Make Believe

by Genevieve Smith

  I want to scream it’s too much, I want him to take me and I want him to do it now. I grab his hair with my hands, and try and pull him away but he just works them harder. I tug his hair again and he groans with excitement.

  “Oh no you don’t, Jess. I’ve wanted you for such a long time, let me have all of you please,” he purrs. With that, he starts trailing his kisses down across my stomach to the top of my pants. He kisses are just teasing me, I feel myself reeling underneath him. God, I want him in me now, please! He lips trace through my strip of hair, down. The feeling is incredible, this man certainly knows what he’s doing. Jeez. His tongue invades me, circling everywhere then rests on my special spot. God, I have never felt anything like it before. I want to scream, but just as I find some self-control his fingers find me, pushing me over the edge.

  “Oh my God, Elliott, I don’t think I can take it. please, Please make love to me now!” I scream.

  He sits up and pulls his top off and, oh my God, his body glistening with sweat. It drives me wild the more I see.

  “You’re sure you want me to do this, Jessica?” he asks.

  “Oh God, yes and now.” He laughs and leans over to his drawer, he fumbles around and pulls out a silver foil packet. He rips open the condom and places it on the end of his impressive length.

  He then climbs across me and kisses me again. I raise my hips to meet him, he manoeuvres himself perfectly and slowly sinks into me.

  “Oh my God, yes!” I shout.

  He moves slowly at first taking all of me in. I caress his bottom and his glides faster, thrusting harder into me, in and out, in and out. I can’t help but moan with excitement, the sensation so unbelievable, corrupting my body the more he thrust. I can’t stop myself coming instantly as he does.

  I try and wriggle underneath him as he’s still on top of me, not that I want to be anywhere else other than here. I look at him. “I have never had sex like that before, it was amazing. Thank you, Elliott.”

  He smiles, “That’s quite OK, Jessica, anytime!” With one swift move he pulls out of me and sits up, he pulls off his rubber friend and walks into the bathroom. I can’t help it but I give a little scream into my pillow. Oh my God, I have just had the best sex of my life, with the sexist man on the planet. I am one lucky girl. Elliot walks back into the room totally naked.

  “Do you know you have an amazing body, Elliott?” I feel confident now that I’ve had the pleasure of that body.

  “Why thank you, Miss Ing, I work hard at keeping it like this. You don’t have such a bad one yourself.” He smiles, leaning across the bed, he pulls back the sheets and throws them back.

  “In fact, Miss Ing, I think I need a closer look, “ he laughs and bends down to my toes and starts kissing his way up.

  “Round two is in order, Miss Ing!”

  I giggle, losing myself in him again.

  ***

  “Are you sure this dress looks OK, Elliott, it’s not too short? I’ve never been to a polo match.”

  “When are your dresses ever too short? You look beautiful. In fact, I don’t think I need to go, you’re becoming a celebrity in your own right.” He hands me today’s paper. They are photos of us shopping accompanied by the headline “Jessica’s way to shop to the top!”

  “What an earth does that mean?” I ask, feeling insecure.

  “It just crap, Jess, they’re just trying to sell papers, that’s all.”

  “What does it say?”

  “It’s just about how you’re spending my money - and before you stress, I know the deal, I’ve just lent you the money and you’re paying me back,” he says, brushing my cheek.

  I smile at him.

  “Good, I’m glad that’s clear.” I hear the front door.

  “Hudson’s here, Jess, we’d better go.”

  “What, Hudson?” Panic rises in my voice.

  “Yep, of course. He has to come to all charity/ work events…… You OK, Jess?”

  I feel the blood draining from my face.

  “I need a minute. You go down - I’ll be down in a sec.”

  He kisses my head and heads downstairs.

  I sit on the bed and take a deep breath. I tell myself over and over again, You can do this, Jess, don’t let him win, don’t let him win. I count to ten, stand up and walk over to the mirror. I say it one more time, “Don’t let that asshole win.” And walk to the door.

  “Oh look, it’s the beautiful Jessica Ing,” I hear Hudson’s voice as I grace the stairs.

  Hudson holds his hand out to me as I reach the bottom step, in that “Hello” way.

  I don’t touch it; I walk straight past him and head for Elliott.

  “Hello, Hudson,” I acknowledge as I walk straight past him.

  I see the anger appear on his face. Ha bastard! I feel my inner-self victory dancing.

  “No date, Hudson?” Elliott asks.

  “No, I couldn’t decide who to bring. I had a choice of two this morning if you know what I mean.” He laughs.

  Err, he really is disgusting.

  “Hudson, not around, Jessica, please,” Elliott scolds him.

  Hudson looks taken aback.

  “I think you’ve been spending far too much time doing girls’ things, Elliott. You’re turning into a pussy! There would have been a time you’d have joined me or maybe I’ll join you later.” He laughs again, eyeing me up and down.

  “I think it’s time we left. Simon’s outside.” Elliott jostles us out of the front door, looking incredibly uncomfortable. We’re heading off in the Range Rover again. Oh God, that means close proximity to him.

  I feel my inner turmoil shivers traveling up and down my spine. Elliott helps me into the car and I’m forced to sit next to him. He looks at me, noticing how close I’m going to be and smiles. Elliott squeezes in next to me, pushing me closer.

  I try to not listen to their discussion as I don’t want to be involved with anything he is. I stare out the window wishing I was someplace else, just Elliott and I.

  We arrive at the polo match. Simon opens the door and Hudson gets out first, he holds his hand out for me. I begrudgingly take it. The photographers are already poised with their cameras ready and waiting to shoot a glimpse of Elliott. He eventually climbs out behind us. I try and hang back to wait for him, but Hudson has other ideas. He puts his arm around my waist and pulls me towards him, guiding me away from Elliott and the photographers.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” I spit, trying to remove his arm from my waist.

  “Making sure Elliott’s in the limelight.” He smiles.

  “I was just going to wait for him. Not stand with him.”

  “I’ve told you before, Jessica, do not get in the way of my investment!”

  “I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about, Hudson. And to be honest, I don’t want to know. All I care about is Elliott, and I will not let you screw this up for me like you tried to before. I haven’t forgotten what you did to me, and when it’s time, Elliott will know!” I smile at him and walk off. He tries to grab me back but I shake him off.

  I think I’ve lost my mind, what the hell am I doing challenging him here? I’m not sure Elliott would even believe that Hudson would be capable of such a terrible thing. He’s made me so cross ushering me away like a child. How dare he? I am nothing to do with him. I feel my blood starting to boil again.

  “There you are? Where did you go?” Elliott asks, taking my hand.

  “Sorry, Hudson took me away, I don’t know why.”

  “He’s in the weirdest of moods. I think someone’s really pissed him off. He’s not himself – probably the girls from this morning.” He smiles, kissing my hand. “Thank God, I don’t have that problem.” He smiles.

  “I didn’t have time to tell you, Jess, but last night was just perfect. Thank you so much, babe. You’re one special girl.”

  I smile, kissing him on the cheek.

  “It was for me, too.” The tingling sensation starts in my stomach as I reca
ll the night’s passion.

  He leans down towards me tilting my head back, he places his lips on mine. Oh, this man is just so incredible, what he does to me is unimaginable. I kiss him back never wanting to let him go.

  “Excuse me, Elliott, we have work to do,” I hear his voice in the distance.

  Elliott pulls away and looks directly at him.

  “Sorry Hudson, just caught in the moment.” He blushes red.

  We walk in to the beautiful marquee which is set up for lunch after the polo match. We walk to the sidelines of the field where Elliott starts doing his stuff. He is such a professional. I recognise some of the other famous faces as they all meet and greet each other with their air brush kisses. The amount of wealth in this place is ridiculous. Elliott proudly holds on to my hand introducing me as we make our way around. It all seems like make believe that I am here with him. A girl from good old Dorset, mixing with the A-list celebrities of Hollywood, a real rags to riches moment.

  Hudson taps Elliott on the shoulder.

  He’s standing there with this five-foot-ten super model, she is stunning. Long brown hair, olive skin, a body to die for - her clothes just enhance what a perfect female specimen she is. I look at Elliott to gage his reaction but he’s just looking at Hudson expectantly, like he knows what coming.

  “Elliott, Jessica, this is Rosa. She’s your date for tonight, Elliott.” He smiles, eyeing me up and down.

  I feel my body tense all over. Elliott’s date for tonight? What the hell? I might as well leave now! I feel the tears pooling in my eyes – how could I possibly compete with a goddess like that?

  Elliott just laughs, “Nice one, Hudson.” He smiles.

  Nice one?! I want to punch him, does he not realise I’m standing here…………grrrrrrrr.

  “I have a date already.” He pulls me closer and kisses my head.

  “Yes, I know but I’m sure Jessica doesn’t mind lending you out for one night. This will really help your profile. Rosa is the next up and coming super model. It’s all about publicity, Elliott, you know how it works. Jessica can join you in the movie theatre and at the after-party but on the red carpet it should be Rosa.”

  Elliott looks so pissed off.

  “Hudson, I don’t want to take Rosa. I’m sorry, Rosa, but Jessica and I are a couple and it doesn’t feel right.” The stress instantly appears across his face.

  “Elliott, I’m not asking you, this is what’s happening this evening. OK?” Hudson glares at him in that don’t-fuck-with-me way!

  I feel Elliott’s hand tightening on mine. I look up at him.

  “Hey Elliott, honestly I don’t mind, if it helps you then I’m OK with it,” I try and reassure him, discarding my own hurt off feelings.

  He looks at me with those I’m-so-sorry-Jess eyes.

  “Hudson, this isn’t over. Don’t fucking do this to me again. I mean it!” He glares.

  “Well, I’m glad we sorted it out. Thank you, Jessica, for being so… cooperative.” He smirks.

  Hudson walks away with Rosa and Elliott leans down and kisses my head.

  “I don’t know what it is about you, Jess, but you rile him. You have something, I don’t know what, but he’s not happy. I think it’s because he can’t control you/us? It’s strange.”

  The words scream through my head, “It’s because he didn’t get what he fucking wanted from me when he attacked me in that night!”

  “Yes, I know what you mean,” I reply, dismissing that appalling memory.

  I can’t decide what to wear to tonight’s premiere. Whatever I choose, I will look terrible compared to the gorgeous Rosa. I pick out two dresses - they are short, one’s a black and off the shoulder baggy jumper style and the other is a tight-fitting silver one.

  “Mia, I need your help please!” I bellow down the stairs.

  She pushes open my bedroom door.

  “What on earth is it, Jess?”

  “I can’t decide what to wear, help me please…what are you wearing?”

  “Well, I think you should wear the black one. It looks gorgeous on you, and then I can borrow the silver one as you’ve only given me half an hour’s notice and I don’t have anything prepared,” she teases.

  “I know, I sorry. you’re such a life saver. I don’t want to go on my own. After being ditched for a supermodel, I’m not feeling that happy about it.” I pull a silly face at her.

  “It’s the company you keep. “ She smiles.

  I put on the black dress and it looks good, short but good. I pick my high black gemmed shoes to go with it. I decide that wearing my hair straight is the only option and sexy smoky eyes are a must for tonight. I might not be a super model but I did sleep with the star of the show last night!” I smile inwardly remembering it.

  My phones beeps, distracting my thoughts.

  Hey Jess-bear,

  I hope everything’s going OK stateside.

  Have you spoken to your mum recently?

  Love as always

  Henry. Xxx

  Oh God, it’s from Henry. What does he want? I thought we were having no contact until I came back. Have I spoken to my mum recently? What is that all about? It’s all very cryptic. I hope she’s OK.

  I finish straightening my hair and check my makeup, it looks good. I still have half an hour until we have to leave. Inspired by Henry’s text I decide to phone my mum.

  I push her number into my phone, it’s engaged, but it’s only 7:30 a.m. there. Strange.

  I try again five minutes later and it’s ringing.

  “Hello.” I recognise my brother Charlie’s voice instantly.

  “Hey Charlie, it’s Jess, is everything OK? Is mum OK?”

  “Hey Jess. Err… yep, she’s fine, we’re all here.”

  “What, Louise, too? Why?”

  “Yeah, I’ll get Mum.”

  I can tell something’s wrong. Someone must have died or something for my two siblings to be in the same room at the same time.

  “Hello Jessica, my darling, how are you?”

  “Hey Mum, I’m fine…well, I was until now, what’s going on? Why are Charlie and Louise there?” I can’t keep the panic out of my voice.

  “Hush Jessica, calm down, I do have some bad news for you though, darling. It’s your father.”

  “What? My father? The man who I haven’t seen since I was five?”

  “Yes, my darling, unfortunately he’s died.”

  I feel the tears streaming down my face. “Died? When? Where? How did you find out?”

  I’m not sure where any of this emotion has come from, it’s not like I even knew the man.

  “We had a letter put through the door. Saying he died yesterday in France from cancer. I’m so sorry, my darling, that we are not there to be with you.”

  “Is there going to be a funeral? Should I come back? Who sent the letter?” My head’s spinning.

  “Yes, he’s already been cremated in France by his fourth wife. She is sending his ashes over and we are expecting them tomorrow. Once we have received them, we are going to have a memorial service for him next week. It would be lovely if you could make it, but we understand if you can’t.”

  “OK, I will see what I can do. Who’s coming to the service? Will you be there, Mum?”

  “I’m not sure, darling, it depends if the other ex-wives are going. It’s a good job you’re his only children...” her voice breaks as she says it.

  “I know, Mum. I’m really sorry but I have to go to work. I’m off to one of Elliott’s premieres tonight. I will give you a ring tomorrow to let you know if I can make it. Thanks, love you, bye.”

  “That’s fine, Jess. I’m sorry you’re so upset, darling. I really didn’t think it would affect you like that. Take care, sweetheart. Bye.”

  She didn’t think I would be upset? Even though my father’s just died? My God, she was a strange one.

  Chapter 11

  I scan the room looking out for Elliott, but there is no sign of him yet. Mia sits down next to
me. We are sitting in the second row and I have a feeling Hudson had something to do with it. Elliott had already told me where I should have been sitting, and that was next to him. But of course he was due to sit in the front row with Rosa! Knocking me from my conspiracies, everybody stands up and starts clapping. I think Elliott’s just arrived. The crowd outside is going mad chanting his name. The doors open to the cinema and Elliott stands there looking drop dead gorgeous. He’s in a dark grey suit with a blue shirt and matching tie. His hair’s in that messy style. My heart leaps; whoa, I’m one lucky girl. I stare at the wonder that is Elliott Tate as he walks down towards the front, but I’m distracted by the leggy brunette standing next to him. My self-esteem sinks. She looks stunning, as I had imagined. She links Elliott’s arm and they walk down the aisle together. I notice him looking round, is he looking for me? Or is he just taking in all the people that are there for him? He stops the row behind ours and whispers something to Rosa. He points to the front. She smiles and nods and graciously walks ahead of him to the front. What is he doing? I feel a little flutter in my stomach.

  Eventually he walks forward and stops at our row. I look at him and he is standing there with the biggest grin on his face and his arms out in front.

  “I think he wants you to go to him,” Mia says.

  I feel flattered but also nervous. We are in front of a lot of important people. Elliott gestures to me. I slide my way down the row towards him, apologising on the way.

  As I reach him he grabs my hand and pulls me through. I smile at him like he’s nuts. He picks me up and swings me round and places a full kiss on my lips. I don’t know where to look. I try and grab onto the bottom of my skirt to pull it down. The last thing he needs is me flashing everyone. He puts me down and everyone cheers. God, how embarrassing or flattering maybe?