been me that saw the danger she was in. I feel bad about that, and I hope you don't think badly of me because of it.
I have meetings today, and I have to fly out to Russia for a few days tomorrow, so can I see you tonight? I can organise dinner at my place.
Love
Ivan xx
I read his email several times, and thought long and hard before replying.
From: Elle Reynolds
Date: 24 June 2013
To: Ivan Porenski
Subject: Re Sorry
Ivan
Glad Bella is recovered, and as I said at the time, it was an accident, and I don't in any way think less of you just because you didn't see it. Tonight would be great, as I've not stopped so far today, and the thought of not having to shop and cook is lovely. Can Roger pick me up from my flat at around 7 please?
Bit concerned about your trip. Make sure you have plenty of security. I will worry about you.
Lots of love
Elle xxx
Within thirty seconds, a reply pinged into my inbox.
From: Ivan Porenski
Date: 24 June 2013
To: Elle Reynolds
Subject: Re Re Sorry
Elle,
I promise I worry more about you. I will have a full team with me, and there are no known or direct threats. I will make sure I'm back by Friday morning at the latest to accompany you to the funeral.
I have to go, I have lots of meetings to get through today. Will tell you all about it tonight. Will see you at seven.
Love
Ivan xx
I read his email, a bit concerned that he had assumed I'd want him at mum's funeral. In one way, I quite wanted the support, but in another, I didn't want to expose him to some of the less savoury people who inhabited my past. I decided to speak to him later about the subject, and went back to the rather tedious matter of the factory purchase.
My workload was so heavy, that I didn't even stop for lunch. Laura brought in a bagel and a latte, which I scoffed at my desk while working. With an afternoon off booked on Wednesday, and the day off on Friday, I was scrabbling to fit everything in. In some ways, Ivan being away would be helpful, as it meant I'd be able to work late without having to explain or justify myself.
I had an afternoon of interruptions, people wanting information or direction on the work we were doing for the clients that I looked after. I finally managed to get away at half six, practically running home, to fling myself in the shower and get changed ready to be picked up.
Ivan enveloped me in a hug as soon as I arrived at his apartment, kissing me deeply. I ran my fingers through his soft, rather messy, dark hair, pulling him to me, and prolonging our kiss. Eventually, I pulled away, needing to come up for air. Ivan looked serious.
"Baby, I'm sorry about yesterday."
"You already said that in your email. Really, don't worry. Nice to see that Bella's back to normal." She wagged her tail, clearly pleased to see me. We went through to the kitchen where I perched on a stool at the island, as Ivan poured two glasses of wine. "So how was your day?" I asked, as I made a fuss of the two dogs.
"Busy, but productive. I met with your boss today to clear up some matters," he said rather cryptically.
"Lewis?" I frowned. I had seen him around quite a bit that day, and he hadn't mentioned meeting Ivan.
"No, Ms Pearson. I had some of my personal stuff to take care of, and I wanted to ask about putting you on the board as a non exec director."
"Oh? What did she say to that?" I had meant to check my employment contract, but as Ivan hadn't mentioned it again, I hadn't bothered.
"She thought it was a great idea, especially if it means you deliver Conde Nast as a client. It will mean attending one board meeting per month."
"Ok. As long as she's in agreement, then that's fine."
"Good, because I'm also making you a non exec at Retinski too. That one is probably a little more involved, but it's a great opportunity for you. It also made your boss a little more relaxed that the use of Pearson Hardwick would be a long term relationship."
"I see. That makes me an employee of yours though."
"Not really, in fact, it almost makes me an employee of yours as I'm managing director."
"Hmm. How do you think the other directors will feel about this?"
"Fine. Ranenkiov thinks you're great, and is happy to endorse you to the rest of the board, and we don't have a lawyer present at the moment, so it's a great opportunity to bring you in. Duchovy, retired in April, and he not only sat on the board, but also headed up the in house legal team. There was no natural successor until you, so it all fits. With Conde Nast, they don't get a say in it. You will be my representative. If they have any sense, they'll welcome you with open arms."
"Will you have to pay my company for this?"
"No. I made an agreement with Ms Pearson to pay you direct. From her perspective it brings in a new client, plus it's extremely prestigious for your company."
"How much will I be paid? And how much work will be required of me?" I didn't have too many spare hours in a day to commit to another job.
"Conde Nast one day per month, plus a few odd days here and there. You'll get 90 thousand a year for that one. Retinski will be nearer two days per month, plus a few odd days as well. You will be paid 250 thousand per year for it."
I thought about it for a nanosecond. "Ok, where do I sign?" Ivan grinned and pulled out two, thankfully short, contracts. I read through them while he dished up salmon and new potatoes. By the time we had finished dinner, I'd read through both contracts, but spotted an issue I needed to clear up.
"There's a clause here that states in the event of anything happening to you, that I assume the role of managing director of Retinski, and chairman of Conde Nast."
"Yes, it’s one of those 'just in case' provisions. It's so that none of the companies are left in limbo while my estate is sorted out."
"I see, well that makes sense, although I would have thought the other directors have far more experience than me."
"They don't have your integrity, that's far more important. The others can guide you."
I finished reading, and with Ivan's explanation, decided I was happy to sign. "So tell me about this trip to Russia? I mean, is it safe for you to go there?"
He looked a little pensive, "it's fairly safe, well, as safe as a wealthy man can be. I need to visit a notary and claim Vlad's assets under his will, see the mines, and how they work, grease some palms, and hurry home to you."
"Can't you send a representative?"
"Not really. The notary wouldn't accept it. Plus I need to see the mining operations in person. I couldn't afford to show any weakness or nerves. As I said, I'll have a big team around me, so I'll be well protected."
"Good. I'll be worrying about you all the time you're away." Ivan produced a biro, and we both signed two copies of each contract. I tucked my copies into my handbag. "Does this mean I shouldn't sleep with the staff?" I asked coquettishly.
"I think it's positively encouraged," he flirted, that lovely lustful look in his eyes. He hopped off his stool, and came round the island to stand between my legs, and wrap his arms around my waist. "Stay the night? I won't see you till Friday."
"I was hoping you'd ask," I replied, kissing him.
"Pleasure room?"
"Oh yes please."
Chapter 15
We raced up to the pleasure room, Ivan dragging me by the hand. I was eager to find out what he would come up with, and was already feeling hot and turned on. We barely made it into the room before he was dragging my vest top over my head, and unclipping my bra. He practically ripped off my jeans and knickers, then stood back to look at me, standing gloriously naked, while he quickly shed his T-shirt and shorts. "I want to fuck you really hard and fast against the wall first," he whispered, "then I'll be able to fuck you for three orgasms, in any way you like." I practically came on the spot, just from his phone sex voice, and the sight of his large erection. He slipped his hand between my legs, inserting a finger. "I think you're wet for me already." He pulled his finger out, and sucked my juices off it. "You taste so good, better than fine wine."
He led me over to the wall, and lifted me up, bracing my back against the cool plaster. I wrapped my legs around his hips, and he guided his cock into me. Then he began to move. Oh god, did he move, drilling into me hard and fast, his pubic bone battered my clitoris repeatedly. It was hard, primal sex, his sheer physical power evident as he hammered into me, chasing his orgasm.
I could feel the muscles in his back ripple and strain as he moved, his face determined and full of lust as his sapphire eyes glittered, gazing into mine. He gripped my thighs, hooking my legs over his arms to open my legs further apart. I looked down to see his cock sliding in and out, and it pushed me over the edge. I cried out as I came, my insides contracting viciously, making me want to close my legs to control the pleasure. He held me firm, as I shook and pulsed around him, while he dr
ove into me relentlessly.
Finally he let go, and I watched his face as he came, his beautiful features momentarily screwed up in concentration, then softened as I felt his cock twitch and throb inside me. He kissed me deeply, a needy, intrusive kiss, as though he wanted to be inside me in every way possible.
He lifted me onto the bed, and flopped down beside me to catch his breath. "You weren't meant to come then," he said, smiling at me, "it was meant to get me ready for a longer session."
"Sorry," I said sarcastically, "blame that big cock of yours, it was his fault." His grin got bigger.
"You are so sexy, I just feel hornier for having fucked you. Once is never enough with you." His finger began to trace around my breast, leaving little trails of heat. I drank in the sight of him naked, his silky, golden skin, muscular, powerful body, and his cock, laying thick and heavy, even after an explosive orgasm.
"So what would you like to do to me?"
"I want to watch you fuck me," he purred, "I want to see you ride my cock until you come all over me, then I'm gonna take you from behind with the butt plug in, and then I'll finish you off with a vibrator on your clit while I fuck you again. How does that sound?" Try tiring.
"Interesting. Do you want a butt plug while I fuck you?"
"Oh Elle, you're getting brave. I like them, if you're ok with that." He wandered over to the cabinet, and got out a selection of toys, and a bottle of lube. "This one is better for a man, as it vibrates," he said, showing me what looked like a tiny vibrator, "just make sure it's well lubed before you slide it in. Switch it on once it's in me."
I took the bottle of lube, and carefully squirted some on the plug, before Ivan lay on his back, and lifted his legs to allow me access. It felt incredibly intimate, doing that to him. Once it was inserted, I clicked the end round, to hear a faint buzzing. "Ahh, that feels so good," purred Ivan, pulling me to him. I licked my way up his balls, and the shaft of his cock, before lightly sucking the tip, prompting a soft groan.