Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) (36 page)

Chapter 48

Saturday came round with surprising speed as Charlotte stretched out and ran her hand down the spine of Mitchell. He turned over and reached for her, letting her body fill the gap between them.

“Morning gorgeous”

“Hey Sexy” her reply before their lips crushed together. Since the previous weekend Mitchell had been treating her with kid gloves, frightened by the incident in the park he had not let her out of his sight, even cancelling his few day’s work with Simon on the premise that he would start the following week.

“Are you sure you're ok? He murmured in her ear.

“Look, I've been fine all week and the Doctor said that everything's good as long as I take it easy, which I have been doing”

“We can cancel on Zach if you want, tell him you're not well enough. I'm sure his plan would work without you”

Charlotte sighed and held Mitch even tighter.

“I need to do this, for you, for my Mum and for the Dad I never knew, she needs to pay”

Mitch caught the fierce determination in her eyes before she let her lips touch his again, her tongue poke between them. She could feel his cock hard against her thigh and she yearned to have him inside her, but that was still a no go! He felt the passion pouring through her and let his lips trail a path lower, using his touch and tongue to show the depth of his feelings. She tasted sweet as he drew her to a tender orgasm before he let her loose on him. She drank it down and kissed her salty lips to his when she moved back up his body.

“Let’s just stay in bed all day”

“Well, you'd better bring me some food as I'm famished” Charlie giggled, her body wrapped in his embrace.

In the end Mitchell had given in to the offer of staying at Zach's flat so after lunch they took a steady drive to London. Charlotte still had her key card so was able to direct Mitch to the underground car park before they entered the flat.

“Fuck me, is he a millionaire or something!”

“No, he shares it with his sister Lexie, they were left it by their parents after they died in a plane accident”

She found her jar of Hot Chocolate and made them both a cup as they sat down and waited. Charlie tried not to remember the evening Zach had shared secrets and grown closer. She still had a soft spot for him, and guessed she always would.

“Hey, let's test this stereo system” Zach said, finding the controller and pressing play. The Jason Derulo track flooded the room, making her blush.

“Are you ok Charlie? You look a bit flushed”

“I think it’s just warm in here”

Mitchell listened to the song; it had only just entered the charts and was slowly climbing.

“This is a great track” he slipped off his shoes and started to gyrate.

“Stop it, you're making me even hotter and more frustrated that I was this morning”

“Come here, promise I won't be too energetic”

She couldn't resist and stood up.

“Here, spoon up to my front” and bending his knees a bit they fitted together. She pushed back against him and let her hands rest on his thighs. He hooked his under her bump, slowly grinding into her as they swayed.

“Mmmh this feels good” she sighed. Mitchell said nothing just nuzzled her neck.

“You’re my girl Charlie, my lucky star”

With the song finishing they heard the ping of the lift door and broke apart, scurrying back to sit on the sofa.

“Great, you're here already” Zach said, striding into the room and clicking off the stereo. He knew that the song playing would always remind him of Charlotte, both nights when they had fucked. Sasha followed him in and smiled at them.

“Nice to meet you both again”

“You too” Mitch replied.

“Do you want a drink?” Charlie offered, trying to get up off the sofa.

“I'll get some” Zach said “and order up some food as two of us will have to eat before we go out”

They all laughed nervously, the tension in the room palpable. The afternoon ticked by, Zach offered Charlotte and Mitch the master bedroom so they had the advantage of the ensuite. Charlie ran the bath and stripped off, hoping the warm water would sooth her increasing nerves. It was even better when Mitchell slid in behind her, rubbed her shoulders and washed her hair. She languished under his touch.

“Just promise you won't try anything stupid or let Zach put you in danger”

“I promise”

He watched her get ready, the delicate way she smoothed on body lotion, slipped into a corseted Basque to help hide her bump. Mitch tied it up for her, bestowing kisses on her shoulders. Then the silver dress went on and he gasped. She looked glorious, elegant and sexy at the same time. Struggling to bend down he knelt and tied the ribbons on her shoes, letting his hands run up her shapely legs.

Standing up she turned and he saw the pink heart necklace at her throat.

“I have something for you” she opened her make-up case and revealed the watch.

“I think this is yours? You'll need it later so you know when I'm coming out. Zach says it’s all very structured and that dessert is always served at eleven”

Mitchell held out his wrist and she clasped it on. She let her fingers stray up his arm and run down his jawline. His hands touched her cheeks and allowed him to tilt her head before his lips claimed hers.

“I love you Charlotte and when this is over I have an important question to ask you”

“I love you Mitchell and what happens tonight ends the terror for all of us”

He nodded and she wiped a single tear from his cheek, it clung to the lines on her palm before dropping to the floor.

“Are you ready Charlotte, we need to leave”

“Yes, just coming” she replied, picking up her handbag and dropping her phone inside. Mitchell followed her out and came face to face with his mother's accountant.

“Mitchell this is Keith, he will make sure Charlie gets out to the car and Sasha will come in with him, then the two of you can come straight back here”

“But you're the accountant?” Mitch said.

“No, I'm a private detective, I worked for your Mum” he bowed his head “I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused, I'm here to make amends”

Zach gave Sasha a kiss and then flung his jacket over his shoulder.

“The taxi is waiting” he said, holding out his arm for Charlotte. Before she could take it Mitchell stepped forward and kissed her so deeply that she felt her stomach flip flop in double time.

“I'll be waiting” he said.

Zach and Charlotte stepped into the lift and the doors closed. She reached down and gripped his hand.

“Deep breaths Lottie, you can do this, just act like you love me, that will really infuriate her”

In the taxi she snuggled in to him.

“You look beautiful Charlotte, Mitchell is a lucky guy and so am I for having you in my life. You showed me that love was worth fighting for”

“No, I should be thanking you, helping me find him when I thought he was dead, letting me stay in your flat for the show. Everything really”

She turned to look at him, drowned for a second in his intense stare. He wrapped a hand round the back of her neck and reeled her in.

“Our last kiss” he breathed, her mouth opened and let him devour her. She let his hand tug her hair before trailing down her back and running onto her bare leg. She throbbed for him for a final time before they broke apart. She just had time to pull out her mirror and re-apply her lipstick before the taxi stopped. They would always share something that little bit closer than friends with benefits should have.

Zach helped her out and they paused for a second on the pavement outside the London Club.

“You know the plan?”

“Yes, I giggle, flirt with Daniel and be all over you like a rash” she grimaced at the thought of Daniel and Felicity. She arranged her features into a bright smile. Feeling Zach's hand on the base of her spin they walked inside. Lexie and Duncan were waiting at the table, Daniel and Felicity were nowhere to be seen.

“They're late”

Zach looked at his phone as it buzzed in his pocket.

“That was Dan, they're on the way”

All four of them breathed a sigh of relief and ordered drinks. It also meant they could sit and wait at the table, which gave Charlie some relief.

Making an entrance like the Snow Queen was Felicity, looking ludicrously tanned against the white dress. It was figure hugging and framed by a black fur stole over her shoulders. Daniel followed in her wake, his skin pale with a slight sheen of sweat. He glanced at Zach who saw the nerves like terror in his face. When they shook hands he squeezed hard, trying to get his friend to loosen up. Even Charlotte felt his nerves as he leaned in and kissed her on each cheek. She felt sorry for him.

The seating arrangement kept Charlotte away from Felicity and between Zach and Daniel. Lexie was opposite her and then Duncan. Charlotte was worried when the wine appeared and she took a sip or two but mostly drank water.

“So you are a dark horse, Casey becomes Charlotte my son's ex-girlfriend slumming around with this reprobate” she flicked her eye at Zach. Lexie opposite was trying hard not to bite at the comment aimed at her brother.

“Well, I thought he was dead” Charlie countered “But you could say that Zach here has more to offer a girl” she let her eyes linger, he leaned in and kissed her at length.

“Later Zachary, you know the rules” Felicity chided. “Charlotte perhaps you should have stayed with Mitchell, when I finally meet my demise he'll be worth millions”

The main course arrived and silence reigned, which gave Charlotte a chance to calm down. Zach was able to swap her glass for his without being noticed. Felicity was high on being at this exclusive club, the hallowed ground for BDSM. Charlotte made eye contact with Daniel and smiled while her hand reached under the table to caress his leg. He jumped slightly but then relaxed and she felt him hold her hand in place. He winked at Zach who then put his hand on Charlie's thigh, tracing patterns that kept her on edge. She glanced across at Lexie who was staring at her plate in grim determination. Her husband Duncan seemed relaxed in contrast as he beamed and kept Felicity entertained with anecdotes from the cameras installed.

With a brief squeeze Charlotte looked at the clock, it was ten to eleven.

“So girls shall we go and get ready” Felicity trilled, her eyes greedily running over Charlotte “I guess this is your first time, so I'll show you the ropes”

“Thanks Felicity, but I'm just going to the Ladies first, Zach can you tell me where it is?”

“Come on Felicity, I'll show you where the changing room is and Duncan can take Dan and we'll see you in there” Lexie said.

“Don't be too long my sweet, I can't wait to taste you” her comment aimed at Charlotte.

“I'm sure you can teach me so much, I'm an eager pupil” Charlotte replied, trying not to laugh at this horrid old woman who was trying to flirt with her.

They waited until Lexie and Felicity were well down the corridor before turning the opposite way towards the front door.

“My girl just needs some fresh air” Zach explained to the doorman. He had been primed by Duncan so he nodded and smiled. Charlie saw Mitchell lounging against the car in the small parking area and ran to his open arms. Sasha stepped out of the passenger side and walked towards Mitch.

“Good luck” Charlie said, as they passed. She nodded, her smile strained on her face, the fear evident until she reached Zach's side. Keith followed behind as he was to take the place of Duncan who was on his way to the secure office that contained the cameras.

Then they vanished inside and Mitchell quickly ushered Charlotte into the car and they drove back to the flat.

“I wish I knew what he is planning”

“Perhaps it’s best we don't, just in case the police end up questioning us”

Back inside the club Zach pulled Sasha close and let his hand drift inside her coat. He found bare flesh.

“Are you naked?” He breathed, pulling her into the nearest cloakroom, his fingers making light work of the buttons. Sasha looked resplendent and sexy in the baby doll, string and stockings. Zach could hardly breathe let alone speak. He ran his hand down her arm and felt the slight tremor beneath her skin.

“I love you Sash, but when I tell you to leave don't hesitate”

Sasha nodded and plastered a smile onto her face as they walked down the corridor towards their fate. He hoped that Daniel had done his job and that a small amount of the drug was in Felicity's system.

Chapter 49

In the changing room Zach looked at Keith who also looked both nervous and excited. He stripped down to his briefs and waited for Zach who did the same and then pulled out the black plastic bag. The room came equipped with a large bed and all the restraints that were required. There was a tap on the door.

“Are you ready Lexie called, Felicity is dying to be spoilt by all of us”

“We'll be out in a second” Zach replied.

“Are you ready?” He asked Keith “I have a feeling someone is not going to be pleased to see us.

“I'll follow you” Keith said.

They entered a darkened room, the walls red and forbidding. The lighting was low except for the bright spotlights over the bed in the centre. Felicity lay there, handcuffed and surprisingly quiet.

“How much did you give her” Zach hissed, as Dan walked over.

“Enough to persuade her that we should attend to her needs first before she can take the reins”

Keith approached the bed and ran his hand up her leg.

“Felicity how nice to see you” he said “I just couldn't miss this chance to have some fun, to take that carrot you kept dangling”

He leant down and kissed her lips, she said nothing but her eyes were darting wildly around the room.

“So Felicity, the game is this. We'll ask you some questions and depending on the answers we will dispense either pleasure or pain” Zach said “and I have a special guest to help me”

All eyes turned to the door of the female changing room as Felicity whispered.

“Charlotte, is she coming, I want to see her” her voice throaty with desire.

“If you answer the questions she'll be here at the end, but I have someone else who I'm sure you're dying to meet”

He moved aside as Sasha made her entrance, the pale pink baby doll and string stood out against her dark skin that seemed to shine.

Felicity's face turned scarlet with rage at the sight of Sasha.

“What's she doing here?”

“All in good time, I thought you'd be happy to have her again” Zach smirked, letting his hand reach out to enfold her in his embrace.

“Daniel, release me, I don't like not being in control” Felicity demanded, her voice petulant.

“Question one. Did you murder you husband Anthony?” Lexie asked, she held a riding crop in her hands, letting it flick lightly against Felicity's thigh.

“No, of course not, it was an accident”

Whack, the whip came down across her thigh.

“Did you murder Anthony, this time I want the truth”

Felicity stuttered, her face going from red to white.

“It was an accident, he slipped and fell. He hit his head and drowned”

A welt appeared on her other thigh and Zach marvelled at Lexie's practised use of the whip. He started to wonder how many times she had been here with Duncan.

“Felicity, I grow tired of your impertinence. We know what you did to your son so why keep lying”

Felicity strained against the cuffs, her mouth tightly shut. Daniel moved to her side, his mouth touching hers as she moaned through his kiss.

“If you tell the truth I'll venture lower, or perhaps let Zach bite your nipples”

She swallowed and bit her lip, all eyes watched her.

“Anthony was growing fond of younger girls, I had to make sure he didn't tire of me. I knew he did his rounds of the club every night so I waited for him in the dark. He was so shocked to see me that he did slip and fall, I just nudged him into the pool”

“That's better Felicity, I think Keith should get the first taste” Zach said. He undid the catches on her corset, freeing her breasts that stayed exactly where they were. Keith devoured her nipples, as she writhed with pleasure beneath his tongue.

“I want Charlotte now” she demanded, when Keith stood back to catch a breath.

“All in good time, we have one more question for you” Zach said, attaching the nipple clamps. He tightened them until she squealed and then looked down at her.

“So who should have the controller?” He looked at Sasha, who grabbed it with glee. His lips locked onto hers for a long lingering kiss, his hand slipping to caress her nipple. Sasha sighed and arched towards him, Felicity's eyes were black. Zach smiled and blew her a kiss.

“We need you to cast you mind back to 1995 and a Doctor called Mark Eden, does that name ring a bell?”

"No“ she screeched, as Sasha turned the dial and vibrations started to tickle Felicity's nipples.

“Is this enough?” She asked.

“A bit more I think” Zach jogged her hand and Felicity's thighs clenched.

Within view Daniel started to kiss Lexie, his hand running down her thighs to the lace of her stocking tops. Zach admired his sisters acting skills as she moaned loudly before her hand slipped into his briefs.

“So gorgeous, young and ripe” Dan said “I prefer younger models too”

“You fucking bastard, Daniel. If you stop and release me now then I'll make it worth your while”

“Just answer the question, do you know Doctor Mark Eden” Daniel asked “I believe his wife was called Stephanie and his daughter was at our table earlier”

“Well, now you've said that then perhaps I have heard his name, I think Mitchell mentioned Charlotte's Dad”

“Turn it up again Sash” Zach said “She's a very good liar”

Keith had joined Daniel in stripping Lexie and Zach averted his eyes, he had no wish to see his older sister like this.

“Now we know that you had dealings with a certain private detective regarding this Doctor and his shifts, why?”

“Keith's the liar, I just asked him to keep an eye on him, and I needed him alive to keep Stephanie away from James”

“And why was that?”

“James kept talking in his sleep, calling out for her, I had to stop him mentioning that bitch”

“So stopping it meant making Stephanie's life even worse by killing him, murdering the Dad that Charlotte never got the chance to know. Murdering Mark to add to the scars that Stephanie already had because you took her true love away” Zach loomed over her, the rest of the participants in the room were silent, all activity had stopped as they stared at Felicity.

She was still on the table, her tan faded beneath the pale terror of the accusations that had been levelled at her.

“Turn it up to full” Zach commanded. Felicity screamed and started to beg.

“Zach, I was young, foolish, frightened. All I wanted was to be loved. I was losing James back to her, he kept talking about finding her again and leaving me” she whimpered, tears streaming from her eyes.

“All we need is an answer, if you tell us the truth now we'll let you go. We'll let you escape from the police and any punishment as long as you promise to stay away. Stay away from the son you claim to love, from his beautiful girlfriend Charlotte, from Stephanie and James and from Sasha and I. We've done your bidding for too long, slaves to your sick twisted desires. Our lives will be forever branded but it has to stop now. Just confess”

They crowded around the bed, each staring at the terror struck face of Felicity, ageing before their eyes.

“It was me”

“Louder Felicity, I don't think we heard that”

“It was me, I killed him, I stabbed him” she yelled, her eyes wild and wary. She was staring at each of them in turn. Zach walked away and found the bag.

“I think you need time to contemplate your actions”

He saw Daniel take a long sip from a glass of water, he walked over and shared it in a kiss with Felicity.

“I'll be back for you in a little while, I need some private time with my friends and Charlotte” his comment dug the knife into Felicity who was gulping and crying. Zach placed the bag over her head.

“Look into your soul, search deeply for forgiveness and maybe you'll find it, then again maybe you won't”

They left the room, Sasha was quietly sobbing in his arms. His sister grabbed Dan whose legs had turned to jelly and with Keith's help they left the room. Daniel passed out in the changing room as the others just sat in silence.

“I'll go and check on Duncan, make sure he got all that before he erases the tape. Do you still want a copy Zach”

He reached and hugged Alexa tight.

“Thanks sis, I owe you one and yes”

“No thanks needed, just be happy, just be the nice guy I used to know” she kissed him on the forehead and pulled on her dress.

“Get dressed Sash and wait outside with Keith, I just need a few minutes with Daniel.

Sasha ran her hand down his spine, lingering to feel the brand on his skin, before he turned and she kissed it lightly.

“Don't be long baby” she whispered.

He watched her leave to get changed, thinking that if he had any energy left tonight then he would undress her slowly, savour her goodness and beauty.

“Dan, Dan, wake up” he shook his friend’s shoulders. He was rewarded by a bleary eyed look from Dan.

“Did we do it?”

“I hope so, but we can't go back and check, we have to leave now”

With a bit of help Daniel struggled into his suit and shoes, Zach did the same before they paid the bill and left. Duncan was outside with Lexie, Keith and Sasha. Two taxis waited at the kerb.

They drove silently through the midnight streets, afraid that police lights and sirens would shatter it.