Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  My body weakened and I sat there limp as I tried to calm my ragged and uncontrollable breathing. Resting his forehead against mine, he panted and trailed soft kisses all over my face. “Good girl.”

  I smiled with satisfaction, closing my eyes and surrendering to the loving and sensual touch of his soft lips.

  “God, you’re beautiful. How did I ever get so lucky? I feel like my heart’s going to explode from pure happiness. I’ve never loved anyone so much in my entire life. I can never lose you Layla. I wouldn’t survive it, my heart would never recover.” Brushing his nose with mine I smiled. “You’ll never lose me Jared. I’m yours for as long as you want me. I love you too.” His mouth closed over mine, kissing me sweetly as though it were our last.

  An awful heaving sound diverted me from our post-coital cocoon and I realized Amy was vomiting. Cringing at the thought of cleaning it up, I looked regretfully at Jared. “I’d better go clean her up. Would you mind?” Unhooking my arms from his neck I held my leather bound wrists in front of him. Grinning he untied me and rubbed my red and sore wrists gently with his thumbs. He stared at the red marks on my pale wrists and frowned deeply. “Does it hurt?”

  Shaking my head I smiled. “No. But my ass is a little sore.”

  “Sorry. I got carried away.”

  Pressing my finger to his lip I silenced him. “Shhh. Don’t ever apologize for giving me what I asked for. I never asked you to stop Jared. I enjoyed it, in fact I freaking loved it. You can certainly do that to me again sometime.”

  Lifting me from the sink he wrapped his arms around me, holding me in a warm hug. Happiness radiated from my body as he kissed the top of my head and sighed. I heard Amy heave again and Jared immediately released me and began to gather up my clothes. Grabbing my robe from the closet, I pulled it on and left the bathroom for Amy’s bedside.

  Laying on her front, her head hanging over the side of the bed, Amy projectile vomited again, barely missing me. “Eeeew! Amy, you need to sit up honey.”

  Appearing at my side in just his jeans, Jared scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. Turning his head back at me he smiled. “It’s ok, I got this. You clean that up and I’ll make sure she gets it in the toilet next time.”

  Nodding, I began the disgusting task of cleaning up my roommate’s tequila scented puke. This wasn’t how I wanted my night to end but as I glanced at the clock I realized it was after midnight which meant it was my birthday. Scooping the vile pile into a bag with a pair of gloves I found in my first aid kit, I had to try as hard as I could not to be sick myself. I could hear Jared giving Amy words of comfort as she continued to empty her stomach into the toilet. Every now and then I would hear him groan and each time it made me giggle. It wasn’t how I had imagined my birthday starting but at least he was here with me. All night.

  Chapter 32

  Handcuffs And Heels

  The feel of a soft hand stroking up and down my spine woke me in the most wonderful way. Opening my eyes, I grinned as Jared’s warm, piercing pools of blue stared back at me. “Happy Birthday baby.” Enveloping me in his arms, he pulled me to him tightly. He’d stayed beside me all night, spooning and if he’d had his way, forking too. Amy groaned and I rolled over to see her bolt from her bed and dash for the bathroom. Laughing to myself, I turned my attention back to my lover. Sealing my lips over his I kissed him, noting how bitter his morning breath was after a night of drinking. I murmured into his mouth. “Mmmm, last night’s alcohol. Delicious. And morning stubble too, smooth.” Chuckling he rolled me onto my back and laid on top of me.

  Reaching up to the bedside table, he grabbed a small gift bag and dangled it over my face. “Open it.” Sitting up, he took my hand and pulled me to sit next to him. He’d slept in his shorts and after cleaning up after Amy, I’d finally slipped into some comfortable pajamas. Biting my bottom lip, I smiled as I inspected the vibrant red bag. “Don’t sit there staring at it. Open it.”

  Draping his arm around my waist, he leaned into me as I pulled the tab and opened the gift bag. Inside was a small box containing two black pendants. Rectangular and about an inch and a half in length, each had a slit at the edge where an engraved piece of white gold sat. Noticing the small diamond at the tip, I ran my finger over the engraving as Jared read it aloud. “Only Love.” Pulling one from the box, he placed it around my neck. “You are my only love Layla always and forever. And I will always be yours.” He took the other necklace and handed it to me to put around him. Hooking the clasp, I thumbed the pendant between my fingers as it sat against his caramel colored skin. The tiny diamond glistened in the early morning light and a warm glow filled my heart.

  “I love them. They’re perfect.”

  Cupping my face in his hands, he gave me a chaste kiss. “No, you’re perfect.” He kissed me again and sighed deeply. “I have to work today baby. But I have arranged a little birthday surprise for you and before you start protesting or asking questions, don’t. All will be revealed.”

  Rolling my eyes, I gave him a suspicious look.

  “Don’t give me that look Layla Jennings. It’s your birthday. You don’t want me to spoil you any other time but at least let me lavish you today. I’m going to, whether you like it or not anyway.”

  I smiled and shifted onto his lap. Straddling him, I slipped my hands around his neck and kissed him deeply, nibbling his bottom lip playfully. His palms moved down and around my behind and I jumped as he stroked the sore and tender area where he had unleashed his spanking upon me.

  “Oh baby, I’m so sorry. I don’t think I can do that again. I know you liked it but I can’t stand watching your face screw up like that when I touch you.”

  “It’s fine Jared, honestly. It was just surprising that’s all. Please stop worrying over this. I liked it. A lot. I don’t want you to stop. If I did I would say so. Ok?” Nodding weakly, he gave me a rueful smile. “To throw your own words back at you Mr. Garrett, don’t torture yourself. Just torture me the way you did last night.” I winked at him and the light in his eyes ignited as he lowered me back onto the bed. “Oh Layla you really are amazing and I would love to spend all day teasing that hot little body of yours, but like I told you, I have plans for you.” He gave me a quick kiss before getting out of bed and pulling on his clothes.

  I could hear Amy groaning and moaning in the bathroom and giggled to myself as I thought about the similar noises Jared and I had been making in there only a few hours before. Fastening the buckle on his belt, he grinned at me. I knew exactly what he was thinking because the same sexy replay was rolling through my mind too. A loud rattle on the door pulled me from my sinful reminiscing. “Open up birthday girl, I got breakfast and coffee.” Ollie’s voice boomed through the door and Jared’s expression automatically turned from happy excitement to furious irritation in seconds. He glanced at me before making a move for the door. Sprinting across the room and almost tripping on my bed covers I beat him to it and opened the door. Ollie looked as bright as a button and fresh as a daisy. You would never have imagined he’d been drinking all night. Pleased that I hadn’t drunk more than a glass of beer all night, I smiled at him cautiously as Jared stood directly behind me.

  Holding a tray containing two to go coffees from Lorraine’s and a brown paper bag from the deli two shops over, Ollie grinned at me and shot Jared a questioning look. I could feel Jared’s hands tighten into fists as he wrapped a possessive arm around my waist. “Oliver Green you’re a life saver. I’m starving.” Taking the bag from him, I moved aside to let him in as Jared shifted unwillingly beside me. Sitting cross legged on the floor Ollie began sorting our coffees, completely ignoring Jared’s icy glare. Turning his head towards me and away from Ollie I pressed my hand against his cheek.

  “Thank you for last night, all of it. The bar, Amy,” glancing at Ollie I lowered my voice, “the bathroom, but you need to go shower, shave and go to work and I have to prepare for this surprise you have planned. Thank you in advance for whatever it is.” Stand
ing on my tiptoes I kissed the tip of his nose before closing my mouth over his and kissed him passionately. I heard Ollie snort but decided to ignore him, giving my full attention to the man in my arms. Enveloping me in his embrace, Jared took the brown deli bag from me and tossed it in Ollie’s direction. His arms pulled me tightly to him and our chests compressed, making it hard to breathe. But I didn’t care. I was totally caught up in the romance of our morning together. Releasing me, he smiled down at me and chuckled. “I could get used to that kiss every morning. I’ll call you later, before the party.” He pecked my cheek and shot Ollie a warning look before heading out the door.

  Leaning my back against the hard wooden door I folded my arms and glared at Ollie.

  “What? I just thought you might want breakfast.”

  Joining him on the floor, I shook my head. “You knew he was here Ollie. You have to stop this. I love him and nothing is going to change that. Now stop being such a dick and hand me a bagel.” Chuckling to himself he passed me a delicious salmon and cream cheese whole-wheat bagel. It was lightly toasted, just how I liked it, with a scattering of poppy seeds on top. A loud groan echoed in the bathroom and Ollie almost spilled his coffee as he jumped. “What in god’s name was that!?”

  Pointing to the door I laughed. “That would be Amy. Too much Tequila and spicy burritos. She’s been in there for almost an hour.”

  Sputtering his coffee in a spray all over the floor, he laughed hysterically. Raising his voice, he yelled to her. “Ring of fire huh Amy?”

  “Fuck you emo dick!” Her reply made me almost choke on my breakfast as both Ollie and I fell into fits of laughter. “It’s not funny guys. I think I’m dying.” Fueling our laughter further she groaned in pain. Giving Ollie a shove I clambered to my feet and over to the door and talked through the wood to her. “There’s some Imodium in the bathroom cabinet. Try that.”

  “Thanks Layla. Uh hey Layla, why are your panties under the sink?”

  I blushed ferociously and my eyes darted to Ollie who was staring at the bathroom door.

  “Um, Jared, erm…”

  “Never mind. I think I get it. I’ll be out of here soon. I hope.” Flushed and embarrassed I went and sat back next to Ollie who was frowning as he stared blankly at his bagel.

  “Sorry.”

  Raising his hand he shook his head. “None of my business. Layla I wanted to talk to you about that photo.” Looking away I winced. Ah crap.

  “What about it?”

  “I took it that night at the bar because I knew you were going to be someone special in my life and I wanted a memento from your big night, your debut. That’s all it is. I swear. I just wanted a photo of my friend having a great time, but if it makes you uncomfortable I’ll tear it up.” Pressing my lips to his cheek I shook my head. “Nope, keep it. Nothing wrong with having pictures of your friend’s right?”

  Grabbing my cell, I switched it to camera and held it in front of us, leaning my head on his shoulder snapping our moment on the screen forever. He smiled at me sweetly and began devouring his bagel. I wasn’t sure I believed Ollie’s reasons for having my picture by his bed but with the way things had gone between us, I didn’t want to pursue it.

  * * *

  After an hour and a half in the bathroom, Amy was finally feeling better and was now dressed, groomed and insistent that we go out for the day. She still had no idea that I knew about the party and I didn’t want to spoil all her hard work so I decided to keep my mouth shut and go along with whatever she wanted to do. Dropping my cell in my purse, I followed her out of the door. Ollie had left after breakfast as Amy had put him in charge of the entertainment at the party, so he was meeting with Nick and Eric to practice. As we approached the exit to the building, Amy pressed her hands over my eyes. “Ok, no peaking. Put out your hands and push the door open. Watch the step.”

  Stumbling about in my sneakers a little, I pushed the glass doors open and stepped out into the cool air.

  “Ok, ready. Open.” Removing her hands I squealed as Mel came hurtling towards me. Jumping up and down with excitement, I ran over to meet her. Her arms wrapped tightly around me as we collided half way across the lawn. “Oh my god I can’t believe you’re here! How did you get her? When?”

  Holding me in a warm hug she grinned. “Jared. He got my number from your cell and called me from New York. I got here yesterday. Amy met me for lunch and we went over the plans for today. She’s a real firecracker huh? I can see why you like her. Anyway we’re under strict instructions to make you shop till you drop. He said anything your heart desires you must have it, no matter the cost. I think I love him.” I spoke into her ear. “Sorry he’s taken.” Giving me another quick squeeze she released me and waved her hand at Amy to join us. A horn beeped and as I looked into the parking lot I spotted Daniel and the Mercedes. Amy grinned.

  “Well, let’s go shopping!”

  The ride over to the mall had been full of girl talk and laughing. I had to feel sorry for Daniel as Mel bombarded him with questions. Asking everything from his age to his marital status, I got the feeling she was kind of into him and by the goofy grin on his face, he felt the same. Her smile almost touched her eyes when she found out he was only twenty-three and single. The golden arch of the entrance glistened in the sunlight and I remembered the first time I’d seen it. The night Jared and I first had sex he’d brought me there and given me a diamond bracelet. I smiled as I glanced at my empty wrist. I really should wear it more often but as the heavy pendant around my neck swished and bounced against my skin I smiled, knowing that the most important jewelry he’d ever given me was also looped around his own neck at that moment. The girls were grinning widely as we entered the mall. Amy’s eyes lit up like a child at Christmas as we wandered from store to store. We shopped for everything from shoes to makeup. Pulling me into the jewelry store Jared owned, Mel gave me a nervous smile. “Ok, so he told us to bring you here and he’s already picked something out for you. He said you’re not allowed to groan, bitch or moan and you’re also not allowed to ask the price.”

  An older woman stepped out from the behind the counter and smiled at me. “You must be Layla. I’m Carmel. If you’d just wait here, I’ll be right back with your item.” My eyes darted between Amy and Mel as I waited anxiously for her to return. They were both grinning like maniacs and as Carmel laid a tiny velvet box on the counter my heart skipped. Sliding her fingers over the clasp she opened the box to reveal a stunning white gold ring. Amy and Mel both gasped as I held my hand firmly over my mouth in shock. It was truly magnificent. The perfectly smooth band was topped with a sapphire surrounded by a cluster of diamonds. Inspecting it more closely, I saw the shimmer of light inside the sapphire and looked at the assistant confused.

  “It’s a black star sapphire. It’s very rare and very beautiful. You’re a very lucky lady. It’s also engraved.” Taking it from the box she showed me the message inside the rim and I smiled. “Forever and Always”. Taking my right hand, she slid the ring onto my finger. “A perfect fit.”

  Grabbing my palm, Amy held it to the light and sighed with satisfaction. “Oh he really does have the best taste in jewelry. I wish someone would spoil me like that.”

  Biting my bottom lip I smiled.

  “If he continues to buy me jewelry I’ll be able to open my own store soon.” Amy laughed.

  “Yes but they make the best gifts. After all, diamonds are forever.” The assistant grinned at me and politely tapped my shoulder.

  “There was also a note Miss Jennings.” Handing me a folded yellow paper she smiled and left us alone, returning to the back room. Moving to the side and away from prying eyes, I read his little message.

  This is a black star sapphire. Wear it always and remember that to me you are my world and with this ring you hold my universe in your hand. Happy Birthday my darling Layla.

  With all of my love from here to eternity.

  Jared xxxx

  A single tear slid down my face and catching my s
udden emotional state, Mel and Amy both wrapped me in a tight hug while oohing and aweing at the note in my hand. His sweet and sentimental generosity was overwhelming. I couldn’t believe how much he’d given me already and now that ring was just more than anything I could have ever expected. I wanted to do something for him; something special. A gift he could really enjoy. I gave the girls a mischievous grin. “I think I need some lingerie.”

  Hunting through the endless rows of shops I finally found what I was looking for. An elegant boutique called ‘Princess Alicia’s Lingerie’ was exactly what I needed. Stepping inside, I noticed the sweet smells of vanilla and strawberry in the air. The luxury décor was beautiful with perfectly white walls and a hot pink carpet. There were two vintage white chairs in the corner with velvet cushioning and rows and rows of the most gorgeous lingerie were hanging on rails on the walls. Approaching us with a wide and extremely white smile, was a young and strikingly attractive brunette. Her lips were cherry red and her eye shadow gave her a smoky effect, highlighting her green eyes and beautiful long lashes. “Hello ladies, welcome to Princess Alicia’s. I’m Alicia. What can I help you with today?”

  Her huge smile felt a little fake but humoring her, Mel stepped forward and answered. Pressing her hands on my shoulders she stood behind me and plastered on a grin. “This young lady needs something scorchingly sexy that will make her man’s blood simmer and sizzle in his veins by just looking at her.” Flashing me her pearly whites and fluttering her eyelashes, Alicia showed me over to a changing booth.

  Handing me several garments through the curtain she smiled as I eyed them curiously and handed several back out to her. There was no way I was wearing anything made of leather or PVC. The final item she had handed me was a silk corset. Putting it on, I gasped as I saw myself in the mirror. The pink silk accented my pale skin tone perfectly while the black lace trim made my breasts seem bigger and more voluptuous as the bones held me in and pushed everything up. Twirling around I yelled out to the girls,