"Hardly suitable wear for the office..." he comments, drily.I have the bit between my teeth now. Recklessly, I plunge on, letting my mouth do my thinking for me. "I spotted it right away, especially when the three of you all have rings. Do you really think other people wouldn't see it, even if they reach the wrong conclusion? They understand her wearing Michael's ring. After all, he's the one with a piece of paper to say that he's married to her..."He stares at me, saying nothing.Am I being given the rope to hang myself by?"You're doing it now, you know. You could cool down on the whole Dom thing...""What's that supposed to mean?""I mean that I feel like I'm being interrogated by a movie villain. You know, the tall immaculately dressed one that's utter evil and speaks with a perfect English accent."And finally, the facade cracks. He bursts out laughing. "I'm sorry, Kirstie. Do I really come across like that?""Yes, you do. All you need to finish off the effect is
Ryan pulls in to the underground car park of a block of apartments in the good end of town. Inside, the building is expensively carpeted, beautifully furnished and well decorated."I chose a place with a view over the park," he comments as he turns the key and then holds out his hand to let me in first.The apartment is only half furnished, with cardboard boxes stacked in one corner."Sorry about the state of the place," he says. "I'm only half moved in yet. Wine?"Already trembling, I struggle to keep my voice steady, but he's not fooled, watching me through lidded eyes as I respond. "Thank you. Yes." Ryan has a bottle and glasses waiting. Pouring two ruby glasses, he passes one to me. "I would offer you something to eat first," he says, "but since it's not food that you're hungry for right now, I think we'll leave the dining until later."Lost for words, suddenly bashful, I look up at him and then away again.He chuckles, soft and low. "Just because I didn't react in t
I hesitate at Ryan's choice of words...'Mine'?Am I his?I think I am...He waits, saying nothing.Waiting for my reaction?Yes, I think so.Biting my lower lip, I cup my breasts in my hands, lifting them, thumbing my nipples, pressing them together to exhibit my cleavage.His eyes follow my movements. He's keeping his cool, but I think I see the press of his erection showing. As I circle the darker halos of the areolae, the skin crinkles tighter and his pupils, widening, turn his already shadowed eyes all but black."Enough," he says. My hands freeze in mid-movement.His eyes lock with mine, then indicate down."You want me to...?""Show me."I slip fingers into the top of my panties, his eyes tracking the movement. "Take them off," he says. "I want to see you; all of you."In truth, I am only too happy to take them off. My pussy is running hot, streaming and my panties are hideously uncomfortable. I strip them away to reveal my dark curls, glistening wet.
Afterwards, as we lie together, naked in the half-light, he says, "I have something for you if you will accept it."He seems a little uncertain as he produces a small satin bag from a side-drawer, the kind that usually contains jewellery. I open it to find a narrow, black velvet choker, with a dewdrop pearl suspended."Will you accept it?" he asks, a trace of anxiety in his voice. "Will you wear it?"Am I being collared?I think I am...I finger it, rolling the pearl in my fingers; so small and delicate a thing, and yet, so laden with significance."You understand what you are asking of me?" I say. "When you give me something like this? When you ask me to wear it?""Yes, I understand," he says. "And yes, I am asking that you wear it for me. Will you do that?"His voice brims with hope and worry; desire and unease. "Am I asking too much of you? Or too quickly?"The pearl, opalescent with pale, swirling, beautiful colours, sits between my fingers.Is this too soon?
Ben is red, almost purple-faced, raging incoherently at Charlotte. He's standing close, really close; well within the personal space that most people carry around with them. And his body language... Is he going to hit her?It really does look as though it's turning violent. I stab at the con again. "Security. Speed it up to the lobby, please. You're needed here pronto."The elevator doors open: it's James, looking angrier than I've seen him. I simply point outside to where the row between Ben and Charlotte has reached Def Con One. His fists are balled as he strides out.Outside, Ben, although not a particularly tall man, is looking over Charlotte, almost looming over her. Everything about him screams violence.He shoves at her, a palm flat on her chest...He is going to hit her...Charlotte's fist swings, catching him square in the face, and blood spurts. Ben roars outrage, and at that moment, two security men burst into the lobby."Outside!" I yell, following them to
As he leaves, James calls after him, "No more second chances, Ben."Ben doesn't turn or acknowledge the words, but I see his scowl as he crosses the street.Michael turns to Charlotte, pulls her into his arms. "I don't know what he said to you, but I do not want a divorce."Now that the crisis has passed, Charlotte crumples. Her face pressed against his chest, she nods, tears in her voice. "I know.""Come on. Let's get you inside.""Can I get you a coffee or something?" I ask.Michael nods gratefully. "That'd be great, Kirstie. Thanks."I show the three into the small conference room which is vacant for the afternoon. When I bring in the coffee tray, James passes me a note. "Can you call that number, please, Kirstie. Ask for Sam Callaghan and tell him that Charlotte won't be on-site this afternoon. I'll be in touch with him about it tomorrow.""Of course, Mr Alexanders.""And apart from returning your belongings to you, if you see any sign of Ben Summerford near this
In my apartment, as I hover between two different outfits, I hear the ping of a phone message, but not from my own mobile.After a few moments, there is the sound of cursing from the lounge. Sticking my head around the door, "Problem?" I ask.Ryan, looking thoroughly annoyed, says, "I'm sorry. I've been called away. There's something that needs dealing with...""Always on call when you work for yourself?"He grimaces. "Yes, that's the downside. Lots of freedom, but lots of responsibility too." He pauses, thinking. "Look, this shouldn't take me more than a couple of hours. Why don't you get yourself ready anyway, and I'll meet you at this club of yours?""Sounds great.""Good." He takes my hand, squeezing the fingers. "Text me the address and I'll see you there.""Sure. I'll tell them at the door to expect you and that you're with me. They only let in so many single men and if they think you're by yourself, you might not get in."*****At the Club, waiting for Ryan, I
Michael chuckles. "You and me both. Charlotte and James aren't keen either." Charlotte nods agreement.Marcie angles over towards us, her eyes fixed on Michael. His falls falls. "Oh... God..." he murmurs."Looks like she's still interested in you..." chuckles Charlotte."Mmmm..." His tone is wry."Hello, Michael. I've not seen you around here for a while." Marcie's over-made face radiates fake friendship, fake sincerity, fake everything.She'd look so much better if she toned down the makeup a bit... just tried to be a bit more genuine...... mutton dressed as lamb...Michael's smile is polite but distinctly unwelcoming. Nope, they don't like her either...Can't argue with their taste in people..."No, I've not been here for a while. I got married a few months ago." He holds up his left hand, displaying his ring.Her jaw falls slack, then she looks at Charlotte, venom in her eyes."Married? Really?" she almost hisses. She looks sideways towards Steve, then visi