Three days before Christmas, on my way out of Bergdorf Goodman in the late afternoon with bags full of more gifts, I bump into a dark figure. I peer up from beneath my false eyelashes, and my eyes freeze when I gaze at the face of the mysterious man. He is wearing all black as usual, and smiles when my eyes reach his eyes.
“May I help you with all those bags?”
“No thank you. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? They look rather heavy…here let me help you.” He grabs the bags out of my hand, and I release them without another thought.
“What are you doing here?” is the only response that comes forth from my mouth. My mind is blank and I’m shocked to see this man yet again.
“I’m just doing a little Christmas shopping as well. I see you’ve done a lot of Christmas shopping,” he smirks as we walk toward the Rolls Royce. My private driver hops out, greets the man, and takes all the bags from the mysterious man’s hands.
“Thank you sir for helping the lady,” he says as he places them into the trunk. He opens the back door for me, waiting until I slide in.
“Please, have dinner with me?”
The private driver is now thoroughly analyzing the man. I’m pretty sure he didn’t hear the mysterious man’s proposition owing to the noisy streets of New York.
“I told you I’m not interested.” I rush into the backseat and the private driver closes the door. He goes around the car and slips into the driver’s seat. He starts the car, and we drive away.
A few minutes later as I am lost in thought thinking about the mysterious man’s strange persistence, the private driver interrupts, “Madam sorry to intrude, but isn’t that the man from before? Is he bothering you?” he asks inquisitively.
“Yes, I’ve bumped into him several times now, but I’m sure it’s just a coincidence,” I mutter.
“Well then, I’m sure it’s just a coincidence,” he agrees politely.
When the private drivers drops me off at home and helps me carry my bags into the living room, I get started unpacking the gifts I purchased, placing them in silver gift boxes, and wrapping them up in white ribbon.
I spend the rest of the evening baking three different varieties of cookies to distract myself from thinking about the mysterious man, as I sip on a glass of white wine, and listen to smooth jazz music.
When Derek gets home at 10:43 p.m., I am arranging the cookies onto three large glass pedestal dessert stands. He greets me in the kitchen with a soft kiss.
“Looks like you’ve been busy my darling, it smells wonderful.” He glances at the three plates of cookies, and takes one of the sugar cookies. He takes a large bite. “Delicious, but not quite as delicious as you,” he murmurs and grins mischievously. He quickly consumes it, scoops me up into his arms and heads toward the bedroom to fuck me.
At 8:15 a.m., two days before Christmas, I meet with Yula and Tanya at Norma’s for breakfast. Tanya orders eggs Benedict, Yula orders an egg white primavera omelet, and I order blueberry pancakes and orange juice.
I tell my friends about the gift that I got for Derek.
Tanya bursts out laughing and says, “You got Derek an actual gift! I just buy myself some expensive lingerie and call it a gift for him. He’s always very grateful and tells me how beautiful I look in it and that the greatest gift he has is being married to me.” She giggles and continues, “Or last year I made it easy for him and rode him for a week! You know how sore my thighs were! I don’t normally do that.”
Yula and me exchange glances and look back at Tanya as the waitress brings our orders.
I decide to change the subject. “Well, how are you doing Yula? How is the baby?” I take a small bite of my pancake and a sip of orange juice.
“Oh everything’s going great so far, I’ve been having some nausea but nothing major. I’m just so excited, I can’t wait any longer. I wish I could just pop the baby out now.”
“I got you an early baby gift for Christmas,” squeaks Tanya vivaciously. She hands Yula a box wrapped in beautiful sparkling gold wrapping paper and a white ribbon.
Yula unwraps the gift to reveal a video touch-screen baby-monitoring device.
“So you can watch the baby’s every move!” Tanya explains.
“Oh thank you, I love it!” cries out Yula.
I remain silent; keeping my emotions concealed and simply put on a big fake smile to join in their excitement. I take a few more bites of my pancakes.
“So anyways, if you get morning sickness, I heard ginger root extract, and Vitamin B6 is very helpful, plus Unisom at bedtime,” Tanya instructs Yula.
“Yes I’ve read about that! I’ve got a ton of baby books on my Kindle that I’ve been reading recently. I’ve been eating super healthy, and drinking all kinds of gross health smoothies every morning and evening. I’ve also started doing prenatal yoga,” says Yula proudly as she takes a small bite of her omelet.
“So anyways, next week I’m off to St. Martin with my hubby. We will be there for New Year’s Eve. We’re staying at La Samanna. It’s going to be so romantic,” Tanya gloats. “Maybe we’ll make a baby,” she grins.
“I thought you said your husband doesn’t want children yet?” I ask inquisitively.
“Well, I hope to convince him otherwise. Sometimes with billionaires, it takes quite a bit of persuasion to inspire them to start a family. Men don’t have biological clocks like we girls do.”
Yula smiles broadly. “Well, of course, marrying an older billionaire is another way.”
Yula married a sixty-three-year-old man but he’s dark-haired and quite handsome for his age.
I finish off my breakfast, while Yula and Tanya chat about baby gear and maternity concierge.
“Why don’t you hire a maternity concierge?” suggests Tanya. “I know the best one in New York, I can give you her contact info.”
“Oh, I don’t know, I think I’ve got enough books to read, and I’m pretty sure I’ll know what to do when the baby arrives,” says Yula.
“I certainly plan on hiring one once I get preggers,” says Tanya. “But it’s a work in progress.”
I can’t take it any longer. “Yula honey, I can’t tell you how happy I am. Anyways, I have to run, early morning appointment.” I give them both a double cheek kiss, pay for all of us with Derek’s funds, and leave.
My day consists of an IV of Dr. Wright’s RMR, a swim at the gym, a relaxing two-hour massage at the spa, a facial, manicure, pedicure, and last-minute gift shopping.
My last task for the day is to pick up some more goodies from the bakery; Derek likes the kitchen stockpiled during the holidays.
The bakery is full of activity and jam-packed with people. I am looking at the colorful and spectacularly intricate designs of various desserts, and as my eyes rest on the candy cane cheesecake, someone whispers from behind me, “Hello beautiful.”
I spin around and come face-to-face with the mysterious man.
I am rendered speechless. Is this a coincidence or is he seriously stalking me?
He looks strikingly handsome in a tailored, pinstripe black suit. His eyes are glistening. “Don’t worry, I am not following you. I just happened to spot you as I was buying some treats for Christmas.”
I laugh nervously. “Well it feels like you are following me.”
He comes closer, looks through the glass display, points to the candy cane cheesecake and says, “This is very good. I’d recommend it.”
I look back at the cheesecake and suddenly my nose picks up his exotic, rich, spicy, manly scent. He smells divine in a way I’ve never smelled before. I feel my heartbeat quickening.
I resist looking back at him again, so my eyes wander to the multi-colored chocolate truffles.
“Those look delicious don’t they,” he whispers seductively, following my gaze.
“Sure,” I respond politely.
“I won’t take no for an answer,” he growls quietly. From the corner of my eye I see him turn to gawk at me and I am forced to look up at hi
m. Incorruptible persistence is adhered to his face. “Please have dinner with me tonight. I’ll take you to the best and most expensive restaurant in Manhattan. I’ll make sure we’ll have a quiet table so no one sees you with me. I do understand your situation, so please don’t be mistaken, but give me a chance before you tie the knot.”
“I…” my voice trails off as I am dumbfounded by his perseverance.
“Just give me one chance and if you don’t like me, I’ll leave you alone,” he whispers.
“I told you, I can’t,” I groan. I feel tense and unsteady and back away from him.
He approaches, ogles me with a combination of ferocity and strong desire. His jaw tightens and his lips compress.
“Have dinner with me?” he whispers close to my ear.
“No!” I shout at him, and scoot out of the bakery. As soon as I get into the Rolls Royce, I snarl at the private driver to take me home. What is wrong with that man! Maybe I should inform Derek. It feels as if he is stalking me now. A shiver goes through me.
When I get home at 8:00 PM, Derek is already waiting for me in the living room. He has a glass of red wine and is listening to Strauss while flicking through his transparent iPad. My Pomeranian runs to greet me and jumps up on her hind legs. I pick her up and sit beside Derek on the couch.
“How was your day darling?” He gives me a quick peck on the lips.
“Great, busy as usual, and yours?” I ask sweetly, petting my Pomeranian. I look down at her and realize I haven’t thought of a name for her yet.
“I had a short day, I wanted to come home earlier and spend time with you.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me softly on the lips. “But very soon, we’ll be spending a lot more time together when we travel the world.”
I gulp and feel a pit in my stomach. “Yes honey, you’re right. We will be spending so much more time together. I really look forward to it.” I put on a big, fake smile.
“What are we doing for dinner honey?” I ask to change the subject.
“Our private chef is going to make us something special,” Derek replies warmly as he pours me a glass of red wine.
We take a seat in the living room and once the chef arrives he begins creating his masterpieces in the kitchen. We take sips of our wine and sample the deviled quail eggs and Beluga caviar hors d'oeuvre the chef has prepared for us.
We move to the dining room and sit at opposite ends of the table. The chef brings out a large white square plate with poached oyster that I really enjoy. Once we finish, he clears our plates, and brings in another plate with beef tartare and matchstick potatoes. Then we have sautéed foie gras. Next is roasted milk-fed veal chop, which is delicious. For dessert we have Frrrozen Haute Chocolate that tastes like a piece of heaven. The private chef leaves.
We move to the living room and relax on the couch. Derek rises and leaves, then comes back with a new bottle of wine. He pours me a glass and refills his glass. Mozart is playing quietly in the background. The lights are dimmed and the Christmas tree is beautifully lit up and sparkling. My Pomeranian is sleeping beside me on the couch.
Derek seats himself beside me as I admire the Christmas tree. He wraps his arm around me and begins tenderly stroking my hair. I taste the wine and it is divine.
“How did you enjoy dinner?” Derek asks and then takes a sip of his wine.
“It was wonderful, I especially loved the dessert. Thank you honey,” I coo and take another sip of my wine.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Derek says and kisses me softly on the lips.
“There is something I’d like to discuss with you that has been brought to my attention,” Derek says calmly.
My heart leaps as I think I know what he is talking about. “What’s that honey?”
Derek stops stroking my hair and his expression is grave. “Your private driver informed me that a man has been following you?”
“Um yes. I mean, I’ve only really bumped into him several times,” I murmur. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but he’s been pretty insistent each time.”
“It’s not a coincidence. I know the guy.”
“What?” I shout out in utter shock. “You know him?”
Derek nods. “This matter has gotten out of hand. I wish you brought this up sooner,” he whispers calmly to mask his true emotions.
“You know him?” I ask again firmly.
“Julian and I grew up together…we were very close friends,” Derek responds slowly and thoughtfully. “We are members of the same society.”
I take a gulp of wine to get over the shock.
“I asked him to test you to determine your loyalty and dedication to me,” Derek murmurs. “That night that I let you go out with your friends to Top of The Standard is the night that I sent him out to pursue you and see how you would react.”
“What?” I shout, astonished.
”Julian told me you refused him and I’m very pleased to hear that, but I’m very displeased that he’s continuing to pursue you,” Derek explains. Derek then raises his voice and says more briskly, “It was a one-time thing, he was to test you only once, but now I see he’s taken an interest in you and he is willing to severely damage his association with me. I’m going to have a little chat with him. After our chat, he shall leave you alone.”
I am shocked and irritated. “Why didn’t you trust me? Why did you test me?”
“Before I met you, I was engaged to a woman that was unfaithful. I wanted to make sure you were trustworthy. I hope you understand. Please don’t take it personally.”
“You never told me you were engaged before?” I ask dryly.
“Yes, once, only once. She wasn’t even worth mentioning, that’s why I never told you about her,” Derek says in a rueful tone. “I’m a very private man, and I need to know the woman I take in marriage will remain faithful to me. Do you understand?”
I accept his explanation and decide not to drag this any further. I love this man and quickly come to understand his need to test me. “Yes I understand. I love you and would never be unfaithful to you,” I say sweetly. “I believe if a person decides to be with someone else, they should just be straightforward and honest.”
“Yes I agree,” Derek says emphatically. “I am now fully convinced you will remain faithful to me. Julian told me you were very adamant towards his advances.”
“Well I really love you,” I murmur.
“Good. I need to make a phone call, I’ll be back.” Derek rushes off.
After about fifteen minutes, I’ve finished my glass of wine, and Derek hasn’t returned. I decide to go into his home office to see what he is up to.
When I approach his office, the door is closed. I am about to knock when I hear Derek roar, “You’re the one friend I trusted, and you let me down. I’m warning you stay away from her.”
I decide to go back to the living room and wait for Derek to return. I pour myself more wine and pet my puppy.
When Derek returns, his cheeks are red. A looming chilly glint in his eyes reveals he’s infuriated, but his expression softens once he seats himself beside me.
“Well I’ve had a little talk with Julian; he will not be bothering you ever again.” Derek grins. “Let’s forget about the matter now and get you undressed shall we?”
At 8:30 a.m., one day before Christmas, I get up and do leg stretches. I go into the washroom and brush my teeth and then shower with a PRIORI body cleanser. I apply La Mer on my face and La Mer Body Lotion all over my body.
I go into my walk-in closet, slip on a La Perla red bra and panty and a red sleeveless Gucci sheath dress, put on makeup and spritz on some Coco Chanel perfume on the side of my neck, and walk into the kitchen.
I go into the kitchen, feed my puppy, make myself a health smoothie and down it while checking my e-mail on my iPad. Derek calls.
“Hello my angel,” he says lovingly.
“Hello Derek. How are you honey?”
“I’m quite busy today. I’d like to inform you that we have a
Christmas party to attend in the evening. I’d like you to wear that silver evening dress that I love so much. Be ready by 8:00 PM,” he commands. “Have a good day.”
“Ok. Have a good day.”
He hangs up.
My private driver takes me to breakfast with Tanya and Yula at our usual spot. We all order pancakes and English breakfast tea. We exchange gifts and spend about an hour opening them. I receive various items of jewelry, perfume, and designer clothing from Yula and Tanya.
After breakfast, my private driver helps me load all the gifts into the trunk, and he drives me to my appointments for the day. I go to Pilates, the Mandarin Oriental spa for a facial and massage, and then to my acupuncturist, my reflexologist, and last, to get my hair styles into loose waves.
I come home to get my face done by my makeup artist. I get dressed and when I come out of my walk-in closet, Derek is in the bedroom.
“Hello honey,” I greet him cheerfully.
“Early Christmas gift.” He pulls out a box from behind him.
I open it to reveal a gorgeous Tiffany’s diamond necklace and long earrings to match.
“Wow, thank you, I love them!” I squeal.
“That’s just a starter. I’m glad you like them.” He stares at me and admires the necklace on my neck. “You look stunning.”
Derek gets ready, and then we head out. Our private driver takes us to the elegant Christmas party, composed of a five-course meal, and endless chatter about business, money, and charitable Christmas giving. One of Derek’s associates claims he donated $65 million to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Another one of Derek’s associates claims he donated $120 million to an orphanage in Africa. Sometimes I don’t know if these wealthy men donate to charities to show off to one another, or to do a good deed.
Derek always keeps quiet about his charitable giving during Christmas, and I really appreciate this about him. He keeps the topics of discussion on business, money, and his plans to travel. Every one of Derek’s associates appears to be sincerely interested in his travel plans.
Rapine: Abducted by the Billionaire Page 8