When I took Camilla back to her place, she clung and kissed me goodnight. “Thank you for coming through tonight. You made me very happy and I just want you to know that—when this phase of yours is over and done with—I’ll be waiting right here.”
Wait she would, but I know that what I feel for Sienna will forever be with me. It’s a part of me now and I must accept it fully, with or without her in my life.
Striding back to my desk, I went back to work. I need to get done tonight and have the proposal ready by tomorrow morning. The mining company would be a great asset to acquire for Knightly Industries. I can see the vast potential if the company is run efficiently—it literally is a gold mine. I can’t slack on work even if I’m mad with jealousy and want to forage and ransack Kyle’s home in Hampstead.
By the time I finished with work, it was ten at night and Sienna was still unreachable. I knocked on their door and Toby instantly opened the door. “You look like you’re at the death’s door mate. Want some lager to take the edge off?”
“Sure”
Her door was open as I followed Toby into the kitchen. “She’s not here. If you want to contact her that badly, why don’t you call Kyle?”
Hearing his smug voice would set me ablaze. I’d rather wait for the lass to explain why she’s been MIA for about twenty-four hours now.
“How was your mum’s birthday festivity?” I sent Luke, my assistant, to search for a present for Evelyn Watson in one of the jewelers on Old Bond Street. I’m not fond of her or her husband, Rupert. They’re both the selfish lot and only cared about money and appearances. I’m befuddled how they have two sons who were exceptional and grounded.
“You know how these things go.” He sighed, “Grandmother and my mother took Luce in the study to chat. Luce was not the same after that but she won’t tell me what happened. I asked my mother but she assured me that everything’s great.”
I smirked, I’m sure she did. Poor Luce she never stood a chance when faced with Evelyn and Toby’s grandmother, Florence. Those two are a force to be reckoned with and the soddy Rupert Watson can’t be blamed for his gambling addiction.
Luce took the cue and entered the kitchen glumly. She got herself a can of fizz, brownies from M & S and plopped next to me on the barstool. “Drop the rubbish subject, will you? It’s bloody f**king taxing!”
“Well, why don’t you just spill the details then? I’m twisted about this whole bloody mess!” Toby was getting riled up.
Certainly, I’m not the only one with shiteload of problems.
Luce released an exasperated sound, slid off the stool and left the room. “What a bloody disaster!”
Finishing off my lager, “Give her time mate—she’ll eventually tell you.”
“I may be a patient man compared to you—but I don’t have that much when chosen the subject pertains of Lucy.”
“You and me both—pathetic pricks that we are.”
We laughed and his humor died when Luce called out. “I’m going out. Don’t wait up for me.”
“Fuck! Bloody f**k!” he screamed. He took hold of his phone and started dialing her but cursed again when she didn’t pick up. He texted her several times but Luce ignored it.
“Heavens help me! I’m going bonkers!” I nodded in agreement.
Women…bizarre and peculiar creatures they are.
“Hear hear.”
He threw me a disgusted glare. “Piss off Knightly! You find this comical?”
“Oh shut it, you sad bastard! You of all people saw my appalling state with Sienna. After that momentous night we had—I’m quite convinced that I’d rather hound after her than not have her at all.”
“Blake Knightly finally fell on his knees. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! We’re quite the pathetic lot mate,” Toby declared with haughty smile, “Though I don’t blame you after that crazed brutish bonking you two had! Holy f**k! I heard you bloody growl like a bloody blasted animal.”
My throat dried thinking about how Sienna was that night, she had claws alright. But once tamed, she was compliant, submissive and f**king perfect! She makes the beast in me come out and she loves it that way. She wants me begging and maniacal with need for her.
“Yeah—she brings out the Neanderthal in me. I wasn’t a possessive bloke until she came along. She brings men to their knees. Who can blame me if I become domineering and territorial?”
“Luce is quite the catch. She’s beautiful to be sure and I love her to distraction but with a woman like Sienna….” He paused and looked thoughtful a moment, “you have more than a battle mate. Women like her caused wars in the old days. You’ve met your match dear ole friend.”
After another hour drinking a few beers, Toby was sloshed and the man needs to report to office come morning.
Being in Sienna’s room without her in it brought small comfort to me. At least I was surrounded by her belongings and her smell. I picked up her iPod and turned it on. Clare de Lune played by Juliam Bream. The sound of baroque music strung in a guitar salved my stormy emotions.
These are one of the things we had in common, our love of music played on guitars. Andres Segovia and Francisco Tarrega were both favorites. Songs played in Spanish guitars add more depth, soul and meaning.
Now the barmy wanker Kyle did know how to play a guitar. He won’t give her up. He had an advantage that I didn’t have. They’ve known each other for a long time. He knows what makes her tick and their bond is quite strong.
The bloke certainly uses that to full advantage.
Pavane played by Pablo Segovia Gardel in Spanish guitar lulled me to sleep.
12
Sienna
Kyle handed me his phone. “Baby, Lucy is on the line.”
I was in the kitchen getting an Arranciata San Pelligrino. I was thirsting for a drink other than alcohol.
I took the phone. “Hello?”
“Trying to get a hold of you is more difficult than requesting an audience with The Queen of bloody England. Where the hell are you, love? I’m coming over. I need girl time.” Lucy Connelly sounded distraught. I gave her the hotel name and told her to ask for the penthouse suite. For the entire time I’ve known her, a year and half to be exact, I’ve never seen or heard her totally upset.
This was serious business. I’m actually looking forward to seeing Luce after partying with a bunch of strangers for the last thirty six hours or so, give or take.