Weapon of Desire (31 page)

“I love you Anthony but it’
s just not safe to be together right now.”

He kneels on
the stair below me “Darcey, I’m so sorry. I let you down.”

I watch his sorrowful gaze.
“Anthony you have your mother to worry about and I’ve mine. I never want to see that helpless, terrified look on her face ever again.” The thought is so painful I close my eyes. “I was so frightened.”

“Darcey, I
promise you’ll be safe with me at Sebel House. Simon is collecting Rose and Lesley.” He rises up and cups my chin with his soft hands “I’m not taking any more chances.”

“Anthony I’
m keeping away from everyone, too many people get hurt when they are around us.” My words are smothered with his lips as his tongue searches for mine.

He pulls back and looks deep into my eyes. “
Darcey you have to come with me now, you’re both in danger. One call is all it took to find you, they’ll do the same.”

I’m filled with dread knowing he’
s right and that Suki is now also at risk because of me.

“We need to make sure
Suki is safe on that flight to New York.” He scoops me up in his arms. “Nobody is going to take you away from me.” His mouth reclaims mine as he carries me out of the house and towards his car. Nick opens the rear door as we approach and Anthony places me down onto the back seat.

“I’
ll be back with Suki in a moment.”

“Hi Darcey,” Nick stares at my attire “nice pyjamas!” He closes the rear door and climbs back into the driver’s seat.

Anthony returns with Suki opening the rear door for her and then places her suitcase and my handbag in the boot. He takes a seat in the front beside Nick and then turns to smile. “Seatbelts please ladies.”

This is the most bizarre day I’ve ever experienced, being literally taken in pink pyjamas and thrown in the back of a car. Anthony fiddles with his mobile texting somebody which is irritating me and then turns to Nick without one word to me. “Let’s go home.”

I’
m not talkative and feel sulky like a child who hasn’t got her own way. I slouch facing the window tucking my bare feet underneath me. The car motion is smooth and sways me gently; before I know it my eyes are droopy. 

Suki and Ant
hony are talking as I stir. I’m content and comfortable, in a slightly better mood but decide to block everyone out keeping my eyes closed.

“So how can you be certain that this will
all stop after Friday?” She has a sarcastic tone to her voice.

“They won’t be interested in us” Anthony is quite sure
and assertive. “They’ll be busy trying to secure their wealth.”

“Anthony people hold grudges when someone
pisses them off!” Her comment rings in my head as I fall back to sleep.

The car door slams and wakes me suddenly.
No one is seated in the front or beside me as I quickly sit up realising I’m at Sebel House. Suki is talking to Anthony while Nick places her case in Simon’s car.

Suki swings her handbag onto her shoulder “
Take good care of Darcey.”

Anthony
tenderly kisses her on her cheek “Don’t worry; Darcey is completely safe here. Suki be careful, any problems call me.”

I swing open the car door as they
turn to look in my direction. “Suki are you leaving without saying goodbye?”

She smiles step
ping forwards. “Darcey if you need me, just call.”

“Th
ank you for looking after me, I’m sorry I dragged you into this.” Suki pulls me into a hug and then calmly walks towards Simon. He opens the rear door as she waves stepping inside. I suddenly feel abandoned and not sure whether I can trust anyone.

Anthony is beside me in seconds
acknowledging my concerned expression. “Are you ok?” His warm eyes assure me that everything is fine. I nod as his arms sweep around my back and under my legs lifting me up close to him. Tucking my face into his neck I breathe in his body scent. I’ve missed him so much.

Mum
and Lesley greet me at the main entrance. “Darcey thank goodness, you’re alright, don’t ever run off like that again.”

“I’m fine Mum.
” She looks overwhelmed and tired. The hall stone floor feels cold on my feet as Anthony puts me down. “How is Freya?”

Tom materialises from the kitchen
and greets me with a kiss “she is doing really well Darcey. They may let her come home this weekend.” He is staring at my pyjamas “Why are you still dressed in pyjamas?”

I’
m so happy to see his chirpy face “Anthony didn’t give me a chance to dress.”

Anthony’s fingers
wander around my hand and lead me towards the kitchen. “You need to eat, Marc has prepared lunch.”

“Anthony I’
m really not that hungry.” I can tell my weak protest is being ignored.

“Darcey you need to build up your strength.”
He continues into the kitchen with Mum, Lesley and Tom following. “After lunch you’re going to rest.”

There’
s no point in arguing and Marc’s tomato and chilli soup looks fantastic. We all sit around the conservatory table but are instantly interrupted by the phone. Rosie makes her way to Tom’s den to answer the call.

“Anthony,
its Colonel Garner for you.” She quickly covers the receiver “Shall I tell him you’ll call him back after lunch?”

“No
I’ll take it, thank you Rosie.” Anthony puts down his napkin and heads into the den pushing the door behind him.

We can hear Anthony talking and Mum tries to smother his conversation with silly talk of growing chilli plants. His voice becomes raised and Tom’s eyes rise to meet mine.

“Garner, she’s staying here!” He is silent as he listens to Garner before interjecting. “I’ll get Simon to collect Richard tomorrow before coming here. Nick and I will escort Darcey. I’ll need you to collect Marie.” There’s another period of silence. “Did you change the flight? Good I’ll let them know…Ok ……speak to you tomorrow.” 

Anthony joins us at the table as Tom p
uts down his spoon “Everything Ok Son?”

“Yes everything’s fine, Darcey I’
ll be taking you tomorrow evening and Richard will be escorting both Lesley and Rosemary.” Anthony tucks into his soup as the rest of us watch in astonishment at his cool performance.

“Mum is coming with us?” I can hardly
contain the smile spreading across my face.

“Yes and
Rosemary, Nick and I will be flying to Dubai with you on Saturday, so ladies you may want to go shopping and pack this afternoon. I’ll arrange for Nick to take you both as soon as he’s back with Darcey’s clothes.”

I
instantaneously hug Anthony’s face with both bandaged hands. “I love you.” I slap a kiss on his tomato chilli lips as a satisfied grin appears. 

“You didn’t think that I was going to let you and Lesley have all the fun did you?” Anthony breaks a chunk of bread and dunks into his soup. “Darcey you nee
d to rest this afternoon, you’ve a busy day tomorrow.”

Finishing my
soup I rest back in my chair with a feeling of temporary calmness and serenity around me. If I could live this moment for the rest of my life I’d be more than happy. Anthony is right I’m exhausted, I need to rest.

He stares down at me softly placing his hand on mine. Standing he offers his other hand to join him.
“Ready for a lay down?”

Mum sm
iles and utters “Thank god you’re safe here Darcey.”

“Have a g
ood afternoon shopping Mum.” I’m briskly led away by Anthony.

Tom calls after me “Darcey you still owe me that game of chess.”

Lying beside me in the middle of his bed Anthony leans on one arm and brushes my hair away from my face. We’re both too tired to talk; he obviously hasn’t slept well in the past couple of days. I’m just happy to be here with him staring into my eyes.

I wake to the sound of tapping on a
keyboard; Anthony is sitting beside me on the bed working on his laptop.

I ca
n see it is dark outside and I’m confused. “What time is it?”

Anthony looks at his watch “Just gone
six.” Putting down his laptop he leans on one side. “You slept for five hours, you needed the rest.” His sweet kiss on my forehead sends my heart pulsing. “Darcey I’ll be leaving shortly to visit Ma at the hospital. Pa wants you to join him for a game of chess.” His eyes twinkle a flash of playfulness as he tugs me into his clutch with a slow smouldering kiss.

“I w
on’t be long” he whispers. “Nick is on his way back with Rose and Lesley. When I return we can all have dinner together.” 

“Ok tell Tom to get ready for a thrashing!” I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world once again.

Waking up beside Anthony is bliss, with his arm coiled around my waist and his warm body touching mine. The
bright morning light filters through the shutters as a hive of activity can be heard downstairs. His lips follow the outline of my bare shoulder and dance at the nape of my neck.

“Morning” h
e whispers nibbling my ear lobe.

My whole body relaxes
and tingles enjoying the tender touch of his searching fingers. “Morning” I twist my body sideways to claim my morning kiss.

“I have a complete day of being pampered lined up for you starting
now.” Anthony slithers on top parting my legs with his grinding hips. His mouth continues to tantalise my neck as his hardness probes.

I wrap my legs around his circling thighs and caress his firm shoulders and back. “Can I stay in bed with you all day?”

I hear a chuckle as he drives his hips harder against me and then directs his creaming length deep inside. His gentle pumping and winding pins me firmly to the bed as his mouth circles mine.

“I love you inside me.” My hips jerk forward initiating deeper penetration.

“Does this feel good?” His hips pound harder over and over.

“
Oh…… yes.” I smother my mouth nestling into his shoulder.

“How about this?” He slows
his thrusts but with each controlled motion he drives in deep and then out, grinding against me before plunging again. The rhythm is intense as his tongue teases mine.

Intoxicated by the building sensation
I clench my inner muscles gripping him inside me. 

He suddenly pulls away gliding down my body “I want to taste your wetness.”

Anthony’s tongue loops around my clitoris and then sucks hard on my lips. His mouth surrounds the whole of my sex as he sinks the tip of his tongue inside scooping my juices. He moans with delight working faster with his mouth.

“Anthony make me come …..I want to come.” My hips are pushing harder against his greedy unrelenting mouth.

His fingers wander inside as his mouth continues to suck and arouse me with manipulating sweeps. “Come for me Darcey.”

The concentrated
force and penetration sends me into a quivering orgasm with spasms throughout my body. Anthony quickly fills my contracting wetness and mercilessly thrusts faster and faster, groaning loudly unable to hold back his overwhelming release. His head drops onto my shoulder as he continues to slowly move inside me. "I love you Darcey.”

“I love you too.”

After showering and dressing in bathrobes we are unable to keep our eyes off one another as we join everyone in the kitchen. Tom is enjoying the company and conversation with Nick, Lesley and Mum. Marc prepares a feast of fruit, muesli and homemade yoghurt, full English breakfast with poached eggs and freshly baked bread. I wonder to myself whether we are going to fit into our dresses as we finish our tremendous breakfast.

“Ladies I have arranged for the Arcazia spa to come to you today.
” Anthony stands and looks at his watch “I’m going to the hospital this morning and then have a few loose ends at Dorton.” His soft hand wanders up the back of my bare neck. “Nick can you call Garner, tell him to meet us at Dorton about 12.30.”

Mum and Lesley are likened to excited school girls
seated in the conservatory. Anthony disappears upstairs, reappearing twenty minutes later looking sexy in his silver grey suit.

He strolls towards me and
lovingly kisses my lips. “Enjoy your day.” His smile warms me to my inner soul. “See you later.”

The day flies by with massage, pedicures, manicures, facials and hair styling. If the beauticians buffed and polished us anymore we would be
gleaming. It’s just after 3pm and Anthony is still not home from Dorton. My stomach is in flutters with nervous tension knowing the cars will be here in just over two hours. I sit on the edge of the bed looking up at my dress hanging in the wardrobe. I’m suddenly struck with anxiety and feel sick to the bottom of my stomach. Where is Anthony? Is something wrong?

Staring back in the mirror I twiddle with stray curls
that frame my face as part of my messy up do. The smoky charcoal makeup sparkles on my eyelids as I slip into my black lace dress and new shoes. I adjust my dangling quartz crystal earrings and apply another layer of lipstick. Carefully unwinding the bandages on my hands I stare in horror at the extent of the attack. A knock at the bedroom door breaks my concentration.  

“Hi Darcey, can we come in?” Lesley and Mum peep around the bedroom door. “We
’ve brought you something.” Walking towards me I spot black silk gloves.

I smile realis
ing that Mum always has that special knack of making me feel better.

“Darce
y we’re leaving in a moment, Richard and Simon are here. Tom said to join them downstairs for a drink while you wait for Anthony.”

Mum is looking beautiful in a deep blue silk dress. “Wow, look at you two.”

Lesley provides a twirl “we still have it!”

“Ok let’s get Tom to take a picture of us together.” I
put on a brave face taking a deep breath to calm my nerves as I follow them downstairs. I don’t want to leave the security of Sebel House and the tight sting across the palms of my hands reminds me of their threat to return. As we reach the hallway Anthony arrives with Nick. I feel relieved to see him. He looks suave and sophisticated in his dinner suit and what I would give to be alone with him right now.

Moving towards him I grin “I’
m going to have to watch you with the ladies tonight!”

“I only have eyes for you.” He smirks and pulls me in close. “You look stunning Darcey.”

I blush a little as I fiddle with the locket that hangs around my neck. “Did you have a good day? How was Freya?”

“She can’t wait to come home
, seems to be back to her stubborn old self.” Anthony suddenly gets over protective as Tom joins us along with Richard.

“Hello Darcey, you’re lo
oking gorgeous, such a shame I’m not travelling with you as I was really looking forward to another chat with you.” Richard is a practiced antagonist and Anthony stands resolute not removing his tight clutch from around my waist. “Is it true that you were attacked in Dorton Abbey?”

“Yes but I’
m fine now.” Keen to change the subject I smile up at Anthony “I suppose it’s time for us to leave?”

“Yes I think we should
all make a move.”

I sense
the heightened security personnel surrounding our cars. My heart is racing and my breathing quickens as all the cars pull away. Anthony holds my gloved hand and smiles reassuringly. I can hardly muster a grin as I listen to the security radio channel. Voices exchange information in coded language; Nick looks back at me in the mirror and acknowledges my concern with a sympathetic smile.

“Stop the car, please stop!” leaning forward I feel weak and sick. I look down at my shaking hands as I open the car door to make a dash towards the hedgerow bending to retch.

“Darcey take deep breaths, calm down.” Anthony’s hand caresses my bare back.

“Anthony I can’t do this,” I
turn away to retch again “Please take me home.”

“Listen to me.” Anthony grabs hold of my arms and looks down at my teary eyes “You can do this Darcey this is your special day, don’t give them the satisfaction.”

I’m instantly aware of the scene I’m causing as security officers step outside their halted cars with Mum and Lesley watching nervously from the back window of their car.

“Anthony I’
m so scared, what if they…….” My voice trails off to a silent sob.

Pulling me
near he kisses my forehead as I close my eyes to hold back my tears. “Darcey I’ll be with you I promise, just think about us lazing around the pool in Dubai with the sun on our faces.”

The peaceful image is etched in my mind as my breathing slows. “Thank you for being so patient with me Anthony.”

He takes my hands “Are you feeling a little calmer?”

I nod and smile as he guides me back to the car.

The journey is thankfully uneventful and we’re soon pulling up in front of the beautiful grand Gresham Hall. We are overlooked by two life sized stone lions that lay regally on the top of the front entrance veranda which is supported by wide stone pillars.

Nick opens Anthony’s rear door as he turns to grasp
both of my hands. “Remember I’m with you. Take deep breaths and enjoy the evening, ok?”

“Yup.” I grin appreciating his
care.

A handful of photographers greet us as we make our way hand in hand up the steps to the main entrance. My eyes dart around
taking note of new faces also searching for those unwelcome familiar ones.

We are met by the Chairperson of the Education Awards Committee and the Mayor of Suffolk dressed both in their splendid robes and finery. Anthony firmly shakes the Mayor’s hand introducing
us to them both.

“Good to meet you Anthony, ah Darcey Brooks.” He offers his
podgy hand.

“
Lovely to meet you.” I feel Anthony’s comforting hand on my lower back.

“I’
ve just met your wonderful mother, you look so much alike.” His genuine smile is warm and soothing.

“Yes she is so looking forward to this evening.”
I feel Anthony’s hand glide around my waist.

“Perhaps she will save a dance for me later.” His rosy pink cheeks wobble as he chuckles.

“I’ll remind her to do so.” I look up at Anthony’s affectionate glance as we walk through the marble entrance hall.

The hall is
drenched in caramel light from stunning gold and crystal chandeliers. Paintings of preceding members of the Gresham heritage smile down on passing guests as sweet melodies flow from violins and cellos inside the Great Hall. Handsome footman in black tail suits with white bow ties wait just inside the spectacularly carved oak doors. The tables are elegantly dressed in white linen and heavily decorated silver cutlery with central ornate gold candelabras.

As we are led to our table I am
captivated by the harmonies rising from four woman playing cello, violins and a grand piano on a raised stage directly in front of our table. I hum the tune which is very familiar and hauntingly poignant. Mum, Lesley and Richard are already seated and smile while entranced by the music.

As we are seated Anthony leans across and whispers a line to the song
as his fingers dip inside the back of my dress. “Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?”

I smile adoringly into his eyes and gently kiss his lips.

The footman hands us a drinks lists. “Would you like an aperitif?”

Glancing at the menu I answer quickly “
Kir Royale please.”

“Same for me, thank you.” Anthony hands back his menu and then continues to sing in my ear
sending a tingle down my spine.

The mesmerising
music has Anthony and I spellbound in each other’s company as though nobody else exists. Leaning into his space I breathe in his hypnotic scent and smooth my hand along his inner thigh. Our eyes are locked with lips only inches apart as we inhale each other’s long deep sighs.

“
Good Evening Darcey.” A deep voice above breaks our spell.

“Good Evening Colonel.” Garner stands
behind us with Marie on his arm. He is surprisingly dashing in his finest army regalia. Marie also looks beautiful in a plain white halter dress with amber jewel detail around the neck. “Good Evening Marie.”

Anthony is instantly on his feet to greet Marie apologising for the last minute change in car arrangements. 

Garner sits down beside me removing his hat and leaning forward onto one knee. “Darcey, I’m so sorry about the breach in security at Dorton. How are you?”

Ta
king a sip of my Kir Royale I’ve suddenly taken on a brazen attitude. “Apart from having my hands carved up I’m fine.”

The Colonel breathes in sitting up straight as though my remark has delivered a sharp blow. He runs a finger along his lip as though sealing his mouth while deep in thought before he replies. “
We’re still examining CCTV but we suspect that the assailant was hidden in the boot of a car belonging to a member of staff. Security at the main gate confirms that no visitors were checked in on Tuesday.”

This piece of inform
ation has me flabbergasted, “So someone we know or possibly I work closely with is involved in this?”

“Yes it looks that way. This is why security has been stepped up surrounding both Anthony and you.” Garner accepts the drinks list as the footman returns. “G
in and tonic please, Marie would you like an aperitif?”

“Y
es I think I will join you Darcey with a Kir Royale.” She steps forward and whispers softly in my ear “So sorry to hear you were attacked and I’m sure that Colonel Garner is doing everything to find those responsible.”