Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Where are you going?’ he demands.

  Before he even has time to realise what I’m doing, I throw a shoe at him, then another. I pray that they cause bodily harm. I reach for the zip of my dress, slipping it off my body, and also throw it in his direction. His eyes are on me. I guess his surprised look is justified as I stand in his hallway wearing lace knickers, bra and sheer hold-ups.

  ‘What the fuck are you doing?’ He wears a look of panic: he’s losing control of his cook.

  ‘Doing? Why, Luke, you asked for drama and petulant behaviour, as you’re used to getting your own way, so who am I not to oblige? You can keep your shoes and your dress, and shove them up your sorry arse.’ The steam from my ears must be evident; my blood pressure has reached the point of no return.

  Lost in a Harper–Sutton battle, we both forgot about Luke’s guests. Zhan enters the hallway. I’m slightly underdressed.

  ‘Kate, you’re being ridiculous.’ Luke stares at me, running one of his hands through his hair and pointing the other at me. ‘Don’t you dare remove any more clothing. I’m warning you. So help me, God, I will drag you upstairs myself.’

  Oh fuck off, you dominating, arrogant arsehole. I grab my mac and slip on my Converse.

  I stop to look at him.

  ‘You’re really getting on my tits.’ I take a deep breath. ‘Goodbye, Zhan, it was a pleasure to meet you.’ I turn and head for the door.

  ‘You can’t go out like that! For fuck’s sake!’ For a man who strives for control, tonight he’s losing his cool.

  I stop in my tracks. ‘Watch me.’

  I leave as quickly as my feet will carry me, tying my mac tightly around me. Was it fate this morning that it was raining and I wore a coat?

  I have walked for about five minutes when I hear a car pull up beside me. Oh, great, does someone think I’m touting for business? I turn to see Max.

  ‘Kate, jump in. I’ll drive you home.’

  ‘No.’ I keep my feet moving and my arms folded.

  ‘Kate – please.’

  ‘No, and you can tell our boss that I can find my way home without his help. Fucking moron.’

  I can sense Max’s amusement, maybe mixed with a little frustration.

  ‘If you don’t get in, I’ll have to follow you all the way home.’

  ‘Please yourself, Max. There’s no way I’m getting in that car. Let’s hope you don’t get arrested for kerb-crawling.’

  ‘Kate, do you like making my life difficult?’

  ‘No, it’s your boss who’s a pain in the arse.’

  Half an hour later I walk down my path. It must have been the longest half hour of Max’s life. I give him a wave and open my front door.

  The lights are on. I guess Harry must be home. I can hear voices in the kitchen.

  ‘Hi Harry… Oh, hi Raymond.’ Great. Another good impression to add to my list of meetings with Monsieur Raymond.

  Harry looks at me. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Oh my God! Luke Sutton is the biggest pain in the arse. I want to scream.’ I slump into the chair, losing the will to live.

  Harry and Raymond both begin to laugh. Is there a joke they’re privy to, but I’m not? I explain tonight’s events.

  ‘Harry, I’m not sure if I’m upset about his attitude towards me – or the fact I threw my Louboutins at him.’ I cry, in honour of the beautiful shoes.

  ‘Kate, may I say something?’ Raymond asks me in his sexy French accent. Yes.

  ‘Go for it, Raymond.’

  ‘From what your sister tells me, you both have feelings for each other. Now which one of you is to give in first?’

  Do I still have a job? is my initial thought as I input my code to the large security gate the next morning. The code is accepted, so it appears the answer is yes. Next the large black door – that also opens. Thankfully, the office doors are shut. I enter the kitchen and he’s sitting at the breakfast bar, drinking coffee. Oh shit, what’s he doing here? His brooding eyes meet mine. I wish he was at work. I do see my dress, folded on the island with my beautiful shoes. I will kiss them later.

  ‘I was unsure you were going to turn up.’

  Really? Is he that surprised to see me?

  ‘Are you firing me?’ This feels incredibly awkward, as I’m still raging.

  ‘No, of course not.’ He looks shocked. ‘However, after last night I wondered whether you would return.’ He stands and collects another mug. ‘Coffee, Kate?’

  ‘Please.’

  He pours a coffee and places it next to his.

  ‘Kate, sit… please.’ Well, that’s a start, I guess. ‘I think I owe you an apology for last night. Zhan did point out that I had barely spoken to you; he also sensed the tension between us.’

  ‘Oh. Well, I was cross with you for treating me like that. I don’t know why you bothered to invite me. But I hope it hasn’t affected your business.’

  ‘I’m working on some extremely important mergers. Without doubt, I brought the worry and stress home with me, which was wrong. Other than Zhan, I don’t think anyone heard or picked up on the tension.’ He drinks his coffee, although his eyes remain locked on me, as they have since I arrived.

  ‘It’s your home, Luke. I would be lying if I said it hadn’t upset me.’ I need to be honest with him. I have nothing to lose.

  ‘Yes, that may be so, but I don’t like the thought of upsetting you.’ He props his chin on his hand, reflecting on his thoughts. ‘Kate, I only answer to myself – selfish, maybe, but that’s why I’m single. I don’t have time to explain my reasons for not wanting to talk or for working late. It’s who I am and what I want. My work takes precedence over anything else in my life. You may have noticed that making adjustments is not an easy task for me.’ He tilts his head, knowing full well I agree with this.

  ‘No shit, Sherlock. Luke Sutton adjusting? Now there’s a thought.’ This makes us both smile and leaves me feeling guilty. ‘Apology accepted. Who am I to say what makes you tick is wrong? You’ve always stayed true to yourself.’

  ‘I would like to point out that next time you are pissed off at me – and, knowing you, that day will not be too far away – please could you could keep your clothes on and refrain from flashing my friends?’ He wears his one-sided smile, and it seems that we’ve forgiven each other.

  ‘Yes, well, you did make me angry. I don’t normally behave like that. Stripping is not one of my habits, and I have no desire to do it again.’ My face is glowing. ‘You told me to stay out of trouble, and I would like to point out, once again, you engineered the trouble I put myself in last night.’

  ‘Touché, Kate. But, please, a little more decorum in future? Poor Zhan was shocked, but not as much as I was. Not to mention Max. I hear you made him kerb-crawl you all the way home. Why, Kate, I didn’t know you could be so obstinate.’

  ‘Back at you, Luke.’ I scan his body for the first time. No suit. ‘Are you not going to work today?’

  ‘No. I wondered if I could ask you to stay and have a meal with me this evening? I wanted to clear the air with you, which I hope we have done.’ His face softens, dispersing the dark cloud.

  ‘OK – if we eat early. I have to work at the bar tonight.’

  ‘Of course.’

  I take a deep breath before I move towards the office. Today it has hit me – my feelings for Luke. He truly controls my heart. I just need the words to fall from my lips – I want him.

  I walk towards his desk as he looks up from his chair.

  ‘Kate, come here. Tell me, what do you think of this?’ He points to some plans that are on the table in front of him. I walk round to him.

  ‘Stunning – is it a hotel?’

  ‘Yes. Zhan and I are building a hotel in Dubai.’

  ‘Wow.’ I look at him. No wonder he’s been stressed. I suspect there’s a financia
l burden to match.

  ‘A question: what are your thoughts on reception areas?’ He points to an area in the far corner of the plans.

  I have to lean across him.

  ‘It looks good. I think when you walk into a hotel the view is really important, especially if you have a backdrop, like a view of the sea or mountains. You know what I mean. Maybe open the rear area with glass, cash in on the panoramic view.’ Silence from Luke. Has he left the building, or have I been babbling for longer than I thought?

  I turn my head. His face is an inch away from me, wearing the most provocative smile.

  ‘Do I amuse you, Mr S?’

  ‘No. I’m intrigued. You appear to have got lost in the moment.’

  He’s done it again. Turned my body to molten and my mind to kinky sexual desires, which sets my libido on fire. How long is it deemed acceptable to stare without speaking or moving? I know he can feel the tension as much as I can.

  We both stand. Our eyes connect. Luke raises his hand and gently touches my cheek, while the other rests on my lower back, pulling my body towards his. My breathing and heart rate rapidly increase. Why does this feel right, here in the arms of the man who has captured my heart but infuriates my mind?

  Luke’s phone rings, startling us both. His arm remains tight around my waist while he retrieves his phone with his free hand.

  ‘Kate, I have to take this.’

  ‘Of course. I’ll finish serving dinner.’

  ‘I should be no longer than five minutes.’ I nod and try to move. However, Luke’s firm grip around my waist stops me.

  ‘Luke, you have to let me go.’ I smile.

  ‘No, I don’t think I do.’ He raises his brow, testing my response.

  Luke enters the kitchen and joins me at the island.

  ‘Sorry, I had to take the call. It was Zhan.’

  ‘Is everything OK?’

  ‘So it would seem, but business can be turbulent.’ His eyes lock on mine and I know the ambiguous remark is not just about business, but this time I would agree with him: Mr Luke Sutton, you are incredibly turbulent.

  ‘OK. Tonight I have made Mexican chicken, salsa and guacamole.’ I pass him a beer with a wedge of lime at the neck of the bottle. ‘Cheers, Luke, here’s to…’ Shit, what do I need to toast? ‘Your hotel and every success.’

  ‘No, I think cheers to differences that should not matter.’ I clink glasses. Indifferences? Is he talking about us? Of course he is, but there is no us.

  We chat while we make our wraps, filling them with Mexican chicken and all the trimmings. It’s a relaxed meal that includes dipping sauces, licking fingers and drinking beer.

  After dinner, I promptly clear the kitchen. This evening I have a helper – Luke.

  ‘Mr Hotshot with a tea towel… Not very business-like.’ I laugh at him.

  ‘Kate, I used to do the dishes at home with my brothers.’ He rarely speaks of his family, but I seldom ask.

  ‘I bet you were a pain in the arse when you were growing up.’

  ‘I can’t deny that I did go off the rails for a while. It did me good in the long run, though.’ He offers me a guarded look.

  ‘Well, I was, and still am, a good girl.’ I smirk at him, proud of my saintly behaviour.

  ‘I think there’s a bad girl in there somewhere. I have seen her appear on several occasions.’ He leans against the worktop while I clean them down.

  ‘No, you make me mad – that’s not me being a bad girl.’

  ‘So I madden you, Kate?’ He raises his brows.

  ‘Don’t tell me that shocks you.’ I examine him.

  ‘Good to know, so maybe the bad girl will come out to play.’

  ‘You’re so bloody wordy, you twist everything I say. I know… you only play to win.’ I smile and catch sight of the clock. ‘Crap, I have to go.’ I grab my rucksack and reach up to his face, planting an unexpected kiss on his cheek. ‘Thank you for the dinner invitation – it was good to chat.’

  ‘Kate, let Max drop you off.’

  ‘No it’s fine, I really enjoy the walk. I’ll see you soon.’ I make my way to the hall.

  ‘Kate, wait – I’ll take you.’

  ‘No – you have to work. Remember what I said about the view.’ I can hear him laughing, but I don’t turn round.

  I take my usual route to the bar. A man walks pass me wearing a hoodie, not looking particularly suspicious. As he passes me, without a sideways glance he tries to grab my rucksack off my back. Holy shit, is this really happening? Am I being mugged? I scream at him, trying to push him off me, but before I can help myself he punches me in the face. Fuck, that hurt. It leaves me dazed and completely shocked. I try to defend myself, but it’s not much use. This time he punches my ribs, knocking the air out of my lungs. My bag no longer seems to be his target – he’s hitting me again and again. Feeling disorientated weakens my retaliation skills, which are non-existent.

  I hear a passer-by shout, which thankfully puts an end to the assault. My last memory of the perpetrator is him running away. The passer-by attempts to help me, and assess the damage. I can taste the blood in my mouth from a cut lip, but the worst pain is coming from my ribs.

  I regain my senses and manage to stand upright. The shock is suddenly overwhelming and tears flow down my face. I need to be home, I need my family, but most of all I want Luke.

  12

  I pay the cab driver and move slowly towards the large black door. My arms wrap around my torso, protecting my ribs from any sudden movement.

  I walk through the house and enter the kitchen.

  ‘Morning, Jerry.’

  ‘Morning, flower.’ He turns to look at me. ‘Jesus Christ, what’s happened to your lip?’

  ‘I’m fine.’ I smile wryly. ‘I thought I covered it.’

  He places his hand on my cheek. ‘What’s happened?’ He pulls me towards him, wrapping his protective arms around me.

  ‘Argh – mind my ribs.’

  ‘Sorry, flower.’

  Rosie enters the kitchen.

  ‘Morning, Kate…’ She makes her way towards me and Jerry. ‘Oh my goodness. What’s happened to your lip?’

  ‘Rosie, I’m fine, honestly. Look, someone tried to grab my bag last night on my way home from here, that’s all.’

  ‘That’s all! You should be at home, not here.’ For the first time ever Rosie’s tone is stern.

  ‘I want to keep busy. I told Mum and Dad you’ll both be here – and, besides, if I stay at home my mind will wander.’ I look down, feeling the emotional wounds of last night.

  ‘Well, in that case, no gardening, only the dinner – do you understand me, young lady?’

  ‘Deal.’

  Midday arrives. I take a cab to Café Rouge. Stella’s already seated at the table, reading a paper, our Friday drinks order in front of her.

  ‘Hi.’ I say.

  She looks up. ‘Hello…’ her voice trails off. ‘Kate, whatever’s happened?’

  ‘Someone tried to grab my bag last night, but I’m fine. It’s just a sore lip.’

  ‘You poor love.’ She reaches across the table and takes hold of my hands. ‘Under no circumstances are you staying here – I’m taking you home.’ Her fingers gently brush against my knuckles. ‘Have you told Luke?’

  ‘No.’ I look down at my coffee.

  ‘Drink up, young lady, we’re leaving.’

  ‘Stella, it’s just a cut lip. Nothing a bit of make-up won’t cover.’ I take a sip of my coffee.

  ‘Yes, but make-up doesn’t cover the shock. You should be resting.’ She wears her stern expression.

  ‘I don’t want to think about it.’

  ‘Kate. You young people are sent to try me.’ She pauses and takes a deep breath.

  ‘I need to finish the meal for Luke and then I’ll go home,�
�� I plead.

  ‘OK. Max can take you back to Luke’s before he returns me to the office.’

  We head to the Bentley parked outside Café Rouge. Instantly, Max looks concerned.

  ‘Before you say anything, Max, I’m fine.’ I appreciate the concern, but it’s driving me crazy, replaying the same conversation.

  ‘Kate – are you sure?’ I nod.

  We arrive at the palace. Thankfully, Stella seems to be satisfied with my compromise that when my work is completed I’ll leave. Having already prepared a lasagne, I lay the island.

  ‘Kate? Kate!’ Luke bellows my name from the hall.

  He enters the kitchen and frantically walks towards me.

  ‘Hi.’ I keep my face turned away from him.

  He pulls at my chin.

  ‘What the fuck happened to you?’ He stands tall, staring at me. His eyes are dark and threatening, matching his ferocious temper.

  ‘Luke, I’m OK.’ I seemed to have pressed the play button once again.

  ‘Look at the state of your lip. Clearly, you’re not OK. Stella said someone tried to mug you. Is this correct?’

  ‘Yes, but they didn’t get my bag.’

  ‘It’s not your bag I’m fucking worried about.’ He’s angry with me!

  ‘I said I’m fine, just a bit shaken and bruised.’ I try to appear strong, but honestly I have no strength.

  He walks away and begins to pace the floor, running his hands through his hair.

  ‘You know what this is, Kate?’ He stops pacing. ‘You’re stubborn. I told you that I would take you to work last night… But no, it would be far too fucking simple to let someone help you.’ He recommences pacing, his white knuckles standing out against the skin of his clenched fists.

  I defensively fold my arms.

  ‘Jesus, Luke, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was broad daylight! It could have happened to anyone.’

  He stops pacing and points his finger towards me. ‘Don’t fucking Jesus me! I’m not concerned about anyone else it happened to, just you.’ He holds his stance for a moment, shaking his head, and then resumes pacing.