Unbound (The Braille Club #2) (24 page)

Chapter 46

The Braille Club, London, One Year On: There was joy and disappointment as envelopes slid through letterboxes. All members would receive an envelope, the system selects at random, but only some contained a ticket.

London 2014

Benedict

Siena and Benedict were the first to arrive at the morning feedback meeting. After their wonderful session had finished, he’d surprised her with an overnight stay at a newly completed suite on the top floor of the club. Drunk on desire, they had barely closed the door before they were in each other’s arms, tearing at clothes, savage in their need for each other. It had been a wonderful night and Siena was glowing this morning, they both were. She approved of the room, thrilled her design choices were finally in place. The outdoor area was still to be finished, complete with hot tub, but would take several more weeks. The meeting room began to fill up. A buzz of excitement filled the air, the participants’ eager to share but unable to meet each other’s gaze. Niven was the last to arrive. Taking her seat hurriedly, they began.

The zone session had been a great success on lots of different levels. Benedict decided there would be an elite zone and an elite membership, available only to the very select. What they had now was basic. He was considering several possibilities, the curtains would be replaced by a more permanent option. He had big plans. They must work together to produce the technology needed and provide a sumptuous décor. This was at the heart of their meeting today. Guy and Ford had been testing the Braille Key, and he was desperate to hear their feedback. He and Siena were the first ones to trial the new Braille Chair, as there was only one at present. Ford wanted a work in progress report to help him shape and improve his design. Benedict was happy to oblige. Their session had been wonderful.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Esme and Ford on their fantastic achievements,” said Benedict, smiling.

Esme, face flushed, nodded her head. Ford, looking worse for wear, didn’t meet his gaze but looked at the table in front of him.

“Esme, can you talk us through the design?” asked Benedict.

“Yes,” she replied confidently.

She spent the next twenty minutes detailing how the two sensory devices worked.

“Okay, now you know how they operate. I need to know how they felt. Does anyone wish to share their experience?” Esme asked.

There was a silence and then Niven spoke. “I found the combination of the suit and sensory devices very different from my sensory sessions. With them, as you know, I felt nothing. Last night was…spectacular in comparison. I felt everything,” she breathed.

“Thank you, Niven,” said Guy. “I have set up a secure file; I want everyone to record their experiences on it. The entries will be anonymous but truthful, so we can ascertain where improvements or adjustments need to be made,” he finished.

Benedict had no desire to publicly share his intimate session with the people in front of him; it was his idea to submit the feedback anonymously.

Niven’s feedback revealed she had been the assignee. However, it would be impossible to pinpoint which experience was which when the feedback was analysed.

“I think it’s fair to say the sensory devices were a success and an invaluable addition,” said Benedict. “I want to design a unique zone that will be available to us during our ongoing research, then offer it to the elite of our members.”

“A completely separate zone and facilities?” Guy asked.

“Yes, I’m thinking private booths, or along those lines,” he said.

“Okay,” said Guy. “We’ll get to work on that straight away.”

“Ford, the chair was fantastic; I’ve got a few ideas to share with you.” Benedict’s normally opaque eyes twinkled.

***

Ford

“Glad you liked it,” Ford mumbled. His hangover was his only focus…that and not throwing up over the conference table.

“Last but not least, how was the Braille Key?” asked Benedict.

Ford groaned inwardly as he tried to sift through his jumbled thoughts. He remembered kissing Esme passionately. He tried to ignore the damn vibrating key. The timing was disastrous but it was hard. The constant vibration in his pocket was a reminder of why they were there. It took all his willpower to refocus and not finish what he’d started with Esme. They’d arrived late because he could not get enough of her.

God, he’d gotten so drunk. He was such an idiot. Esme had been like ice towards him today. He couldn’t remember much after the bar. When he had awoken this morning he hadn’t known where he was. Niven’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“I must confess I found it nerve racking but exciting,” she said shyly. “The key buzzing made me feel on edge and I was relieved to slot it into the wall.”

Ford felt their gaze and realised everyone was waiting for his input.

“Em, pretty much the same as Niven,” he said lamely, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

“I would like to add a feature,” Benedict suggested.

“What were you thinking?” asked Guy, interested.

“If the key isn’t used within the allotted time, then it’s deactivated,” Benedict replied.

“Oh, that would be interesting,” said Siena.

“So, if you’re late, you’ll be locked out?” Esme summed up.

“Precisely,” Benedict affirmed.

“I like it,” Siena breathed.

“Ford?” said Benedict quizzically, deducing correctly it was him that was late.

“G-great idea,” he stuttered, his face growing hot under Benedict’s stare.

“I also want to apply the same principle to Braille members arriving at the club. Give it some thought,” said Benedict.

“What, like a password?” asked Siena.

“Yes, something with a time limit or expiry,” mused Benedict.

“Lots of things to think about and work on,” said Guy. “I want to thank Esme and Niven for their time today, it has been very productive. Is there anything further we need to discuss?” he asked.

A general shaking of heads indicated the meeting was at an end.

***

Siena

As they filed out of the room, Siena touched Niven’s arm and then Esme’s.

“Would you ladies be available for lunch sometime?” she ventured tentatively.

“Yes,” they replied in unison and laughed.

“I’m going for coffee, if anyone wants to join me,” said Esme.

“I’d love a coffee,” said Niven enthusiastically.

“Me too.” Siena smiled. “Can you give me a minute?” she asked, excusing herself. Benedict nodded as she spoke to him, his eyes on her mouth, making her insides melt. She re-joined Esme and Niven. She had a feeling they would get on famously.

***

Guy

Guy had hardly lifted his head since the meeting but at last he was making some progress. He looked up as he heard the rap on his door and Benedict’s face appeared. He was carrying several drawings in his hand. Guy got up and walked to the large board he had fitted on the wall. Between them they pinned up the drawings with strong magnetic pegs. Guy was impressed by what he saw, the level of design was breathtaking.

“What are we going to call this new zone and membership?” Guy asked.

“I’m not sure, I need to give it some thought,” Benedict replied. “I must check with planning to make all the necessary amendments and then we can start. It may take a few weeks,” he said.

Guy was relieved, there was so much work to do, and he was totally swamped.

“Guy, I can see how busy you are, I’ve decided I’m going to base myself here for the foreseeable future,” said Benedict.

“That’s fantastic, but what about the office?” asked Guy.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered, in fact I’ve got Matt here. He’s waiting for me now,” Benedict replied.

Guy nodded, pleased. He liked Matt. With Benedict here on a full-time basis things would be better. He might have more time for Anna. She was meeting two local estate agents. Robert had arranged for a firm of removers to pack up his office, complete with furniture, and remove it today. Guy wanted to be there but Anna dismissed the idea. She’d sent Robert a picture of her face but wouldn’t say what she put in her text. It had felt surreal waking up with her this morning, her black eyes still a shock, but her smile tender. Their lovemaking had been fantastic, what they had done together…just thinking of it was making him aroused, so he closed those thoughts down. They were about to start a new chapter. He didn’t know what the future held but he wanted Anna in it. He hoped they could face it together, but only time would tell. Their relationship might never be conventional but he was excited.

When his mobile buzzed with a text and he saw it was Anna, he licked his lips in anticipation.

Chapter 47

The Braille Club, London, One Year On: Elysian Members are treated differently. They are all invited to the Masked Ball. They will receive their ticket by text and have one hour to accept before their invitation expires. The lack of notice infuriates them as flustered, they scramble for their diaries.

London 2014

Siena

They settled themselves in the lounge and gave their coffee orders to the attentive waitress.

“This is so lovely,” Siena breathed. “At last I have not one, but two other female perspectives.” She grinned.

Their coffees were served with a small plate of treats each.

“These are fantastic,” said Siena, popping the treat in her mouth. “I adore peanut butter.”

Niven and Esme both did the same, frowning as they tasted theirs.

“Oh, mine is mint, my favourite,” exclaimed Niven.

“Mmm…this one is ginger and dark chocolate,” said Esme, delighted.

“How did they know mint is my favourite?” said Niven, amazed.

“It’s our job to know what you like and to stimulate your senses. As a Braille Member that includes your taste buds,” said Siena.

The group sipped their coffees, letting out a collective moan of pleasure.

“This is so good,” Niven exclaimed.

“Wait until you try the Braille dining experience, it’s stunning,” Siena said and smiled.

“Well, if it’s anything like this coffee, sign me up,” said Esme.

“There is so much to develop and give to our members. The zone experience is at the top of our list but other things are important as well.”

***

Esme

Ford was still on Esme’s mind as she sat sipping the delicious coffee, enjoying the company of the two women in front of her. Both smart and beautiful, she could see Niven and Siena had an instant connection. She could not bring herself to even speak to Ford this morning, dumping the towel on her bed and shoving him awake. He had staggered bleary-eyed to the shower and then sat slumped and monosyllabic, nursing the coffee she’d left for him on the breakfast bar. Okay, it was the weekend and technically none of them were working, but she had never seen him like that, and it troubled her. She wondered if he was under too much stress.

***

Siena

Siena liked Esme, she was witty and intelligent, but sensed something was on her mind. She couldn’t help but notice Ford’s dishevelled appearance, it was totally out of character for him and she wondered if Esme had anything to do with it.

“I absolutely adore Caligo,” said Niven.

“Have you been to the club a lot?” asked Esme.

“No, not the club, I meant the perfume,” said Niven.

Esme looked confused; although her membership had been fast-tracked she had yet to receive her membership information and it now included a complimentary bottle of Caligo. Guy had given Niven a bottle at their last meeting. She rummaged in her bag, pulled it out, and gave it to Esme.

“Go on, try it,” she encouraged.

Esme sprayed the scent onto her wrist and breathed in. “It reminds of…well, here,” she said.

“Exactly,” said Siena.

All around them was the same heady scent, powerful and distinct; the only exception was the club’s industrial kitchen.

“It’s available to all members but from now on your Braille membership will include a complimentary bottle. People can be identified by their scent alone and this ensures that will never happen.”

“I see,” said Esme. “That’s very clever and I love the scent. In fact the more I hear, the more I like.”

“Good, that’s exactly the reaction we’re striving for,” said Siena, pleased.

“I have to confess, I was a little afraid about the session,” said Niven shyly.

“Niven, that’s terrible, and not what we want for our members,” said Siena, appalled.

“Oh, it’s my fault really. I have an issue with touch…” she said, her face turning red as her eyes stared into her coffee cup. “Guy approached me with his idea and I decided to try it. I suppose I had nothing to lose. I thought it might conquer my fear, you know, the way people do with heights.”

“And did it?” Siena asked gently.

Niven’s face coloured again. “Well, it was the sensory devices I used, not actual touch, but after I got used to them against me, I relaxed. So yes, in a way it did. In fact, dare I say it, I enjoyed myself.” She laughed.

“That’s wonderful,” said Esme. “Niven, you’ve achieved a personal milestone. You should be very proud of yourself. I’m delighted after your initial misgivings you went on to have a good experience. It’s my first prototype, after all.”

“I’ve got a way to go, but it’s a start.” Niven smiled sadly.

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Siena sympathetically.

***

Niven

Niven had been drawn to Siena immediately and vice versa. The two of them instinctively identified their common ground; they were both survivors. Neither of them liked the term victim. Niven took a deep breath, Siena had seemed familiar to her, and it took a while before she realised why. She had been reading about her court case in the papers, her horror mounting as the story of her abduction and fight for not just her life, but that of her babies, unfolded.

“It was a long time ago. I was 12…when my adoptive father’s biological son attacked me,” Niven found herself saying. “Our housekeeper Maria came into my room, I don’t know why, maybe she heard something, and when she tried to help me, he stabbed her. She fell on top of him, trapping us both, and I watched her die in front of my eyes.”

“Oh Niven. How awful,” said Siena.

“Yes, I think you never fully recover from something like that,” said Niven shakily. “You’re the first people I’ve ever told, apart from my councillors. I’m sorry I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.” She sighed.

“Niven, sometimes sharing your ordeal with strangers is so much easier than with friends. I completely understand,” said Siena. “I blamed myself at first; maybe if I’d done things differently Nick wouldn’t have hurt me, but in the end you realise they are the ones at fault.”

“You’re right…but believing it is hard for me,” said Niven.

Esme looked confused as she stared at them both open mouthed.

“I was abducted by my ex-husband when I was eight months pregnant and he tried to kill me,” said Siena quietly.

“Oh my God!” said Esme, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

“You must have been so scared.” Niven wrapped her arms around herself and physically shuddered.

“Terrified,” replied Siena.

“Siena, I’m sorry, I didn’t connect you with that case—the one in papers—you guys have been to hell and back,” Esme exclaimed.

Niven continued, “All that time with him trapped on top of me literally made my flesh crawl. He kept struggling to get at me and the things he said…” She couldn’t finish. “I’ve had issues with anyone touching me ever since.”

“I’m not surprised, you poor thing,” said Esme.

“Recently, I’ve felt I’m being watched, and when I left the club the other night I could have sworn someone took my picture.”

“What happened to your attacker?” asked Esme.

“Prison. He pleaded it was an accident, but he meant to kill Maria. I saw him do it, but it should have been me.” The horror of Niven’s words hung in the air.

“Never think like that, Niven,” said Siena. “Maria died trying to protect you. I think anyone in her position would have done the same, you were only a child.”

“I blame my adoptive parents,” Niven continued. “My mother used me like an accessory to fit in with her friends and my father totally controlled her. They had a strange relationship, to be honest, I thought they were both weird. Maria was the closest thing I had to a mother. They wanted to hush the whole thing up. It wasn’t good for their image, and image was everything to them. The police were told it was a teenage prank gone wrong, and I wasn’t allowed to contradict that theory. My mother was a force to be reckoned with and I didn’t have the strength to fight her. She told me that everything would be taken care of if I just kept my mouth shut and in a way she was right; he was convicted. Afterwards, it was out of sight, out of mind for them, but I couldn’t forget. I think he’s been released…” she finished, genuine fear in her voice.

“Look, let me speak to Guy,” said Siena.

Niven’s look of fear turned to one of hope.

“Really? I don’t want you to go to any trouble,” said Niven.

“No trouble, you’re my friend now,” said Siena simply.

“Okay, I thought I had problems…but I’ve just realised how lucky I am,” said Esme with feeling.

“You’ve got to tell us,” said Niven pleadingly.

Esme looked dubious.

“Please,” said Siena, smiling.

“Okay.” Esme huffed. “My mum became an alcoholic when my dad left her. My home life was awful…and I was very angry. I met Ford during my apprenticeship and I knew he liked me. Ford had everything I didn’t, and his parents were wealthy. I knew they’d be horrified if I dated him, not that he would have bothered. Their opinion didn’t matter to Ford in that sense, but it mattered to me. So I turned him down. I didn’t have a high opinion of men and got a job abroad. All my relationships were total failures, and I suspected I might be gay but I messed that up as well,” sighed Esme. “Really, guys, you don’t need to hear this.”

“Go on,” Siena encouraged.

“To cut a long story short I ended up telling Ford all this and perversely he introduced me to the Braille Club. I’m not sure what his motives were but our connection was amazing. It made me realise he was the one all along, but now he thinks I’m only into women.” Esme looked at Siena and Niven. “Which I’m not, it’s…Ford I want. I think it always was.”

“That’s so romantic,” said Niven.

“Yeah, well, you wouldn’t have said that if you had seen Ford last night. Drunk, still banging on about me being gay and then passing out in the taxi!” said Esme, annoyed.

“I thought he looked…er, a bit worse for wear,” said Niven, giggling.

“Yip, major hangover and he deserved it!” said Esme with satisfaction.

“Are you going to kiss and make up?” said Siena.

“Not sure, to be honest. Jury’s still out.” Esme shrugged.

Siena looked at her watch. “I’ve got to go,” she told them regretfully.

Niven took a pen out and rummaged in her bag for a piece of paper. She wrote out her number twice, handing them shyly to Siena and then Esme.

“Okay, I’ve just sent you my number,” said Esme, smiling.

“Same here,” said Siena. “This has been lovely. Let’s do it again really soon.” She laughed.

“Yes,” said Niven enthusiastically.

“Definitely.” Esme nodded.

They grinned, each sensing the start of a special friendship. They agreed to be in touch and went their separate ways.