by F. C. Clark
‘You’re relentless.’
‘I am, baby. I play to win.’
‘No shit.’ I lean on my side to face him. ‘You know I renamed your house the palace? Stella did say that, before long, the size would seem irrelevant, as it’s a home.’
‘It is a home to me – and for you if you allow it to be,’ he says sincerely.
‘I do love it here. Do you want me to be honest?’ I look at him.
‘Always. I’m fully aware you wear your heart on your sleeve.’
‘Once I knew you lived here, after the initial shock, it made me want to be here all the time. I guess I’ve always known, but… Harry always says I put barriers up. I know to protect my heart.’ I cover my face with my hands as I blush, embarrassed.
Luke peels my hands away. ‘Don’t hide from me – ever. I need to read your eyes; that’s how you tell me when you’re not happy or… in need of a fuck. Do you think I feel any different? You’re the only woman to share this bed and my home. I haven’t had a serious relationship since I bought this house.’
‘Oh, I just assumed… Well, you did tell me in Venice that you’ve fucked a lot of women – your words, not mine.’
‘Yes, but not in my home. I wouldn’t bring a complete stranger here – it’s too personal.’ He looks at me. ‘You have a question, baby?’
‘I guess…’ Do I need answers?
‘I would go to their home or a hotel room. Is that too much information?’ He frowns, wondering if he’s overloaded me with his sordid past.
‘No… Well, yes, if I can have all their names and addresses I will hunt them down and kick their arses. I think it’s safe to say we don’t need to discuss past relationships – or, in your case, fuck-buddies, as I have never had a one-night stand.’
He laughs. ‘You’re right. Let’s save ourselves from potential bloodshed.’
I lower my head onto the comfort of the pillow. I can’t ignore the feeling that I will never want to leave this man.
‘OK… You know you drive me crazy – and I mean mad.’ I touch his face, not wanting to offend him, but he needs to realise that, for us to work, there are some issues that we need to sort out. I place my fingers over his mouth. ‘Here are the issues I have with your request. You are controlling, and I understand that you need control at work, but I don’t need to be dominated. I think there is a difference between dominance and guidance.’
He nods.
‘You’re the most worldly person I know, therefore you will have an opinion on my life. However, as you know, I like to fuck up and I will need the space to do this.’ My hand skims his cheek, ‘but I would never let you down and I would go to the ends of the earth to keep you safe.’ My words keep him silent. ‘I have one more point to make – actually two. One, if you lost your money tomorrow, it would make no difference to me, and two, I don’t mind the dominant sex god, so let’s keep him in the bedroom.’
‘Have you finished?’ He looks dumbfounded.
‘No.’ I take a breath. ‘Yes, I will move in with you.’ Am I crazy to make this impetuous decision?
Luke leans forward and gives me a gentle kiss, thanking me for the answer he wanted to hear. He breaks away and pulls me towards him.
‘I didn’t think you were going to stop; you should work for my sales team.’ He laughs and gives me a kiss.
‘As long as you heard what I said.’
‘Yes, and I will do my best. But as for fucking up, that goes both ways – you need to allow me the same number of errors. You understand that I’m slightly possessive; also I have difficulty in adjusting to new situations.’ We both laugh at his audaciousness. ‘Don’t push me on the issue of your safety. As for my money, you will have to accept that I have it, and now you’re my girlfriend, and living with me, I intend to spoil you.’
He rubs his nose against mine.
‘You won’t regret your decision, Kate. I promise to give you the world and protect you.’ My eyes meet his.
‘Luke, I don’t need the world – just you.’
His mouth returns to mine, our tongues searching for each other as another barrier melts away. My body seems to have no off button where he’s concerned. Once again the sex god arrives – welcome.
17
My eyes open and excitement rushes through my blood. I’ve agreed to move in with Luke! This is madness. I roll on my side and watch Luke sleep, wanting to run my fingers through his dark hair, and yet not wanting to wake him. Once again I have no self-control; my hand gently touches his cheek.
‘Are you watching me sleep?’ he says, his eyes closed.
‘Yes, I’m particularly enjoying the view, not to mention the peace.’
He opens his dark eyes, which are temporarily passive. ‘Is that so?’
‘Yes, I’ve never seen you sleep. You looked serene – another new experience for me.’ I giggle.
‘Are you making fun of me at such an early hour? I fear for my day with you.’
‘Good job you’re going to work.’ I smile and touch his face. My day is going to be difficult for two reasons: dealing with the robbery, and the thought of not seeing Luke until tonight.
‘I could take you with me, although we both know what would happen. You demonstrated your distraction skills far too well last night.’
I blush at my brazenness. I don’t feel so brave this morning.
‘You needed relaxing.’
He leans over and closes the space between us.
‘I’m not sure sucking my dick relaxed me – quite the contrary.’ He smirks.
‘Maybe not… Think of me while you sit at your desk today.’ A seed has been planted – that’s all he needs.
‘Fuck, you’re making me hard.’ He delivers a quick peck to my lips. ‘You lulled me into a false sense of security. I believe your words were, I’m a good girl.’
‘I am. May I remind you of the trouble that you bring to my life?’
‘Hey, I’m not arguing. I like the insatiable Kate and her many buttons I can push.’ He pulls the covers back and gets out of bed.
This allows me a full view of his glorious body. He turns. Jesus – he’s hard. ‘Rod’ and ‘steel’ spring to mind. Fuck, I feel horny.
‘I need a shower, and I have to get ready for work.’
Where is he going? I thought we had a morning ritual, which began in Venice? I follow him to the en suite. I pin my hair up and slide in the hot shower, wrapping my arms around his body.
‘I thought I’d help you wash.’ My hands skim his toned stomach.
He turns to face me, his erection pushing against my stomach.
‘I would love to take you right now, but…’
How can there be a ‘but’ hanging around like a dark bloody cloud?
‘I have no condoms – we’ve used them all.’
‘Is that it? I thought you didn’t want me.’ My body relaxes.
He laughs. ‘Does it look like I don’t want you?’ He lowers his gaze to his erection.
‘I’m on the pill. You never asked.’
He quizzically looks at me. ‘I would never assume, not with something this serious.’ He locks his arms around my waist. ‘As much as I like children, I don’t want any for quite some time.’ He kisses my nose.
‘No. Definitely not – that’s something we agree on.’ My hands link around his neck, pulling his face to mine. ‘I do want you.’
‘I’ve always played safe.’
‘Good to know… And I don’t sleep around, and haven’t had sex since…’ Bloody hell. ‘Let’s just say it’s been a while.’
‘If you’re sure, then it will be my pleasure to fuck you.’ His lips curl. A ‘fuck me now’ grin that makes my libido wake up and smell the coffee.
He pulls me closer towards his wet body, guiding me to the wall of the shower.
‘Lif
t your leg – this is going to be quick, so you need to hang on tight, baby.’
I nod in anticipation.
‘Are you sure about this?’
‘Yes.’
His mouth closes over mine and our tongues entwine. His strong arms lift me.
‘Take hold of my dick.’
I do as I’m told. My legs wrap around his waist and I lock my feet together. Luke flexes his hips and enters me. I gasp for air.
‘Fuck, baby, skin-to-skin contact… Shit, can you feel how hard I am for you?’
I nod.
He thrusts harder and faster, creating friction every time he slams into me. I need more. My clit is screaming for attention. I’m only too happy to help; my hand wanders south to aid the cause. Luke lowers his eyes, watching me masturbating. The sight arouses him, and he pushes deeper into me. I’m seconds away from my orgasm.
‘I know you want to come.’ Luke’s knowledge of my body is increasing every time we have sex.
‘Yes…’ I whisper.
My orgasm rips through me. My body continues to squeeze him, until he slams once more, harder, just enough for him to come, spurting warm fluid deep inside me. He holds me in place. Our hot torsos relax against the wall. He pulls out of me and releases my legs one at a time, kissing me gently.
‘Jesus, Kate, if we continue like this, I’ll be fucked before I get to work.’ He laughs.
He lathers up a sponge, kneels, and begins to wash me.
‘I love the way you smell, especially when you come.’ He stands to look at me. ‘Skin to skin, baby, feeling your orgasm around my dick – it makes me hard just thinking about it.’ He reaches for my hand, sliding the two fingers I used on my clit in his mouth. ‘Watching you pleasure yourself.’ He blows air through his lips and lowers his gaze. ‘Christ, I’m getting hard again. We need a little action replay of this.’
Oh no we don’t… I look down, feeling slightly intimidated.
Luke pulls at my chin.
‘We just had hot sex that I know you enjoyed. I wasn’t teasing you about pleasuring your clit, baby – it turns me on, and I know it’s the same for you.’
‘I guess,’ I take a deep breath, ‘we’re both aware you’re sexually more experienced than me.’
‘Good, let’s keep it that way. I am the only experience you will ever need.’ He flashes me a cheeky smile.
‘Whatever.’ There will never be anyone else. Ever.
Luke stands in front of me in his signature black suit, ready to assume his role as master of the business world. I, on the other hand, have no clothes and no universe to master – or job, for that matter.
‘I’ll be downstairs. Take whatever you need.’
He reaches for my chin and plants a kiss on my lips.
Now what shall I wear? I need to put together a shit-hot outfit to match my boyfriend’s. I laugh. Luke and the word ‘boyfriend’ – how the hell did this happen?
I skim his clothes, and stop. A long-sleeved black Jones Tailors shirt gives me an idea. Playing dress-up in the palace could be fun after all; now let me see if I can tease my sex god.
Dressed, I assess my outfit in a large mirror. I am wearing a black shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, and a black tie as a makeshift belt. Luke’s boxers are not visible – unless I lift my arms. Not bad – I could wear this in public, although it is short. I shake my hair. It’s beyond Roller Girl, honestly; it’s a bloody mess. Last, I apply minimal make-up, and lipstick.
I can hear Luke talking to Rosie and Jerry in the kitchen. Silence envelops the room as I enter.
‘Morning.’ I walk pass Luke and head towards Rosie, offering her my usual greeting – a kiss.
‘Morning, flower.’ Jerry is the first to break the silence.
‘How was Venice?’ Rosie looks even more confused than Jerry. I thought setting two dinner plates last night may have given it away – that’s if Luke told them I was the extra guest.
‘It was beautiful. I loved it. Luke said I would, and I did. But tell me, how did it go?’ I hold my hand up in a Trekkie V sign.
Rosie laughs. ‘I have to admit it was good fun. Jerry loved it, although I did draw the line at wearing matching Star Trek costumes.’
‘I thought she would look good.’ Jerry chuckles. ‘Kate, it was grand. I had a magical day. A bloody good present, flower.’
‘You’re worth it.’ Jerry holds such a warm place in my heart.
I notice Luke, out of the corner of my eye, watching me sharply, gauging the familiarity I have with his staff – my friends.
‘Kate, would you like a coffee?’
‘Yes please.’ I move away from Rosie and Jerry and walk towards Luke, round the island. He passes me a mug of coffee – just what I need. ‘Do you want me to make you some breakfast?’
‘No. I normally have breakfast at the office, but now that you’re here we should eat together in the mornings.’
‘I would like that.’ I smile at him, grateful that he will adjust his daily routine to include me.
Luke looks at my outfit, and uses his hand to find out what is under his shirt. Flashing him a glimpse of his underwear should do the trick.
‘Do you like my outfit?’ I raise my brows and give him a sassy grin.
‘Very creative, however it is extremely short.’
‘I thought I could borrow this when I go out with the girls next time.’ What am I doing? I know this will push one of his many buttons.
He places a hand on my leg underneath the trunks. He moves closer to my ear.
‘Just to confirm the no-go areas.’ His fingers head straight to my sex and then to my clit, making me gasp. Holy shit. Even though Jerry and Rosie can’t see his wandering hands, how can he be so brazen?
‘This is mine, and, no, I don’t think this shirt is suitable for you to wear out with your friends. May I remind you not to push me? Right now I’d like to lie you on the island and fuck you – hard.’ He removes his hand.
I take a gulp of air and try to compose myself.
‘So. You’re not loving the shirt.’
His dark eyes are scorching. Hell, he looks hot when he’s cross.
‘Do not push me.’ Wow – not only does his life run fast, but so does his temper.
‘Jerry, Rosie, I have an announcement.’ Luke’s lips close over my mouth, as his tongue savagely wrestles against mine. There is no need for words. I understand the meaning behind his aggressive touch.
The high-pitched noise coming from Rosie’s direction ends the tension that was floating in the air.
She is at our side hugging us both. ‘I’m thrilled; it’s the best news.’
Jerry joins the hugging. ‘Be happy.’ He brushes his hand against my cheek.
Their excitement is a little overwhelming. Christ, I’m not getting married.
‘Actually, I have agreed to move in.’
‘Oh, so…’ Rosie looks at a surprised Jerry. ‘I’ll get to see more of you.’
‘Last night, when we landed, I arrived home and discovered my house had been burgled.’
‘Bloody hell, Kate, did they take much?’ Rosie asks with concern.
‘No, I don’t think so – we couldn’t really see, they left it in such a bloody mess.’ I shake my head. ‘Besides, we really don’t have anything valuable to take. I still can’t believe someone has done that to our home.’ A sudden thought washes over me. ‘Oh shit… Luke, the shoes and bag you got me.’
Luke puts his arms around me; Mr Compassionate Sutton has returned.
‘I’ll replace them.’ A typical male comment that doesn’t sit well with me.
‘No, you can’t replace them.’ My arms automatically link around his neck, allowing me to give him a kiss.
‘Kate, are you sentimental?’ He smiles and rubs his nose against mine.
‘Bet y
our arse I am.’
He laughs and kisses me again. ‘We need to leave. I have to get you to your old house… And then I have to work.’ I think we all heard the word ‘old’, once again reminding me of the agreement we made last night in bed. Signed, sealed and delivered by sex.
‘Luke, I want us to stay at my house tonight; I don’t know how long it will take to clear the mess.’
‘Rosie, can you pack my overnight bag? Max will collect it later,’ Luke says.
The Bentley arrives outside my house, and immediately I notice two white vans with SGI SECURITY plastered on the side – is there anything this man doesn’t own?
I jump out of the car before Max opens the door. I’m met by various workmen wearing SGI Security shirts. I do believe they noticed me first – thanks to my short shirt. Inevitably this will cause Mr Moody Bollocks Sutton to arrive.
Luke is at my side before I have time to regret my attire. So far, not too bad, Mr Moody Sutton is at bay, but for how long? I wonder.
‘Mr Sutton.’ A man heads towards us, holding his hand out for Luke.
‘Nick, this is my girlfriend, Kate Harper.’ The word ‘girlfriend’ is all the workers need to keep their eyes on the job and not on my arse.
‘Pleased to meet you.’ I shake his hand.
‘You too, Miss Harper.’ Poor sod, he feels intimidated by Luke – boss man.
‘Just Kate.’ I’m not his boss. ‘Luke, I’m going inside. Nick, is my sister here?’
‘Yes, and your mum.’
Luke remains outside.
The house is in uproar; my sanctuary has been invaded. Not only are the floors covered with our belongings, but there are several unfamiliar people wandering around.
I head to the kitchen. ‘Hi. I see you’ve made a start.’
‘It won’t take long.’ Harry stops. ‘What are you wearing?’ She scans my palace outfit.
‘Do you like it?’ My hands rest on my hips in a model pose.
‘It looks hot.’ Harry laughs.
‘I might wear it when we go out next… Luke wasn’t impressed.’
Harry bites her lower lip, and looks beyond me. Crap. We’re not alone!