The Power Trip

Bianca danced the night away with no inhibitions. When she was out with Aleksandr she felt as if she had to behave herself, keep her wild side strictly for the bedroom. Tonight it was all systems go, and since the ever-lurking paparazzi had no idea she was in Paris, she was free to be herself.

Ah… freedom from prying photo lenses! Oh, how Bianca embraced it.

However, what she didn’t take into account was so-called friends with mobile phones. And while she was letting it all hang loose, one of them was capturing images that would soon be for sale.

Her friend, Pierre, might be gay, but did the rest of the world know it?

Absolutely not. So photos of Bianca hugging and kissing him, dancing in a skirt so short anyone could see she was not wearing panties, grinding on a stripper pole, and generally cavorting — well, those photos were pure gold. Soon they would hit the Internet with a vengeance.

In the meantime Bianca was blissfully unaware of the clandestine shots being taken. She danced the night away with a smile on her face, and had herself a fine old time.

Chapter Twenty

If there was one thing Ashley hated it was when her mother attempted to spew forth a mouthful of advice, as if Elise had any clue what she was talking about. Three failed marriages and a job in a department store at her age. Exactly who would listen to her?

Certainly not Ashley, for she considered herself streets ahead of her mum. She’d moved up in life, far far away from her humble beginnings. Not only was she married to a famous footballer, even more importantly she was part of a successful interior-design team. Partnering with Jeromy had been a clever move on her part. Jeromy had a stellar reputation, and now that they were working side by side, so did she.

Well, it was kind of side by side because they weren’t exactly equal partners, even though Taye had put money into the business. When she’d first started working with him, Jeromy had bestowed on her the title Creative Consultant. She’d been a bit miffed at first, but so far it had worked out. Whenever Jeromy had a celebrity client, he allowed her input. It was fun at first, but then she’d begun noticing that he always introduced her as Ashley Sherwin, Taye Sherwin’s wife.

It pissed her off. Wasn’t being Ashley Sherwin enough? Did Jeromy have to tag on that she was Taye’s wife? What was that about?

When this had happened a couple of times she’d brought it to his attention, pointing out that it certainly wasn’t necessary to give Taye billing.

Jeromy had gone all confused and gay on her. ‘I’m so sorry, sweet thing,’ he’d purred. ‘I would never do anything to upset you.’

After that he’d stopped bringing up Taye’s name in front of her, although somehow or other all the clients seemed to know.

Eventually she’d complained a second time, causing Jeromy to adopt a more frosty attitude. ‘Is it my fault that you and Taye are photographed wherever you go?’ he’d said with an imperious curl of his lip. ‘People recognize you, dear. Besides, it’s good for business. Get used to it, or may I suggest that you stay out of the magazines.’

It was true, she couldn’t argue with Jeromy’s logic. She and Taye were a staple in every magazine. Heat and Closer often featured them on the cover. And Hello and OK! had done numerous ‘at home’ pictorials with her, Taye and the twins. As for the Internet — their photos were everywhere. Taye’s Facebook page had millions of followers, plus he insisted on Tweeting himself, and occasionally posting intimate family shots he’d taken with his favourite Nikon camera — a birthday gift she regretted giving him. He was always trying to catch her unawares, then posting the stupid photos of her asleep or half-dressed.

The problem was that Jeromy was right, she was in all the magazines, and that was good for business, so eventually she’d stopped complaining.

* * *

The moment Ashley invited Elise to stay at their house while they went on their trip, Elise had moved in, even though Ashley had insisted it was way too soon. ‘We don’t leave for another week,’ she’d pointed out. ‘No need for you to be here this early, Mum.’

‘I know,’ Elise had responded, thrilled to get out of her tiny apartment, ‘but I want the twins to get used to having me around. And you don’t mind, do you, Taye?’ she’d added, simpering at her handsome son-in-law, who — once she’d got over the fact that he was black — she absolutely adored.

Taye had nodded. Anything for a peaceful life.

Now they were sitting at dinner in their dining room, and Elise was droning on and on about how they should conduct themselves on their upcoming trip.

‘You have to change outfits three times a day,’ she instructed. ‘Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I read that’s what these fancy people do on their yachts.’

‘Really?’ Ashley drawled sarcastically. ‘Where did you read that?’

‘On the Internet,’ Elise said, then spitting up further gems she added, ‘and don’t be taking any ripped or torn knickers. They have people to do your washing, and you wouldn’t want them talking about you behind your back.’

‘Bloody hell, they’ll have a right old time with my drawers,’ Taye joked, letting forth a ribald chuckle. ‘Skidmarks galore.’

Ashley threw him a disapproving glare. ‘Don’t encourage her,’ she said sharply. ‘And stop being vulgar.’

‘Lighten up, toots, I’m only jokin’,’ Taye said, wondering if there was any chance of him getting a leg over tonight.

‘Well, she’s not,’ Ashley hissed. ‘She believes every word of it.’

‘Fine,’ Elise said grandly. ‘Don’t take me seriously, but I know of what I speak. I read all about it.’

‘Where exactly?’ Ashley demanded.

‘I Googled yacht etiquette,’ Elise replied, straight-faced. ‘Are you aware that you’re supposed to tip the staff at the end of the trip?’

‘Good to know,’ Taye said cheerfully. ‘I’d better go raid me piggy bank.’

‘It’s no joke,’ Elise said, wagging a stern finger at the two of them. ‘The staff talk, and the last thing you need is a reputation as a cheapskate.’

‘Watch it, missus,’ Taye smirked. ‘Nobody’s ever accused me of bein’ cheap.’

Ashley had heard enough. ‘I’m going to bed,’ she sighed.

‘It’s not even nine, toots,’ Taye objected.

‘I’m tired.’

Too tired for a quick shag?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

‘I’ll join you then,’ Taye said, rising from the table.

‘What am I supposed to do?’ Elise whined.

‘I dunno,’ Ashley said. ‘Why don’t you go and Google some more useless information.’

‘All I’m trying to do is help,’ Elise said. ‘Although if you don’t appreciate it…’

‘You’re right, I don’t,’ Ashley said, before abruptly exiting the room.

Elise turned to Taye. ‘What’ve I done now?’ she asked plaintively.

Taye felt a bit sorry for her, because when Ashley was in one of her bitchy moods there was no stopping her.

‘I think she’s got one of her headaches,’ he said, making an excuse for his wife’s bad behaviour.

‘I don’t know why she thinks she can take it out on me,’ Elise grumbled. ‘I’ve done everything for that girl, made sacrifices you wouldn’t believe. And let me tell you, when her father walked out on us, Ashley was six, and I didn’t give up, I kept on going for her sake.’ Elise’s lower lip began to tremble. ‘My little girl never lacked for