A Very Corporate Affair Book 2 (The Corporate Series) (7 page)

 
              "Any way it comes, I like both," I replied, lost in the sensations. My earlier orgasm simply making me even hornier, and desperate to have him inside me. I ogled him shamelessly as he unrolled a condom over himself, his cock was large and thick, but beautiful and smooth, his pubic hair trimmed neatly, but not excessively.

 
              He positioned me on my back, pulling my knees up, and legs apart, and carefully nudged into me, stretching me inside. "You're so tight Elle, feels so good," he panted as he began to move, gently at first, until his thrusts began to speed up, and he began to fuck me at a fast, primal pace, as if he was trying to climb inside me.

 
              I ran my hands over his back, feeling his silky, golden skin, and the hard muscles underneath straining as he hammered into me. Feeling the delicious quivering inside of an impending orgasm, he leaned down to suck my nipple, nipping it gently with his teeth. I fell into my orgasm, it tore through me like a wildfire, scorching me, consuming my entire body. I cried out as I pulsed around him, helpless against the thrusts of his rock hard cock pounding into me, prolonging my climax.

 
              I felt him speed up slightly, before he stilled as he let go, pressing deep into me, his face serene, and slightly vulnerable as he came. Lowering himself onto his elbows, he kissed me. A deep, lush kiss, that conveyed a softness, at odds with the primal, hard fucking I'd just experienced.

 
              He pulled out of me, threw the condom on the bedside cabinet, and lay down beside me, gently running his hands over my tummy in a silky caress. "I've wanted to do that ever since you called me out on those figures at our first meeting, and it was even better than I imagined," he said in his phone sex purr, before pulling me in for another kiss.

 
              The kiss led to another, gentler lovemaking session, Ivan proving to be a sensuous and sensitive lover, frequently changing positions to wring every last drop of pleasure from our connection. He moved slowly, but purposely, timing every thrust perfectly, slowing down every time he felt me on the edge of an orgasm, prolonging the ecstasy. He gazed into my eyes as we both came together, sapphire into light blue, as I clenched and pulsed around him, milking him of everything he had.

 
              We were both panting, and slicked with sweat as he pulled out, leaving me bereft inside. As my heart rate calmed, we both became aware of whimpering and crying outside the bedroom door. "Do you want to let them in?" I asked. He looked amused.

 
              "They'll scratch the door to pieces if I don't. Are you sure you don't mind? They normally sleep in with me, and they're probably confused as to why I shut them out, I just can't do it with them watching."

 
              I giggled, "I wouldn't fancy an audience either, but I'm fine with them on the bed to sleep. Doesn't bother me at all."

 
              "Better get rid of these," he said picking up the condoms, "don't want anyone trying to eat them." He disposed of them in the bathroom before walking over to open the door. I watched with pure feminine appreciation as his muscles flexed sexily when he moved, his skin, flawless and golden. I wondered how I'd won such a prize.

 
              The dogs immediately bounded onto the bed as soon as Ivan opened the door, checking me over, and sniffing me suspiciously. When Ivan got back into bed, they both snuggled up against him possessively.

 
              "Are you being jealous girls," I cooed, rubbing Tania's ears. She pressed herself against Ivan's torso, and closed her eyes firmly.

 
              "I think they're trying to make sure you weren't hurting me," laughed Ivan, looking amused at their antics. He reached over to stroke my face. "You are so very beautiful Elle, and so clever. I can't believe you're finally mine."

 
              I woke up first, and opened my eyes to see Ivan asleep on his back, his arm draped over the pillow, and Bella sprawled out on his chest, snoring softly. Tania was still wedged up against his side, and looked like she hadn't moved all night. I propped myself up on my elbow to see the time on Ivan's bedside clock. It was nearly eight. My movement must have disturbed the dogs, as they both stretched, straining their little legs out, before relaxing back into sleep and snuggles. I slid out of bed, and padded into the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, my beautiful updo resembled a bird's nest, and my perfect makeup was smeared all round my eyes in an imitation of a panda. I quickly washed my face, and took the rubies off, placing them carefully on the surface. It was at that moment, I realised with horror I had no clothes with me, apart from a red ball gown and high heels. I wasn't looking forward to walking in the woods in Jimmy Choos.

 
              I eyed Ivan's toothbrush, and quickly decided we had shared enough germs the previous night to excuse me using it. I brushed my teeth, and headed back to his bedroom. I found my knickers on the floor, and pulled them on, along with Ivan's shirt from the night before. Leaving him sleeping peacefully, I headed downstairs to make a drink.

 
              As I had spent a week staying at Ivan's, I was familiar with his kitchen, and made myself a cup of tea, which I took outside onto the patio to drink. It looked as though it was going to be a beautiful summers day, the sun was already hot for that time of the morning. I sat in a pretty wrought iron chair, and just enjoyed the tranquillity. The only noises were birdsong, and not even a low rumble of traffic in the distance to break the illusion of rural seclusion. I sipped my tea as I replayed the events of the night before in my head. My pride at being introduced as Ivan's girlfriend to his colleagues seemed to merge in my mind with Oscar's sadness that I was  on Ivan's arm. I briefly wondered how he knew Dascha.

 
              I smiled as I thought about our passionate lovemaking, glad I had got over my fear of getting naked and physical with Ivan. He had proved to be a great lover, skilful and just the right mixture of gentle and powerful. His body was a work of art, and I shivered at the memory of his thick, silky, cock. All in all, I was a very happy girl.

 
              The arrival of the two spaniels interrupted my reverie, followed by Ivan bearing two coffees. He joined me on the patio, after giving me an extravagant good morning kiss. The dogs raced around the lawn, having sensed it was Sunday, and their play day with Ivan. "And how are you this morning," he asked, settling himself into a chair. He was damp from his shower, and smelt delicious.

 
              "Great, a little bit stiff from all the vigorous activity, but I'm all good," I replied, smiling shyly at him.

 
              "Your hair looks interesting."

 
              "Erm, have you got a brush? I didn't see one in your bathroom. I'm actually a bit stuck for clothes too, so I'll have to nick a t-shirt and some shorts. I don't fancy wearing a ball gown all day."

 
              "Mrs Ballard picked you up a few things, in case you needed them, I think she put them in the spare room you used last time you stayed. Just some clothes, toiletries, that sort of thing."

 
              "Great, thank you for thinking of that." I paused, "so what's the agenda for today?"

 
              "Well, it's Sunday, so either the usual routine of walk, eat and sleep, or anything else you would rather do. I've got nothing planned."

 
              "I can think of something I'd like to do," I flirted, giving him my best sexy smile.

 
              "So can I," he purred, his eyes full of lust, "but I need to feed everyone first, you included, I don't want you passing out on me. You're going to need all your stamina." He winked, making my tummy squeeze with the memory of the pleasure he could inflict. "So, sexy girl, what would you like for breakfast?"

 
              "I'd love a bacon sandwich, I can make it, you sit and have your coffee."

 
              "Nonsense, you're my guest, and I like to cook for you. Why don't you jump in the shower, and I'll have your food ready when you finish?"

 
              "Ok, won't be long." I trotted up the stairs to my old room. To my delight, Jo had stocked the bathroom with my usual shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. I pulled out the grips holding my hair up, and quickly brushed out the tangles before stepping into the shower. Fifteen minutes later, I wrapped myself in a big, fluffy towel, and went to see what was in the walk in wardrobe.

 
              Jo had been extremely practical, and provided shorts, vests, t-shirts, and underwear, as well as a pair of trainers, flip flops, and a bikini. She had clearly taken note of my size when she unpacked my case, as everything looked like it would fit. I pulled on some underwear, shorts and a vest, and slipped on the flip flops.

 
              Back downstairs, Ivan was holding court with the two spaniels, and a plate of sausages. They were gazing adoringly, and wagging their tails so hard, their entire bums were swishing from side to side. "Here, you give them a bit," he said, pushing the plate over to me. I cut off two pieces of sausage, and held them out. As quick as a flash, they were gone, practically inhaled by the eager dogs. They sat looking at me expectantly.

 
              "Am I your new best friend?" I cooed, as I held out more sausage, which they scoffed down straight away, before wagging their tails at me.

 
              "Their affection is so easily bought," said Ivan, grinning at them, and grabbing a sandwich.

 
              It was wonderfully cool in the woods, the trees providing a dappled shade, as we wandered through, holding hands. I had discovered that Ivan was extremely tactile, wanting to be in bodily contact with me all the time, either stroking my arm, touching my face, or keeping my hand in his. The girls raced around at our feet, as we walked in companionable silence. I begun to relax, feeling the tension leaving my hands and shoulders. "No regrets?" Ivan asked. I gave him a quizzical look. "About us," he said.

 
              "None at all. Why, have you?"

 
              "No, of course not. I wanted you from the moment I saw you. I'm just relieved we finally got together. I was worried that Oscar would claim you as his."

 
              I laughed, "I was told you only dated supermodels, so I didn't think you'd be interested in a little swot like me. Plus I thought I'd upset you by challenging you in that first meeting."

 
              "You didn't upset me, I was impressed, and intrigued. I knew from that moment that I had to get to know you."

 
              An hour later, we got back to the house. The sun had begun to blaze, so we decided to swim before lunch. I went upstairs to change into the bikini Jo had thoughtfully provided. As I walked into the bedroom, I heard my phone buzzing in my clutch. I pulled it out, but it had rung off. Frowning, I noticed I had 22 missed calls from my mum. I called her back straightaway.

 
              Ray answered, "Elle, I've been trying to get hold of you all morning. It's your mum," he paused, "I found her dead this morning." His voice cracked, "I'm so very sorry."

 
              I went cold, my spine prickling, "What? How? What happened?" I was struggling to get the words out. I sat down on the edge of the bed.

 
              "We don't know yet, but the early indications are that she had a brain aneurysm. I think she got up in the night, I found her in the hall." He let out a sob. "I called an ambulance right away, but the paramedics said she had been dead several hours....Elle, I don't know what to do."

 
              "Where are you?"

 
              "At the flat. They took her away in the ambulance. They're going to want to do a post mortem, and the police need to come and interview me, as it was a sudden death."

 
              "When did all this happen?"

 
              "I found her about an hour ago. We had a late night last night, didn't get home till nearly two, so I had a lay in."

 
              "Ray, I'm on my way. I'm coming from Sussex, but I'll be as quick as I can. Stay there."

 
              "Will do, and Elle,"

 
              "Yeah?"

 
              "I loved her too."

 
              "I know." I rang off, and sat for a moment, reeling from the shock. Ivan wandered in to see what was keeping me. One look at my face wiped the smile off of his. "My mum’s been found dead. I need Roger to drive me to Welling, if that's ok."

 
              He wrapped his arms around me, and said; "Baby I'm so sorry, whatever you need. I'll call Roger. I'll come with you."

 
              The dam burst, and I sobbed into his chest. He held me with one strong arm, while he pulled his phone out of his pocket with the other, and called for Roger to bring the car round, and someone to take care of the dogs. He sat me down on the bed while he threw on a T-shirt, and some shoes, and gathered up my house keys and mobile, before leading me out to the car.

 
              He let me cry into his chest, and simply sat stroking my hair, and passing me tissues. He felt solid and steadfast, a strong man who didn't shirk away from emotional difficulties as well as practical ones. We sped along the M25 towards the place I had tried to airbrush from my life, but needed now that it was gone. Roger negotiated the traffic like the professional he was, and before I knew it, we were pulling into Lovell Avenue.

 
              I cringed slightly as the Bentley pulled up outside the tiny maisonettes, and parked alongside the elderly Fiats and Fords. I had hoped Ivan would never see where I came from, but at that moment, I just wanted to be inside my childhood home. The police were already there, in the living room, sitting with Ray, asking about timings and circumstances. The neighbour from downstairs had been making everyone cups of tea, and no doubt earwigging. A death in the estate was big news that would keep the gossips occupied for weeks.

 
              "That was quick," said Ray, pulling me into a hug, "officers, this is Elle Reynolds, Debbie's daughter." The officers stood, and offered their condolences. I sat down on the scruffy velour sofa, and listened to the rest of the interview. Ivan disappeared into the kitchen.

 
              It seemed that mum and Ray had been to a 'do' the night before. Both had been drinking and dancing, although Ray said neither were terribly drunk. They had got home around half one, had toast and a cup of tea, and gone to bed. He had woken up at ten, got up, and discovered her on the floor in the hall. At first, he'd assumed she'd fainted, so had wrapped a blanket round her while he waited for the ambulance. They arrived within fifteen minutes, and told him she'd been dead for several hours. The police made notes as he spoke, raising no concerns of foul play. To be fair, Ray looked shell shocked, and kept breaking down into sobs. The police took my details too, before again, murmuring their condolences, and promising to be in touch once the cause of death had been ascertained.

 
              Ivan came out of the kitchen bearing mugs of tea. It shamed me to see that every mug was chipped, but he didn't seem to care. "I heard what happened," he said, "I was listening. Do you know when they'll find out what the post mortem says?"

 
              "A few days I think," replied Ray, sipping his tea gratefully. I sat quietly and looked around the tiny living room, with it's cheap ornaments and scruffy wallpaper, committing it all to memory. Despite feeling shamed by it, it was still home, with its familiar, and comforting smell. I noticed mum had framed a snapshot of me at my graduation from Cambridge, I was wearing my mortarboard and gown, smiling proudly. I remembered that moment well, it had felt like my first steps to freedom. I glanced at Ivan, who's eyes had alighted on the photo as well.

 
              "She was very proud of you," he stated.

 
              "Used to boast about Elle to everyone. Said she was the brains of the family," said Ray.

 
             
Family. I have no family now. Nobody at all.
The thought hit me like a sledgehammer. I think Ivan sensed that I was melting down slightly. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, and squeezed me tight. I was grateful to him for being there. I also felt slightly sorry for him that his day of wild sex had ended up being a day sitting in a grotty flat in suburbia with a snotty, and tearful girlfriend. "I'm sorry, this wasn't how today was meant to pan out," I said to Ivan. He just hugged me tighter.

 
              "What kind of man would I be if I was only with you on the good days?" Ivan replied. I sniffed.

 
              "Elle, there's something I need to ask you, I know it's not a good time, but what are you going to do with the flat?" Ray asked, "only I gave up my digs to move in with your mum. I don't have anywhere else to go if you want to move back and take over the tenancy."

 
              "I don't want to move back here Ray. You have it. I'll just want a few personal things, photos, that's all. You keep the furniture and stuff." He looked relieved. I went to the drawer in the dresser where mum kept all the photos, and pulled them out, there weren't many, but developing film had been expensive in the days before digital cameras. Ray went to the kitchen to pull a Lidl bag out of a cupboard for me to carry the albums. I went to her bedroom, and stared at the familiar old dressing table that she'd found in a junk shop in Plumstead. I knew she'd sold every scrap of jewellery she'd possessed to buy my books for university, so I silently said goodbye to her empty bed, and closed the door.

 
              I promised Ray that I would register the death, and organise the funeral as soon as the police or coroner gave me the go ahead. I took one last look around the flat, silently saying goodbye to the ghost of my mother, and the girl I used to be, and I walked outside with Ivan, gripping his hand tightly.

 
              "Can you take me back to London please?" I said. I needed to be alone. All I wanted to do was curl up and cry, without worrying about how I looked, or how he was feeling.

 
              "Are you sure? I don't mind where we go, but it might be better to have the tranquillity of the estate if you need to grieve."

 
              I smiled gratefully, "you're wonderful, did you know that? But I need to be alone right now." He nodded, and spoke to Roger. We pulled away, and headed towards London.

 
              He hovered around when we got back to the flat, sending a member of security out for groceries. He had placed the bag of photos on the kitchen island, an innocuous bag that I was afraid to open.

 
              "Tell me about your mother, what sort of person was she?" Ivan asked.

 
              I thought for a moment, "she was fun, had a great sense of humour. Liked music, drinking and the soaps. Made a lot of poor choices in life, narrow outlook. That's it really."

 
              "She made you, so she must have been quite something," he said softly.

 
              "I was ashamed of it, of taking you there. Seeing the cheap, scruffy place I come from. Seeing you drink from a chipped mug. I wanted to hide it from you. I escaped that life." My tears started to fall again. Ivan, to his credit, wrapped his strong arms around me, and kissed my wet face.

 
              "It's a palace compared to what I grew up in. Your mother did her best for you. Never forget that. She loved you. Be proud of who you are, and where your journey began."

  
              "It's all gone now. Nothing to run away from," I sniffed in a very unladylike way, "I have no family at all now. Nobody, not even a cousin." Ivan pulled a square of kitchen roll off, and handed it to me so I could blow my nose. I noticed I'd left a wet patch on his T-shirt, and hoped it wasn't snot.

 
              "I know how that feels, and believe me when I say you'll survive it. She gave you brains and self reliance. That's a great legacy. Plus you have a knack of pulling rich men," he smiled as I laughed, albeit a rather half hearted one. He was right, I could take care of myself just fine.

 
              I missed Ivan almost the moment he left. He hadn't wanted to go, but I'd insisted I needed time alone. I poured myself a large glass of wine, and called James.

 
              "Hey, little Elle, how's things?"

 
              "Bad, really bad." I sniffed. "My mum died this morning." Just saying the words squeezed teardrops out of my eyes.

 
              "Oh Elle, you poor girl. What happened?" James sounded so sympathetic, it squeezed more tears out.

 
              "Brain haemorrhage. Her partner found her dead on the floor this morning."

 
              "That must have been a hell of a shock for both of you. Had she been ill?"

 
              "No, it came out of the blue. Ray's in shock."

 
              "You sound as though you are too Elle. Is there anyone who can come round and sit with you?"

 
              "No. Ivan was with me earlier, but I sent him home. I wanted to be alone. I've done nothing but cry all day."

 
              "That's normal. Losing a parent is harder than people realise. It hits everyone in different ways. Being tearful is to be expected. Don't be so hard on yourself Elle, if you need to cry, then just let it out. Anyone who's lost a parent will understand. All of us cry when our mums die, even us big, hairy blokes." I stayed silent, just listening to James' soothing voice, and I wished he wasn't in America.

 
              After our call, I wandered to the island, and pulled the albums out of the bag. They were cheap, plastic affairs, no doubt from Wilkinsons. I opened the first one to see a picture of myself age about three, sitting on a swing, hanging on for grim death. I flicked through the albums, smiling at some of the memories, cringing at some others.

 
              I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Assuming it was Ivan, I opened it straightaway, only to find Oscar standing there, looking a bit sheepish. I stood aside to let him in, and he frowned when he saw my puffy, tear stained face. "What can I do for you?" I asked.