Page 29 of Sinister Games

CHAPTER9

RICHARD

“Iwant you to buy up a controlling interest in a company called Shelton Pharmaceuticals.” Opening the center white-framed door behind my desk, I stepped out onto the expansive balcony. Leaning against the intricate wrought iron railing, I listened as my broker rattled off current market pricing for shares.

“I don’t give a damn. Offer them over market price if necessary. And set up an appointment with a Dr. Leilend.”

“Is that the guy working on the memory drug?” came the disjointed voice on the other end of the line.

“You’re not paid to ask questions. Just do as I say.” Hanging up the cordless phone, I tossed it onto a nearby table and took in the view.

Staring absently as the London Eye Ferris wheel slowly turned, I caught glimpses of a murky gray Thames somberly ambling its way through the West End under an equally gray sky. Most would consider this view impressive and with my office’s prominent location on the west side of Robert Street, I certainly paid excessively for the privilege, but it didn’t compare to the landscape of my favorite estate in Staffordshire.

Returning to the warmth of my office, I sat back down and began to shift through the endless piles of reports and contracts that required my attention. The most important being the detailed report I had on Elizabeth’s every movement for the last several weeks, almost since she entered the country. Being a member of the House of Lords certainly had its benefits; no one questioned too deeply when you asked for all the CCTV footage on someone. There wasn’t a tiny corner in London she had gone to without being recorded, all to my benefit.

Unfortunately, my thoughts were elsewhere.

On a pair of vivid green eyes and a lush, cherry pink mouth to be precise.

Looking over the wide expanse of my rosewood English partner’s desk, I could just imagine Elizabeth spread out like a sacrificial offering. Her pale skin and chestnut hair given a warm glow from the gold-accented crimson leather desktop. The eighteenth-century chandelier I insisted on keeping when I restored this period home into my London flat and office would send shimmers of sparkling light and tiny dancing rainbows across her generous curves.

Shifting in my seat, I pulled on my trouser pants to adjust for my growing cock. Pressing down its length with the edge of my palm, the pressure eased my discomfort only marginally. Nothing would truly satisfy me until I was finally able to plunge balls deep into her tight, wet heat.

Still, I would have to wait.

Denial was part of the game.

As a man who could have whatever, whenever he wanted, restraint and control were the only true pleasures left to me. A prize easily won was no prize. The true pleasure was in savoring the feelings of fierce longing and need. The tension and buildup of anticipation as you slowly encircled your prey.

Elizabeth was a beautiful unique bird I planned to cage and make my own. The true strategy of the game came in doing so before my little bird even realized she was in danger.

From the moment I saw her several weeks ago, sitting in the sunshine at St. James’s Park reading a copy of Frankenstein, biting her lip as she absently twirled a lock of chestnut hair, I was drawn to her innocence and beauty.

While others divided their attention between phones and e-readers, only occasionally sparing a glance for their companions, Elizabeth remained absorbed in the physical book in her hand. Entranced, I watched her raise one delicate finger to those pretty lips and lick the tip before turning a page. For over two hours, I watched as she stayed within the moment, lifting her face to the warmth of the sun, inhaling the sweet grass scent around her, watching the glistening blue waters of the lake as shadows from the sweeping weeping willow trees that lined the edge began to deepen.

It was enthralling.

Finally, a woman who could appreciate the moments and life around her without the obsessive intrusions of modern life and technology, all of which I abhorred.

Pulling open my desk drawer, I withdrew a small royal blue box. Tracing circles on the soft fabric with the tips of my fingers, I thought about my plans for tonight.

Last night I had given Elizabeth just a taste of my expectations. Tonight I would demand an even deeper submission from her.

With each move across the board, I brought my pawn closer and closer to the edge; soon the trap would spring shut.

Lifting up the box, I placed it in the inside pocket of my dinner jacket before pressing the small button on the side of my desk that would notify my assistant I was leaving and would expect the driver to be ready with my car out front.

* * *

At precisely 7:57 p.m.,my car pulled up outside her building. Telling the driver I would alight on my own, I pulled the sides of my suit coat closed and buttoned it as I shut the car door. Sparing a glance down both sides of Fetter Lane, I easily picked out the men I had hired to watch over her and the building. The apartment building was safe enough but I wouldn’t be fully at ease until I removed her from it to one of my estates. There were too many uncontrollable variables here in the city. I needed her where I knew she would be surrounded by people loyal only to me.

Where she would be under my complete control.

Pinching the bridge of my nose as I willed my lengthening cock to subside, I took a deep breath and relaxed my features.

Time to play the dashing Mr. Darcy for my Elizabeth.

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