Tap. Tap .Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. He relentlessly drummed the top of his pencil on the desk. Eyes stared off into the distance unaware even that he was hitting the desktop as he sat deep in thought. He stopped tapping and the silence was deafening.
He sat totally still his body taut and rigidly unmoving twirling the pencil through restless fingers as he thought. Then the finger movement halted and with a snap he broke the pencil in two. He looked dispassionately at the pieces in his hand and he tossed them carelessly aside. He pushed his chair back and paced restlessly about the room till he came to a halt in front of a photograph that sat on top of his desk. He picked it up and studied it intently letting the memory of that day wash over him. It was a picture of a laughing woman presenting him as the winning captain of the polo team their trophy. The one moment that she had actually spoken to him for his own sake, in his own right.
Did she know that he had fought so hard for the win for the chance to actually meet her? To speak with her, even now after all this time he could still feel the burning of his skin where she had placed her congratulatory kiss on his cheek.
Why couldn’t she have loved him? Every conscious thought of his was solely consumed by this woman, from the first time he had laid eyes on her across the crowded room he had fallen in love with her. Now he loved her to the point of madness and beyond.
But then she was out of his reach, in a class of her own. For she was an Earl’s daughter and he at the time a low ranked junior officer in the Grenadier Guards. ( they’re the dudes that stand outside buck palace, you know the dudes with the big beaver hats and serious faces LOL) He had watched her fascinated all night as she moved about the room, lighting up the function with her personality and a style that was all of her own and he knew his life would never be the same again.
He had the good fortune to be able to attend several functions when she was there as a guest. He had begged leave and called in all favours for the invites so he could be there close to her, to watch her from a distance. But could never build up the courage to speak to her, funny that. Here he was, a seasoned soldier who could do all manner of things in cold blood and not even bat an eyelid, except the one thing he was desperate to do, approach and speak to the woman he had fallen in love with. Like an unobtrusive shadow he had followed and watched her progress throughout those months. He watched her struggle to become a serious actor, as she fought the establishment for the right to walk her own path. Not that she disregarded her heritage, she was proud of her blood and its traditions she just disliked the upper class snobbery that stifled her free spirit.
Besides he knew there was wild blood in the Ryecrofts, they were famous for it and she didn’t disappoint, it had found an outlet in her and not her staid older brother. And as the establishment fought her, she fought back. That wild streak she possessed made her delight in shocking the people she found so stifling and stuffy with outrageous antics and stunts just because it amused her to reinforce everyone’s bad opinion of her and the tabloids had a field day with her. He loved her spirit and her willingness to fly in the face of reason. Being a grenadier guard had its compensations and rewards, they were a proud and famous regiment. And young ambitious officer could go far. He made plenty of contacts and made himself popular and indispensable to the higher ranked officers. They mixed with the upper echelons of the rich and famous and sometimes royalty. And a peer’s daughter was always in demand socially. Even though he could see she hated attending these functions she did so out of respect to her father, but she often put her own slant on these functions with her outrageous sense of fun.
Then gradually she gained acceptance with the acting fraternity, they began to see she had the talent and the desire to learn for her craft. She started to make a name for herself and gain the respect of her contemporaries. Then came that fateful night. He clenched his fist at the thought that his plan on the night of that record launch had gone awry.
Then that foolish journalist whom he had paid to spike her drink so he could take advantage of her, had got carried away by the fact that she seemed so interested in that Backstreet Boy. And the journalist had concentrated solely on that instead of introducing him to her as he had planned because he had found a better story. He had raged for days afterwards and the journalist never lived to follow another story.
Even then circumstance was against him. Fate had intervened in the form of this tall good looking dark haired man with whom she had been immediately smitten and he with her.
Inseparable they both were that fateful night and he knew not then whether it was the sudden attraction for each other, the spiked drinks or a combination of both that had been the catalyst for their sudden unexpected marriage.
Now with hindsight he could see that fate had been fickle to him. Cupid’s arrow had been miss shot and his heart’s desire was in love with and loved by this man she had married on a whim and it was a cruel blow to all his hopes and plans. He raged against fate against his misfortune and his lost opportunity.
And now he put his army and special force’s training to use. In that at least he had some consolation, he knew he could outwit anyone, he knew he was a highly trained killing machine and he had his eye on the prize. If he chose, he could break a person’s neck before they could blink an eye. He was skilled in all types of warfare and deception. He was once one of the best the British armed forces had to offer, and had been on many a covert mission for MI5. Being a trained operative he was good at what he did and had been highly in demand on various missions. He was known as a man who got the job done.
And if not for an injury received in the line of duty in Northern Ireland while undercover, he still would have been a valued member of Her Majesty’s Armed forces. But the injury, a bullet wound to the head had been the cause of him having to retire from the military and he had been lucky to live. And he had used his contacts to gain employment with a security firm that offered their services and their expertise to companies that needed it, and he had been good at his job.
Then for once fate played into his hands. The financial empire owned by the Ryecroft family had needed a security upgrade throughout their London offices because of an IRA threat and he had been assigned the job. He was then offered a position as head of security with the Ryecroft company which he accepted in the hope of some contact with the Earl’s daughter. That provided limited opportunities but he was rewarded with the occasional sighting. But he couldn’t resist making phone calls to her, that had been the start of his campaign to gain her attention. Then when she left to try her hand at acting in America he had left his job and followed her. Money for him wasn’t an option he had saved and invested well so he could trail her as his will dictated. And again he continued with the phone calls. He knew he was freaking her out but he couldn’t stop himself.
Then following her to London for that fateful night had been the undoing of his world. It was then the voices in his head had started and they had given him no peace until now.
Since having killed the security guard and that young friend of hers, it was as if he had finally taken charge of his mind and pushed out the phantoms that haunted him. The voices had stopped and he was in control. He was no longer a mental weakling, no longer was he afraid to carry out his plans. No longer was he content to watch from the shadows. He was smart, intelligent and he would claim this woman one way or another and he didn’t particularly care who stood in his way, they would be swept aside like a sandcastle in the face of the oncoming tide and he would prevail. There was no pain. But he needed the opportunity. Someone with very specialised knowledge had put a stop to his surveillance and monitoring of her apartment. The bugs and cameras had been discovered and they had set up scanning equipment to prevent him putting them back in and they had started to use secure frequencies for their communications. He could crack them if he wanted to, but that was pointless because the security breech would soon be discovered and they would change to another secure channel. No for the moment he would leave that alone. He might have the need to do that later, if he needed to move quickly to seize the moment. .
No, he had sent his warning and for the moment he was content to sit back and watch its effect on her. He could see the threat had hit home. She looked pale, delicate and strained as the situation took its toll on her. But she still went about her life even though she was under a great deal of stress. He admired her strength of will but he was content enough at the moment with his with his handy work. He needed to soften her up mentally for the time when he stuck.
Then when she was too worn down in her spirit, she would be more pliable to his demands and then she would be his. This was a softening up period. Then she would forget that man she had married in haste and she would repent in his arms. And that thought made him smile as he replaced the photo on his desk. Yes soon, he thought to himself. Soon the day I’ve waited my whole life for will happen. Then he sat back down satisfied with himself and his plans and pulled the day’s newspaper towards him. He flicked through the pages browsing, till one item caught his eye and he sat up suddenly interested, his eyes glittered calculatingly as he thought, now this might be my chance.
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I was awake early because I was excited. Tonight I was presenting a life time achievement award at one of many award ceremonies that the movie industry seemed to love so much, there seemed to be one every week. But for me it meant an opportunity to get dressed up and get out of the apartment. It had felt do long since I had done so, and my enforced captivity was wearing thin and my patience was stretched and I had no doubt tried Kevin’s understanding to the maximum. We had argued surprisingly little, more a credit to his forbearance than mine as I was beginning to go stir crazy. But pushing the thought away, I yawned as I rolled over in bed and stretched languorously against Kevin’s sleeping form. Flinging his sleepy arm about me, he pulled me closer and snuggled against me murmuring as he did so a long sleepy ‘Mmmmmmm.’
I kissed his lips and raised myself on one elbow so I could look down and study him, as he lay stretched out beside me still half asleep. His long dark lashes curled upwards from his closed eyelids as they rested against his cheek but he didn’t move, just the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. I brushed aside the dark fringe of hair that had fallen across his forehead. One of his eyes opened and he peaked groggily out at me.
‘God babe look at the time it’s early.’ He groaned shutting a heavy eye drowsy with sleep against the early morning light. ‘What are you doing awake already?’ Without success he blindly tried to pull me down beside him again but I evaded capture.
‘I know.’ I said cheerfully as I bounced out of reach in a tangle of sheets. ‘But it’s a beautiful time of day.’
He groaned again and pulled the pillow over his head so all I could see was a tangle of fine dark hair sticking out from underneath it. I heard a muffled. ‘Says who?’ from beneath the pillow.
I pulled back the pillow with a laugh and prodded him with my finger. ‘ Says me. Kevie baby wake up.’
‘I don’t want to Jax. I want to sleep.’ But with catlike reflexes he moved and pinned me beneath him. His strong arms holding mine captive. ‘But since you’ve persisted in waking me. I can think of a way to put the time till we should be waking up to good use.’ Sleepy green eyes looked down at me with desire awakening in their emerald depths. His long dark hair was tousled and dishevelled and he looked like one of my pirate ancestors. That thought amused me and I giggled. ‘Kevin you look like one of the early Lords of Beauleigh, I forget which one but he was a pirate for Elizabeth the first.’
His lips broke into a lazy smile and his eyes glittered in appreciation as he pretended to think thoughtfully. ‘Do I babe? Yon know I’ve always fancied the life of a pirate.’ Still holding my arms captive he trailed his lips across my throat and murmured seductively. ‘Well my wench I’ve plans afoot for you now. That will be your punishment for waking Capt’n Kev so early.’ He nibbled at my ear making me moan as he trailed his tongue and lips around that sensitive area before finding my mouth then kissing me ruthlessly. He pulled away to place caressing feather like kisses across my face.
‘Mmm I think I’m going to enjoy my punishment Capt’n Kev.’ I whispered between kisses as my lips found his throat.
‘That’s the plan babe.’ He smiled at me before saying teasingly. ‘Shall I swashbuckle my way to your heart and find the buried treasure?’
I felt a giggle escape my throat as I pulled his dark head close to mine. ‘Kevin, I’ve never known a man as garrulous as you, so stop talking. Now you’ve already swashbuckled your way into my heart. The treasure isn’t buried x marks the spot. You know where it is, so sheath your sword and go get it.’
He laughed delightedly at my sense of ridiculous but his eyes were now fully wide awake and full of promise. ‘That’s my girl, the one I love, so straight to the point.’
I turned the tables on him turning him over onto his back pinning underneath me. ‘You got that right Capt’n Kev. But I don’t think you planned on this shot across your broadside. It’s time to heave ho, hoist the jib mainsail or whatever other naval talk, I don’t really care much for the correct terminology.’ I rubbed myself teasingly against him and smirked temptingly ‘ I’m raising the Jolly Roger and about to board you, now go do your stuff.’
He threw back his head as he gave a shout of laughter. ‘Are you now? But I’m the Captain my wench. I think I’ll take control of this boarding party.’ he rolled me onto my back saying before he made my mind reel with his kisses. ‘But milady your every wish is my command.’
**********************************
I looked out through the tinted glass of the limousine and surveyed the crowds outside waiting beside the red carpet to get a glimpse of all the celebrities that would be attending the award ceremony. I still could never get used to thinking that I was one of them. Progress of the parade of limousines was dawdling, but we were getting there slowly. Soon it would be our turn to climb out and face the crowds and the barrage of cameras. I could feel my stomach tighten in knots at the anticipation of all the excitement and nervousness at being amongst such a big crowd. I was also nervous about being in front of my fellow actors as I presented the award. At least while making a movie you had several takes if you don’t get it right or you want to experiment with a scene. But as this was the first time I had ever presented an award and this one for my fellow countryman Sir Michael Caine was such a prestigious honour for him, that I didn’t want to look foolish in front of a huge TV audience or my peers. And I glanced across I caught Kevin watching me with something like amusement lurking in the depths of his sea green eyes.
‘What?’ I asked him as I ran my fingers through my short locks. ‘Is my hair all mucked up?’
He shook his head at me with a laugh. ‘Well it is now babe.’ He stopped my hand from doing further damage and held it still in his lap, while with his other he smoothed down the mess I had made. ‘Lucky that’s a no nonsense hair style isn’t it?’
‘ I guess I’m nervous. Michael’s such a legend and I don’t want to fluff it.’
‘You’ll do fine Jax.’ He reassured me giving my hand a squeeze and a quick kiss. The limousine came to a halt. ‘Looks like its show time babe.’
‘Ok deep breathe Jac.’ I muttered to myself. A barrage of cameras clicked blindingly as we pulled to a halt. The bodyguards stepped out of the limousine first then Kevin helped me out, bending down to straighten and smooth my dress as it feel about my legs. I gave him a smile of thanks and he placed his arm protectively about my waist as we moved down the red carpet, stopping every now and again as the pace of those in front of us slowed, or to wave at the crowd that had gathered there to watch. The bodyguards took up flanking positions and Carlos brought up the rear. Kevin kept my mind occupied with a constant stream of amusing chatter meant for my ears only that had me relaxing and trying not to laugh too much, he was being wickedly funny in his commentary and I would have died on the spot if anyone overheard him.
‘Ok, ok stop now, your objective is achieved.’ I giggled. ‘ If you want to leave BSB you’ve a career as a comedian waiting for you.’
He smiled brightly. ‘ I can’t, I’m supposed to be the grown up mature serious one remember? So you’re not nervous any more?’
‘No not any more thanks to you.’ I smiled up at him but added. ‘ I like this side of you as well, you should let it out more often. I love a man who makes me laugh. But I guess I just love everything about you.’ I spoke with an exaggerated sigh and rolled my eyes in a missish manner.
‘So I hope wench.’ He grinned and lightly slapped my backside causing me to yelp in surprise. I caught Gideon and Carlos shaking their heads at one another.
‘You’re going to pay for that Richardson.’ I laughed up at him.
He gave me his best innocent look but he didn’t speak quietly. ‘Sorry but that was Capt’n Kev. Seems he escaped from our bedroom.’
I choked on a giggle and I heard smothered laughter from our three shadows. I gave Kevin my best you’ll keep look and turned around to see the three men protecting us school their features into seriousness.
But James said softly a laugh in his voice. ‘You two really take the cake. Now behave till you are at least seated.’ But he sobered ‘ Then we keep our eyes and ears open. You too Jac and Kevin… We don’t want to take chances ok?’
If only I knew just how prophetic James words would be.