Ashford was up early the next day. A night out never stopped him from being up early and being ready to go. The moment he stepped outside at seven o’clock a black Bentley with two burly men in suits stood outside waiting for him.
‘Your father wants to see you,’ said the black big guy.
‘Of course he does, Russell,’ he said sarcastically.
Russell opened the door and Ashford slid in. The men got in too, and the driver started the drive to the D’Alton Mansion.
The door opened the minute he got out of the car. He looked at his phone, there were a few messages from Brett. Clearly yesterday’s shenanigans had made waves. It was the reason he was stepping into the mansion.
‘Moring Rose,’ he said to the house manager.
‘Morning, Mister D’Alton.’
‘Oh Rose its Ashford to you.’ He laughed.
Rose would never feel comfortable calling any of the D’Alton’s by their first names.
‘Where is he?’
‘In his study. Your sister and mother are in the dining-room having breakfast.’
‘Hmmm yes, I guess I better head for the study.’
He headed down the huge hall that was decorated with paintings that had been handed down from generation to generation. There was the family portrait amongst the painting too. He knocked, and let himself into his father’s study.
His father looked up from the desk. Ashford didn’t flinch or show any expression. Franklin lifted the morning paper.
‘The front page!’ He slammed it down on the table. ‘I asked you to stay out of trouble, but time and time again you chose to do this to me!’
‘I’m sorry. I don’t see why this is so important to you.’
‘Whether you accept it or not you are the heir to my company. Do you want to run this family to the ground?!’
‘I don’t want the company. Things have changed, times have changed. Florence can take over.’
‘No!’ He banged his fists on the table. ‘I will not have you embarrass this family any longer!’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘You know what I can do. I will freeze every single asset you have if I have to.’
‘You wouldn’t. My company is my company.’
‘But you’re still my son, and I own you.’
Ashford had put some things in place if it came to that, but he would need to find someone to entrust his wealth to, so that his father wouldn’t take control of him. Unfortunately Franklin was a very powerful man, and could make his life miserable if he wanted to.
‘This is the last warning. Do it again and I will make sure things change.’ He barked. ‘Are we clear?’
He looked at his mobile phone and then at his father. ‘Are we done?’
Franklin didn’t reply.
‘I’ll take that as a yes.’
‘Go and have breakfast. Your mother would like to see you.’
He stood up and walked out of the study. This had been his life since he was a child. His controlling father always got his way. Ashford travelled down the hallway again towards the dining room. He stopped a moment, and looked up at the painting of the family. He was only four when that was painted, and Florence had been two. They almost looked happy. Perhaps that was the last time he remembered being happy. Looking at the picture gave him a little peace, but not enough.
‘Are you joining your family for breakfast?’ asked Rose.
‘I might as well. Has Mary made her delicious scones?’
‘She sure has.’ She smiled.
‘Good.’ He took one last look at the picture then made his way to the dining hall.
‘Ahh, look what the cat dragged in,’ said Florence the moment he stepped in. ‘You’ve upset dad again.’ She laughed.
‘Mother.’ He kissed his mother on the cheek.
‘Nice to see you, Ashford.’ She smiled. ‘What have you done?’
‘Nothing.’ He pulled out a seat, and picked up a scone from the table.
‘Well your father won’t let me see the papers today. Clearly something has happened. It involves you.’
‘It always does,’ said Florence. ‘It doesn’t matter what I do, dad always notices his special son. It feels like he’s the only child.’
‘Florence. You know that’s not true. Your father takes very good care of you.’
‘That’s the problem right there. I don’t need to be taken care of. I’m on my way to being a very successful surgeon.’
‘You know what I mean darling. You will want for nothing.’
‘That’s not important to me.’ It didn’t matter how many degrees she got or what she achieved, she was still always in Ashford’s shadow.
‘Of course it’s important,’ said Edith.
Florence stopped the conversation. As usual, it would go nowhere. ‘Will you ride with me today?’
‘I can’t. I’ve got to get to the office.’
‘Don’t you have minions who go to work for you?’
‘I love what I do. This isn’t a force business like dads. I’ve got a meeting in an hour.’
‘Well then, you better get a move on.’
He nodded as he took a bite into the scone. Franklin joined them. That was his cue to finish his breakfast as fast as he could. The family were pleasant enough to one another. Sometimes they were almost normal, but it never lasted long. There was always the talk about money which always brought a rift between father and son,
‘On that note, I better get going,’ he stood up.
‘Stay out of trouble,’ his father warned.
Ashford didn’t respond.
****
Grace walked into the living-room to check on her mother. She’d done it a few times during the night. She was exhausted, but there was nothing she could do about it.
‘Morning mum. You okay?’ She did all the usual checks.
‘I’m fine darling. Just a little thirsty.’
‘I’ll pour you some water.’
‘How did you sleep honey? Sorry to have kept you up most of the night.’
‘Don’t apologise mum. It’s my turn to look after you. I gave you sleepless nights when I was a baby.’
‘You sure did.’ She laughed gently. ‘You were such a sweet baby though.’
Grace smiled as she helped her mother take a sip of water.
‘I’m just sorry I won’t get to see you walk down the aisle.’
‘But you saw me get my degree.’
‘Yes I did. Best time of my life.’ She smiled.
‘I love you mama.’ She dropped her head into her mother’s chest.’
‘I love you too darling.’ She put her feeble hand on her head.
Tears welled up, but she made sure she didn’t let them show. Not yet. She didn’t want Gloria to feel horrible or worried. She had to be strong for her.
‘Your carer will be here soon.’ She pulled away. ‘The nurse will be here soon too.’
‘Okay love.’
‘I’ve got to get to work.’
She nodded. ‘Don’t overdo it. Take care of yourself.’
‘I will mum.’ She smiled.
Grace dashed upstairs and did a few things, and by the time she got back, the carer had arrived. Grace gave the details of the night before.
‘She was in pain last night. I gave her an extra dose, and another one at five this morning. I’ve written it down, for you and the nurses.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Her bandages need changing on her legs.’
‘Yes, I’ll definitely do that today.’
‘Could you also just give her a wipe down, so she can feel a little fresh? I’ve put some clean clothes on the side. Easy enough to slide on. She’ll appreciate it. And so will I.’
‘How are you holding up?’ asked Jacintha.
‘Taking a day at a time. I’m scared every moment. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.’ The tears came again, and she tried to fan them away.
‘Come here.’ Jacintha took her into her arms. ‘You are a strong woman. You’ll be fine.’
‘I don’t know. I really don’t.’
‘You will be.’ She pulled back and took her hands into hers and gave them a squeeze. ‘You will.’
She nodded. ‘I better get going. Call me if anything changes.’
‘Yes I will.’
Grace left for the hospital. The moment she got in it was work, work, work. The changeover took a good hour. A lot had happened during the night.
‘You’ll be sad to know that Mrs Mills passed last night,’ said one of the handover nurses.
‘Oh...’ She felt it sting. ‘I’ll never get used to this. She was such a sweet old lady.’
‘Yes, but we knew this would happen sooner or later. She was peaceful.’
Grace nodded. ‘Anything else I should know?’
‘Lewis refused to take his meds. So good luck with that.’
‘Okay.’ She laughed lightly. It was going to be a long day. She couldn’t wait for five thirty so she could go to her favourite coffee shop and pig out on their apple pie, topped with cream. It was both a punishment and a pleasure. A need she had to feed to be able to cope.
‘Good morning!’ said Paul.
‘Hey you.’ She smiled.
‘How’s your mother?’
‘She’s getting by.’
He nodded and gave her a hug. ‘Want to go out for a drink after?’
‘Not today Paul. Next time?’
‘Yes sure.’ He smiled. ‘Ready to tackle Lewis.’ He laughed.
‘Ready when you are.’ She smiled. Work seemed like the best escape from it all.
****
Brett barged into Ashford’s office.
‘You are going to fucking pay for what you did last night.’
Ashford laughed. ‘Let me guess, you were summoned by the almighty Price.’
‘My father almost killed me, you prick.’
‘It’s to be expected.’ He didn’t seem to care.
‘That’s why the next challenge is going to be a difficult one for you.’
‘I doubt it. I’ll have a man suck my dick if that’s what you want.’
Brett laughed. No this isn’t like that. This is an ongoing challenge.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘It’s a big one. If you fail at this one, I’m taking half of your shares.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes. Rules remember. It must be worth something that hurts.’ Brett knew that even if he took half of Ashford’s shares, Ashford would still be richer than him, ten times over. With his father’s company, family money and his own money, Ashford was one of the richest men in England. It would take years and years to do that. Even years couldn’t make that man broke. But at least Brett would be a little richer with Ashford’s shares. He needed it, with his cocaine habit.
‘Fine, bring it on. I look forward to it.’
‘You should.’ He rubbed his hands together. ‘You won’t do it.’
‘You want to bet.’
‘We’ll see.’ Brett remembered the exact words Ashford had once spoken. He would remind him in due course.
‘If you don’t mind. I’ve got a meeting to attend.’
‘Fine. I’ll see you later. We’ll leave at four.’
Ashford nodded. Brett had found the woman he’d make Ashford go for. It had taken a while to find her, but with the help of his private investigator, they’d found the perfect woman. She loved to eat, so it seemed. Her life seemed plain and simple, and she didn’t take much care of her body. The one thing Ashford hated. The investigator’s job was to find the woman and nothing else. He didn’t want any digging into the woman’s life. Just a candidate.
‘This is going to be fun,’ he told himself. ‘So much fun.’
****
Anna had brought a black wig to work. It would be easy to spot her in the coffee shop with the red hair. It was a short pixie style that suited her quite well. She had a wardrobe of wigs that had been collected over the years.
‘So this information is solid?’ she asked the man.
‘Yes. I did all the work myself.’
‘You are a devil aren’t you?’ She laughed. ‘Working both sides.’
‘I’ve got to make my money and I have no loyalty to anyone.’
‘True. The money will be deposited into your account.’
‘Good.’
‘So you’re certain this is their next challenge?’
‘Yes. Well at least I think so. I found the woman.’
‘Gosh. Poor woman.’
‘Are you going to warn her?’
‘And miss out on a good story, no.’ She laughed.
‘You have no soul.’
‘Neither do you, and neither do they.’
‘Do you think we’ll go to hell for this?’
‘Most definitely.’
They laughed. To them it was just a job. It was a shame that none of them realised that another person could get hurt. But that was never their problem.
****
The shift had been tiring, but Grace had coped. She’d made a call to make sure her mother was alright. Gloria had had a peaceful day. She was comfortable. That made her worry less. At least she could visit the coffee shop without any worry. Not immediate worry. The changeover took a little longer that she would’ve liked, thanks to one of the carers. Grace had to check over her notes, and sign them off before handing them over to the night staff. This carer had a habit of taking her time doing her notes.
‘I don’t know why she doesn’t do her notes throughout the day,’ she said to Paul as they left the hospital.
‘Stuck in her ways.’
‘She just doesn’t want to do it our way. It makes it hard for me. I’d love to leave on time.’
‘Don’t we all.’ He smiled as he walked her to her car. ‘Sure you don’t want to go for that drink?’
‘Nope. But I will next time.’
‘Cool. Have a good night.’ His brown curly locks blew in the wind.
‘You too, Paul.’ She watched him leave. Without him she wouldn’t have coped through it all. He was a sweetheart.
She got into her car and headed for her favourite coffee shop. It felt like a cigarette craving that had to be obeyed.
****
‘So? What is this challenge?’ he asked looking rather bored.
‘It’s on its way.’ He laughed.
Not too far away was a woman sat with her back to them with dark short hair, drinking a coffee. She could hear every word. And secretly recorded it. She could only imagine how this would turn out. It would certainly be something to write about. She was sure of it.
‘Well, this better be quick. I’d rather be drinking than having coffee.’
‘Me too.’ He kept checking his watch. The investigator had assured him that she made regular visits. If he was wrong, Brett would what the money back. But as he was debating whether to call it quits, Grace stepped in.
‘Ah, she’s here.’
Ashford noticed the woman who had just walked in. His eyes ventured up and down her body, and he cringed.
‘Is this what I think it is?’ he asked Brett.
‘It is.’
‘Well you can forget it.’
Brett laughed. ‘Your choice. Each challenge has to be hard. What was it you said about being with a large woman?’
‘You can’t pay me to be with one.’
‘How about I take half your shares if you choose not to be with one.’
‘Fuck no.’
‘A challenge is a challenge.’
‘Fuck this shit!’ He wanted to leave. ‘I’ll do anything, but I won’t do that.’
Brett was having the time of his life. It was his turn to enjoy this. When had their lives become so boring that they had to toy with other people’s lives?
‘You have to ask that ox out. Not only that, you have to make her fall in love with you.’
‘You’re insane. I can’t do that! There is no excuse for the way she looks.’
‘This is the harder challenge.’
Grace ordered an apple pie with cream, with a hot chocolate oblivious to the evil that awaited her. She found a seat at the end of the coffee shop and wasted no time digging into the apple pie. The pastry tickled her taste buds. Suddenly everything was better in her world.
‘See, woman after your own heart.’
Ashford took a peak at the woman as she stuffed her face, and felt ill to the stomach.
‘I don’t know.’
‘I’ll have your shares with pleasure.’
He was silent. He couldn’t look at her.
‘Here’s the catch.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Once she’s fallen head over heels for you, you dump her. Let her fall apart, let her double that pie eating and weight.’ He giggled.
Anna couldn’t believe how wicked they were.
‘If you pull this off. I’ll give you half of my shares. All eight billion of them.’
Ashford’s eyes sparkled. He did love a challenge. But this one was asking a lot of him. He liked the fact that they both had a lot to lose. That was the thrill. He took one more look at her, cringed and then back at his friend.
‘Deal.’
‘Good man. Forsake your models and go for the fat girl.’ He was really enjoying this.
‘Fine. Watch me win.’ He pulled on his shirt and tie.
‘I’m sure you won’t have trouble making her fall in love with you. With your looks and charm, it will be a breeze.’
‘So you want me to start right now?’
‘Of course. Strike while its hot. Just look at her.’
He looked at her as she enjoyed the apple pie. ‘Good lord!’
‘My words exactly. Good luck!’
Anna had captured the whole conversation on her mobile phone.
‘So go on. Make that woman fall for you.’
‘Well, let me get myself together. This isn’t going to be easy.’ He sucked in a deep breath.
Grace was oblivious to her surroundings. The only thing that had her attention, was the apple pie in front of her. Brett waited. He was enjoying every moment. It was a cruel joke, they didn’t seem to realise or have a heart.
‘Okay, here it goes.’ He pulled on his suit collar.
‘Dude, you’re more nervous about meeting her than a hot girl.’
‘A hot girl I can handle. Her? I’m not so sure.’
Brett laughed. This was going to be a show.
‘Just remember. Once I’ve done this challenge, you’ll have something equally hard.’
‘Bring it on!’
Ashford pointed at him about to say something, but changed his mind. He might as well get on with it. He pushed back the chair and headed her way. This would be a piece of cake. All he had to do was flash his smile, and the woman would be his. It worked all the time.
‘Hi,’ he said the moment he stopped at her table.
She stopped chewing a moment and looked up at him. His green eyes drew her in immediately and so did the smile. Grace hadn’t seen such a good looking man real life. Those men belonged in movies and magazines. ‘Hope you don’t mind me interrupting you, but from the moment you walked in, I just knew I had to talk to you.’
Grace looked behind her a moment. Was he talking to her?
‘May I?’ He pointed at the chair.
Yes he was talking to her! She nodded. He pulled out the chair and sat down. Brett did his best to hide the laughter. Anna lifted her phone sneakily and managed to capture the meeting on her phone.
‘I’m Ashford, you?’
She watched him a moment, didn’t answer and then took in a scoop of the apple pie. His stomach turned.
‘Will you at least tell me your name?’
She put the fork down and wiped her mouth. ‘What do you want?’
He was taken aback. Women never spoke to him that way. They usually gave him what he wanted.
‘To talk to you. I’m interested in to getting to know you. You look like an interesting person.’
She laughed. ‘You’re kidding right? Is this some sick joke?’
It was, but she wouldn’t know that.
‘Why would you think that?’
‘Either you’re blind or just stupid.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘Men like you.’ She picked up her fork. ‘Don’t go for women like me.’ She took in more pie.
‘Why not?’
‘Are you blind?’
‘You’re beautiful. You have beautiful eyes.’
‘Sir, Ashley, Ashfed....whatever your name is. If you don’t mind, I’d like to finish my pie in peace.’
He was stunned. This had never happened before. What the fuck!
‘No disrespect to you, but I’m not buying whatever you’re selling.’
‘You really have a low image of yourself. That’s a shame.’
‘Fuck off!’
His eyes widened, a curl to his lips.
‘Get lost.’ She snapped.
‘Wow. You’ve got some anger issues. But I will accept that. What I’ve told you is the truth. I’d really like to get to know you.’
‘You’re not used to getting a no, are you?’
‘No, I’m not. I’m not leaving here until you at least let me take you out for a drink sometime.’
She scraped the plate, the sound made his skin crawl, but he stayed strong.
‘So?’ he waited.
‘Excuse me a second. I need the ladies.’ She pushed back the seat and headed for the bathroom.
The moment she disappeared, Brett burst into laughter. Ashford on the other hand was stunned. Anna was equally stunned, but impressed. It was about time those men got a taste of their own medicine.
Grace shut the door behind her in the cubicle. Luckily no one was in the toilet. She had to work fast before anyone came in. She knelt down, put her head to the bowl and brought up the pie. She rid herself of the guilt and the pain. This was the only way she knew how to cope. At least for now.
Someone entered as she was in the middle of being sick. Nothing could be done. She couldn’t stop it half way. Eventually it ended. She flushed the toilet and headed out.
‘Are you okay?’ asked Anna.
‘I’m fine. Too much apple pie.’ She joked and headed for the sink to wash her hands and rinse her mouth. Once that was done, she found a packet of mint gum in her bag. That would get rid of the awful taste in her mouth.
‘I’m fine,’ she told the woman who was still staring at her.
‘Okay.’
Grace left the bathroom, and back to her table ‘Listen Ashfed – ’
‘Ashford.’ He corrected her.
‘If you’re serious about seeing me. Here’s my number.’ She pulled a pen from her bag and wrote her number and name on a napkin. ‘See you.’ She left without another word.
He sat there awhile to take this all in.
‘Dude.’ Brett was by his side.
‘Shut the fuck up!’
‘You want to give up?’
‘I’m not done yet. But right now I need to go out and drink.’
‘That makes two of us.’
‘Good, I’ll ring my driver and we go off to our usual.’
‘Wicked!’
****
Grace stopped at ASDA for a few things. There was no thought of the man who had approached her. There was too much going on to give a shit about him. She just wanted to get home and see her mother.
When she arrived, Gloria was sleeping.
‘How’s she been?’
‘Tired today, but comfortable. The nurse gave her another dose of medication. She should be okay for a while.’
‘Okay thank you. Did she eat anything?’
‘I’m afraid not.’
Grace swallowed back hard. That wasn’t a good sign. The body was shutting down. She just didn’t want it to be too soon.
‘Okay. Thanks, maybe she’ll try later.’
Jacintha put her hand on Grace’s shoulder. She didn’t have to say anything. Grace nodded.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon?’
‘Yes. I have an afternoon shift.’
Grace walked her to the door.
‘Good night.’
She shut the door and leaned into it. Life was just unfair. Why was all this happening? She could only take so much.
While Gloria slept she fixed something to eat. Meal times were a bit funny. She never liked them. It was a strange battle she had within her. Indulging in the unhealthy food gave her pleasure, and after that she rid the guilt and pain by throwing up. But when it came to proper meal times, she just hated them. It meant she had to eat something healthy, something balanced that would sustain her. Grace knew that in order to be available for her mother, she had to keep up her energy.
‘What to eat?’ she looked in the fridge.
She pulled out the Tesco mac and cheese and threw it in the microwave. That would have to do. She checked on Gloria a couple of times. She was coming around somewhat.
‘Hey mama.’ She walked towards her.
‘Hey honey, when did you get in?’
‘Not too long. How was your day?’
‘In and out of sleep. Sometimes I don’t know whether I’m asleep or not.’ She tried to joke.
‘I’m sorry you have to go through this.’
‘Don’t be. I’ve had a great life. I had you and your dad. I have no regrets whatsoever. Don’t be sad. Be happy.’ She smiled.
‘I’ll try to be.’ She smiled. ‘Can I get you something to eat? You haven’t had anything today.’
‘I’m not really in the mood for food.’
‘Understandable.’
‘It’s nature’s way, love.’
Grace nodded. She understood that. But it had always been someone else. Now she had to face it with her mother.
‘I’ll just have something to eat, and then come back and join you.’
‘That’s okay, love.’
Grace left her a moment. She ate in the kitchen so as not to make her mother feel ill by the smell of food. After that she sat and joined her mum. They talked about everything they could. Grace had been closer to her mother, now, than she’d ever been.
‘Love you mum.’ She lay beside her.
‘I love you too darling. I always will.’
****
The moment they arrived at the private club, Brett started sniffing coke. Ashford however, was on the prowl. He wanted a woman, and he wanted her fast.
‘You want to give up on the dare?’ asked Brett as he took in the last line of cocaine.
‘Why would I do that?’
‘It seems that it wasn’t as easy as you thought it would be, and I could see you dying inside.’
‘She’s pretty,’ he said a matter of fact.
‘That’s beside the point. She’s fat.’
‘I realise that. I’m going to have to look past that to win this challenge.’
‘I doubt you’ll manage. You can’t stand fat women.’
‘Yes well, I’m going to have to don’t I.’
‘I can’t wait for my shares. You will not pull this off.’
‘I will.’ He caught a glimpse of a tall woman with dark hair. ‘I’ll try again tomorrow, but right now I’ve got more important things to do...’ He stood up and followed the woman.
She stopped at the bar. He was just in time to pay for her drink.
‘I’ll pay for whatever the beautiful lady is having.’ He stood right beside her.
She eyed him up and down with half a smile. He was certainly handsome. Hard to resist, and there was definitely the power.
‘You’re Ashford D’Alton. Aren’t you?’
‘The one and only. You are?’
‘Sophia.’ She smiled. ‘I’ve heard so much about you.’
‘Good things I hope.’
‘Yes, good things. You’re pretty powerful.’
He had her.
‘I mean your software company brought in more than twenty billion in profits last year alone.’
‘I see you’ve done your homework.’
‘Yes. I’m a stock broker. I have an eye for these things. You’re also the heir to the D’Alton fortune.’
‘That is true too.’
‘That makes you a very rich man.’
He smiled. ‘Does that turn you on?’ he asked.
‘Very much. I love strong and powerful men.’
‘That’s good then.’
He handed her the drink. ‘Shall we find somewhere to sit? Or did you come with someone?’
‘I have a date, but I’ll dump him.’ She winked.
‘Was it that bad?’
‘Very, as you can see, I’ve had to by my own drink. Well that was before you came along.’
‘I’m glad I did. Where is he?’
‘In the bathroom.’ She looked around. ‘He’s on his way now.’ She pointed at him, as the man walked towards them.
‘Sophia?’
‘We’re done for the night. I’ve found someone else,’ she said frankly.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’
‘You heard the lady,’ said Ashford.
‘Fuck off.’
‘Listen, I don’t want trouble. It was never going to work between us anyway.’
The man gritted his teeth. He took in Ashford’s height against his. There was no way he would be able to compete.
‘You were a bitch anyway. Fucking gold digger.’ He spat as he walked away.
‘Hold this.’ Ashford handed her his drink.
He tapped the man on the shoulder. He turned around to meet Ashford’s fist in his face. The man fell to the ground.
‘That’s for the disrespect.’ Ashford shouted down at him. ‘Come let’s get out of here. Go to my place. It’s quieter.’
She nodded. He found Brett stoned out in the arms of a woman.
‘I’m leaving for the night mate.’ He told him.
‘See you tomorrow.’
‘Yeah.’
‘And the game continues.’ He laughed.
‘Yes I look forward to it.’
‘What was that about?’ she asked.
‘Just something my friend and I do. Nothing for you to worry about.’ He made a phone call while they headed for the exit. The car pulled up, the driver stepped out and they hopped in.
‘Oh...nice.’
‘Glad you like it.’ He knew exactly what he’d do to her. He needed it!
They arrived at his mansion. Sophia was impressed. He gave her a tour around the house.
‘I bet this is just one of your homes.’
‘Correct. I hardly live in any of the others. But this one is home.’ He was proud of the house. It was the first one he’d bought with his own money, not one of the many his father had bought.
‘So?’ He took her hand. ‘I guess you know why you’re here.’ He cut to the chase.
‘It’s pretty obvious.’ She had no qualms about it as she pulled down the side zip to the red dress. ‘Why else would I be at your house?’
‘I’m glad we’re on the same page.’ He helped her with the dress. ‘You are so sexy.’ He ran his hand over the flat stomach. ‘I needed this.’ He felt himself go hard. ‘Come with me.’ He guided her upstairs.
Once they were in the bedroom, he pulled down her panties and she unclipped the bra. He pulled off his suit. Took his tie and told her to put her hands together.
‘Do you trust me?’ he asked as he tied her hands together.
‘I do.’ She was excited. She couldn’t believe she was with him.
Good. Drop to your knees.’
She did as she was told. He quickly pulled down his boxers, and tapped his hard cock on her face.
‘Shit.’ His balls felt as though they would burst. ‘Take him into your mouth.’
He guarded his cock into her mouth. Without the use of her hands she had to trust him completely. He placed his hands to the back of her head and guarded her onto him.
‘Oh yes! That feels fucking good!’ He started slowly.
With each movement he got deeper and deeper. ‘Take me and keep me there.’ He pressed his hand behind her head. ‘Fuck!’ He pulled out before she choked. ‘Good girl. Do you like that?’
‘Yes I like that.’ She looked up at him.
‘Good. Open wide.’
She did as she was told. He pushed in and out, moving it to the side at times. He was in his comfort zone. This was what he craved. His balls swelled, he would burst at any moment, but didn’t want that before tasting her delicious body.
‘Come.’ He helped her up and directed her to the bed.
He undid her. ‘Put your arms above you.’
Again she followed his instructions with a smile on her face. Women pleased him. It was their job to do so, in his mind. It seemed he felt some sort of entitlement. The women were to blame too, they succumbed to his demands. He tied her hands above her so she was stretched out.
‘Look at you. You’re so sexy.’ He ran his hand over her flat stomach again. ‘Do you work out?’
‘I do, seven times a week.’
‘Well it’s working. I love nothing more than a fit body. It drives me crazy, as you can see.’ He held onto his solid member. She giggled like a little girl.
He lowered and took the tip of her nipple between his teeth. He teased it a while. The woman enjoyed the touch of this powerful man. His lips ran down her stomach. He spent a lot of time kissing it over and over again. When he was satisfied, he widened her legs and entered.
‘Oh god you taste so good,’ he panted as he moved faster and faster.
The woman let out loud cries as he pumped into her. He became wilder and wilder. He was like a man possessed as he rode her.
‘Turn around,’ he said after pulling out briefly.
As best she could she turned around.
‘Yes that’s so hot!’ He slapped her bum. ‘Cute bum.’
She giggled.
‘Tell me you want me to fuck you.’ He grasped her hair into a fist and pulled her head back.
‘Fuck me. Please fuck me hard!’
‘Beg me!’ He slapped against her bum again.
‘Please sir, fuck me. I beg you.’ She played along.
He loved that. He loved that women wanted him to take control.
‘I will fuck you!’
‘Yes please.’
He ran his member over her bum, then entered again. It was slow at first. He savoured the moment. But soon he was moving very fast in her. He grasped onto her hips.
‘Oh fuck yes! Your body is so hot.’ He was close to coming. ‘Beg me more!’
‘Fuck me harder! Harder!
That threw him over the edge. He pulled out. ‘Lie on your back. I want to come on your beautiful face.’
Obediently she did as she was told. He held his member over her.
‘Oh yes!’ she accepted him. ‘Yes!’
****
He was up at five the next morning like he always was. The woman squinted as she looked up at him.
‘My driver will take you home.’ He got out of bed.
‘Oh.’ She was a tad disappointed. ‘Will I see you again?’ she had to ask.
‘No. It was just one night of fun.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Yes. Didn’t you know that? I thought you did your homework on me. I don’t date women. I have sex with them.’
‘You’re a pig!’ She shouted as got out of bed.
‘You didn’t think that last night meant something? But that doesn’t really matter. I’ve got to have a shower. Nice knowing you.’ He walked out without giving her a backward glance.
She swallowed back her pride. How was she any different to the other women he fucked. What had she expected? Sophia picked up her clothes and got dressed.
By the time he’d got out of the shower, she was gone. To his relief. He hated seeing the women the next morning. If he could throw them out the same night he would. But sometimes he wanted morning sex.
He put on his running gear and headed out for an early morning run. He was on cloud nine. And today he would tackle the challenge.
****
Grace spent time with her mother that morning. She gave her a light wipe down and changed her clothes. She wanted her to feel as fresh as possible. She also made sure she turned her and did her back.
‘You don’t have to do this. The carer will do it.’
‘I want to. I just let her do it because I’m not home. But I am now.’
‘You’ll be tired before you get to work.’
‘Don’t worry about me mum. All I want is for you to be comfortable.’
‘And I love you for it.’
After she’d done the last button to the pyjama top, her mobile rang.
‘Sorry mum,’
‘It’s okay. You must have a life outside me.’
‘Hey, Paul what’s up?’
‘I was just checking to see how you are this morning. Your mum okay?’
‘That’s very sweet. She’s okay. You know.’
‘Yes. Anyway, I was thinking if you’d like to set up that drink.’
‘You asking me out on a date?’
‘Is that what it is?’ he laughed.
‘Paul, I’d love to, but I’m not in the dating mood right now. My life is a mess. Too much is going on. I can’t give you or anyone my attention. Not right now.’
‘That’s understandable. We could go for just drinks. No pressure. Just to get you out of the house.’
‘Ok. But not today. I’ll let you know.’
‘That’s fine.’
‘Thanks for checking up on me. You’re a good friend.’
‘You’re welcome. I care about you.’
‘I know you do.’
‘I’ll see you next week.’
‘Yes, see you next week. Enjoy your days off. It will be boring without you.’
He laughed, and soon after they hung up.
‘You need to stop pushing that boy away,’ said her mother.
‘I’m not. I’m just not ready.’
‘Sweetheart. Let love in.’
She smiled. She knew her mother meant well.
‘I want to know that you’ll be okay without me.’
‘I will be.’ She smiled mildly. ‘I will be.’ She thought about the mounting bills. She had no idea how she’d pay them. All the money she had was being sucked away by other things. Sooner or later they’d be taking her to court.
‘I hope so. You shut people out.’
‘I don’t mum. Please don’t worry.’
Gloria smiled.
‘Can I get you anything?’ she didn’t want to force the issue of food. She’d learnt enough about the issue during university to accept what was coming. Even though it was hard.
‘I’ll try a little bit of apple juice.’
‘Whatever makes you comfortable’ she smiled,
‘Thank you.’
Grace returned with the drink and helped Gloria as best she could. When that was done, she had a shower. Grace decided to skip breakfast. She just wasn’t in the eating mood that morning.