by Marie Kelly
Kira looked at him in horror
“No” she cried “I won’t be your little whore”
His eyes flashed in anger
“You will be or I will destroy Bill Thomson”
Kira stared at him a hurt look on her face
“Why are you doing this” she whispered “I never did anything to you”
Craig moved forward and grabbed her by the shoulders pulling her up so that he could look her in the eye
“You have a really short memory sweetheart” he snarled before letting her go and stepping back once more completely in control of himself
“Either way Kira choice is yours”
Kira stared back at him in horror
“That’s barbaric…. You can’t be serious” she whispered
Craig smiled softly, an unpleasant smile which left no doubt as to his sincerity
“Well I need an answer Kira, my plane leaves in 1 hour are you with me or do I go alone and to hell with poor Bill”
He could see the defeated look in her eyes as she lowered her lashes and whispered that she would be ready.
“Why are you doing this…why do you hate me so much” she asked her beautiful eyes looking up at him full of sadness
“If anything I should hate you” she added softly.
“Hate… you don’t know what hate is” he bit back at her before raising her chin with his fingers. Looking down at her his blue eyes had glowed. Taking his other finger he had drawn it along her cheek, softly tracing down her long slender throat, as she had fought the tremors which moved through her, before hooking the chain and following it until he held the locket in his fingers
“I wonder whose picture you keep in here now” he had whispered his eyes looking at the small golden object.
Silently Kira had covered the locket with her hand removing it from his fingers. With a hard look on his face he had raised her chin even higher forcing her to look him in the eyes
“We should seal this deal with a kiss” he said throatily before bending his head and crushing her mouth with his. His kiss was hard and cruel, meant as a prelude for what was to come and she pushed against him as he snaked his arms around her waist lifting her harder into him, holding her resisting body against him tightly. Feeling him against her she gave up fighting and sighing in submission and with a passion that surprised them both she kissed him back, winding her arms around his neck as she leaned in, her whole body blending with his. He lifted his head to look down at her and she could see the fire and surprise in his eyes as with a soft groan he kissed her again this time gentle and searching his mouth moving to kiss her cheek, neck and lips causing her whole body to erupt in sweet sensations. Slowly he bent her down onto the large desk lying over her, kissing her while his fingers undid the buttons of her dress to reveal her perfect milky breasts. He groaned with desire releasing them from the confines of the lacy material which held them, and as his mouth covered her nipples she shuddered and gasped the sound spurring him on, as her fingers sunk into his hair.
As the two of them lost themselves in the pleasure of the other it was Craig who first heard the ringing phone. Pulling himself and her back to their feet, he walked around the desk to answer it. Kira quickly lifted shaky fingers re-doing the buttons on her dress, as she looked down in horror at the damage he had done. Keeping her back to him she fought to control the sudden urge to flee from that room.
“Hold on” she heard his clipped business like voice bark down the phone
“Kira”
She turned to face him her eyes still mirroring the mortification she felt at her actions, as he smiled cruelly, seeing the pain he had inflicted on her.
“We have a party Monday night. I’ve instructed the boutique to put aside a dress for you. Go try it on and pick it up… you have 50 minutes and someone will collect you from your room”
With that he had turned away dismissing her and began talking on the phone.
Wordlessly Kira had turned and walked to the door. She felt numb as though the last few moments had happened to somebody else. When he had kissed her she had collapsed like a deck of cards in a hurricane. The memory of how spectacularly she had failed to keep herself aloof and dignified in the face of his blackmail and assault on her body made her whimper in disgust at herself. He really hated her she thought, at pains to understand what he had to hate her for, he had gone to a great deal of trouble to trap her into a situation in which he had known she would do what he wanted, even to the point of ordering her clothes. With tears welling up inside her she wondered how she was going to be able to get through the next six days. However, for Bill and Marissa’s sake she knew she would have to.
As she reached the door she stopped and turning to him said in a low voice
“Craig” He looked up at her putting a hand over the mouth piece.
“I’m not on the pill…. You should know that” she said, as she saw him frown in surprise, and then she left.
CHAPTER THREE
Upon entering the boutique and giving her name the owner of the shop herself had rushed forward to assist her.
“We have the dress and accessories ready for you” she beamed, a little surprised at Kira’s lack of enthusiasm, as she fussed over the woman before her.
The dress was beautiful Kira had to admit, although a little on the revealing side. It was very expensive but she thought grimly to herself, her expression becoming bitter, he could afford it, he could afford to buy anything, and even it turned out her. As she pulled the dress on it fitted her perfectly, the material softly and sensually skimming her body. Backless, the front crossed over to create a halter neck which fastened at the nape of her neck with a long slit at the front which reached up to her knees enabled her lovely legs to be seen as she walked. The colour was almost a perfect match to her wonderful eyes, causing Kira to look stunning in the outfit.
The owner of the shop looked at her with admiration.
“Wow, that dress was made for you” she exclaimed the sincerity shining from her.
Kira however, just nodded miserably, before taking it off for the woman to wrap for her. Picking up accessories, shoes and a matching bag she had returned to her room to pack the rest of her things for the days ahead.
As she and Bill had only been staying in Las Vegas until the Tuesday she had only enough clothes to last until that time. Therefore, she re-packed the bag she had come with quickly, not taking long as she had not unpacked most of it, to upset from her encounter the previous evening. At exactly 2.00 O’clock as promised a tap on her door saw a security man smiling at her, ready to escort her to where she needed to go. He carried her bag and the garment carrier chatting pleasantly to her on the way down in the lift. Kira never one to hurt a persons feelings had tried hard to return the pleasantries, however, she felt sick to her stomach.
As her luggage was stowed in the boot of the stretch limo she entered the plush interior of the car to find Craig already seated.
“Good girl” he smiled
Kira bit her lip to keep back the words which came to her at his arrogant tone.
As the car drove off she fixed him with a hard look.
“I need to speak to Bill” she said
“No need I’ve already spoken to him” Craig said casually
She looked at him sharply
“What did you tell him?”
“Oh don’t worry” he said with a note of mockery in his voice “I didn’t tell your boyfriend what we were doing”
Kira glared at him
“He is not my boyfriend” she stated firmly between clenched teeth. Looking coolly at her Craig finally added
“I told him that you were going to give the presentation to a group of business colleagues who needed to see the plans and that as he had been awarded the contract, he was needed here to get started with the project plan”
“What did he say?” she asked more gently looking away from him
“He didn’t sound to happy, but ….I don’t think he
“I’ll speak to him myself later” she said softly.
“Here” Pulling a mobile from his jacket he threw it onto her lap
“Phone now”
Kira made to give it back him,
“I’ll speak to him later”
But shaking his head the look on his face was icy
“No Kira now or never” he said with a finality in his voice
“And speaking of which... mobile” he held out his hand for her device.
Kira looked at him grimly
“No” she stated
“I mean it Kira”
He said darkly, his eyes serious and determined. She shook her head her hair falling over her face, her eyes finding his “There is somebody at home I need to speak to regularly” she said quietly
“Who “he asked with a frown
For the first time since meeting her he saw the shutters go down in her eyes
“Non of your business” she replied coldly
“Tough” he bit back
She looked at him an expression of fierce determination on her lovely face
“I have no intention of giving you my phone, and if you can’t accept that then you might just as well stop the car and let me out here” catching the look in his eye she added
“Not even for Bill”
Craig sat back a dark look on his face
“I don’t want you talking with Bill after we get out of this car” he stated frowning darkly
“Agreed” she said picking up the mobile he had given her before dialling Bills number
When he heard her voice Bill had become agitated, asking with great concern what was going on. Putting on as bright a voice as she could muster, she was unaware of how her hand had gripped the phone so tightly that her knuckles where almost white.
“Isn’t it wonderful we got the contract? Craig said he explained it all to you”
There was the sound of Bills worried voice querying if she was OK. To which she responded that she was fine. He had asked if she was sure about what she was doing given the way she had responded the previous evening. Kira had laughed trying not to make the sound as hollow as she felt.
“Oh it’s OK now we talked it out. Everything is sorted… Look Bill I have to go… I’ll see you on Tuesday”
She then finished the call and threw the phone back at Craig who caught it quickly in one hand placing it back into his pocket before she sunk into the corner of the car her arms protectively wrapped around herself looking out of the window her eyes not taking in the desert scenery they were passing.
Craig had watched her, a strange look on his face. Who did she have at home that was so important that she would risk her boyfriend’s future? Kira was not the open book he thought she would be and he had scowled.
The car had taken them to a small airfield, where Craig helped her into a small plane which was beautifully decked out with cream leather arm chairs, multimedia equipment and even a drinks cabinet. It was a far cry from the flight she had taken the previous day in which they had been squashed in with hundreds of other passengers. When in the air, he offered her a drink which she declined with a frown, watching as he had helped himself to a large whisky with ice before sitting opposite her looking completely at ease, while his eyes had assessed her over the glass. She sat uncomfortably looking out of the window trying to ignore his eyes upon her.
“This is nice” he finally said with more than a hint of mockery in his voice
Kira flipped her head around glaring back at him
“Please Craig I hope you don’t really expect me to be civil to you” she asked
As he shrugged his shoulders
“Up to you sweetheart” he replied gently
“Probably make the week more pleasant for you though” he offered
Quietly she continued looking out of the window before, a few seconds later, looking back at him
“Why me Craig….Are you really telling me you couldn’t find yourself a willing date for this week”
With annoyance she watched him smile
“mmmmm I was looking for someone casual….you know no strings……you just fitted the bill perfectly. I know that you won’t be expecting anything more from this. “
Kira looked away quickly so that he wouldn’t see the hurt in her eyes. He had used her this way in the past, she hadn’t deserved it then and she certainly didn’t deserve it now
“Well I guess that says more about you than me” she managed to mutter with as much dignity as she could muster, not seeing the angry look cross his eyes.
The flight over was short, lasting only an hour before they found themselves on a small tropical island. From the air she was able to see that it was one of several islands dotted on the green sea below. Exiting the small airfield they were driven to the large villa she had spotted as they were coming in to land. As they sat with the lush countryside passing them he became more animated, pointing out different landmarks to her.
Although trying hard to stay indifferent, Kira found that she was genuinely interested and also relieved that he seemed to have relaxed enough to talk nicely to her. After the stand-off with the phone she thought that she might have ruined everything for Bill, but she couldn’t face having to stay there with him without being able to make her calls back home. She knew that this was the only thing that would get her through what she would need to do over the next few days.
When the car swept up to the villa she held her breath in amazement. The building was stunning. It was the stereotypical Caribbean dream villa, surrounded by palm trees, which swayed hypnotically in the wind. The building itself was white with terracotta tiles and large windows which ran from floor to ceiling on the two floors. Majestic balconies ran around the top floor with open verandas for seating on the lower. Craig watched her reaction, her beautifully expressive eyes shining in wonder.
Placing his hand on the base of her back he had gently guided her into the house, an action which made her jump nervously, his lips had curled at her reaction and he had lent in to whisper in her ear
“Don’t worry Kira, I wasn’t planning on jumping you in the driveway” She bit back the response which jumped to her lips glaring at him.
Inside the building everything was as grand as the exterior. The large entrance foyer was magnificent in its ornate layout and she stood looking in wonder at the expensive trappings which were found everywhere. Her training as an interior designer often meant that she could be critical of buildings, but here she was stunned by the classic understated opulence all around her.
The house keeper appeared and smiling had asked after their health and trip. For the first time she saw Craig truly smile. It was one of those heart warming smiles which she remembered, and something fluttered in her chest. He had thanked the woman and introducing Kira explained that she would be staying for the week. The house keeper had seemed a little surprised, but smiled warmly at her. Kira had managed a return smile to the woman.
“Maria, bring drinks down to the pool” he asked before leading Kira upstairs, and opening the door to one of the many rooms on the landing.
“This is our room” he said moving into the large airy space. Kira swallowed the lump in her throat her eyes flicking around the wonderful space. Long white sheer curtains framed the ceiling to floor windows which let in a cool breeze causing the material to billow out surreally within the room. The furnishing was white simple cane which sat on cream tiles. However, it was the large bed in the middle of the room which caught her eye. Suddenly it all seemed so real and Kira had to clasp her hands in front of her to stop them shaking.
Craig watched her reaction. He remembered the first time she had stood with him in one of his bedrooms. She had been so innocent, trusting and young. He had taught her how to love and the memory stirred him as he saw the same frightened look on her face as the first night they had made love. She was as beautiful now as she had been then and he could feel his body react to her presence. Fighting the sudden desire in him he moved out onto the balcony calling her to join him
Kira appeared, gasping in delight at the view. The villa stood close to the edge of the cliff overlooking the azure sea below. She had always loved the water and the setting of the building took her breath away
“It’s beautiful” she whispered
She felt him move behind her and could feel his closeness even though he was not touching her.
“Yes it is” he murmured looking down on her
Pulling himself together he once more moved back into the room.
“The luggage will be delivered to the room later and Maria is bringing refreshments to the pool … so shall we” he gestured holding the door open for her to pass.
Kira paused for a second.
“Would you mind if I made a phone call first” she asked quietly
He looked reflectively at her
“Don’t be long” he said and then was gone
Smiling gently after her call Kira moved back out to the balcony. From her vantage point she could see to the left of the building the pool where Craig sat wearing white casual trousers and a blue t-shirt. Her heart flipped at the sight of him. God she thought after the way he had treated her she had every right to hate and distrust him, and yet it was he who treated her as though she had done him some terrible wrong.
Her mind went back to three years previously. A young exchange student in California she had been in awe at the wonderful buildings she had been able to visit. As part of the course, they had studied interior spaces and been encouraged to visit buildings of interest, sketching those elements of the building which they felt added to the effect.
So it was one sunny morning she had found herself sitting in one of the chairs within the Clarence Hotel sketching the ornate rose ceiling in the centre of the foyer. As she moved her hand across the page, she had become aware of somebody watching her, and turning she had come face to face with the most handsome man she had ever seen.
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