Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  The long hot soak did me the world of good and as I ran my hands over my smooth wet skin I thought about the hot, sheet clenching, pillow biting sex I’d had the night before. I was instantly aroused as thoughts of Jared’s fingers, hands and lips caressing my body filled my mind. My hand slid down over my pert firm breasts. Gently massaging them I rolled my nipples with my thumb, making them peak and stiffen at my touch. I gasped as the sensation sent a direct message shooting through my body, making my clit throb and causing an aching between my legs. I’d never really touched myself before but being with Jared seemed to keep me in a constant state of arousal. Even the mere thought of him had worked me into a sexy, hot mess and my body was writhing beneath the streaming water. A very naughty thought entered my mind and I stood there pondering it for a few seconds. Biting my lip I reached for the shower head turning the dial to massage. Pressing my back against the cold tiled wall I spread my legs wide across the shower floor. I hesitated for a moment before slowly moving the nozzle between my legs. The pressure of the water hit my clit and I inhaled sharply. It felt like nothing I’d ever experienced before. The warm gentle stream of water caressed and kissed my skin as it pulsed against my beautifully sensitive clit.

  I slid my hand south and massaged it gently as the water continued its torrent against my skin. I could feel my orgasm building inside me rapidly and just as I reached my peak, images of Jared’s hot naked body played like a movie in front of my eyes and I called out his name. My knees grew weak as I panted heavily through my orgasm. The intense pleasure coursing through me left me longing for his touch once more. Struggling to regain my equilibrium, I reached for my towel and wrapped myself tightly in it. The warmth reminded me of Jared and our post-coital embrace. He’d spooned me all night, never loosening his grip on my waist and I’d felt completely safe, loved and cherished just lying in his arms.

  I glanced back at the shower and smiled mischievously. Picking up the nozzle I gave it a quick wipe over and placed it back in the holder, smiling to myself as I did so. It was certainly no Jared but as far as artificially intelligent boyfriends went, it definitely served its purpose. A wicked idea was beginning to form in my filthy mind and I hurriedly dried myself off and slipped into the sexy underwear he’d bought me that was sitting in a tempting Victoria secret bag in my closet. The delicate lace hugged my curves perfectly and was flattering against my skin. The shower had left my skin glowing and glistening with droplets of water sliding over every crease and curve. Grabbing my camera, I snapped a picture of myself in a provocative pose and uploaded it the laptop. This was going to blow his mind. I opened the email application and began frantically typing, feeling like an erotic fiction writer as I filled him in on my naughty escapades in the shower. Leaving no minor detail un-described, I painted a vivid picture for his enjoyment before attaching the photo. The opening line read, “Courtesy of your giving and generous nature I am sure to have a spectacular evening. It seems only right I send you a gift also. Thinking of you. Layla.” Hitting send I grinned to myself with satisfaction. Oh to be a fly on the wall when he gets that later.

  * * *

  Making my way to Dr. Harman’s office, I imagined I’d bump into Ollie but he was nowhere to be seen. Surely he couldn’t still be hauled up in his room brooding? I soon got my answer. Opening the door to his office Dr. Harman eyed me questionably. “Ah, Miss Jennings. Mr. Green here was just explaining the reason for your absence. You’ll be pleased to know he told me all about his feeling unwell and your care for him in his hour of need. Commendable as that is Miss Jennings, please remember to also be as attentive to your study. I will let this one slide but don’t let it happen again.” Ollie exited the room just as Dr. Harman was handing me the assignment I needed to complete to catch up. I gave Ollie a cautious smile still unsure of our current relationship footing. “Thanks Ollie. Really. I mean it. You really are a true friend.”

  He stood there staring at the ground and shrugged. “That’s what they tell me. Always a friend. Never a boyfriend.”

  He walked me back to the dorms and we made idle chit-chat but everything continued to feel so forced, so fake and unnatural. I longed for the closeness we had and felt genuinely bereft without the feel of his arm round my shoulders or his hand in mine as we walked. I missed him and I wondered if we would ever get back to the way things were.

  * * *

  Three on the dot, Rose was at my door as promised. She must have been in her early twenties and her long wavy auburn hair was flowing over her shoulders. She flushed when I shook her hand as I asked her in. Sweet and yet shy she got to work on my mass of unruly blonde locks. “So how do you know Jared?” I asked, watching her in the mirror as she teased a comb through my hair. A small smile grazed her lips. “We met at high school. I was a couple of years older than him and on the debate team. He joined when I was in my senior year and we became good friends. He’s a really sweet guy, when I had my son he helped me get one of his dad’s apartments for almost nothing. I was only nineteen and working part time as a hair dresser didn’t pay much. Now I’m a personal makeup artist and most of my clients are recommendations I got through him.” I pasted a smile across my face but her words stuck in my mind like thorns. I could only imagine the clients Jared was sending to her. Probably my fifty nine predecessors. The thought made me feel sick so I tried to push it away and focus on enjoying my evening.

  Two grueling hours later, Rose had completed what she was calling her greatest masterpiece. I stared at myself in the mirror. I hardly recognized my own face. My blonde hair was pulled back into an elegant and stunningly shiny beehive. My makeup was so well done that it looked completely natural even though she must have used an entire pot of cover up to hide my freckles and blemished skin. I raised my hand and gently ran my fingers over a spectacularly beautiful band that finished off the beehive perfectly. Bending down to my ear Rose smiled. “A gift from Jared. White gold and diamond. He said I had to put it on you whether you liked it or not and that I wasn’t to allow you to argue with me. But you do love it right? I’d hate to have to pluck out this hive.”

  Of course he’d provided something sparkly, it was his go to move these days. “It’s gorgeous. I look amazing, thank you so much I really don’t know what to say. I don’t think I have ever looked this good. You’re a real genius.”

  She gathered all her things and packed them into a large case she had lying on the bed before giving me a friendly hug. “Christophe should be here any minute so I better run, he hates having any distractions when he’s working. He’s a lot to handle, but he’s great at what he does. You’re in good hands.” Giving me a wink, she walked down the long hallway and out of sight. I glanced over at the clock on my wall. It was five in the evening and Amy still hadn’t come home. I began to worry that she was still mad at me after our fight but it was more likely that she was with Nick. I didn’t have much time to dwell on it as moments later, there was a frantic knocking at my door.

  I opened it to find a tall rail with several long black covers hanging from hooks. I assumed that they were dresses. A very flamboyant and vibrant young man was suddenly spinning the thing around and backing his way into my room. Leaving the free standing rail in the middle of the room he turned and scanned me from head to toe. His suit was striped pink, green and white and his hair was bright blonde, clearly out of a bottle. He wore sunglasses and a pink tie to match his suit. He was very thin and when he smiled at me his teeth were almost blinding, like looking directly into the sun. “Well now darling, you must be Jared’s little lady. He’s told me all about you. Now based on a photo he showed me of you and what he’s told me we have selected these eight dresses for you to try and pick from. They have all been pre-approved by the man himself and I’m sure we will have something you’ll love. So shall we get started? Come on sweetie, slip out of your clothes and let’s get you dressed to the nines.”

  I tried on each dress and performed like a cat walk model around my room for Christophe as he sat on my
bed and gave me endless direction and criticism on how I wore the dresses. As if there was some trick or knack to wearing a piece of fabric. The elegant evening gowns were truly gorgeous but the one that I loved the most was the final dress. A lovely floor length scarlet dress. The bodice was a sweetheart neckline with a band around the waist to separate it from the skirt. Tiny diamantés were lined around the bust and they sparkled and glistened in the light as I walked. The skirt was made up of several layers of ruffled fabric which felt as soft as silk. Twirling in front of Christophe, I bit my lip and grinned. “I take it darling that you like this one? I have to say it looks absolutely incredible on you. Here slip these on too.” Grabbing a pair of heels from the bottom of the rail he placed them in front of my feet and held out his hand for support as I climbed into them. They matched the dress perfectly. Deep crimson with diamanté detail on the heel, they were hardly visible beneath the dress but they made me feel like a Hollywood starlet.

  I showed him to the door and thanked him profusely for his help. “My absolute pleasure sweetie. Oh, before I forget, since you chose the red one I have to give you this.” He handed me a small gift bag and stopped me as I was just about to open it. “No no darling, open it when I’m gone and have a fabulous night honey. Ciao!”

  Closing the door I sat on my bed and opened the bag. Two velvet boxes sat at the bottom. Taking out the long one first I cautiously opened it, knowing exactly what it was before I had even laid eyes on it. Sure enough another astonishing piece of jewelry was sitting inside. Lines of glistening diamonds and rubies lined the shiny white gold bracelet inside. It was incredible. Placing it to one side I opened the smaller box which contained a pair of tear drop earrings that matched the bracelet perfectly. I shook my head and smiled to myself. He was clearly never going to learn, but I had to admit I felt like a princess that evening and the jewels were the icing on my glittering cake. Putting on the new frosting I had just been given, I told myself they were simply on loan for this evening and that I wouldn’t be keeping them. I hadn’t even felt comfortable wearing the ring he’d bought me yet or the bracelet from our date. I was going to have to give them all back…eventually.

  Chapter 27

  Love Online

  Stepping outside I was relieved to see a face I recognized waiting for me. Dressed impeccably in his uniform, stood Daniel. Tipping his hat, he opened the car door and offered me his hand. As I bent down to climb in I froze. Sitting opposite me was Amy. She looked stunning in a silver floor length gown and her hair in an impressive up do. She smiled nervously at me and murmured “Hi”. I smiled weakly and slid in next to her without replying. I was shocked to find her there and still unsure how our friendship stood after our fight.

  Setting off, Daniel pressed a button on his dash and a black screen glided up between us giving Amy and me some much needed privacy. Turning to each other simultaneously we both began apologizing. Giggling a little, we stopped and I sighed heavily. “I’m sorry Amy. I shouldn’t have gone off like that. You were right I was being totally ungrateful and over dramatic. I just can’t help it when it comes to Jared. He has the power to make me feel so furious and yet so wonderful at the same time.”

  “No Layla, it was none of my business and as your friend I should have supported you. Can we forget it and start over? I’ve been in hell all day worrying you might hate me.”

  Leaning in, I hugged her warmly. “I could never hate you.”

  Pulling away I grinned at her. “He told me that he loves me.”

  Her mouth opened wide and her eyes blinked rapidly. “Oh my god Layla! You are so lucky. He’s amazing. Just look around us, I told you that people don’t do this shit for someone they are only screwing with. Damn girl, he’s got it bad huh?”

  We chatted for what seemed liked forever and she explained what had happened with Nick after I left the night before. “He came begging at the door trying to tell me that those panties and their owner were both way before we even got together but I still don’t know if I believe him. Anyway, I let him in and he was so sweet and charming, one thing led to another and…”

  I cringed and let out a slight chuckle. “I don’t need details. I get it. But just please be careful Amy. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Now, can you tell me what the hell is going on?”

  “Sorry, I’m under instruction to reveal nothing. When I opened the box last night the top envelope was addressed to me. I’ve had a mani, pedi, make over, makeup and hair do. He also sent me to the mall with a personal shopper to get this dress. That guy is an angel. Hold on to that one.” I grinned at her as I took in how spectacular she looked. She looked like a model ready to step onto the catwalk.

  “I’m gonna try.”

  * * *

  Pulling up outside a beautiful glass building, I scanned the surroundings for a clue as to my location. Daniel opened my door and held my hand assisting me out of the car. Once outside I became aware of where I was. The enormous building was white with long glass windows around the front allowing the spectacular lighting and elegant dining facilities to be seen from the outside. Cars lined the entrance as the social elite of California climbed out for an evening at Segerstrom Hall. I turned around to face Amy with my mouth wide. “The opera? Is he serious? Look at this place. I can’t go in there, I’ll embarrass him. I don’t belong in a place like this, how could he think this was a good idea?”

  Fisting her hands on her hips, Amy arched an eyebrow at me. “He told me you’d do this in his letter and he also told me that when you did I was to tell you to shut the hell up and to get your ass in there and enjoy your night.” Letting out a heavy sigh I conceded. “Ok, ok, fine. Come on let’s go see an opera.”

  Informing me that he would be waiting for us after the performance, Daniel departed. Clanking our heels across the pavement we made our way to the hall. I gazed in amazement at the awesome structure I was currently standing in front of. The gigantic arch way was remarkable and was decorated with an interesting and awe inspiring sculpture. Amy stood alongside me admiring it. A young man with blonde hair, in a black tux joined us and leaned in to Amy’s ear. “It’s called the Fire Bird. It was created and designed by Richard Lippold. Do you like it?” Amy was blushing deep crimson as she turned and smiled at the handsome stranger to her right. “It’s very beautiful.”

  Holding out his hand, he smiled at her with a bright twinkle in his eyes. “James. James Felix. And you two lovely ladies are?” “Amy Brookes and this is Layla Jennings. Her boyfriend is the one who arranged for us to be here.” I noticed how quickly Amy ensured this little hottie was aware I was taken. I got the distinct feeling she was into him. “So you ladies are here alone? That seems an awful waste. You both look positively stunning and should not be left unattended on a night like this. These old men would give their right arm to have you hanging off of it. I’d be honored to be your escort this evening.”

  Her eyes lighting up, Amy nodded frantically. I stared at her in horror before turning my attention to her admirer. “Excuse us a moment won’t you James.” Grabbing her by the elbow, I yanked Amy aside. “Are you crazy!? Jared would never allow me to spend an evening with some strange guy. He’d be livid Amy. We cannot seriously stay with this man all evening.”

  Pulling her arm from my grasp she gave me a mischievous grin. “Well it’s a good thing he’s with me then and that Jared is in New York isn’t it? Don’t be such a spoil sport. You got your rich, handsome lover, now let me have mine!”

  “And what about Nick? Or have you forgotten about him since this morning?”

  Lowering her voice she snarled under her breath. “Screw him. He can fuck whoever he wants without feeling bad, well so can I.” Rolling my eyes I watched her as she sashayed back over to her new friend. Jared was not going to like this.

  With Amy on his arm, James led us through the elegant foyer to a private restaurant reserved for V.I.P’s. I sat uncomfortably at the table as Amy and James made goo-goo eyes at one each other. Oh for heaven’s sake. Clea
ring my throat, I leaned forward on my elbows and regarded him. “So James, what do you do?” Begrudgingly pulling his gaze from my friend, he smiled at me. “I own a large chain of restaurants and function venues. We entertain celebrities and high society members mostly. We also throw some wonderful parties. You ladies should join us sometime or come by one of our restaurants. I’m based mostly in Long Beach so if you’re in the area I can guarantee you the best table.” I eyed him warily. He had an air about him that reminded me of a refrigerator. All sleek and shiny on the outside but with a bitterly, cold interior. We enjoyed a luxurious meal and drank very expensive wine all courtesy of Amy’s escort. As we stood to leave a young woman approached us and nervously addressed James. “Um, sorry to bother you Mr. Felix but the photographers would like a picture before you leave.” Rolling his eyes he sighed.

  “Oh the things I do for my celebrity status. Shall we ladies?” I was about to protest when he grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him as Amy clutched his elbow like a true socialite.

  Standing in the foyer were at least a dozen journalists all aiming their expensive cameras at us and shouting over each other. “Who are your two lovely ladies sir?”

  Glancing at the two of us James slid his hands behind our backs. “Miss Layla Jennings and Miss Amy Brookes.” As his fingers brushed the base of my spine, I jumped at the unwanted contact. But there was no time to move away as lights began flashing left, right and center. This was not going well. My night of wonder and spectacular excitement given to me by the man I loved was turning into a hellish parade of poses and fake smiles. “Miss Jennings!” I stood on tiptoes and saw a familiar face across the room. Waving frantically at me was the delightful man I had conversed with at the dinner dance.