The One Awakened: Book 1 in The One Trilogy (48 page)

Pondering on that consideration I carefully place all the extravagance back into their respective packages and carry them with me to the office, before locating a huge carrier from my drawer.
 

Was I actually going to go through with this?

 
I hadn’t seen him since the other night and did feel fine after Monday night pill episode. But was continuing this proposition such a good idea. I loved being the object of desire but at what cost and for how long?
 

His controlling ways were increasing and I was falling deeper. I fear my heart won’t take the hit from a Silver break-up.

On a worried sigh I mutter something about The Ashton to J & C and head off with my new gifts - the drive to Holdgate would give me chance to clear my fuzzy mind. The little voice inside there, reminds me that I should be thinking with my bits and not my brain right now and for the first time ever, I tend to agree.

Half an hour later I’ve managed to reduce Chris from an Octopus to a crab for the time being. I’m not sure which is worse but we get through the fireplace plans and the suite is beginning to look busy as more helpers have arrived, one of them being Nathan. The plaster is being refreshed and under floor heating added to the bathroom. The result is a big dusty chaotic mess and I smile as that means something shiny and new will emerge in time. It was exciting!

“Hey Lulu – looking far too lovely for this grubby worksite,” a genuine smile lights up his already college boy handsome face and he blows me a kiss, pointing apologetically to his dust covered body and protective goggles, now sitting on his forehead.
“Don’t think that under this suit and heels, there isn’t a hard headed business woman Nathan Silver – I’m a feisty little thing when I want things done!”

“Bloody not wrong there.” Chris agrees sulkily. “I’ve never worked so hard – although I do like em feisty!” He winks and laces the last word with extra zest running his appreciative eyes up and down my body. “Didn’t think you’d be in today Lady Boss
 
- got the painters in I hear?”

My questioning frown encourages him to continue, as I grapple with what he’s talking about? ‘
Painters
’ and ‘
Having them in
’ - The decorating team I use aren’t due in for a week at least, I think to myself dimly, looking around the room, that still resembles a building site. As I focus on Chris again and hear the words fall from his lips, the penny suddenly drops and I wish I’d just ignored him. What a complete prat!

“Ya know, time of the month - your assistant and Seb said you were off with tummy ache.”

Bless Jackie meant well but maybe Chris wasn’t the best guy to offload my health issues onto. As for Seb what had
he
told him?

“No no, I’m fine thanks Chris. All good now; that was a few days ago. There’s these amazing products now called Tampax and Codeine, so we can still get the job done and not reply so heavily on you macho men,” my voice drips with sarcasm.

I don’t wait around for another crude retaliation and instead head over to Nathan, who is looking perplexed. “You OK Lu?”
 

I shrug off the comment, probably with too much gusto. “What me? Tough old thing - you know that,” I laugh his concern away.

“Seriously though, does Seb know you’ve been ill?”

“I’ve not been ill - just a bit of tummy ache and yes, your punctilious and totally over-the-top protective brother knows all about it.” I add pointedly.

His nod of approval both annoys and warms me. “Right lets’s see what you’ve been up to.”

Back to business Na proceeds to show me his work on the window seats; the beautiful rococo style woodwork is exactly what I’d envisaged, in my original designs and I pat his shoulder in thanks. For the next few minutes we buzz of each-others creativity, sketching concepts for the bed, panelling and ornate frame that will house the 50inch LED TV.

“Looks like you’ve got an admirer there!” he thrusts his head in the direction of Chris, who is chatting to the plumber.

I screw my face up in disagreement. “Nah, he’s harmless really – I hope. Just a bit of a cheese ball.”
“Better not let Sebastian see him pawing you like that. I’ve a feeling that wouldn’t go down so well,” Nathan smiles.
 

I assess Nathan’s face and let the words sink in, pleased with the knowledge that Seb’s own brother can see that he would possibly be jealous – but conscious that Seb and Chris are friends and I don’t want to come between that – it was a recipe for disaster, in any relationship.
Changing the subject we return to peruse his highly skilled joinery.
“Good eh? If I say so myself,” he adds modestly.

“Not just good – bloody gorgeous. I’m so pleased Nath.”
We spend a minute or two going over the plans for the huge queen size bed and somehow the topic leads to Abby and Seb.

“Seen much of Abs lately?”
“I saw her at the weekend with you but not since. We’ve been in touch though.”
He nods, pondering something, which is obviously bothering him, and I remain quiet, aware that he might clam up and I’d not get the knowledge I know I need to obtain for Abby.

“I think I like her Lu.” His face is pained and I can tell it’s not something he really wants to admit to anyone, let alone himself.

I empathise.
Hell I’m in exactly the same predicament.
 

“I think the feeling is mutual Nathan. Just take it easy and let it happen. You two are perfect for one another.”
He smiles, white teeth flashing at me brightly, amongst the dust. “Yeah - she’s a keeper. I knew it that Saturday night when I saw her dancing in the Champ bar.” He shakes his head to remove some of the remnants of wood in his hair. “What about you and my bro?”

I sigh and roll my eyes to the ceiling. “It’s always a game with Seb - you know how he is – the chase - going in for the kill. Once he has it and it’s maimed for life, there’s nothing left to pursue.” We both laugh in unison at my dramatic analogy.

“Woah, heavy stuff – just wondered if you two were seriously hooking up?” We continue to giggle like kids.
 

“Bit much?”

“Just a bit,” he agrees. “He’s a goner Lu. I’ve not seen him like this before but to be honest he’s always adored you. What changed?”

My lips curl in a cheeky grin. “I propositioned him.”

Nathan practically chokes in response. “You what?”

“I asked him to take me to bed. Get me back into things, you know sex-wise.” My casualness does not go unnoticed by Nathan but I smile at his shocked frown.

“Niall treated me badly Na and I’m good now but Abs was right…she said to me a few months back I’d lost my zest and I needed to start dating again. Sex was an issue. So in Seb I saw a solution. He’s my best friend, a major player and apparently fabulous in the sack and I trust him.”
 

Bloody amazing - I can attest to that now)

“Jeez. No wonder he looks like the cat that’s got the cream but like it went sour too! I haven’t been able to figure him out. Talk about happy one minute and crazy the next. Are you sure you two aren’t making a mistake here - I mean fucking up your friendship?”
 

I assess his expression and worried eyes and if it weren’t for the work clothes I’d have grabbed him in a hug then and there.
 

“I’m fine. Honestly. Seb isn’t a commitment kind of guy, so it’s a win,win.”

I can tell from Nathan’s face he’s not convinced. “Really?”
 
Maybe Seb is ready to try something real?”

I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t think so but we’re having fun. Plenty of fun. Just keep it shtum - I don’t think he want everyone knowing.”

“Good luck with that - we’re all aware that something is going on!”

I’m about to answer, when
The Crab
interrupts, slinging a loose arm around my shoulders. I instantly tense.
 

“Right, better get back to it Boss!” Nathan raises his eyebrows at me and winks.

I grin affectionately at our shared in-house joke. “See you soon. If not this week, Saturday at Sebastian’s house party.”
 

Already in full work-mode again, sandpaper going ten to the dozen, he nods and mumbles through the protective mask, “See you there.”

Chris still hovers around me like a bad smell. “I’ll most definitely see you there Honey, after all, I live there now.”
Lucky me! I placate him with a wave over my shoulder as I make a hasty exit. I’ve too much to do to put up with Creepy Chris another second.
 

Like dress for a sexy illicit tete a tete.

I fidget nervously with the pearls at my wrist, as my eyes scan the impressive interior of the Limousine that has collected me for the evening - its leather seats filling my nostrils. The knock at the door had been a shocking but welcome surprise; I’d been about to call a cab but upon seeing the sleek glossy black vehicle parked outside, just sitting there at my beck and call, courtesy of Mr. Silver, I’d happily informed the fair-haired, thick set driver I’d be out promptly.
 

Let’s hope Meg hadn’t seen the flashy arrival - she’d be itching to check it out.

Now happily ensconced within, I’m wondering whether it had been such a good idea. The smart young driver, with a Polish accent had presented me with a glass of chilled bubbling champagne, before setting off in the direction of Scarlet House and with a quick buzz through the intercom, he had now informed me we were only two minutes from my destination.
 

My heart is beating ridiculously fast and mouth so dry I’m glad of the champagne and guzzle it down greedily. I’d spent two hours preparing for tonight and changed my mind a zillion times in that 120minutes. The one thing that had spurred me on, was the thought of his mouth on mine, his fingers splayed across my body, parting me, delving inside me, opening me and taking me over the edge. I’d had a taste of him; and now I craved so much more.

I certainly looked the part; Sophie, my amazing hairdresser had worked wonders with my hair, curling and pinning it loosely high up on my crown, the odd tendril escaping. The result elongated my neck and showed off my smokey eyes and full red mouth. I knew he liked me in bold mat red lipstick.

I’d bathed in oils, buffed, trimmed, shaved and moisturised. My skin felt delicious and the whole process of getting ready for him had me turned on, before I’d even slipped the lingerie in place. My skin felt alive and expectant.
 

The bra fit me perfectly, perhaps a little snug but only assisted in pushing my breasts up and in - allowing them to be shown to their best advantage; my areolas, rosy and flushed from my bath, balanced perkily upon the cups, winking delicately behind the carefully placed lace. My nipples however were entirely free and erect. The panties came next and I slid them over my hips, adjusting the pearl stringed thong to rest neatly between my cheeks - the little balls running from the top of my bottom, underneath my perineum and stopping at the tip of my opening. I’d squirmed initially at the odd cool sensation they created before sliding each lace topped stocking up one leg, then the other, careful not to ladder them. A hook and eye fastened the suspender belt in place and a quick snap shut on the sexy bondage straps connected everything together safely, finished with a pearl adorned black satin bow. The entire outfit was pure sex - designed by a man for a man’s pleasure. Old style Dita Von Teese with that erotic edge. Adding the to-die-for Louboutins, I’d stood for an age, assessing my body in the full-length rococo mirror.