Corrupted (11 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY
-ONE

May 31st 2014

March 30th 2011

I met Damon’s parents today. They are ace. Totally loved me! I’m sick of waiting around for Damon to sort his shit out and introduce me. I took it upon myself to go to their house and get to know them.

Mrs Hunt will be a fab mother in law. I know she will push Damon to propose soon. He’s just been worried about what people will think of me for sleeping with my boss. Now I know his mum and dad I know they won’t mind.

Damon was furious with me when he found out I’d been to his parents. Asking loads of stupid questions. He’s just mad because he’s worried that I might not like his mum and dad and if they’ll like me.

We hit it off. He has nothing to worry about.

Signing out: soon to be Mrs Hunt <3 <3

I put Lydia’s diary down and let out a sigh. Today is the day I’m going to meet Damon's parents. I have spent all morning trying to figure out what to wear and trying not to throw up. My nerves are
shot. I settle on a pair of black skinny jeans and a hot pink shirt. I leave my hair down in curls, adding volume to it to make it big, as if I’ll be able to hide myself in it.

I’m just applying the last of my makeup when there’s a knock on my door. Damon enters, and even in jeans and a polo shirt he is breathtaking. He looks casual but still put together well. I take him in through the mirror as I finish with a swipe of extra gloss. 

His hair is damp from his shower, the thick dark strands arranged messy. His dark stubble graces his strong jawline, making my mouth water. I know what that stubble feels like rubbing against my thighs. I squeeze my legs together as a slow throb begins to make itself known. Everything about this man turns me on. I turn to him and smile.

“Are you ready?” he holds his hand out waiting for me to place my hand in his. The gesture throws me a little as it’s something couples do. I’m not quite sure what the label on our relationship is.

Throwing down my lip-gloss I take one more glance in the mirror,
before slipping my hand into Damon's. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I let out a sigh, my nerves getting the better of me again. Damon pulls me into his arms and holds me.

“They’ll love you, beauty,” he mumbles into my hair. I smile at his words and pull back to look up at him. He hands comes up to brush his fingers along my lips, his eyes searching mine. “So fucking beautiful,” he whispers. I smile and place a chaste kiss on his lips.

Damon grips me to deepen the kiss but I manage to get out his clutches. I turn and run out of the room, giggling at his shocked expression. I hear his feet slapping against the floor as he takes off
after me.

The thrill of being chased sends me into a childish mess of nervous excitement. I squeal and run as fast as I can down the stairs, hoping to make it down before Damon catches me.

I don’t. His arms band around me, lifting me off my feet before I’m even half way down. Panting with excitement, I shut my eyes and giggle.

“Someone’s feeling playful,” Damon says as he turns me around to face him. “Now let’s get that right.
Kiss me,” he demands. I comply instantly, wanting a kiss as much as he. The kiss ends far too soon for my liking. Damon quickly gathers his phone and keys from the side table and we’re out the door.

When we get to the car, Damon holds the door open for me and assists me in getting in, adding a kiss to my forehead. He shuts the door and makes his way around to his side. I can’t help the smile that plays on my lips at how gentlemanly he is being.

****

The drive to Damon’s parent’s house is quiet and easy
. They live in Chiswick, which is about thirty minutes outside London, so Damon says. Conversation is minimal most of the way and I entertain myself singing along to the tunes on the radio. He hasn’t let go of my hand the whole time, instead choosing to drive one handed.

I’m starting to feel nervous about meeting his parents and start fussing with my hair. I pull down the mirror to reapply my lip-gloss. I hear Damon chuckle at the side of me. I turn my head to look at him. Amusement lights up his dark gaze as he looks at me.

“Relax, Ella, they are gonna love you. I promise.” He turns his head back to watch the road. I sit back in my seat trying to get my nerves under control. I have done this so many times over the past three years, meeting the parents, not caring if they liked me or not, occasionally making sure they don’t like me. So why was tonight different? Why did I want them to like me?

Pulling up to Damon's parents house thirty minutes later I’m in full panic mode. I know Spence will be here but Damon didn’t give me much to go on. From the amount of cars parked in the driveway I’m going to go out on a limb here and say there is a lot more people here than the small family dinner I had envisioned.

Not realizing Damon is out of the car, I get out when he opens my door and take his proffered hand. I look up at the home in front of me and am in awe at how beautiful it is. It’s more like a stately home than a house, with a long driveway that circles out at the front. A beautiful flower garden sits in the middle of the circle, bursting with colour and fragrance. Elegant steps lead up to the double heavy ornate wooden doors at the front of the house and I can see a separate path that leads to the rear of the property. 

Standing at the top of the steps, at the threshold of the door, is an older looking version of Damon. I know him to be Damon and Spencer’s dad, George. I have seen him at events and also in photos but never up close. It’s easy to see where Damon and Spencer get their
good
looks.

George Hunt is a man who ages gracefully. His salt and pepper hair is styled to perfection, he’s wearing a fitted, black t-shirt and jeans and it’s obvious he takes care of his body. A large, friendly smile graces his lips as he waits our approach.

When we reach George, he takes my hand in his and pulls me into a hug. The move startles me, the over affectionate gesture throws me off balance and I stumble backwards. Having affectionate moments with Damon is one thing but for his father to be this way makes me realise just how much I’ve missed a fatherly hug. I feel hands wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me back so I’m steady on my feet. Lifting my head I give Damon a smile as a show of gratitude. He leaves his arms wrapped around me and leans his chin on my shoulder.

“Dad, I’d like you to meet, Ella. Ella, this is my father, George.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hunt. You have a beautiful home,” I smile.

“Thank you, sweetie. Please call me George, Ella. None of this Mr
. Hunt nonsense,” he replies with a wink.

He leads us inside, giving Damon a hug when he releases me to clasp my hand. Upon entering the house, Damon ushers me through into the lounge. It’s already filled with people, including Spencer. There is another man and woman standing close to him and they look in deep discussion about something.

The room is just as beautiful as the outside of the house. Golds and creams add lightness, but the trinkets and pictures displayed around the room give it a lived in feeling. It’s homey. I take in my surroundings and my nerves flare again. There are so many people here.

Damon stands close behind me, so close I can feel his breath on my neck and a shiver runs down my spine when I feel him drop a kiss on my shoulder. It instantly sets my skin on fire.

“You alright, beautiful?”

“Yes.” I give him a reassuring smile. “There are a lot more people here than I expected,” I say nervously. Damon frowns, looking around.

“Yes, there are. A lot more than I expected too.” He catches Spencer’s eye and gives him a nod. Spencer excuses himself from his company before crossing the room to greet us. He gives Damon a brotherly hug before dropping a kiss on my cheek.

“Ella, you look beautiful. Why don’t you come and meet some family friends? They are very keen to meet Damon's girlfriend.” The way he emphasises the word makes me cringe. Is that what I even am?

Spencer pulls me across the room, I notice Damon exit the lounge, leaving me alone with Spencer. I look up to see the woman, who Spencer was with when we arrived, eyeing me curiously, instantly making me feel defensive. I can feel myself slipping back into manipulative me as I eye the man at her side, whom I presume is her husband. She takes a step in front of him holding out her hand towards me.

“You must be, Ella?” at my nod o
f confirmation she continues, “we have heard so much about you, I’m Sandra.” I don’t know this lady but she seems awfully familiar. When she pulls me close in a warm hug I’m completely thrown. I feel off balance, maybe I’m completely judging these people wrong. Sandra gestures to the man at her side, looking at him with eyes filled with adoration, “And this is my husband, Steen.”

Steen reaches forward and shakes my hand, giving me a warm smile. I feel arms creep around my waist as I’m pulled up close to Damon. I relax back into him as he says hello before jumping straight into a conversation about business. Damon, Spencer and Steen talk animatedly for several minutes before Damon pulls me away. I feel myself relaxing into my surroundings, no longer nervous.

We move to the couches and just as I’m about to take a seat, Damon pulls me down onto his lap, his arms securing me in place. The move is completely unexpected and a blush creeps up my face as I realise his action has just gained the attention of the entire room.

Damon chuckles before addressing the whole room, “Have you never seen a woman sit in the lap of her partner before?” A few chuckles spread around the room before Spencer’s voice rings out.

“We’ve never seen a woman in your lap, Damon. That’s the difference.” Spencer gives me a wink and comes to join us. George seats himself next to us, speaking with Damon about Spencer’s hotel idea, wanting to know if Damon thinks it will work. Damon quickly involves me in the conversation, asking my opinions on the party planning side. The atmosphere is so calming, nothing feels forced, as conversations flow around us.

I’m yet to meet Damon’s mother so I’m still feeling a little on edge, but I feel like I’m where I belong. I feel myself becoming more comfortable, settling in with Damon’s family.

We are all laughing away when we hear someone clear her throat. It’s a delicate female sound so I turn my head and see Damon’s mother standing in the doorway. Spencer stands and goes to give her a hug, saying loving words into her ear as he holds her. Damon moves so quickly, standing with me in his arms still, that I feel lightheaded and sway on my feet. I stumble forward but I’m caught before I fall. Spencer’s concerned gaze pops into my vision as Damon supports my weight.

“Are you ok?” I look up at Damon’s concerned expression, the worry in his eyes etched in the frown lines on his face. He releases me once I’ve regained my balance and cups my face in his hand, using the other one to feel my forehead.

“I’m fine Damon, just a head rush. You stood too quickly,” I try to reassure him. I realise that people have gathered around us. Damon’s mother pushes him out of the way and leads me to the kitchen to sit me down, fussing over me, shouting orders to get me some water, and turn up the air-conditioning.

Damon’s mum is a beautiful woman. She is very elegant for her age, with luscious blonde locks ending at her shoulders. She has a heart shaped face, with striking blue eyes and high cheeks bones. She’s a petite lady, smaller than me. She has a very motherly air about her and a warm smile.

“I used to get like that when I was pregnant with Damon. My name is Flora by the way.” My head snaps up in her direction and I swear I see a little twinkle in her eye as she smiles at me.

However the look on Damon’s face is thunderous, his mother notices and seems taken aback by the fierce way that Damon is looking at her.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t saying... I hope I didn’t offend you, dear, of course you’re not pregnant.” She grips my hand so tightly that it actually hurts.

“Mother.” Damon growls. I’m sure this is a touchy subject for him. After all, he doesn’t want children.

“It’s ok, really, it’s not a problem. You didn’t offend me, Mrs. Hunt.” I offer her a warm smile, turning to glare at Damon.

“I’m sorry, beauty. She doesn’t know.” I suck in a shocked gasp. I can’t believe he just said that. Talk about putting me on the spot!

“It’s Flora, dear. No need for formalities here.” She smiles before turning her questioning gaze to Damon. I might as well tell her now.

“I have a medical condition called PCOS, I can’t have children. Well, I can’t have children without assistance.” Flora clutches her throat.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry, dear.”

“It’s ok. Honestly. Please don’t apologise, you have done nothing wrong.” I aim my words at Damon, scolding him for being so inconsiderate to his mom. He actually looks ashamed and comes and places his arms around his mothers shocked frame.

“I’m sorry. I overreacted, mum.” Flora smiles up at him before announcing that it’s time to take our seats at the table.

CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO

After the little hiccup earlier, the evening is going really well. I have been made to feel at home. For the first time, in a long time, I feel like I belong somewhere again.

The dinner has a very relaxed feel to it. George and Flora are the perfect hosts, waiting on their guests, ensuring that we have everything we need, before fixing anything for themselves. With a party this size I would have presumed
they would have staff come in for the main course to help, but George proudly tells me that Flora has prepared everything herself.

We’ve had a section of meats, cheeses, pate, and breads for starters. Flora excused herself a few minutes ago to go plate up the main course. I offered to help but she refused. Damon and Spencer share a knowing look, chuckling.

“Mum never, ever, accepts help. She’s too damn controlling like Damon,” Spencer says. I giggle at the scathing look Damon throws Spence.

I have Spencer sitting to my left and Damon sitting to my right. Damon has been getting a lot of text messages in the last ten minutes and with each passing minute he seems to get more and more tense.

Sandra has been glaring at Damon across the table since we’ve been seated, giving me a fake smile every time I notice.

George and Steen have been talking golfing down the table to each other, with the odd shout out from Bentley from the other end of the table.

Bentley is George’s brother, Damon and Spencer’s uncle. He looks completely different from the other three Hunts around the table. He’s largely built with a shaved head. His eyes are a different shade than the Hunts, almost teal in colour. His belly dances when he laughs a big bellowing laugh. He’s hilarious and utterly charming.

George disappears into the kitchen as Damon puts his phone on the table, then leans over to kiss my lips. It’s a soft, sweet kiss that promises to make my toes curl if it was deepened. When he pulls away he strokes my cheekbone with the pad of his thumb, looking deep into my eyes. His soft chocolate brown eyes swirl with untold emotion as he swallows hard.

“You’re so beautiful, Ella,” he whispers.

His words are simple but they take my breath away. I flush, pink blush painting my cheeks with shyness, before giving him a small smile. His phone begins ringing on the table, I look towards it and notice the caller name, Leona. Will she ever leave him alone?

Damon frowns, then excuses himself as he goes to take the call. I sit and watch his back as he leaves the room. I realise I have been watching the door, when I feel a hand on my leg giving my knee a squeeze. I turn around and smile at Spencer.

“Hey we’re all going out to The Hunter on Friday, want to come?” I look at him puzzled.

“We?”

“Yeah. Me, Damon, Wesley, Sofia, Leona, Sharn, possibly Lacy and Michelle.” At the mention of her name I feel instantly pissed off. I don’t know why, it’s not like I have a claim to Damon but something about that woman doesn’t set well with me.

“We’ll see Spence,” I say nonchalantly.

The aroma of a roast dinner begins perfuming the room. My stomach churns, even more so that Damon had this night out planned and hadn’t invited me or even mentioned it. I excuse myself so that I can go to the toilet hoping I don’t bring up my starter. Spencer tells me where the bathroom is located and I take off to find it.

Locating the toilet, I dampen my face and take deep, calming breaths. I need to settle my stomach. After a few minutes I return to the table and discover that Damon still isn’t back. I take my seat next to Spence just as Flora and George start placing our meals on the table.

My mouth waters as I look at the food. A roast dinner with all the trimmings. It smells heavenly. I’m suddenly ravenous. If I could inhale the food I would. I smile and thank Flora and she places mine and Damon’s plates down.

“Where is Damon?” Flora asks me.

“Phone call, mum,” Spencer informs her before I can reply. Flora frowns but doesn’t say anything else. Once everyone has their meal, Flora tells everyone to begin. I dig in, consuming my food. It’s delicious.

“This is amazing, Flora. Thank you,” I tell her across the table honestly. A few others confirm my statement and add their own thanks. 

“Thank you, dear,” she smiles but her eyes drift to Damon’s untouched plate. She moves her chair back but George places his hand on her arm.

“I’ll get it, love.” He smiles, kisses her cheek and stands to collect Damon’s plate. George takes it to the kitchen before returning to his meal. A small smile plays on Flora lips as she watches her husband.

The family dynamic brings a lump to my throat. I miss my dad and sister. I can’t remember the last time I was at a family dinner. I know the last time I had a roast dinner with all the fixings was when my pops was still alive. I sober at my thoughts
and I struggle not to cry.

Spencer notices my pause in my meal and he places his hand on my shoulder. “You okay, Ella?” he asks quietly. I look around and see only Sandra is witnessing this moment.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had a family dinner, back when my pops was still here. It’s a little overwhelming.” I try to smile reassuringly but I know I don’t pull it off when Spencer’s eyes widen.

“I’m so sorry, Ella. I didn’t realise,” Spencer says, his eyes shining with care.

“It’s alright, Spence. I’m just going to nip to get some fresh air.” I smile before excusing myself. As I walk away I can feel eyes watching me. I don’t look back at whom, but I do hear Spencer say I’m having a hot flush.

Walking through the hall towards the front door, I hear Damon on the phone, I can’t believe he is still talking to her.

I stop and listen for a second, my blood beginning to boil. I feel so angry that he has pretty much dumped me in the middle of dinner with his family to speak with his previous fuck buddy. That’s if it really is previous, and not current.

“Leona, things are not that easy. I can’t just leave... Leona, I can’t just walk away,” he sighs, as he listens to her reply. “No I will always be there for you, babe. You know I will... she’s here with me... that’s none of your concern... Leona... no I’ll ring you later, I have to go... see you Friday ok
ay?”

I turn and head into the bathroom, fresh air forgotten. Sitting down on the toilet I take a moment to compose myself. My heart is beating in my chest so hard it feels like it could tear through me. I don’t know how I feel. Just when I think I have everything figured out, feel like I’m back in control, something happens that makes me think I haven’t been playing the game right at all. Is Damon really playing a game with me? Sometimes it seems like he is but it always feels so real with him.

A knock on the door makes me jump. I stand and wash my hands before opening it. Damon is leaning casually against the opposite wall. He pushes away and stalks towards me, pushing me back inside and closes and locks the door. He turns me and presses me against it.

His eyes are filled with hunger as he bends his head and kisses me along my jawline, stopping when he gets to my earlobe. “Has anyone told you how utterly fuckable you look tonight?” His words send an instant volt of lust between my legs. When he sucks on my earlobe my knees buckle.

His hands lock on my hips, supporting me. He kisses back down my jaw until he gets to my mouth. His lips meet mine with force as he demands entry. I can’t help the moan that escapes my lips as he presses himself against me. I feel every hard inch of his straining cock in his jeans pressing against my core. It’s not enough for the throb between my legs. I push in closer, needing more pressure. One of his hands comes up to hold my head in place as he deepens the kiss.

Damon groans, his other hand coming around to the button on my jeans, his fingers skimming around the waistband on my panties, teasing me. I need him. A laugh from down the hall works its way to my ear and I realise where we are. I pull my mouth away and push Damon slightly away from me.

“Damon, we can’t do this here.” He seems to snap out of it and takes a moment to regain control of himself. His chest heaves as he pants. I leave him in the bathroom while I go back and join the table. Spencer smirks when I sit down and I smile at him.

“Your hair is a little out of place and by the flush on your face I would say you found Damon?” Spencer says quietly enough that no one else hears.

I ignore his comment and continue eating my meal. A few minutes later Damon rejoins the table, his plate in hand. No one pays him any attention. It’s as if they’re used to this from Damon. I hope not. I know I won’t get used to him running off to speak to Leona every time she comes calling. 

Damon chooses to eat one handed, keeping his other arm around the back of my chair. His fingers play with the ends of my hair. Conversation around the table is easy, light and refreshing. Stories of Damon and Spencer when they were younger get thrown in every so often, causing laughter. Bentley has the best stories. He tells them animatedly, adding hand gestures to help describe certain parts.

Once everyone has finished their meals, George and Flora make quick work at clearing the table. I again offer my assistance, which Flora accepts. I don’t know who is more shocked. Each face around the table is wide eyed. I guess Flora really doesn’t usually accept help.

I quickly get up and follow Flora out of the dining room and into the kitchen. The kitchen is state of the art and every chef’s dream. Red and chrome appliances are homed on top of the every counter, and clean red pots and pan
s hang about an island in the middle of the kitchen. Black granite countertops gleam from the strategically placed overhead lighting. I’m stunned at how clean the kitchen is. Not one dirty plate in sight. 

Flora hums a tune and she moves across the kitchen to the double door red fridge. She pulls out a glass dish filled with reds and creams. I peek in the bowl when she places it on the counter and realise its Eton Mess. My mouth waters. How is it possible to want to eat another bite of food? I haven’t eaten this much in a long, long time.

Nine of us sat down to eat but Flora only gets four bowls out. She smiles as she takes in my puzzled look. “Would you like some, Ella or would you prefer to have some cherry pie once everyone else has left? Or maybe you’re like me and want a bit of both?” she asks with a grin. I don’t even need to consider the question when I answer.

“Both please,” I say with a laugh, causing Flora to chuckle with me.

“George, Damon and Spencer will only eat cherry pie for dessert when we have a dinner party here. They also don’t like to share so I have to save it until the rest of the guests leave.”

“Do you need me to get two more bowls?” I ask as she fills up the four bowls.

“No, dear. Sandra and Samantha don’t eat dessert. Too much fat.” She rolls her eyes. “I say add a pound to my arse if it means having dessert. I never turn down dessert.” Amen to that!

I stand to the side as Flora crumbles meringue on top of each bowled dessert, wondering exactly what Flora wanted me to help her with. It doesn’t take long before I realise her intentions.

“Ella, dear. I haven’t seen my Damon look so content in a long time. Happiness radiates out of him when he’s around you. I’m happy he’s met you. I think you will both be good for each other.” She smiles a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I don’t know what the knowing smile was all about but I do know it makes me frown. Flora laughs. “You’re good for him, dear.” She pats my arm, passes me two dessert bowls and proceeds to exit the kitchen with the other two.

I pass a bowl to Steen before seating myself between Damon and Spence to eat my Eton Mess. The atmosphere around the table now seems tense with Damon and Sandra being the tensest. I look questioningly around the room, my eyes finally settling on Steen’s. My eyes flit between Sandra and Steen as realisation hits. These are Leona’s parents. That is why Sandra seemed familiar. Leona is the double of her mother but has her father’s eyes.

I decide to ignore my thoughts for now and just to enjoy my dessert instead. I pick up my spoon and dig in. It’s mouth wateringly good. A little moan escapes as I close my eyes and let it melt on my tongue. Damon and Spencer shift besides me so I open my eyes. They’re both watching my mouth.

I laugh and fill the spoon up again. I bring my hand up to Damon’s mouth. “Taste,” I demand. Damon shakes his head. “Taste,” I repeat. This time he complies but takes the spoon off me before removing it from between his lips. Damon adds more Eton Mess to the spoon and brings it up to my mouth. I eat without prompt, not being able to wait for another taste. My eyes stay locked on Damon’s as I open my lips to take in the spoon.

Damon’s eyes drop to my lips and he watches me get the sweet from the spoon. When they return to look in mine they are darker with lust.

“Lucky bastard,” Spencer murmurs from my left, breaking me out of my Dubble, my Damon bubble. A blush sneaks up my face as I realise every eye around the table was watching out exchange. Damon lets out a bark of laughter and conversations around the table resume. Flora’s eyes remain locked on us, a small smile paints her face.

****

The evening has been amazing. Damon says a quick goodnight to everyone, avoiding eye contact with Sandra, before ushering me into the lounge again. He sits down on the sofa and attempts to pull me into his lap again. I stand my ground and refuse him. We have some things to talk about before I can let him touch me.