Come Into Darkness Read Free Page A

suit was Armani, he believed. He almost smelt the stench of money radiating from her.
    “Miss Foster,” said Worth, bowing. “So nice to see you again. Would one like a drink?”
    “Yes,” she said, smirking. “One would. And it’s nice to see you again, Mr. Worth. The pleasure is all mine.”
    The guide kissed her offered hand. She turned her head and glanced Mario up and down.
    “This the chump they got lined up for me?”
    Mario blinked.
    Who is this bitch?
    “Excuse me?” he said. “Chump?”
    “My word, it speaks.” She received her drink from Worth and thanked him. “Last time I went around the place with a professional footballer. All grunts and knuckles dragging along the floor.” She studied him over the rim of the glass. “Let me guess. You’re too pretty to be a sportsman, too…groomed. You must be a pop star? Hang on, too old.”
    Too old?
    Heat flushed his face again.
    “You have one hell of a nerve,” he said. “I’m an actor. A damn good one.”
    She laughed.
    Mario fought the urge to knock the grin from her face.
    “An actor? I should have guessed with such a fiery temperament. Won any awards?”
    Mario thought back to the Best New Cock award he had at home. “A few.”
    “Oh, then well done you ,” she said, flashing a razor blade smile. “I’m Kerry Foster, managing director at SM Pharmaceuticals. Charmed, I’m sure.”
    She didn’t offer a hand to shake, and Mario doubted he’d accept it anyway.
    “Now that we’re all here, maybe we can start the evening,” said Worth, and began to shuffle away.
    “Hold on,” said Mario. “I told you. I’m leaving.”
    Kerry chuckled.
    “Chickening out already?” She shook her head. “My last partner tried to until he got into the swing of things. Good. Go. I’ll enjoy it more alone anyway.”
    Mario squeezed his fists. Did they expect him to pay for this ? He opened his mouth to retaliate, but something Kerry said sank in.
    “Wait a minute,” said Mario. “If you’ve done this before?”
    She smiled. “So?”
    “Then you know what happens.”
    “You forget. I’m still under oath. I can’t tell you anything, except…” She strode forwards and brought her lips to his ear. “It will change your life.”
    Mario swallowed, wishing he still had drink left.
    The band finished their song and informed the crowd of their imminent break. Already dancers headed for the bar.
    “Intermission,” said Worth. “If we’re going, I suggest we go now. Mr. Mario?”
    Mario turned to Kerry, expecting some smug glare. Instead, she stared at the approaching dancers with contempt. Her lips had curled up into a snarl. She looked like an angry little dog. Not big and mean enough to do any real damage, but snappy and willing to take a bite from your ankle.
    Fuck her.
    Mario turned back to Worth.
    And fuck him, too. No one’s better than me.
    “Then what are we waiting for?” he said. “Let’s see what all this fuss is about. But if this is any way a disappointment, Worth, old boy, I’m suing the arse off you.”

3
    Another foot pounded on the thick carpet of the stairs.
    Eight-year-old Mario gripped his duvet tighter and pulled it below his chin.
    “Mar-io!”
    A flicker of shadow on the landing. Mario gasped.
    “Mario, my boy,” said the slurred voice from the head of the stairs. “Your dad, he worries about you. Are…” His father hacked. The cough sounded like his lungs had collapsed. “Are you sleeping, my boy…?”
    Mario rolled onto his side, away from the open door, facing the wall. He held his duvet close as a shroud and closed his eyes.
    Please leave me alone. Please!
    His father staggered in with a heavy step, and Mario’s wooden bed wobbled slightly.
    “Mario…” his father whispered. “Are you sleeping?”
    Mario slowed his breathing and forced his quivering body to lay still. Tiny bolts of electricity seemed to shoot through his limbs.
    I’m asleep. I’m asleep!
    “My boy…”
    His father walked deeper into