Weapon of Desire (8 page)

“Please be gentle Darcey, he does love you.” Lola’s face softens.

“I will try.” I scoff rising from the stool to make my way upstairs to dress and pack.

The apartment seems too quiet
but a welcome calmness after all the fiasco that Saturday brought. I dump my bags into the bedroom and put on some coffee and James Morrison to sooth my head. The clock confirms 9.30am as I setup my laptop with Dorton Prep files neatly arranged on the table.

The bathroom mirror displays a less than glamorous woman so I set about applying some make up to bring some colour back to my cheeks and lips. Sitting at the table staring at the laptop I receive a t
ext message from Daniel. He must have just finished speaking to Lola.

“
Morning Darcey, Lola tells me you had a lively night and that you’re working today. Please don’t give up on us!! I can’t wait to see you tomorrow and booked La Piazza for dinner at 8pm. R U OK with this? Daniel xxx”

Lola has told him everything and by the tone of the text, she has told h
im about Anthony. I can’t blame her she is looking out for Daniel. I quickly reply.

“
Daniel that’s fine, I’ll meet you there. Darcey”

I have
journeyed through the tears and the anger stage and now I just want to move forward and be happy again. The entry phone buzzes making me jump in my seat.

“Good Morning Ms Brooks, how’
s that head?” Anthony is standing at the main entrance to the apartment block looking gorgeous as ever in jeans and a sweater.

“Good Morning,
you’ll have to be gentle with me today Anthony.” He laughs as I buzz him in.

I open the apartment door and wait for him to reach the first floor. He is carrying beautiful pure white
roses and a bottle of Lucozade.

“I feel as thou
gh I’m visiting someone in hospital!” he remarks as he plants a gentle kiss on my cheek.

“Come in, would you like some coffee?” I cl
ose the door as he passes me the roses and bottle.

Before I can move from the spot Anthony
seizes my face with both hands as his tongue claims my mouth. I take a few seconds to accept his voracious kiss melting as I stand holding the flowers. My tongue dances around his mouth while our lips glide over one another’s. I move slowly backwards to the table where I drop the gifts, still entwined with gliding tongues. My hands run wild skating through his hair and then down his back as his arms wrap around me pulling me closer.

I
suddenly catch a glimpse of Daniel and me smiling in a picture taken while on a holiday and my gut clenches as I pull away. What am I doing? I promised Lola I wouldn’t do this. Anthony watches me puzzled and my heart lurches as I stare into his warm eyes and want him all over again.

“
Is everything ok?” Anthony doesn’t move.

“This is too soon.” I break eye contact and
head towards the kitchen. “I need to speak to Daniel. I want to listen to what he has to say.”

A
nthony follows me “Darcey, you’re doing nothing wrong. You know you want this as much as I do.”

I pour two coffees and hold one out to
him hoping to sober the moment.

“Anthony you make me feel alive and
so happy, the more I resist, the more I want you.” His face is passive. “I have to satisfy myself that my feelings for Daniel have changed and that I no longer want him.”

Anthony takes the mugs and puts them to one side. He holds my face in his hands and smiles affectionat
ely. “Darcey, I’ll not give up on you but I’ll respect the space you need right now and back off.”

He retrieves his coffee and takes a seat at the table adopting a working presenc
e as he picks up the reports. I’m surprised at Anthony’s relaxed, grown up approach after experiencing his rage when I ignored his requests previously. I join him at the table with a light kiss to his forehead for understanding my mixed messages.

The morning is concentrated and very fruitful with both of us occasionally drifting into each other’s glare or momentarily brushing close but both restraining our urges to act out our desires.

Anthony stands and stretches, it is 1pm and I’m feeling hungry. Seated in my chair I admire the view.

“Are you hung
ry?” I rise from my chair. “I’ve homemade Thai Chicken soup?”

“That sounds good.” Anthony withdraws his bleeping mobile phone to view a text message.

I get busy in the kitchen as Anthony makes a call. He is very friendly as he speaks to confirm that he will collect them at 7.30pm. Then he finishes the call with “see you tomorrow.”

He
stands beside me in the kitchen and rests against the breakfast bar watching me warm the soup and carve slices from a fresh crusty loaf.

“I could get used to this, you cooking for me every day.” He steals a
piece of bread and munches.

“Do you cook at home?” I’
m inquisitive to know more about him.

“My mother has kitchen staf
f. When I lived in London I’d eat out most of the time or Joanna would cook.” He doesn’t look at me when he throws away this comment.

“Who’
s Joanna?” I enquire still stirring the soup which is filling the kitchen with a wonderful Thai aroma.

“She was my girlfriend.” Anthony offers nothing more.

“Oh, when did the relationship end?” my prying knows no boundaries.

“
When she was murdered in my apartment.” Still there’s no eye contact as I freeze and stare in his direction.

“What happened?” I insist on more information.

“Someone broke in and she happened to be there in the way as they ransacked the place.” I get a first glimpse of his eyes as he finishes. “Police are still investigating.”

“When did this happen?” I return to stirring my soup.

“Six months ago.” He straightens and walks towards the lounge windows taking in the view of the lake.

“
I’m so sorry, I’d no idea that you were going through so much yourself right now.” My eagerness to know more unleashes further questions. “I suppose your parents have been a great support for you?”

“
Yes they put up with a lot when I drank myself into oblivion, got arrested for being drunk at the wheel and then the army decided to relocate me closer to them so they could help me get back on track.” Anthony looks out the window suggesting to me he was ashamed of this admission but then strolls back to the kitchen smiling as though relieved to have told me.

“
You should be proud of yourself having come through the other side.” I smile trying to allay any concerns he may have for sharing this with me.

Anthony
releases a deep sigh and returns to my side dipping a finger into the soup. “That tastes great Darcey.”

I recognise his attempt to change the subject and pour two large bowls of steaming broth as we sit at the breakfast bar.

“So are you enjoying Suffolk and the new job?” we both greedily tuck in, dunking bread into our bowls.

“Best move I’ve ever made.” Anthony doesn’
t look up but continues to eat.

“That’
s wonderful to hear, so you must be enjoying the new challenge?” The soup is good and I can sense Anthony is also thoroughly enjoying his lunch. He puts down his spoon and breaks another chunk of bread before looking up and catching my stare.

“Darcey you are my challenge and yes
I’m enjoying every minute.” That wicked smile materialises and then is gone.

“I didn’
t think that I was a challenging sort of person, perhaps a little too laid back. Perhaps that’s why Daniel walked all over me!” My soup is a welcome treat after a few mouthfuls of toast, tea and paracetamol earlier at Lola’s house.

“You are stubborn and feisty!” Anthony smirks taking his last mouthful of soup.

“I can’t be that stubborn after nearly giving into you last night.” I stand up to clear the dishes.

“So I nearly won, is that all it took a little alcohol?” Anthony grabs me around the waist pulling me close. “Maybe I should get you drunk again.”

“I’m already drunk on you!” Oh no where did that come from, it just flew out of my mouth and I shock myself and squirm a little thinking that Anthony may see me as weak.

“Is that so?” he replies tucking a stray curl behind my
ear.  “You’re all I think of everyday so perhaps we intoxicate each other.”

We stare at each other knowing where this is
heading. His hands slide lower down my back and his lips move closer to mine.

“Shall we take a walk around the lake to cool off?” He smiles honouring his promise to
back off.

“I have Key Lime Pie for pudding.” I whisper gently brushing his lips.

“If you want me to keep my hands to myself we’d better go for a walk otherwise I’m not responsible for my actions.” Anthony stands staring down at me. “Come on we can have pudding when we return.”

The afternoon is crisp with the sun struggling to make an appearance. Anthony tugs me close wit
h his arm wrapped around my shoulders. I try to remember the last time I did this with Daniel. He’s been travelling with work for so long and we grab odd weekends or evenings together but not quality time. I feel so calm and happy in Anthony’s company as my guard falls away. I talk to him about anything and everything and he’s so patient, honest and open.

“So will you be searching
for your own place in Suffolk?”

“Yes I think I’
m going to lodge at an apartment overlooking Needham Lake.” He cheekily smiles.

“That would be fun travelling to work together every day.” My eyes are
scouring for his reaction. “You would soon get bored of me!”

“Never!”
he kisses me gently on my head. “Darcey this last week has been a triumph for me. I feel alive again and that is down to you.” He stops and twists to face me. Lifting my chin our lips slowly meet as our tongues search for depth and more pleasure. Our bodies are firm against each other as our arms bind.

We are oblivious to surrounding j
oggers and dog walkers and can’t tear ourselves apart. I want him more than ever. All of my will power to distance myself has faded away.

“Let’s get back and have pudding.” My mind is clearly on getting alone with him.

“Good idea.” Anthony leads the way clasping my hand.

We barely make the apartment front door and are again in a tight embrace, with tongue
s twirling, searching, nipping and licking as jackets pool on the floor. Boots are kicked off as my hands wander freely underneath his sweater, smoothly sliding over his warm body. His hands are nimbly opening my shirt releasing my heaving, lace covered breasts. I tug at his sweater lifting it swiftly over his head to reveal a dash of hairs on his muscular chest. My eyes are wide with tantalising excitement as he lifts me off the ground. My legs curve around his waist as our tongues continue to slide in and out of each other’s mouths. Anthony makes his way to the bedroom, pushing open the door from behind and laying me on top of the bed. He stops for a second and stares down at me.

“Are you sure you want this?” he looks worried as he spots a picture of Daniel which he quickly turns on
to its face.

“Get here.” I demand pulling him closer between my legs. His hands free my swollen breasts
as he takes a nipple in between his teeth and gently tugs while caressing my half covered breast. I arch my back, wanting more. My hands work on his belt and then move onto the firm length underneath the jeans. He sighs as he sucks hard making me gasp.

His
tongue creates circular licks down to my belly causing shivers as his breath touches my damp skin. His hands make easy work of my jeans pulling them downwards underneath him and then skirt the top of my underwear. Light fingers delve under the seam as his eyes drill mine for approval of his touch. I tip my head back closing my eyes, breathing in and lifting my hips up to initiate his further attention.

Anthony drags me closer towards him
at the edge of the bed parting my legs further and licking down my inner thighs. My stomach is cartwheeling as I wriggle pushing my concealed openness closer to his mouth. His silky tongue licks under the seams and then he gently bites on the aching swell hidden beneath. His hands glide up and down my inner thigh and cup my rising buttocks.

His tongue pushes aside any weak obstacles, circling in between my legs and breathing deeply causing sensations across my wet lips. My clitoris is devoured by
his intense attention of flicks and nibbles as my inner aching pulses in readiness.

“Anthony I want you.” I whisper as I
push against his hot breath.

The tip of his tongue dives deeper and then withdraws sending me into sensual overdrive. My hips circle and gyrate against his mouth. He licks and d
ips deeper in alternate rhythm.

“
Please Anthony fuck me!” I beg for him to be inside me.