Unbound (The Braille Club #2) (2 page)

Chapter 2

The Braille Club, London, One Year On. The doors to Harrison’s and the secret Braille Club are locked on a full-time basis. All members are required to place their key into the outdoor lock to gain entry. The exterior door opens to reveal another. Members must insert their key into the lock above an electronic keypad, then punch in their unique access code. The key doesn’t work without the code and vice versa. This is for security and privacy, adding a further air of mystery to the Club, as people speculate on events behind its closed doors.

London 2014

Nick

Nick Waters was a model prisoner. On remand, he had time…time to think. He hadn’t meant to hurt his ex-wife; he’d only wanted the truth. She’d betrayed him. He could hardly bear her being with another, but the legacy of her affair was hard to ignore; she’d been pregnant, for god’s sake.

His mind drifted back to that phone call. The call that changed his life, and he wished he’d done things differently. The shock of finding out Siena was pregnant had completely thrown him. His fertility issues with his first wife had meant the chances were high the baby wasn’t his…but still. Dazed and acting on instinct, he had gone to the hospital to get answers. Siena
had
been acting strangely ever since her trip to Marbella to meet with the architect in charge of their villa project. The thought of Benedict Harrison made him twitch. He’d suspected something was wrong, but Siena had outfoxed and outplayed him. She’d left him devastated and demanded a divorce while concealing her pregnancy,
the bitch
.

The phone call had blown everything out into the open. Drugging her was the only way he could talk to her and cut through her lies. He hadn’t wanted to tie Siena to the wheelchair, but she could be unpredictable. Things were going well, and he’d been about to return her unharmed when he’d spied Harrison at the hospital. This confirmed all his suspicions. He blamed him for what had happened next. Without his presence, things might have gone differently, he was sure of it. Instead, because of him and the police, he’d panicked and run, taking Siena with him.

His face darkened now as he remembered what happened. Finding out Siena had been faking her hypnosis sent him over the edge into a murderous rage. The lying bitch had pushed him too far this time. When he’d drawn his hand back and slapped her, it was the biggest rush of his life. Stunned, he’d realised he couldn’t wait to do it again.

He savoured the memory, his hands curling in and out of fists as his arousal grew. When he’d hit her the second time, his excitement got the better of him. He’d slipped up; he should have taped the
bitch’s
mouth. That’s when it had all gone wrong; her scream had forced him to keep her quiet. He relived the events—his hands squeezing her delicate throat—his body tightened as his hand travelled down to unzip his fly. He played with himself as memories of throttling Siena filled his mind. The few slaps he’d given her were a revelation…he’d enjoyed it. He loved the power and control. Most of all he’d loved hurting her, his arousal a wonderful surprise and bonus, but nothing compared to the actual strangulation. His fingers worked quickly, he grunted and his body arched as he climaxed. The euphoria didn’t last long; images of Harrison bursting through the door had him shaking with rage. He remembered the pain of his punches as he’d fought him. The humiliation of lying on the floor as he waited to be arrested.

The anger bubbled up inside him because he wanted to hurt them both now; in fact, it was his only focus. He would enjoy destroying the man who had stolen her from him. Annoyance filled him. Why had he panicked? He knew if he’d only kept calm things might have turned out differently.

Nothing would be left to chance next time—and there would be a next time—he was an excellent planner. Allowing himself to dream, he remembered their marriage. He smiled—he had almost ten years’ worth of memories to sift through—good memories of their life together until Harrison ruined everything.

His mood darkened and his face filled with hate. He now knew about the twins, and while there was a slim possibility those babies were his, he would use it to his advantage. Those DNA results would be the key to everything. His mood shifted and his thoughts turned to revenge. His plans for Siena once reunited? His face lit up in a beatific smile.

She would be sorry. She would beg for mercy in vain, as whatever humanity Nick had left had been brutality stamped out by prison. He’d learned to channel the brutality, to embrace it, surviving on his wits and his ability to negotiate—his burning desire to get out and get even his only aim. Outwardly he appeared unchanged but inside, everything was dark and deadly. He would come for them when they least expected it, but he would come for all of them.

Chapter 3

The Braille Club, London, One Year On: The Braille Club booking system was now available online. Members could book one week in advance and would log in via the Braille Club’s remote, but secure, log-in. They must enter their membership number and unique code. An automatic text was generated and sent to their mobiles. This was the last but most essential code, enabling them access to register their desired nights. The system would check availability against their specific rotational allocation and confirm if their chosen night and zone preference would be granted.

London 2014

Guy

Guy had tried to talk Siena and Benedict out of having a Braille Club session on opening night. Shocked they were using the glass cube as the venue, and feeling ill prepared, he argued against it. The cube was exposed—what if something went wrong? He’d felt tense all night, and only relaxed when the glass turned opaque; it had failed several times in the last few days, the switch jamming.

The chairs, although thoroughly tested, still made him uneasy. As he stood outside checking the hands of the people entering the cube, he could feel the tension building. When he stepped inside he was transported into a different life. A life he welcomed, a life he hungered for; a welcome distraction from Anna. She still haunted him. Two years since their split, and yet it felt like yesterday.

The job at Harrison’s was all consuming. He worked long hours and fell into bed at night exhausted. It was the only way he could cope, the only way he could sleep, although Anna filled his dreams. The zones were taking shape, under his and Siena’s direction. Benedict was involved too, but the redevelopment of the rest of the building was his priority. They had completed the underground car park and Caligo.

The second phase was the main focus. The upper floors would be transformed into a welcoming reception. They would offer restaurants, a state of the art gym, and unparalleled sports facilities including studios, squash, tennis, and badminton courts. The pool would be spectacular with a full complement of saunas and steam rooms.

So, he’d been working flat out; things were hectic with the success of Caligo and the ongoing construction. As Phase 2 neared completion, Guy knew he would be busier than ever, and he welcomed it. He was an old school workaholic, married to the job. He had joined the police force at the tender age of eighteen. Disappointed he would not be attending university, his parents could not change his mind.

He found his work demanding and rewarding, although the shifts wrecked what little social life he’d had. His relationships didn’t last, he wasn’t interested enough, and the job always came first. The long hours he put in didn’t help either. Towards the end, he hooked up with married female officers and other work-related colleagues. These illicit affairs gave him the buzz he craved. The sex was hot, dirty, and passionate. The affairs were often short-lived but never boring. He was an excellent judge of character. He avoided needy females, seeking those who wanted to stay married. The arrangement had to suit both parties. Ambitious and with no family constraints, he was free to pursue career advancement, wherever that took him.

IT would become his speciality, and he would often travel throughout the UK when assisting in specialised cases. He didn’t regret a minute of it and was completely adrift when at the young age of 48 he officially retired. He could have stayed on, but financially it didn’t make sense.

Breaking from his usual short liaisons, he had become involved in a long-term affair with a married Q.C. It all started when she walked into the lift he was standing in. Their gaze met and he felt a spark of instant attraction—his heartbeat quickened, but she didn’t acknowledge him. She was the type of woman people noticed. A strong, striking face with a fantastic figure—he couldn’t help but stare at her. As the lift filled up, she stepped backwards.

She moved closer and closer to him as the lift continued to fill. She didn’t turn around. He could smell her heady perfume; see the soft downy hair at the back of her neck. The lift was packed and she moved again until her rear connected with his groin. Embarrassed, he sprang back, his arousal immediate as their bodies connected. The crush of people continued to jostle them together. Then, to his amazement, she deliberately pushed into him, rubbing against him provocatively as she asked someone to press the eighth floor. He was barely breathing, his erection pulsing hotly against her as he fought to regain control of his emotions. He couldn’t believe it was happening, it seemed to last forever, but she gave one final push against him and departed, leaving the lift without a backward glance. Guy, a little dazed, had missed his intended floor. Adjusting himself quickly, he sheepishly punched in the fifth floor but couldn’t get the woman out of his mind. He couldn’t forget the encounter. He looked for her whenever he was in the building. Their paths did not cross again till three weeks later.

He got a phone call asking if he could attend a preliminary meeting as consult on a new case that the CPS was working on. He checked his diary and made the appointment for later that week with Anna Dunbar. Arriving promptly, he froze when shown into the office. He recognised the woman immediately as she stood talking on the phone. She motioned to him to sit; indicating with her finger she would not be long with the call.

She had her back to him while speaking into the handset as he looked her over. Her pencil skirt seemed to hug every curve. It accentuated the narrowness of her waist and roundness of her buttocks; the fabric moulded to her flesh, the slit sexy and enticing. He remembered the feel of those buttocks pushing into him and closed his eyes. Her high heels showcased her shapely calves. The cream blouse she wore was so fine the outline of her underwear was visible. Guy licked his lips; he liked what he saw.

He didn’t know he would do it until his hand reached out and touched her spine. She shivered, but otherwise continued with her call. Emboldened, he stood up behind her. He put both hands on her hips and pulled her against him, his desire overriding his common sense. Again she pushed her rear against him and longing flooded his body. His fingers ran down the front of her thighs, and his breath quickened as he felt the garter belt beneath. As he pressed against her, his body tightened in response, seriously aroused—but still she ignored him.

His arms snaked up, skimming over her breasts, and she rewarded him with a little pause as her breath caught. He inched up her skirt and as he did, she moved her legs apart. Blood roared in his ears as gradually, her long, slim stockinged legs were revealed. His hands caressed her thighs, his fingers travelling higher until he realised she was naked beneath her skirt. He yanked it up higher to reveal creamy skin in stark contrast to her black stockings and no panties.

Shock and surprise rippled through him. His hands cupped her rear, the skin soft but firm. Heart hammering, he glanced at the door and swallowed. It could open anytime. With no explanation for their actions, the punishment would be swift and brutal. He looked around the room, which was sparse and completely exposed. There was no place for intimacy here. He jerked as her hand moved to his groin, rubbing him, teasing him, egging him on. Breathing hard, it took all of his control not to explode right there and then as she ended her call. She moved away from him suddenly and tugged her skirt down as she turned to face him.

“Mr. Walker, we meet again.” She smiled. “Please take a seat.”

Her voice was cool and crisp as she sat down and indicated the chair in front of her desk. He could barely breathe, let alone speak as he stumbled towards it. His eyes never left her unreadable face. She picked up a file and opened it.

“Would you like tea or coffee?” she asked.

Still stunned, he nodded out of habit.

“Which would you prefer?”

“Coffee,” he heard himself saying.

She lifted the phone and requested two coffees to be brought in. He stared at her, her hardened nipples evident through her blouse. There came a knock on the door; a girl entered and placed a tray on the desk. Anna thanked her, lifted the coffee pot, and poured as the door closed. She pushed his cup towards him and when their fingers touched, he almost moaned.

“I want your involvement in this case.” She indicated the file in front of her. “It’s going to be big and we’ll need your expertise to win it.”

He remained silent as he added milk and sugar to his cup. Then he sipped his coffee as he tried to collect his thoughts and calm his racing heart.

“May I look at it?” he asked.

“Finish your coffee first.” Anna smiled. Guy placed his coffee cup on the tray. He got out of his chair and went to stand beside her. She rose, moving her chair back to allow him closer. She lifted the tray and placed it on a side table. Their bodies hummed as they stood side by side. He let his fingers brush her spine as he pulled the file in front of him. The touch of her excited him. His breathing quickened and his heart skipped. Anna looked completely unruffled. She lifted the phone, telling her secretary not to disturb her under any circumstances while her cool eyes taunted him.

Unable to wait a second longer, he moved behind her, running his hands over her body as she leaned into him. His mouth found her neck, his hands her breasts as her body arched. He was shaking with desire, he wanted her very badly, but everything was happening so quickly. She ground against him, sending what little sense he had remaining out of his head. He turned her around, his eyes locked onto to hers as his fingers inched up her skirt. His brain, aware she was naked underneath, made him clumsy. The sight of her made him tremble. He parted her legs and slipped his fingers deep inside. She was so wet he gasped. Her hands stroked him and his body jerked at her touch. She found his belt buckle and loosened it. He groaned, almost losing control, squeezing her breast before pulling her tighter. Her fingers popped his button, pulling at him until he sprung free. Some primal instinct took over. He pushed her over the desk and plunged into her. He exploded, his release powerful and over in seconds. Dazed, he stumbled backwards.

Anna straightened, reached inside her drawer, and took out several tissues; turning to him, their eyes locked as she handed him some. He cleaned himself. Her skirt was still bunched up as she sat on the desk. She reached inside the desk again and pulled out wet wipes.

“Clean me,” she demanded.

He stared at her as she opened her legs. His fingers shook as he looked at her sex, gloriously swollen and slick. Her eyes never left his as he approached her. Taking the wipes, he parted her legs further and started to rub them over her inner thighs. He was rock hard again as he gently wiped her nub. He wiped her all over, their breathing the only sound in the room before he dropped to his knees. Pulling her to the edge of the desk, he lifted her legs around his shoulders. He brought his mouth to kiss the top of her inner thigh, the creamy flesh wonderfully exposed. He moved deliberately slowly, his mouth hot as he delivered little kisses until at last, his lips touched her centre.

She gasped and wound her hands in his hair, her breathing more erratic. His tongue licked and sucked as he felt her body convulse, but his arms held her tightly. When he thrust his tongue inside her, she tugged wildly at his hair. The pain was strangely erotic as his tongue relentlessly pushed her, harder and harder, until he was rewarded when her orgasm ripped through her.

Panting now, she stood up. He rose also, drawing his hand across his mouth. He let out a cry of surprise when Anna shoved him back on the chair. He stumbled a little, his clothes restricting his movements. She pulled her skirt back down, smoothing it over her thighs as she approached him. This time it was her turn to kneel as she took him in her mouth. She was fierce, sucking hard, making him come in minutes. She knelt back and smiled, reaching for the tissues to wipe her mouth.

His body was bathed in sweat. Anna Dunbar looked unperturbed in comparison. He kept glancing at the door, on edge as he sat there exposed and spent but already wanting more. Her mobile rang, startling them both. He quickly pulled his clothes back on as she looked at the screen on her phone and frowned.

“The meeting’s over, I need to take this,” she said tersely, and without a backward glance she strode out of the room, leaving him staring at her retreating back.