Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Kate?’ Luke knocks at the door.

  ‘Come in,’ I answer.

  He walks in, not sure where to look. Kiki is a free spirit – she usually goes commando, but now the bubbles protect her dignity. He passes me the brandy, which I give to Kiki. She downs it in one go.

  ‘Can you go to our closet and get my grey joggers and vest?’

  He leans down and gives me a kiss. ‘Yes. Is there anything else you need?’

  ‘No… Just a hug from you, but I guess I’ll have to wait.’ I smile at my compassionate man. Affection is what I need: not sex or tension, just unadulterated affection from the man who has my heart.

  I wash, dry and dress Kiki, silently mothering her, an act she craves more than she admits. I tuck her in bed and lie next to her.

  ‘Better?’

  She nods as I stroke her face.

  ‘I know you haven’t eaten, I’ll get you some soup.’

  ‘OK,’ she says softly.

  ‘I’ll be straight back.’ I kiss her forehead.

  I move through the hallway and hear the sound of Luke’s voice. The door to the office is open. I quietly enter, assuming Luke is on the phone. I stop in my tracks. Max – shit. The two men look equally shocked to see me, underdressed in my white shirt, with no jeans, and my black lace knickers on display. When will I get used to sharing this house?

  ‘Kate!’ Luke glares at me.

  ‘Uh-oh, sorry… I’ll be in the kitchen.’ Jesus Christ… poor Max.

  The soup hits the spot, warming Kiki and helping her relax.

  ‘I know we don’t mention it… next week. This – tonight, was more than not wanting anal sex, I know you Kiki.’ I slip under the duvet.

  ‘It’s hard, Kate. I miss her so much, and so does Dad.’ She closes her eyes and bites her lip. ‘He doesn’t say so, but I know he misses her.’

  ‘She was the love of his life; of course he misses her every day.’

  ‘I do, every day, every bloody day.’

  ‘You look like your mum.’ My hand glides down her cheek.

  She nods.

  ‘You still have each other. Your dad worships the ground you walk on, and loves your free-spirited soul – however, tonight would not be classed as free-spirited.’

  ‘No, I know… I don’t want to think about it.’

  I stand and place the tray on the table, pleased that she’s eaten.

  ‘Lie down and get comfortable.’ We lie down, side by side, facing each other.

  ‘This is hard. You’ve seen pictures of her – she was so beautiful.’

  ‘Like you, babe.’

  ‘I can still smell her. When I shut my eyes I see her, but when I open them I have to relive it again.’ Tears begin to roll down her cheeks.

  My tears mirror Kiki’s.

  ‘She would be so proud of you. You need to keep the memories of your mum alive. It’s not wrong to shut your eyes and see her. Maybe that should be your safe haven and not a place you fear. Shut your eyes – see her, hear her and look for comfort in her memory. Fearing her memory will eat you up.’

  ‘I know… I just miss her so much. My heart breaks when I think of her, the pain is unbearable – too much.’

  ‘I know… shhh, it’s OK. Let’s think of a way to keep your memories without causing you to crumble. Something simple, just how your mum liked to live.’

  ‘She hated fancy things and what money did to people,’ Kiki says.

  ‘You need to be more open about her – come to me when it gets too much. I have broad shoulders, I can take it.’

  At last she smiles, half-heartedly, but it’s a start.

  ‘Are you going to church next week?’

  Kiki nods. ‘Dad loves going, just the two of us.’

  ‘Good.’ I stroke her face. ‘You look exhausted; try and get some sleep. I’ll stay with you.’

  ‘Kate, I’m sorry.’

  ‘Hey, I love you, now try and get some rest.’

  I lie next to Kiki, stroking her hair, listening to her breathing as it becomes shallow. At last she is peaceful.

  I go back downstairs and enter the office, assuming that it’s so late that Max will not be here.

  ‘Is it safe to come in?’

  Luke looks up from his desk with the most welcoming smile, which envelops my heart. More than anything else, this is what I need. Tears begin to roll down my face.

  ‘Come here.’

  I sit on his lap. His masculine arms instantly wrap around me.

  ‘How is she?’

  ‘An emotional wreck.’ I sit up. ‘I’ve never mentioned it, but she lost her mum to breast cancer.’ I swallow against the lump in my throat, tears rolling down my cheeks. ‘Six years next week.’

  Luke wipes my tears with his thumbs.

  ‘I assume this is the reason for her behaviour this evening.’

  ‘Yeah. But I think she got in way over her head with that arsehole.’ I give Luke a peck on the cheek. ‘Thank you for your help. How was Max? I could see him looking at you in the car when Kiki mentioned anal.’

  ‘Not our usual topic of discussion.’

  ‘I guess not.’

  ‘He was concerned for her welfare.’

  ‘Burly – but with a heart.’

  ‘Let’s not forget your arse on display.’ He strokes my hair gently.

  ‘Overload of arses! I didn’t expect to see him in your office. Besides, it was after seven and the rule is I could be naked at that time.’

  ‘You always have an answer.’

  I try to speak but his lips meet mine, muting any further response. He breaks away from me.

  ‘You look exhausted.’

  ‘I am, but I need to feel protected. Luke – you give that to me.’

  He slides me off his lap and we walk upstairs, hand in hand.

  ‘Would you like a shower?’

  I nod.

  My body immediately unwinds as Luke helps me wash away the last few hours. I lower my eyes and catch a glimpse of him. I can’t help but laugh, having forgotten all about the red lipstick incident in the men’s cubicle.

  ‘I feel guilty that you’re still wearing my lipstick.’ Gently, I try to wash it off.

  ‘Smiling while washing me is not guilt, baby, and if you continue to wash me in that manner we may have to really put this lipstick through a durability test.’

  I continue to wash him. ‘No, it’s definitely going to have to wear off.’

  ‘What am I going to do with you?’

  Luke steps out of the shower and wraps a towel around himself and another around me. I reach up and kiss him, allowing my towel to fall to the floor. I take his hand and walk towards the bedroom. Pulling the duvet back I climb into the middle of the bed and kneel. Luke follows me and mirrors my position. My hands immediately reach out to him as my lips make contact with his. I need him tonight.

  His hand reaches down to my sex, which is already wet. With small circular movements, he spreads the wetness towards my clit. Luke grabs my breast, lowering his lips, aiming for my nipples, which have been patiently waiting for his touch all night. He returns to my mouth with passion. My hand wanders to his hipbone, and beyond to his hardness. The head of his erection is perfectly aligned with my clit, allowing me to multi-task – a double hand job. I continue to masturbate myself, using Luke’s erection to do as I please. Picking up speed, my orgasm rips through me, breaking down the barriers this evening has built.

  ‘Kate.’ Luke looks into my eyes. ‘Let me come inside you; I know you need it.’

  My mind runs on overtime as I push Luke back on the bed and straddle him. I want to do it my way. I take hold of his erection and slide myself onto his hard shaft. My touch is gentle, but I need more. I lift myself off, then slide back on with vigour, thrusting harder, expanding to give us
both a deeper sensation. I maintain my rhythm as Luke grips my hips tightly. My body internally squeezes and releases his firmness. He reaches for my clit. Within a couple of strokes, I know I’m lost. There is no climb tonight; my orgasm crashes over me. I can feel him joining me.

  ‘Kate… yes.’ He holds my hips steady. ‘I’ve finished, baby.’

  I collapse on his taut chest and listen to the frantic beating of his heart regain its regular pattern.

  I raise my head and give him a peck on the lips as I slide myself off him and disappear to the bathroom.

  He joins me. ‘Need any help?’ He smiles cheekily.

  ‘No thank you, I can manage.’

  He gives me a mischievous kiss.

  I go into the closet and slip on one of my new silk nightdresses and return to our bed. Luke pulls me close to him. I feel safe and protected.

  ‘I’m so tired.’ I place my head on his chest as he tightens his grip on me.

  ‘She’s lucky to have you – clearly she means a great deal to you.’

  ‘Not just her, Luke – I would do anything to help you. I couldn’t bear to see you in pain. I think that’s why I needed you just then – to feel you, keep you close to me.’

  ‘I understand. That’s why I obliged.’

  My head rises from his firm chest.

  ‘Obliged? What does that mean? You didn’t want to have sex?’

  ‘Of course, but you took over – it was what you needed. You’ve been that way since we saw Alexis. Kate, I can read you, I told you it’s in your eyes.’

  ‘Oh… Maybe I should get you a blindfold.’

  Luke laughs. ‘Don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining.’

  ‘Thanks. Was it that bad? You may need a bloody JCB to dig yourself out of this.’

  He chuckles. ‘That’s not what I meant. I like taking you to bed – me taking you and telling you what we’re going to do. I like being in sexual control.’

  I laugh. ‘No shit, Sherlock.’ I kiss his chest, and rub my lips across his chest hair.

  ‘Baby, you know you love it.’

  ‘Yes… Ok, sex god, I love it. You’re more experienced than me. I’m trying to keep up with you. Still, giving you a blow job was unexpected.’

  ‘Yes, I’ve had a very productive evening, and I’m the first to come in your mouth.’ I laugh.

  I chuckle at the man who controls my heart.

  20

  A powerful headache wakes me. My hand scrambles for my phone on the nightstand. Six thirty, and there’s an empty space next to me. Where’s Luke? I slip on a long silk robe and quietly walk downstairs. The office doors are shut – no Luke. I make my way to the kitchen in desperate need of painkillers. Yesterday was mentally exhausting and I’m sure it’s the cause of my headache.

  Laughter from the kitchen pauses me in my tracks. Luke and a surprise guest walk towards me. Both men wearing drenched T-shirts, evidence of an early workout. As ever I am aroused by the sight of my sex god, dripping in sweat.

  ‘Hi.’ I smile, pushing my hands through my hair, fully aware that Roller Girl is with me.

  ‘Morning, Sleeping Beauty.’ Luke plants a kiss on my cheek. ‘Kate, this is my personal trainer and good friend, Martin Reed.’

  ‘Pleased to meet you, Martin.’ Feeling exposed and underdressed, my arms protectively tighten around my body. ‘Do you normally meet this early?’

  ‘Depends on our schedules.’ Luke stands at my side, tentatively touching my neck. Instantly, my hands want to roam all over his delicious sweaty torso.

  ‘You’re dedicated – I’ll give you that. Have you been training together for long?’ I keep the small talk flowing, preventing myself from becoming distracted with thoughts of sex.

  ‘Yeah, about three years. I still manage to outrun you,’ Martin says.

  ‘Not for long,’ Luke laughs.

  ‘I would just give in… I don’t mind exercise, but you two look like you take it to extreme levels.’

  ‘I thought you liked exercise, baby.’ Luke flashes his ‘let me knock you on your arse’ Sutton smile. Ambiguous little shit… A diversion is needed – food.

  ‘Breakfast? Scrambled eggs, bacon and homemade pancakes?’ My offer must tempt them both.

  Luke begins to remove his T-shirt. Great, seduce me further.

  ‘I’ll take a quick shower. Martin, stay for breakfast. I’ve told you about Kate’s cooking… Disgruntled trainer.’

  Oh, the notes will haunt me forever.

  ‘Looks like exercise has given you a sense of humour this morning, Luke.’ My arms remain folded.

  Luke disappears – thank God.

  ‘So Kate, you like cooking,’ says Martin.

  ‘I dabble in it. Getting the job cooking for Luke was a fluke, nothing more.’

  ‘Lucky for him… Anyway, it’s good to finally meet you.’ He picks up a bag from the floor.

  ‘Do you want breakfast?’

  ‘No. I’ve got another client, but thanks all the same. It was great to meet you.’

  I’m alone in the kitchen, a place that I like to fly solo. Luke’s strong arms pull at my waist, turning me to face him. He smells divine, and looks completely fuckable. His lips find mine as his hands loosen the satin tie of my robe and slide under my short nightdress. He pulls away from my mouth.

  ‘Moving in with me was the best decision you ever made. I can’t imagine not having you here. You belong to me, do you understand?’

  ‘Do I have a choice?’ I link my hands at the nape of his neck as our eyes meet and begin their very own mating dance – our secret ritual.

  ‘No. You know I take what I want.’

  ‘Hmm… It would seem that way. Tell me, how is my long-lasting lipstick? Has it worn off yet?’ I giggle at the thought.

  ‘Kate Harper believes she’s amusing. For your information, I would highly recommend the product, as it does appear to still be on my dick. I think we may need to test the durability again today.’ I giggle. Who would have thought red lipstick could be so much fun?

  What Luke’s wearing suddenly registers with me: jeans and a navy blue Hackett polo shirt.

  ‘Are you staying at home today?’ I’m excited at the prospect that he’ll be here for the entire day.

  ‘Yes. But I have a mountain of work to get through.’

  ‘Oh.’ I feel a little disappointed. I know I should be mindful of his workload and the many pies he has a finger in. ‘It will be nice having you here.’

  ‘I’m always here for you.’

  ‘Sit – your breakfast is ready.’

  I place his eggs and bacon in front of him. I look up at the sound of Kiki entering the kitchen, thankfully wearing a happier face than last night.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ I hold her tightly.

  ‘Better.’

  ‘Good, sit down. Your breakfast is ready.’

  She moves towards Luke, who behaves a little awkwardly around her. However, he does stand to greet her. Kiki initiates a hug.

  ‘I’m sorry about last night. Not just you, I also need to apologise to Max.’ She releases Luke from her hold, allowing them to sit side by side, ready to devour a Harper breakfast.

  ‘As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. Max has witnessed most things in life.’ Luke smiles and touches her hand. I sense his compassionate approach is for my benefit: gaining the trust of my best friend will only make life easier for him and us as a couple.

  I move towards the stools, and Luke pulls me between his legs, locking me with his arms.

  Kiki smiles. ‘Luke, I was wrong about you.’ She is nothing if not honest. ‘I admit I was worried for Kate – let’s face it, you’re loaded and self-assured, in a nice way. Honestly – I have her back and always will.’

  ‘Thanks, Kiki. I’m sure there was a compliment in t
here somewhere.’

  ‘There was. I’m pretty shit at saying the right thing. Kate seems happy – that’s all I want.’

  ‘I intend to hold on to this girl, even though she is stubborn.’

  ‘You need to be a saint to take that Harper girl on, she is a pain in the arse.’ Kiki laughs and nudges my arm.

  ‘Thanks for my character assessment… Now, what could I say about both of you? How long do we have?’

  Luke stands, pulling me into his arms, allowing him the space he needs to kiss me passionately. He pulls away and ends our brief embrace.

  ‘Ladies, I have to work. Kiki, Max is ready to take you wherever you need to go, or as Kate lives here you’re more than welcome to stay.’ He looks at me. ‘Baby, I will be in the office if you need me.’ He walks away to continue his fight for world domination.

  ‘Jesus, Kate, he has it bad for you.’ Kiki touches my hand, having never witnessed us together physically. ‘You’ve certainly put a spell on him.’

  ‘I like being with him.’

  ‘You don’t say!’

  ‘Am I that obvious? Don’t get me wrong; we have some issues to sort out.’

  ‘He’s bossy, it wouldn’t work for me – but knock yourself out. Honestly, I see it all the time: men with money like control.’

  ‘He does. But the thought of never seeing him again kills me.’

  ‘You deserve to be happy. I still think it’s too soon to move in, but I get it. I can see you’re nuts for each other. Do I need to buy a hat? Oh, or maybe a bridesmaid dress?’

  ‘Kiki in a meringue dress.’ I tilt my head, amused at the thought. ‘No. I’m not planning to get married any time soon. Besides, we’ve only been together since Saturday evening – it’s now only Thursday.’ I shake my head. ‘Shit, it really is soon. How can it move this quickly? Do you think I’ve lost the plot?’

  Kiki laughs. ‘It’s a bit fucking late to worry now. Besides, don’t ask me for advice; what do I know about relationships? Fuck all. Ask me about the best position for a great shag and I’m your girl… Other than that, you’re on your own. Whatever you’re doing seems to be working. He looks well and truly loved up.’