The Alpha's Assistant & The Dom Next Door: A Billionaire Romance Collection by Michelle Love, Eliza Duke (12)

‘Harpa…’

‘Just tell me!’ She was trembling now. ‘Just tell me why.’

There was a long silence then Deacon sighed, looked her straight in the eye and told her simply. ‘I don’t love you anymore.’

His words, spoken softly, calmly, felt like a death to her. She stared at him for a moment then got up and stumbled out of the coffeehouse, oblivious to the stares of the other customers. Tears were pouring down her face, her breath coming in short, painful gasps. She staggered to the edge of the sidewalk and threw up. At any moment, she expected to feel his hand on her back, comforting, helping, begging for forgiveness. It never came.

Cosima Bedi smiled up at her lover as he gathered her to him and thrust his cock deep inside her. She gave a low moan of pleasure that made him smile and his cock thicken and swell. Her velvety vagina enveloped him as he moved, her legs around his waist, her soft lips against his. The feel of her skin on his was intoxicating to Arlo Forrester, and as they made love, the early morning sun falling over their bodies, he wished they could stay in the moment forever.

Afterward, they showered together…a task made longer by the fact he had to have her again, pushing her up against the cool tile and thrusting deep inside her from behind.

Now, as they ate breakfast, he linked his fingers with hers. ‘Cosima…do you know how happy you make me?’

She grinned. ‘Hopefully as happy as you make me, Mr. Forrester. Listen, I have a couple of meetings back at the office this morning; can you do without me for a couple of hours?’

‘Absolutely not,’ but he grinned, ‘but I suppose if it’s work…’

‘Ha ha,’ she kissed him, ‘I’ll be with you by lunchtime.’

After he had dropped Cosima at her office, Arlo continued on to the LaBelle, the hotel he and Cosima were renovating together. He liked to think of it like that – their hotel – in that they had chosen the project together rather than he had hired her firm to help design and build it. He was actually glad she wasn’t with him this morning though because he had a meeting with the local councilmen to discuss changing the name of the hotel; his preferred sign writer was ready to go ahead once he had permission. He wanted it to be a surprise for Cosima; one she would love, one that would show her how much he loved her.

Arlo wasn’t used to feeling like this, so utterly wiped out with love. He had always been controlled, sensible, measured in everything in his life – since his brother Mason had died, he was always careful not to let anyone too close, so to not to have that terror of losing them. He’d almost managed it – Margaret, his beloved assistant, and de facto mother was an exception – but everyone else got close enough…then he would put up barriers. He knew he had with Sabine – and that’s why he bore some of the responsibility for her affair with Cole. But now, he felt wide open, laid bare by the beautiful woman who spent the nights in his arms.

His meeting went well with the councilmen, and he gave the go-ahead for the signs to be made up. He was just looking over some blueprints when he heard his name being called. He turned to see Jack Hampton walking towards him, his smile friendly. ‘Hey Jack, I didn’t know you were still in town?’

The other man nodded. ‘Harpa’s move to Seattle needs to be arranged and seeing as she wasn’t at dinner last night, I thought I’d drop in and see if Cos knows when Harpa will be free.’

Oh, really? Arlo kept his expression mutual. ‘Wouldn’t it be easier to call Harpa directly?’

Jack smiled as if he knew what Arlo was thinking. ‘It would, and I’ve tried, but it just keeps going to voicemail. I get a little uncomfortable when I can’t reach one or both of the girls.’

Women, not girls. Why did this dude irritate him so much? Arlo gave him a half-smile and nodded. ‘I see.’

Jack looked around. ‘This place sure is something…’ Indeed, the interior of the hotel was beginning to take shape. Arlo nodded, pleased despite himself.

‘Cosima’s touch. She has the best eye I’ve ever seen.’

Jack nodded. ‘She’s always been a star, that one. Even when she was younger, she was always doing something creative…really knows color and how to use it. Amazing imagination. Hey, I don’t suppose you could give me a tour?’

Arlo hesitated then shrugged. ‘Sure, why not?’

He handed Jack a hard hat and motioned for him to follow him. ‘We found the basic structure is sound and that a lot of the features could be salvaged for re-use. To a developer, that’s money in the bank.’

Jack nodded. ‘Got it. My understanding was that you were going to build from the ground up, and that’s why you hired Cosima’s firm.’

‘That was the original plan; but then both Cos and me,’ he smiled a little, ‘well, we fell in love with this place. I bought it on the spot.’

‘Spontaneous. I hear it’s catching.’

Arlo stopped and smiled at him. ‘Is there something you want to ask me, Agent Hampton?’

Jack made a show of looking confused. ‘No, man, I’m just saying. I’ve known Cos for years, and she’s always been organized, reliable and solid. Then you come along and …’ He made an ‘explosion’ gesture with his hands. Arlo conserved his words.

‘Believe it or not, Jack, I’m just as astonished as you. Like Cos, I was all business, all the time. Maybe we’re just like two chemical elements, benign on their own but put them together and boom.’

Jack nodded. ‘That’s what concerns me, man. Look, I’m happy for both of you, I am, but my job is to protect these girls, and I know you can provide round-the-clock security, I know that. My experience is, though, that if two parties are actively protecting someone, the ball often gets dropped because of miscommunication. I’m just asking – don’t shut me out.’

Arlo nodded, listening to the man and feeling a little better about his involvement in Cosima’s life. ‘I understand that, and I agree. Look, I do not want to step on anyone’s toes here – as long as Cos and I are given our privacy, I have no problem with anything you do. I want her safe.’

‘That’s all I want too, man.’

Arlo stuck his hand out, and Jack shook it. ‘Deal.’

Jack smiled. ‘Good. Now, show me around the rest of the Pleasuredome.’

Harpa was curled up, napping, on the couch when Cosima got in that night and she leaned down and stroked her sister’s hair. She frowned when she saw the deep shadows under her eyes.

‘Harp? You okay, honey?’

Harpa opened her eyes, took one look at her sister and burst into tears. Cosima wrapped her arms around her sister and let her cry herself out. Finally, when Harpa had calmed herself, she told Cosima about Deacon.

‘He just came right out with it. I don’t love you anymore. There was no regret, no sadness in his eyes. He just looked desperate to get out of there.’

‘Asshole,’ Cosima spat out, gritting her teeth. ‘I’m so sorry, Harp, I really am.’ She hugged her sister fiercely. Harpa leaned against her and sighed.

‘Sorry for blubbing.’

‘Don’t be silly.’

Harpa closed her eyes. ‘God, I’m so angry, Cos.’ She sat up and wiped her face on her sleeve. ‘He was cheating. He admitted it to my face.’

‘What the fuck?’ Cos was enraged. ‘That rat bastard, I’ll kill him…’ She was up, and Harpa had to yank her back to the couch.

‘Dude, calm down. If anyone’s going to kick his ass, it’ll be me. But just now, I need sister alone time and a lot of junk food.’

Cosima looked a little guilty, and Harpa groaned. ‘You’re not going out, are you? I need you,’ she said in a wheedling voice then grinned suddenly. ‘Wow, I’m not passive-aggressive at all, am I?’

Cosima smiled. ‘To answer your question, no, I’m not going out, but Arlo is coming here. He wants to meet you finally. But I can call him and postpone; you clearly need me more.’

Harpa shook her head. ‘No, don’t do that, I want to meet him too. Just don’t be too smitten in front of me; I don’t think I could take that.’

‘I promise.’

Harpa sighed and then got up. ‘I need to take a shower then I’ll cook something.’

Cosima shook her head. ‘No, don’t worry about it, we’ll just order in tonight.’

‘You sure?’

‘Yes, now go grab a shower; I need to take one too.’

Just as Harpa was leaving the room, Cosima called her back. ‘What about Seattle?’

Harpa half-smiled. ‘I’m still going to Seattle, Cos. No man’s going to stop me from my dreams.’

An hour later, Harpa opened the door to Arlo Forrester. The two of them sized each other up.

‘Well,’ said Harpa, stick her hand on her hip and trying not to grin. God, he was gorgeous – lucky, lucky Cos – but she’d be damned if she’d let him know that. ‘I suppose you’ll do.’

Arlo grinned widely. ‘I’m pleased that her Majesty is satisfied.’ He bowed extravagantly, and she giggled, standing back to let him in. He was dressed casually, vintage t-shirt and jeans, his hair short and dark, his dark eyes twinkling at her. Friendly. Warm. That was the impression she got.

‘So, it’s good to finally meet you, Harpa, and I’m sure all the terrible stories Cosima had told me about you aren’t true.’

Harpa grinned and swatted at him. ‘I can tell you’re trouble. Cos! Your fuckbuddy’s here!’

Arlo choked with laughter. Harpa led him into the kitchen. ‘Want a beer?’

‘Sure, thanks.’

They sat down at the kitchen table. ‘Hey,’ Harpa took a swig of beer, ‘I had some leftovers of that curry you helped make. Pretty good. For an amateur.’

Arlo smiled. ‘Glad you think so – maybe when you’re a five Michelin starred chef, you can tutor me and help me perfect it.’

Harpa flung her hair back. ‘I’ll be too busy cooking for Kings and Queens.’ But she grinned at him. ‘So…you and my sister…is it all revoltingly mushy and stuff?’

‘Completely revolting.’

‘Excellent. Hey…’ She looked up as Cosima came in, her dark hair still slightly damp from the shower. She watched her sister’s eyes light up when she saw Arlo; saw the tender way the man stood and kissed her, stroking her face, gazing at her. So much love, Harpa thought and felt a pang of both sadness and relief. Deacon had never looked at her like that…so it couldn’t have been love, could it? She pushed her feelings aside and went to get Cosima a drink. She excused herself and went to the bathroom and could hear Cosima talking in low tones to Arlo.

‘Don’t mention Deacon, the fucker just broke up with her.’

‘Ah man, poor kid. From what you told me, she could do better. Let’s just cheer her up tonight, hey?’

Harpa felt warmth in her chest for her sister’s boyfriend. What a good guy he was…Harpa went to the bathroom, washed her hands and face and sat down on the edge of the bath. Her mind felt muddled, blurry. She had been right when she told her sister she was still going to Seattle – her place at catering college was set, her funding was in place, her college room booked. Jack had gone ahead to set things up and in less than a week, she would be boarding a plane to fly to the Emerald City and begin her new life there. Alone now. She tested her heart and found that it was not a smashed as she thought it would be. Definitely repairable.

She looked in the mirror and smiled. A new life, she thought, one of my own making.

A new life…

Cosima wrapped a blanket over her sister’s sleeping frame and put the note beside her.

Gone to Arlo’s hotel so we don’t wake you. Call if you need anything. Love you xxx

Arlo was waiting by the door as she crept out and smiled as she took his hand. ‘She’s adorable,’ he said as they walked down the stairs. ‘I could beat that dude’s ass for dumping her like that.’

Cosima nodded grimly. ‘Join the queue. Still, at least she seemed cheerful, and I’m glad she’s still going to Seattle.’

They were in the car when he nodded to a black sedan parked across the street. ‘That’s my guys,’ he said softly, studying her for her reaction. ‘I cleared it with Jack, and he’s cool with it. There will be six guys, two every eight-hour shift. They won’t get too close, but they’ll be vigilant. Same for you when you’re not with me…in fact,’ and he looked a little sheepish, ‘they were there outside your office this morning. Hope you don’t mind.’

Cosima considered. ‘Well, I certainly didn’t notice them, so my answer is no, I don’t mind. As long as nobody else is affected by them.’

Arlo leaned over and kissed her, grinning. ‘I honestly don’t care who is affected if it means you’re safe.’

She cupped her face in her hand. ‘Arlo Forrester…you need to drive back to your hotel right now because I’ve got something for you…’

He gave a growl and started to the car, making her giggle. Halfway back to his hotel, he suddenly pulled off of the route and drove out of the city. She looked at him curiously, not worried but a little surprise.

He grinned over at her. ‘Just an idea…’

He drove out to a secluded lake where the light pollution from the city was low enough they could see the Milky Way. Arlo put the convertible’s top down, and they gazed up at the stars.

‘Why’d you bring me out here – not that I’m complaining, but, you know…sexy times?’

She grinned over at him, and he laughed, turning to face her. ‘Because, Miss Bedi, I want to see your beautiful, sumptuous curves in the moonlight. I want to fuck you under the stars. I want to make you come so hard that they’ll hear you scream in Alabama.’

Cosima was grinning lasciviously at him. ‘You are a dark horse, Mr. Forrester…outdoor sex?’

‘We did plenty of it in the Maldives.’

‘Yes, we did.’

He kissed her slowly, deeply then leaned his forehead against hers. ‘Do me a favor, and just sit still for a moment.’

He got out of the car, and she watched him pop the trunk and pull out a blanket. ‘Someone planned ahead.’

He grinned but said nothing, opening her door and scooping her into his arms. He walked a little way then set her down as he laid the blanket on the grass. He took her in his arms and kissed her again until her head swam then laid her down onto the blanket, covering her body with his. He stroked the hair away from her face. ‘You look gorgeous in the moonlight as well as the daytime,’ he said, ‘I can’t take my eyes off you, Cosima Bedi.’

She grinned and stretched her body out, arching her back up to meet him. ‘Best you open your present then.’

He smiled and sat up. She was wearing a dark maroon wrap dress, set off by a delicate gold chain, a tiny yellow diamond at her throat. He pulled open the belt of the dress, and then slowly peeled back the fabric. Under the dress, she was naked, and as his eyes widened in surprise, she laughed, and her curves undulated with her movement.

‘You are breath-taking,’ Arlo said with a catch in his voice. Cosima smiled and slowly spread her legs for him. Arlo groaned and buried his face in her sex, his mouth greedy for her and her dark copper flesh, her scarlet labia swelling, and her cunt dampening for him. His tongue found her clit and she made a small noise of pleasure as he felt it harden under his tongue. He teased and tasted until she was shuddering and crying out his name, his long, strong fingers clamping onto her buttocks as she writhed beneath him. As she came, she arched her back, almost sobbing with pleasure, and he ran his tongue up her belly, around her navel, and onto her nipples, sucking on them until she was half-crazed. Finally, he took her mouth as she reached down to free his rock-hard cock from his underwear. He hitched her legs around his waist, but she shook her head, smiling. ‘Not yet,’ she whispered, ‘Let’s prolong it – I want to taste you.’

Arlo grinned, and as she made her way down his body, he rolled onto his back and sighed as her hot, wet mouth enveloped his cock, her hands massaging his sac, the root of him as she licked and tickled the sensitive tip with her tongue. He stroked her hair gently as she sucked him, letting himself experiencing all the incredible sensations she was giving him. When he was almost coming, he asked her if she wanted him to pull out but she shook her head, and he came, shooting into her mouth, her fingers on his hips as she drank him down. God, this woman…he needed to bury himself in her…now. He deftly flipped her onto her back and pushed her legs apart, not caring if he was rough; the excitement in Cosima’s eyes willing him on. He grabbed the discarded belt from her dress, and bound her wrists together, pulling them above her head. Cosima groaned, ‘Tighter…tighter…’ and to his delight, she seemed even more turned on. His cock, almost ready to explode and so engorged with desire and blood, stood ramrod straight against his belly, and he teased her opening with it, making her give an impatient squeak.

‘You want to beg me, beautiful?’

She nodded. ‘Please…’

‘Say the words…’

‘Fuck me, Arlo, please…’

‘Louder.’

‘Fuck me! Fuck me now, please Arlo, now…’

And he rammed his cock deep into her cunt, pressing her legs apart, driving his whole weight into her; Cosima screamed his name, begging him to please, fucker harder, until they both came, crying out the other’s name, Arlo’s cock pumping hot thick semen deep inside her.

Afterward, they lay on the blanket and stared up at the universe. Well, Cosima did; Arlo, proper up on his elbow, was looking at her, the lush curves of her. He couldn’t help compare her softly rounded body with Sabine’s sharp edges. Where Cosima curved, Sabine jutted; where Sabine was concave, Cosima gently curved out, lush and ripe.

She glanced at him studying her and smiled. ‘You like what you see?’

He bent his head to kiss her. ‘It’s the most beautiful sight in the universe.’

‘Flatterer,’ but she put her hand on his face. ‘I love you.’

He turned his head to kiss her palm then her wrist. ‘You are my life, Cosima.’ He noticed her wrists were a little red from the belt he’d tied them with. He trailed his lips across the welt then smiled at her. ‘Did you like being bound, my love?’

‘Yes, I did…funny, I’d never even considered it before you but, yeah, I could explore that further…if you want.’ Cosima grinned shyly at him, and he shook his head, bemused.

‘How’d I get so lucky as to meet you?’

She giggled as he tickled her, and then sighed happily as he caressed her body, stroking his hand down over her belly then pressing his lips to her skin. ‘You are delicious, Miss Bedi.’ He covered her body with his, his cock getting hard again. He stroked his hand down over her shaved pubic mound – really, everything about her body was soft and velvety. He slipped a finger inside her, feeling her wet and slick from his cum. She ground her sex against his hand.

‘I want to ride you, big boy,’ she grinned as he lay down and she straddled him, her hands on his thick cock, pulling and stroking it until it was rock-hard. Arlo spread the lips of her labia wide and she slowly lowered herself onto him, moaning softly as he filled her. They rocked gently, eyes locked. Arlo’s hands roamed gently over her breasts and belly until finally, they both came, a shuddering, mellow orgasm that left them both blissed out and relaxed.

Arlo drove them back to his hotel, and they made love once more before falling asleep exhausted, their limbs tangled, and their lips against the others.

Sabine Karlsson was in another hotel across the city, also fucking, this evening’s lover above her, thrusting hard – almost too hard – Sabine winced a couple of times.

‘Too rough, ma cherie?’

She smiled and shook her head. ‘No, not at all.’

After he’d come, she slipped off the bed and padded to the bathroom. She heard the Frenchman zip up his pants then the door to the room close. Good – she hated it when she had to go through the whole ‘Look, this has been fun but…’ part. It was better when they just understood it was a fuck, not true love.

She showered quickly then slipped into her shorts and tee-shirt, switching on the t.v. and grabbing her iPad. She checked her email – she had Google alerts on both Arlo and his little Indian princess. Nothing new today. She also looked for an email from her new…acquaintance. He had told her his name was Naveen and that he was from California. She had no reason to disbelieve him – except she did. The accent for one thing. Naveen was hiding something.

Not that she cared. Unlike the poor Frenchman who had just left, Sabine wanted more from Naveen. He had been an incredible lover – almost as good a lover as Arlo – and after two nights, he had bid her ‘farewell…but not, I hope, goodbye.’

That simple sentence had her hanging on every buzz of her phone for his call like some damn lovesick teenager. She’d tried to Google him, but a simple search of ‘Naveen, California’ didn’t really cut it. She threw the iPad aside in frustration. She hated being a man’s beck and call. Back in Sweden, with her family, she’d been the only girl in a family of three brothers – all of whom treated her like she was their personal slave. When she left at sixteen, she vowed – never again. Her glacial beauty – and willingness to fuck anybody to get ahead – meant that she rose to the top of the modeling world easily. She hadn’t made any friends on the way up – indeed, she was one of the most reviled amongst her fellow models, but she couldn’t have cared less. When her star finally began to wane, there had been Arlo – Arlo who had been the most handsome, richest, and charming of them all. God, she had loved him desperately – so much she’d walked away from a huge job for a major design house – one that would set her up for life. The design house wanted an ‘older model’ – read over twenty-five – to be their brand spokesmodel for the next twenty years, to go from young to middle-aged with the brand to bring in all age ranges. She was to be the first – the standard-bearer for this new type of campaign, and she would have earned a quarter of a billion over twenty years. But it meant staying in New York full-time – and Arlo was a West Coast man.

He’d told her to do the job, that it would set her up for life – but she couldn’t bear to leave him. Well – that was mostly the reason. The other reason was – she was scared, Scared that her fellow models would laugh at her, having her aging process documented and displayed for the world to see. The bitching campaign had already begun - and so she cut her losses, told the brand ‘thank you but it’s time to focus on my family.' She could have sworn, Jessica, the leading editor, looked relieved. But she’d walked away with grace and less than twenty-four hours later; the brand announced the Merry Widow, Monica Lascelles, as their figurehead. So far, Monica, ten years Sabine’s senior and an even bigger bitch than Sabine was, had earned just shy of five hundred million and she, Sabine, was scraping by on the last of Arlo’s goodwill. It galled her that it had been Monica – the two of them had never gotten along; Sabine was jealous of the older woman’s terrible beauty, dark eyes, dark hair, a body with breakneck curves and a mind devoid of morals. Sabine rather admired that about her.

Curious, she took up her iPad again and searched ‘Monica Lascelles’, checking out what else her rival had been up to the intervening years. She’d married an English Lord – one who she had dumped years before but who still held a candle for her – and had cut back on the modeling. Sabine snorted. Monica was nearly sixty now, and Sabine knew, the jobs for women that age were few and far between but then again, with the massive fashion house contract and a rich husband, she didn’t need to work. She certainly didn’t cut down on the partying. The society pages were full of the woman and her ‘friends.' Monica was still stunning, Sabine had to admit, and then something struck her. A photograph of Monica when she was younger…there was something familiar. Sabine stared at it, trying to make the connection then it came to her.

‘No way,’ she murmured and went back to the search engine. Monica Lascelles children, she typed in and pressed enter. She read down the information page. Two children by her late husband…Arjun Malhotra. No names or genders of the children. That was strange. She clicked on the images tab, but no pictures with Monica and her children existed on the web. That was weird. Sabine got up and went to get her bag, grabbed some of the photos her detective had taken of Arlo and his new paramour. She placed the picture of Cosima alongside the images of Monica, her eyes flicking between the two. ‘Fucking A,’ she hissed, shaking her head. The resemblance was unmistakable.

Arlo’s new lover was Monica Lascelles’ daughter.

Cosima watched Harpa packing the last of her books into a box and sighed. ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come help you settle in?’

Harpa smiled at her older sister. ‘No, Momma Bear, I’ll be fine. The less fuss there is, the easier it’ll be.’

Cosima nodded. ‘Got it. Damn, this day came around so quickly.’ Her voice wobbled, and Harpa hugged her, chuckling.

‘I’m a plane ride away, Cos, less than a day. I’ll call you every other day if you like, or at least text. I promise. Now, let’s go enjoy our sister time.

Harpa’s flight left at noon the following day so this evening was all about them spending quality time together. ‘I warn you,’ Cosima told her now, ‘I was home all day cooking, so I hope you’re hungry.’

‘From the amazing smell, I guessed as much,’ Harpa smiled, ‘And I’ve brought treats too.’ She went to grab a large paper sack she’d left near the door. She pulled out a large green bottle. ‘Fizz for us, chocolates, potato chips…even some Indian sweets from this deli I found.’

She waved the box of sweets under Cosima’s nose, grinning, knowing her sister couldn’t resist the delicious cakes. Cosima swooned. ‘Gimme.’

Harpa whipped them away from her. ‘Not until you show me the goodies.’

Cosima laughed and hauled her into the kitchen. She laid out their feast; naan bread, curries, sag aloo, tarka dahl – and French fries. They sat and talked while they ate; reminiscing on the time they’d spent in the apartment.

‘It’s strange; we’ve only been here a few months, but it feels so much longer. So much has happened here.’

Harpa smiled. ‘You fell in love.’

‘You like Arlo, don’t you?’

‘Very much, sis, very much. I wouldn’t have felt like I could leave you unless you had him here to protect you. Not that you can’t look after yourself,’ she added in a hurry, but Cosima nodded.

‘Wouldn’t it be nice to just not have that hanging over us all the time? To be able to be truly free of our past?’

Harpa rolled her eyes. ‘Goes without saying but I don’t think it’ll ever happen. Do you worry about it all the time?’

Cosima considered. ‘Most of the time I try to forget it. Most of the time, it would be very hard to get to me…I worry about your safety more than my own.’

Harpa squeezed her arm. ‘Don’t worry. What with Jack and now Arlo’s fleet of bodyguards, I’ll be fine.’

Cosima was silent for a minute. ‘I’m not sure Arlo is a big fan of Jack’s.’

Harpa was surprised. ‘Really? Why?’

Cosima looked uncomfortable, her face scarlet. ‘He thinks Jack’s in love with me.’

Harpa shrugged. ‘He is. Has been for years. But you knew that, right?’

Cosima stared at her sister and slowly shook her head. ‘I had no idea.’

Harpa laughed. ‘Dude…how the hell did you manage to get Arlo? Did you think it happened magically? Look in the mirror.’

‘I propositioned Arlo, not the other way around.’

‘You did? Cosima Bedi, I never knew you had it in you…’ Harpa was impressed, and Cosima chuckled.

‘Do you blame me?’

‘Hell, no. Arlo’s a catch but then, so are you, Cos. I wish you’d realize that more.’

Cosima, embarrassed, changed the subject. ‘Well, what about you? Will you be looking for someone new in Seattle?’

Harpa snorted. ‘No way. I’m done with men until at least after I’ve graduated and found a new job.’ She yawned suddenly, and Cosima grinned.

‘Unless you want to feel like a zombie on the plane tomorrow, I suggest you get some sleep. I’ll clear up in here.’

Harps nodded, pulling herself up. ‘Are you going over to Arlo’s tonight?’

‘No. I’m staying here tonight. Get some sleep, I love you.’

‘Love you too.’

Harpa got into bed and lay back on the pillows, listening to Cosima clear the plates in the kitchen. ‘My last night here,’ she murmured and sighed. She was looking forward to starting her new life tomorrow.

It seemed to Naveen that the Malhotra sisters were now surrounded with top level protection. The FBI and now Forrester private security service had the two women’s safety locked down, and he would find it very hard to get close enough to them. Time to reconsider his plans…

Harpa, the younger sister – as far as he was concerned, she didn’t really figure into it. If he could kill her too, it would be a bonus but for the moment, all his focus was on Cosima. She haunted his dreams and his waking thought, and now it had become more than fulfilling his family’s wish for her death; it had become his obsession. He wanted her…badly. He wanted to fuck that glorious body of hers before he ended her life, slowly, painfully, torturing her until she begged for his knife. Then he would stab her in the belly, watch her bleed out…god, it made him hard just thinking about it. But Arlo Forrester would not easily let harm come to her.

Which was why Sabine Karlsson was so useful, so pliable. He knew he had left her wanting more, that she would obsess over him. Leave her dangling for a few days then call her, fuck her, and see just how useful she could be. If he’d got the measure of her the last time, it was that she didn’t like to lose, that she was sociopathic enough that he could tell her what he wanted, and she would help him make it happen. Cosima’s murder would be front page news – and now he had someone to frame for it…

Harpa and Jack stepped out into the Seattle sunshine. He turned to grin at her. ‘Here we are, at last.’

Harpa grinned although inside she felt sick with nerves. It was happening, she was here, a country away from the only family she knew, and it was time to strike out on her own. She had originally planned to stay in the college dorms, but Jack had persuaded her against it for security reasons.

Jack drove the rental car to her new apartment block, and as they walked in, Harpa nodded a black sedan parked across the street. The driver nodded at her, and she smiled. Arlo’s security team. It made her feel good, feel safe, knowing they were there, and it was a link back to her sister – who no doubt had the matching pair at home. Thank God, Harpa thought now as they rode the elevator to her floor, because for a while now I’ve had this feeling that I can’t shake. That something might happen. That someone might hurt Cosima, that she isn’t safe. Which was ridiculous, she reasoned, her sister was safer now than ever. But still, it nagged at her.

‘Hey, space cadet, we’re here.’ Jack nudged her as the elevator doors opened and they stepped out. Her door was the closest to the elevator – convenient for late night food runs, she smiled. Jack unlocked the apartment door and went in; his men had already swept it before they arrived but always on the lookout, Jack palmed his pistol and darted from room-to-room. Harpa ignored him and went straight to the large window in the living room. The view was incredible…Harpa turned to Jack as he was tucking his pistol away.

‘Dude…tell me again how you found this apartment – and how the hell it’s so cheap?’

Jack had the grace to smile sheepishly. ‘Probably something you should talk to your sister’s boyfriend about.’

Harpa’s mouth fell open. Arlo had found this apartment? For her? She felt tears prick her eyes, and when Jack indicated a huge fruit basket on the kitchen counter, she found a note from her benefactor.

Hey Harpa,

I hope you don’t think this is overstepping the mark, but I wanted both you and Cos to feel you could be safe in Seattle alone – ish. The place is yours for as long as you want – rent free. Live, love, enjoy – please. I know you want to make it on your own, and there’s nothing I admire more – just think of this as a gift from a brother to a sister. It’s not charity, it’s a helping hand.

So please, enjoy,

All best,

Arlo x

Harpa felt a tear escape at his generosity. ‘God…’ she groaned, ‘How bummed am I Cosima got to meet him first?’

She was sorry she said that when Jack looked away from her, and she went to hug him. ‘Sorry, dude.’

Jack smiled at her brightly. ‘About what? Come on, let’s give you the tour then I’ll take you for something to eat.’

In the end, they didn’t go out but ordered pizza, and it wasn’t until it arrived that Harpa found that the kitchen had been fully stocked, the refrigerator and freezer stuffed full of fresh produce and meats. A full spice rack sat on the counter. Harpa shook her head. ‘I’m sure I just walked into a dream. Fairy godfather.’

Jack snorted with laughter then checked the time. ‘Listen, kiddo, I have to eat and run, I’m afraid. I’m getting the red-eye back to New York tonight.’

Cosima was arranging invoices into alphabetical order when Arlo found her. The office behind the reception of the hotel had been finished for a while, and Cosima used that as her base, only occasionally wondering if the men working above would come through the ceiling.

Arlo stood at the door and watched her. On her desk were six neat piles of paperwork and Arlo noted with amusement, her office supplies were also neatly placed. ‘Are you really that bored?’

Cosima looked up and grinned. ‘It’s true, I’m struggling to find things to do – the contractors are all running on time, within budget, they all know what they have to do.’ She sighed. ‘Yup, I’m bored, and that’s something I never thought I would say in this job.’

Arlo chuckled and came to the desk to pull her to her feet. ‘Hmm, how can I make you un-bored?’

‘Un-bored is not a word.’

‘Is too. Miss Bedi, I recognize this dress.’

She was wearing the same wrap dress she had on when they had driven out to the lake and made love under the stars. He hooked a finger into the belt and pulled. She grinned.

‘Ha ha, foiled. I double knotted it,’ she giggled as he groaned and buried his face in her neck.

‘You honestly think that would stop me, Cosima,’ he nibbled her earlobe, and she shivered with pleasure.

‘No…but there’s no lock on that door yet…’

He met her gaze. ‘So?’

Her eyes widened. ‘Exhibitionist.’

He grinned wickedly. ‘Come here.’ He led her over to the door and made her face it, her stomach against the hard wood. He pulled his tie from his neck and tied her hands behind her. Cosima, her breath quickening, gasped a little as he pushed her skirt up, and tugged her panties down. His fingers found her sex and began to stroke and excite. With her ear pressed to the door, she could hear the workmen outside talking, and as their voices got closer, Arlo increased the pressure on her clit before suddenly thrusting his cock into her from behind, the friction on her cunt delicious and delirious. Cosima sighed, her head falling back to rest on his shoulder. Arlo kissed her as he plunged deeper inside her. ‘Cos…?’

His question was said in a curious way as if asking permission and suddenly she knew what he wanted. ‘Do it,’ she whispered, ‘I trust you.’

He tilted her chin up so he could kiss her mouth deeply then used his hands to gently part her buttocks. He eased himself out of her vagina, and then pushed gently into her ass. Cosima gasped and shuddered at the quick pain. Outside she could hear the men talking and laughing but then as the pressure increased, she heard nothing but her own ragged breathing, Arlo’s excited breaths as he fucked her, his hand still rubbing her clit. Cosima came quickly, such was the overwhelming feeling of him, and she cried out a little, hearing the men outside stop talking. For a moment, they both froze then Cosima got the giggles which made Arlo laugh. He pulled out and they tidied themselves up. Cosima’s legs felt strange as she walked back to her desk.

Arlo, his face flushed, grinned at her. ‘Well, that was thrilling…what say we do that in every room in this hotel?’

Cosima laughed. ‘You are a nymphomaniac, you know that?’ She kissed him, sliding her arms around his waist. ‘But, yes, absolutely.’

He kissed her thoroughly then regretfully let her go. ‘I have bad news, though; I have to go back to Frisco for a couple of days.’

Cosima pouted. ‘Boo. Why do you have to go?’

‘Shareholders meeting. Just know that I will be bored out of my skull without you.’

‘Good.’

Later, at home, after Arlo had left for the airport, Cosima took a long soak in the tub then padded around her echoingly empty apartment. Harpa’s leaving had been more of a wrench that Cosima had admitted and now, without even Arlo here, she felt lonelier than she had done in years. Stop being so self-pitying, she said to herself and resolved to pull it together. She went to the kitchen to seek out food but couldn’t be bothered to cook so she grabbed a box of cereal and ate straight from it.

She went into the living room and sat in the window seat to gaze out at the night; something that drove Jack crazy from a security point of view but she loved to watch people as they drifted through the Quarter on their way to clubs and bars and music venues. She had turned all the lights out in her room and sat a little back so she could watch while being unseen. It had been raining and the lights of the Quarter reflected in the water on the road creating an ethereal scene below her window. She leaned her forehead against the cool glass. She had thought it impossible to love a city more than New York, but New Orleans had captured her heart so completely that she couldn’t ever have imagined leaving it.

She got up and went to bed, leaving her window open to let the cool night breeze wash over her hot, tired body, and fell asleep almost immediately.

Outside, the man who had been watching her from the street below flicked out his cigarette and walked away.

Harpa cleaned the last of the kitchen counter down and dumped the dirty water in the sink. She had been working part-time at this restaurant for a month now, and she loved every single, hot, sweaty, stressful, exhausting minute of it. The head chef, a coarse but brilliant Englishman called Stanley – ‘Or call me Stan, love, I don’t give a shit, I ain’t posh’ – had taken her on but told her ‘Everyone starts out as a pot washer in my kitchen. You’ll get your chance to learn, I just want to see you earn your keep.’

So she did just that, without one complaint, putting in even longer hours than necessary to show the bluff Briton that she was committed. She knew she had impressed him because two weeks in, he’d taken her aside and shown her some of his signature dishes, watching her try to emulate them. She’d watched him taste each one with nervous trepidation then he’d give her feedback, constructive criticism, and praise where it was earned. When she perfected something, he would just taste it, and a big smile would tell her everything she needed to know.

Harpa glanced at the clock. Just after one a.m. God, and she had a nine a.m. class too. She yawned expansively then grinned. Nights like this she was glad of the constant presence and therefore convenient ‘cab’ potential of Arlo’s security team. They must be bored out of their minds, she thought now, grabbing her coat. Sitting around all day. She grabbed the foiled covered tray of leftovers she had saved for them – tonight she knew it would be Tony and Sean who would be in the car. They were her favorites – not as po-faced professional as the others, and both were nearer her age and had a sense of humor.

‘Evening, boys,’ she said now as she clambered into the back seat.

‘Evening, Princess,’ Sean beamed at her from the front passenger seat. ‘What you got for us tonight?’

‘Beef Wellington, sautéed potatoes and green beans.’ She waved the tray to let them smell it, and they both drooled. ‘Hey look, why don’t you just come up to the apartment and eat tonight?’ Too late, she remembered her nine a.m. class. Sean grinned at her.

‘That’s good of you, but we need to keep our distance – part of our contract, we stay a certain distance away unless you need us….for cab rides and the like.’

Harpa chuckled, relieved. ‘Well, okay then. You may need to stop at a bodega, get some plastic cutlery then.’

On the ride home, she checked her phone. A text message from Cosima: I miss you, Bubba, when can I come visit? Harpa grinned. Anytime you want, Cos, you’re always welcome, I miss you too. How’s my sugar daddy?

At home, she showered quickly then fell into bed, exhausted but exhilarated.

Arlo nodded to the foreman at LaBelle. ‘Hey, have you seen Cosima?’

The workman, Al, smiled. ‘Miss Bedi wanted to look at the penthouse; we’re almost done up there so she grabbed a hard hat and went up about ten minutes ago.’

Arlo thanked him and took the stairs up to the penthouse. The apartment was spacious and rang with emptiness; it still needed decorating and furnishing, but Arlo couldn’t help but be excited; this was to be his and Cosima’s home – if she hadn’t changed her mind. She’d been quiet these last few days, and he had been concerned that she was starting to regret telling him yes to living with him so soon.

He found Cosima in the living room, gazing out of one of the large windows. He slid his arms around her waist, feeling her start as she felt him behind her. ‘Hey, beautiful.’

She turned in his arms and kissed him. ‘Hey, yourself. Just taking in the view.’

She smiled, but he could see the sadness in her eyes. He stroked her cheek. ‘What is it, Cos? Talk to me.’

She sighed. ‘I’m sorry I’ve been quiet, it’s just…it’s the anniversary of my father’s murder today.’

Arlo was appalled. ‘God, Cosima, I’m so sorry. How long has it been?’

‘Sixteen years,’ she shook her head sadly. ‘Every year I keep waiting for the pain of it to lessen, and it never does.’

He pulled her close and tightened his arms around her. ‘I wish I could say I can’t imagine, but sadly I can.’

‘Your brother?’

He nodded. He had told her about Mason at the beginning of their relationship. ‘We both of us know what violence can do. You don’t talk about your dad a lot.’

Cosima shook her head. ‘I can’t form the words to tell you how much he meant to me, to Harpa. He was everything.’

‘I’m so sorry, baby. Do you have anything you like to do on the anniversary?’

She shook her head. ‘Harpa and I usually just have a meal in his honor, toast his memory, and thank him for everything he did. But now Harpa’s in Seattle…’

‘Would you let me be her proxy? We could have a quiet meal in my hotel – room service?’

Cosima smiled. ‘I’d love to spend the evening with you, but I’ll cook, if you don’t mind, it’s a tradition…my father loved Indian cuisine and even better if it was homemade.’

‘Sounds perfect – if I can help you cook.’

‘It’s a deal.’ She smiled then looked around the empty penthouse. ‘This place will be mind-blowing when it’s finished. Still sure you wanna share?’ She grinned at him, and he laughed.

‘Hell, yes, you think I’d let you off that easy. Come on, let’s get planning décor and furnishings; the quicker it’s done, the quicker I get to wake up with you in our home.’

Harpa read the message from Cosima as she was driven to work.

Thinking of you today, Harp, and of Dad. I love you both so much. C.

Harpa smiled, feeling tears prick her eyes. It was definitely strange to be away from her sister today. She quickly sent a reply then stuck her phone away. She was nervous because today, one of her dishes was going to be on the restaurant’s menu. She’d cooked it for everyone as a one-month anniversary treat for making her feel so welcome, and they’d eaten after service one night. Everyone had fallen in love with it, especially Stanley and he’d told her, if she just perfected it a little more, then he would try it out on the customers. She couldn’t quite believe it and today was the day. What made it more nerve-wracking was that one of Seattle’s most prominent restaurant critics had booked a table at the lunchtime sitting. Stanley, grinning, had told her that gleefully, and she had swatted away his teasing. ‘As if this wasn’t scary enough!’

Her two bodyguards today were the oldest and most remote pair, but she was grateful for that today – she didn’t want to talk, just go through every step of her preparation for the dish – of course, there may not be any orders for it, but she hoped…

Stanley was already at the restaurant when she walked in and with a smile, she saw he had done a great deal of prep for her. ‘Don’t get used to it,’ he told her, smirking,’ this is a one-time deal even if your meal does make it onto the main menu.’

Harpa hugged him. ‘Stan…god, thank you. Man, I’m so nervous.’

‘Don’t be,’ he threw her apron at her, ‘just do what you do, step by step, don’t panic, and you’ll be fine.’

And she was, following his advice, she soon switched into chef mode, slicing and peeling, making the spice paste for the base, prepping the chicken breasts, making heavenly scented jasmine rice.

By the time service started, she had everything organized and was waiting to see if anyone ordered her dish. Stan and some of her other colleagues teased her every time she jumped to see what orders had come in. Finally, Stan waved a piece of paper. ‘Seven orders, chicken dhansak, tables three and seven.’

Harpa swung into gear, and less than a quarter hour later, she called ‘Service, please’ as the steaming curry dishes were placed on the pass. She didn’t have time to mull over what the reaction would be as Stan called out for more orders and she leaped into action.

Over thirty orders for her dish came in over the lunchtime service, and Harpa was running on pure adrenaline. She was clearing her station when Wendy, one of the waitresses came in.

‘It smells like heaven in the restaurant,’ she told them, ‘As soon as we took one of Harpa’s currys out, the patrons made like meerkats and asked what that gorgeous smell was. You killed it, Harp.’ She grinned at a stunned and red-faced Harpa. Harpa looked at Stan who nodded, his pride obvious.

‘You did good, kid. They’re asking for you out front.’

Harpa blinked at him, not understanding, and laughing, he pushed her out into the restaurant. ‘Ladies, Gents, thank you for your comments…and as requested, your chef for today, Harpa Bedi.’

The patrons applauded her, and although she was touched, she still could have disappeared through the floor. Instead, she walked to each table and accepted their praise and thanked them. She could see Stan nodding approvingly out of the corner of her eye. At the last table sat a middle-aged, well-fed man with spectacles on the end of his nose. He reminded Harpa of a younger, chubbier Dumbledore. His dining companion was a striking black man with such a beautiful face Harpa thought she might get lost in his smile. His older companion gave her praise and a couple of pointers on style.

‘But on the whole, a very welcome addition to this place,’ he smiled benevolently at her, and Harpa suddenly realized who he was. The restaurant critic. She shook his hand.

‘Thank you, Mr. Sheridan; it’s a pleasure to meet you.’

‘Yes, I imagine it would be,’ the man said with a self-deprecating laugh. Harpa liked him immediately. ‘Miss Bedi, my companion here was even more impressed than I – may I introduce Mikah Ray?’

His companion stood – God, he was tall – and shook Harpa’s hand, his dark eyes merry and flirtatious. ‘That dish was incredible, my congratulations.’

‘Thank you, Mr. Ray…are you a food critic too?’

Both men laughed. ‘No, I’m afraid I’m just a lowly art dealer.’

Sheridan Farr made a scoffing noise in his throat. ‘Yes, very lowly. How much did you bring in last year?’

Mikah Ray was still gazing at Harpa, who couldn’t look away. All sorts of strange butterfly feelings were whirling around inside her as she took in the smooth skin of his handsome face, half covered with a beard, the faint crinkling at the corners of his eyes. A pulse started beating between her thighs, and she had to look away from that gorgeous face that perfectly shaped mouth…

She missed what Mikah Ray had answered to his friend so when they laughed, she smiled uneasily. ‘Okay, well, thank you both again, and I’m glad you enjoyed the dish. Hope to see you again.’

Sheridan smiled at her. ‘Thank you, dear.’

Mikah took her hand and kissed the back of it. ‘Oh, you will see me again, I promise.’

She escaped back to the kitchen, her heart beating wildly, and joined her friends and colleagues in clearing the kitchen. Harpa was working like an automaton, though, torn between thinking about her success and Mikah Ray’s smile, the feel of his lips against her skin.

‘Hey, doofus, you’ve just cleaned that bit six times,’ Wendy was nudging her. Harpa grinned at her. Of all the staff, and with the exception of Stan, Wendy was the person she had bonded with most; a fun-loving blonde in her mid-thirties, Wendy flirted with everyone and was the best at what she did, but when she went home at night, she was the single mother of three gorgeous kids. She was happy about her status quo, telling Harpa, ‘I’ve never felt the need to be married or coupled-up. The kid’s fathers are all friends, all show up for them whenever they want. I count myself pretty lucky.’

Now, she passed Harpa a folded napkin, grinning. ‘Go get yours,’ she whispered then walked off, cackling to herself. Harpa knew before she even opened the napkin who it was from. Her face warmed, and that pulse between her legs began again, more frantically.

Drinks tonight? The Cupola House, 8 pm. If yes, call or text me, if no, peace be with you. Mikah Ray

Underneath he’d scrawled his number. Harpa ran her finger over the number and then, before she could talk herself out of it, she texted him.

Yes. Looking forward to it. Harpa Bedi.

She debated putting a smiley face then decided against it. Too kiddish. Something told her that although he looked a lot of fun, there was nothing but pure adult virile male about Mikah Ray.

She was looking forward to finding out.

Cosima had skipped out of work early to go to the Crescent City farmer’s market to get some fresh produce for their meal that evening. She had decided their meal would be a mix of Indian and American to honor both of their loved ones so when she spotted a vendor selling traditional Creole food she couldn’t resist. Walking slowly through the market, she got lost in the fresh produce and didn’t notice when the man started to follow her.

She stopped at a seafood stall and ordered some shrimp and lobster for the curry. As she was paying for it, there was a commotion behind her and as she turned she saw Arlo’s security guards barreling towards her shouting, their faces angry and panicked. Then she saw him. Her heart stopped. He was running toward her, his eyes fixed on and in his hand, she saw a flash of silver. In a flash, she raised her arm as he bore down on her and in the second it took her bodyguards to tackle the man, she felt a searing pain across the flesh of her forearm. She dropped her bags, clutching at the wounds, blood pouring from her arm. She panted for breath, from the pain, the shock of the attack as one of her guards pinned her attacker to her ground, and the other, Steve, came to help her. He put a steadying arm around her and then checked her wound and winced. In a flash, she was back in the car and being driven to the hospital. Her head whirled, not from the blood – she wasn’t squeamish – but just from the speed of it all. Steve had wrapped his jacket around her arm, but she eased it off now to check. It was a nasty cut, deep into the skin below her elbow and now the adrenaline was leaving her, it was starting to hurt. She wrapped it up again as they raced across the city and now she could hear Steve talking to someone – Arlo? – on the telephone.

‘Yeah…yeah, she’s fine, just a small cut but I’m taking her to the E.R. now to get stitched up. Okay. Okay. See you there.’

‘Was that Arlo?’

‘Yes, ma’am. He’s going to meet us there.’

Cosima leaned back in the seat, feeling dizzy. Her clothes were spattered with blood, and she felt lightheaded and woozy. She saw Steve looking in the rearview mirror at her.

‘Stay awake if you can, ma’am. Keep pressure on the wound.’

In no time, she was being led into the emergency room and into a cubicle. The doctor came and looked at her wound. ‘Pretty clean but deep, that’s why you’ve lost some blood. How do you feel?’

Cosima nodded just as a worried looking Arlo arrived. ‘I feel okay, just a bit sore.’ Arlo came and put his arm around her, kissed her forehead. He looked pale and scared.

‘Sweetheart…what happened?’

She told him, and he looked angry. He rounded on Steve, who looked like he was expecting that reaction, firing questions at the man.

‘Arlo…Steve and Roger saved my life,’ Cosima couldn’t bear any more harsh words or violence. ‘They did their jobs exactly the way we wanted them to. No-one could have seen that coming.’ Cosima winced as the doctor injected anesthetic into her injured arm.

‘Lay back, Miss Bedi, we’ll get this fixed up. I would recommend you stay overnight…well, it’s up to you,’ he added when she shook her head vehemently.

‘No, doctor, I’d rather not. I don’t want any of our lives disrupted by this…foolishness.’

The doctor looked unhappy. ‘Well, okay, but I beg you, don’t overexert yourself.’

‘I promise.’

‘I’ll be back in a few minutes to sew you up.’

After he’d gone, Steve cleared his throat. ‘I’ll be outside.’

Cosima called out after him. ‘Thank you, Steve. I mean it, thank you.’

Steve smiled and nodded. ‘Anytime, ma’am.’ Arlo, still stony-faced, hesitated then held his hand out to him.

‘Thank you, Steve. I mean it, sorry about before.’

Steve smiled. ‘No problem, Mr. Forrester. Feel better soon, ma’am.’

‘Thank you.’

Arlo waited until he’d left then put his arms around Cosima. He buried his face in her neck, and she realized he was trembling. She put her good arm around him and held him tightly. When he looked up, she was shocked to see he had tears in his eyes. He studied her for a long time as if drinking in every one of her features.

‘When my brother died,’ he began, his voice low and rough, ‘I had to go identify his body. Because of a mix-up at the coroner’s office, he hadn’t been prepared or cleaned since the murder. He’d been stabbed in the chest, neck and face. He didn’t look like my brother anymore. When I heard you’d been attacked, that he had a knife...God, Cos, I could have screamed. Thank God you’re okay.’

She kissed away his tears. ‘I am, I really am.’

The doctor came back and attended to her arm. Afterward, Cosima got up from the bed, and Arlo walked her back to his car. She saw Steve and Roger parked behind them and waved. They both signaled back.

Inside the car, Arlo looked at her. ‘Where to? Shall we go back to my place for tonight, order room service? We can do our thing tomorrow night if you like?’

She nodded, suddenly exhausted. ‘Okay, that sounds like a good idea. Can we stop at my place for a change of clothes?’

In the end, they stayed at her apartment and ordered pizza, eating at the little table that he dragged over to the window. Arlo had some champagne delivered to and during dinner they raised a glass to Arjun and Mason.

Cosima put down her glass. ‘I need a soak in the tub, I feel gross. Wanna join me?’

In the tub, she lay back against his chest, her whole body relaxing. ‘That was a bit of a day,’ she said softly. Arlo was tracing soap bubble patterns on her belly.

‘You could say that. Cos…I don’t want to overstep the mark here, but I’m worried. About you being here alone, about your safety.’

Cosima had known this was coming and was ready. ‘I knew you would be but Arlo, I don’t want to feel caged.’

He was silent for a moment. ‘Are you saying moving in with me would make you feel claustrophobic?’

She sat up and turned around, cupping his face in her palm. ‘Absolutely not. But I want us to live together because we want to live together, not because circumstances force us to. I hate being regulated; I don’t think you realize just how much my life is organized by other people.’

‘Okay.’

She sighed. ‘Speaking of which, I don’t want to tell Jack about today. We don’t know if it was something to do with my father’s enemies or just a random mugger.’

‘Random muggers don’t attack in broad daylight in the middle of crowded markets.’

She shrugged. ‘I don’t know then. But, Arlo, if we tell Jack, he’ll make me leave New Orleans. He’ll make me leave you.’

Arlo shook his head. ‘He can’t do that. You’re not a prisoner, for chrissakes.’

‘But the FBI could revoke our protection, and I won’t risk Harpa’s safety for my own happiness. As much as I love you, Arlo, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.’

She felt tears threatening and Arlo, seeing this, kissed her tenderly. ‘I know, I know. Okay, we won’t tell the pretty boy.’

Cosima laughed. ‘That’s so mean. Why don’t you like him?’

‘I like him fine. It’s his roving eye I’m not so keen on.’ But he grinned at her, and she flicked him with water.

‘I think you and Harpa are crazy. He’s just a friendly guy.’

Arlo pulled her to him. ‘To be fair to Jack, I can’t say I blame him. Look at you,’ he trailed his fingertips down her spine then moved around to cup her breasts. ‘Your chest should be a national monument.’

Cosima giggled. ‘You loon.’ But soon they forgot about the horrors of the day and made love for the rest of the night.

Harpa picked up Jack’s call as she was driven into the city. ‘Hey, dude…just checking in on me?’

Jack laughed. ‘Well now, I just called to tell you Mikah Ray has a clean bill of health security wise.’

Harpa chuckled. ‘It’s so weird, you’re like my dad checking out my dates.’

‘If only I could check for douchiness, I could have saved you from Deacon.’

‘Deacon who?’

‘That’s my girl. Have a great time tonight.’

Harpa said goodbye and shoved her phone back in her bag. She had showered and changed into a lilac dress which she knew set off her dark skin and hazel eyes, and sweeping her hair over one shoulder, fastened a simple gold chain which Cosima had given her before she left New Orleans, around her neck. Now, her palms felt sweaty, and she surreptitiously wiped them on the seat of the car. Sean was driving today with Tony in the jump seat.

‘Tony…um…what happens if I want to….um…’

Tony grinned around at her. ‘Relax. We’ll be a discreet distance, but you’ll have your privacy.’

‘Okay, cool.’ She was blushing furiously. Steve grinned at her in the rearview mirror.

‘We will mock you mercilessly, however.’

Harpa scowled at him. ‘I’m sure that’s not in your job description.’ But she giggled, her nerves easing somewhat. When they pulled up to the bar, she got out, sticking her head back in. ‘Enjoy your Peeping Tom assignment.’

‘Ha ha. Go have a good date, princess.’

She saw him as soon as she walked into the bar, his tall frame leaning against the bar talking to the bartenders. He stood, smiling, as he caught sight of her and kissed her cheek. God, just the feel of his lips made her cheeks flame and her senses reel.

‘Hi,’ she said, breathlessly.

‘Hello…thanks for coming out tonight. What are you drinking?’

After they had their drinks, they found a table and sat down. Mikah studied her, his eyes taking in her every feature. Harpa felt tongue-tied, desperate to say something but kept getting lost in his dark eyes. Mikah leaned over and touched her face.

‘So, pretty girl, tell me about yourself? All I know so far is your name and that you’re an incredible cook. I take it that’s your passion?’

She nodded, grateful to him for breaking the ice. ‘It is – and thank you. I was so nervous about putting up that dish, especially as it’s so different from the usual menu but Stan’s been an incredible mentor.’

Mikah smiled. ‘He’s a good guy. How long have you been working there?’

‘Just over a month.’

That made Mikah’s eyebrows shoot up. ‘A month? And he’s letting you take a lead? Wow.’ He looked impressed, and Harpa relaxed a little.

‘It was a one-off but yes, so generous, but that’s Stan. Have you been going to his restaurant long?’

Mikah smiled. ‘Years. Stan and I grew up together in Tacoma, we’re practically family. I actually own half the restaurant.’

‘So you’re my boss too?’

He laughed. ‘Technically yes, but not really. I stay out of the running of the place.’

‘And you’re an art dealer?’

He nodded. ‘That’s always been my passion. I got started young, I was lucky enough to be mentored by Randall Mallory so I understand what you’re going through now. All work, all the time.’

Harpa grinned. ‘You got that right – I’m at catering college too, so sixteen hour days is the norm.’

‘Only sixteen? Lightweight,’ he teased, and she giggled. God, his voice, so low and mellifluous, was sending her heart fluttering, his smile, so wide and warm was intoxicating.

‘You’re really beautiful,’ she blurted out and then stopped in horror as Mikah smiled. ‘Oh god, I’m sorry, that just came out.’

‘Why are you apologizing? Thank you…’ He leaned forward and took her hand, ‘Look, you’re nervous; believe or not so am I, so let’s stop playing games and say what we mean. I’ve wanted you since the minute I saw you. I want you in my bed, Harpa.’

Oh, dear lord, her vagina was already contracting with the thought of his cock plunging into it… ‘In that case,’ she said slowly and looked up at him from under her lashes, ‘I say…why are we wasting time in this bar?’

Mikah grinned widely and stood, holding out his hand to her. ‘My place is only a few blocks away.’

In the end, she would never remember how they got back to Mikah’s huge apartment because as soon as they walked in, they fell on each other greedily, pulling their clothes off and kissing.

Mikah, towering above her, swept her into his bed and proceeded to kiss every part of her body until she was shivering with desire. When his mouth found her clit, Harpa moaned at the sweet sensations his tongue sent slamming through her body and by the time he tugged her legs around his hips and launched his rock-hard, thick, long cock deep into her, she knew she was lost.

They fucked hard and long, never taking their eyes from the other’s face, Harpa feeling every muscle in her body working as he plowed into her with rhythmic, powerful thrusts. His hands on either side of her head; her own were roaming over the hard muscles of his broad chest, his firm stomach. Harpa could feel her control slipping as he drove her onwards to a shattering climax that made her scream his name deliriously.

Mikah came hard, his cock jerking and pulsing as he shot his semen deep into her belly. He gathered her to him and kissed her deeply, murmuring her name over and over. They had no need for discussion afterward; indeed, Harpa did not want to talk, she just wanted this man to take over her body in whatever way he wanted to. He excused himself to use the bathroom and Harpa, feeling the cool air on her body, and her orgasm faded, slid her fingers into her sex and started to rub her clit, keeping it hard and sensitive. Mikah returned from the bathroom and nodded approvingly as he saw her fingering herself. She spread her legs wider so he could watch her and was delighted when he started to fist his cock at the sight of it, the long thick member already at half-mast and growing. They watched each other masturbate until Harpa came; moaning and Mikah gave a long groan as he came, ejaculating onto her skin, then covering her body and thrusting his still rigid cock deep inside her.

They made love, again and again, Harpa losing any inhibitions as they screwed in every position, explored each other’s bodies curiously, and taking their time.

Dawn was breaking over the city before they finally feel asleep, sated and exhausted and with a connection formed that neither of them wanted to break.

Sabine smirked to herself as she watched the video footage her guy had sent her. His henchman rushing at Cosima Bedi with a knife, attacking her before her goons dragged him off, blood dripping from Cosima’s arm. She had told him to wound, not kill, and he had done a fantastic job. She sighed happily; that should unsettle the princess enough so that when Sabine put the next phase of her plan into action, she would start to crumble.

Trouble was…Sabine had no idea what to do next. Damn it. She sat in her hotel bedroom, twirling a pen around a piece of paper. She wouldn’t be able to afford to stay in New Orleans much longer, she knew so whatever she did, she had to do it quickly.

There was a quiet knock at her door, and she frowned. Who knew she was here? She moved cautiously to the door and then gasped as she opened it. Naveen. He smiled at her in that cool way of his.

‘Sabine, you’re looking lovely. May I come in?’

Cosima thanked the contractors, beaming at them. ‘I can’t believe how quickly and how well you’ve completed it,’ she raved, ‘I’m utterly amazed. Thank you. You’ll definitely be my go-to guys from now on.’

The foreman, Mack, chuckled. ‘Well, that’s good to hear. We’ve actually really enjoyed this project; you may be the best project manager we’ve ever had.’

Cosima flushed with pleasure. ‘Just make sure you tell my boss that; I think this was my big tryout.’

‘Well, you all nailed it,’ Arlo came through the door, looking up at the resplendent new reception with its high ceilings, restored features, and new furnishings. The focal piece was the stunning metal work staircase, a behemoth of a structure which Cosima had lovingly restored by a specialist. Arlo put his arm around her shoulders and grinned at them all. ‘I just wanted to say to all of you; thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have made mine and Cos’s vision come to life. There’ll be a bonus for all of you in your paycheck, and I’d like to invite you all back for a champagne reception to celebrate the opening in a month’s time.’

There was a round of applause and then the gathering broke up, the final up clear up was underway. Cosima kissed Arlo. ‘I have a surprise for you,’ she said, grinning. ‘Let’s go up to the penthouse.’

Arlo smiled. ‘You mean, our place?’

‘I do.’ She deliberately gave him a hot look. ‘Let’s take the fast elevator.’

He laughed. There was no fast elevator. ‘Let’s go, kiddo.’

As the elevator reached their floor, Cosima told him to close his eyes and she led him into the living room. ‘Okay.’

He opened his eyes and smiled. Cosima, who he’d given carte blanche to decorate, had painted the living room in neutral colors; navy, stone, duck-egg blue but had complemented the muted scheme with pops of color. Stuffed bookshelves, colorful prints and over the large fireplace, against the navy, she had placed three square prints of bright sari material in orange, turquoise and pink. Comfy couches for them to veg out on, a huge flat screen (‘Boys must have their toys’); the penthouse was open-plan, so, at one end of it, the spacious kitchen stood with its polished counters. Wall-to-ceiling windows gave a view of New Orleans that was unequaled.

Cosima watched Arlo take it all in. ‘You like?’

He grinned. ‘I love. When did you do all this?’

‘Well, the gang were working so well without me, I actually had plenty of time to do this, plus I had help of course. The rest of it is done too, want to look?’

She moved to show him, but he stopped her. ‘You mean…it’s ready to move into?’

She smiled. ‘I guess it is. I thought you would want to move in when it opened, is that right?’

Arlo pulled her into his arms. ‘If it’s ready now, I want to be in here with you, in our home. Right now.’

She kissed him and grinned. ‘There’ll still be work noise…just to warn you.’

‘I don’t care, I want us to be living together, why the hell wait? Is that what you want?’

She laughed, throwing her head back. ‘Of course! Hell yes!’ She shrieked with laughter as Arlo picked her up and twirled her around. She wobbled dizzily when she was finally put down, and Arlo steadied her, grinning. He pressed his lips against hers. ‘Welcome home, baby.’

She smiled. ‘Welcome home.’

He ran his hands down her body, and she wriggled with pleasure but stepped away. ‘Not yet. If we’re really doing this today, then I have plans for you.’

Arlo grinned. ‘In that case…what do you need to bring your apartment?’

With Steve and Roger’s help, it took only the four of them to move her meager belongings. Cosima didn’t want strangers picking over her stuff so when Arlo offered to arrange movers, she shook her head. ‘No, I want to do it – it’s closure.’ Cosima took one last look around the place, her expression sad. ‘This was a nice place to live,’ she said, ‘Probably the last place I would have shared with Harpa. Damn, talking of which, I need to call Jack, tell him where I am.’

Arlo put his arms around her. ‘Not tonight. Tonight just let him think you’re staying with me – which you are. At my hotel – which you are – just not the one he thinks.’

She smiled but looked undecided. ‘Really?’

‘I promise it’ll be okay.’

Back at their new home, it was already evening, and the workmen had cleared out. They had food delivered and sat on their new couch eating it, relaxing. Arlo opened a bottle of red wine, and they toasted their new home. Cosima sighed happily. So good to be alone. ‘I can’t believe this is my life now,’ she said, smiling at Arlo, her eyes soft. ‘I’m so happy, Arlo, you can’t even imagine.’

He smiled and kissed her. ‘I can, beautiful, believe me. I love you so much, Cos.’

‘As I love you,’ she grinned as he pushed her back on the cushions, taking the carton of Chinese food from her hand and putting it on the table. He pushed his hands under her t-shirt and pulled it over her head, admitting the way her long, long dark hair tumbled over her shoulders.

‘I do believe,’ he said, his hands at the fastening of jeans, ‘that’s it’s your birthday next week, Miss Bedi and I’m trying to think of some way to surprise you.’

She chuckled as he yanked her jeans down. ‘And telling me that doesn’t hurt your cause?’

He shrugged, his fingers caressing her belly. ‘Probably.’

‘Twenty-nine,’ she grimaced, ‘Not sure I want to celebrate that.’

He groaned, laughing. ‘You’re making me feel old.’

‘Never,’ she sat up and moved so she was straddling him. She opened his shirt and kissed his chest, teasing his nipples with her tongue, ‘I’ll make you feel young again. Come to our bedroom and I’ll show you your present…’

She led him to the king-size bed, swathed in white linen. ‘Undress and lay on your stomach,’ she ordered, and he grinned.

‘Whatever you say, ma’am…’ He did as she asked and lay down on the bed, propping his head hand to watch her. ‘And what might that be?’

Cosima had taken a small closed basket from the closet and set it down on the nightstand. She grinned at him. ‘This, my darling lover, is a box of treats for us to play with. I do hope you haven’t got an early meeting in the morning because I have a feeling you’re going to be…up…all night.’

He laughed at her wicked grin then, as she slipped out of her underwear, watched as she took a small bottle of monoi oil from the basket. ‘We’ll start with this.’ She tipped a little of the oil into her chest then followed it down her body with her fingers until she slicked it into her sex, never breaking eye contact with Arlo. He blew out his cheeks, his arousal clear.

‘Damn, woman.’

She grinned and ordered him to lie flat, climbing on top of him. ‘Sensual massage, sir?’

He grinned. ‘Yes, please, ma’am.’

She poured some oil onto his back then smoothed her hands over his skin, up and down his back, her fingers working the knots in his muscles. Arlo groaned. ‘That feels so good, Cos…’

‘Hush now.’

She felt his laugh rumbling through his back as she worked on him. Her little hands roamed over his broad back, and she leaned down to kiss his ear, whispering ‘I’m getting so wet for you, Arlo, can you feel how hot I am?’

She pressed her sex against his thigh, and he moaned. Cosima smiled, pressed her breasts against his back while her hand slipped between his buttocks and her fingers massaged his balls. ‘I’m going to ride you hard all night, big boy….you can turn over now.’

Arlo flipped over, grinning up at her, his cock huge and rigid against his belly. Cosima took it in her hands, stroking and caressing, drawing the tip up and down her sodden pussy. Arlo gripped her hips hard as she guided him inside her, sighing as he filled her completely.

‘Christ, Cos…you are so fucking beautiful…god…’ He moaned as she thrust hard, taking him in deep, her hand behind her, still massaging his balls, urging him on, loving to see him so blissed out. She loved the feeling of him inside her, filling her; it was when she felt most alive, most beautiful. She wasn’t a vain woman, but she loved that Arlo thought she was beautiful.

His hands were on her breasts, his thumbs sweeping over her nipples, back and forth, back and forth until the nubs were almost painfully sensitized. Cosima moaned softly as his fingers swept down her belly, circling her navel then slipped between her legs to caress her clit.

Their love-making grew so intense that the rest of the world seemed to slip away. When Arlo came, they bucked and moved together as he pumped streams of hot semen into her, and Cosima threw her head back and let out such a lovely moan, that his cock, still inside her, grew hard again. He cradled her as he flipped her onto her back and drove himself into her. She cupped his face in her hands.

‘I love you so much,’ she whispered, and he pressed his lips to hers.

‘You are the love of my life,’ he said simply, and they continued on until dawn spread its fingers across the sky.

‘Good morning.’

Harpa opened her eyes and smiled at the gorgeous man who stood by the bed, a white towel around his hips. Mikah grinned down at her. ‘You should always be naked, you know that?’

Harpa laughed and rolled over onto her back, stretching luxuriously. ‘I think it might raise a few eyebrows at work, not to mention Health and Human Services.’

Mikah sat down next to her, running a hand down her side. ‘Are you kidding me? Your bookings would quadruple.’

She laughed then smiled shyly. ‘I had a great time last night.’

‘Me too, beautiful.’ He bent down to kiss her. ‘What are you doing today?’

‘I have to work this evening but for the rest of the day – ‘

‘Spend it with me. I’d like to take you to lunch then maybe we get to know each other better. Have you had a chance to really see the city since you got here?’

She pulled herself up into a sitting position. ‘Not really. I haven’t even been to the Space Needle.’

‘No way…’ Mikah pulled a face. ‘Dude, we need to go there first and then maybe a cruise around the Bay, maybe see some Orca.’ He stroked her face. ‘Harpa Bedi…where did you come from?’

She felt a pang; affection mixed with sadness. Soon she would have to tell him about her past, her constant protection, and the restrictions that she’d gotten used to. She wanted to be just a girl who met a boy for a little while longer.

‘You okay?’ Mikah shifted so he could pull her closer. She rested her head on his broad shoulder.

‘Absolutely, although I kind of feel I’m dreaming.’

She felt his laugh rumbling through his chest. God, he smelled of soap and fresh air. ‘Believe me,’ he said, ‘This is real.’

Later, as they left his flat, Harpa glanced quickly at the black sedan parked across the street and sighed inwardly. There was no getting away from who she was, the threat to her but, God, sometimes it made her feel caged and irritable. As Mikah opened his car door for her, she smiled up at him. It was strange, she felt so comfortable with him, her nerves of the previous evening gone. She thought back to what Cosima had told her about her decision to just go with it in the Maldives when she met Arlo…Harpa grinned to herself. At least she and Mikah had known each other’s real names.

‘Something funny?’ Mikah, easing the car into traffic, grinned at her.

‘I was just thinking about my sister. She met a guy this year when she was on vacation, had a fling then when she came home, he came looking for her. She told me the best decision she ever made was to just go for it.’

‘And so we did,’ Mikah nodded thoughtfully. ‘I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, Harpa Bedi.’

Harpa glanced in her side mirror; saw the black sedan behind them. ‘Be careful what you wish for,’ she half-smiled, ‘there’s more to me than meets the eye.’

‘What’s this?’

Naveen pointed at the file on her laptop. Too late, Sabine realized she’d left the folder containing the video of Cosima’s attack open. She hesitated and Naveen smiled. ‘Secrets?’

She shrugged, and with a sinking heart, she watched him click on it. He watched the brief clip.

‘How did you get this?’

Sabine frowned – she had been expecting questions like ‘Who’s being attacked?’ or ‘Why the hell have you got something like this on your laptop?’.

‘A friend sent it to me.’

‘The girl being attacked?’

‘No.’

Naveen studied her. ‘Are you going to send it to the police?’

Sabine sighed. ‘No.’

‘Why?’

‘Because the man who attacked her is the one who sent me the video.’

Naveen sat back in his chair. They were in her suite; the suite she’d downgraded to reluctantly. It was still luxurious, but somehow, Naveen’s presence shone a spotlight on its inadequacies. Everything about the man radiated wealth; his exquisitely tailored suits, his discreet but expensive watch, manicured nails, his dark skin soft and clear. He was looking at her now, a slight smile on his face.

‘You know who the woman in that clip was?’

She nodded. ‘She’s my ex-boyfriend’s new whore.’

Naveen smirked. ‘Her name is Cosima Malhotra, but I think you already knew that.’

Sabine was stunned. ‘You know her?’

‘Oh yes. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t send any more amateurs after her.’

Sabine straightened up. ‘What I do is none of your business.’

Naveen chuckled softly. ‘When it comes to Cosima Malhotra, it is very much my business.’

‘Why?’

His smile both scared and thrilled her. ‘Because I’m the man who’s going to kill her.’

Cosima sat down at her desk, feeling weird about being back in the architect’s office after all these months at the site. It was the last day of remodeling at the hotel, and Cosima felt a little sad at saying goodbye to the workers. Jennifer, another architect, greeted her with a smile.

‘Hey you, long time no see. I swung past the hotel this morning, it looks amazing. Almost made me wistful for the old days before I got stuck making factories.’

Cosima grinned. ‘Don’t give me that, you love it.’

‘I do,’ Jennifer admitted, flopping down in the chair opposite Cosima. ‘So, how’s the divine Mr. Forrester?’

Cosima suddenly got very interested on her computer screen. ‘Um…’

‘Cos…we all know, it’s okay,’ Jennifer was grinning at her, and Cosima couldn’t detect any malice in the older woman’s expression.

‘I just don’t want to be seen as unprofessional,’ she said in a low voice. ‘Arlo and I met before this job, and he…came to find me. The hotel is separate from that…kind of.’

‘Cos, really, it’s romantic. And it’s given our whole office something to gossip about,’ she laughed as Cosima looked appalled. ‘Relax, chick, I’m kidding. But good for you, he’s gorgeous. And rich. And sweet – god, I think I hate you.’

Cosima laughed, grateful for the other woman’s humor. ‘Thank you, he is very special to me.’ She pondered telling Jennifer that she was now living with him but decided against it – at least until she’d told Harpa and Jake. Jake! God, she’d forgotten about him, shoot.

After a while, Jennifer left her alone, and Cosima took out her phone to call Jack. She got his voicemail and left a message, then went back to work.

A half hour later, Tal called her into his office, his face creased with concern. ‘Cosima… did something happen to you recently?’

She suddenly felt cold. ‘What do you mean?’

He nodded at her still-bandaged arm. ‘You told me you hurt your arm in a fall.’

‘So?’

He motioned for her to sit down then turned his laptop around. Cosima watched in horror as a video of the attack played out on the screen. Her hand at her mouth, she watched as her attacker slashed at her, then her own reaction, bent double clutching her arm as Steve and Roger took the man down. The video wasn’t a fuzzy, handheld camera – it was shot in such a way that the camera person obviously knew the attack was about to happen. Underneath the clip, the title read: ‘Attack on Cosima Malhotra, New Orleans’ and the date of the attack.

Oh, damn it, damn it. ‘Yes…that happened but we were trying to keep it quiet because…god, how long has it been on the internet?’

Tal, his old eyes filled with worry, checked the timestamp. ‘About twelve hours. Look, Cosima, with your situation, maybe you should call your FBI guy.’

Her eyes filled with tears. ‘He’ll make me leave, Tal. He’ll make me leave all of you, Arlo, the Hotel, New Orleans.’

‘It’s your life at risk, Cosima. Obviously this,’ he nodded at the laptop, ‘means they’re still after you.’

She shook her head. ‘That’s the thing, Tal; it was a weird attack like he only wanted to wound me, not kill. It was a warning – ‘

‘Exactly. Look, no-one wants you to leave, least of all me. But I’d rather you be alive and well.’

Cosima nodded, wiped a tear away. ‘I know. Look, I’m going to call Arlo.’

‘Do that, and then call your guy. Take the rest of the day, Cos, this is more important than work.’

Cosima thanked him then went to call Arlo. He picked up on the first ring.

‘Hey beautiful, you okay?’

Cosima could have cried at the love in his voice. ‘Not really, baby.’ And she told him everything. The tone of his voice changed immediately.

‘Stay there, I’m coming to get you.’

Cosima put her phone in her bag and went to the restroom. Jeez, could this really be happening? As much as she took the threat to her life seriously, she was far more terrified of having to leave Arlo and her friends here in New Orleans. For crying out loud, she’d just moved in with her gorgeous lover, why now?

She sighed and bent to splash water on her face. In her haste, she cranked the faucet too hard, and the water splashed all over her. She cursed and reached for the hand towels…only to encounter an arm. Water streaming in her eyes, she jerked away and gasped. Someone grabbed her from behind and a cloth soaked in chemicals was pressed to her nose and mouth, and as she sank into unconsciousness, she only had one thought…

I’ll never see Arlo again…

* * *

Harpa Bedi stood on the viewing deck of Seattle’s Space Needle and gazed out over the city. God, how had she not done this her first day? Seattle stretched out below her, the sun glittered off Elliott Bay; in the distance the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier stood out against the skyline. Harpa squinted and pointed to the right of the big mountain at the faintest outline of another mountain on the horizon. ‘Is that…?’

‘Mt. St Helens,’ Mikah Ray said, sliding his arms around her waist and hugging her to him. ‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’

‘The mountains look painted on the sky,’ she said in wonder and Mikah chuckled.

‘I guess they do. Living in Washington all my life, I kinda got used to them but yeah, it’s an amazing sight.’

She turned in his arms and gazed up at him. ‘You’re an amazing sight,’ she said, her voice thick. ‘Thank you for bringing me up here.’

He smiled down at her. ‘Well, you’re very welcome.’ He pressed his lips to hers. ‘Wanna go grab some lunch?’

It had been only a few weeks since they had met but already Harpa was smitten. Big time. Mikah was erudite and funny, laid back and just so… ‘Cool,’ she thought,’ he’s just so cool.’ She felt relaxed in his presence.

After that first night, they had spent every free moment together. They had talked a long time about their lives; at least, Harpa had given him a carefully edited version of hers. She didn’t want to burden him with all the crap going on in her life. She told him about Cosima, about Arlo, about moving away from her sister for the first time. Mikah, in turn, told her how he’d started out in the business, his first tentative steps into the art world. His tutelage under one of the world’s foremost art experts, Randall Mallory, had quickly turned into a lucrative career, and now Mikah found himself head of a business which made millions, if not billions, a year.

‘I would worry that Randall would think I’m stealing his business, but he’s moved more into philanthropic foundations for the arts now; a couple of his daughters-in-law are artists. I’m not that selfless yet, I’d like to make sure my future – and those of my staff – are secure first. Even with the recession, we’ve managed to still make a profit, so we’re very lucky.’

‘Rich people still need their toys,’ Harpa quipped, and he grinned.

‘Exactly.’

They’d never gotten around to doing all the tourist things Mikah had promised on that second day, too busy exploring the other’s body, fucking, loving, laughing.

Now, finally making it out of Mikah’s bedroom and as they sat in one of the seafood restaurants on the waterfront, Harpa told him about the hotel Cosima was remodeling for Arlo. ‘You should see it,’ she raved, ‘God, I wish I had Cos’s eye for that kind of thing.’

‘You have other talents,’ Mikah grinned, and as she flushed, he relented, ‘I mean, your food is incredible.’

Still scarlet, she waved away his compliment. ‘You’ve only had one dish.’

‘I can tell.’

‘Psychic?’

‘Absolutely,’ and they laughed. Mikah took Harpa’s hand, linking his fingers with hers. ‘Look, Harpa, it’s been a while since I connected with someone like I have with you. I’d like to see you exclusively; is that something you would consider?’

She was charmed by his old-fashioned manner. ‘I would, very much.’

‘Good.’

He drove her back to her apartment and the whistled when he saw the building. ‘Oh, that Arlo Forrester. Should have made the connection.’

‘Do you know him?’

‘I’ve met him a couple of times, just to say hi. He seems like a good guy.’

‘He is, he’s the best. He’s crazy about Cos too, it’s really sweet.’

‘If she’s anything like you, I’m not surprised. Can I see you later?’

Harpa looked doubtful. ‘I’ll be at work until about one a.m.’

Mikah smiled and leaned over to kiss her softly. ‘I’ll pick you up,’ he murmured against her lips and Harpa felt her stomach dissolve with desire.

‘Okay,’ she whispered, closing her eyes and relaxing into the embrace. God, he was intoxicating.

When she finally made it back to her apartment, her whole body felt different, her mind a delirious, delicious fog of lust and happiness. She showered and changed, then grabbed her cell to call Cosima. The phone rang and rang until it clicked onto voicemail.

‘Hey, sis…it’s me. Have I got some news for you…’

Jennifer Lyons sat her desk in the office, sending an email and looking up periodically. Cosima had gone to the bathroom at least ten minutes ago and hadn’t come back yet. Jennifer, very fond of the young architect, hoped she wasn’t unwell; Cosima had come out from Tal’s office looking very green. Jennifer wasn’t worried that she’d had words with Tal – no-one ever had a bad word from Tal and Cosima was such a rising star and a hard worker there was no way Tal was unhappy so…

Pregnant? Maybe, thought Jennifer with a smile, Cosima, and Arlo Forrester were clearly crazy about each other, but it was too soon in their relationship to have that decision to make. Ah, screw it, she thought and got up to seek Cosima out. She pushed open the door of the bathroom and stopped. Cosima’s purse lay on the floor, the contents scattered across the linoleum. Jennifer frowned. ‘Cos? You okay?’

She checked the stalls, but the bathroom was empty. Her heart began to beat a little faster and when she turned she saw it. The blood on one of the basins. Not a lot, but a smear of it. Oh no… She ran out into the hallway and looked around. The fire escape was open, just a little, she ran to it. It opened out into a wide parking lot, and Jennifer ran out, scanning around, her breath coming in panicked gasps. One of Cosima’s shoes lay abandoned on the asphalt.

Jennifer ran back in, tears starting to fall down her cheeks, straight to Tal’s office, not bothering to knock. ‘Tal…’ She couldn’t get the words out, and the elderly man shot up from his desk and came around to comfort her.

‘What? What is it, dear?’

Jennifer could not contain her sobs. ‘It’s Cosima…Tal…I think she’s been taken.’

Arlo remembered every moment from the day his brother Mason had been murdered. The sympathetic policeman who had come to his office. I’m sorry to inform you…

Even now, all these years later, he still felt that nausea, that clenching of his chest, the shattering grief.

And now it was happening again. He sat in the back of the police cruiser as they drove him to the station, numb, his mind blanks with terror.

Cosima was gone. Abducted. Taken from her place of work in broad daylight. Oh God. Oh God. Oh God.

Every scenario ran through his head, all images of Cosima being murdered, horribly, brutally. He didn’t know how to stop them.

‘We’ve called her liaison, Jack Hampton, he’s on his way. He was flying into see her today, did you know that?’

Arlo shook his head. ‘No, I didn’t. Good, though, he’ll know what to do.’ His voice sounded weird, disconnected like it didn’t belong to him. He wanted to shake himself, yell at himself to wake up, think, and make a plan. The shock was paralyzing.

At the station, he was given hot coffee and lead to an interview room where a young, good-looking detective sat down with him. Det. David Hanks, dark-haired and blue-eyed studied him.

‘Mr. Forrester…can you tell me about the last twenty-four hours with Cosima, please? Obviously, I don’t mean to pry but anything you could tell us that’s relevant. And I’d like to know about this.’

He handed an iPad to Arlo and Arlo watched the video of the market attack on Cosima. Oh god…he was so stupid – her enemies had found her and so terrified he had been of her having to leave New Orleans, he’d gone along with her plan of not telling Jack. Damn it…

‘Yeah, I’d quite like to know about that, myself.’

The two men turned to see a very grim-faced Jack Hampton staring at Arlo. ‘What the fuck, Arlo? Why the hell wasn’t I informed about this?’

For a moment, Arlo struggled to find the words then… ‘Cos didn’t want to tell you; she thought you might insist on her leaving.’ He winced; he didn’t want to blame Cosima for that decision, but it was the truth. ‘We both agreed.’

Jack threw a file down on the table. ‘Well, fucking congratulations, Arlo, that decision has probably gotten her killed.’

Arlo jerked back in pain. ‘Stop. Please, help me find her.’

Jack stared at him coldly. David Hanks nodded at the file. ‘What’s that?’

Jack’s eyes were icy. ‘It’s a collection of the multiple death threats we’ve accumulated for Cosima over the years. The threats have ramped up this year. In that file, Arlo, is the way her enemies intend to kill her, every last detail. I want you to read that file and realize what a dumb fucking mistake you’ve made, what they’ll do or are doing to her right now. Sick fucking stuff. And all because you couldn’t give up screwing her long enough to consider her safety.’

‘That’s enough,’ David Hanks stood, his voice hard. ‘I don’t know how things are done in the FBI, Agent, but here we take care of the next of kin.’

‘Oh God,’ Arlo said suddenly, ‘Harpa…what the hell am I going to tell Harpa?’

‘Nothing,’ Jack said. ‘Nothing yet. We check out every place we think she might have been taken.’ He looked at David. ‘You realize, Miss Malhotra’s abduction and probable murder will be an international incident, yes? The US Government had always supported the family of Arjun Malhotra against terrorism and if we’re found to have dropped the ball, the ramifications of that…’

‘Let’s just all cool our boots, okay? One thing at a time. The only thing I care about at this moment is finding Cosima alive and well.’ David Hanks’ manner was calm, and Arlo found himself liking the detective.

Arlo sighed and closed his eyes. ‘I’ll tell you everything leading up to today,’ he said, then remembered. ‘Jack, there’s something else you should know. Cosima and I are now living together at the hotel. She moved in with me a couple of weeks ago.’

Jack’s jaw was clenching, the muscles tensed. ‘We need to have a serious talk about what you two think my job is and what I should know.’

He slammed out of the room and Arlo sighed. ‘Look, detective, I have a whole fleet of security detail that can help you find Cosima.’

‘I believe she had two men on her watch, outside the office?’

Arlo nodded. ‘I know, it seems ineffectual, but she didn’t want to be ‘watched’ all of the time and have them intimidating everyone in the office. The office was deemed safe.’

‘But it wasn’t.’

‘No. It was shoddy planning on my part, and I can’t forgive myself. We have to walk a fine line between safety and intrusion…’

‘Mr. Forrester – Arlo – don’t beat yourself up. The hard truth is, no matter how many bodyguards a person has if someone’s determined to get to them, they will. The abductors took a huge risk taking her in broad daylight at her place of work – at the same time, it was a genius move. No-one would have expected that. It’s like when we send our kids to school – we think they’re protected and safe then some gun nut walks in.’

Arlo half-smiled. ‘You’re not reassuring me.’

David sat back down opposite him. ‘I won’t treat you like Agent Hampton but neither will I sugar-coat things. It’s bad.’

Arlo nodded, his entire frame slumped. ‘I know.’

‘I’ll leave you along for a moment.’ He patted Arlo’s shoulder then reached for the file Jack had left.

‘No, leave it. I want to see it.’

David looked doubtful. ‘I think…’

‘Please. I need to read it.’

David nodded. ‘Okay. I’ll give you some space.’

‘Thanks.’

When the door closed, Arlo reached for the file and then hesitated. What horrors lay within those pages? Would he be able to function if he knew what was probably happening to Cosima right now? God…

He closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Cos, I’m so sorry…I love you…please, please be alive, please…’

And he opened the file and began to read.

Cosima drifted slowly back into consciousness. She felt the need to throw up but drew in some air to stop herself because she could feel her mouth was taped. Her eyes were also blindfolded, her hands tied behind her, her ankles bound. She was lying on what she assumed was a bed – it was soft under her body.

Why aren’t I dead? That had been her first thought, and she wondered again now. She always assumed that if her father’s enemies took her, they’d put a bullet in her head or cut her throat and dump her body somewhere. But this…

When she had been attacked in the restroom, as the darkness had come, she’d struggled wildly, twisting out of her attacker’s grip only to smash her head on one of the porcelain sinks. Instant blackness. Her head screeched with pain – concussion no doubt. She lay still, realizing she could not hear anything either; her ears felt plugged. The only sense she had fully functioning was her sense of smell, and she breathed in a lungful of air. There was an undercurrent of something; fetid, swampy. She must be near the bayou. So that was their game plan – her body thrown to the alligators like so many other murder victims and Arlo and Harpa would never know what happened to her.

Suddenly she froze. There was a change in the room, she could sense something – someone. When cold fingers touched her face, she whimpered. Her ears were unplugged.

‘Ssh,’ a whispered male voice, gravelly, muffled, disguised. ‘Don’t struggle or I’ll put a bullet in you. Nod your head if you understand.’

She nodded.

‘Good.’ Her abductor stripped the tape away from her mouth, and she gasped. A drinking straw was placed between her teeth. ‘Sip.’

She did, the swirl of fresh cold water was blissful in her mouth.

‘Good girl.’

He hauled her into a sitting position and took her blindfold off. He was dressed in head to toe black, a balaclava covering his head and a mask, a dumb goat’s head mask. She blinked a couple of times, realized her left eye was sticky with blood. Her abductor – Goaty - brought a bowl of warm water and washcloth and gently washed her face. She saw the water turn red and felt a wave of dizziness.

‘It’s a pretty nasty cut, pretty girl. You shouldn’t have fought me so hard.’

Her mouth was dry again. ‘Who are you?’

Goaty said nothing, just continued to clean her wound. Now her eyes were used to the light, she saw she was in a bedroom – and a pretty plush room at that. She was confused – she had expected a broken down shack or somewhere – not this. The ceiling was high, at least double what she was used to in modern homes, the windows large – and barred. The bed she was sitting on was huge, king size, swathed in mosquito netting, the sheets pearly white and new, the pillows plump and comfortable. There was a vanity unit, and now she saw a small room leading off – a bathroom. Against the far wall, were boxes and boxes of food and toiletries, bottles of water stacked up as if someone was stockpiling for the end of the world. The room itself was huge, beautifully decorated. Goaty finished his cleaning and followed her gaze.

‘You like?’

She didn’t answer, just stared back at him for a long moment then looked away. On the nightstand, a gun with a silencer screwed onto the muzzle. She felt sick.

‘This room is your new home, princess,’ he said, and she cringed at the sing-song, creepy way he spoke, neither male nor female, barely human. ‘At least until I decided it’s time to kill you.’ He picked up the gun and pressed it to her belly. ‘Bang, bang, bang,’ he said and chuckled, putting the gun back down. He nodded to the door. ‘The door is reinforced steel, the windows are barred and alarmed, and you are being watched all the time.’

He tipped her chin up with his finger, and she saw in the far corner of the ceiling, the telltale red blink of a camera. ‘There is no possible means for you to escape, my lovely Cosima. You will die here. But in the meantime, you must enjoy the time you have left. There’s plenty of food – I’m afraid it’s all cold, can’t risk you burning down the place or trying anything stupid but there is a small refrigerator in the bathroom there. I’ll bring you fresh fruit and produce if you behave, otherwise you’ll be living on crackers and cold soup.’

He cupped her chin with his hand, making her look at him. ‘There are some clean clothes for you and you can wash things in the sink. I will come to visit you, and you will be gracious and thankful for every day I choose to keep you alive. You will give me whatever I want, princess, do you understand?’

She stared at him, the dizziness in her head not enough for her to misunderstand his meaning. So she was here as his sex toy for as long as he kept her alive. Oh god…

‘Kill me now,’ she whispered. ‘Kill me because I’m never going to give you what you want.’

He chuckled. ‘Yes, you will, my beautiful Cosima. You will give me everything.’

Hot tears of anger spilled down her cheeks. ‘Why? Why are you doing this?’

His hand went to the nape of her neck and fisted the hair back there, holding her head rigid. She winced at the sharp pain of her hair being pulled, but Goaty leaned in, nuzzling her neck.

‘Because I can,’ he whispered, and he pushed the mask upwards so he could grind his lips onto hers, rough, violent. Cosima tasted blood.

He released her, laughing, pulling the mask down before she could get a glimpse of his face. ‘I’m going to go. Turn over, lay on your belly, and I’ll release your hands and feet. Try anything and I’ll empty this gun into you.’

She complied, giving an involuntary sigh of relief when her hands and feet were freed. Goaty rolled her back onto her back, and stood over, pointing the gun at her belly. ‘There will be no point screaming. There’s no-one around to hear you, Cosima. There will be no-one to hear you beg for your life the day I come to kill you – although I might just record your murder and send it to your bastard lover. Won’t that be a treat for him?’

‘You are a sick fuck,’ she said, finally, her voice scratchy, her throat dry. Her abductor bowed mockingly.

‘Next time I visit, Cosima…we’ll have a little fun.’

He went to the door and opened it, and she saw it was indeed thick steel. Her heart thudded as it slammed shut, and she heard the deadbolts lock. As soon as she heard his car start outside the window, she was up, off the bed and running to the little bathroom where she did what she had wanted to do as soon as she awoke to this nightmare.

She threw up.

Harpa tried calling her sister again when she went on her break that night. She told herself it was okay, that Cosima was probably busy with organizing the opening of the hotel. Harpa wanted to know what day Cosima wanted her to fly back to New Orleans to attend – she’d already cleared it with Stan, and now, she was wondering, could she bring Mikah? She hadn’t asked him yet, but more and more, she wanted to be there with him, for him to meet her beloved sister, to say hello again to Arlo – my family. Her heart warmed at the thought; her sister and her almost brother.

Her mind briefly drifted to her mother in London. It had been years since Monica Lascelles had bothered to call or write her daughters. Harpa knew Monica didn’t even know they’d left New York and she didn’t care; her mother had been nothing but a burden to them. Cosima had been Harpa’s mother for most of her formative years, despite there only being two years between them. Monica didn’t even care that there had been a bounty on her daughters’ heads since Arjun’s murder. She was devoid of any mothering instinct, and Harpa wondered again how they could have been born of her. Especially Cos, she thought now, she has such a big heart whereas I can be a little ruthless if I want. Yeah, yeah, kid yourself, she smirked.

She went back to her station in the kitchen and busied herself with prep and didn’t see Sean and Tony enter and chat quietly with Stan until she was making the spice paste for her dish. She smiled at them.

‘Hey you two, got too hungry?’

Tony looked uncomfortable, but Sean grinned. ‘You know it. Listen, can we have a quick word?’

She beckoned them over to a quiet corner. ‘What is it?’

‘You may see an increased security presence over the next couple of days. Nothing to worry about, just a precaution.’ Tony’s voice was low, and Harpa’s heart began to thud.

‘Is this why Cosima’s gone radio silent? What’s going on?’

Sean and Tony looked at her. ‘Something like that. Just some undesirables flew into the country so we’re keeping an eye out that’s all. I’m sure Cosima will call you when she can.’

Harpa felt a little sick but nodded. ‘Okay, I get it. Can I still hang out with Mikah?’

‘Of course,’ Sean said, patting her arm, ‘There just might be extra security around his building. Does he know about your situation?’

She shook her head. ‘I know I should tell him but I don’t want to freak him out yet.’

Sean and Tony exchanged glances. ‘Maybe you should tell him,’ Tony said softly. ‘If we need to extract you fast then it could get difficult.’

She blew out her cheeks. ‘Okay. I’ll think about it.’

But later, when Mikah came to collect her and drive her back to his place, she couldn’t do it, couldn’t sully his good mood, his romantic plans for them. Instead, they ate the leftovers she brought home straight from the foil dish, sitting at his breakfast bar, then showered together.

Mikah ran his fingers through her wet hair. ‘Have I told you how beautiful you are today?’

She grinned, tipping her face up for a kiss then spluttering at the water hit her full force in the face. ‘Didn’t think that through, did I?’ She laughed, and he cranked the water off.

‘Let’s get dirty again,’ he said in a low growl, and her whole body responded.

‘Let’s…’

He lifted one of her legs up high and pressed her against the cool tile of the shower. He dropped to his knees, hooking her leg over his shoulder. His fingers found her sex and he gently spread the folds of her labia, his tongue sweeping up her cleft to her clit. Harpa shuddered as he made contact, sucking and nibbling at the small nub until it grew hard and red, her cunt swelling and pulsing as he attended to her.

Harpa moaned, and she felt his mouth curve up in a smile. ‘You like that, pretty girl?’

She nodded, breathless and he gave a low chuckle. He scooped her into his arm and carried her to his bed. ‘Then we’ll just have to keep doing it…’

He went down on her again, and as he worked her clit, his long, thick fingers slid inside her, rubbing, massaging, finding that tender spot inside her, her sex growing moist as he worked. Harpa felt a frenzy of ecstasy screaming through every cell in her body as she shivered through an orgasm and then his mouth was on hers, and his titanium-hard cock was plunged deep into her swollen cunt, hard. He pushed her knees to her chest, sinking balls-deep into her and she smiled up at him as he drove himself into her, almost violently, the need and desire on his face as thrilling as the feel of his cock nailing her to the bed.

Her fingernails dug into his buttocks willing him deeper, deeper with every stroke; his cock seemed to get bigger, thicker, her vagina stretching to accommodate his size.

Mikah kissed her thoroughly as they fucked, and she loved how he could be so rough, so masculine while being so tender. She’d never experienced that in a lover before, and the way her body reacted to him was a revelation to her. At the slightest touch, her skin would flame, her sex would pulse and swell, her heart would clatter loud enough so she thought he might hear it.

Now, he groaned as he came, his thick cock jerking, spilling his seed into her belly. Harpa arched her back, feeling her belly against his as she reached her own climax then fell exhausted to the bed. They both were breathless but Harpa, grinning, climbed down his body. ‘Your turn, big guy,’ and she took his still hard cock into her warm, ready mouth, suckling at the salty remnants of his cum, teasing the tip, fisting the root with her hands until he was shuddering and groaning under touch, coming again quickly, shooting onto her waiting tongue.

Afterward, they lay, sleep coming over them, murmuring to each other. Harpa had just fallen asleep when she heard her cell phone buzz. She ignored it at first, letting the call go to voicemail but when it rang again, she rolled out of bed, groaning and went to find her purse.

Mikah, awoken, followed her and she smiled at him apologetically as she grabbed her phone. ‘Sorry baby. Hello?’ She recoiled in shock. ‘Mom? Is that you?’

Her mother was crying hysterically, and Harpa could only make out the words Cosima…and knife. Oh god, oh please, no…

‘Mom! Calm down! Has something happened to Cos?’ She listened as her mother tried to explain. ‘What video?’

Mikah watched his lover as she spoke to her mother, a myriad of emotions on her face. Fear. Sadness. Irritation. Then a blankness.

‘I see,’ Harpa said. ‘Yes. I’ll call him. Yes, I’ll call you back, Mom, what’s your number there? Oh, of course, yes. Give me a half hour.’

She ended the call and just sat there for a second, staring at the floor. When she looked up, her face was set, angry. ‘I have to go home.’

Mikah frowned. ‘What’s going on, Harp? Is everything okay? Is your sister…’

‘I have to go home.’ She scrambled to her feet and skittered into the bedroom, pulling on her clothes. Mikah pulled his jeans on.

‘Of course, I’ll take you but - ‘

‘It’s okay, I have a ride.’

‘What…wait? Harpa, what the hell’s going on?’

She was at the apartment door now, and she turned and looked at him. ‘I’m sorry, Mikah, you don’t want any part of this…I’m sorry.’

Mikah stepped towards her. ‘Talk to me,’ he said fervently, his hand reached out towards her. Her eyes filled with tears.

‘I can’t,’ she whispered and then she was gone. Mikah stood in the middle of his apartment, not believing what had just happened. What the actual fuck? He thought about following her, but she clearly wanted to be alone…instead, he went to the window in time to see her crossing the street and getting into a black sedan. It pulled away from the curb followed a second later by a second car.

Mikah shook his head. I do not understand what just happened here. He glanced at the clock. Ten after three. Exhaustion was setting in, he could feel his body drooping, but his mind was in overdrive. He rubbed his face then went to grab a bottle of water from the cooler. He had to be up in three hours for a meeting, and he hadn’t minded about the lateness of the hour when Harpa was here, and he was buried deep inside her velvety soft body.

What the hell? He asked himself for the hundredth time. Think. Think. He grabbed his laptop and fired it up, glanced at his calendar for the day. Underneath the morning meeting, he blanked out the rest of the day and wrote eight words in capital letters.

FIND OUT WHO THE HELL HARPA BEDI IS.

Someone was banging on the penthouse’s door. Arlo, who hadn’t slept, opened it to see Jake, grim-faced. ‘Harpa called me, hysterical. Her mother – her mother, of all people – rang her to tell her about the video. She wanted to know why the hell you or I or Cosima hadn’t told her about the attack. Has she tried to call here?’

Arlo nodded. ‘I didn’t pick up,’ he sighed and stepped aside to let Jack in. ‘I didn’t know what to say to her, and I knew she’d ask where Cos was…so I funked it.’

Jack studied him. ‘You look like shit.’

‘Tell me about it? Any news, anything?’

Jack shook his head, and Arlo groaned. ‘I cannot just sit here and do nothing, Jack, I’m going crazy.’

‘You’re not going to do nothing. You’re coming with me to Seattle. We need to tell Harpa before the press gets hold of it. Get in the shower, Forrester, we leave in an hour.’

Cosima sat up in bed, a panic attack beginning to build inside her. It wasn’t a new occurrence; she’d been woken by them ever since the Goat had last been there. From her reckoning it had been seven days since he brought her here and in that time he had visited twice, each time threatening her, telling her what he wanted to do to her. Still concussed, she had pretended to be asleep on one occasion until he’d laid on top of her then she’d panicked and bucked to get him off only to be met with mocking laughter. She’d gone through the entire place looking for a way out or something she could use as a weapon. But he’d been thorough. The camera blinked, constantly reminding her she was being watched all the time; she wondered if he had accomplices. Probably, she decided and made herself feel better by periodically making obscene gestures to the camera. Well, he did say she was going to die here, so what difference did it make? The only good thing when he visited was that he brought hot food for her, and had so far, not forced himself on her. She knew it was only a matter of time.

There was a camera in the bathroom too, but she found if she ran a bath instead of showering, she could turn her back on him – plus a soak gave her something to do except stare out of the window. She was indeed in the bayou, she looked out onto trees heavy with Spanish moss and in the distance she could see the swamp, fizzing with mosquitoes and bugs. In the evening, she would sit on the window seat and watch the fireflies. It was better than trying to escape, getting nowhere and screaming – although she still did that too.

Tonight, her throat felt scratchy and raw from screaming. She ate a few Saltines and some fruit from a plastic cup and dug around in the small pile of paperback books he’d left. No, Harry Potter, she thought with a pang, then remembered she’d been reading ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ the night she’d meet Arlo in the Maldives.

God, that night…they’d walked back to her little villa which stood out in the ocean and made love all night and it had been a revelation to her, for once losing all her inhibitions, enjoying her own body as much as his, completely giving herself over to the sensual pleasure. She had never experienced anything so animal and yet so tender, so masterful and yet there was a vulnerability there too, from both of them. A true connection, a trust was built on that first night that had been built on in the months they had been together. She closed her eyes now and thought about Arlo, naked, all viral male, his broad shoulders, that hard, hard chest, the defined abs, the slim hips, and his long, thick cock. Cosima moaned and rolled over onto her stomach, curling herself up into a ball. That last night with him, one of their last nights as sole occupants of the hotel, had been the most exciting, the most adventurous yet.

She had promised him they would play with her box of treats, and they did; silken rope to bind each other, dildos, vibrators, paddles. They experimented freely with them, always taking care that the other was open to the kind of thing they were trying. Cosima found she loved to be bound while he fucked her; Arlo loved it when she used a vibrator on his ass while she sucked him. Not everything worked, of course, and they had many times when they would fall about laughing. Such perfect trust, perfect love. Joy. She remembered what Harpa had said to her those months ago; that now her life had joy…maybe this was the price she was paying for that happiness.

She stuck her fists into her eyes, trying to stop the tears. She didn’t want that motherfucker seeing her cry. She rolled off the bed and walked to the camera. ‘Fuck you!’ She screamed it at the camera. ‘Fuck you, you cocksucker! Come get me, asshole, come kill me because you will never have me…ever.’

She hoped he could lip-read. ‘Asshole.’ She turned away from the camera, anger, rage flooding through her, she cast around for anything – anything – she could throw at a window, break it, and scream her lungs out. But there was nothing. In the end, she went and sat in the bathtub and cried.

Harpa stared at the two men for the briefest moment then her legs went to jelly, and she crumpled to the ground, hyperventilating. Arlo darted forward and cradled her in his arms.

‘No, no, no, no….’ Harpa was struggling to breathe, her hands clawing at Arlo’s back.

‘Sweetheart, sweetheart, breathe…’ Arlo rocked her gently, but Harpa would not be calmed. Cosima was gone….probably dead….no, no, not my sister, please...

She heard Arlo talk to Jack.’Get a doctor, she needs a doctor…’

Why the fuck were they worrying about her? ‘No…’ she gasped, ‘No, no doctors. I don’t understand, how did this happen? When did this happen?’

They told, and she lost it again. ‘Seven fucking days?! My sister has been missing for seven fucking days, and you didn’t tell me?’ She was screeching now, but she didn’t care.

They were in her apartment and it was mid-morning. She had been trying to call Cosima all morning, had watched that terrible video of her sister being attacked with a knife over and over until she was half-crazed. When she saw Arlo and Jack together at the door – and no Cosima – she’d known, but it wasn’t until they said the words that she’d believed it.

Cosima was gone.

She turned back to the men, studied them. Jack’s face was pale, drawn but it was nothing to the sheer hell on Arlo’s face – his eyes…she found it hard to look at the pain deep within them.

‘So what now?’

Jack cleared his throat. ‘I’d like to take you back to New Orleans – we think the abductor has her somewhere in state – ‘

‘Based on what?’

‘The alarm was raised soon after Cosima was taken and we locked down the airports, the ports, the rail stations, bus stations.’