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Bound Together

Page 55

by Marie Coulson


  “Of course I will.”

  Releasing my hand, he walked over to Amy and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll catch up with you soon ok. And Aims, it will work out, I promise. You know where I am if you need to talk though alright?”

  Hugging him tightly she nodded. “I know. Thanks Ollie. I’ll miss you. Don’t stay away so long next time ok?”

  Leaning in, he spoke into her ear and I could just about make out what he said. “Take care of my girl for me. She’s gonna need you guys, she’s got a lot to think about.”

  Winking at her, he turned his attention back to me and held out his hand.

  Immediately taking it in my own, I followed him out and down to Mel’s room where he began knocking loudly. “Get out of bed lazy ass.”

  I heard a groan from inside the room.

  “Screw you punk dick.”

  Chuckling, he hammered on the door again and this time she answered. “Come to tell me you’re kidnapping my best friend? Because if you are, just remember to feed her three times a day and screw her at least once nightly.” I gawked at her, completely speechless. She always did know how to make a situation that little more difficult. Grinning, Ollie nudged me. “I’ll keep it in mind but no, I’m not stealing her away. I’m leaving. Heading home. Just wanted to say see ya.”

  Smiling ,she hugged him. “See ya soon rock star. Drive safe and try not to miss me too much.”

  Rolling his eyes, Ollie gave a salute. “Absolutely sergeant. Anything else?”

  Pulling away, she glanced at me. “Yeah just one more thing. Don’t be a stranger. It gets pretty depressing around here without you.” He nodded and looked at me as his lips curled ever so slightly upwards. “I know.”

  There was only one more goodbye left and I dreaded the moment as we approached his Ducati. My insides twisted and I felt my blood run cold. Facing me, he took my hands in his. “God this is hard. I wish I didn’t have to go.” Pressing my hands to his chest I gazed up at him. “Then stay.”

  “You know I can’t Layla and you know why. That ticket I gave you is yours whenever you need it and there is always a place for you in Utah. You just have to take the chance and make the choice. I’ll be right there waiting for you but it has to be what you really want.” Closing the gap between us he snaked his hands around my waist. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to you Ollie. I never thought I’d have to.”

  “Well, you could start by letting me kiss you.”

  Without hesitation I pulled him against my chest and sealed my mouth over his as his tongue darted inside, rolling and gently stroking mine. It was a deep, loving and sensual kiss. It was as though all our emotions, the hurt, pain, love and desire, were being expressed with just that one act of affection.

  Breathless, I gazed into his eyes. “I love you Ollie. No matter what happens, never forget that. I will always love you. You have a piece of my heart forever.”

  Beaming at me the tip of his nose touched mine as his forehead rested against my own. “I love you too Layla. You’ve had my heart since the moment you looked up at me from the hallway floor. You always will.”

  Placing a last chaste kiss on my lips, he released me and grabbed his jacket and helmet from his bike and slid it over his thick black hair. Standing in front of him, I stood on my tiptoes and placed a kiss on his visor. Mouthing the words I love you, I crossed my heart with my finger and I could see he was smiling as his eyes glistened and danced. Nodding, he pointed at himself and held up two fingers signaling he loved me too before mounting the bike. The roar of the engine made my heart leap. Taking my hand once more, he ran his gloved thumb over my knuckles before letting go and speeding out of the parking lot.

  I watched him go with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Appearing at my side, Amy and Mel draped a comforting arm around me and rested their heads on my shoulders either side.

  “It’ll be ok, right?”

  Neither answered, they simply hugged me and turned me around, walking me back to the dorm. Walking into my room my heart felt heavy as I looked at the empty coffee cups and discarded bagel wrappers. Seeing my line of sight, Mel dashed over and began clearing up.

  “Mel, its fine. I’m alright. Honest. Can we just veg out in here today? I could use a day with my girls eating junk food.” Grabbing her purse, Amy hugged me. “Of course we can. I’ll go to the store and pick up so much junk they’ll have to get us out of here with a crane.”

  Shaking my head, I watched as she breezed out of the room closing the door behind her. Pulling me to the bed, Mel pushed me down and sat next to me holding my hand. “How are you really?”

  I shrugged. “Sad that he’s gone, confused over how I feel about him and totally terrified of this decision I still have to make.” Shaking her head she stared at me. “Layla, Jared is with Alicia now, you said so yourself that he’s moved on. Ollie is your fresh start. Look, if you choose Utah, choose Ollie, I will back you a hundred percent. So will Amy. Your parents will have a hissy fit no doubt but they love you, they’ll understand. But no one can make this choice for you. I just don’t think Jared Garrett should be a factor in it anymore.”

  I knew she was right and hearing it out loud made it even more clear to me that we really were through. Why was I still pining for a man that had cast me aside so easily and ripped my heart to shreds leaving it scarred, tattered and torn? “You’re right. But I still need time to think about this. It’s not just what I’d be giving up Mel, its everything I’d be taking on too.” Nodding, she bit her bottom lip and I knew there was something she needed to say. “What is it Melanie?”

  Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small gift wrapped box. I stared at her blankly. Sighing deeply she winced. “I’ve been keeping this in my things for months and I think I should give it to you now. Remember how I took that gift from Jared at Christmas?” I gawked at her and then the tiny box in her hand. “Well I didn’t quite put it in the trash. I kept it. I was going to give it to you sometime but I thought you and Ollie were meant to be but now, I think you should have all the information, the facts, before you make a decision. So, here.” Handing it to me she got up and walked over to Amy’s bed where she sat with her head down. Carefully opening the paper I held the box in my palm, contemplating whether I should open it or not; but in the end my morbid curiosity got the better of me and I flipped open the lid. Inhaling sharply, I pressed my hand to my mouth. “Oh my god.” Sitting on a plush velvet cushion was my pendant. The single diamond and engraving was now accompanied by a new engraving into the black stone. “Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours.” The words were those that he had used in his letter borrowed from Ludwig Van Beethoven but from the heart of Jared Garrett.

  Raising my head, I held it in my palm and gaped at Mel. “He had it engraved Mel. He still loved me and he wanted me to have this on Christmas. And you shunned him, turned him away.”

  “I’m so sorry Layla. There’s more.” My heart raced as she walked over and handed me an envelope. His handwriting on the front brought back memories of his trip to New York and gingerly I opened it.

  Layla

  This gift comes with no agenda, no game or malice. Simply a hope that you will see it and remember everything we shared. Since the moment I met you I’ve been consumed with one thing and one thing only. Making you mine. I love you eternally and your love, protection and safety are my priority and I only wish I had done more to keep you. You were right; I didn’t trust you and I should have. I thought I was doing what was best for everyone by not telling you about Lucy. The less you knew, the less danger you were in and I had to keep you safe. I didn’t know what that man could be capable of. I feared he’d come after Lucy and that meant coming up against me. I couldn’t let you be a target too Layla. If I’d known then that it was Felix I still would have done the same because that man is a monster of the worst kind. I don’t ask for you to forgive me, god knows I don’t deserve it. I just need you to understand why.

  Merry Christmas My Lady

&
nbsp; Jared xxx

  I gazed at the piece of paper in my hand before turning my eyes to Mel. “I can’t believe this. All this time I had the explanation right there in black and white and I never even knew. He was scared I’d get hurt. Why couldn’t he tell me this?”

  Draping her arm over my shoulder, Mel sniffled and it was only then I noticed she was crying. “I’m so sorry Layla. I should have given it to you but I thought I was protecting you. I didn’t want you to get hurt again.”

  Wrapping my arms around her I gave her a hug. “It’s ok. I understand why you did it. I just wish I understood why he couldn’t tell me all of this.”

  “Maybe he thought it made him weak. You know, being afraid of something. He’s a big deal businessman and it’s not in their nature to be scared of anything. Everything is supposed to be a challenge rather than a threat to people like that.” Holding the paper in my hand I shook my head in bewilderment. “I don’t really know what to do with this information. It seems rather pointless now. He’s moved on and found someone else. This was written months ago. When he still had hope for reconciliation.”

  Crumpling it in my hand, I tossed it in the trash and placed the box on my bedside table. “I just had to give you all the facts before you make your decision. Now you know everything. It’s up to you to decide where you go from here.”

  There was nothing to decide where Jared was concerned. We were over and I was in love with Ollie. Granted I loved Jared too but Ollie was the one waiting for me in Utah and Jared was probably doing all kinds of deviant acts with Alicia. Taking her hands, I stared at Mel. “We don’t mention this again ok? Not to Amy or even talk about it to each other. Understood? It’s done. Over and finished.”

  Nodding she kissed my cheek. “Understood.”

  * * *

  Sitting amongst the pile of junk food wrappers, I grinned as the three of us swapped stories about our teenage years. Amy laughed hysterically when I told her how Mel got suspended for breaking a girls tooth in high school. Shrugging her shoulders, Mel gave me a satisfied grin, extremely proud of the time she had served for her assault on my tormentor. Looking at the clock, I thought about Ollie. He was sure to be back in Utah by then and I had a feeling the buzzing of my cell phone was a message telling me just that. Clambering to my feet I grabbed my phone and smiled as I read his text.

  Finally home. Missing you all but mostly you. Be in touch soon. I love you. Ollie. Xx

  Received: 19.27

  From: Ollie

  Dropping it back onto my bed, I rejoined the girls on the floor. “Ollie says hi.”

  Gathering up the trash pile, Mel glanced at Amy. “So what do say we get out of here and go hang out with the guys at Benny’s? Don’t want to stay here all night wallowing.”

  Amy beamed at me. “Definitely. You’re coming right Layla?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  They answered simultaneously, something they were getting very good at. “Not really.”

  I grinned at them and rolled my eyes. “Then I guess I’m coming.” Heading to my closet I grabbed a denim skirt and a simple white vest. I wasn’t dressing up just for a night with Nick and Eric at the bar. Amy and Mel of course donned their shortest dresses and piled on the make up as they always did when we went out.

  Calling a cab, I waited in the hallway for them, adjusting my boots as I did so. Nick emerged from his room and scanned me from head to toe. “You guys heading to Benny’s then?” I nodded.

  “Great, means I don’t have to listen to that asshole go on about Mel all night. She realizes Amy is into her right?” I gawked at him in horror.

  “She didn’t tell me, it’s freaking obvious. I’ve seen that look on a guy’s face loads of times. Hell Ollie used to stare at you that way whenever you were in the same room as him.”

  Pressing my finger to his lips I looked back at my door. “Shhh. Don’t say a word to anyone Nick. I mean it. If you even breathe a syllable, I will end you. Got it?”

  He nodded and his eyebrows pinched together. “Ok I got it. God, chill out will you. I’m going to catch a ride with Eric. See you there.”

  Letting out a long breath my head fell back as worry for Amy and her secret flooded me. Opening the door, she spotted me and gave me a puzzled look. “What’s up with you?” Shaking my head I smiled. “Nothing. Just tired. You look great. Ready to go?” I heard Mel shout over her shoulder that she was almost ready and once she was happily suited and dressed to the nines, we headed out.

  Pushing our way through the glass entrance doors I spotted a silver Mercedes parked outside the dorm building and groaned. Amy recognized it immediately and when Mel had also seen it, she practically foamed at the mouth. “What the fuck does he want!?” Amy grabbed her arm and shook her head at her in warning. I had no desire to see my ex or discuss his new lover anytime soon. Storming to the car I hammered on the back window. It rolled down slowly and I came face to face with someone I didn’t expect to see. “Hello Layla.” Sitting there looking pale, withdrawn end extremely self-conscious was Lucy. I fisted my hands on my hips and glared at her as she climbed out of the car.

  “You have some nerve coming here Lucy.” Resting her hand on her considerably sized bump she lowered her head. “I know, I’m so sorry for everything my stupid mess caused between you two and I know there is no way I should be asking you this but I don’t have anyone else. I don’t have any friends, Jared hardly speaks to me and my mother is smothering me so much I could suffocate. Please just hear me out. I really need your help.”

  She looked absolutely awful. Her hair was a mess, her eyes looked as though she hadn’t slept in a year and her frame was so slight, I was amazed she could still stand let alone support the weight of her growing child.

  I glanced at Amy and Mel who were watching me with avid curiosity. I told Lucy to give me a moment and made my way to them. “I’ll meet you at the bar. I need to hear what she has to say. I promise, I’ll be ok, he’s not with her. I don’t think he has any idea she’s even here.” Begrudgingly they agreed and walked away, leaving me and my new friend alone. Sliding in next to her, I caught Daniel’s eye in the rear view. “Not a word to him Daniel. I don’t want him interfering with this.” Lucy’s tone was serious and he immediately pressed the button for the screen to separate us.

  Turning to me, she sighed and I could see she was close to tears. “Layla, let me first just tell you how completely, totally and unbelievably sorry I am about everything I put you through. I made him keep me a secret. I knew if Felix found out I was Jared’s sister he’d leave me and this baby faster than a bullet from a gun. When Bastian found out I’d been unfaithful he left me totally alone and I didn’t have anyone to turn to. Sure Jared protects and takes care of me but I just wanted to feel loved and special. Felix made me feel like a princess. He has a way of making you think you’re the most exquisite creature on the planet and I honestly thought he loved me. Evidently he didn’t and you’d think after he put me in hospital I could stop loving the sick bastard.”

  I sat rigid and listened as she continued to tell her woeful yet completely self-inflicted story. “When he first hit me I told myself it was my fault. I’d made him angry. He got jealous that I was with Bastian and even though he didn’t want me, he didn’t want me to be with anyone else either. When I found out I was pregnant I thought maybe it would make us stronger and he’d calm down a little but he didn’t. He got so mad he beat me repeatedly for an hour straight. I got a fractured arm and a broken jaw just for carrying his child. He dumped me at the hospital and I knew Jared would be there, he always knew what was happening with me, he has spies everywhere I swear. So I ran, I couldn’t face him and tell him it was Felix. They hate each other. If Felix knew I was Jared’s sister it would make his year. He’d completely destroy everything that Jared has worked for and drag him down. There a lot of wealthy men out there just waiting for him to fail so they can scoop up the pieces of my father’s company.”

  “Lucy your brother was scr
ewing Felix’s wife. I’d say that might make someone a little unhinged for a while.” Scooting towards me she was wringing her hands and I could see she was nervous.

  “Layla, I need help. Felix has something of mine and I just want it back. It’s something very important and with it he could destroy Jared. That’s why I can’t tell him or ask for his help. Felix won’t be there, he’s in New York and I have the code for his apartment. Please, I can’t go alone. I just need a look out. Please, I’m begging you. I’m desperate.” I stared at her wide eyed. She was kidding right? After everything she actually expected me to help her. I shook my head in bewilderment, before finally focusing on her. Staring her down, I answered. “Fine, I’ll help. But I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it because as much as I hate him for what he’s put me through, I don’t want to see Jared torn to pieces by money hungry dogs. Understand?”

  Taking my hand, she thanked me profusely and instructed Daniel to head for Felix’s apartment. Taking out my cell, I sent Mel a message telling her I was going to be a little while and would call later before slipping it into my back pocket.

  Lucy was looking right at me as I stared blankly at the screen between us and Daniel. “He’s still in love with you, you know. He’s been like a shadow of himself these past months. He won’t talk or eat. He hardly sleeps. He works long hours and when he’s not working he’s just functioning; walking around like a zombie. I’ve never seen him so broken Layla. I know you love him too. It’s in your eyes when you say or hear his name. Isn’t there some way you can work it out?”

  Without turning to face her I snorted. “No Lucy, this is the real world. Jared lied to me over and over again and he never trusted me enough to tell me the truth. Trust that I am capable of taking care of myself. I would never have told anyone about your existence Lucy. I would have respected his need to keep you safe and guarded that knowledge with my life. But no matter how much he said he loved me, how much he wanted to be with me forever, he just couldn’t be honest with me. From day one he was lying. Did he tell you that I worked at the coffee shop? That he’d asked me out, wined and dined me and then I found out he was my boss. He wouldn’t know honesty if it came up and slapped him clean across the face. So no offense Lucy, but butt out. I’ll help you do this and then I want him and you out of my life for good. Besides he has Alicia now.” I gulped the lump in my throat as the words left my lips. They just weren’t true. The thought of him forever being out of my life was painful, necessary, but still oh, so painful. “He’s not with Alicia. I can’t explain it, only he can but you have to believe me. He’s not with her. She’s a psycho.”

 

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