The Endgame (20 page)

‘And what do you think all that was earlier – me fixing up my sex toy? Jesus!’ He raked a hand through his hair.

‘No. I know that you care about me. But I hope you don’t think I expect you to look after me. I’m not your responsibility, Grayson. I mean, I wouldn’t have come here tonight if I didn’t think I could ... do what you’re paying me for.’

‘Christ! Please tell me that’s not true.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘That you wouldn’t have come here if you didn’t think you’d be up to having sex.’

‘No, I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair on you. I’d have cancelled.’

‘And done what? Gone home to your big empty house and spent the night alone, with no one to look after you? Mark isn’t even home. Would you have called anyone? A friend?’

‘No, I don’t–‘ She broke off, biting her lip. She had been about to say that she didn’t have any friends, but she didn’t want his pity. ‘No. I’d have been fine on my own.’

Grayson sighed heavily, and when she raised her eyes he was looking at her sadly. ‘Lisa.’ He shook his head. ‘You do know I ... care about you, don’t you?’

She nodded. ‘I know,’ she mumbled.

‘I like to think that we’re friends, apart from our ... arrangement. Despite our arrangement, maybe,’ he added with a wry smile. ‘And friends take care of each other when they’re hurt or in trouble. I’d like you to feel you can rely on me.’

‘I don’t really like relying on anyone else,’ she told him honestly.

He nodded. ‘Okay. But just know that if you ever need anything, I’d always do my best to help you.’

Her eyes welled up with tears again at his words, and she swallowed a sob. ‘I know you would.’

‘You only have to ask.’

She wiped her eyes in frustration as the tears started to flow again. ‘Sorry, I’m just–‘

‘You’re just exhausted,’ he said, with a look of such tenderness and sympathy that she thought her heart might break. He pulled her into his arms. ‘I think you should stay here tonight. Just to sleep,’ he added as she drew breath to protest. ‘I don’t want you going back to that empty house and spending the night alone. I’d like to keep an eye on you.’

There was nothing she would have liked more as she relaxed into the warmth of his body. ‘I can’t. I need to leave by midnight – I want to be home when Mark calls.’

‘Can’t you take his call here?’

She shook her head. ‘We Skype, and I don’t want him to know I’m here.’

‘You wouldn’t have to tell him about our arrangement – just that you didn’t want to be alone. I’m sure he’d understand in the circumstances.’

She shook her head. ‘I’m not going to tell him about the accident.’

Grayson frowned. ‘You’re not?’

‘There’s no point in worrying him when he’s so far away and there’s nothing he can do. I’m absolutely fine and he’ll get in a big panic about nothing.’ There was no way Mark would understand. He’d be furious if he thought she had turned to another man, even if only for comfort.

Grayson sighed. ‘Maybe you’re right. I can imagine how I’d feel if ...’

He didn’t finish the sentence, but Lisa knew what he meant, and tried not to feel touched by the sentiment. ‘I am exhausted, though,’ she said, yawning again. ‘If we’re not ... doing anything, maybe I should just go home and go to bed.’

‘Why don’t you just lie down here and have a rest? I’ll drive you home later.’

‘I don’t know ...’ The bed looked so inviting, but could she risk it?

‘Or let me come with you. I hate to think of you all alone in that house when you’ve just been in an accident.’

‘Okay. I’ll lie down here for a while.’ Her eyes were drooping closed already, and she really couldn’t resist the pull of that bed.

‘Good.’ He went to the bed and turned back the duvet.

Lisa kicked off here shoes and crawled between the sheets. Grayson pulled the duvet over her, then sat on the edge of the bed and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. Lisa buried her fingers in his hair, clinging to him. She wanted him to stay with her, but was afraid to ask.

‘Do you want me to lie down with you?’ he asked, looking down at her.

She nodded. ‘Yes – if you don’t mind.’

Without another word, he kicked off his shoes and crawled into the bed beside her, pulling her into his body.

Lisa laid her head on his chest and breathed a contented sigh as she closed her eyes and snuggled into him.

Oh God, what time was it? How long had they slept? Her heart hammering, she shot up in bed in a panic, the ache in her limbs as she did so reminding her of yesterday’s accident. She turned on the bedside light and checked her watch. She gasped when she saw it was almost twelve-thirty. Mark could call any minute, and she wouldn’t be there. She threw back the cover and scrambled out of bed. How could she have been so stupid? She’d never make it home in time, she thought, as she fumbled for her bag.

‘What’s going on?’

She turned to see Grayson had woken and was sitting up in bed, blinking dazedly at her. He looked sleepy and confused, his hair tousled.

‘I fell asleep!’ she whined as she stepped into her shoes, simultaneously pulling her phone out of her bag to call a cab. ‘It’s twelve-thirty. I have to get home.’ Tears pricked the backs of her eyes, and her voice trembled.

‘Jesus, what’s wrong?’ he asked, glancing at the phone in her hand. ‘Are you okay? Has something happened?’

‘I’ll miss Mark’s call.’ She heard the accusation in her tone, but she couldn’t worry about that now. She was struggling to concentrate on finding the cab company’s number in her phone, her mind a blur.

‘Sorry,’ he sighed. ‘I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I can’t believe I slept so long.’ He rubbed his eyes and relaxed back against the pillows with a little smile. ‘Why don’t you call him on your phone?’

She felt like hitting him for not taking this seriously. ‘No, I have to be at home. If I’m not there when he rings–‘ She knew how hysterical she sounded, but she couldn’t help it. She was in a blind panic, oblivious to everything but the thought of Mark ringing and finding her not at home. Her fingers were useless, clumsy and shaking, and she kept pressing the wrong buttons as she tried to dial the cab company. She clutched her hair agitatedly. Then she swiped tears from her eyes, forcing herself to breathe and focus on her phone.

Grayson’s expression changed suddenly as he watched her. His smile faded and was replaced by a look of alarm. He threw back the duvet and got out of bed. ‘I’ll drive you.’

Lisa was relieved that he seemed to understand her urgency now. He was looking at her with real concern. No doubt he thought she was acting like a crazy person, but she didn’t care if it meant he’d get her home in time.

‘Would you?’ She raked shaking fingers through her hair. ‘I’d really appreciate it.’ They might actually make it in time. ‘I’m sorry to be such a nuisance, but by the time a cab gets here–‘

‘No problem,’ he said, shuffling into his shoes. ‘Don’t worry, you’ll get there in time,’ he said, stroking her arms soothingly. ‘Just calm down, okay?’

She nodded, still breathing rapidly. Then she grabbed her bag, Grayson swiped his car keys from the nightstand, and Lisa followed him wordlessly down the stairs.

Grayson opened the car doors and they got in simultaneously. He pulled out of the drive while Lisa was still fastening her seat belt, hoping that his urgency would reassure her somewhat. Her movements were jerky, her tension palpable. He could tell she was miles away. He was taken aback by her distress. When he woke to find her in such a panic to leave, he thought she must have had bad news or that she was suffering some after-effects from the accident yesterday. So he’d been relieved to discover she was just worried about missing Mark’s call. But then he saw how upset she was, her voice shaking, her eyes welling with tears. The cool mask she often wore with him was gone, replaced by naked panic and fear. He didn’t understand it, but he knew it was very real and he had to take it seriously.

‘It’ll be okay,’ he said to her once they were out on the open road, trying to put her mind at rest. She was so agitated. ‘What time does Mark usually call?’

‘Any time after twelve-thirty. Usually around one or a quarter to.’

He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. ‘Don’t worry. We’ll get there in time.’

She threw him a grateful glance, but she still looked absolutely terrified. Christ, what had that asshole Mark done to her to make her so scared of missing one fucking phone call? He wanted to ask her why Mark couldn’t call her on her mobile for once, why she had to be in the house to take his call, why she didn’t want to tell him about her accident. But he knew now wasn’t the time for questions. It would only make her more stressed than she already was, and the last thing he wanted to do was add to her anxiety.

‘I’m sorry I fell asleep,’ he said. ‘I didn’t realise how important it was for you to be home.’

‘It’s okay,’ she said, her voice tense and breathy. Her fists were clenched on her legs, and she looked so tightly wound she might burst. It was anything but okay. Shit! She’d told him she wanted to be home when Mark phoned. He should have listened. He just hoped he could get her there on time – then she might forgive him.

Fortunately, the traffic was light and they made good time – aided by Grayson racing through every amber light. It was almost twelve forty-five when they pulled up outside the house. Grayson prayed Mark hadn’t called yet.

‘Thanks,’ Lisa said as she unlocked her seatbelt. She sprang from the car and raced to the door without a backward glance.

Grayson turned off the ignition, not sure what to do. Should he follow her in or just drive home? He didn’t like the idea of leaving her here alone in the state she was in, particularly after her accident yesterday. He at least wanted to make sure she was okay. He got out of the car and followed her at a more leisurely pace to the door.

As she opened it, she turned, looking startled to find him behind her.

‘Can I come in?’ he asked.

‘Oh.’ She looked at him unseeingly, her eyes darting around, perhaps looking for a way to get rid of him.

‘I’d like to make sure you’re okay. I can wait until you’ve finished your call.’

‘Sure,’ she shrugged, more he suspected because she didn’t have time to think up an excuse to say no than because she wanted him there. She let him in and closed the door behind them, then walked ahead of him down the hall. ‘You can wait in there,’ she said briskly, waving to the kitchen. ‘Help yourself to anything.’

He watched as she continued to the end of the hall to the dining room where they had eaten when he and Isabel had come to dinner, shedding her coat on the way. Seconds later she came out armed with a laptop. She was turning it on as she hurried back down the corridor and disappeared in the direction of the stairs.

Alone in the kitchen, Grayson decided to make himself some coffee. He had driven here still half asleep, and he didn’t want to risk driving home again in the same state. He rummaged around in the cupboards and found everything he needed, then used the high-tech coffee machine. He drank two shots of espresso, so strong it made him shudder. Then he sat at the kitchen counter and waited. He had left in a hurry and hadn’t even taken his phone, so he had nothing to occupy him. He became increasingly restless as time passed and there was still no sign of Lisa. Eventually, he got up and started to explore the house, drifting in and out of the downstairs rooms aimlessly.

The dining room brought back vivid memories of the night he and Isabel had come to dinner, when Mark had used a vibrator on Lisa at the table. He remembered the helpless need in her face as she came; how soft and warm she had felt in his arms when he pulled her into his lap; how hard it had made him. In the study, he smiled to himself as he remembered their chess game. She had worn that sheer shirt, her gorgeous breasts clearly visible, and he had struggled to concentrate on the game, when all he wanted to do was touch her. And then later, miraculously,
she
had kissed
him
. He had left it up to her and she had made the first move. He got hard now just thinking about it – how soft and yielding she had been, how responsive when he had kissed her breasts, sucking her hardened nipples through the silky material, her soft moans and gasps as he had stroked and caressed her. He could almost feel her in his arms, taste her on his tongue.

He shifted uncomfortably, wanting her again. He glanced at his watch. It was almost two. He wondered if Mark had called yet. Perhaps Lisa had gone to bed forgetting he was here, or assuming he would let himself out and go home. Maybe he should go in search of her. He didn’t want to leave without letting her know. If she was expecting him to still be here, she might be upset if she came down to find him gone.

Hesitantly, he made for the stairs, unsure he was doing the right thing. He treaded softly, feeling like an intruder. Several doors faced him on the landing, but one was slightly ajar and there were noises emanating from it. He tiptoed across the landing, recognising Mark’s voice as he got closer to the door. He was relieved he had got Lisa home in time. He knew he should turn around and go back downstairs to wait for her, but instead he found himself creeping to the door, unable to stop himself. He peeked through the gap and he had to stifle a gasp as he took in the scene before him. Lisa was kneeling naked on the bed, the laptop propped up on a dressing table opposite. He could just make out Mark’s face on the screen from where he stood, but he could hear his words all too clearly.

‘That’s it, baby,’ he said, his voice ragged and breathy with excitement. ‘Touch yourself for me.’

Lisa’s hands stroked her breasts, her head thrown back.

‘Pinch your nipples,’ Mark said. ‘Come on, baby. Do it hard. Really make it hurt. I want to hear you moan.’

Grayson’s stomach lurched sickeningly as Lisa whimpered, a sound that was somewhere between pain and pleasure. He shouldn’t be seeing this. It was private. He ought not to be watching, yet he felt frozen in place, holding his breath.

‘I can’t wait to get home and fuck you properly,’ Mark was panting. ‘Spread your legs for me, baby.’

Grayson reared back from the door, suddenly overcome with revulsion for himself as voyeur and for the scene he was witnessing. Noiselessly, he darted for the stairs and ran down them like a man being hunted.

He was sitting in the kitchen when Lisa came back down fifteen minutes later.

‘Oh, you’re still here.’ She was wearing a robe, and she seemed surprised to see him there, as if she had forgotten him.

‘I just wanted to wait, to make sure you were okay.’

‘I’m fine.’ She smiled at him. ‘I’m sorry for freaking out like that.’

He was relieved she appeared more relaxed now. ‘No,
I’m
sorry. I wouldn’t have let myself fall asleep if I’d known how important it was for you to be here.’

‘It’s okay. Anyway, I got here in time, so thank you for that. Sorry for dragging you out of bed.’

‘Well, I’ll leave you to sleep,’ he said, reluctantly getting up. ‘Unless ...’

‘Unless?’

He studied her face. She looked so weary and drained. She had had such a stressful day – first the upset of the accident, then the panic about over-sleeping and the rush over here for Mark’s call, all so that asshole could treat her like his own personal peep show, making her perform for him and telling her to hurt herself for his gratification. The thought of what he had overheard sickened him. She probably just wanted to be left alone. He should leave her in peace. ‘Nothing,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘I’ll go. You should rest.’

‘It’s late,’ she said, glancing at her watch. ‘You can stay here if you like.’

He looked at her questioningly, trying to decipher if she really wanted that or if she was just being polite, hoping he’d refuse. As he watched, she nodded to herself as if deciding something.

‘Come on,’ she said, taking his hand and looking up into his face. ‘We’re both exhausted. We were just going to sleep anyway. And ...’ She bit her lip, looking down. ‘I think I’d sleep better with you there,’ she said to the floor, so quietly he had to strain to hear her.

‘Me too,’ he said, his fingers curling around hers. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, and she looked more relaxed when she looked back up at him. ‘Lead the way.’

In the bedroom, Lisa slipped off her robe. She was completely naked underneath and Grayson willed himself not to stare at her body. She quickly got into bed and covered herself with the duvet, and he stripped to his boxers and got in beside her. Then he turned to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his body, her back to his front, praying that he was too tired to get an erection. Her bare skin felt amazing against his, so soft and silky.

‘Goodnight,’ he said, planting a soft kiss on her shoulder.

She sighed contentedly and nuzzled into his body. ‘Goodnight,’ she whispered.

He didn’t know who fell asleep first.