Chapter 3: The Plot Thickens
Erika Johansson smiled at her reflection in the bedroom mirror. Had Alistair not already left for his early morning meeting with Thomas and Sally, he would undoubtedly have approved.
She held the compact mobile phone away for a moment, and shook out the silken locks she'd styled into golden waves. They bounced on her shoulders, flirting with the delicate red strap of her low cut bra. Accompanied by her plunge-thong and nude stockings with their lacy red tops, she was the perfect, blonde temptress.
Yet maybe Alistair wouldn't even notice, she pouted. He hadn't been himself over the past week, less inclined to take advantage of the 'opportunities' she was suggesting. Or even fucking her! Either his libido was on the wane, or the pressures of the looming General Election were finally getting to him. With a quick glance at into the mirror, she decided that must be the case.
"Hello?" the familiar Dutch voice answered. The blonde wondered what Guus Kessen would say if he could actually see her now! He'd certainly "appreciate" her.
The call was necessary on two counts, of course. She was never just flirting. Because of Alistair's recent behaviour, the Dutchman was an 'option' she was keen to cultivate. A girl always had to have one eye on the future, after all!
He was also essential if her plan concerning Rebecca de Santos was to work…
"Guus," she sexily murmured, only too aware there was no mistaking her sexy Scandinavian accent. "How good to hear your voice."
"You, too, Erika," the multi millionaire retorted. Even down the line, Erika could discern the warmth in his voice. "You said you'd stay in touch," he continued, "but I didn't expect to hear from you quite so quickly. And especially as early in the morning as this."
Early morning? Yes, seven thirty was early, but the Dutchman had confided his working day began at six.
"You're disappointed?" she asked.
The Dutchman's laughter floated into her ear. "On the contrary, Erika. I'm delighted. And wondering whether it's simply a social call?"
The Swedish woman's seductive laughter mingled in with his. She'd only met the multi millionaire once, but had quickly realised he wasn't one for beating around the bush. "Both," she cagily answered. "You told me you're an early riser, so I knew I'd get you. And while speaking to you is always a pleasure, I do have a business proposition that I think will appeal."
"Really?" the clipped Dutch accent responded. "I'm always interested in making money."
Erika's laugh was softer this time. "Oh, this is much better than merely making money," she told him, wondering if her assessment of the businessman would prove to be correct. It could be embarrassing if not, but the twenty-five-year-old had always been able to read people.
"Better? I'm intrigued! Do tell."
"There's someone I know…" she began, then hesitated. "More accurately, I don't know her yet. We're meeting today. The point is, this woman is looking to start a business. An aerobics business. From what I understand, all she needs is thirty thousand to make it happen, but the banks aren't interested."
"And you think I would be, Erika? Tut tut! I don't do business deals for such tiny amounts of money; it's just not worth my time. My investments make thirty grand a minute without me needing to lift a finger. I thought you were much smarter than that?"
Erika gave a soft laugh. Men continually underestimated her. The Dutchman's flirtatious ways at Conservative Party Headquarters had told her all she needed to know about his attitude to women. All she had to do was reel him in.
"Oh, I am, Guus," she softly replied, thickening her accent to its sexiest. "Believe me, I am. It's because it's what the English call
pocket money
that I know you'll be interested. That… and the chance to have a beautiful woman in your debt."
"You know I'll be interested?" the clipped Dutch accent retorted. "Erika, with my money, I've no problem attracting all the beautiful women I want. Another makes no difference to me. Unless it's you…"
"Guus…" she pretended to giggle, raising her eyes to the ceiling as she pulled her hair onto the top of her head.
So easy…
"Unless it's me? What
are
you suggesting?"
"I think you know," the Dutchman answered without a hint of embarrassment.
Erika smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
He'd be easy enough to wrap around her finger when the time was right.
"Well, Guus… I'm
very
flattered! But I think you'll be excited when I tell you the name of the woman in question."
"Really? And why is that?"
"Because it's Rebecca de Santos," the Swedish beauty gleefully said, playing her trump card. She remembered the look in his eyes when he'd talked about Thomas's girlfriend. "I think this might be an attractive proposition for you, Guus. Am I right?"
"Erika," the overweight Dutchman murmured, after a brief pause. "Remind me never to underestimate you again. Tell me more—"
***
Since Thomas had told Becky of Erika's offer to help, the couple seemed to be in a much better place. The early starts and late evenings during his first week had stretched their relationship to breaking point, and if anything, the Conservative Party's Campaign Manager was working even longer now. Yet the possibility of achieving her dream had completely changed the picture.
While their sex life was still suffering from his long hours, that was a short-term issue, and both of them could now see that. It was only a few short weeks to the General Election, and with them both immersing themselves in their different objectives, they could temporarily put up with their sexual deprivation.