“I’m going to do a lot of this.” His slick voice dampens my earlobe, before his mouth moves down to my neck. “I am most definitely going to fuck you.”
“Oh please stop,” I exhale, pulling at his hair.
“I’m going to do things to your body you’ve never experienced before,” he murmurs, pressing his nose against my cheek. “Elizabeth,” he whispers.
“Yes... yes.”
“Are you sure you want to come with me?” He’s kissing my damn neck again!
I cannot speak. I’m in some sort of hypnotised mess, and he’s pulling on all my strings like a puppet. Hell yes, my thoughts scream out. I will come with you, and I will come for you.
“Elizabeth, if you cannot wait, I can give you a taster right now,” his throaty turned on voice fractures.
My phone begins to ring. Of all the stupid senseless times to call someone, some idiot calls me now.
It finally goes dead, but almost immediately starts to ring again. I roll my eyes as Adrien unlatches his lush lips from my neck and gapes down at me, unfulfilled. It’s either Cate or Nathan.
“God ... I’m sorry,” I growl.
I storm across to my handbag. My objective: to throw my fucking phone out of the window, and get back to business. I rummage to the bottom of my bag, wound up like a jack-in-a-box. I look at the screen to see Nathan’s name flashing. I swear he’s stalking me tonight. I push reject call, and as soon as I do, Adrien’s jacket on the couch begins to ring. Of course it’s a much more delicate tone than mine. He grumbles low with a shrug of his shoulders.
“Apologies.” He coughs to rid the sexual pressure, taking out his iPhone. “Shit.” He looks at the screen then waves it up and down, like me, pissed at being rudely disturbed. “I need to get this. Can I use your bathroom?”
My body drops down onto the couch, shrinking rapidly. He better not be married, and that’s his wife calling from overseas. I pout as he disappears inside the bathroom, closing the door.
Why am I flicking through this brochure of pin-up hair-dos’? It doesn’t interest me. I just don’t know what else to do with myself. I need to take my mind off him somehow, and if reading up on Victoria’s rolls works as my anti-climax, then needs must.
“Are you fuckin messing with me!” Adrien’s furious voice makes me jump. Wow, I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of that call. “Not going for that Dom.” I try not to listen, but that paper thin door is by no means soundproof. “If Laurie has a problem, then tough shit,” he growls, lowering his voice. “I tell you what, the order can go fuck themselves. And Laurie, well if he has a problem, he can come to me. He’s forgetting who’s in charge here. I asked for a few days, that’s all. Tell him to call me ASAP.” The pause of silence is way too tense. I can hear him pacing in there.
He emerges through the door, lowering his chin to his chest, muttering. I shouldn’t really be looking at him. He was quite scary in the bathroom. I pointlessly move objects around on the coffee table. His glass next to mine, the magazine in the centre, then I plump up some of the cushions.
“Hmm, Liz.” Holy crap, hallelujah, he’s called me Liz. “Sorry, Elizabeth.” Oh, perhaps in time then.
“You have to go?”
“Sorry. Someone’s trying to get me into trouble.” He mumbles something crossly, I can’t make out what.
“It’s fine,” I sigh.
He doesn’t need to feel bad over it. I’m sure I’ll calm down soon. Perhaps another shower. A cold one.
“Okay then.” He sweeps up his jacket. “Six on Saturday.” He kisses the top of my head of all places, then makes his way to the door.
“Thought you said seven?”
“No six. It gives us time to get there.” He pulls on his jacket lapels in that hot supermodel like way. “Pack a bag, enough for three nights.”
Oh my god. Three nights. I can’t just drop everything. But Liz, you’re forgetting, the only place you’re invited to this Christmas, is Mums. Though, I have got my dissertation to do. Hmm, decisions.
“So Saturday until?”
“We’ll be back Monday evening, Tuesday morning latest.” He opens the door. “See you then.” He winks and leaves me sitting in a daze.
I BOLT UPRIGHT IN BED with my heart hopping in fear. I listen while hovering my hand over the lamp switch. I hear giggling, scuffling, and the sound of drunken bumping into furniture. Oh, it’s Cate. She better be quiet tonight. I pull my earplugs out of my underwear drawer, pop them into my ears, and turn off the lamp.
Light suddenly floods through my room. I squint up to see Cate’s silhouette hovering back and forth in the doorway with the Santa hat over her eyes. She’s wrecked, and I haven’t got the patience for this.
“Ex...cuse me missy,” she slurs. “I’m so, so, so upset at... you.”
“Piss-off Cate,” I snap.
“Oh honey, come here. Let me... me see what that dickhead did to you.” She stumbles in and sits on my bed as ungraceful as a baby elephant.
I sit up, unimpressed, and flick on my lamp. She narrows her panda eyes at me and begins to sob more mascara down her cheeks.
“Nathan’s been locked up.” She wipes her face.
“What for?” I ask, watching as she starts to retch. “Don’t you dare Cate... Hold it in!”
She takes a breath and tries to focus using the one eye trick. “The guy that hit you, well, he don’t know who ya friends are.”
Oh great. I am not bailing him out. I won’t do it. But wow, I feel so guilty.
I know what Nathan’s like. He has too many drinks, and if something upsets him, he flips his lid. Thinks he’s a cage fighter or something. I’ve been through many alcohol fuelled skirmishes with him before. I’ve seen bloody noses, torn shirts, and grazed knuckles. He’s a manager of a company now. Wears a frigging suit for work. He needs to grow the hell up.
“Don’t worry yourself. He’ll be fine, sleeping it off in a cold cell.” She stands up and weaves to the door. “His friends will sort him out.” She goes to close the door then opens it again. “Oh, where’s mister prick anyhow?”
“Go away Cate.” I slam my head down on my pillow.
Chapter 12
Adrien
I've been tying up loose ends, so the business will be fine for a few days without me. Imports and exports are in order. And I've cleared my calendar of meetings. One last task of dealing with Laurie, and I’m free. Free to show Elizabeth how much I desire her.
“Adrien.” Laurie enters my office with smug wide eyes.
I know exactly why he’s being overly complacent. He and Sara had a thing some time ago now, and being my second in command, he thinks he'll get to spend time with her while I’m away. But I’m no fool. Sara will be working from home. I’m not going to have blood on my hands, because Sara can’t stand to be in the same room as him for more than five minutes.
“No Sara?” he asks, pouring himself a drink from my decanter.
“Predictable as ever.” I lean back in my chair, watching as he pours me a bourbon. “You’ll be working from The Mill. Sara will be at home. Laurie, you need to get passed this now. I’m relying on you while I’m away. I want no ill feelings anymore. It’s affecting everyone.”
He slides the glass to me and sits down, humming. “You and I have served together. There is no other you can rely on more. You know that.” He sips his whiskey. “And I appreciate it. I know Ben has been showing great potential. But you can’t beat good old fashioned leadership. You and I have always been on the same page. You made the right choice.”
“And Sara, can I rely on you to keep your distance?”
“Sara and I are in the past. That is clear to me since she has found a new pet. What is his name?”
I wait for a few seconds and study his expression. I’m not going to bring Nathan into this. He’s a part of Elizabeth’s life I don't even want to think about. And regardless of him being a childish dick, I won’t have him hurt because of Laurie’s petty jealousy.
&
nbsp; “You’re not going to cause me any more trouble are you?”
He laughs aloud. “I will not answer that. You know very well I have better things to do than to stalk Sara’s toys. Besides, she deserves her fun now she’s part of the team. I’m over it. I even have a new little piece of skirt myself.”
“No more reds Laurie. We agreed.”
“She is no red, trust me. She’s very well known within our circle. In time, I’ll introduce you.”
I consume the whiskey, somewhat reassured the business will cope without me. “There will be a shipment arriving in Manchester while I’m away. Make sure everything goes smoothly.”
“I’ve already contacted them. Have a little faith. Now, a toast.” He hovers his glass before me. “To your beautiful red.”
I refuse to toast to that. “Her name is Elizabeth,” I state, giving him a warning look.
“You’re breaking tradition.” He smirks, clinking his glass against mine. “Your first red. You should be proud. She’s a fine choice.”
Elizabeth is so much more than some ancient custom, which should have been scrapped long ago.
“Laurie, are you trying to rile me? Dom told me you had been in contact with the order. They are aware of Elizabeth. They are aware of the contract, thanks to you. I have talked with Selene, and as long as business is in order, she is fine with the situation. You seem to be making a mountain out of a molehill.”
“I didn’t force the contract to rub you up the wrong way. I did it, because you would do exactly the same thing for me. In fact you did, remember. Codes are in place, and people talk. Our actions are constantly being watched. It was for the girl’s protection.”
“Yes, I understand. But you could have given me more time.”
He smiles and sniggers. “I know you well my brother. Women come and go. But this one has got to you. So much so, you still hide the truth. I have never seen you keep restraint like this before.”
Laurie stands up and goes to pour himself another drink. He’s always had my back. Yes he’s made some catastrophic mistakes. But he’s saved my ass a few times also. However, I’m getting the distinct impression that he’s resentful of Elizabeth and me.
“And I think I know why,” he says in a superior voice.
I glare as he takes position in his seat again. He sets his glass down on the table, pulls something out of his jacket pocket, and slides it to me. I peer down at the small piece of card and turn it over. If I had a human heart, it would stop beating. I’m looking down at an old photograph of someone I never thought I’d see again.
“Grace Peterson. You were childhood sweethearts weren’t you?” Laurie observes my shocked expression as he drinks his whiskey. “She and your red are like two peas in a pod.”
“Where the hell did you get this?” I turn the picture over, shaking my head.
“It was left in your desk at Fort Benning. We left in a rush and I thought you’d miss it. I completely forgot I had it, until I met Elizabeth.”
“And you kept it all this time. What for Laurie?” I yell.
“I’m your oldest friend and I take offence to your tone. I thought you may miss it. But I was wrong. I apologise for showing it to you.” He slumps back in his chair. “I guess I’m worried. You haven’t explained to Miss Lovell how this works.”
Grace and I were over long ago. And Laurie is right, the similarities between Elizabeth and Grace are uncanny, now I think about it. Dark hair, emerald eyes, pale soft skin, full lips, and that timeless natural beauty, which is not faked in any way. She has an amusing innocence to her that I cannot get enough of. And yes, maybe it was a combination of those things that drew me to Elizabeth; she made me feel mischievous and young again. But it was the man who fell for Grace, and it is the executive in me who desires Elizabeth. I’m furious he’s brought this to my attention.
“I will tell her the truth, in time.” I’m lying to his face. I’m going to need more than time with Elizabeth to explain who I really am.
“I just don’t want you distracted from the job,” he says casually as he stands up with his glass.
“The job,” I bark. “I’m the executive. I’m never distracted.”
“It’s just I can understand. I’ve been where you are.”
I laugh sarcastically. “Don’t make comparisons to you and Sara. I will never hurt Elizabeth.”
“I’m sure you won’t. But you don’t want to give out the wrong impression to our counterparts. She is your red after all.”
“What are you getting at Laurie?”
“You have a duty. Others may see you as weak for changing the rules.”
“I’m not changing any rules.” I’m telling myself not to leap across this desk and rip out his throat.
I’m not sure if he’s just being bitter, or if he’s concerned that I’m not following tradition. The thing is, he never followed our codes when it came to Sara. I need Laurie. He may be a narcissistic ass at times, but he knows this business like the back of his hand.
“Sorry boss.” Laurie throws up his hand. “I’m just watching your back. After that incident on Thursday night, there’s been some chatter. And why didn’t you call me?”
“Is that what this is about, because I didn’t call you? The asshole was dealt with,” I yell, but calm myself quickly.
“That has been the cause of the rumours. Miss Lovell is your red, and she should be kept safe. Her attacker should have paid with his life by your hand. Instead he was taken care of by a group of drunkards.” He steps back, well aware I’m pissed off. “This is not my judgment, it is that of those who witnessed you. Like I said, we’re being watched.”
“I'm the executive for that very reason. I was in full view of the public. Killing the boy would have made front page news. You’ve never been any good at politics, Laurie.”
“I agree.”
“Well if you’re done telling me how to do my job, I have things to do.” I push out my chair and stand up, taking my empty whiskey glass off the table, so I can pour myself another.
Laurie strolls toward me with his hand out. I take it and shake, because I have to be diplomatic.
“Don’t worry about business. It’s in safe hands. Enjoy your trip, and your red.” He squeezes my shoulder before he leaves.
I slam my drink down on the table and open my desk drawer. I take out a pack of matches, strike one, and pick up the photo. I say my silent goodbyes to Grace, setting her alight.
I WALK THROUGH THE penthouse, whiskey in hand, presuming I would now have some peace. But Sara is now rushing toward me, less than happy Laurie was here.
“I thought he was banned from The Shard!”
“Sara, not now.” I make my way into the kitchen.
“You promised me, he’d be at The Mill and I wouldn’t have to see him.”
“And you won’t. Look Sara, give me a break. It was a long time ago. He’s sorry and has sworn to leave you be.”
“He better.” She pulls out a large envelope and slides it my way. “Flight times, passport, and your dry cleaning has already been sent.” She turns her back and zips her handbag shut.
“Sara, am I doing the right thing?” Laurie has filled me with unwanted doubts. Perhaps with Sara being of the opposite sex, she can advise me. “I mean we have come a long way. Is it wrong that I’m pursuing Elizabeth?”
“You’re the executive. You can do what you want, like you always do.” She walks to the door with her back to me. Evidently, I have pissed her off.
“Sara,” I call out with authority.
She turns to me, flicking out her hair in a temper. “What do you want me to say,” she snaps. “You forget what happened to me! I was in the same position as Elizabeth. The only difference is, I knew what I signed. She doesn’t. So don’t ask for my approval. I’m doing enough for you. I’ll see you on Saturday.”
Chapter 13
Elizabeth
Cate is still hung-over, and remembering the state of her, it’s most definitely going to
be a three day recoup. She called in sick on Friday, and today. She’s on the sofa now wearing pyjamas, which she’s had on for two days straight. She’s feeling sorry for herself, watching old reruns of Only Fools Christmas specials.
I on the other hand, sit by the door with my small black suitcase, eagerly waiting for Adrien. I’m excited and agitated all rolled into one. I can’t explain what is happening inside my body right now. From my head to my toes, nerves and thoughts are making me scatty. I’m so tightly coiled, I may blow from the seams when I do see him.
My phone rings. It’s five-fifty-five. I sigh with excitement and tap on the green tab.
“Adrien.” Okay, calm down Liz. That was a tad high-pitched.
“Elizabeth, the car is waiting for you outside.” He hangs-up before I have the chance to say another word.
I anxiously pull my green mac from the chair. I’ve made more of an effort with my appearance. I mean, I’m going to be spending three days with a multimillionaire. I’ve bought myself some new jeans, two new blouses, and a nice new pair of brown leather boots. All from my idea of a designer shop, River Island. I’ve even purchased several sets of matching underwear. Nothing too slutty. No G-string cheese wire that will irritate the hell out of me. Just some tasteful lace hipster panties, and of course, lightly padded bras to match. I dipped into my savings. But it will be worth it, I’m sure. I’m investing in Adrien.
“Cate, see you Tuesday, latest.” I pull the handle up on my case.
She slumps her body over the back of the couch. “Hmm, excuse me, plant one there.” She points to her cheek. I huff and trudge over, quickly pecking her cheek. “Have you got your baby prevention pills?” Her brows dance up and down.
“Oh my god Cate...yes.”
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