Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  I almost choke on my coffee. The word love hits me.

  ‘Kate, are you OK?’

  ‘Yeah… I’m just surprised at how I feel. I haven’t really had time to adjust.’ I take a deep breath, and lower my gaze.

  Kiki looks at me.

  ‘Bullshit, Harper, you’re not OK. Fuck, you bloody love him.’

  I feel uneasy at the vast number of people trampling through the house and garden. It’s a little unsettling. Christ, who would have thought keeping company with Luke would alter my ability to share? I push open the office door, carrying a lunch tray. I’m not sure if it’s the sight of me or the aroma of toasted ciabatta that disturbed him.

  ‘I thought you might be hungry.’

  He stands and walks round his desk to join me. He looks at his watch – it would appear the day goes quickly when you try to buy the world.

  ‘Smells good, thanks baby.’ He pulls me into his arms and gives me a quick kiss. ‘I like having you around while I’m working, I know where you are.’ He gives me a cheeky tap on my arse, although there might be some truth behind his words. ‘Are you sure you want to work? I could look after you. You would never need to work again – except for me.’

  I reach up and give him a kiss.

  ‘Is that so? Hmmm, let me think about it… No.’

  ‘No? I could make it worth your while.’

  ‘Are you trying to bribe me with sex?’

  ‘Yes. Is it working?’ He laughs at his audacious behaviour.

  ‘No. Eat your lunch and get back to work. The quicker you finish, the sooner I can have you all to myself.’ I give him a kiss.

  Luke sits down and begins to eat his lunch.

  He looks up at me. ‘Are you going to stand there and watch me eat?’

  ‘No, I wanted to ask if we could do something tonight.’

  He smirks.

  ‘One-track mind Sutton… I was thinking, we could watch a film and chill on the sofa.’

  ‘Once I’ve finished work, I’m all yours.’ He looks at me, waiting for a response. ‘What else is on your mind? You can’t hide those beautiful brown eyes from me.’

  ‘Nothing – really. I just don’t like sharing our home with all these people.’

  My words amuse him. The milestones we have passed for me to use the word ‘my’ in any reference to the palace – in four days!

  ‘I’m sensing a pattern: territorial Kate Harper.’

  ‘Very funny. You want me to call it our home and I’m telling you how I feel. I can’t cover it in red lipstick, can I?’

  Luke breaks into laughter. ‘I love that you feel as protective of your home as you did my dick last night, and even happier that you are calling it your home.’

  ‘I’ll leave you to it.’

  Six thirty. Luke is still working; my plan is to lure him to me. I open a drawer and skim my hand across my new luxurious lingerie. This gives me an idea to call my sex god away from his computer. The underwear feels amazing against my skin, which I cover with Luke’s joggers and T-shirt. I silently descend the stairs and gently pad across the hall past Luke’s office. With my Louboutins in my hand, I move to the dining room to collect a silver plate and cloche.

  After setting out a tray of mixed meats, various cheeses and fabulous breads, I quickly move to the cellar. Having only visited this room once before, I thought it would make the perfect hiding place; also it has a table. Not quite a desk, so it’s just as well I have a good imagination and my improvisational skills are superb.

  I return to the kitchen, needing to complete the final part of my plan: a note; a challenge.

  Dear Luke… aka sex god, techno boy and ex-boss,

  If you can find me, you can EAT ME…

  Yours, Kate… aka cook and deprived girlfriend x

  I place the note on the silver plate and cover it with the cloche. I make my way into the office. Thankfully, Luke is on the phone, allowing me to silently place the silver plate on the conference table and leave. I almost skip to the stairs. I remove Luke’s baggy clothes along the way. Finally I slip on my shoes. I’m officially ready, and waiting is the only task left on my list.

  I have no idea how long I have been sitting on the table. The only indication I have is that I’ve eaten all the Dolcelatte cheese… I’m not sure that was part of plan.

  As I pour myself another glass of wine, I hear footsteps on the stairs. I know Luke will check the cinema and games room before the cellar. Hearing him look in the various rooms makes my heart rate escalate. The door opens.

  ‘Jeez, what time do you call this? I thought you were never going to turn up.’

  He laughs. ‘Are you bored?’

  ‘I think I wrote “deprived”, but I could throw boredom into the mix. That means you have two issues to deal with.’

  He walks towards me. I pass him a glass of wine.

  ‘Any other issues you would like to add to the list?’ he asks seductively.

  ‘You’ve kept me waiting; it would seem your list is growing.’ I drink my second glass of red wine, knowing it will go straight to my head.

  ‘So you have issues…’

  ‘They’re solvable issues.’

  ‘Solvable.’ Luke chuckles, slowly moving towards me. ‘I see you have dressed for dinner.’ One of his hands investigates my underwear, stopping at my breast, caressing my silk-covered flesh.

  ‘Do you approve?’

  ‘Yes, but it’s only for me.’

  I collect the large plate of food.

  ‘Now, what would you like to eat? Sorry, but Dolcelatte is off the menu. Due to your terrible time-keeping I’ve eaten it all. But please feel free to choose something else.’

  ‘Kate… Kate… What am I to do with you?’ Although he laughs, I can see his eyes have changed. Dark and highly aroused meets dark and mission accomplished.

  He takes the plate of food from my hands.

  ‘I think your little plan has worked. My business brain has disappeared and I have no appetite for food – but I’m hungry for you, baby.’

  ‘Good, because I’m the house special of the day.’

  * * *

  ‘Fuck, Kate, I’m coming.’ He slams into me harder and holds himself still before he collapses on top of me, pushing me flat to the mattress. ‘Do you know what you do to me?’ Luke nuzzles my back, kissing every vertebra as he pulls himself free. The gentleness that follows our hot morning sex is a perfect way to start the day.

  He rolls me over to face him.

  ‘What’s wrong? You’re quiet. Not that I’m complaining.’

  I roll my eyes. ‘Cheeky.’

  ‘Well… tell me.’

  ‘Nothing. I’m just being stupid.’

  ‘I’ll be the judge of that. Tell me.’

  ‘I just want some time on our own. This is so new.’

  He runs his hand down my cheek. ‘What do you need?’

  ‘You, that’s all. Not to share our home with strangers, just us. I told you I’m just being stupid and possessive. Christ, I’ve not even seen my sister or Mum and Dad.’

  ‘You said Harry’s coming over this evening.’

  ‘She is, and Barney. I wish they could come to the white party.’

  ‘They were all invited.’

  ‘I know… It would have been nice to have them with me – for moral support.’

  ‘I’m sure Harry will enjoy herself in France.’

  ‘This is just a bit surreal: I’m living here, she’s off to France.’ I take a deep breath.

  ‘You’ll have fun this evening while I’m in Dorset,’ he says.

  ‘I will.’

  ‘Besides, I like your possessive nature.’ He rubs his nose along mine. ‘Let’s deal with this weekend and then go away… You pick a destination.’ He nips the end of my nose.

 
‘No.’ I shake my head.

  ‘No!’ Luke looks confused.

  ‘Yes to the time, but I don’t want to go away. We can have pyjamas days and watch car-crash TV. Read the Sunday papers in bed, just be a normal boyfriend and girlfriend – no jets, no fancy cars, no restaurants. Just us, together alone.’

  ‘Jesus, Kate. Where have you been all these years? Baby, someone was watching over me, making sure you fell into my life. Fate, that is what you are.’ He kisses me, emptying his soul into mine.

  I plug my iPod in in the kitchen and play my favourite tunes while I make pizza. The security buzzer rings in the kitchen. I head to the front door as Harry walks through the gate.

  ‘Bloody hell, you weren’t lying. Look at the size of this house.’ She makes her way towards me for a long overdue hug.

  ‘God, I’ve bloody missed you… I want to move back.’ Tears appear in my eyes. Where the hell did this emotion come from?

  ‘No, you don’t… Happy Kate, that’s what I want to see, not tears. Come on, show me around the palace.’ We link arms and walk in to the house.

  ‘Oi, Princess Harper, let me in.’ A voice stops us in our tracks. I turn to see Barney at the gate, giving the security men a run for their money.

  After I’ve given them the full tour of the ground floor, we head upstairs so I can show them around there too.

  ‘Oh my God, this bedroom is stunning. I would have picked something like this for you. It’s your taste. How mad is that? Maybe you and Luke have more in common than you thought.’ Harry runs her hand along the bed, taking in the room, just as I did all those weeks ago.

  ‘You can imagine how I felt. Come and look at my secret garden.’ I take Harry and Barney to the walk-in closet.

  ‘Bloody hell, babe, you need to get your side filled up. You look like the poor fucking relation next to Prince Charming.’

  ‘I will. I just need some time.’ Time to get used to my new life.

  By the time I serve dinner and we’ve consumed our second glass of wine, Kiki arrives with a bottle of ready-made margarita. Food consumed – tick. Alcohol consumed – tick. Margaritas affecting our mental state – tick. I fear the evening is going to change course.

  ‘Who’s up for clubbing?’ Kiki is ready for the party bus to take us to a place of fun, fun, fun.

  ‘Yes, baby girl, I’m there with you. What do the Harper girls say to a night of gyrating with your sexy best friend? Whoop, whoop.’ Barney turns the music up and starts to dance in the kitchen.

  Harry looks at me. ‘I’m game if you are.’

  ‘Why not?’ I say.

  The main problem is producing outfits fit for clubbing from my limited selection. My clothes now become dressing up for my nearest and dearest. Harry effortlessly wears my black faux leather dress I wore to celebrate my new job. Kiki wears my white shirt from the blow job evening – Valerie’s clothes are far too sensible for this evening. This leaves me with very few options, except a ball gown which is probably more to Luke’s taste, as it is full-length. I find that I packed a short black-waxed mini skirt, but I need a top. I have an idea. I search through my new lingerie sets and find a black silk camisole top.

  ‘Harry, what do you think? Does it look like I’m wearing underwear?’

  ‘Yes, but that’s something of a look at the moment – trashy-smart.’

  ‘Are you referring me to as a slut, little sis?’ I laugh. Everything has become highly amusing since the margaritas arrived.

  ‘A hot, friendly slut, but, yes, a slut,’ she giggles.

  ‘Looks like I’m ready then, doesn’t it?’ Should I be concerned about my makeshift outfit? My fuzzy head doesn’t think so.

  After sorting out a few last-minute details of shoes, hair and extra make-up, we are at last ready to go.

  ‘Luke’s phone keeps going to voicemail. Shall I leave him a note just in case there is something wrong with his phone?’

  ‘We don’t care; just get your arse in gear. We need to go,’ Kiki orders me. Her need to party is about to reach fever pitch.

  ‘I’ll leave him a note; give me two minutes.’ I input my code to open the office.

  ‘Christ, Kate, he likes a bit of security.’ Barney nudges my arm.

  ‘I guess.’ I forget this is a new experience for my sister and friends.

  Sitting at Luke’s desk to write him a note, I notice SGI tickets.

  ‘Hey, do you fancy VIP at SGI? I’m sure Luke wouldn’t mind.’

  ‘Whatever, just hurry up,’ Kiki bellows at me.

  Dear Luke, aka missing in action boyfriend,

  Pizza is in the oven and salad in the fridge.

  We decided to go out for a dance – not sure what time I will be back. Hope you don’t mind, but I took some SGI tickets. I found them while I was getting paper to write this note.

  Yours forever

  Kate, missing you deliriously x

  As usual there is a queue outside SGI, but not for us, who are in the know with the owner. We head straight to the VIP area where we were a couple of weeks ago. Music is blaring, I have champagne in my hand, and far too much hip movement being produced by my alter ego, the exotic dancer wearing underwear!

  ‘Baby, you know if Ne-Yo is playing, I’m the man to tame your dance moves… Let me love you, baby.’ Barney begins to sing as he drags me for another whirlwind tour of the dance floor.

  No arguments from me – I love to dance. As ever, with Barney in tow, we are a force to be reckoned with. All we need is a stage or a pole, and the inevitable act commences. Our bodies are hot and our dance moves are suggestive – and tonight I don’t care.

  Barney and I are captivated by the sound of Usher singing ‘Scream’, one of our favourite songs to move to. The music roars through my veins, taking me to a place of freedom and self-expression. I am spun around – but not by Barney.

  Holy shit.

  ‘Luke!’ He completely knocks me off balance, visually and physically.

  He grabs me tightly by the waist and pulls me towards him, holding me still as we are surrounded by people dancing vigorously.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ I bellow over the beat.

  ‘I might ask you the same question.’ The strobe lighting doesn’t obscure the darkness of his eyes.

  ‘What?’ No need to bellow, as our voices have risen to a shout.

  ‘Why are you here? You failed to mention this morning that you were planning a night of insobriety.’ He spreads his fingers across my hipbone. ‘I’m referring to your drinking.’

  ‘Don’t bloody patronise me, I know what you mean.’ I try to move, but he stops me leaving the floor. ‘What’s your problem, Luke?’

  He turns his head and gives a frustrated laugh.

  ‘My problem is that you didn’t tell me you were going out.’

  ‘Really? That’s why you’re pissed off? First, I tried to call you, but your phone went to voicemail. Second, I left you for one night, and surprise, surprise, you’re here.’ I bite the inside of my lip, furious at his attitude. ‘Anyway, this was a last-minute plan.’

  He releases his firm grip. Even though I am angry, I feel empathy that he truly doesn’t possess the skill-set to handle me. I pull his face towards my lips, searching for a kiss. He pulls away. I don’t think so, Mr Grumpy Bollocks Sutton. This time I pull him with such force that he has no choice but to kiss me. He responds with hunger, yet he feels cold and disconnected. This alone indicates that he’s cross. I pull away but remain close.

  ‘Luke, I don’t understand why you’re so mad.’

  ‘I can’t control you and what you do. I didn’t know you were going out.’ He shakes his head. ‘It sends me over the edge. Seeing you here like this – I can’t protect you if I am not with you. Fuck – this kills me. This is what you do to me.’ He runs his hand through his hair, giving me a glimpse of
his white knuckles.

  ‘Luke, I don’t want you to control me – not here, not now, never. And for your information, I don’t need protecting.’

  ‘We both know that’s bullshit – someone kicked the shit out of you.’ Luke’s face becomes pensive. ‘Have you forgotten?’

  ‘No, I haven’t, and I don’t need bloody reminding. Please don’t smother me. I managed to take care of myself long before you arrived – come back to the light, Mr Irrational Sutton.’ My emotions are all over the place. I want to slap him hard, and kiss him.

  ‘You don’t understand.’ His eyes are on fire.

  ‘No, I don’t. Luke, you can’t tell me when and where I can go out. Us – you and me – will never work if you think you can control me like this.’ I shout at him and his delusional behaviour.

  ‘I need control.’ He places his hands on either side of my face.

  ‘You can’t control everything and everyone. I’m not one of your projects at work; you seriously need to get a grip.’

  ‘Kate.’ Ashamed, he lowers his head. ‘I’m not sure I can change, I will never be able to allow you the freedom to be with your friends – here, at a place such as this.’

  ‘Your place, Luke, this belongs to you… And it’s my choice, not yours.’

  His eyes take in my outfit. ‘What the fuck are you wearing? His fingers trace the outline of my top. ‘It looks like underwear, and that skirt – it looks like a fucking belt.’

  I push my leg between his, closing the distance.

  ‘That’s because it is underwear.’ I kiss him again. The music may be loud, but I can hear the groan he makes from the back of his throat.

  We make our way off the dance floor. Luke holds my hand tightly, leading the way to join the others. The electric charge between us is evident; a need for something else. My drunken mind and Luke’s temper may be at polar opposites and yet the infusion of the two arrive at the same delicious conclusion. The evening is over.

  ‘Let’s go,’ I whisper in Luke’s ear.

  We stand outside the club, waiting for Luke’s car. I watch him studying my outfit and the displeasure it’s causing him. He moves towards some members of staff.