Chapter 19: Chapter 19

He lets out a long sigh, stares at the ceiling, then waves me to a chair. “Why don’t you sit down? You look as if you’re going to fall down.”

I sit and he pours me a glass of water. “Go on,” he says, but the edge has gone from his voice.

“Then he said that he’d seen the two of you…. you and Charlotte…. he said….”

“Alright, I know what he said there…. Carry on.”

I look him in the eye for just a second, then look away. “Mr Alexanders…. I’d already figured it out, about the three of you. I’ve seen you together and your rings and….”

“Yes, I gathered that last night. So….”

“Ben was furious, incandescent. He said he was going to come here and make sure you didn’t go near his brother’s wife again…. I think was intending to threaten you.”

He snorts, and just for a moment, I hear the humour there at this unlikely possibility.

I don’t see this one being scared by Ben….

He barks a short, humourless laugh. “So, what on earth possessed you to tell him that you met me and Michael at the Club? Why would you tell him something like that? A man like Ben? And under those circumstances?”

I hang my head again. “I’m not sure. I really didn’t mean to. It just sort of came out. By the time we were at your house, I was pretty wound up. I wasn’t thinking straight. I’d been thinking for a while that I should wind things up with him, that I’m not being fair to him but there never seemed to be the right time.”

“I think events may have overtaken you on that, Kirstie. I rather suspect Ben won’t be wanting to see you again.”

I nod gloomily. “I didn’t want to do it like this, though. He’s a decent guy. He just doesn’t….” I fight back the tears that threaten to well up again. “I’m sorry. I really was trying to help.”

At least he looks sympathetic now. Perhaps the worst is passed.

“Vanilla man?” he asks.

“Mmm, yes.”

“Why were you seeing Ben? Michael tells me you’re still going to the clubs. Ben is hardly to sort of man to fit in with the lifestyle.”

“I met him accidentally, just walking on the beach with my dogs. He…. courted me. It’s years since anyone did that.”

James looks askance at me. “Very sweet.”

“Yes, he is sweet.”

“And is sweet your thing, Kirstie?”

Arrogant bastard!

And my temper finally overtakes my guilt and my nerves.

“You can’t blame everything on me you know.” I snap. “It’s at least partly your own fault.”

And now he stares down at me, arms folded, legs akimbo. He’s a tall man anyway, but somehow, he looks taller when he wears that face. “And how do arrive at that conclusion?” he says, his voice flat.

“Look.… I know you’re a Dom…. I mean, so’s Michael, but he’s a bit less obvious about it. But you….

you walk through that lobby behind Charlotte like you’ve got her on reins. If you’re in a situation where it matters that people don’t realise what your.… domestic arrangements are, you could tone it down a bit. That’s all I’m saying. As it is, I’m surprised you haven’t collared her….”

His head tilts, his mouth twitching.

Did I say something funny?

“Hardly suitable wear for the office….” he comments, drily.

I have the bit between my teeth now. Recklessly, I plunge on, letting my mouth do my thinking for me. “I spotted it right away, especially when the three of you all have rings. Do you really think other people wouldn’t see it, even if they reach the wrong conclusion? They understand her wearing Michael’s ring.

After all, he’s the one with a piece of paper to say that he’s married to her….”

He stares at me, saying nothing.

Am I being given the rope to hang myself by?

“You’re doing it now, you know. You could cool down on the whole Dom thing…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean that I feel like I'm being interrogated by a movie villain. You know, the tall immaculately dressed one that’s utter evil and speaks with a perfect English accent.”

And finally, the facade cracks. He bursts out laughing. “I’m sorry, Kirstie. Do I really come across like that?”

“Yes, you do. All you need to finish off the effect is a long-haired white cat.”

He cocks an eyebrow at me, but he’s hiding a smile. “You know, all aside from your being an employee of this company, Kirstie, you’re a sub. I didn’t expect you to come out with things like that.” He pauses, looking down. “Kirstie, are you frightened of me?”

“Um, no, not exactly, but I still remember the blistering you gave my ass the first time we met.”

And now he is definitely sucking in a smile. “I don’t recall any complaints,” he says.

“Well, I reckoned that since I’m probably not an employee of this company anymore, I might as well have my say.”

He is silent again, propping himself against the desk and staring across at me.

“Mr Alexanders?”

“Yes?”

“Have I still got a job?”

He gives me a long look. “I’m not so lost to reason as to vent my anger on someone who was simply trying to help and got caught in the crossfire. Yes, Kirstie. You still have a job. Now go back to your desk and do it.”

I turn to leave but at the door, I pause. “Mr Alexanders?”

“Yes, Kirstie?”

“Is Charlotte alright? It must have been quite scary for her last night, Ben bursting in like that.”

He huffs. “It takes more than the likes of Ben Summerford to scare Charlotte,” he says. “She’s made of tougher stuff than that. Now go.”

And with that, I am dismissed.