Chapter 9
T he drive to Calke Abbey wasn’t very long, only 35 minutes or so and Chains talked the whole time about places they passed and where he was going to take her for lunch. When they pulled up, she was enchanted by the old but elegant building. Chains had brought up information on his phone and read her a passage that explained the house was built on the site of a medieval religious house. It had belonged to the Harpur family from approximately 1622 until the National Trust took over in 1985. Though they were now keeping the home from deteriorating any further, they hadn’t changed much since the late 1800s and soon both Chains and Emilie were immersed in the history as they roamed from room to room. When they got to underground tunnels leading through the cellars and a brew house, Chains gripped Emilie’s hand and pulled her along .
They wandered through the house, along the grounds and around the St. Giles’ Church for several hours, talking and enjoying the atmosphere. They were big fans of the baroque-style architecture and laughed when they acknowledged that no one else knew that about them .
“It’s beautiful here,” she said, staring out at the expansive gardens. “I could probably visit ornate historical castles every single day and never tire of it .”
“Never?” he teased .
She laughed. “All right, maybe six days a week. Once a week I’d probably want to laze about the house and watch television .”
“Never watched much myself,” he admitted. “But when I was on tour with that rock band, just before Inferno opened, they were big fans of Sons of Anarchy and I got sucked in. Now I watch that bloody Walking Dead show and it drives me batty, zombies and the like.” He shook his head. “But I record it faithfully on the DVR .”
“I’ve been sucked into Game of Thrones ,” she said. “But they keep killing everyone—it’s depressing .”
“A lot of that kind of thing is popular,” he said. “A good game of football is always my preference !”
“European or American?” she asked .
“Both,” he chuckled. “You can’t live in the U.S. without learning about their football. It’s not bad—I had American friends when I was in the military, stationed together in Iraq, and we’d watch the highlights on the computer when we had internet. Crazy bunch .”
She smiled, looking out at the grounds. This was as relaxed as she’d been in a long time and there was no doubt it was because of the man beside her. She wished she could understand why, but for now, she was content to accept the peace he brought her without question. In five days their ruse would be over and it would be time to face the music .
“What were you thinking just now that made your eyes look so sad?” he asked softly .
“What I’ve got to do, I suppose. I’ve not thought about it at all since we got to your mother’s house, but now …”
“Now you still owe me five days of not thinking about it,” he said, leaning forward and pulling her against him .
“I agreed to give you seven days to help me sort out my situation; not that I wouldn’t think about it .”
“I’m amending our agreement,” he grunted, sliding an arm around her waist .
“Chains, what — ”
“Don’t think,” he said gruffly, bending his head towards hers. “Just enjoy.” Artificial relationship or not, when his lips found hers there was nothing fake about the way it felt. Her soft, sweet lips parted for him without hesitation and he waited until her tongue sought his, giving her the opportunity to end the kiss before he took over. When she didn’t, he assumed control, possessing her mouth with a fervor that surprised him. His mother thought showing Emilie genuine affection—even if it was a temporary romantic arrangement—would give her something she desperately needed; instead, it was fueling a fire inside him he’d had no idea had been dormant. Their mouths moved together hungrily, yet they were gentle, exploring each other the way only new lovers could .
E very swipe of his tongue had Emilie yearning for more, her body molded against his as his strong hands kept her close to him. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d wanted someone to just keep kissing her, with no desire to go further, lost in the way his lips felt and his tongue tasted. Was there still a trace of coffee? Cinnamon? The flavor seemed to permeate her mouth, so delicious she couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her .
“You taste lovely,” she whispered as they finally pulled apart, their faces still close together .
“Do I?” He smiled down at her, lost in striking blue eyes that seemed to mesmerize him no matter how many times he looked at them .
“I don’t remember enjoying the way a kiss tasted before,” she murmured .
“Nor do I,” he said, reluctantly removing his hands from her waist. Damn, he wanted to kiss her again, feel the way she shivered against him…and hear her tell him he tasted good . No one had ever said that before but it made him hard hearing her say it .
“I think we’ve drawn attention,” she said at last, noting a teenage boy watching them intently .
“I’m hungry,” Chains said finally. “Ready to get something to eat ?”
“Sure.” She was surprised when he reached for her hand again, but couldn’t find a reason to stop him. It felt natural, as though they’d been dating for a while, and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Kissing him had been delightful, and she’d even cried out with dismay when he’d stopped. She wanted to ask him what they were doing, but she was afraid it would break the spell and this was the most fun she’d had in forever. She and Viggo had never dated; they’d had plenty of sex, then they had a child and they’d abruptly gotten married. There had been no romance, no dates, none of the excitement that came with a new relationship. Whatever this was, even if it wasn’t a real relationship, it was definitely fun and exciting. For today, she wouldn’t question it. Was it too much to ask to celebrate her birthday with an attractive, sexy man who made her feel good? One day, she told herself. Tomorrow they would have a discussion about setting some limits for the rest of the week .
T he afternoon went quickly. They had a late lunch and then walked along a cobblestone road in Derby with shops on either side. Though she didn’t buy anything, she was content to look in the windows and enjoy Chains’ company. She’d known he was bright and well-educated, but she’d had no idea how much he knew about so many things. He talked about art and music, travel and the different places he’d visited on assignment as a spy. He didn’t talk about his missions, but he told funny stories of civilians he’d encountered that had them both laughing. As the sun began to droop in the sky, she stopped walking and leaned up against him, one arm circling his waist .
“Why are you still pretending to like me?” she asked abruptly. “Tell the truth—you can’t lie to a lady on her birthday .”
He smiled. “I’m not pretending to like you,” he answered, fixing her with a gaze. “I’ve always thought you were beautiful and now that I’ve had a chance to know you outside of the club, I like you even more as a person than I did as a boss .”
“But we’re having a date even though we’re not dating!” she protested. “The hand-holding and kissing and — ”
“It’s like a first date,” he interrupted, knowing she was right and not wanting to talk, or even think, about it. “People who have great first dates usually go on more, so we’ve just combined the first few into one !”
She let out a little breath of exasperation even though she was smiling. “In a few days we’re going our separate ways…and this is beginning to feel real. I don’t fancy the idea of a broken heart while I rot away in prison !”
He shook his head. “You’re not going to prison, and if you absolutely must, you’re not rotting anywhere—it’ll be for a short time. I researched the laws regarding involuntary manslaughter and it’s going to be okay. I want you to trust me, Em .”
“But—”
“It’s your birthday,” he interrupted her yet again. “No bad thoughts allowed. Only fun and happiness. Now, let’s get going. Mum is getting dinner ready .”
“She shouldn’t have!” she protested. “I’d have liked to take the two of you out to repay you for your hospitality .”
“Another night,” he said firmly. “Come on.” He laced his fingers with hers and they headed back in the direction they’d come .
I t was dark when they got back to the house, but there were lights on all over and a wonderful aroma hit them as soon as they walked through the doors. There was music playing on a stereo somewhere and Dolores called to them as they walked into the kitchen .
“Hello, loves! How was your day?” She turned with a big smile and Emilie was startled to see her wearing a dress, low heels and makeup, and her somewhat frizzy hair had been tamed into a nice bob .
“You look lovely!” Emilie said. “You didn’t get dressed up for me, did you ?”
“Well, not exactly.” Dolores winked. “But your birthday gave me a good excuse—Nate, have you got the champagne ?!”
“Who the hell is Nate?” Chains demanded, his eyes narrowing as a man came up from the cellar with two bottles of champagne in his hands .
“Here they are, love! Did you want—” He stopped abruptly when he saw Chains and grinned. “You must be Darryl! Good to see you, son !”
“Mum?” Chains turned to his mother in confusion .
“For heaven’s sake, close your mouth,” Dolores laughed. “Did you think I’d been alone all these years, rocking in my chair with my knitting? Come say hello to Nate—Nathaniel Haverty, my friend and companion. Nate, this is Darryl and his fiancée, Emilie .”
Since Chains was still too startled to move, Emilie put out her hand and smiled at the middle-aged man with thick silver hair and blue eyes glittering with mirth. “Happy birthday,” he said, nodding at her. He turned to Chains and held out his hand. “Is it Chains or Darryl ?”
“Neither—Mr. Carruthers to you!” Chains snapped .
“Now, Darryl!” Dolores was laughing. “Don’t be a boor. I’m 54 years old! More than old enough to have a gentleman in my life. Not like you’ve been about to take care of me .”
“What do you know about him?” Chains demanded, feeling like an idiot that he’d had no idea his mother had a boyfriend .
“The roast is about ready, so you can interrogate him while we eat. Emilie, be a dear and get the champagne glasses from the cabinet in the drawing room ?”
“Of course .”
Chains appeared ready to say something else but Emilie grabbed his hand and yanked him out of the room. They rounded the corner and she pushed him against the wall, pressing herself up against him .
“Do you know my reputation?” she whispered in a silky voice. “My professional reputation ?”
He smiled. “I do. Is this how you start ?”
“Usually I start this way.” She reached between his legs and squeezed his balls until she felt him wince, though his face gave away nothing. “That’s right,” she murmured. “You’re a real-life James Bond, so you wouldn’t show fear or pain…but that’s all right because right now my only goal is to distract you.” She felt him harden slightly in her hand just before she released him. “Mission accomplished .”
He growled. “So you’re not really dominant—you’re simply a tease .”
She laughed, shaking her head and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Absolutely not. I’m good at taking a man’s thoughts from one place and leading them wherever I want them to go. Which is exactly what I did. Now listen to me. You’ve been telling me what to do since you pulled me off that table at Cuddy’s, and I’ve allowed it because you’ve been right about everything. This time, however, you’re wrong, so I’m stepping in and temporarily taking over the dominant role .”
He arched a brow. “That makes me a switch,” he noted .
“When necessary,” she agreed .
“What, exactly, am I wrong about?” he asked, enjoying the feel of her body against his so much he momentarily forgot all about his mother’s boyfriend .
“You haven’t seen your mother in five years,” she pointed out. “Do you really want her to feel bad about finding a man to keep her company? Even if you hadn’t been gone all this time, doesn’t she deserve someone who makes her happy ?”
“I don’t know if he makes her happy!” he snapped. “What if he’s abusive? What if he’s after her money? What if — ”
“You’ll find all that out, won’t you?” She put a finger over his lips. “But not at dinner. He’s not going to do anything now, right in front of you. So play nice, stop ruining my birthday and embarrassing your mother. If there’s anything to find out about him, I’m sure you’ll have all that information by morning. As for tonight, can’t we have a nice evening ?”
His steely eyes found hers and he gripped the back of her neck, pulling her face close to his. “You’re a bloody witch, you know that?” he grunted. “From the moment I pulled you off that table I haven’t been able to keep my hands off you—what the hell are you doing to me ?”
“I don’t know.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes never leaving his. “But you’re doing the same thing to me .”
“Five days,” he said under his breath. “Say you’ll be mine for five days .”
“Chains…”
He kissed her, hard and fast, abruptly releasing her. “Was that a yes ?”
She didn’t break his gaze. “Five days ?”
“Five days .”
“Yes.”
He adjusted himself because he was starting to lose the circulation to his dick, and then snatched the champagne glasses out of the cabinet behind them. “We’ll discuss that later .”
“Only if you behave during dinner!” she whispered, trailing after him .
“I’ll do my best,” he called over his shoulder .
T hey talked during the meal and Emilie would reach down under the table and squeeze Chains’ crotch any time he would start to interrogate Nate. The moment she grabbed him, he would pause, his eyes meeting hers and they would share a secret smile before he changed the subject .
“How long are you staying in England?” Nate was asking Emilie .
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “I have some business in London I have to attend to, but Ch—Darryl and I thought a week here with Dolores would be a nice break for both of us. There’s been a lot of stress in our lives and I have to say, after just 24 hours, this is as relaxed as I’ve been in years .”
“It’s a good place to live,” he nodded. “Came here after my wife died because my daughter works at the hospital as a surgical nurse. That’s how I met Dolores .”
“How long have you been retired?” Emilie asked her .
“Less than a year,” she nodded. “I’d worked at the hospital 30 years and thought it was time to have a bit of fun, travel and the like .”
“Have you been anywhere exciting?” Emilie asked her .
“Well, we decided to explore our own country first, and it’s been lovely. We’ve been to Wales and Scotland, down to London and Canterbury, and the white cliffs of Dover. Lived here my whole life and never saw those before .”
“I took the ferry from Calais into Dover years ago,” Emilie said thoughtfully. “It was the only other time I was in England and I remember thinking it was absolutely stunning .”
“A sight to remember, for sure,” Nate agreed .
They talked about travel and retirement as dinner wound down and they sat around sipping champagne. Conversation started to lull and Emilie began stacking plates to carry them into the kitchen since they’d eaten in the dining room .
“So what do you want to know, son?” Nate asked, leaning back in his chair. “Let me spare you some time. I was Scotland Yard, Deputy Assistant Commissioner when I retired. You can call and verify. I’ve already seen your service record, by the way, and it’s quite impressive .”
“Are you fucking kidding?!” Chains pushed back his chair and stood up, a dark look on his face as he glared at his mother. “You let a stranger check out my background? What in bloody hell were you thinking? Do you know how dangerous that could be? For all of us ?!”
“You haven’t so much as picked up the phone to let me hear your voice in more than five years.” Dolores rose to her full height and narrowed her eyes. “Yes, you sent money and those ridiculous messages in the newspaper, but you abandoned me a long time ago, Darryl. Nate and I have been involved for more than three years, and about a year ago, I asked him to look into where my son was. If an attractive 60-year-old man spent three bloody years shagging an old hag like me for the sole purpose of somehow betraying my James Bond of a son, well, more power to all of you .”
When no one spoke, she continued stoically. “Your father walked out the day I told him I was pregnant. Took me 30 years to fall in love again and if I’ve been the victim of some sort of game to take down the government and all of bloody England, you’ll have to forgive a lonely old woman. So just bugger off, the lot of you!” She stalked out of the room, leaving Chains glaring after her and Nate shooting daggers at Chains with his eyes .
“You two are ridiculous!” Emilie spat at them, pursing her lips. “What on earth were you thinking, just announcing that you’d checked up on Darryl? You knew it would upset him and accordingly upset Dolores! Idiot! And you!” She whirled on Chains. “Have you any idea how much you hurt your mother by making her think the man in her life is only with her to somehow get to you? What a terrible thing to insinuate !”
“I didn’t say anything like that!” Chains protested, throwing up his hands .
“You didn’t have to,” she said quietly. “It’s what neither of you thought to say as soon as you realized where she was going with her train of thought—that’s what’s hurtful. I’m ashamed of both of you.” She turned on her heel and went looking for Dolores .