by F. C. Clark
‘Stop twisting what I say. You don’t play fair. That’s not what I meant and you know it.’
He begins to laugh.
‘I play to win. I will never allow you to conquer me.’
Oh, fuck off. ‘Whatever, Luke.’
This time it’s my turn to look out of the window and work out how to deal with this very unmanageable man seated next to me. He touches me, making me jump.
I turn to look at him, no verbal filter present.
‘Luke, if you really want to win at something, why don’t you keep a scorecard on how many times you can piss me off? Because so far you’re doing well.’ I fold my arms and scowl.
‘Cutting and irreverent.’ A winning look appears on his face, pleased with his ability to annoy me. ‘A story. OK, you may as well tell people you cook for me, and we just started dating. Small nuggets of truth, therefore we shouldn’t slip up.’
‘How long have we been together? I take it we don’t live together and…’
Once again, he looks exasperated. ‘I think it’s unlikely that people are going to ask.’
‘Luke, if you think women are not going to ask, then you have a lot to learn about the female species. We are, I admit, extremely nosey. You’re an eligible bachelor – people, mainly women, are going to want answers.’
‘Fine – we have been together – no, blissfully together – for a month or so… Does that work for you?’ His tone is direct.
‘Yes, except I think we should drop the “blissfully” – clearly that’s a bloody lie.’
Within twenty minutes, we arrive at our destination, a charity gala at a hotel in London.
‘Ready, Kate?’ Caring Luke asks. This man blows hot and cold.
‘I guess.’
Max holds my door open. Instantly Luke is at my side holding his hand out. I stand and readjust my dress, and yet I wish I could readjust the uneasy feeling at the pit of my stomach, which escalates with skin-to-skin contact.
He leans close to my ear. ‘You will be fine, and you look stunning.’
‘Thank you.’ I place my arm through Luke’s. ‘What is tonight’s gala in aid of?’
‘Cancer research.’
‘Oh. A worthy cause.’
‘Yes, Kate.’
We make our way up the stone steps and into the grand entrance of the hotel. The hotel is old, and the decor has a regal theme. Thankfully, Luke maintains his firm hold on my arm, which allows me to absorb my surroundings. We continue down a long corridor towards a large set of doors. Although I can’t see anyone, the noise is increasing. The doors are opened and we enter a world that is incredibly different from mine. The room itself is huge, all the men appear to be wearing tuxedos, and the women are in an array of full-length eveningwear. From my initial glance at the various dresses, mine stands out – thank you, Valerie. We move to the centre of the room and a waiter promptly appears. Luke takes two glasses of champagne and passes one to me.
‘Cheers, Kate, here’s to an interesting evening.’
What’s that supposed to mean? Am I reading too much into every word that leaves his delicious mouth?
‘Cheers.’ I sip the champagne, which is just what I need to calm my nerves. ‘So, who are these people?’
‘Some are business acquaintances, some are friends – or I should say my parents’ friends.’
‘Oh.’
‘Don’t look so worried; most of them are quite nice.’ He laughs.
‘Only most? What’s wrong with the rest of them?’ I drink some champagne.
Luke squeezes my free hand. ‘You will be fine, just be yourself… Except not so impertinent.’ He winks at me. A joke at my expense.
‘Don’t challenge me, Luke, as I will live up to the impertinent behaviour you’re referring to.’ I smile, showing there are no hard feelings.
Luke nods at someone.
‘I need to go and speak to a business associate. I would introduce you to him, but he’s a pain in my arse.’ Luke places his hand on my arm. ‘I know he will say something inappropriate. For that reason, I feel it’s best to keep you apart.’ He looks at me, offering protection. ‘Will you be OK?’
‘Of course. I’ll wait here and people-watch.’ He rubs his hand against his jaw. ‘Honestly, go, I’ll be fine.’
Luke disappears into the crowds of people and I stand alone, looking and feeling lost in the realisation that I don’t belong here, wearing this dress. I take a deep breath, which is difficult, considering my dress affects my lung capacity. Nonetheless, I reassess my thinking strategy. Luke has brought me here and I’m wearing the most beautiful dress, so I should enjoy it. Sadly, I am still thinking about last night. Mixed thoughts run through my mind, one being that Luke seems to have forgotten about his advances towards me.
I notice an attractive woman of a similar age to me walking towards me – or is she heading to the bar directly behind me? She’s wearing a beautiful jade green Grecian dress, the nicest I have seen so far, which really offsets her short black hair and olive skin. She does appear to be heading in my direction.
‘I heard Luke brought a guest with him.’ Her eyes are almost on fire. ‘Alexis Cooper – and you are?’
‘Kate Harper.’ Wow, her tone is aggressive, and a little arsey.
‘So where did you meet Luke?’ OK, so you really don’t like me and have the hots for Luke. I know where I stand.
I knew this would happen. Where is Luke so I can rub his nose in the fact I stood alone for no more than five minutes and the interrogation has started?
‘I cook for Luke.’ Honesty is the best policy, and part of our cover story.
Alexis begins to laugh. How fucking rude.
‘Hired help – is that what Luke has resorted to?’ She continues to snigger. ‘Oh Kate, you know he will chew you up and spit you out, as he does with all the others. I hope you’ve protected your heart.’ She tilts her head, absorbing my appearance.
Resorted to…
‘I don’t think it’s any of your business whether Luke chews me up, or anything else for that matter. I take it you’re talking from experience?’ This bitch is making my blood boil. To behave inappropriately would allow me to play straight into her hands: I must remain calm at all costs.
‘No, Kate, I’m not that stupid – they’re merely observations I have made, certainly not from personal experience. The problem you will have is that Luke should be with like-minded people. It’s not personal; it’s merely how our circle works, and has done for years.’
I feel the need to make physical contact with her face, if only to shut her up. Not acting upon these feelings is taking my willpower to a whole new level.
‘Sometimes in life, it takes more than a dress to impress a man, as once it’s removed there’s not an awful lot remaining. I am simply warning you – girl to girl.’ She stands strong, her arms folded, not a hair out of place.
Girl to girl, my arse – warning me? I would like to warn her.
‘I wish I could believe you. I sense you want your own experience with the very handsome Luke Sutton. I assume like-minded people refers to girls like you. Need I say any more other than Luke is not with you, so your theory is flawed? I suggest in future you don’t be so fucking rude to people you don’t know. Now, go and crawl back into the hole you came out from.’ I turn to walk away but can’t stop myself from saying, ‘And for your information Luke certainly knows how to fuck.’ I’m going to hell for lying.
I head straight to the bar, knowing that in a place like this the likelihood of the bitch following me and making a scene is zero. I reach the bar and make eye contact with a bartender.
‘Take pity on me – I need something strong, and preferably in a shot glass.’
He laughs at my request. ‘If it’s that bad already, you’ve got a long night ahead of you. So what’s your poison?’
; ‘Tequila, if you have it.’ The barman nods. ‘Maybe you should just line them up.’
I smile at his friendly face, which appears to be the only one in this very crowded room.
First shot poured and consumed, cooling my intense need to place my right foot up the super-bitch’s arse… No, there is still a burning desire to launch at her.
‘Can I have another, please?’
‘Propping up the bar?’ Luke arrives, a quizzical look on his face. ‘I was looking for you.’
I turn and meet his gaze, just as the second dose of tequila hits my ferocious anger, which is far from being tamed.
‘It looks like you’ve won the hide and seek challenge.’ I turn and look towards the bar.
‘Kate.’ He pulls my face to look at him. ‘What’s wrong?’ It appears that caring Luke has arrived.
‘As I told you earlier, people do have a vested interest in your life, especially your love life. During your five-minute disappearing act Alexis fucking Cooper accosted me.’ I wear my anger well. ‘Excuse me, bartender, can I have another please?’
‘No. I think that’s enough alcohol, and please chose your words carefully.’ Stern Luke has entered the building.
‘Don’t tell me what to do and what to say! If I want another drink I will have a bloody drink.’ I’m spewing with anger, and I’m not in the mood for Mr Controlling Sutton.
‘I think you’ve had enough, especially on an empty stomach. Now I don’t know what Alexis said to you, but unfortunately for you she can be…’ He tails off and runs his hand through his hair.
‘Let me help you – a super-bitch.’ I glare at him, as there is no other name for her.
‘She does have a reputation for being forthright.’ His brows crease.
‘Forthright? Are you kidding? Is that what you call it? I’ll tell you what she is, Luke – shall I? She is the mean girl at school who steps on anyone or anything to get the boy she wants. She told me, and I quote that you could do better than me and let’s not forget that you should be with like-minded people… Oh yes, apparently you are going to chew me up and spit me out. So don’t stand there and tell me she’s your friend. Christ, you don’t need enemies with people like her around.’
He smiles. ‘Kate, do you really think I would take advice from Alexis?’
I’m so angry I can’t look at him. He pulls my chin, allowing our eyes to meet.
‘Do you?’
‘I don’t know, Luke. So far, my instincts are right: these people are different and maybe she has a point. I know we’re not together, but…’ I gesture, ‘we’re from different worlds.’ The super-bitch has managed to make me think I don’t belong here.
‘Lucky for you, I am a well-travelled man and open to new worlds.’
I give him a soft smile. ‘How can you be so calm? I’m so bloody angry… I know you don’t know me very well, but I would never speak to someone the way she did.’
‘I understand – in this room that is a rare quality, and believe it or not people are threatened by such attributes. Kindness comes easy to you.’
‘Not so easy for the super-bitch.’ We both laugh. ‘And I may have stretched the story slightly. I think my exact words were “you know how to fuck” – I said it because I knew that would piss her off, as she is so desperate to get in your trousers.’
‘You truly say whatever comes into your head.’
I shrug.
‘I don’t think she wants to get into my trousers; maybe she is just looking out for me.’
‘That’s bullshit. She is looking for something and I think you’ll find it somewhere halfway down your body.’ I stare at him. Once again, his face is a little shocked at my choice of words. ‘Please don’t stand there and justify her nasty behaviour towards me. If you think for one second she is looking out for you, then you and I are on very different pages, and for a smart businessman… Well, you lack some serious judgment.’
He reaches for my hand. ‘She’s really upset you.’ His voice softens.
‘Yes, she has…’ I turn to look at him.
‘Kate, don’t let her get to you.’ His hand gently brushes my cheek.
The lights in the ballroom dim, and then brighten again.
‘Time to eat – perfect, considering your alcohol consumption.’
‘There I was thinking it’s a power cut and we could all go home…’ Kate the tequila head with the sarcastic tone has arrived for the evening. Poor Luke, he will need his wits about him.
‘Enlighten me – do I have my impertinent Kate Harper nipping at my heel this evening?’ He flashes me a Sutton heart-melting smile. ‘I do have one question for you. The story you recounted, I believe you said I was a good fuck. Would you care to elaborate?’
‘No.’ What is it with this man and his ability to remember everything I say?
Luke takes my hand, guides us towards our table and pulls out my chair – clearly he has been brought up with manners.
‘Luke… Luke, darling. Oh, I thought that was you.’ An elderly woman approaches us and plants a kiss on Luke’s cheek.
‘Mrs Gold, how are you? I didn’t know you were attending this evening.’ Luke obviously knows her quite well, judging by his relaxed tone.
‘I have been slightly under the weather, but I am feeling much better. And who is this beautiful young lady?’
I stand. She takes my hands and kisses both cheeks.
‘Mrs Gold, this is Kate Harper. Kate, this is Mrs Gold.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Mrs Gold.’
She releases my hands and gently touches my face.
‘It has made my night to see Luke with such a beautiful girl… Make an old woman happy and stand together; I want to see what you look like.’
What? I move awkwardly towards Luke as he slides his arm around my waist. I clumsily rest my hand on his back. His fingers spread wide across my hipbone, ensuring full contact. As predicted, close proximity and simple touches fire up the spark that causes a pulsating ache inside me – let’s not forget my burning rage at super-bitch. Any other body part that has not had a reaction to this evening, now is your time to join in.
‘Now then, Kate, I will apologise in advance as Luke has promised me a dance this evening.’ She smiles and takes my hand again.
‘No need for an apology, Mrs Gold.’ This woman is adorable, unlike someone else I have encountered this evening.
She kisses us both and leaves. Luke introduces me to the other guests at our table. There’s not a hope in hell that I will remember any of their names; maybe just the person to my right, with the advantage of his name card aiding my poor memory.
The meal concludes relatively quickly, considering it consists of five courses; however, I did pass most of my courses to Luke as I was full – and the tight dress doesn’t help.
Although Luke has been engrossed in conversation most of the evening, his arm has been protectively resting against the back of my chair. I would be lying if I hadn’t noticed, and it has felt nice knowing he feels the need to do so. Most of the people from our table leave. Luke removes his hand from my chair and places it on my lower back, moving it in small circular movements against my lace dress. I keep my eyes firmly on the empty dance floor, for my own sanity.
He leans close to my ear. ‘Tell me, has this evening been dreadful?’
‘No, it has been OK, except for you-know-who… Mrs Gold definitely lightened my mood.’
‘She is quite a woman. I apologise for Alexis’s behaviour. You understand my views on life are extremely different to hers.’
‘Luke, I wouldn’t be here if you were anything like her.’ I smile, as ever telling the truth.
I visit the ladies’ room, praying that I make it back alive, avoiding the super-bitch at all costs. Arriving at our table, I notice Luke’s empty chair. Instantly my eyes find him dancing, light on
his feet, making Mrs Gold smile. I sit, lost in my thoughts, with a glass of bubbly, which bursts with the arrival of a man. He is relatively slim with short brown hair, average-looking. I’m not sure of his demeanour yet so I’ll reserve judgement.
‘I do believe we have not yet been introduced.’ He holds his hand out towards me. ‘Charles Morley.’
I place my hand in his. ‘Kate Harper.’
‘I hope you’re enjoying yourself this evening.’
‘Yes, thank you… Are you a friend of Luke’s?’ I ask, as to make assumptions of any sort is dangerous.
‘I would say acquaintances, but yes, I have known Luke and his family for many years. Apparently you cook for Luke.’
I drink my champagne, realising I have been the subject of many discussions this evening, engineered by the super-bitch.
‘You must know Alexis Cooper.’
‘Indeed.’ He smiles.
‘Poor you.’ I really don’t give a shit tonight. I have no intention of making friends with her helpers. However, he nearly spits his wine out – it’s safe to assume the comment is not lost on him.
‘Not a fan of Alexis.’
‘No. I’m amazed that you’re mixing with lower-class people; be careful it doesn’t ruin your reputation.’
He laughs. ‘Alexis always hits below the belt – you’ll get used to her.’
I shake my head. ‘Not in this lifetime.’
‘You’re new on the scene, and she protects her friends.’
‘I think that’s bullshit, and she just wants a piece of the action… Luke being the action.’
He laughs and takes another swig of burgundy liquid.
‘There is something about you… Having you here is going to mix it up – this could be fun to watch.’
‘So, why don’t you like Luke?’ I know hostility when I see it; I can tell by his tone and the emptiness in his eyes when I mention Luke’s name.
‘Let’s just say we’ve had our differences over the years. Speaking of Luke, he appears to be heading our way. I think he looks a little pissed off.’
Charles stands and reclaims his glass from the table, waiting for a confrontation from the man in question.