Weapon of Desire (16 page)

“Darcey, Dubai is on offer for the next two weeks
only, give me call when you’re ready to talk.”

Colonel Garner walks towards the
drawing room door and opens it sharply. Feet can be heard scurrying down the hallway towards us.

“Ever
ything ok Colonel Garner?” Tom questions nervously.

“Yes all in order. Tell me
, how is Anthony settling at Dorton after such a testing past six months?” Garner is all smiles that you’d never have thought he’d just delivered his orders with such cold execution.

“
Anthony is really enjoying work with Darcey. They are in the middle of a merger with another school. He is a different person, much happier.” Freya is so proud of her son’s accomplishment.

“Wonderful news, let’s hope Anthony has many more happy years at Dorton.” He tur
ns to face me with a grin. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow Darcey.”

A nod is all I can manage as I stand gripping the envelope. I could
see Tom isn’t taken by Colonel Garner’s charm and says nothing as he registers my quietness.

The door shuts and I instantly want to run and never st
op. I conclude that if they can’t catch me I’ll never have to leave this haven and accept the army’s proposal.

“I’
m going to take a walk.” I go in search of my jacket and boots which are tidily stored in the boot room after our busy hunting this morning.

“Would you like me to join you Darcey?” T
om is following me with Freya only feet behind him.

“No, please don’
t take this the wrong way but I need to be alone right now.” I pull on my boots and jacket with the envelope in both hands I exit through the rear door without turning back to look at Tom and Freya.

The cold
air and light rain greets my face as I tuck the envelope inside my jacket. Heading across the front lawns I follow the path winding around the lake. The raindrops form small ripples on the water’s surface as ducks swim for shelter on the far bank. Only the sound of rain gently falling can be heard. My head clears of any thoughts as I soak up the peaceful setting.

The shower is becoming heavier as the weather worsens, with grey clouds forming a gloom and darkness. Droplets congregate on the ends of my curls as I desperately search the lakeside for cover. In the distance stands a gazebo with open sides and a hanging seat overlooking the water. Running down the gravel path I leap the steps to the decked platform. Feeling cold I dig my hands deep into my pockets listening contently to the rain dripping from the roof onto the steps. Swaying softly backwards and forward on the swing seat I contemplate whether to read the contents of the envelope.

I recite in my head my options. Finish with Anthony and keep my job
or
take the job in Dubai which also means distancing myself from Anthony. In other words the message from head office is loud and clear - finish the affair or leave my job. The position in Dubai would’ve been very tempting a few weeks back but seeing it for what it is, leaves a bitter taste. They’re not offering me the role because they want to promote me; they see me as a problem and want me gone. I pull the envelope from inside my jacket and begin to read the finite detail of the offer. Confidentiality clauses are entwined throughout the terms of employment. They intend to completely gag me and control my private affairs.

Across the lake I can see Anthony’s car pulling
through the main gate and cruising towards the house. It’s early for him to be returning home. Tom must have phoned him about our visitation this afternoon.

My
hope of happy ever after with Anthony plummets as I twiddle with the locket; I don’t ever want to leave this place. Anthony makes me feel so happy and cherished. How can I jeopardise his new life here in Suffolk after all he’s been through in the past six months. I recall Colonel Garner’s comment “let’s hope Anthony has many more happy years at Dorton.”

As I suspect Anthony
has returned home to speak to me. I can see him walking in the rain with his heavy green hooded coat and work suit trousers tucked into boots as he skirts the lake with Bonnie and Clyde. What a wonderful sight, making my heart swollen and warm. Tom and Freya must’ve watched me trek across the front lawns.

Anthony approaches with a grin. My thoughts turn to what a state I must look with dripping wet hair, cold blue lips and sitting alone on a swing.
He sits beside me with an arm around my shoulders. I sink my head into his neck enjoying his warmth. There was no fooling him that the meeting this afternoon was good news.

“
I take it Colonel Garner didn’t bring good tidings?” Anthony pulls me in closer rubbing my arm.

“He knows about us.” I look up into Anthony’s eyes.

“Who cares that he knows.” His eyes are deep and thoughtful.

“The army cares
strongly.” I listen to Anthony sigh with displeasure as I continue. “Conflicting interests is what he called it.”

“So what are they going to do about it, put me in prison?”
Anthony looks furious at their statement.

“No, they have informed me of my contractual obligations and how they will help me meet them, which is literally I must stop seeing you and relocate to Dubai.” My previous
feeling of powerlessness is now raging into anger.

“What?” Anthony shouts
twisting to face me. “They can’t dictate to you who you can and can’t see!”

“Oh yes they can, they’
re moving me to an apartment at the base tomorrow. No doubt to spy on me to ensure there are no conflicting interests.” I look down feeling sorry for Anthony who sits back in the chair, deep in thought.

“Did you confirm that we are seeing each other?” Anthony lifts my chin as I
shake my head. “Then they can’t prove it and therefore you can stay in your job with me at Dorton.”

I feel sad and confused, is Anthony agreeing that we remain as professional colleagues only? He frowns as though trying to read my mind.

“Unless you want to take the job in Dubai?” Anthony’s realisation of the offer cools his enthusiasm.

“Anthony the bloody job
in Dubai is not an offer, it’s a way of getting rid of perceived trouble and gagging me in the process.” I immediately feel better for getting it off of my chest.

“Then we go on as usual and
meet secretly.” He enthrals me with his renewed vigour for us.

“Does that mean we can’
t do things that normal couples do?” I feel deflated at the prospect.

“Like what
?”

“Like waking up in each other’s arms
every morning, holding hands walking at the lakes, staring into each other’s eyes at a restaurant.” I can’t contain my grief at the thought of a secret love affair.

“We will find a
way; don’t let them break us. It will only be for a while until the investigation is over and then they will be busy trying to control someone else.” He smiles and tenderly kisses my lips. “Darcey, I’ll not give you up without a fight.”

Strolling back in the rain
Anthony makes everything seem so straight forward but also complicated.

“So can I still call you at any time?” I am starting to feel very cold.

“Of course but only using our mobiles, work calls will be monitored and so will our emails. They most probably have already checked them.” Anthony doesn’t look up from under his hood as we walk and scheme.

“What do we tell your parents and my family?” My
sorrow returns as I think of how affectionately Freya and Tom have welcomed me into their home.

“We tell them that we are close work colleagues.” Anthony has it all sorted in his head.

“But surely Freya and Tom must know otherwise.” Anthony stops and holds my hands.

“Darcey of course they do and they will be heartbroken that you have to leave
tomorrow but they are very good at keeping secrets.” He pulls me in close with his hood hanging over both of us. “It’s going to be fine, trust me.”

The house is filled with the sweet aroma of tomat
oes and garlic. After we discard our wet garments, I tear the envelope into pieces and dispose of it in the recycling bin. Freya and Tom greet us as we pass through the kitchen.

“Hello dear, you look drenched, would you like a hot drink to warm you
up?” Anthony and I naturally hold hands and enjoy the freedom to touch and hug while away from prying eyes.

“That would be wonderful, thank you.” I stand at the breakfast bar with Anthony wrapped around my waist as Tom appears from his den.

“Darcey we didn’t finish our game!” He looks disappointed and places his hands on my shoulders. “You know we’re here for you. You can share your problems with us.”

“I’
m sorry for running off like that I didn’t know what to do.” I smile as Freya hands us mugs of hot tea.

“Darcey in future speak to us, where there is a will, there is a way.” Tom releases my shoulders and smiles at Anthony.

“It is difficult Pa, the army claims that Darcey is in breach of her contractual agreement due to conflicting interests, namely me.”

Tom
shuffles angrily “That is ridiculous!”

“
I’m sorry but I’m not going to stop seeing Darcey, she means too much to me. So I’m asking you both to be discreet concerning our relationship.” Anthony holds my hand as he leans against the bar with his mug.

“Our lips are sealed
Anthony, if you’re happy, we are too.” Tom puts a manly arm around his shoulders and Freya tilts her head sympathetic to his plea.

“Thanks, I knew you’
d understand.” He reclaims my waist. “Ma what time is supper; we’ll be joining you this evening.”

“Not until 8 so go get
out of those wet clothes, you’ll catch a death!”  She is totally devoted to her family’s happiness and that includes me.

Anthony leads me into the hallway wher
e we climb the stairs together.

I instinctively continue along the landing to reach the second floor staircase where he stops outside his bedroom do
or tugging me back towards him.

“Darcey, tonight you’
re staying with me. I want; as you put it, to do what normal couples do. I want us to fall asleep and wake up together.”  His cheeky smirk tells me he has more than sleeping in mind.

He opens his bedroom door to a huge room
with deep, golden sand coloured walls and black high gloss furniture. Sand and black velvet cushions are scattered over the white sheets and the window is framed with heavy wooden shutters. Beige sofas are positioned around an open fire at one end of the room with a cluttered glass desk located in the window. A door leads onto an equally large bathroom tiled in natural stone with an oval centrally placed bath.

Anthony guides me by the shoulders to a black velvet armchair standing
in the corner of the bathroom.

“Sit please.” I sink to the seat
amazed how his strict instruction turns me on.

H
e opens the bath taps and adds erotic scented oils before turning to stand inches in front of me with those captivating eyes. He eases out of his suit jacket walking past me to throw it onto the bed. Anthony returns loosening his silk tie and unfastening the top buttons of his shirt revealing those stray hairs that I know go all the way down to his belly. He looks so hot as he leans forward resting his hands either side of me on the back of the chair.  His mouth devours mine, sweeping over my tongue as I tug his tie down towards me and wrap my legs around his. Pulling back upright he holds my stare as the tie drops to the floor.

Anthony steps backwards perching his bottom on the edge of the bath.

“Darcey I want you to tell me what you want.”

“
Mmm let me think……. a pair of Jimmy Choo’s and a holiday in The Bahamas.” I smirk knowing this isn’t what we meant.

Anthony rises, turns off the taps and walks towards me shaking his head and grins, “You know exactly what I mean Darcey, I want to know what you like.” He leans forward closer to my face and whispers, “I want to know every inch of your body, what gets you wet?”

He now has my full attention as he straightens staring down at me. Wow he makes me horny without even trying. The she devil inside me raises her head and decides to come out to play.

“
You make me wet Anthony.” I watch with interest to see how far he’ll interrogate me.

Walking to the back of my chair he
lowers and licks slowly up my neck “How do I make you wet?”

“When you ki
ss me as though you’re fucking me.” I tilt my head to one side to allow him access as I enjoy his teeth nipping my ear.

“Like this?” Anthony snatches my chin directing my face towards him and then delves his tongue deep into my mouth, curling around mine. He suddenly pulls upright again.

“Yes like that.” I pant wanting more but he has other ideas. He lifts my sweater over my head and releases a nipple from below my lace bra.