Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  I take a sip of wine for Dutch courage. ‘Obviously, Luke and I are together.’

  ‘Thank fuck for that.’ Barney holds his glass up in our honour.

  ‘Thanks, Barney. Now, I know it’s only been… well, since Saturday… But I have known Luke for a few weeks.’

  ‘Oh my God, you’re getting married.’ Barney almost squeals.

  My eyes meet Barney’s, warning him to shut up or blood will be shed.

  Luke squeezes my fingers, trying to stifle a smile, clearly finding the situation highly amusing.

  ‘No, we’re not getting married. But if you would let me finish, you may find out. So zip it. Luke has asked me to move in with him – and I said yes.’

  It’s out there for everyone to dissect. I now wait for the fallout.

  ‘Bloody hell, Sutton, you don’t waist much time.’ Barney says it like it is, and maybe says what everyone else is thinking.

  ‘I think it’s great news. I know you’ll be good for each other.’ Harry winks at me, as she was the only one who knew, apart from my parents.

  ‘Kate, if you feel it’s the right decision, then I’m happy for you.’ Molly does have a point – it feels right. ‘Luke, you know we’ll be watching you. Kate means a lot to us.’

  ‘Are you sure? It’s really sudden.’ Kiki holds my hand. Is she concerned about the effect this will have on our friendship?

  ‘Yes, I’m sure. Look, this doesn’t change anything. If Luke wants to take me on, you’re my baggage.’ I take a deep breath, overwhelmed at the speed at which my life is changing. Am I the driving force, or is Mr Control Freak Sutton guiding the speed? ‘I still need all of you in my life. I’m more than happy to share you all with him and for you to become friends with him too.’ I turn to Luke, telling him that I come with extras, and these extras are non-negotiable.

  His hand runs up my spine, resting at my neck.

  ‘Kate’s right. You are all more than welcome to come over. Her happiness is paramount to me.’

  ‘So do I get a key to the palace? No, you have some fancy keypad, don’t you? So do I get my own number?’ Barney asks, elated by the prospect.

  * * *

  The house is quiet. I shut my bedroom door, Luke in my sights – and what a sight. He has stripped off his casual clothing and slipped on a pair of black cotton boxers – not the fitted ones he wears during the day, in which he resembles a Calvin Klein model; these must be what he sleeps in. He was naked last night, but then we’ve only spent one night together; I really don’t know anything about him.

  I pull the bed covers back. Luke stops for a moment.

  ‘I have something for you.’

  He picks up a large brown bag and places it in the centre of the bed.

  ‘A congratulations gift in honour of your new job – promise you’ll accept it graciously.’ He can sense my trepidation. ‘Kate, please be open-minded. You know I have money that I want to share with you.’

  ‘It’s your money. Luke, not mine.’

  ‘Therefore I can do as I please with it, so promise me you’ll at least try to be gracious, as I can’t change that about myself. Understood?’

  ‘OK.’ I open the bag and remove a box with a satin bow. Immediately I know the packaging. ‘Luke,’ I untie the bow and remove the lid. ‘Shit – how did you know?’ I lift the tan Bayswater bag from the box.

  ‘I do have a confession. I called Harry today, and asked her what is the one thing you want most.’

  ‘Luke, I don’t know what to say. You’ve given me so much already – the bags, shoes and dresses…’ Tears roll down my cheeks.

  ‘Hey, don’t cry – presents are supposed to bring happiness, not sadness.’

  ‘They’re happy tears.’ He wipes the dampness away with the back of his hand.

  ‘I guess that’s allowed.’

  I lean over and kiss him – the kiss is not full of sexual desire, but a kiss to show him how fast my heart and head are falling for him.

  18

  My eyes open.

  ‘Did you sleep well?’ Luke leans towards me, planting a gentle kiss on my lips.

  ‘Yes – and you?’ I ask.

  ‘I always do when you’re with me.’

  ‘Two nights… You must be sleep-deprived.’

  ‘The best two nights’ sleep I’ve had in my entire life.’ Wow. His mouth curves, dazzlingly me.

  I laugh.

  ‘You’re dressed for work.’ I always believe in being fair, but this morning I’ve been swindled!

  ‘I woke an hour ago, and watched you sleep.’ His hand gently rests against my cheek. ‘I know how exhausted you were last night.’ His brow arches.

  I return a cheeky grin. ‘That may have something to do with my sex god, who has not lived up to his promise this morning.’ I sit up, pulling the duvet around my naked body.

  ‘You looked serene.’ He adjusts his position on the edge of the bed, closing the distance between us. ‘I want to take you out for dinner to celebrate your new job.’

  ‘I don’t mind cooking.’

  ‘Yes, and I want to take you out to dinner. No arguments.’

  I inhale deeply. ‘OK.’

  ‘Good. Are you finally understanding how easy it is to submit?’ Luke laughs.

  I will never succumb to his demands. In fact, I dig my heels in with Luke more than anyone else. However, I also capitulate with him more than anyone else. Not to mention the control he has over me in bed. Holy shit, I’m becoming submissive – he’s good at this!

  ‘Are we playing a game of control this morning?’

  His control.

  ‘Every morning, baby.’

  He kisses me, inserting his tongue in my mouth. Knowing I haven’t brushed my teeth, I try to pull away, but his firm grip on the nape of my neck prevents my lips from losing contact with his. The cover falls from my breasts, allowing Luke to pinch my erect nipples, making me groan with pleasure. He releases my mouth, leaving me breathless and aching for more.

  ‘I haven’t brushed my teeth.’ I cover myself with the duvet.

  ‘I have, so I’ll share.’ He brushes loose strands of hair from my face. ‘Couple of items I want to discuss. Tomorrow evening I have a retirement function that I want you to join me at, therefore you need to pack suitable clothes. Second, your evening job.’

  I take a deep breath, knowing this topic is unavoidable.

  ‘Pete gave me the week off, because of the attack.’ I know where he’s going with this – I believe ignorance is my best form of defence.

  ‘I’m pleased you have the week off, but I would like you to stop working there.’ He places his finger to my lips. ‘I have made no excuses, I don’t want to share you. Two jobs, one of which is working late into the evenings, is not how I want our relationship to continue.’

  ‘I hear you. But Pete and Fiona are not just my employees; they’re my friends. Besides, I can’t just leave. I need to give notice.’

  ‘I own a recruitment agency, and can arrange immediate cover.’ He smirks, knowing he’s thrown me another curve ball. ‘It’s crucial to have the best staff.’

  ‘So you bought a recruitment agency… Shrewd. Tell me, is there anything you don’t own? I’m never going to be able to keep up with you; I may as well hang up my white flag.’

  ‘I have won two battles this morning. Kate Harper, are you losing your touch, or is this part of your cunning plan?’ He plants a cheeky kiss on my lips. ‘What is on your agenda today, other than packing items to take home with you? Incidentally, I would prefer you refer to the house as ours.’

  ‘Luke, you know it’s not mine. As for today, I’m gardening with Jerry.’

  ‘Ours… End of conversation.’

  ‘OK.’ God, he’s persistent.

  ‘Good. So I expect you to pack and terminate your employment.’r />
  ‘Jesus Christ, you’re so bossy.’

  ‘It makes for good business.’ He skims his thumb across his lips, leaving me to wonder what is up his sleeve. ‘I would love nothing more than to tie you to the bed when you push me. It takes all my willpower to control my urges.’

  Is he serious? I bloody hope not. However, this does leave me with a burning question.

  ‘Luke, can I ask you something?’ I readjust position, while remaining wrapped in my bedding.

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘The day I reorganised your closet – well, I found… I wasn’t snooping, they were just there on a shelf… actually, under a shelf, but I found handcuffs and cord.’ My face drains of colour.

  He places his forehead to mine, planting a tender kiss on the tip of my nose.

  ‘Kate, Kate, Kate, what am I to do with you? Those items are a security measure, which I hope to never use. I’m always prepared for the inevitable.’

  Phew!

  ‘Oh. When I first started working, and you insisted on the anonymity clause, I wondered who I worked for. The girls were convinced you were an eighty-year-old politician with a kinky appetite.’

  He laughs.

  ‘You could have been anyone. Admittedly, my conclusion was a little… wrong – but what was I to think? You left me no choice, with your elusive Scarlet Pimpernel act.’

  He laughs again.

  ‘Kate, you amuse me.’ He leans down to meet my eyes. ‘Eighty, no. Kinky, maybe. Do you think I would leave my kinky shit out for you to find? Oh, baby, they are well and truly hidden.’ I shiver. ‘I have to leave. I will see you tonight.’ He gives me a kiss, and walks towards the door. ‘Max will collect you shortly to take you home, to our house – no arguments… Be good – you have been warned.’ Holy shit. He disappears, leaving me feeling suspicious and with several questions about his behaviour.

  * * *

  I open the door. ‘Morning, Max, how are you?’

  ‘Fine.’ He steps into the hallway. ‘Luke said you have some bags.’

  ‘Yeah, at the top of the stairs.’

  Max makes his way back down with two large holdalls. I’ll take the rest of my things shortly. Nonetheless, this is a huge step for me. I follow him outside and close the door. Tears form as I leave my sanctuary. What am I doing?

  I walk towards the Bentley. Max has the rear door open.

  ‘Would you mind if I sat next to you?’

  He looks slightly perplexed.

  I open the front passenger door and sit.

  Max cautiously slides into the driver’s seat and fastens his seatbelt as though it’s armour saving him from a journey of verbal communication.

  ‘So, tell me,’ I turn to look at him, ‘do you think I’m mad agreeing to move in? I know you must have an opinion.’

  ‘My opinion is no concern of yours.’ He turns slightly, enough for me to see his scornful expression.

  ‘There’s something about you and Luke, a closeness that goes way deep… You can tell me if I’m wrong. That’s why I thought you may have an opinion.’

  ‘As I said, it doesn’t matter what I think.’ His words are direct.

  ‘You do feel it’s too soon. I can take it, Max, I’m a big girl.’

  He chuckles. Have I said something amusing?

  ‘I guess it is a joke – believe me, I keep questioning myself. You more than anyone understand what Luke is like.’ I turn to look out of the window.

  ‘Kate, are you looking for my approval?’

  ‘No.’ I take a deep breath. ‘I know you hear and see everything. I assumed you would have a view on the situation.’

  Silence envelops the car.

  ‘I didn’t mean to offend you. You know I don’t have a mute button.’

  Max laughs. ‘So you want an honest answer.’

  ‘I wouldn’t expect anything else from you.’ I turn to look at him.

  ‘Luke is… Well, he’s… intriguing.’

  ‘Intriguing? That’s a new one. I’m going to stick with controlling and complex.’

  Max looks at me, a smirk forming.

  ‘Kate, he’s a good man. Yes, he’s had his moments and I’ve been there through most of them.’ He hesitates, before he commits treason. ‘I’ve witnessed Luke grow into the person he is today. As for you and him – honestly?’ He looks at me. I nod for him to go ahead. ‘I think he needs you more than you realise.’ Oh shit! I wasn’t expecting that. ‘I know you’re with him for the right reasons… Kerb-crawling you home!’ He frowns. ‘Luke was pissed off at us both that night. To say you’re a pain in the arse would be an understatement.’

  ‘Sorry about that.’ Once again, a plan I didn’t think through.

  ‘You both have one major flaw – stubbornness. This will either make you or break you. Honestly, I feel this falls in your lap and not Luke’s.’

  ‘I’m not stubborn. I have morals – blame my mum and dad.’

  ‘I think you’ll find that can make you stubborn. Don’t get me wrong – Luke has had “yes” girls and that doesn’t work. It’s good for someone to question him. I tell you what, Kate – don’t let your principles drive you apart.’

  At the palace, Max takes my bags upstairs to the dressing room and I head for the kitchen.

  ‘Morning, Rosie.’ I walk towards the island, but she doesn’t respond.

  ‘Rosie.’ I tap her on the shoulder and meet her glazed eyes. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Sorry, Kate, I’m having one of those days.’ She looks away.

  ‘Oh no you don’t.’ I turn her to face me. ‘Sit.’ I point to a stool. ‘I’ll make you tea and you can tell me what’s wrong.’

  I put the kettle on and sit next to her. ‘Come on, out with it. I’ll wait here all day.’

  She takes a deep breath. ‘My son Adam… it’s his birthday today. He’s thirty-four.’ She smiles and looks down at her hands. ‘I’ve never told you… he’s gay.’

  ‘Oh. And that bothers you.’

  ‘Well, yes, it did at first, but not now. It’s Jerry – he can’t accept it.’

  ‘Rosie, you poor love.’ I take her hands. ‘It may take him time to accept, but I’m sure he will. Jerry grew up with old-school thinking.’

  ‘I told you he’s a doctor, working in Zimbabwe.’

  ‘What an achievement. You should be so proud.’

  ‘I am. I just wish I could see him. Every time I mention his name Jerry gets upset.’

  ‘I have an idea, except I need a computer. Why don’t we send Adam an email and set up Skype? At least you can see and talk to him.’

  ‘I can’t. What about Jerry?’ She bows her head.

  ‘I don’t lie. But on this occasion, withholding information is allowed. We can use my email address, that way Jerry doesn’t need to know, unless you want him to. I think the world of Jerry, but I couldn’t imagine not talking to my mum because of my dad.’

  ‘I’ve never sent an email – you’ll have to do it with me.’

  ‘I may be crap with technology, but emails and online shopping I can do.’

  Rosie laughs.

  ‘That’s what we need, a smile. Let’s not forget what today is, OK?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Do you have an email address for him?’

  ‘I have his business card.’

  ‘Good. Get the card and bring it to Luke’s office.’ I take her hand. ‘Don’t worry about Jerry – I’ll work my magic on him. I’ll make him a fruitcake, and he’ll be putty in my hands.’

  Rosie stands up and stops in her tracks.

  ‘Kate, before I forget, a lady called Valerie came over early this morning with boxes of clothes. I helped her hang them in the closet.’

  ‘Oh – OK.’ Why? Luke bloody Sutton, you have some serious explaining to do.

 
I had hoped not to contact Luke today, but I have to. I search for ‘boss’ on my phone and press send.

  ‘Sex god speaking, how may I help you?’ He must be having a good morning, and he must be alone.

  ‘Now there’s a thought; where shall I get you to start?’

  ‘Kate Harper, are you pimping me out?’

  I laugh. ‘No. You’re fully aware I’m greedy and possessive. I have booked you for the foreseeable future.’ Christ, I bloody miss him – I truly am lovesick. ‘I need a favour.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well, I need a favour for Rosie.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘It’s her son’s birthday and she wants to send him an email. I wondered if I could use your computer.’

  ‘Kate, are you meddling? I know their relationship is strained.’ He sounds disapproving.

  ‘If you’re referring to the fact that their son is gay and Jerry can’t accept it, then, yes, their relationship is strained. As for meddling – no. How would you feel if your mum didn’t speak to you because you were gay?’

  ‘I can see you feel passionately about this, my little peace-keeper.’

  ‘Yes, I do. Rosie is heartbroken, and you know how much I care about her and Jerry.’

  ‘I have noticed that you feel the need to kiss my employees.’

  ‘Not Max – he doesn’t know how to take me. If I gave him a kiss he would have a heart attack. At least he accepts my cakes – I guess that’s a start.’

  ‘He thinks quite a lot of you. I heard about your Spanish inquisition en route to our home this morning. He believes you have balls.’

  Crap. I didn’t think Max would tell Luke.

  ‘It was a discussion, not an inquisition. I was asking his opinion. It’s obvious you two are close – besides, I was making polite conversation.’

  ‘Is that right?’ Luke chuckles. Yet again, he has me backed into a verbal corner.

  ‘I’m glad I amuse you.’

  ‘More than you realise. So you want to send an email. OK, you will need to switch my computer on.’