The Braille Club Undone (The Braille Club #3) (25 page)

Over food they at last spoke of their relationship.

“Guy, I think after everything we need to be more honest with each other,” said Anna thoughtfully.

“Yes,” said Guy.

She took a deep breath. “I am in love with you, but I’m apprehensive. Our relationship is hardly conventional.”

“Let’s move in together,” said Guy seriously.

Anna snorted. “What difference will that make when you spend all your time here?”

“Not exactly the response I was looking for,” said Guy, frowning.

“Guy, you must learn to put your professional work into context.”

“I’m not the only one to blame here,” said Guy defensively.

Anna sighed. “I will not compete with your work anymore, Guy. We either have a normal relationship and I see you or it’s the end of the road...”

An incoming text interrupted her. Anna looked at her phone quickly.

“Oh, thank goodness,” she breathed. “That’s Tess saying the baby is okay. She had a ruptured cyst but it’s better now.”

“Great,” Guy said sarcastically, “I don’t see you putting me before your work.” He looked pointedly at her mobile. “Anna, you know as well as I do, my job isn’t nine to five. Why are you interested in this Tess? She’s not your client.”

“Yes, you’re right, but she is a friend,” said Anna stiffly.

“Since when?” asked Guy

“If you were around more you’d know the answer to that question,” snapped Anna. “If we are to have a future...you need to change. I’m not unreasonable, Guy. If something urgent comes up and you have to work then I’ll understand.”

“Sorry,” Guy muttered, running his hand through his hair. “I’m glad the baby is okay…what about my offer?” asked Guy.

“Move in with me,” said Anna quickly. “I’m based closer to the club.” She shot him a quizzical look.

“Is your place big enough?”

“Perfect for two and if we get on...you can rent your flat,” said Anna smoothly.

Guy didn’t answer at first. He looked deep in thought.

“Well?” asked Anna anxiously.

This time it was a ringing from Guy’s mobile that interrupted them. Guy frowned.

“I thought my mobile was on silent.” He moved off his chair and lifted his screen.

“Fuck,” he exclaimed.

“What?” asked Anna.

Guy was pulling on his clothes.

“What is it?” she asked alarmed.

“It’s Siena.”

“Why are
you
leaving? She does have a
husband.
”

“Anna,” said Guy sharply.

“This is not your concern,” said Anna unreasonably. She watched him punch in a number as he pulled on his shoes.

“I saw the alarm, is there a problem?” He continued to dress as he listened.

“Okay, I’m on my way. Stay calm. I’m coming now,” said Guy grimly.

“Guy, tell me what it is?” she pleaded.

“I’ve got to go,” he said.

“Guy, if you walk out this room...” Anna paused as the door slammed.

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. The Swingers Zone Trial. Guy stood back from the two way glass. He saw them enter. Her hair had changed, the heavy extensions gone as were the false eye lashes but her curves had not. Guy stood mesmerised as she took off her sensory suit.

Siena

Siena’s weekend started like any other with the twins jumping all over their bed. Their blonde curls flying up and down and their faces pink with excitement. Benedict bounced Leo on his knee while Reeva impatiently waited her turn. A full scale argument erupted as Reeva pushed her brother off and he howled in protest. At three, they were both getting too big for this activity but Benedict was putty in his children’s hands. Siena padded downstairs and was surprised not to see Tilly. Tilly was Lizzie’s cat. She was adamant when she agreed to move in; they came as a package. Obviously the twins were thrilled. Lizzie had tried to keep Tilly out of the main house but the cat had other ideas. Siena had got used to Tilly in her home. She was affectionate and good company when Siena was alone in the house. Lizzie joked that Tilly was more at home with Siena than her, but today the cat was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she was in Lizzie’s room sleeping.

Siena had a full day planned including lunch and a visit to the zoo. Lizzie was babysitting for them later, but was off during the day. Benedict would have lunch with them at Harrison’s. He must make a decision on the new manager. Guy had given his input but ultimately the decision rested with Benedict. He was impressed with all the candidates. Guy had held Harrison’s together for too long and Benedict wanted to change that. They would take the successful candidate for dinner that evening. Returning to the bedroom she saw Benedict pull the warring twins apart and proceed to tickle them. Shrieks of laughter filled the room as Siena slipped into the shower. Reeva was terrible for sneaking into the shower to join her. Waiting till Siena closed her eyes; she’d walk in, drenching her pyjamas and making Siena sigh in exasperation, but not today. Siena could still hear Reeva laughing, and smiled. They were having lunch at the club’s private dining. This was a more family friendly environment. Siena was well aware of how annoying crying children were. She had no desire to inflict her twins, often unruly and noisy, on other people. The private dining had been an inspired idea. She took her time in the shower knowing the twins were happy and with their father. Entering the room again, Siena could see how distracted Benedict was. Reeva was in Siena’s make-up bag.

“Reeva,” said Siena sharply. She watched her daughter drop the lipstick guilty.

Benedict gave her a rueful smile before scooping her up. “Reeva, those are mummy’s things and they are yuk,” he said solemnly.

“Yuk,” she agreed happily.

“You have your own things. They are better.”

Reeva’s face puckered as her gaze went back to the make-up bag. She didn’t look convinced. Siena crossed the room and lifted the bag out of harm’s way.

“Come on, sweetie. Let’s get dressed,” she said, taking her daughter’s hand.

“Can you dress Leo or do you need to go?” she asked Benedict.

“I...” He looked at his watch. “Is that the time?” he said in alarm.

“Go,” said Siena. “I’ll get the twins ready and we’ll see you at the club.”

He flashed her a grateful smile and hurried to get dressed.

Siena had arranged to meet her parents at the zoo. There was no question of going alone. She needed at least six sets of eyes on her children at all times. They were a real handful but her parents loved it.

Finally, after several tantrums the twins were dressed. As Siena took them downstairs she automatically looked for Tilly; strange...still no sign of her. She picked up her mobile. Should she call Lizzie? No, she didn’t like to disturb her on her day off. Tilly was probably out and about, oblivious to either Siena’s or Lizzie’s concerns. The twins were getting hungry. An early lunch then nap in the car on route to the zoo would give Siena some peace with her parents. They had done the routine before. Siena would park her car with the sleeping twins next to her parents and then hop out and chat over a thermos of coffee. She was looking forward to seeing them.

Arriving at Harrison’s, she was relieved to see Benedict waiting in the car park. They went straight to the private dining. The twins were whisked there at such a pace they were stunned into silence. She smiled as they entered. Grace had done a great job. A ball park, slides and large television were, in Siena’s opinion, a parent’s friend. Letting the twins down, they shrieked in delight.

Benedict smiled. “We should think about being more family orientated in the club.”

“No, I don’t think that would work here,” said Siena thoughtfully, “but you’re right. There must be a lot of parents out there interested in what we offer. A different location might work.”

Benedict looked at her. “Maybe something in the country?”

“Yeah, like a country club alternative to what we have here,” said Siena eagerly.

Benedict smiled. “Something for the future but right now, let’s eat lunch.”

Siena nodded but the idea had got her excited. She could visualise what they needed but was there a demand? That was the question. Could she find out? As her mind reeled with possibilities their food arrived. Siena knew the twins would resist coming to the table but they were hungry. Finger food was the compromise. She took the plates to where they were playing. Reeva’s eyes lit up at once. She promptly sat down with her hands outstretched for the plate. Leo was still busy on the slide but he’d eat soon enough. Reeva had a way with her brother. When Leo noticed Reeva doing something, he would often follow and today was no different. Siena left them with their food and beakers to return to her own lunch.

“I think somewhere in the countryside would work,” she said.

Benedict frowned. “Siena, remember what the doctors said about stress. I like the idea but it’s something for the future.”

“There’s no harm in looking,” she grinned. “Benedict, think about it. We could have tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Stables even, if the property was big enough.”

“Eat your lunch,” Benedict urged, “while the twins are occupied.”

Siena was not so easily derailed but paused as she placed the piece of fish in her mouth. The favours were so sublime, she moaned. Benedict was a fast eater and cleared his plate. Siena was not far behind him.

“That was so good,” she breathed.

“Fantastic,” Benedict agreed. “Are you all set for dinner tonight?”

“Yes, after the zoo my folks are coming back for coffee and cookies. They’ll give me a lift to the club.”

“Ask them to join us,” said Benedict.

Siena laughed. “Hold on, I’ll call them. You know my dad loves the club. He would be interested in investing if we did another.” She gave them a quick call. “They send their regrets,” she told Benedict, “but they are going to a show tonight.”

“Another time,” said Benedict, easily. “I hear what you’re saying about a new club, but today I must decide on the best candidate for
this
club.”

“Go with your gut,” said Siena. Benedict nodded, lost in thought. She’d been sorry to miss the process but it had happened so quickly, and between them, Guy and Benedict had handled it. She could see Guy needed support and was completely on board with the manager. Benedict’s decision would give Guy some time off. Like today, he wasn’t working. Siena missed seeing him when they arrived. Guy was almost an institution himself. She wondered if his girlfriend, Anna, was behind his desire to pull back from the club. Siena wasn’t sure about Anna as a person but was certain she was a good lawyer. She had been outstanding for Niven. She never stopped gushing about Anna, in fact. However, Siena remained reserved about her.

“I’m giving the position to Sasha.”

“Oh,” said Siena surprised. Benedict had not indicated Sasha as his favourite; quite the opposite.

“You disagree?” asked Benedict.

“I want to,” said Siena. “But only because she’s so darn pretty,” she said ruefully.

Benedict’s look of surprise made her giggle. “Pretty,” he frowned.

“Yes,” she said as if speaking to a child. “You didn’t notice how beautiful she was?”

“No,” said Benedict guiltlessly. “I was more interested in her skill set. She will be perfect for the job.”

“Is she bringing her husband this evening?”

Again Benedict frowned. “I’m not employing her husband, Siena, why would I invite him?”

“Tonight is social, Benedict, and a celebration. She will want her husband with her, to share her success. I know I would.”

“Okay,” he grumbled. “I’ll ask about her husband.”

Reeva’s howl of protest interrupted their conversation; the lunch was at an end. The twins were tired and grumpy. Benedict helped Siena to the car and buckled the twins in safely; she kissed him and left for the zoo. They were asleep in seconds, tired from their earlier play. She met her parents and they chatted while the twins slept. Once awake, they spent a wonderful couple of hours enjoying the animals. The twin’s oohing and aahing at every animal they came across. Exhausted, they all returned to the house for some much needed coffee. Siena left her parents with the twins while she changed. The nude dress and shoes she chose were the right balance of smart but stylish. She heard Lizzie arrive and shout out her greeting.

“Hey,” she called in return as she came downstairs.

“You look beautiful,” said Lizzie, beaming. Siena saw her looking around the room.

“Have you seen Tilly?” she asked.

“No,” said Siena.

Lizzie’s face fell. “That’s not like her.”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” said Siena hurriedly. “Lizzie, my parents are giving me a lift can you take over?

“Of course.”

Could you distract them?”

Lizzie’s face broke into a big smile as she saw the twins hurtling towards her. Distracted, they didn’t notice Siena slip out the house and join her parents in their car. Siena was happy to be out this evening. Benedict and she had been remiss with their date nights of late. She was looking forward to some adult company and good food. She was seriously considering returning to work on a steady three days a week basis. Her investment company needed a new venture and Benedict’s remark of a different location for a new family orientated club had motivated her. With the new manager in place to run Harrison’s and Guy running the Braille Club they were finally in a position to expand. She would call her contacts and put some feelers out. The search could be a long one but it was exactly the kind of project Siena enjoyed. Suddenly, she thought of Villa Negra in Marbella. It had been the catalyst that brought them together. Benedict’s work was breath-taking and together they were a great team. A new project would be wonderful for both of them. Siena thanked her parents for the ride and entered Harrison’s with a spring in her step. Her gaze took in her surroundings as she walked through the club. They had done a terrific job, she thought, satisfied. When inside her office, Siena sat for a moment just enjoying the silence. She loved working from home but there was nothing like the buzz of the office.

A glance at her watch told her she didn’t have much time. Clicking her computer she waited until the password prompt appeared. Entering her code, she went online and searched the ‘for sale’ online property market. She was surprised at the number of suitable properties available and many at reasonable prices. One house in particular caught her eye and she printed the marketing schedule. Yes, it was the right time, she thought. She would begin her search in earnest on Monday. The twins were due to start nursery. Siena both wanted and dreaded it. She knew they were ready for their new challenge and now so was she. Excitement bubbled through her. This was exactly what she needed. Grinning, she rose and went to join her husband.

Nick

Nick still couldn’t quite believe he would soon be a free man. His gaze swept the cell that had been his home these last years and he shuddered. He would miss nothing about his time in prison. He knew some prisoners actually enjoyed the experience and the security it offered. Of course, that begged the question...what was their home life like if prison was preferable? The information he had gleamed through his work was impressive. His agent had said there were a number of interested parties should he wish to publish. The only thing that stopped him writing was his hand. Typing was no longer an option. He badly needed voice recognition software. He would remedy that as soon as he was free. Guy Walker was going to pay dearly for what he had done to Nick. The pain in his hand and leg kept him focused. His project was ready. He’d prepared everything on the off chance he would be granted parole. His forward planning and diligence meant he could act straight away, strike while the iron was hot. He’d made the necessary calls. The intel he’d received made him smile, and at last he could put his plan into action.