Chapter 7
Amy
My heart was racing fast now as I sped through traffic. I'd left the club and saw this black 4x4 cruising behind me. It had been parked up the road and then took off as soon as I started driving away. There was something about it that didn't feel right. Or maybe I was just being as paranoid as my father.
I'd stopped at the light and held my breath as it cruised in and hovered at my rear. When the lights changed I slammed my foot down and paced it up the street. The black car did the same. I knew then that he was tailing me.
I turned left and right, trying to lose him, as a few cars got in between us. But there he was every single time, haunting me in my wing mirror, copying my every move. I kept moving into the city towards my hotel, but he was still there. I needed to lose him before I got there.
Eventually I managed to catch him at the lights. He was too far back now to get through before they turned red and cut him off. When I turned the corner, I felt my heartbeat finally begin to settle. It was creepy beyond belief.
I was only a couple of minutes from the hotel now and moved into place to park down in the underground parking lot next door. There was a slight queue as I cruised up, 3 cars waiting to get in. I moved in behind, the back half of my car still visible out on the road.
I glanced quickly down the street in each direction to make sure my shadow wasn't still in my wake. I couldn't see it on the busy street.
I could hear beeping from the cars ahead as the guy at the front stepped out and started cursing and waving his hands at them.
“Would you get the f*ck on with it,” one of the guys shouted from his window.
“Hey f*ck you man.” It was the guy in front. “The thing's not working.”
I saw the guy get out of his car and go in to try to sort it out. They argued a bit before the barrier finally lifted up and the cars started moving again. As soon as the first car moved I shot forward down towards the barrier and out of sight from the road.
Soon I was in, parking the car right there next to my Porsche and moving towards the nearest exit. I walked straight up to the entrance where I'd come in and scanned the street ahead. It was so busy with bright lights and blaring horns that I couldn't make much out. Every car looked the same, their colors blurring together and indecipherable from one another.
Jesus was I being paranoid. This guy was probably just taking the same route as me. Just a normal commuter on his way home.
I quickly stepped out onto the street and walked the little way towards the hotel, ducking inside and moving straight towards the stairs. I was staying on the third floor, so never bothered using the elevators.
“Good evening Miss Barnes,” I heard from the reception desk. I'd given him a fake name when I first arrived the week before.
“Evening Harold,” I responded, before moving straight to the stairwell.
This place was the only place in the f*cking world that could turn me into this person. I mean, take a look at me, rushing about as if I'm under surveillance or something. It was just the way dad was, how worried and concerned he'd seemed, how much damn security he had everywhere. Clearly he was under threat. And if he was under threat, I might be too.
Or maybe it was him? Well, one of his men. I certainly wouldn't put that past him. He'd want to know where I was, he'd want to keep tabs on me and know if I was leaving town. But whoever it was, it didn't matter now. I'd lost them. They were gone.
….
Jude
I was cruising the streets like a prowling lion.
I'd seen her turn right and had followed as fast as possible when those f*cking lights changed. If it wasn't so damn busy I'd have just jumped them, but with all this traffic I'd probably get hit.
I drove on, looking up and down the street every time I came to a junction or crossing. It was more in hope than expectation, but I had to try. If that was the girl, I had to f*cking try.
I kept going a few minutes, moving towards the more touristy part of town. She said she was only in town for a few days, so she'd probably be staying in a hotel. She also had money, so would most likely stay in a nice one, not some piece of shit motel on the outskirts. All the nice ones were nearby, all within a couple of blocks of each other.
I kept going, shooting my eyes this way and that with renewed hope. I checked the lines of parked cars to the side of the street, but couldn't see her. I checked in front of me, behind me, but couldn't see her. I checked the queues lining up for valet parking, but couldn't see her.
Then, suddenly, I caught glimpse of the back of a white coupe waiting in line for an underground parking lot. It disappeared quickly down the ramp as I stayed stuck in traffic.
I kept my eyes on the exit, and then I saw her. I was sure it was her. It must be her. I was still a long way away, but that had to be her.
She walked quickly, peering up and down the street, before moving towards the Newton Hotel. Jesus Christ, that's where she was staying!
I thought about beeping my engine but knew there was no point. Every other f*cking car on the street was beeping about something.
I rolled up onto the curb instead, watching passers by jump out of the way and look at me in shock as I did. Screw it, I didn't have time to care.
She was just disappearing inside the hotel as I jumped out of the car and ran up the street. I had no idea what I'd say. It wasn't even sure if it was her. But whatever, there was no harm in trying.
I got to the hotel and steadied myself. I didn't wanna come off as some maniac, running at her out of breath.
So, I breathed deep for a couple of moments and walked in. The lobby was quiet, no one but a single man attending the desk at reception.
“Hello sir, can I help you?” he asked. His voice was pristine, it sounded like he'd had elocution lessons or something. Why was it that so many hotel receptionists were like that?
I looked around before turning to him and walking over.
“Erm, yes, the girl who just walked in. What room is she in?”
“Girl sir?”
“Yes, the girl with red hair. She's a friend and I've forgotten her room number stupidly. Do you mind?”
“I'm afraid I can't give out information like that sir. Do you not have her number so you can call her?”
I shook my head and sighed. “I've lost my phone unfortunately. Again, stupid me. It's just, I'm meant to be taking her out tonight and I said I'd meet her upstairs.”
“Right sir, just give me her name and I'll call her room.”
He looked up at me, the phone clutched to his hand in preparation.
F*ck it.
“It's...Amy,” I said, holding my breath. Please be right....
His eyes narrowed a touch. “And the surname sir?”
I planted a smile on my face. “OK, this is slightly embarrassing, but I don't know her surname. The truth is, I only met her a few days ago, you know how it is...”
I arched my eyebrows up suggestively. He wasn't exactly young, this guy, but I was sure he knew what I was talking about.
“I had her name on my phone but I've lost it, and, well, I'm meant to meet her upstairs...if you know what I mean?”
His face cracked slightly into a smile. “Say no more sir, every man has been there at one point or another.”
Holy shit, he bought it! I guess I made a convincing player!
He leaned in closer. “Room 312 sir, enjoy your evening.” He winked at me and leaned back, this knowing smile on his face.
Jesus, I wonder what that guy got up to in his spare time!
I nodded my thanks and turned towards the elevator, pressing the button for the third floor. I felt suddenly nervous as I stood there. It had all been such a rush chasing her down and I had no idea what I would have said if I'd have caught up with her. But now I had time to think, and my mind had gone suddenly blank.
When I stepped out onto the third floor corridor I could feel my heart exploding in my chest. Jesus Christ this girl was having an effect on me!
I walked down the corridor to room 312 and stood outside. It was silent inside, no TV on, no music playing. Maybe she was in bed having a sleep? All sorts of thoughts ran through my mind at the idea of her and a bed. Or maybe she was in the shower? Even more filthy smut filtered through my head.
I shook the 'maybes' and 'what ifs' out of my head and raised my hand to the door. I knocked quietly, the sound disturbing the silence of the corridor, and waited.
….
Amy
I could feel my nerves beginning to untangle themselves as I walked into my hotel room, the room naturally locking behind me as it shut. This f*cking place was screwing with my head.
Branton. The place only held bad memories for me now, any happy occasions of my childhood obscured by all of the shit that followed.
I couldn't stay here long. Even if I managed to reconcile with my father and begin to rebuild our relationship, I couldn't live here. What would I be here for? Him? It wasn't enough.
My life was on the road, packed up in a suitcase and thrown into the back of my car. It was easier like that, no one could hurt me that way. I could just go where the wind took me, floating from city to city making money doing what I loved.
Was that so bad a life?
I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine from the refrigerator. I took a long sip and felt my nerves calm further. The room I was in had large, wide, windows, almost going from floor to ceiling and looking out over the street. It cost a bit, but that wasn't a problem for me.
I walked over to the window and gazed out on the road. The traffic was still rushing past down below, the streets filled with tourists excitedly searching for something new to do, somewhere new to explore.
I felt a tinge of jealousy as I looked on at them all, laughing and smiling in their groups. Families on holiday, groups of young people traveling across the state, couples looking for somewhere to catch some dinner. Those were the types of intimate relationships that I'd shut myself off from.
As I watched one group hurrying by below, I felt my heart get crushed inside my chest, as if a hand had just reached in and was throttling the life out of it.
There, parked awkwardly on the sidewalk down the street, was a black 4x4, the same one that had trailed me through the city.
I felt a rush through my body as I saw it, my legs suddenly going feeble and weak below me. Who was this guy?! He must know I'm here! He must know I'm in this hot....
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound came tapping on my door and I turned in a flash towards it, almost dropping my glass.
I waited. If it was a member of the hotel staff they'd have said something, but no sound came from the other side.
The knocking started again, three light taps.
Knock, knock, knock.
I crept forward as carefully as I could, placing down my glass of wine on a side table without making a sound. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I held my breath and approached the door.
When it knocked again, slightly louder this time, I almost fell back with the shock. I steadied myself and leaned in, peering through the spy-hole.
I couldn't even describe the feeling when I saw who it was on the other end. It was a mixture of utter elation, relief, and complete confusion.
There, standing quietly and listening, was Spade, the mystery man I'd met the other night at the casino. The man who'd taken me for dinner, the man who'd taken me late night swimming, the man who'd given me the best sex of my life.
It had been a one night thing, nothing more. No names, no attachment, no feelings. But now he was here, standing outside my hotel room, knocking.
Was it him in the car? Had he trailed me here from that poker club? Had he been trailing me for longer, waiting to catch me again, alone in a hotel room?
I watched him through the gap. He looked nervous, like he was thinking of what he'd say to me. Yeah, I'd love to hear his explanation for this.
As I reached for the handle I saw his fist lift to the door again and tap against it. This time, however, his mouth opened, and he spoke.
“Amy, are you in there?” he asked.
He knew my name. How did he know my name?!
I said nothing, still watching as he spoke.
“Amy, it's Jude....sorry, er, Spade. You know, from the other night? I know you're in there, the guy downstairs told me this was your room.”
I couldn't help it as a smile crept to the corners of my mouth. He looked so cute out there, trying to think of what to say. It was obvious that he was finding talking to the door awkward, glancing up and down the corridor as he spoke.
I saw him smile awkwardly as a man walked by. The guy looked at him like he was crazy and hurried on past with this frown settling on his forehead.
The sight made me laugh inside, the noise spilling out slightly as I rushed my hand up to my mouth.
I saw his eyes turn quickly back to the door. He must have heard me.
“Ace? Did I just hear you sniggering on the other side of the door. Please don't tell me I've got the wrong one?”
I saw him smile, that affable charm once more radiating out of him.
“Come on, would you put me out of my misery here? I'm getting some funny looks from the guests...” As he spoke he lifted his hand in a mock wave down the corridor and sent this sheepish look with it. I couldn't see whether there was actually anyone there or whether it was just for my benefit, but it made me laugh all the same.
“Hey, there it is again!” he exclaimed, his eyes darting back on the door. “Unless your door has a real case of the giggles, I'm guessing you're enjoying my embarrassment out there!”
He was right, I was having a blast. After thinking some enemy of my dad's was hunting me down it was pretty hilarious to see him out there instead.
“So your name is Jude?” I asked suddenly.
His eyes lit up.
“So it is you? I was scared I was tailing some random red haired chick all over town! Yeah, I'm Jude. Nice to officially meet you...Amy.”
“And you were the one chasing me? Why?” I kept my suspicious voice on.
“Why? Well...because it's you.”
I looked at him through the hole. He looked serious now, his laughter and smile gone. It was almost like he could see me through the door, staring right at me with those sky blue eyes.
“How did you know I was there?”
His face cracked again. “Because, Amy, the club you were playing poker at....it's mine.”
Holy shit, it all made so much sense. It was his club, that's why he was playing at the casino, that's why he had so much money and was so flippant with it.
I felt my defences dropping. He hadn't been following me or stalking me. It was just a coincidence that I ended up at his club. A smile creased my lips at the thought as my hand moved towards the handle. I gripped it and pushed down, pulling the door open.
He stood there smiling lightly, calmly.
“Amy,” he said after a moment, “I thought you'd never open that door.”
He walked straight in and kissed me, his body pressing right up against me. He was forceful and passionate, his lips firm and loaded with desire.
The kiss grew as his hands moved up my body and through my hair. My hands followed, grabbing at his back and squeezing hard. It was the most intense kiss I'd ever had, wrought with a deep longing.
“I've craved your lips,” he whispered into my ear as his tongue set off down my neck. “And your scent.”
He was growing more inflamed, engulfed by his own desire for me, as his hands ripped at my sweater. He tore off his own shirt, buttons flying, his pecs and abs revealed to me in all their beautiful glory.
There was no stopping it. We were both lost in each other now, our clothes flung to the floor, our naked bodies writhing in passion on the bed, in the shower, against the wall.
It was a blur, an evening of unrestrained and chaotic sex. I'd stepped away from my troubles once more, thoughts of my father, of Branton, of my mother's death, shot from my mind.
That night there was nothing, nothing but Jude and his body and his lust for me. He was insatiable, ravenous, his eyes drinking in my every curve. I thought the night I met him was the best sex of my life.
I was wrong.
….
Jude
I woke, my eyes opening slowly to reveal a half destroyed hotel room. There were bed covers and cushions and sheets littering the floor, a couple of tables knocked over, lamps broken, clothes flung everywhere.
I looked quickly to my right to see an empty space beside me. I lay naked, a sheet half covering my body, the bed rocked from its original position and displaced a foot from the wall.
The sound of traffic outside was loud, the world going by busily as cars and people stormed down the street. I could hear water trickling and turned my head up to the room opposite. The shower was running. She was still here this time.
I lay back down, staring up at the ceiling, and a smile crashed onto my face. The night was everything I wanted, and more. This girl was a true addiction, and she'd taken me as high as someone could ever f*cking go.
The trickle stopped and I heard her step out into the room. She seemed to be tiptoeing, trying not to make a sound, as if she didn't want me to hear her.
“Trying to sneak off again are you?” I asked, sitting up and pulling the sheet over my waist.
She turned around suddenly, as if startled, and exhaled sharply.
“Jesus, Jude, you made me jump. I thought you were sleeping?”
The smile fell from my face as I saw what she was doing. She was pulling clothes from a drawer, quietly dropping them into a suitcase. She was trying to sneak off.
“What is it with you?” I asked. “Why are you running away again?”
“I'm not running away Jude. I'm just...leaving.”
I stood up, the towel dropping off me, and looked sharply around for my underwear. They were hanging up on a lampshape. God knows how they got up there.
I grabbed them and pulled them quickly on as Amy looked on at me mournfully.
“It was only meant to be one night before Jude. Last night was...amazing...but it was never meant to happen.”
I walked in towards her. “Look, let's get some breakfast or something. We can talk.”
She shook her head and grabbed another load of clothes from the drawer. “I can't...I'm sorry.”
“Why not. What's your problem?”
She looked up at me. “Look Jude, I don't want to complicate anything. I'm not staying here, so what's the point?”
“I don't know. Because we have fun together. Because we like each other maybe. Look, what's the harm?”
“That's the harm...the fact that I do like you. I might be leaving in a couple of days. I don't make attachments, it's not me, it's not my life.”
I felt, once again, like I was the woman in this scenario. It was a f*cking role reversal. She was playing me and I was playing, well, one of any number of women I'd slept with before. But I couldn't help it, I didn't care. I felt drawn to this chick like I'd never been drawn to anyone.
She was rushing around the room now, picking up any straggling garments and stuffing them into her bag. “Look, I'm sorry, OK. I am. If I was staying things would be different. But I'm not, so this is how it is. It's better for both of us if I just leave now.”
“But this is your hotel,” I said, “you're the one staying here, not me.”
I turned and pulled on my shirt, a couple of the top buttons ripped off it, before picking my pants up from the floor. “If anyone should go, it should be me.”
I looked around the room, my eyes searching for my socks. Where are my f*cking socks. I shouted the words in my head. I was an addict being denied his drug, and it was tearing at me inside.
“No,” she said, zipping up her bag and slipping into her shoes. “I have to leave here now. I'll find another hotel.”
I was ripping at the bed as she spoke, throwing sheets off as I looked for my socks. I felt her hand land on my shoulder and my movements slowed and stopped. Then she hugged me, her chest pressing against my back, her lips touching the back of my neck.
“I'm sorry Jude,” she said. “I wish things were different, but they're not.”
I exhaled heavily as her warmth left me again. I could hear her walking towards the door.
“At least tell me your surname,” I said solemnly, still facing the other way.
I heard the door open and her voice quietly in the doorway: “I can't.”
Then the door shut, and she was gone again.