by Penny Henry
“I’ve had enough, Beth.” Lucy sat back and lowered Beth’s legs before unbuckling the strap-on. She was covered in perspiration. Beth slowly opened her eyes. She pouted and looked disappointed. She could have lain there all night. “You’re insatiable.” Lucy looked quizzically at Beth. “You’re a nympho, aren’t you, Beth? You can’t get enough.” She reached out for Beth’s hands to remove the handcuffs and rub Beth’s wrists. “The whip doesn’t leave marks.”
“I’m not sure I’d care if it did.” She reached for Lucy’s shoulders to pull her forward and lock their mouths together. Then with a twist of her arms she toppled Lucy onto her back and pounced on top of her with her knees either side of Lucy’s hips and Lucy’s wrists pinned to the floor above her head. She held them together with one hand. “It’s my turn, miss.” She wriggled up Lucy’s body and glued her sopping sex to Lucy’s mouth. Her free arm dropped behind back to find Lucy’s legs akimbo. Her fingers curled inside the burning cavity and drove into Lucy as her groin squirmed against the flushed face beneath her thighs. Lucy was good. She used her tongue with the expertise of a ringmaster’s whip before sucking Beth to a raging orgasm that spread over Lucy’s face before dripping onto the sheepskin rug. Beth allowed her soaked fingers to slip from Lucy. There was no burst of energy. Lucy was drained. Beth wasn’t feeling strong herself. She pushed herself up to her feet and found her clothes. Lucy lay on the sheepskin rug watching Beth through hooded eyes. Beth looked at Lucy on her back. Then at the shiny pink lips between her open legs. Next time she fancied that she would wear the strap-on.
“Good bye, Lucy. This doesn’t change a thing.”
“I didn’t expect it would.”
Beth pulled the door and walked to the elevator. She didn’t think she would make it down the stairs without her legs buckling and breaking her neck.
There was time for a couple of hours of troubled sleep. When Beth’s eyes closed her dreams were not of the uncompromising sex she had shared with Lucy. It was Ali's face that dominated her mind at every sleepless turn. No one could have faked the high-voltage passion that Ali had shown to her. She had offered herself in overwhelming surrender. Something was happening between her and Ali that Beth was too scared to acknowledge. She knew it had been stupid to continue the business arrangement with Ali but she couldn't accept the thought of never seeing her again. Beth was destined to marry Darren. She was always going to marry Darren. And she had never hid that fact from Ali. The innocent Asian heartbreaker had known what she was getting into. They were both adults. But there was something between them that had to be resolved. It had to be done before either of them could get on with their lives.
The telephone didn't wake her. She had been awake for a while, unsleeping, trapped between her desire for Ali and feelings of incredible guilt. Straightforward lust she could deal with. It had become the pattern of her life. But her feelings for Ali went deeper than that. She was still agonizing over her dilemma as he pressed the telephone to her ear.
"Good morning, Beth."
Beth had never realized how much Darren’s nasal voice grated on her nerves. It seemed even more so when it was the first thing in the day. "Good morning, Darren."
"How did you manage without me yesterday, did you miss me?" Darren was almost drooling down the phone.
Beth lied. "Of course I missed you. I had a pile of paperwork that kept me busy. You know the sort of thing, letters and charity invitations. Stuff like that."
A note of concern crept into Darren’s voice. "I hope you didn't agree to anything silly, Beth. I have asked you to let me handle your correspondence for you. Most of it can be chucked straight into the bin."
Beth sensed Darren’s irritation. "Don't worry, Darren, I didn't sign any checks. I don't plan on doing that anymore." She wasn't about to tell Darren what she had in mind to replace the random donations that gave him such concern.
Darren’s sigh of relief was like a howling wind in her ear. "Thank heavens you've finally seen sense. Some people would say anything to get their hands on your money," he said disgustedly. "And what went on with that dreadful Ali? I hope she didn't waste too much of your time."
Beth bristled. "Ali was only looking out for my interests."
"Really? What about the way she spoke to my dad? Don't you care Beth?"
Beth heaved a sigh. "Of course I care. We’ll all get together again soon, I promise."
Darren softened. "Thanks, Beth. I'll ask dad to arrange something."
"Fine," agreed Beth absent-mindedly. Her brain was racing for an excuse to be able to meet Ali. There was only one thing she could think of doing. And that was telling Darren the truth. "I can't see you today, Darren. I hope you don’t mind too much."
Darren’s voice jumped. “"What?" He mistrusted his ears. "What did you say?"
"I promised my mum I’d drive her to see an old friend in South London. It’s not like she asks me for much, is it?
Darren went quiet. He didn’t get on with Beth’s family. They had always distrusted him. Beth couldn’t really get into any trouble. "I suppose so. I just wish you’d told me earlier. We’ll meet up tomorrow then. I‘ll miss you.” He said it slowly, with just the right amount of emotion.
"I’ll miss you too, Darren. Try to keep yourself occupied. Maybe you should drop in at the restaurant. It can’t be much fun for Lucy working on her own. I’ll see you tomorrow."
Beth held onto the dead telephone. Darren hadn’t protested too much. She hoped he took her advice and popped into the restaurant. Lucy would probably be feeling tired after last night and she was being left to run the restaurant by herself. There was a new assistant manager and supervisors she has taken on. But it couldn’t be easy. And if she got wind of Darren and Jacob's little scheme she would do her utmost to spoil their plans. That wouldn’t suit anyone. As Beth had recently been reminded, she was still a partner and expected to invest heavily in turning the company into a national name.
She was feeling guilty. Darren was doing his best. And he wasn’t the one that had sneaked away to dine with a beautiful wide-eyed girl who had virtually confessed her undying love. It was Beth that harbored thoughts of infidelity. Not the sexual kind that Beth was unable to control. That she dismissed as meaningless and trivial. She was talking about infidelity of the heart.
She dressed and went down to the breakfast room, still searching her heart and wondering if Ali hated Beth for throwing her hospitality in her face. Ali had introduced Beth to her family and they had spent a wonderful evening together. Beth stopped herself. She should have never accepted Ali’s invitation in the first place. From now on it was going to be strictly business between them. She never wanted to let Darren down again.
"Good morning, Beth." Ali was on time and dressed in chic suit matched with a startlingly white blouse and red ribbon necktie. "How are you today?"
Beth jumped from her chair to take Ali’s delicate hand. There was no kiss. Ali appeared normal, if maybe a shade formal in her greeting and Beth allowed herself to breathe again. She had wandered through to the lounge in a dream. Ali’s arrival had surprised her. She had rehearsed a string of greetings and apologies in her mind but they had instantly deserted her. "Good morning, Ali.” It didn’t sound like enough. “I'm okay, how are you? Can I order you a coffee?"
She smiled prettily. "I'm very well, thank you, Beth, and yes, I'd love a coffee while you tell me what it is you wanted me to help you with." She sat directly opposite, dropping her briefcase at the side of her chair; crossing her slender legs and flicking open the buttoned front of her jacket. Ali was here on business. "Where’s Darren this morning?" She asked it matter-of-factly.
"Darren is busy today. I... I made my excuses. We won’t be seeing each other today.” Beth paused to order before vaguely outlining her idea for a non-profit making charitable foundation. Ali had told Beth that her investments would return half a million pounds a year. No one needed that amount of money. And the tax alone would run into tens of thousands of pounds. Wi
th registered charity status, couldn't that money be put to better use?
Ali's first question was predictable. "Have you discussed this with Darren?"
Beth prickled at the inference. "No."
"Don't you think that he may have something to say on the matter?"
"Darren is not a monster, Ali. He has a heart of gold. Anyway, once the restaurant business is re-organized and the franchise expansion is underway, Darren will have his hands full. He won't be concerned with what I do with the rest of the money. He'll have enough of his own."
Ali was unconvinced that Darren would prove to be as unselfish as Beth imagined him to be. But she bit her tongue and tried another approach. "Aren’t you expected to fully finance this proposed expansion, Beth?” Beth nodded and waited for the pitfalls. “Then once you have guaranteed your financial support the real cost may far exceed the money that you have available for short and medium term investment. You could find it necessary to alter your long term investment plans with the resultant penalties."
"But there are millions of pounds available, aren’t there?"
"There are also a lot of costs to be considered, Beth. There will be properties to lease or buy; set-up costs, transportation and administration to be accounted for… and that’s all before you start to recoup your investment from franchisees. Darren and his father don’t strike me as the type to do things by halves." Ali leant forward sympathetically. "I am not trying to dissuade you from the idea of a charitable foundation, Beth. I think it’s a wonderful project. But you do have to look at the whole picture." She sat up straight and gave Beth an old-fashioned look. "And I’ll bet you haven't even looked at a car for yourself. Or set your heart on a new house yet, have you?"
”Darren is looking for a house," she admitted. “I haven’t bothered with a car.”
"Okay, Beth." Ali regarded her sternly. "Finish your drink. We're going for a drive."
“But―”
“No buts, Beth - we can talk as we drive. Come on." Ali rose to her feet, buttoning her jacket and lifting her briefcase. "We'll take your car."
Beth drained the cup, grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair and hurried in Ali’s wake. She didn't have a clue where Ali was taking her but she was suddenly as excited as a schoolgirl playing truant. Her misgivings about seeing Ali today had totally evaporated. Ali had a way of banishing Beth’s cares and transforming her into an awkward teenager.
"Do you have your log book with you?" Ali asked from the passenger seat as Beth reversed the Mondeo from its parking space and slipped into 1st.
"In the glove box," answered Beth automatically. "Why?"
"Oh, it was just a thought. We're going to town, by the way."
Ali made no attempt to explain and Beth took the pretty route. They talked as Beth drove at a leisurely pace. Ali emphasized that she loved the idea Beth of setting up a charitable foundation. She wasn't being difficult. Beth just needed to understand the financial commitment involved. Her finances would need to be strictly separated. Beth began to understand Ali's concerns. She agreed to not make a move without consulting the bank first. Ali sank back in her seat relieved that Beth had listened and was ready to accept responsibility for the venture. She held back from bringing up the area that concerned her most. Beth's ideals were shiny and fragile. Ali hated the thought that Darren could destroy Beth’s dreams with a bitter tirade and crush her spirit with a look.
"Where to now, Ali?" They had turned into the busy town and Beth was lost
"Park anywhere," said Ali, totally unconcerned. "Just follow the signs."
Beth took her at her word and turned into the first public car park she saw. She left Ali in the car while she fed the meter and wasn't there to see Ali take the logbook from the glove box and slip it inside her jacket. Ali glanced round the car interior and noted that Beth kept the inside of her Mondeo scrupulously clean and uncluttered with personal effects. By the time that Beth returned with the parking ticket there was nothing of value remaining in the car.
"Shall we go?" asked Ali as Beth fixed the ticket in the window screen and locked the car, pulling at the handle a final check. She didn't want to risk being stranded with her car missing.
"Let me take the keys, Beth," said Ali. "It would be a shame to spoil the cut of your jacket."
Beth gave Ali a perplexed look. "What are you up to, Ali?" She dropped the car keys in Ali's hand. "I know you’re up to something, aren't you?"
Ali fluttered her eyelashes. "Moi?" she said innocently enough. "You have a nasty suspicious mind, Beth Thomas. Come on, you promised to buy me lunch."
Beth was at her side in a few swift strides, adjusting the dark glasses she had taken to wearing in town. She had thought it was a bit pretentious at first but it helped to keep her anonymous. She brushed shoulders with Ali as they walked. Being together seemed the most natural thing in the world.
Chapter Nine
They stopped for lunch in an olde worlde restaurant and idled away an hour choosing from the menu and eating sparingly of their meals. Their own conversation was all they needed to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Occasionally they gazed into each other's eyes before catching themselves and hurriedly looking away.
Ali was the first to look at her watch. She rose gracefully from her chair.
"We'd better make a start, Beth. We have a lot to do."
Ali waited while Beth paid the bill and they stepped into the sunlight together.
“That was cheap,” said Ali. “I think I let you off lightly.”
Beth laughed before fumbling in her purse for her phone. "Excuse me, Ali. I need to make a call. "It won't take a minute. Darren is supposed to be looking in on the restaurant today to see how Lucy is managing. She’s been left to shoulder the burden until things get sorted out. It seems only fair we take an interest.”
Beth walked away after touching the screen to bring up the number. Ali wandered off to look in the window of a home-made confectionery shop. Beth was at her shoulder within a minute. Her lips were pressed tightly together and her brow was furrowed.
"Is everything okay?"
"I really wouldn't know," said Beth curtly. "Apparently Darren and Lucy aren’t there. They went out this morning and haven’t been seen since."
Ali thought it prudent to say nothing and fell in at Beth’s side as they walked through the narrow streets that ran parallel to the main road. They emerged into the high street almost as it ran out. There was a charity shop on the corner and Ali excused herself to pop into for a minute. Beth was too engrossed in her own train of thought to bother asking why. She wasn’t even curious when the manager followed Ali into the street thanking her again.
"Where to now?" asked Beth glumly.
"Nearly there," Ali gaily informed her quiet companion. "I have a client at the end of the street that I’d like you to meet."
Beth followed passively. She couldn’t recall any shops in the area. She followed Ali into the car showroom without the penny dropping. Beth was left to look uninterestedly at the gleaming array of vehicles. Ali breezed into the office to say hello and involve herself in a muted conversation with the manager. Beth was unaware of the manager discreetly signaling his sales team to stay away from her. Ali knew that Beth would panic if anyone approached her. A few more minutes passed before Ali sauntered up to Beth.
"Nice car," said Ali as Beth stood at a respectful distance from the top-of-the-range deep red Jaguar XKR coupe. The car was a brand new model and ready for the road.
"It is rather beautiful," agreed Beth reluctantly.
"Let's take a look inside," said Ali casually, skirting the car for the passenger side and tugging open the door.
"Be careful, Ali," scolded Beth. She looked over her shoulder at the office staff. They appeared to be absorbed in their own conversation and ignoring the two women in the showroom.
Ali settled into the soft leather seat and beckoned Beth to get in. "It's just a car, Beth."
"Shame on you, Ali," admonished Beth.
She slid behind the wheel and adjusted the driving position. "This motor car is a masterpiece of engineering. Look at the range of instruments. Feel the quality of the leather. She shook his head ruefully. "You know, Ali. I've always fancied owning a Jaguar."
"Then buy it, Beth."
"What?"
"Buy yourself the Jag. We have to get back to the hotel somehow."
"Wha... what do you mean, Ali?" Suspicion was suddenly flaring in her mind. “What have you done?”
"I gave your Mondeo to the charity shop. They were very grateful."
"You did what? You gave away my Mondeo?" Beth was in shock. "My CDs!" It was Beth’s first coherent thought.
Ali grinned. "They’re in my briefcase. But you'll need to get an iPod for this one."
“What’s an iPod?”
“Beth! You’re a nightmare. Catch up, will you?”
Beth sat deep in thought, checking the sparkling dashboard before sliding her hands round the leather steering wheel. Ali picked her moment and slid out of the passenger seat to be replaced by the softly-spoken manager. They fell into an easy conversation. Ali glanced behind as she walked to the office. Beth's eyes were wide-open and shining like two full moons. She had made the financial arrangements before Beth stepped out from the car. The manager was beaming like her new best friend. It was the easiest sale he had made in a year.
Another hour passed before Beth was satisfied with what the car could do and the vehicle was prepared to drive away.
"You don't think we're going back to the hotel now, do you?" said Beth as Ali wriggled into the passenger seat. "I think a trip to the coast would be nice, don't you?"