Matlock was more concerned with when the PM was expected, not to mention the other guests he had been told would be joining them. But no one appeared to know and the abundance of such exquisite food became the focus of all their attention.
‘How’s my princess?’ whispered Justin, as his sister hugged him tightly, giggling.
‘You should have seen their faces. We were so good, weren’t we, Willy?’
William kissed her cheek. He felt like a conspiratorial child. ‘I am having a good time. What a pompous, fat-arsed man that Matlock is... and I did such an elegant eye-to-eye with his wife. To think I almost married her. Dear God!’
Justin looked at Laura then back at William. ‘It’s phase two now. Time to make yourself scarce.’
‘Oh, no! Can’t you give me another day?’
‘No. Don’t start messing around with the schedule, it was all agreed. You can’t back out of it now. And, anyway, you decided it, William.’
‘But I don’t want to miss the fun.’
‘You won’t, and as it’s all recorded you’ll have it for posterity. If you’re here it’ll hold things up.’ William sighed. ‘Make yourself scarce, you old bugger. It was your idea, so get your arse out of here and let the fun and games begin. Besides, it’ll keep them waiting for the extra guests who aren’t going to appear,’ said Justin, pushing William through a door.
Before disappearing, William turned and blew a camp kiss. ‘Knock ’em for six,’ he said, and was gone. But just to make sure he didn’t change his mind, Justin kept the monitor running, watching as he made his way out through the back corridors.
‘I’ll not start on the younger ones,’ said Laura quietly. ‘They’ll be too easy. I think I’ll go for his lordship first. Then I’ll work my way to Angela. Is that okay?’
‘Save the pig Matlock until last. Make him beg,’ said Justin quietly, his eyes on the screen. William was in one of the golf carts being driven down to the jetty where the boys were waiting to take him off the island.
‘Of course he has to be last. I’m not stupid.’
Justin switched the monitor screen to the main hallway. ‘Here they come. Go into the lounge and be waiting.’ He left her side to welcome the guests as they drifted up the stairs into the drawing room for coffee and liqueurs. As they entered the light, airy room, their bellies full, tired from the day in the sun and the sumptuous dinner, they were surprised to see Laura, who looked ravishingly fresh. Justin made a show of serving coffee alongside the servants, but was watching Laura as the men moved closer, like bees to honey.
Max looked into her eyes then immediately dropped his gaze, even though she said no more than how pleased she was that he had come to the island. She eased away from Max and moved on to James, then to Clarissa. When she shook Cedric Hangerford’s hand, he held hers far too long. He only let go when his wife interrupted them to admire Laura’s gown. The Baron and Baroness mentioned that they had met before. Laura smiled sweetly but made no attempt to recall when or where. The Baroness examined the woman who made her pale into insignificance. She was adept at fast appraisals, and wondered which designer had created such a delicate dress. She reached out and took Laura’s left hand. ‘What a beautiful engagement ring. So simple. I always think diamonds look best with platinum. Who designed it for you?’
‘William. It’s sweet, isn’t it?’
Sweet it was not. It had to be worth a few hundred thousand pounds.
‘Lady Matlock, this is my sister, Laura,’ Justin announced, ushering her away from the Baroness. Angela smiled but did not take Laura’s hand. She turned to her husband. ‘Darling,’ she said, in turmoil. The girl’s eyes were magnetic with the colour of the sea, her lily perfume like clean air.
Humphrey Matlock, cutting a slice of cheese, turned round. He wiped his hand on a napkin. ‘You have stunned us into silence yet again, like an angel passing over.’ He kissed her hand.
She allowed it to remain against his lips just a fraction longer than necessary. ‘Thank you,’ she said softly, and watched as he returned to his cheese.
Then Justin slipped his arms around her shoulders. ‘But this poor darling is going to be all alone for a few days,’ he announced.
Everyone turned their attention to the brother and sister.
‘My fiancé has been called away. He’s expecting other guests so he’s gone to the mainland. Something to do with security,’ Laura said lightly, before Justin assured them their host would not be away for more than a few days. Then he led her out of the room. Again, as soon as they disappeared, a hubbub of conversation broke out as they wondered who the guests might be — the island already seemed entirely secure.
‘I heard it was the Prime Minister,’ Matlock said flippantly, and they looked from one to the other.
Angela’s lips tightened. She knew now why he had insisted they accept the invitation, even though he had been aware of what torment it would cause her. ‘You never said anything before about the Prime Minister,’ she said softly.
‘Only just found out,’ he lied, and made no mention that he had been told his main competitor was also expected. Still, it meant that he had a couple of days to enjoy himself and not think about business. He began eagerly enquiring about fishing.
Justin unhooked Laura’s dress and she stepped out of it, kicking off her sandals. He fetched a robe and put it around her shoulders. Then she sat at the dressing-table while he unplaited her hair and began to brush it.
‘So?’ he asked.
She half turned and lifted her hand. ‘Kiss it,’ she said. He did so and she laughed. ‘Now give me your hand. You be me and I’ll be Matlock.’
Justin held it out to her. She lifted it to her lips, brushing them against his fingers, then darted her tongue between two.
‘He did that?’
She nodded, and turned back to the mirror. ‘It’s going to be easier than we dreamed. I will have him crawling, begging for it. And you know what’ll make him crazy? I think he’ll find out that his son has been there before him.’
Justin flopped on the bed and laughed. He loved to hear her talk dirty. ‘Shall I fuck him too?’ he asked.
‘James? Why not?’ she said, creaming her face.
‘What about William’s ex? The strait-laced Angela,’ Justin asked. He didn’t relish the idea of screwing her. ‘God, that man had lousy taste.’
‘You take her first. I think she’s got to be given something, maybe half a tab.’ Laura plucked a tissue to wipe over her face.
Justin rolled on to his stomach and told her what the maids had said to him, that despite her frumpy look, her lingerie was lacy, flimsy and sexy.
Laura got up and lay on top of him, nuzzling his neck. ‘The Baron and Baroness seem tedious. Do we need to bother with them?’
‘He’d roll over for a monkey,’ smirked Justin, ‘as long as it had its mouth taped up so it couldn’t give away his secret.’ He turned on to his back.
Laura remained on top of him, feeling him erect beneath her.
‘What about Clarissa?’ he said.
‘She’s wet just looking at you. The skinny boy Max isn’t a push-over, though. And he’s got the hots for the Hangerford girl. He looked as if he’d never had an erection before, never mind fucked anyone.’
Laura sat up and moved away from the bed. Justin yawned; he was really tired. He stretched, and his jeans slipped down to reveal his tight, flat belly. No man had ever made Laura feel so aroused. She sighed and reached over to unzip his pants. ‘This’ll make you sleep.’ She knelt down between his legs, taking him in her mouth.
‘We have to be careful,’ he said, eyes closed, loving the feel of her mouth around him. She sucked harder, clawing his thighs and twisting his testicles. The pain made him gasp and with a moan he climaxed into her mouth.