Secrets and Lies Read online

  They couldn't believe their luck that they owned the place in its entirety but they decided to still rent the other apartments which would hopefully provide them with enough income to carry out the extensive renovations that were so desperately needed.

  “Is it really ours?” Kerry breathed, clutching Conor's hand tightly, as they walked up the tree-lined avenue to Ballycotton House.

  They'd signed the final papers at their solicitor's office earlier that morning and now the place was theirs. Nobody could take it away from them. They wandered about the house as if seeing it for the first time. Their heads were full of plans for each room.

  “This room has massive potential,” Conor announced. The boxes and belongings of Jerome had been removed and they could finally see the perfect proportions of the main living room with its high ceiling, tall windows and large stone fireplaces. They didn't care that a naked light bulb hung from a tangled wire in the middle of the ceiling or that the windows had been replaced with cheap, mismatched pieces of glass. The grubby broken fireplace could be cleaned and they would soon have huge roaring fires burning in the grate.

  “A Waterford Crystal chandelier would be magnificent in here,” Kerry decided as she gazed about the living area. “This room is the perfect size to display such a piece.”

  “We'll get the best, most expensive carpets,” Conor continued. “No expense will be spared.”

  “It's going to be so much fun restoring everything,” Kerry's eyes shone with happiness.

  Conor nodded vehemently in agreement. He didn't trust himself to speak and break the spell of such a perfect moment.

  Conor was conscientious, sensible, kind and very romantic in his own unique way. She smiled at the memory of his unconventional proposal of marriage. He hadn't bought her a Chrismas present even though it was their first Christmas together as a couple and she was absolutely livid. She managed to contain her anger until the day before New Year's Eve when she'd decided to give him a piece of her mind!

  He quietly replied with a twinkle in his eye, “I couldn't buy you a Christmas present because I've been saving every last penny to buy you a ring. Will you marry me?” She'd been completely flabbergasted but overjoyed at the same time and had instantly said yes.

  Kerry's family was quite stunned by her happy news.

  “You're not pregnant?” Aunt Aisling accused.

  “No, I'm not pregnant, auntie,” Kerry had insisted.

  “Why are you in such a rush?” Uncle Sean asked.

  “I think it’s romantic,” Maura leapt to her sister's defence. “They love each other so why wait?”

  “I don't know,” Aunt Aisling continued her hesitation. “It's too soon.”

  “I thought you liked Conor,” Kerry was hurt. “You said he was ambitious and hardworking and that you admired his attitude.”

  “He's got high notions about himself,” her aunt tried to explain. “I can't see him being happy settling down into a regular married life. He's got his eyes on the stars. I can see it in him.”

  “Isn't that a good thing?” Kerry was incredulous at her aunt's rationale.

  “Besides, his eyes are too close together,” her uncle interrupted.

  Kerry glared at them both and stormed out of the house. She couldn’t understand where they were getting their ridiculous notions about the man she loved so dearly.

  The following September, Miss Kerry O' Donnell became Mrs. Kerry Darcy. The wedding day was perfect from beginning to end. It had rained incessantly for several days before their wedding but on their big day the sun shone brightly down on them. Kerry secretly liked to think that it was her parents' way of giving her their blessing.

  Uncle Sean and Conor looked very dapper in their morning suits. Maura wore a clingy, satin pale blue dress and Aunt Aisling wore a smart lemon-coloured dress with a matching jacket and a navy blue feathered hat.

  Of course, Kerry stole the show with her dark auburn hair piled high into intricate curls on top of her head, interlaced with tiny sparkling diamantes which sparkled beautifully in the light. She had a long veil which trailed prettily behind her and her dress was full-length with delicate lace sleeves and a fitted, lace bodice. She had thought it was a silly cliche but she had never felt more beautiful than on her wedding day.

  “Stand up straight and stick your chest out,” Aunt Aisling instructed her niece. “Take your time walking up the aisle. This is your big day and all eyes will be on you, so give them a show.”

  Kerry found it difficult to stifle a smile. Her aunt wasn't one for frivolity but she loved her for wanting to make her feel special.

  “You look gorgeous,” Maura said as she carefully arranged her sister's veil.

  “Come on, love, it's time to go,” there were tears in Uncle Sean's eyes as he took her arm and they began their journey up the aisle where he would give her away.

  Conor beamed when he saw her. “You are beautiful and I love you.”

  Kerry was overcome with emotion and just managed a watery smile.

  They invited only their closest family and friends to the wedding, neither of them wanted to have a flamboyant affair. The marriage ceremony took place at the church of St. Peter and Paul in Cork city centre and the reception was held at the well-established, upmarket Kelly's restaurant. Conor's brothers hadn't been able to make it but they'd sent two cases of Champagne as a wedding present, much to Maura's delight.

  Their honeymoon was simple as they’d wanted to save as much money as possible for the renovations on Ballycotton House. Conor's parents loaned them their caravan and they spent a happy month travelling around the west of Ireland together.

  The honeymoon began in Connemara, County Galway, which some people would argue is “the real Ireland.” They were fascinated to hear the Irish language being spoken in the local pubs and joked that it was like being abroad. First on their packed agenda was kayaking in Killary Harbour where they were thrilled to have dolphins, otters and seals for company. Then they hiked one of the twelve peaks of The Twelve Bens where they were treated to spectacular views of the coastline and the brooding expanse of the Connemara National Park. Then they spent a few hours wandering around the grounds of Kylemore Abbey and exploring the gorgeous gardens.

  They drove along the coast road into Roundstone village which has one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Ireland and enjoyed a delicious dinner at O' Dowd's Pub.

  Children were high on Kerry and Conor's agenda. Kerry was never particularly career-minded; what she wanted most was to have a family with the man she loved so much and exactly nine months after their wedding, they welcomed their first beautiful baby daughter, Emer, into the world. Complications with her pregnancy with Emer had made them decide not to try for more children, but Saoirse had been an unexpected and very welcome surprise seven years later.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Conor smiled as he resumed his seat.

  “I was just thinking that our lives are very blessed,” Kerry replied.

  Her husband smiled across the table at her and told her he loved her.

  Conor and Kerry spent the night of their anniversary in a hotel, away from any disturbances by the children. It felt oddly decadent to be alone in a hotel room with her husband. She imagined for a moment that she was his mistress and found herself oddly turned on by her own private fantasy. Conor had planned every detail of their anniversary night, even buying her some new sexy lingerie, a beautifully slinky dress and a pair of killer heels. She wouldn't usually dress in that style and she was liberated and secretly thrilled that Conor still regarded her as a sexy woman. Usually, she was very independent within their relationship, never having any problem expressing what she wanted or needed but for once, she relished the change of doing exactly what her husband wanted. It was good to relinquish control, so she had let herself go and given herself up to the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of Conor's desire for her.

  Conor took her hand and led her upstairs to their hotel room. Their room was on the tenth flo
or and they were alone at last in the elevator. The sexual tension between them was palpable. He pulled her roughly to him and kissed her deeply, making Kerry's entire body tingle with desire. He slid his warm hand up the silky length of her stockinged leg, past the bare skin of her thigh to her round, firm buttocks. He grabbed her buttocks and pushed himself against her. She could feel his growing hardness through the thin satin of her new dress. He groaned wantonly as he kissed her urgently, desperately. They quickly sprang apart as the elevator doors opened. Then he took her hand and they made their way along the dimly lit corridor to the privacy of their bedroom.

  He closed the door softly behind them, making sure to lock it carefully. Then he switched on the surround sound stereo system and the warm, rich tones of Barry White filled the room. Kerry smiled. Conor knew that Mr. White's velvety, dulcet voice always turned her on.

  He opened a bottle of Champagne which had been left chilling in an ice bucket by the bed and he filled two flutes with the cold, sweet nectar. He handed Kerry a glass and she took a long sip, all the while studying her husband from her under her eyelashes, not quite sure what he was going to do next. He didn't take his eyes off her for a moment and she knew that he wanted her from the dark expression on his handsome face. Conor hadn't touched her since they'd entered the bedroom and she felt deliciously nervous with anticipation.

  The silence between them was electric with desire when Conor finally spoke.

  “Strip for me,” he commanded, settling himself on the downy bed, his eyes watching her intently.

  Kerry gulped, suddenly feeling inexplicably nervous at being completely naked in front of her husband. She took another sip of her Champagne for courage before carefully placing the empty glass on the bureau beside her.

  “Stand there,” Conor ordered, pointing to the middle of the room.

  Kerry was weak and trembling; a heady mix of desire and Champagne. Her fingers shook slightly as she unzipped her dress and pulled it slowly over head. She flung it on the bed and stood almost naked and completely vulnerable in front of her husband.

  She slipped the thin straps of her black bra off her slender shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Conor didn't take his eyes off her for a moment. He gazed greedily at her creamy skin and her small, but perfectly formed round breasts with their dark red nipples. Kerry longed for his touch. She pressed her thighs together, already wet for him and slowly slipped her fingers inside her silk panties, pushing them down over her hips and thighs and down the length of her stocking-encased legs. Conor groaned at the sight of her.

  “You are so sexy,” he whispered.

  Kerry smiled and fondled her breasts and pinched her nipples until they were bright red and erect. Then she put two fingers in her mouth and sucked provocatively, before moving her hand lower and touching herself. Conor's eyes opened wide as he watched his wife play with herself, standing in front of him wearing nothing but stockings and killer heels.

  “I want you,” he said, moving towards her.

  Kerry closed her eyes and continued playing with herself.

  Conor stood behind her and gently moved her hand away, replacing her fingers with his own.

  “You're soaking wet for me, baby,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire.

  He expertly moved his fingers in firm, expert circles on her clitoris. She placed her hand over his, guiding the tempo. She leaned against him, savouring the delicious waves that were beginning to build within her. He cupped her breast with his free hand and tweaked her nipple, sending ripples of sweet pain through her. She was completely intoxicated by his touch and was starting to feel overcome with lust. She wanted him badly.

  “I want you inside me,” she moaned.

  “Not yet,” he said, pulling away from her.

  He turned her around and gazed down at her, his eyes dark pools of want. She recognised the wicked glint in his eyes and her heart skipped a beat for what lay ahead. Conor bent to softly kiss her lips. She returned his kiss passionately, pushing her tongue inside his mouth. He pushed his hand into her hair and yanked her head back, startling her back to reality for a moment. He kissed her forcefully, long and hard and deep and she answered his kisses with her own. He stroked the soft skin of her back and kneaded the delicate flesh of her buttocks. He kissed her throat and bit the back of her neck, making her moan for more.

  He slowly kissed every single part of her body, before finally undressing and leading her to their bed. He delicately removed her heels and stockings and laid her down. He caressed her entire body, kneading, stroking, licking and sucking, driving her to the brink of madness. She reached up to take his hardness in her hand, moving her hand up and down his long shaft. It was his turn to groan in desperation as she took him in his mouth, flicking her tongue expertly and tantalising him.

  She inhaled his heady, musky smell and longed to have him deep inside her.

  Finally, he lowered himself slowly into her, sinking deep into her wet softness, making her gasp as he filled her so completely. She grabbed his buttocks and pushed herself against him, wanting him deeper and deeper. They began to move rhythmically, hypnotised by the desire in each other's eyes. Kerry never wanted that perfect night to end. She wanted him right here, like this, forever. She was overcome with desire and passion and her senses were ready to explode. The waves began to build slowly inside her, becoming stronger with each thrust.

  “Let go, baby, come for me,” Conor pleaded.

  Suddenly her body tensed as the waves overwhelmed her and she tightened around her husband's hardness, exploded her wet juices around him. He quickly followed her, releasing himself deep inside her. He rested his head on her shoulder, panting, still inside her. She smiled and wrapped her arms tight around his muscular back.

  “I love you so much,” she whispered into his hair, inhaling his masculine smell.

  “I love you, too,” he breathed, collapsing beside her and pulling her against his chest, burying his face in her thick hair. “I've loved you from the first moment I saw you all those years ago. I love everything about you; your smile, your charm, your quick wit, your body.”

  Kerry smiled at her beloved husband's words. Her heart was warm with love. Her lips were swollen with the force of their kisses and every bone in her body ached in satisfaction.

  “Sweet dreams, darling,” Conor whispered, his voice already drowsy with sleep.

  “Sweet dreams, my love,” Kerry replied, closing her eyes and drifting off to the gentle sounds of her husband's soft snores.

  Chapter 2

  Hope Kennedy was lying in bed and thinking about sex. She'd been completely celibate for the past month, since her husband, Niall, had been away in Japan on a business trip. He'd be home tomorrow night and she couldn't wait to see him. She had a weekend of debauchery planned for them and had already bought some new sexy underwear for the occasion. She didn't care how tired he felt; she was determined to rip his clothes off and take him to bed the moment he walked in the door.

  Some of her friends had warned her that sex was the first thing to go when you got married but Hope and Niall's lovemaking had become even more intense; it felt like they wanted each other now more than ever. Sex with her husband was one of her favourite pleasures in life and she certainly wasn't going to ruin it by having children any time soon. She had just celebrated her thirty fourth birthday and wasn't in any rush to have babies. Luckily, Niall wasn't putting pressure on her to have children either. He agreed with her that they had plenty of time before they had to start acting like proper grownups. They'd been married only six months and were still enjoying their life as newlyweds.

  They'd been teasing each other with sexy text messages back and forth all month, which had grown more intense this past week and Hope was longing to have her naked body wrapped around her beloved husband soon.

  She sighed and picked up her mobile phone which was full of photos of her handsome man.

  “I miss you,” she whispered to him as she studied the smiling face sh
e loved so much. She could gaze at him for hours and never grow tired.

  Niall Gilligan was a very attractive man. He had jet black hair, which didn't have the slightest hint of grey, despite the fact that he was almost forty five years old. His sallow skin emphasised his bright blue eyes and immaculate white smile. Hope loved his dimples which deepened dramatically whenever he smiled. She traced the outline of his face with her finger on the telephone screen and couldn't help smiling back at him.

  Theirs had not been a whirlwind romance and courtship, which was exactly the way Hope had wanted it. They'd met two years previously in the park when they'd been taking their dogs for a walk. Hope had been walking her Labrador, Poppy, when she'd spotted Niall's Boxer dog, Candy, coming around the corner. She remembered vaguely thinking to herself that Candy was a very pretty dog. Then her owner, Niall, had followed and Hope had thought that he was rather gorgeous too! She'd managed to overcome her unexpected burst of shyness to blurt out a quick hello. He'd smiled back at her and said hello too.

  She'd walked her dog every day after that in the hope of bumping into the handsome stranger again and it soon got to the stage where she was getting dressed up, too dressed up, for a walk in the park with her dog, much to the amusement of her other dog-walking friends!

  Hope had been walking Poppy at the same park for a few years and had gotten to know a lot of the regulars who walked their dogs there too and they'd all soon become friends. So when they saw her dressed up in dresses, sexy clothes and makeup, they'd burst out laughing and teased her for being so transparent. They knew she was trying to get Niall's attention but she'd act innocent about it and pretend she didn't know what they meant. The teasing increased exponentially when she arrived one day at the park in her horse-riding gear, which consisted of a little riding crop and jodphurs!