Weapon of Desire (19 page)

His hands curl
around my waist tugging me back to him, his mouth at my ear

“
Darcey, please trust me………….. I need you.”

Twisting to meet his mouth
I kiss him adoringly, “Anthony I need you too.”

I pack some items as Anthony sits wrapped in a towel seate
d on the edge of my bed. We are both quiet sensing the end to our open, sensual closeness and an acknowledgement that we’ll have to grab moments of privacy whenever we can. I sigh as I twiddle with the locket about my neck and take in the view of the sofa and open fire with sweet memories of Anthony holding me tight.

“Darcey, I’
ll understand if you want to take the opportunity to work in Dubai.” He looks down fiddling with the throw lain at the end of the bed. “I don’t want to hold you back.”

“I’
m not going anywhere without you. You don’t get rid of me that easily!” My hands run through his wet hair as his sorrowful eyes meet mine.

“Good.” Anthony
squeezes my waist closer to him.

“Anthony, how would you feel about coming to my mother
’s for lunch on Sunday?” I’m pleased to see a flicker of happiness return to his eyes.

“
My brothers will be there. I’m also thinking of asking Freya, Tom and Nick as a thank you for taking care of me.”

“That’s
a lovely idea, they’d love to come.” He smiles as though he appreciates my good intentions but harbours uncertainty.

“I had better get dressed for wo
rk.” Anthony looks at his watch, rises and leaves.

My heart sinks and my stomach churns.
I want to scream from the rooftops how much I love him. I know his mysterious secret is holding him back which confuses and scares me but also attracts at the same time. Anthony’s desire for freedom and a normal life is evident but will he ever be truly mine, in the way I want him to be.

While
packing and dressing I begin to panic, I can’t take any more heartache. With Anthony I offer my heart and soul, lowering my defences and ignoring the danger signs. I convince myself that I’ve to maintain my own protection, distance myself and regain my self-dependence. Perhaps the move to Dorton is best for all.

I call Mum to discuss lunch on Sunday and offer to cook for everyone in return that I could stay over the whole weekend. The thought of sleeping at Dorton alone is unbearable. She is thrilled at the mention of meeting Tom and Freya and acts like an excited child as we plan a Friday night movie and take away pizza. I promise her that on Saturday I will pl
an the menu; go food shopping, clean the house, decorate the table and any prep cooking. The deal is done.

I meet everyone in the kitchen for breakfast. Anthony is deep in discussion with Tom and Nick although musters a smile in my direction. Freya and Marc are busy at the kitchen counter.

“Darcey, would you like tea?” Freya seems full of restless energy trying to engage me in conversation as the men continue in their huddle in the orangery. “Marc is cooking bacon, scrambled eggs and toast if you are hungry?”

“That sounds great
, thank you.” I make my way towards the three men with renewed strength and a will to stand on my own two feet. “Morning Nick, Tom.”

I look down at them as their scheming conversation stops.

“Morning Darcey.” Tom swivels on his seat cheerfully as Nick rests back in his chair.

“Nick would you escort me to my apartment this morning before I mov
e in at Dorton?” All three seem surprised at my decisive drive.

“Sure,” searching in his pocket Nick withdraws tiny metallic disks in a sealed, clear container. “Darcey have you got your locket and mobile with you?”

“Yes,” I unhook the locket and retrieve my phone from my hand bag. Nick fiddles with the intricacies inside my phone and then reseals pressing a few buttons. He then turns his attention to the inside of my locket before closing the clasp.

“Darcey I’
ll be able to find you within 150 metres of your location using satellite tracking.” He hands the locket and phone back to me.

“When you’
re out, you must get into the habit of being aware of who is around you. Make a point of noting who is following, even when you are driving. If you sense you are in danger, determine how many of them are present and then
if you can
text me immediately.”

“Wow I feel like a secret agent, thanks.” I secure the locket around my neck
as I watch Anthony recover a gun from inside his briefcase. He places the M9 onto the dining table beside their empty plates as though it is the norm. Everyone remains mute.

Anthony’s eyes are dark and solemn as he slides the gun towards me.
Tom and Nick process my facial expressions.

“Darcey, you’
ll need this. Remember what Nick has taught you, keep it safe and with you at all times. Don’t tell anyone that you have it ok?”

Drawing my eyes up from the gun our gaze meet
s and I can’t resist his charms when he looks at me in this hot, sexy way. I pick up the Beretta and feel the same powerful sensations that I felt the first time I fired it.

“Ok” I mutter
carefully opening my handbag and placing the gun inside the zipped compartment. My body and mind seems to be on autopilot. What is happening to my world? I now carry a gun and tracking devices although somehow they make it feel customary to do so.

Nick sips his coffee pushing aside his empty plate where eggs and bacon had once resided.
“Darcey don’t use your email or work telephone to communicate information, call using your mobile. This way they’re unlikely to be able to track your movements or plans.”

Anthony looks
down at his watch and stands to put on his suit jacket. “We better go Nick.” Moving closer Anthony tilts his head to kiss me tenderly goodbye.

“Nick will be back soon
to take you to your apartment. Don’t be tempted to go alone! Have you called Colonel Garner?”

“Not yet” the room is silent as Freya, Tom, Marc and Nick look on.
I gulp hard to swallow the emotions that are trying to escape me and manage to maintain a composed exterior. My world is tumbling around me and my heart is aching. I want to be with Anthony every hour but I know that isn’t possible. A gentle touch on my cheek and then Anthony turns away as though it is too much to look at me.

Striding towards the door he calls back “Nick you better look after my baby.”

Nick salutes with a wink “Darcey you are in safe hands.”

Breakfast with Freya, Tom and Marc is
normal and peaceful if that makes sense. We enjoy pleasant discussions surrounding dinner on Sunday and both are overjoyed at the prospect of meeting my Mum and brothers.

As the hour passes slowly I decide
to climb the stairs to my room to make the call to Colonel Garner.

Before I have a chance to speak Colonel Garner answers his mobile
phone

“Good Morning Ms Brooks, are you ready to discuss my offer?”

He is the most annoying person I’ve ever met and is so damn sure of his own influencing power.

“Y
es I’m calling to inform you that I’ll be declining your offer. I’m however ready to move to Dorton today. When will the accommodation be ready?” I take a deep breath feeling extremely pleased with my strong, direct approach.

A period of awkward silence ensues before his sigh cuts the tension “I can have the apartment ready for 14.00 hours.” A further uncomfortable hush arises.

“Good, will someone from security be there to meet me?” I’m unwaivered by his hostile attitude.

“Darcey” he uses my first name with a threatening tone that shocks me. “S
o you are confirming that you are not in a relationship with Anthony?”

“I will continu
e to work professionally as I’ve always done if that is what you are asking.” I am determined to not be pushed into a corner by his bullying tactics.

“No Darcey that is not what I’
m questioning. Let me make myself very clear I don’t like being made to look a fool. Should I realise that you are lying to me, believe me your feet will not touch the ground. I will have your contract and accommodation at Dorton terminated with immediate effect!”

My mind is speeding ahead searching for an answer as my heart pounds in my chest. Words are not registered by my brain which is unable to transmit to my motionless tongue.

“Darcey, I’ll meet you at 14.00.” Colonel Garner ends the call furious that he’d not ignited a reaction from me.

Throwing the phone back in m
y bag I breath easily again. I’m not looking forward to this afternoon and wonder if Nick would accompany me. Perhaps Colonel Garner would back off if he is there.

Nick returns and helps me carry my case down to my Z4 that
is sparkly clean, polished and gleaming in the early morning hazy sunlight. Tom and Freya are adorable having prepared a food basket for me.

“Here a
re some goodies for you as I knew that you wouldn’t have time to shop for groceries in between packing and unpacking.” Freya places the heavy basket beside my case.

“Darcey you take care of yourse
lf and I can’t wait to meet your family for lunch on Sunday.” Tom pulls me close into a gentle hug.

“Thank you both for all you have done
, making me feel so welcome in your home. I hope my cooking comes up to Marc’s standards on Sunday!”  I smile before slipping into the driving seat as Nick pulls up behind me in his BMW.

The slow drive to the main gate beckons a stray tear of sadness as we leave this small piece of heaven.
  Nick follows me out onto the winding country lane as I breathe out slowly accepting that I’m no longer in a protected bubble. Catching a glimpse of my handbag on the seat I remember the gun as reality returns once again.

Turning up the stereo U2 are still playing reminding me of my last eventful journey but now they are singing of a
“beautiful day” which raises my spirit as I allow myself to enjoy the drive.

Parking outside my apartment it feels as though I have been away forever. Clutching my han
dbag I make my way over to Nick as he pulls into a space.

“Nick would you hang around an
d follow me to Dorton? I shouldn’t be too long I just want to grab some more clothes.” I smile appreciatively as he remains seated.

“Of course Darcey, do you want me to come inside with you?”

“No I’m fine.” I dig deep inside my bag searching for my keys.

Standing at the entrance I notice the communal door is damaged and not locked. Pushing the door open I stare up towards my apartment. There seems to be no other signs of vandalism as I cautiously climb the stairs. Approaching the first floor landing I halt detecting my door is ajar. My heart begins to race as I instinctively scramble unzipping my bag with shaking hands to retrieve the gun and my mobile. Fumbling pathetically, I quickly text Nick.

Nick i
s beside me in seconds, calmly placing his hand on the top of my gun indicating to back down. He steps forward, withdrawing another pistol from inside his jacket, shoving the door open taking cover to one side as I watch from the top of the stairs.  Peering around the door frame with his aim still poised he enters the apartment. It feels like time is standing still as I wait patiently gripping hold of my gun. Eventually Nick returns and signals for me to come in.

The apartment is totally ransacked, glass picture frames smashed on the floor, cupboards emptied out and large red script scrawled along the hall wall. 

Anthony give back what is mine

or I will take what is yours

Making my way to my bedroom I can see mirrors smashed and clothes strewn over the floor.

“What do they want?” I scan the room and can see jewellery untouched on my dressing table. The television has been deliberately smashed. Anything of value has not been stolen signifying to me that this is not a burglary but a warning
. They obviously want Anthony to know they are watching us both. What is Anthony hiding?

Nick s
lides his hands into leather gloves and drags a chair to a cupboard, standing on the seat to reach above a shelf.

“What are you doing?” Nick doesn’
t answer and continues to stretch up above the door frame, yanking away a small black box wrapped in tape. “What’s that?”

“Recorded footage of your visitors.” Nick swiftly stores
it inside his jacket.

“Did you put it there?”

“Yes” He continues to recover tiny items from various areas throughout the lounge.

“When did you put it
there and what the hell are you doing?” I’m beginning to freak out at this level of intrusion.

“A couple of days back and these are
cameras.” Nick stands with hands on his hips deep in thought. “Darcey I’ll arrange for a team to come in and clean up. You’ll have to keep quiet about this.”