Fallen Too Far Read Online Free Page B

and another design for their catalogue.
    As usual, the dress was sophisticated and sexy. A coral color, the fabric draped over her left shoulder to meet the strap of fabric crossing her bare back. The skirt was long, hugging her hips and falling free in folds to the floor. There was a slit to the upper thigh on the side. At the right side of her waist, the fabric was clasped with a diamond studded clip. Annik stepped back and then forward again to check out the way the slit opened to show her long shapely leg and the silver, four-inch stiletto heels. Knowing she was beautiful and perfectly dressed, she left her apartment. The cab she had called earlier was waiting. The driver got out to open the door for her.
    “Hi Dan” she said “How are you doing?
    “Hey gorgeous! Special date tonight? You still got me on speed dial doll?”
    “Of course. It always makes me feel better knowing if things ever go bad you got my back,” she said. She leaned forward to kiss his cheek.
    Dan opened the door for Annik and held her hand as she stepped in.
    “Where to?” he asked
    “Chez Louis. I'm meeting some hotshot CEO. He's hosting a dinner party and I'm his girlfriend for the night. Pretty sure there will be a few other girls, no idea who,” Annik said.
    “Okay you be careful hon, some of these big wigs can get outta line y'know. You press speed dial and I’ll be there.”
    “You bet.” Annik thought of how long she had known Dan, at least three years. She had met him when a client turned nasty. She had run out of the motel and Dan’s cab had happened to be parked out front. He had noticed her bleeding lip and bruised eye before she had tumbled into the cab. He got the room number and went in to lay a beating on the prick. The ridiculous thing about the guy was that he was a born-again minister. He had put his Bible thumping aside and decided to do some thumping on her when she was about to leave. Dan had taken her to Tim Horton's, cleaned her up and bought her a cup of coffee. He was in his early fifties, retired from the police department and driving part-time for something to do. Happily married for twenty-six years. Annik had visited his home and had dinners with him and Shelley many times. They were good people and treated her like a daughter. A daughter they worried about; but loved. Without judgment. And with respect. Their own attitude towards human sexuality created the basis for a close friendship.
    They pulled up in front of Chez Louis and Dan opened the door for her. He held out his hand to help her out and scowled.
    “No way cupcake. You take that back. We're friends” he said handing her the hundred dollar bill she had tried to slip him.
    “It's not for you. It's for Shelley. Take her out for dinner on me,” Annik insisted. “Besides, Dan, it’s expensed to the client, as a car and driver.” With a little wave she left him at the curb.
    The restaurant was reminiscent of the 1930s decor. It had a private dining areas, dark brocade curtains, upholstered chairs, and crisp white linen on each table, served by waiters wearing impeccable deep burgundy uniforms. The tuxedoed maître d' asked Annik if she was dining alone or joining friends.
    She said “Bill Trembley’s party.”
    “Of course Madam. Please follow me,” he said, escorting her to the table.
    Four men and three women were already seated. Good, she’d be making an entrance. She held her head high and smiled slightly as she approached the table, her eyes quickly assessing, each member of the party.
    The men rose to their feet and a dark-haired, tall, beefy man stepped forward. He took both of her hands in his and introduced himself.
    “And you are Annik. I’m Bill. You are every bit as beautiful as Jeremy said you’d be. Please have a seat.”
    He held out the chair which was next to his own. Annik gracefully sat down, the fabric parted revealing her leg. Bill’s eyes swept down as he slid her chair closer to the table.
    “Please allow me to