Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Sorry I made you lie on the bed last night.’ I look across at him. The sun is rising, giving the car a soft glow, outlining his beautiful chiselled face. Oh, I could spend all day studying his profile.

  ‘You instantly fell back to sleep.’ Again his vision moves to the world outside, and he doesn’t appear to be paying attention to our conversation.

  ‘What airport are we flying from?’

  He turns to face me. Is it an effort to respond? Maybe he’s not a morning person.

  ‘City Airport.’

  If his minimal response continues, I may have to jump in the bloody canal at Venice!

  Twenty minutes pass – twenty long silent minutes. Luke looks across at me.

  ‘Can I have your passport?’

  I retrieve it from my bag and pass it to him.

  We pull up to an area where a man in a navy suit stands waiting for our arrival.

  ‘Ready, Kate?’ Luke looks at me with a blank expression.

  ‘I guess.’ However, I would like a little more communication than this.

  The man in the suit opens my door. Luke jumps out and appears at my side of the car.

  ‘I’ve got this.’ He says rudely to the innocent airport worker, holding his hand out to me.

  It’s not just me who’s receiving his shitty tone this morning. He takes a firm grip of my hand and we enter the small building, followed by Max, who’s carrying our luggage. Once inside a very smart stewardess greets us.

  ‘Good morning, Mr Sutton, Miss Harper. This way please.’ We follow her to a desk where Luke hands over our passports. Not your usual passport control.

  ‘This way, Mr Sutton. Everything is ready to go once your luggage has been security checked.’

  He nods at the stewardess.

  We walk outside to a tarmac strip. Holy shit. A private jet. Straightaway I notice the large SGI logo on the side of the plane.

  ‘Luke, is this yours?’ My shock must be obvious.

  ‘Yes, Kate,’ he replies, not looking at me.

  ‘Oh.’ Am I surprised at the jet or the fact that he managed to say two more words? Fuck me, he’s on a roll.

  We walk up the metal steps and enter the immaculate cabin. Inside there are cream leather and maple chairs – certainly not the look of a chartered airline.

  ‘Good morning Mr Sutton, Miss Harper.’ Another efficient stewardess greets us. ‘Please take to your seats.’ She points to the luxury chairs.

  ‘Kate, do you need anything?’ Luke offers me a concerned look. Though I’m sensing that concerned Luke will be short-lived.

  ‘A smile.’ I have no filter this morning.

  He stares at me. I regret my cavalier attitude.

  ‘I’ll see what I can do – for my impertinent Kate.’

  Did he refer to me as my?

  Take-off is smooth, although I’ll be glad when we arrive safely. Once we gain cruising altitude, the stewardess moves towards us.

  ‘Mr Sutton, would you and Miss Harper like your breakfast to be served?’

  ‘Yes.’ Luke delivers a sharp response. What’s got up his arse this morning? It can’t still be the attack.

  ‘What would you like to eat, sir?’ Admirably, the stewardess does not waver under the glare of Mr Moody Bollocks Sutton.

  ‘Scrambled egg, bacon, mushrooms and coffee.’ No, please or thank you.

  The stewardess looks at me. ‘Miss Harper, what would you like?’

  ‘I’m fine, thank you – just coffee please.’ I smile. Unlike some people, I did get out on the right side of the bed this morning.

  Luke angles his face, a hard line forming across his lips, displeased with my response.

  ‘Kate, you need to eat, it’s going to be a long day.’

  ‘You gave me a croissant – besides, it’s really early.’

  ‘I think the time of day is irrelevant, but keeping up your strength is important. Also, I promised Harry that you would eat and rest.’

  ‘What?’

  The stewardess hovers awkwardly, feeling the tension between us.

  ‘As I said, I am not hungry.’ I take a breath. ‘Newsflash, Luke: if you look on Google it does state quite clearly there are various cafés in Venice. I know this may come as a shock to you, but at least you can rest knowing I’ll be able to eat – when I want to.’ I sit with my arms folded.

  Luke turns to the stewardess.

  ‘Miss Harper will have the same as me.’

  ‘Very well, sir.’ The stewardess scurries away – I don’t blame her.

  His legs are crossed and his hands clasped together on his lap; however, his white knuckles indicate he’s anything but relaxed.

  ‘Kate, may I remind you not to push me.’ He turns his head, penetrating me with his dark eyes, which are almost black. I’ve seen them this colour before – but then I had a full-blown erection resting against my arse.

  His direct tone is a warning, and yet the pulsating sensation at my groin and tenseness in my lower stomach are at war with my head.

  ‘And may I remind you, I don’t need to be force-fed. I’m not a bloody child.’ I look forward and count to ten; ten million seems a better number… God, he drives me crazy.

  I can see out of the corner of my eye that he’s rubbing his jaw. I’m not sure if it’s in desperation or fury.

  Inquisitiveness wins. ‘When did you speak to Harry?’

  ‘She called last night.’ His voice is low and his words are direct.

  ‘She never told me she had your number. Come to think of it, I don’t have your number.’ My inner green-eyed monster has awoken, smacking me hard in the face with the revelation that I have nothing personal of Luke’s, just the entry code to the black door.

  ‘I gave her a business card when we met at SGI.’

  ‘Oh – so what did my sister want?’

  He smiles, realising he now has the upper hand.

  ‘To check on your welfare.’

  ‘Nothing else?’ Oh shit, what else did Harry say? I know she’s threatened to speak to Luke.

  ‘No, why? Is there something she needed to share with me?’ He smirks, teasing me with a vague response.

  ‘No, Luke,’ I answer rapidly.

  The stewardess returns with our breakfast, which I eat. This pisses me off, but Luke sits triumphantly.

  We sit in silence. I look at a magazine and Luke reads through endless sheets of paperwork, worlds apart once again. Although, the silence resembles a dark cloud, a storm brewing in the midst, bizarrely the stillness produces a sense of calm, no words or games.

  Luke stands.

  ‘I’ll be in my office if you need me.’

  I look at him and nod. It’s my turn to be aloof. However, the word ‘office’ did ignite a spark deep within me. An office on a plane? Shit, does it have a desk?

  Feeling bored and not wanting to read any longer, curiosity takes hold of me. I move to the rear of the plane. I can hear Luke’s voice. I open the door to yet another lair. He breaks off from a phone call.

  ‘Everything OK?’

  ‘Yes,’ I whisper.

  I give up trying to work out his mood swings and walk towards his desk and perch on the edge. With his conversation completed, he turns his chair, crosses his legs and places one hand on his lap while the other holds a pen.

  ‘What can I do for you, Kate?’

  Where do I get him to start?

  ‘I was bored. I can’t believe you have an office on a plane. I’m still shocked you have a plane.’ I shake my head, absorbing his wealth.

  ‘I own a fleet of jets. I do hire them or allow friends and family to use them, except for this one – this is solely mine.’

  ‘I thought I was generous sharing my clothes with Harry, but this takes sharing to a whole new level.’ He grins at my comparison.
We are polar opposites.

  ‘Do I need to entertain you?’ His eyes study me.

  Oh shit. I hope that’s not a challenge.

  ‘Why do you have a Monopoly board? I guess you probably own all the streets on that too.’

  ‘Kate, I own many things, but there are still some possessions I have my eye on.’

  ‘Metaphorically speaking.’ I smile at him.

  There is a knock. ‘Mr Sutton?’

  The timing causes me to chuckle and is not lost on Luke either.

  He stands up.

  ‘My staff have the most impeccable timing.’ He raises his hand and skims my cheek. ‘They’re getting ready to land.’

  ‘I enjoyed the ride, Luke; it’s been relatively painless.’ I jump off the desk and head to the door, but Luke gets to the door before I do, ensuring it remains closed. I sense him at my neck. Oh shit. ‘Luke, I wasn’t challenging you.’

  ‘I don’t always need a challenge, just a glimpse of a reason.’

  His free hand clasps my waist, pulling me back towards his chest. Already I can feel his erection hard against my arse – Jesus, he fires up quick.

  ‘Mr Sutton, you need to take your seats.’

  Luke turns me to face him.

  ‘Kate Harper, what are you doing to me?’ He rubs his nose along mine and plants his lips on my forehead.

  ‘Back at you, Luke.’ It’s the first time I’ve been able to speak when he has me locked in this perpetual state of desire.

  I can hear his shallow breathing, harmonising with mine.

  ‘We need to take our seats,’ he says, but our lips are kissing distance apart – in the danger zone.

  I nod, since speaking is no longer an option. I run my hands through his short dark hair, and he moves his head in pleasure at my touch. Luke’s hands slide down my body, stopping at my arse, pulling me against his delicious ripened shaft. My hands guide his head to my neck, allowing his lips to hover over my highly sensitive skin.

  ‘Luke,’ I whisper, lost in something I know will not last, and yet I don’t have the power to stop it.

  ‘Mr Sutton, please can you take your seats?’ Once again, the soft sound of an anxious voice is heard from the cabin.

  I push my hands against his shoulders.

  ‘We need to leave.’ I take a deep breath.

  ‘Until…’ He smiles and shakes his head.

  Until when? He leaves me physically hanging, and moves his hand away from the door. I exit first, fully aware of my flushed face. I’m not sure who is most embarrassed, the stewardess or me. Certainly not Luke, judging by his calm demeanour as he returns to his seat.

  The jet lands smoothly and taxis to a small private holding area at Marco Polo Airport. Luke exits the plane first, with an unremitting firm grip on my hand. The intense heat hits me as we make our way to passport control – once again there are no queues. I wonder how much money you need to queue-jump such an operation. With all paperwork checked, we return to a waiting golf cart, and soon arrive at a jetty, where various boats are anchored. Luke places his arm around the back of the chair and leans towards my ear.

  ‘I always travel to the hotel by boat.’

  ‘Oh – is that normal?’ I know Venice is surrounded by water, but until now I hadn’t given it much thought.

  ‘It is for me.’

  Luke the gentleman holds his hand out for me and guides me onto the boat, which sways in the water as we climb aboard. With no sailing skills, I wobble straight into his arms.

  ‘Sorry.’ I feel self-conscious, which is ridiculous since, an hour ago, he had his erection pressing up against me. Yet, falling into his arms sets my face alight.

  He takes my hand and guides me to a seat.

  ‘Wow. This is beautiful.’

  ‘I love Venice, Kate; I’m sure you will too.’

  The boat moves fairly quickly. With the intense glare of the sun reflecting off the water and the warm breeze running through my hair, an overwhelming sense of excitement pumps through my body.

  ‘Thank you for asking me, Luke.’

  ‘I’m glad you said yes.’

  Luke’s phone rings.

  ‘Hello. Yes, we’re in the boat.’ Silence, as he listens. ‘I have the tickets.’ Further silence. ‘That’s fine – see you tonight. We’re looking forward to it too. Bye, Mum.’

  Bye, Mum – tonight. I begin to piece together the conversation.

  ‘That was my mum. I have their tickets for the ball.’ Luke produces his signature Sutton smile, the one he uses when he’s withholding information.

  ‘Your mum is going to the ball?’ I swallow hard.

  ‘Yes, and my dad, although I try to forget that my two brothers will also be attending.’ He laughs.

  ‘A Sutton family gathering.’ Oh, great. I’ll need to be on my best behaviour. Although this will allow me to see Luke as he really is; you can’t act in front of your family.

  ‘We attend every year, and have done since we were teenagers. My mum is looking forward to meeting you.’

  ‘Me!’

  ‘Yes, you, Kate.’ He looks at me. ‘We’re here.’

  The boat glides effortlessly alongside a jetty. Luke steps out and helps me out onto the gangway. Instantly a member of staff greets us.

  ‘Good morning, Mr Sutton. Welcome back, sir.’

  Luke nods. ‘Good morning.’ He shakes the man’s hand.

  ‘Sir, follow me. Your suite is ready.’

  The man turns towards the entrance of the hotel. However stunning the rear of the hotel looks, I am consumed by the word ‘suite’ – not two rooms, but a suite. We enter the hotel and stop outside a lift.

  ‘Sir, would you like me to show you to your suite?’

  ‘That will not be necessary.’ Luke stands stern and formal – or cold and austere would be a better description.

  ‘Here are your key cards. Your luggage will follow shortly.’

  That doesn’t answer my question.

  The lift arrives. We stand in opposite corners – you could cut the tension with a knife. Curiosity and desire is a dangerous cocktail.

  ‘It’s strange to see you in a lift dry, not wet.’ Luke begins to laugh.

  ‘Very funny.’ I shake my head. ‘Why am I not surprised at your comment?’ I can’t help but laugh as I was thinking the same thing myself. ‘I have a feeling I’ll stay dry.’

  ‘Kate, Venice is a city full of surprises. I can’t guarantee that you will stay dry.’ His expression is dark and provocative.

  This is not flirting; this is a sexual teasing master class. With just a few words he has the ability to turn my body into a quivering mess. Bastard.

  The lift stops and the doors open to a small landing. Luke leads the way and I follow him to a set of double doors. I enter first.

  Holy fuck, are you shitting me? This is stunning. I can’t believe we’re staying here! I begin to walk around, extracting every single detail. The opulent suite is elegant, with a simple colour scheme of cream and gold. French doors cover one wall, leading to a veranda. From what I can see, it is the width of the penthouse.

  ‘Luke – I don’t know what to say.’ I shake my head.

  ‘I always request this suite, because of the view,’ he says warmly – another new emotion from Luke.

  I move around the room admiring the elegant furnishings, amazed that I, Kate Harper, the cook, am here. It feels like a dream.

  ‘There are two bedrooms, Kate.’

  ‘OK.’ Thank God I didn’t have to ask.

  I move towards the French doors and step out onto the veranda. Wow, it’s beautiful. We’re surrounded by water.

  Luke joins me.

  ‘I love this view.’ He points in the direction of a large building across the lagoon. ‘Over there is the Doge’s Palace; at night it’s stun
ning.’

  ‘I can understand why you love it here.’

  ‘We have a boat ready to take us across the lagoon, and then you’re free to do as you please. Sight-seeing, or maybe find a café?’ He looks at me with raised brows. Crap – why does he always remember everything I say?

  ‘I would recommend the Doge’s Palace – it’s exquisite, and also very interesting. You can begin at the Piazza, which is where I’ll drop you off.’

  ‘I’ll just follow the sea of tourists.’ I smile with the excitement of flying solo as a sight-seer.

  ‘You have your phone?’ Mr Passionate Historian has left the building – Mr Controlling Sutton is now with me.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I inputted my numbers last night while you were asleep.’ I look a little shocked, but also I want to perform a cartwheel, I have his number… No, he said numbers.

  ‘Numbers, as in more than one?’

  ‘Yes – you have my main mobile, direct office number, and personal line at home. In addition, I always carry a back-up mobile phone. Plus my security team’s number.’

  ‘What about your dentist or doctor? Or maybe your hairdresser’s number?’ I giggle.

  ‘Are you teasing me? It would seem the irreverent Kate Harper is looming on the veranda. Should I be concerned?’ He moves closer. ‘Venice has many dark alleys. I do hope you don’t meet a disgruntled employer lurking down one.’ He leans on the wall, relaxed and calm. If only I could mirror such confidence; it would make for a fairer battle.

  ‘No, I’m not teasing, merely saying you have a lot numbers.’

  ‘Very well. I have a meeting and you have some sight-seeing to do.’

  We return inside the suite. To be honest, it wouldn’t cause me any pain to remain here – in interior heaven.

  ‘Kate, this is your room.’ I turn to see Luke standing in a doorway. I almost skip over to join him. Luke grins at my behaviour.

  ‘Stunning, Luke – just beautiful.’ I want to jump on the bed, but that might be misconstrued as a challenge.

  I freshen up, removing my shirt, leaving my black vest top and black tailored shorts. I grab my bag, hat and glasses. I wait for Luke in the lounge area, absorbing all that is on offer. The room has been cleverly zoned with various layouts: a desk, dining table, fireplace and a large unit housing various alcoholic drinks.