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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 39
Cassy was quietly fuming, slamming things around in her apartment when the doorbell sounded.
As she opened the door, at first she was surprised, it was the girl from the restaurant, then she became irritated.
"What do you want?, not content with stealing my date, you now want to irritate me".
Sofia just stood there, clutching a plastic bag and two bottles of wine.
"I come bearing gifts, as an apology for inadvertently ruining your dinner date with my brother, that would be Josef Caswel-Thorn, I'm Sofia Caswel-Thorn by the way, I thought a girls evening would be good, I'll give you girly Intel, which you can use in the future, when you actually manage to date him, so do I get to come in?".
Cassy, with a hand over her gaping mouth, eyes wide, and completely stunned, just nodded.
It had turned out to be a very giggly, drunken girly night, where they laughed non stop, one that neither of them would ever forget, they became firm, lifelong friends.
Two mornings later on a Saturday, when Cassy answered her doorbell, she faced a huge bouquet of flowers which were hiding the face of the person making the delivery.
"Flowers for a beautiful lady from a very sorry, hoping to be boyfriend, to make up for a first date which was sadly mismanaged, and which, thanks mostly to my errant Sister, went horribly wrong".
Cassy laughed.
"Come in Joe, I'm not angry, but we didn't have a first date, so maybe you'd like to work on that, and it had better be spectacular".
Josef already had that in hand, The Script, were playing in Madrid, he knew from their chatting on the way home a couple of nights previously, she was crazy about them, Josef had met the band several times because Guardian was their preferred security detail throughout Europe when they were touring.
"Actually, I already have that matter in hand, I'll pick you up at five o'clock this evening, dress smart casual and bring an overnight bag, we'll be out until mid afternoon tomorrow, so you'll need some daytime clothes as well, no clues, so don't even think you can wheedle the details out of me, I have to run now, see you later".
At precisely five o'clock, he rang her doorbell again.
Carry had been panicking all day, he was nice, cute, strong, but what did he expect, he'd said they would be away overnight, she wasn't going to go to bed with him, she'd made her mind up a long time ago, after Damon, she'd never let herself be vulnerable again.
Now he was here, but he was so nice.
"The lady's carriage awaits".
Josef saw immediately the apprehension, the worry.
"Carry, I'm not ever going to hurt you, if you ever feel insecure, if you ever want to escape, tell me and I'll bring you home immediately".
She'd looked him in the eyes and, not ever being able to say why, she'd decided to trust him.
"I'm not offended that you're unsure, I think you have every reason to be given what Damon put you through".
He'd taken her bag and led her to the limousine which whisked them to Malaga Airport.
She'd panicked a little when she realised they were going to be flying somewhere, he'd said they wouldn't be back until midday which was okay, but she had to be in the office at eight in the evening for her late shift on Control.
"We will be back by tomorrow afternoon won't we, I'm sorry to ask but I have to be at work by eight tomorrow night".
He was chuckling as he answered.
"Yes, I promise, we'll be back here by just after lunchtime tomorrow, now relax, this is supposed to be a first date to remember, and that requires you to enjoy it, otherwise it's going to be a first date to remember for all of the wrong reasons, and I think we already did that one".
The limousine pulled up at the FBO offices where Guardian's private jet was fuelled and ready to depart, taking her hand he led her onboard and they settled in for the mystery flight.
As they taxied the air steward spoke to Josef.
"We have a few minutes before the tower can fit us in for takeoff, flight time should be around fifty five minutes, your car will be waiting when we land, I'll get you drinks once we are at cruising altitude, please relax and enjoy your flight".
They'd chatted easily, Carry trying constantly to trip him up, hoping to get him to reveal where they were headed, but without success.
Before they knew it they were descending into Madrid Airport.
The car waiting for them was another limousine and they were quickly seated and headed for their destination.
Approaching their destination Carry uttered just two words as she realised where they were headed.
"No way".
Josef looked at her and nodded to confirm before he spoke".
"You better believe it, The Bernabeu Stadium, and tonight Miss Phillips, it's home to a band I happen know you absolutely love, The Script, so prepare to be blown away".
Thanks to Guardian's close ties with the band, someone from the Guardian security team met them with backstage and VIP area passes.
"Mr Caswel-Thorn, Miss Phillips, I'm Rob, if you'll follow me please, I have a route planned and some folk for you to meet".
Josef thanked him adding.
"Rob, it's Joe or Josef and Carry, no need for titles mate".
Rob smiled.
"The boss said you were a good guy, described you as probably the friendliest CEO he'd ever worked with, so come on guys lets get you inside".
Rob led them through a maze of corridors until they got to several doors in one heavily guarded corridor that were marked with the names of the individual band members.
Carry was clearly so overawed at being close to her heroes she could have screamed, but Rob put a finger to his lips and whispered.
"Shhhh, sorry this is a completely quiet zone, the guys will be in their dressing rooms resting before the show, I'll take you along to the green room, you can have a drink and relax before I have someone show you to your seats".
He led them to a door further down the hall and leaning in to open the door he allowed Carry to enter first, and she came face to face with the three grinning band members of, The Script.
"Oops, I might have got that wrong, about them resting, Guys I want you to meet someone who I'm told is possibly your biggest fan, and who currently looks about ready to pass out, Miss Caroline Phillips, or Carry, oh and, the muppet at the back you already know is Mr Josef Caswel-Thorn, the one who pays my wages, so please, please, please, be extra nice to him, you never know it might get me a rise, enjoy yourselves, you have exactly twenty five minutes before final stage call".
The guys all mobbed both Josef and Carry, telling Josef when they heard he was coming to see their concert they couldn't resist setting him up.
Carry had initially been speechless, completely awestruck, but within minutes they'd won her over and were laughing and joking.
All too soon it was the ten minute call, and one of the guards escorted Josef and Carry to their VIP seats just to the left of the main stage.
In true form the concert was spectacular, Carry kept thanking Josef, telling him this would be a lifetime memory, a day she would always remember, that nothing could ever improve on it, but that was only the first half of the concert.
After a thirty minute interval the second half of the show started, they were only one song in when Danny O'Donoghue stopped to talk to the audience.
"Guys, it really is great to be here in Madrid, and to make it even better, a guy who we are privileged to call our friend is here tonight, and too make it special he's with his girlfriend, on their very first date, he brought her here because she likes our music, how proud do you think that makes us feel, thank you Joe, I don't think there's any better tribute than trusting us with your first date".
Carry was sitting with her hands clasped over her mouth, she couldn't believe Danny O'Donoghue was talking about her.
They launched into a number from their current album, but Danny wasn't finished, when the song ended he started chatting again.
"So anyway, I was thinking, well actually we were thinking, perhaps we could do something that would make this truly memorable for Joe's girl, what do you say, should I sing a song to her?".
The audience went wild screaming 'Yes'.
Danny ran across the stage to the VIP area, waving to the control booth high up in the gods he said.
"Hey guys can I have a spotlight down here please, just over there, first row, second seat in, let's hear it for Miss Caroline Phillips, come on Carry, join me on stage, these guys reckon I should sing for you".
Carry crossed the VIP area and, taking Danny's hand, climbed up onto the stage.
She was visibly nervous, shaking, as he led her to the two stools now occupying centre stage.
To the audience he said.
"You can see why Joe is smitten can't you, she's a beauty, so let's do this, help me out Madrid, you all know this one".
The band struck up the opening chords of 'The man who can't be moved'.
It was magical, for Josef it was a special moment, the moment when he realised, he'd always said it would never happen, he'd poo pooed Juan when he'd told Josef on his and Pierre's wedding day, next time he would be Josef's best man, but right there and then he knew, she was the one, he was staring at her.
She was up there on the stage, she had Danny O'Donoghue singing to her, but she was staring at Josef, as their eyes met, the deal was sealed.
The concert was over all too soon and they were backstage thanking the band for a truly memorable night.
Leaving the venue, the car took them to a cosy little restaurant which Josef had visited many times before.
They were greeted by the owner, a short plump woman who immediately threw her arms around Josef, kissing his face all over.
"My beautiful boy, it's been too long, you have to come see us more often, Poppa and Roddy will be thrilled that you're here".
Breaking away Josef introduced Carry.
Momma, I brought someone special to meet you, this is Caroline Phillips, but she prefers Carry, Carry this is Momma, mother of my best mate Rodrigues or Roddy".
Momma showed them to a table in a nice little alcove and left them, scurrying off, no doubt to tell her husband and Roddy, Josef was here.
They hadn't ordered but wine, water and starters suddenly appeared, Carry said.
"We didn't order yet".
Josef laughed.
"We don't need to, it doesn't matter what you like, most of the kitchen will find its way onto this table over the next hour or so".
No sooner than he'd spoken, when a frail old man approached the table, Josef immediately sprang to his feet to embrace him.
"Poppa, it's so good to see you, but you need to eat more of your own delicious food, you're far too thin, I think Momma's working you too hard, where's that grumpy little git you call a son, I'm betting he's throwing out orders in the kitchen".
Poppas eyes were moist, it was plain to see he was overjoyed and emotional to see Josef.
"He'll come see you when it quietens down a little, he has a lot of orders up at the minute, you know how fussy he is, I'll leave you two whilst you enjoy some good food".
They ate and chatted, Carry was bubbling with the memory of what she'd experienced at the concert, she continued to thank Josef until he said.
"Stop, I got as much, if not more pleasure out of seeing you enjoying yourself, I wanted to do something nice for you, I don't want or need constant thanks, your enjoyment is thanks enough, okay?".
She grinned.
"Sorry, I just needed you to know, I've never been spoiled this much before, I have had the most magical day, you are an amazing man Mr Caswel-Thorn".
From behind them came a voice she didn't recognise, but Josef did.
"He's an arsehole, he wouldn't carry an injured colleague across camp to the hospital, dumped me on the floor and left me, I had to rely on real mates".
Josef jumped up out of his seat.
"You ungrateful bastard, two miles in the dark wasn't enough, you expected the last hundred yards as well?".
And then they were wrapped in each other's arms, both with tears running down their faces, Josef had enveloped him, lifted him easily, was supporting him, and Carry was staring, at the wheelchair, at the lack of legs.
Josef lowered Roddy back into his wheelchair, and he saw her staring.
Josef hadn't noticed, but Roddy had, so when Josef introduced them he said.
"You seemed surprised".
Carry answered immediately.
"Sorry, I was surprised, it must have looked rude, but I couldn't help it, let me get this straight, you cooked all this food, from a wheelchair, I just don't get how you managed it, I'm useless in a kitchen and I've got legs, you manage to create a culinary masterpiece from a wheelchair, that is so bloody unfair".
Roddy burst out laughing.
"Oh fuck Bro I like her, she's more pissed because I'm a better cook than she is about anything else".
They lapsed into genuine laughter and eventually Carry heard how a landmine had taken off most of Roddy's legs, killing two of their mates and leaving the other three severely injured but able to walk, how Josef with shrapnel in his arm and neck had refused to leave him, how he'd bound the shattered limbs with part of his own combat jacket, used two belts as tourniquets, despite the fact he was the only one left who could carry Roddy, well carry him in a fashion, fireman style.
They'd walked the two miles, with Josef bleeding badly, carrying a moaning, sometimes screaming Roddy, until the camp was in sight, as they neared the gates Josef had collapsed, and both were whisked to the hospital.
Momma and Poppa had unofficially adopted Josef, it had been several years ago now and both Reece and Pauly had been here with Josef and Juan, this restaurant held wonderful memories for Josef.
When it came time to depart the restaurant Josef played the usual game of trying to pay only to be rebuffed by Momma.
"There will never come the day when I don't owe you more than you could ever know for saving my sons life, you will never give money to me, pay me by coming back more often, now go look after this lovely young lady".
Leaning close she whispered.
"If you're sensible you'll marry her before someone else snaps her up, she loves you, I can see it, come back soon my second son".
In the car Josef drew Carry into a hug.
"How did I do, was it a good first date, do I qualify for a second chance?".
Carey's reply stunned him.
"It was more than I could have ever wished for, more than I ever dreamed, the most magical day I've ever experienced, I don't think you need a second chance, I'm yours if want me, don't hurt me Josef, I trust you".
They kissed, the first kiss, a real kiss, when they broke apart, both were stunned, but Josef summed it up.
"Wow, that took my breath away, maybe we should try that again, just in case it was a fluke".
The second time was no less intense, neither of them noticed they'd arrived at their destination.
As they exited the elevator he led her to the only door on the landing, as he opened the door she was completely taken aback.
The complete wall before her was glass, beyond was a garden and terrace.
He showed her around, explaining it belonged to his Uncle Pete, it had been his home for the final two years of school.
As they got to the bedrooms he explained there were three.
"You take the master suite, I'll use one of the others".
She was tempted to suggest they could share the master suite, but she didn't, it felt too forward, she worried he might think she was easy, but in truth she knew, she would make love with him soon.
He poured two glasses of wine and led her out onto the terrace, only then did she realise, it was the penthouse apartment, it's view over Madrid with lights twinkling was magical.
He put his arm around her waist pulling her in close, and they kissed again, passionately.
Two glasses of wine sat forgotten on the terrace, in the master bedroom Josef was in ecstasy, driving his hard cock deep into her moist hole.
Carry was moaning in delight, his hands gently massaging her erect nipples as his cock was slamming in and out of her dripping pussy like a piston.
Carey's shuddering scream and Josef's grunts signalled their joint orgasm as he emptied his seed deep inside her.
In the after glow he held her close, spooned against her back, gently caressing her body, peppering her face with kisses, until they drifted off into a blissful sleep.
As the first rays of sun penetrated the windows Josef's hard cock slid back into her moist tunnel, he was hardly awake as his body automatically started its rhythmic thrusting but it didn't take long before they were both panting their way to another mind blowing orgasm.
On the flight back he noticed she was quiet.
"What's the matter love, not regretting our first date are you?".
She hesitated, then looking at him.
"I've never done that before, not on the first date I mean, I don't have casual sex, I don't believe in it, I'm worried now you'll think I do it all the time, I'm actually a little shocked I did it".
He could see the concern in her expression.
"I don't think that at all, but I can't deny I'm glad we did, I hadn't expected us to have sex, it's why I suggested the separate bedrooms, but it doesn't mean I think any less of you, just as I hope you don't think I do that all the time either, I may be a healthy young male but that's not how I was brought up".
He paused to see that she understood him.
"I want us to be in a relationship, I want to tell the world you're my girlfriend, I don't want anyone else, do you think that's possible, I know we've only had one date but I've never felt this way before, I don't want to be separated from you, I'm babbling now aren't I, tell me to shut up".
She was smiling.
"Why would I tell you to shut up, I enjoy hearing you tell me how you feel, it gives me the courage to tell you I feel the same way, I'd love to be your girlfriend, but you don't have to do expensive things like this trip to Madrid, it must have cost you a fortune, I'm working tonight but then I'm off work for three days, how would you like to have dinner at my apartment tomorrow night?".
He was ecstatic.
"I'll bring wine, what would you prefer?".
Suddenly they were back to chatting as if they'd never stopped when sudden realisation made him stop mid sentence.
She saw him deep in thought.
"What is it, is something wrong?".
He answered a little apprehensively.
"Not wrong exactly, I have to fly to London the day after tomorrow, would you be able to come with me?, I'll be there for two days, I have meetings in the daytime, but you'd have company, Sofia's going with me, she wants to do some shopping".
She hesitated, not sure how to ask what she wanted to know.
"I'd err...., I'd need to know roughly how much it would cost, I don't have a lot of spare money".
Josef realised he'd been stupid.
"Look, let's get something established, then we don't have to go there every time, you may not have much spare cash but I do, I have lots of it and if it makes me happy to spend it on you then you'll just have to get used to it, because I'm going to be doing it if and when I feel like it".
He paused grinning.
"As for your question, it shouldn't cost you anything, we'll be using the company jet and staying at my Grandparents house in London, so what do you say?".
She was surprised.
"Your Grandparents have a house in London?".
He giggled, something she found amusing, when he did it he sounded like a little boy.
"They have houses in Torremolinas, London, Rome, Switzerland, and the best one of all Lanzarote, that's the Christmas house, the whole extended family migrates there for Christmas and New Year, so pencil that in your diary, now about London, will you come?".
She nodded and he felt like jumping up and down he was so happy.
His joy quickly dissolved as he realised he had to tell her about the situation she was getting into.
"There's something I need to make you aware of, I'm hoping it doesn't put you off being with me, but I have to let you decide, it will restrict your freedom a bit".
As he paused to gather his thoughts, Carry's mind went into overdrive, she hoped he wasn't a control freak, after Damon she'd sworn never to let anyone else control her.
"You can't do the walking home on your own thing in the future, as soon as it becomes know we are in a relationship you'll be a target, I want you to take a cab when you work late if I'm not around to drive you, and I'll need to review security at your apartment, I'm sorry, wealth brings it's own problems unfortunately".
She looked puzzled.
"You're that wealthy?".
It had been as much a question as a statement and he felt she deserved to know the truth.
"A few years ago I inherited around sixty million Euros from a trust fund my parents set up when Sofia, Juan and I were younger, then when my Poppa Pauly died he left each of us another one hundred million Euros, add to that my share of Guardian which amounts to around two hundred million Euros, but it's not that so much as the family I belong to, as a Thorn I make top ten on the hit list of so many fanatics, I need you to be protected".
He could see she was shocked.
"Please don't be scared, talk to Sofia, she'll explain it much better than I do, I've lived with it all my life, but being in the army and the job I do, I don't give it much thought, you have some insight into what it means, you operate control for some of our most important clients".
Carry couldn't hide how much of a shock this was to her, she was annoyed with herself that she hadn't given any thought to what she would be getting into, how she'd been blinded by him, by how she felt about him, but this, it frightened her, she couldn't ignore it.
The flight Steward had interrupted them at that point to advise them they were making their decent into Malaga and would be landing in a few minutes so conversation stopped.
As the plane taxied to the FBO slot Josef asked.
"Are you okay, are we okay?".
She looked at him and right then she just wanted to cry.
"No we're not, I'm sorry Josef, I can't do this, I can't live like you say, I want to take a cab home".
He was stunned, it hurt, he didn't know what to do, what to say, but he forced himself to speak to the Steward.
"Would you request a car to take Miss Phillips home please".
Neither said anything else, the plane came to a stop and the Steward informed Carry her car was waiting.
She undid her seatbelt and turned to Josef, but he was looking purposely away.
"I'm really sorry Josef, I had the most amazing time, but your life, it frightens me, I can't do it, goodbye".
Josef didn't answer, didn't turn his head as she left the plane, he remained seated, his thoughts saying he should have known, it was too good to be true, it would never happen, it was just one of life's illusions.
TBC ARB Allan
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