Weapon of Desire (12 page)

“Darcey
this is Marc, he has been Head Chef with us for over 15 years. Marc lives on site in one of the cottages with his wife Carla and son Darius.” Freya picks up menus from the breakfast bar as I shake hands with Marc. “Darius is also learning his father’s skills working alongside Marc.” Freya peeks inside the saucepan where Marc is stirring.

“Marc
has prepared menus for the next two weeks and Darcey I’d love you to take a look and let me know if there’s anything that you don’t particularly like. Don’t be shy and of course if you desire something else just let Marc know.” Freya hands me the menu.

“Thank you, I’m sure I’ll love everything, I’
m not a fussy eater and going by the aroma coming from this kitchen I’m going to be thoroughly spoilt.” Marc grins as he continues to stir his broth.

I can see Anthony taking a call on his mobile as he moves back into the hallway.

“Darcey we have a number of staff who live on site including Marc and Rosie. Ian is our Head Groundsman who Tom will introduce you to and of course Nick is Head of Security.”

Freya beckons me to walk wi
th her to a further room off the kitchen, dining room. “Darcey feel free to come and go as you please, I don’t want you to feel like a prisoner and we certainly don’t expect you to eat every meal with us. That’s why we’ve given you the suite on the second floor.” She turns to smile “Of course you’re very welcome to eat with us for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you wish.”

Freya opens a door to a mahogany
panelled room with leather Chesterfields. A central heavy wooden coffee table displays glass chess pieces standing to attention in front of another crackling fire.

“This is Tom’s den.” Freya rolls her eyes as Tom joins us. “Most of the time you
’ll find him in here.” She moves towards double doors that lead into a carpeted dark red room with luxurious cinema sofas and an enormous screen on the wall. “This is our home cinema room. Anthony installed it as a surprise about nine years ago. We love it and use it all the time.”

“Yes Darcey come and join us for a movie anytime, we love all the old ones.” Tom g
ives Freya a loving cuddle. I feel overwhelmed by the affection that I’m shown by Anthony and his family and my heart sings but also tainted by sorrow as I think of my lonely mother. I remember that I must call her this morning.

“Darc
ey, let’s show you to your room.” I follow Freya as we climb the majestic staircase up to the second floor.

The views a
re stunning looking out over the front lake. My four poster bed is dressed in crisp white sheets with silver grey fur cushions and a throw. Beige velvet curtains frame the windows with bronzed elaborately carved wooden bedside tables and headboard. A single door opens onto a bathroom with a roll top bath positioned in the window with views out over the surrounding fields. Further double doors from the bedroom lead through to a lounge with matching silver grey sofas arranged either side of an open fire with beige fur rugs. I had to close my mouth to disguise my amazement at this splendid house or more appropriate palace!

“Your house is beautifully furnished and so inviting.” Freya watches me
attentively from the bedroom. My mobile rings in my handbag interrupting my moment of tranquillity. Peering inside my bag at my phone I can see it is Mum.

“I’
ll go and make some tea and coffee.” Freya leaves the room with a wave as I accept the call.

“Hi Mum.” I stand at the window in the lounge staring at the trees in the distance.

“Hi darling, how are you, Daniel has just left. Why didn’t you call me?” Mum sounds fretful and confused.

“I’m sorry Mum it’
s been really hectic, I was going to call you this morning.” I sigh a little knowing that she is worried especially as Daniel has got to her first.

“Daniel tells me he took you to the hospital, are you ok?” she obviously has heard every detail from
him.

“Yes he took me there last night but I only have a few scratches and cuts, nothing to worry about Mum.” I can sense that this is not allaying her fears.

“Darcey, he told me that the detective is concerned for your safety and that Anthony has taken control of the whole situation. Where are you now?” I can’t tell whether Mum is relieved or still worried.

“Mum I’
m with Anthony at his parents’ home and I’m fine. There is good security here and I’m safe.” I hope that she is happier with my version of how Anthony has offered a safe environment and not controlling the situation.

“Daniel i
s distraught, beside himself, he said he had proposed to you but you said no.” I now sense the real reason for her unease. Mum wants me happily married with kids and I’ve turned this down and run away with Anthony.

“I’
m sorry Mum that Daniel is upset but I can’t marry someone who I no longer trust. I’m very thankful for his support last night but I can’t offer him anything else.” I take a deep breath as I watch the clouds float softly by. Mum is very quiet and I’ve an urge to see her right now to assure her that I’m ok.

“Darcey, as long as you are safe
. All I want is for you to be happy.” She is calm and her words are heartfelt.

“Mum, Anthony
does make me happy. I’ll come and see you soon I promise. Love you.”   I end the call turning to search for Anthony.

I
jump as I see him sitting on the sofa in my lounge watching me with a smile spread across his face. How long had he been sitting there? He holds out an open hand to indicate me to join him. Standing in front of him I hold his hand as we stare at each other. He strokes my leg; easing me closer then softly kisses the back of my hand.

“Are you ok Darcey?” Anthony’s eyes are deep and meaningful.

“Yes I’m fine.” I smile down at him as he moves to the edge of his seat.

“Darcey, just say if you want to see your Mum, Nick can take you.” He st
rokes my hand and I know he is worried that I may feel trapped here.

“Anthony, would you mind if I saw her after lunch
?”

“Not at all, Nick can drop me into Dorton on the way and then on your return he can also collect me.”
I’m pleased that Anthony is not muscling in on my visit as I need time alone with my Mum. “Come on let’s go and get a coffee and lunch.” Not letting go of my hand we walk downstairs to join Freya and Tom in the kitchen.

The table is laid for lunch and Nick, Rosie and Marc join us for spicy pumpkin soup with homemade Rosemary bread. The conversation is light and funny with Nick and Tom competing to tell embarrassing stories of Anthony, particularly emphasising his poor hunting and golf skills. Anthony enjoys the banter and watches me laugh heartily with one hand softly dancing on my thigh. His eyes are full of happiness and I relish seeing this relaxed, easy going side to his nature. Tom and Freya look on cheerfully as I suppose this has been a difficult year for all of them.

Nick drives Anthony and
me to Dorton. The security guards wave us in and the engine hums as we sit together in the back of the car.

“Say hello to Rosemary for me. Nick will wait outside for you until you are ready to return.” Anthony lightly
traces his finger along my chin drawing me closer.

Our lips touch and that fire relights inside me. He effortlessly turns on that switch and I instantly want more. My tongue brushes his lips as my fingers delve into the hair at the nape of his neck. I close my eyes as I
breathe in his scent while running a hand down his chest. What does he do to me?

“Later Darcey!
” Anthony whispers and turns to exit the car. I’m suddenly confused, am I being too pushy, needy? Perhaps I’m reading the signs wrong.

Mum is pleased to see me with a hug and kiss and then winc
ing she touches the scars on my cheek. I follow her through to the kitchen.

“Have you got to get those stitches checked again?” she is tense as she opens the kitchen door. There leaning against the kitchen counter is Daniel. Mum’s face is
stony as she tries to read my expression. Daniel was furious when he walked out of my apartment this morning but now looks very calm or possibly too relaxed.

“Daniel
… Mum didn’t tell me you were going to be here.” I glare at Mum disapprovingly. She blushes at being sneaky behind my back.

“Darcey, he needs to speak to you.” Mum leaves the room and Daniel sways a little as he walks towards me.

“Darcey, I want you and I’m not giving up. You’re mine and always will be.” Daniel grabs my hands as I can smell alcohol on his breath. “I want us move in together, get married and have kids, I know that you want that too.”

“Daniel, have you been drinking?” I step backwards, pulling away my hands.

“Yes.” He steps forward holding my face. “Darcey we still love each other and I can prove it.”

I’
m anxious about what is going to happen next and my eyes are ice cold in anticipation. I can’t speak and my limbs feel weighted to the spot.

“Darcey, I’
m going to kiss you and you will still feel that same passion we have for each other.” Daniel moves closer and our lips touch, he softly opens my mouth with his tongue and pulls me into his space.

I can feel his warm chest against mine and I resist the impulse to kiss him. He does not take no for an answer and steps up the he
at with his lapping tongue. My head is in a swirl and my heart races as my tongue responds to his touch. I know this man and remember how good we can be together. His lust grows as his hands wander hungrily under my skirt. My thoughts turn him and Melissa as I pull my mouth away making distance between us with my forearms.

“Darcey
don’t tell me you can’t feel that.” Daniel’s eyes are wild and yearning.

“No Danie
l, this changes nothing. I can’t trust you.” I push against his effort to pull me nearer.

“You still love me, I know you do.” Daniel seizes my face and I squint at the pain as he touches my cheek.

“Daniel no, you can’t put right seven months of cheating, it wasn’t just a moment of weakness!” I struggle to free myself from his clutch.

“Darcey come with me to Russia. We can go tomorrow.” Daniel still holds my face tightly and the pain shoots through my cheek.

“Daniel no, please let go.” His drunkenness is clouding his judgment and behaviour.

He
grabs my hair pulling me into his mouth and smothers my release of pain. His mouth is ferocious and unrelenting as his free hand forcefully rips my tights. Daniel pulls back to look at me and I stare terrified into his eyes.

“I want you.” Daniel continues his onslaught biting my neck hard as I scream out loud.

“Stop, please stop.” I’m shocked at this Daniel I’ve never seen before.

Pressing me up against the wall he lifts me off the ground as I push hard against his chest. Mum dashes into the room immediately followed by Nick who ploughs into Daniel holding him up against the
kitchen counter. I sink to the floor watching the restrained monster. He looks across the room at me with eyes full of regret.

“I’
m so sorry Darcey, please forgive me.”  Daniel breaks down into a sob as Nick steps back to free him.

“Darcey are you ok?” Nick stands above me
offering his hand to help me stand.

“I’m fine Nick.” I watch
Daniel sob into his hands. He is a broken man and right now needed to sleep off the alcohol. Moving towards him, Nick looks on nervously. I put one hand to Daniel’s face, he looks down at me. “Daniel you need to go home. Please accept that we are over, I can’t forgive and forget. I love you and will always be here for you but that doesn’t make it right between us.”

Dani
el lightly touches my lips. “I’m so sorry.”

“Daniel call me when you’
re sober. Nick will you drive Daniel home?” Nick nods and surprisingly I feel composed and in control.

Mum busies herself making tea as Nick and Daniel leave. I concentrate on my ragged appearance. Looking into the bathroom mirror I can see the bruising on my neck and blood smeared from the cut on my cheek. Removing my torn tights I search in Mum’s
bedroom cupboard for replacements.

Mum is distraught at
how the meeting with Daniel ended and apologises over and over again for causing me further pain. I sip my tea in a daze feeling numb to what has just happened.

Nick returns shortly
to collect me and Mum makes him a coffee as he stands at the kitchen counter.

“Are you going to press charges?” Nick is deadly serious.

“No.” I avoid eye contact. “He was drunk.”

“He tried to rape you!”
Nick is so angry. “What if he tries again, there might not be anyone around to stop him next time.”

“He won’t do it again
.” I’m insistent and Nick doesn’t push the matter. “Are you going to tell Anthony?”

“I
already called him to let him know. He’s not stupid Darcey, what were you going to say happened to your neck? Lies only hurt more.” He continues to drink his coffee. “Darcey you need to decide where your loyalties lie. I won’t let you hurt Anthony, he’s been through enough.”