The Boleyn Effect (The Boorman Ending) Page 8

  It's a glimpse of a totally relaxed Harry, who is not trying to impress anyone. He's just here with friends. In fact, I find I like this version of Harry better. No airs and graces. No trying too hard to impress. This is the real Harry who is comfortable in his own skin and around people who like him.

  He's laughing at something the group has said and it's a loud boisterous one that is almost naughty and mischievous all in one. This man has so many layers and I'm the one who has to connect with all of them.

  As if sensing us, he lifts his head and I see him pale slightly as he gets to his feet. I keep my face passive and squeeze myself closer to Jamie. He certainly looks very much like a Henry VIII in his costume and I wonder if he realises.

  Katherine goes to his side and kisses him on the lips lightly. Even I can see the affection between them. So much for their marriage just being about money and position. They are definitely still having sex.

  Well not for much longer if I have anything to do with it.

  The thought startles me. Why am I starting to sound like some jealous mistress? Whether they are having sex or not is beside the point. That's not what this is about.

  'I've brought someone to meet you. You know George Gaskill, well this is his friend Leigh. She's a photographer and doing the pictures for the party,' Katherine gushes.

  Harry looks from me to Jamie and back again. Tension is in his face as he forces a smile.

  'Nice to meet you,' he says.

  'And this is Jamie, her date,' Katherine continues oblivious.

  Jamie removes his arm from my waist and shakes his hand before replacing it back where it was. There's a narrowing of eyes as they follow where Jamie's hands go.

  'So how do you all know each other?' Harry asks.

  I can see he's nervous and I am too. I just wish I'd prepared myself better. This isn't as fun as I predicted it to be. It's just damn uncomfortable.

  'We met at the Gaskills barbeque,' Katherine says. 'Mary passed on her details and I asked her to come and do the pictures for Liza. It’s not like you not to remember a pretty face.'

  I fight the wince at her words. Harry glances her way and something very brief and cold passes between them. I can already see that he’s not happy and it’s becoming uncomfortable. I’m in a precarious position and it's a little unnerving.

  'Well I better get started,' I say.

  Then handing Jamie the basket, I pull my camera out and move away leaving Jamie standing. I make my way back inside and grab another drink, which I down in one to still my insides. I don't know if I can really do this. It seems such a good idea at the time, but now I'm in it I'm crapping myself.

  The best thing for me to do is do my job and hide behind my camera. The rest will happen and fall into place. Wait and see if Harry takes the bait. It doesn't take long, in fact twenty minutes of taking random pictures of birthday cake and guests and my arm is grabbed and I'm dragged into a corner.

  'What are you playing at?' Harry hisses.

  'I'm doing my job,' I answer.

  'That's not what I meant. When were you going to tell me that you were acquainted with my wife?'

  'I would hardly say we're acquainted. She got my number and called me to come here. Plus, you were there at the same barbeque. In fact I remember clearly that we talked about her,' I whisper.

  He looks at me for a moment and then all the tension leaves his face and sighing, he slumps a little.

  'I'm sorry. It was just a shock seeing you both together.'

  'Well it's not exactly fun for me either, but I need the money,' I answer.

  'What about this Jamie?' he asks.

  'Katherine told you. He's my date.'

  'Serious?'

  'Who knows?' I shrug.

  'You just never said.'

  'Why would I? We're friends and I don't tell all my friends everything.'

  'Are you and he...?'

  'I don't think it's any of your business. I am a free agent.'

  The gamble is paying off. He is a jealous man and Jamie pushes his buttons.

  'Why did you not answer my texts?'

  'I don't wanna to do this here. I'm supposed to be working and your wife and my date is somewhere around,' I hiss.

  I move away from the corner and make it look like I am busy taking pictures. I wish that George was here. He'd know what to do. I am far too pig-headed and arrogant and I wish I'd learn that I can't do everything.

  I quickly find Jamie and grab him I lead him into the garden. He's been drinking far too much too quickly, but I want to use that to my advantage. Harry has followed me out, but because of the guests can only keep his distance and watch.

  Finding a bench, I sit down and draw Jamie towards me. He can't believe his luck I can tell. The poor guy just doesn't get he's being played. Taking his mouth in mine, I am pressed further into the bench. With his hands wandering, I resist the urge to knock them away. I am supposed to be enjoying this.

  From the corner of my eye, I spy Harry watching us and he's furious. I may well be pushing this too far and he could think I'm not worth this, but I am scrambling around for what would have worked for Anne Boleyn. If he wants me then he's going to have to make me feel that I am worth losing everything for. I just hope that I am. Finally, Jamie allows me some air and I place a hand on his chest to maintain some distance.

  'I need a drink,' I say. 'Can you get me one?'

  'Yeah, sure,' he says breathlessly. 'Man, can I just say you are really hot.'

  'Cheers,' I smile.

  I watch as he walks away towards the house and I wait. Inwardly, I'm counting. Is he going to take the bait?

  'Are you playing games with me?'

  I smile at his voice. Of course he is going to take the bait. I turn towards him and nod for him to follow. I get to my feet, we move further into the darker shadows of the garden.

  'Why would I be playing games?' I ask innocently.

  'You and your date kissing right in front of me. It looks like you were trying to wind me up.'

  I turn towards him and put on my best indignant face.

  'Jamie's my date so I figured if I were snogging someone it'd be him. Also you and I are just friends. I don't know how many times I have to say this to you.'

  'Yes, you say that, but then you climb on top of me in my car and ram your tongue down my throat,' he hisses.

  I've done tease and indignant, now I just need to add a little bit of truth to cement the deal.

  'Do you want the truth?' I offer.

  'It would be nice.'

  I step further back so I am nearly in the bushes and Harry takes a step closer so we are now huddled away from prying eyes. He pulls off the crown he's wearing and fluffs up his hair nervously. The electricity is still there and even more so in close proximity. This thing that is between us is intoxicating and I have to be careful not to fall under my own spell.

  'The truth is Harry is that I like you. I like you a lot and that's a big problem. When we are together, it's like something happens and I can't control myself, but I can never have you. You already belong to someone else. I'm just trying to protect myself from you.'

  'Jesus Leigh, why didn't you just say? Shit! I'd never want to hurt you. You're just a beautiful woman who I find incredibly sexy.'

  'Yeah, well, that's exactly what's going to happen. If I let you have me, I'll fall in love and then you'll leave me. That's the reality. The wife always wins and girls like me lose.'

  We stand in silence for a while. From our position we can see the party of costumed guest. All oblivious of us both conversing. I spy Jamie wandering around with two drinks trying to find me and I suppress a smirk.

  I notice the abandoned basket still on the bench with my camera inside. That's not like me at all. The camera is like my right arm. I'd never just forget it. But then Harry distracts me. He makes me forget what I'm supposed to be doing in all ways and that isn't a good thing.

  'Maybe you're right,' he says finally.

  And my heart si
nks slightly. I am gambling and losing. This isn't good or maybe I'm not that good.

  'What Kat and I have must be something. I've cheated on her more times than I can remember and yet I always go back to her. I've always thought that it would take something really special to tear me away from her. And...I don't know, but you and I do have something and all I do know is that I can't stop thinking about you and I would give almost anything to have you.'

  'That's the problem Harry, almost anything. I would want you to give up everything to have me,' I say.

  His speech gives me a glimmer of hope and now I've set down the terms. Just like Boleyn did when she told Henry that she didn't want to be his mistress. She wanted to be his queen.

  'I have to go. I'm supposed to be working,' I say moving away.

  Harry grabs my arm and pulls me to another hidden area of the garden, behind the hedgerow.

  'I'm not ready...I can't let you go. Please don't say goodbye to me just yet.'

  His mouth is on mine like shot as my back hits a tree. Pulling the ribbon of the cape, it falls to the floor at our feet. His mouth travels down to my cleavage, where his hands push my breasts up. He's pulling at the tight material in order to get more, but to no avail. He would need to unzip me in order for that privilege, because I am tightly packed in.

  'We can't do this,' I protest. 'Your wife...'

  'Sshh,' he murmurs between kisses. 'Just let me taste you.'

  I can still hear the sounds of the party and the smell of the food. Any moment someone...anyone could find us. The risk is immense and sexy as hell. He fingers my stockings and he moans. He grabs my thigh so it lifts and it's my turn to groan as he presses his groin against mine. He's so hard and wanting and I'm so wet and waiting.

  'This outfit...I thought I die when I saw you walk in,' he whispers.

  'I take it you approve,' I whisper as his tongue licks my mouth.

  He pushes his hard crotch against me and Jesus' name leaves my lips.

  'Does that answer your question,' he murmurs. 'You have no idea what I've thought about doing to you.'

  'Tell me,' I whisper.

  'Not this time,' he says.

  Suddenly, he drops to his knees and hooking my leg over his shoulder he ducks his head under the red netting and places his mouth on me. I bite down on my lip to stop from crying out. His tongue delves deep and I am barely able to keep my legs from buckling. The bark rubs my back as I grind against his mouth.

  Using his tongue in slow rhythmic motion, I am rocking against him. His hands clench my rear end as he burrows deep. This isn't one of my favourite acts, because many men get it so wrong. But with Harry on his knees, I love every minute and it's so right. He's learned his art well.

  'Harry, my god,' I gasp.

  With one hand clutching the tree and the other on his head, my body tenses and shakes as the orgasm ripples through me. I am normally a noisy lover, but this time I've almost drawn blood on my lip in order to keep the cry leaving my mouth. Lifting his head there is smile of self-satisfaction on his face.

  'You shouldn't have done that,' I say.

  Harry picks up my cloak and wraps it around my shoulders, tying around my neck. This act of affection seems a little un-nerving.

  'I didn't hear you complaining. In fact you likened me to god,' he smiles.

  'I see modesty is a strong point,' I laugh.

  He shrugs as he pins me to tree with his hands either side of my head. His face is so close to mine and I can smell myself on his breath. We are close enough to kiss again with his head tilted towards mine and I am aroused once more. What on earth does this guy have? Whatever it is it should be bottled. I am sure certain body sprays could make a fortune with it.

  'Plus, now I think you owe me,' he smirks.

  'Oh I see, we are playing this game,' I say.

  'How else am I going to keep you?'

  'But he can't keep you can he Leigh?' George's voice resounds in my head and I push it away.

  'You're just going to end up breaking my heart,' I whisper.

  Seriousness fills his face and he takes a step back releasing me from his hold.

  'I'll do everything I can not to,' he promises.

  Voices coming closer break the moment and we both jump away from each other as worry fills his face.

  'I need to go,' I whisper.

  'Ok,' he answers. 'You go first. I'll leave through the other side.'

  I start to walk back to the party and Harry's hand holds me still.

  'Don't ignore me again. Promise me,' he says.

  'Don't give me a reason to,' I answer.

  With a nod, he releases me. Stepping from our hiding place, I quickly scan the place to see if anyone is looking, but no one seems interested in me. From the far corner, Harry steps out and grabs a beer. No doubt to wash me from his mouth, before he kisses his wife.

  'Where have you been?' I jump at Jamie's voice.

  'Where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere,' I answer. 'Where's my drink?'

  'I drank it.'

  I smile as I move towards the drinks table with him close behind. Katherine is now at Harry's side and they are now arm in arm. I catch his eye and there is a flicker of a smile as he turns his attention back to his wife. He wants me. That I am confident of. I'm not worried about Katherine being my competition, because I'm the better woman.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Liza and Katherine are pleased with the results of the party. A montage of all the events on DVD with Liza's favourite songs. The substantial payment electronically banked and I’m confident that I’ll get more work through recommendations. George seems impressed by my actions at the party and how Harry has played straight into my hands.

  'You are truly an incarnation of Anne Boleyn. I'd go as far as to say you are a witch,' he laughs.

  'Becareful,' I mock. 'You might get me burned at the stake.'

  'Hanged, witches were hanged.'

  I stick my tongue at him. This is the easiest it's been between us in weeks and I’m relieved to be back to the good old banter. I miss him and this really isn't worth losing him. He's also leant me a book written by David Starkey on the Boleyns and Henry and I find that every night I am engrossed in its contents.

  Anne Boleyn was hated more than any other queen that Henry married. Queen Katherine of Aragon was loved by the English and to take her on and overthrow her, made Anne unpopular. There are two schools of thought, one that Anne was merely a pawn used by her ambitious father and uncle to gain power and influence in court. But there are others believe that Anne was just as ambitious. She played Henry with the promise of not only her virginity but a much needed son. Something that Katherine had been unable to deliver. Only a son could continue the Tudor line. The thought of Henry's then only daughter, Mary being crowned was unthinkable.

  But my reading saw her in a different light. She loved him beyond any doubt and wanted to give Henry everything he desired. When Anne delivered the Princess Elizabeth, Anne became a desperate woman. She'd let her husband and King down and already his eye was wandering.

  Lies were soon constructed to bring about her downfall and the more desperate she became, all in the hope of giving Henry the much needed son. She died by a French sword taking off her head and in shame. But what they all seemed to forget that despite her faults it was her daughter that carried the Tudor dynasty into greatness. But I'm not that desperate to please Harry and he holds no power to destroy me.

  Of course, I'm inundated with messages from Harry and Jamie. The latter is ignored, but the former, I enjoy the sexual banter that goes between us. We've not arranged to meet which makes the sexual tension even hotter.

  The threat that I owe him still lingers, and I have to decide whether I break George's request not to sleep with Harry or just keep things simple. My sexual energy is becoming pent-up and I've been tempted to go out and just burn some off it with some guy. But something is stopping me. Maybe I just want to save it all up for our next meeting. Make su
re I’m the best he’s ever had.

  Now the day, I've been dreading arrives. The shoot arranged for Katherine. We meet at the hotel where I've hired out the honeymoon suite for the afternoon. Clair is with me to help with the lighting etc. and Katherine has brought someone called Marti, to help with hair and make-up. There's a definite change in the woman that arrives at this photo-shoot to the one at the party. She seems quiet and withdrawn and I'm assuming she's just nervous.

  Wearing a white and baby pink corset with a little netted skirt, she looks beautiful. Her hair is curled slightly and hung loose around her shoulders. Make-up light and perfect. This Marti knows her work. Taking a deep breath, I position the camera on the tripod and instruct Clair with the lights then guide Katherine onto the bed.

  'Now, just be natural. We don't want it to look too staged,' I say and she gives me a small nod.

  Going back to the camera, I wait until she's in position and then press the shutter. Looking over at the laptop, I glance at the shots already taken. Something's not right. She's far too tense and everything looks forced. Grabbing the camera, I try some free-styling without the tripod. Moving around her, standing on the bed then kneeling on the floor, but it just isn't working. I could just keep taking the pictures, but I'm too much of a perfectionist.

  'Katherine, do you wanna take a break?'

  She gives me a look of relief and grabs a bathrobe and shrugs it on. Sending Clair and Marti out for some refreshment, I sit on the bed beside her.

  'What's going on?' I ask. 'You seem really nervous, like you don't want to be here.'

  She turns her face to mine and to my horror, tears are streaming down her face. Jesus Christ what have I done to her? I'm not good with tears.

  'Shit, we don't have to do this. We can do something else. You're in control,' I say.

  'I'm sorry, I do want to...it's just...I don't want to burden you with my problems,' she sobs.

  I get up and grab a glass of water and hand it to her. She takes it and sips while taking deep shuddering breaths

  'You don't have to tell me anything, but I'm a good listener.'