Burning Up

by Marie Coulson

  “Well, what do you think?”

  I smiled broadly. “Very dashing, Mr. Kent.”

  Grinning with pride, he held out his hand for mine and quickly pressed a kiss to my knuckles.

  “Garrett, you are a very lucky fellow. Now, would you be terribly jealous if I stole this young lady away for a dance?”

  Releasing my hand, Jared nodded. “Incredibly jealous, but I think if there were another man in this room I could trust to take care of my girl, it would be you Arthur.”

  Arthur lead me onto the dance floor.

  “I see he’s still as possessive as ever. The way he was clutching your hand, I thought he might shatter your fingers.”

  He pulled me into an embrace and began moving us around the floor. Arthur was a little clumsy on his feet compared to Jared, but I didn’t mind. I was glad of his company.

  “He’s going to see a shrink. Can you believe it? I actually got through to him.”

  Arthur sighed deeply. “I hope for your sake that things will improve. You’re a very sweet girl and the world that Jared and I live in, it can be very damaging. I would hate to see you hurt. Jared has many problems. And here’s one of them, now.”

  Nodding over my shoulder, Arthur stared across the ballroom at the bar.

  Wearing a little black dress, a pair of ridiculously high heels, and more make-up than a tribal warrior, stood Alicia Felix. She and Jared were clearly in the middle of a heated conversation, and as she placed her hand on his arm, I almost lost my cool. Letting go of Arthur, I turned to move toward them but he caught my elbow, halting me.

  “It’s best not to, my dear. He won’t thank you for it. He has a lot of business associates in this room, and a brawl between you and Mrs. Felix would not go down well. People are acutely aware of his history with her and her low life husband.”

  I glared at Alicia as she began stroking her hand up and down Jared’s arm. Pulling it from her grasp immediately, he looked in my direction and shook his head in warning. Really? I was meant to just let it go? Alicia caught his line of sight, and catching me staring, she moved closer to Jared and clasped his shirt in her hands, forcing him to press against her. This bitch was about to get a close-up view of the floor if she didn’t get her hands off of him!

  Pushing her away, Jared glared at her with rage. He was clearly infuriated by whatever it was she was saying. Grabbing her purse, she pulled out a Kleenex and began dabbing at her eyes. Rubbing his forehead with his finger and thumb, Jared looked frustrated. Shooting me another quick look, he turned his attention back to Alicia and pointed his finger in her face, clearly in some sort of warning. She didn’t take it kindly. Glaring at me from across the room, she stormed away and out of the main doors. My eyes remained fixated on Jared and his on me.

  Tugging on my arm, Arthur encouraged me to continue dancing. I returned to our previous stance, but I was so riled up that I was sure my blood was boiling in my veins.

  “I know that must have been very difficult for you, Layla. But you did the right thing. These personal matters should always be dealt with in private. I’m sure there’s a very valid reason for what we just witnessed.”

  I tried to control my harsh and rapid breathing. “There had better be a damn good explanation.”

  A hand on my shoulder pulled my attention away from Arthur.

  “May I cut in?”

  Jared stared at Arthur who leaned into my ear and whispered as he kissed me on the cheek.

  “Let him explain.”

  I nodded and watched as he left the dance floor to resume his place at the table.

  Taking my hand, Jared spun me around to face him and pulled me close.

  “I know what you must be feeling, and I’m sorry you had to see that. I swear I had no idea she would be here.”

  “Then what the hell was she doing here? Did she come here just to see you?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  I rolled my eyes. “What did she want?”

  Spinning me around, he shook his head before pulling me close again.

  “Nothing important. She’s clearly losing control of her life, and I guess I was her last hope at holding on to everything. Felix is broke and that leaves her equally as penniless. You can’t get blood from a stone, and his sorry ass can’t write alimony checks anymore.”

  I rested my head on his shoulder. “Why did she think you might help her?”

  He shrugged again. “I don’t know, and I don’t care. Alicia is not my responsibility.”

  The music stopped, and taking a deep breath, I raked my fingers through my hair.

  “I need a drink.”

  Jared raised an eyebrow at me. “Do you really think you should?”

  I gave him a disgruntled look. “I’m almost twenty-one.”

  “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re my boyfriend, not my father. It’s just like I told you that morning in Spain. You don’t have the right to tell me where to go, what to do, or what I put into my body. It’s my temple.”

  Letting go of my hand, he gave me a confused look. “What are you talking about?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I knew you weren’t listening. In the bathroom after breakfast when we had that fight you came in all ‘strong silent type’ waiting for an apology.”

  Staring at me, Jared shook his head slowly. “Layla, when you stormed into that bathroom, I left. I figured you needed some breathing space, so I went to work.”

  I stared back at him as a bolt of fear suddenly shot through me. “Well, if it wasn’t you standing there, who was it?”

  Jared’s eyes frantically scanned the room. Pulling his cell from his pants pocket with one hand and dragging me hurriedly through the crowd with the other, he dialed.

  “Daniel! We have a problem. Call Peter and then meet me at the house. I want every last movement that asshole made in detail!”

  Panting, I tried to keep up as we approached the exit. “What’s going on? Who’s Peter?”

  Halting, Jared embraced me tightly and protectively as he continued to scan every face that passed us.

  “Peter is a private detective.”

  I gave him a puzzled look.

  Running his fingers through his hair, Jared was visibly shaken and anxious.

  “He’s been tracking Felix.”

  I held my hand to my mouth and gasped. “You don’t think it was him? Do you?”

  Jared shook his head. “I don’t know. And until I do, you’re not safe. We’re going to London first thing tomorrow morning.”

  My body was shaking with adrenaline and fear. Would Felix really have followed us to Spain? I knew he and Jared were at each other’s throats, but surely he wouldn’t cross an ocean to find him. Besides, how would he have gotten in the room and why? It was Jared he wanted, not me. My head was spinning with unanswered questions. First Alicia and now her husband, was that damn family out to destroy my life or what? Either way, Layla Jennings wouldn’t be beaten so easily. If Felix wanted a fight, he’d get one.

  * * * *

  It’s strange the image and assumptions Americans make about England. London was nothing like I imagined. I guess I had a romanticized view of it after watching far too many British romantic comedies at the movies. Don’t get me wrong; it was amazing. The old and historical feel of the whole city was almost magical. There were long rows of buildings that were dated all the way back to the medieval days, and endless stories like Jack the Ripper, the great fire of London, and even the homes of the greatest novelists to have ever lived. William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle had all inhabited this magical city. Best of all, it was thousands of miles from Felix. Jared had instructed Peter to track his every move, credit card charge, passport entry … everything. Felix wouldn’t be able to breathe without Jared knowing it. We still had no idea if he had followed us to Spain, but with the security and privacy that Jared had paid handsomely for when we left for London, I was fairly
confident that he hadn’t followed us there.

  Jared had been so tightly wound that he’d hardly even noticed the charm and wonderful sights to be had around the city. It was clearly up to me to point them out to him and drag him by the hand to as many as possible. On his birthday, I had taken him on a tour of the city at night. It was amazing. We rode the London Eye, and reaching the top, I gasped at the breathtaking view of the city. We watched as the houses of Parliament, London Bridge, and the Thames River passed us by. I had never been to a place with so much culture, feeling, and a whole host of knowledge to be discovered. I wanted to see and do it all. Unfortunately, Jared’s work schedule increased every week, and by the time my own birthday rolled around, I was sure it would be yet another evening in a fancy restaurant followed by an early night. Waking up that morning, I reached across the bed for Jared, but my hand fell on an empty space. Sitting up, I winced as the sun hit my face. Climbing out of bed, I made my way to the shower and took my time to lazily get dressed and ready for the day.

  I was just applying my make-up when Jared’s voice echoed from the bedroom. “You don’t need all of that. You look beautiful already.”

  I smiled to myself and hurried into the room. Standing in his jeans and a shirt, Jared held an enormous bunch of white roses.

  “Happy birthday.”

  I grinned as I took them from his hands. “I thought you’d be at work by now.”

  He shook his head. “I took the day off. A girl only turns twenty-one once in her life. I wanted to make it special.”

  I eyed him curiously. “I’m intrigued.”

  Pulling me to him, he pressed his lips against mine and kissed me deeply.

  “You should be. I have a whole day planned.”

  * * * *

  Jared’s plans for my birthday were more than I could ever have imagined. First we enjoyed breakfast cooked by one of London’s top chefs in his very own restaurant that had been closed to the public just for me, followed by some shopping. We made stops at Harrods, Selfridges, and Oxford Street … need I say more? I was especially delighted when Jared located the most luxurious lingerie store in existence. I had never seen such decadence. Even the furnishings were stunning, and the lingerie? The lingerie was gorgeous and very expensive. Agent Provocateur was now my all-time favorite store! Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we ended it with a show in London’s west end and dinner with the cast. When we finally staggered sleepily back into the hotel, I was exhausted. Throwing myself onto the bed, I sighed with contentment. Jared dropped down beside me and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

  “So, I did well, I assume?”

  I smiled and turned my head to face him. “Today was amazing. I’m totally breathless.”

  He grinned wickedly and a distinct look of mischief spread across his handsome face. Sliding his hand gently up and down my thigh, he raised an eyebrow at me.

  “It’s not over yet.”

  A goofy smile played across my own lips. Leaping off the bed, he waltzed over to the closet and pulled out a velvet bag. Smiling, he held it out for me to take as he approached the bed. I gave him a confused look.

  “Tonight, you’re the boss. I will obey, perform, and do anything your heart desires.”

  I stared at him wide-eyed. Was he serious? Jared Garrett would be my play-thing for the night? It was too good to be true, surely.

  “What’s the catch?” I asked with suspicion.

  He shook his head. “No catch. It’s your birthday, and on your birthday, you should get everything you want.”

  I bounced up and down on the bed gleefully before pulling open the bag and rummaging through the contents. Sitting down beside me, Jared nibbled teasingly on my earlobe.

  “So, Mistress, what’s the first instrument of choice?”

  Pulling out a pair of handcuffs, I bit my lip, but this time, it was with excitement, not anxiety.

  “I was thinking you need to keep your roaming hands to yourself for a while.”

  Holding out his wrists, he chuckled. “I’m always happy to be your prisoner.”

  Glancing at the chair across the room, I hatched a wonderful idea. Taking him by the hand, I led him over and began slowly undressing him. His eyes followed me as I moved, stripping off each of his garments. When he was wearing nothing but his shorts, I pressed my hands firmly against his chest and shoved him forcefully into the chair. He landed with a thud and stared up at me. Taking his hands in mine, I pulled them behind his back and quickly secured them with the cuffs.

  “There. Much better.”

  He eyed me curiously with a delighted smile on his face. He was enjoying this, I could tell.

  “I really enjoyed the show tonight. So I was thinking, you should get a little show of your very own.”

  I shot him a playful wink and disappeared into the walk-in closet. I immediately began to undress and slip into some of my new lingerie. Deciding on a black lace corset with matching panties, suspender belt, and stockings, I slipped on some heels and slowly walked out into the bedroom. Jared’s eyes darted to me, and his mouth fell open. I looked hot.

  “Oh, my God. Are you trying to kill me?” he said, dragging his eyes up and down my body.

  Walking over, I picked up a red satin tie from the velvet bag and played it gently between my fingers. His sky blue eyes began turning a deep shade of cobalt. It was Jared’s sure-fire sign that he was aroused. Bending down a little, I flicked my tongue teasingly over his lips.

  “I love your mouth, but right now, I don’t want to hear it.”

  Holding up the red restraint, I waited as he begrudgingly opened his mouth. I tied it gently around his head and stood back to admire the sight in front of me. Bound, gagged, and horny. He was the perfect man.

  Grabbing the remote to the iPod dock, I hit play, and the sounds of Aerosmith filled the room. I watched as Jared’s eyes lit up at hearing the song. He remembered that evening at the coffee house just as well as I did.

  Slowly, I began to sway, move, and glide my hands over my body. His eyes were burning into me. I sauntered over to him, turned my back and gently, placed myself in his lap. Leaning my head back against his shoulder, I gyrated, rocked, and gave Jared his very own private lap dance. Gliding my hands down his arms, I smiled as he twitched, tensed, and struggled to maintain his composure. His gentle moans and grunts were muffled by the red satin.

  “Oh, baby. Do you wanna touch me?”

  He nodded slowly with a serious look on his face. Standing up, I turned to face him and dropped to my knees. I pulled off his shorts in a hurry and licked my lips as his erection sprung free. Rolling my tongue over the tip, I looked up at him. His head fell back and he let out a long and stifled moan. Getting to my feet, I positioned myself over him, pulled my panties aside and hovered just close enough for the tip of his cock to feel the entrance of my sex. He thrust upward, but I foresaw his move and stood a little higher, forcing him to be left wanting.

  “Tut tut, Mr. Garrett. My rules, remember.”

  Rolling his eyes, he growled in frustration.

  “I asked if you wanted to touch me, well, you will.”

  Lowering myself onto him slowly, I gasped as he filled me, deeply. His head dropped back, and as I began to move, up and down, rocking back and forth, his eyes closed. My lips trailed kisses across his jawline and all the way down his throat. He continued to groan, moan and speak incoherently into the red satin. I could feel my orgasm growing closer with every rock and grind of my hips. Hitting my sweet spot, Jared shifted in his seat slightly, angling the tip of his cock so that it brushed against my g-spot. I took in a sharp breath and gazed down at him. His eyes softened and he gave me an intense look. I knew it well. He was close. Gripping my hands on his shoulders, I quickened my pace. Biting the satin, Jared breathed heavily.

  “Oh, God. Oh, Jared. I’m so close.”

  He yanked hard on the handcuffs and struggled in his seat. It fueled my arousal, and as I watched him completely lose control, I had n
ever been so incredibly turned on. He was mine. For the first time in our relationship, Jared wasn’t in control. I felt him throb and pulse inside me. He was close, too.

  My nails dragged across his back, and I held my arms around him tightly. Sinking my teeth into his shoulder, I came, hard and noisily.

  “Ah, fuck! Jared!”

  His face contorted, his eyes closed and his eyebrows pinched as he emptied himself inside me. I could feel the staggered breathing as his chest rose and fell against mine. He panted through the satin, and sitting back, I removed the red restraint. Opening his eyes, he gazed up at me with a look of wonder.

  “What? Did I do something wrong?” Please say I didn’t. It was so … perfect.

  Shaking his head, he smiled. “No. It was … incredible. You are incredible.”

  I dropped my forehead against his. Brushing my nose with the tip of his, he laughed, breathlessly. “You are quite the tease, and that was, by far, the sexiest lap dance I have ever witnessed.”

  Sliding off of him, I bowed mockingly before skirting around him to release his wrists.

  “I’d ask how many you’ve witnessed, but I don’t think I want to know.”

  Rubbing his red and sore wrists, he shook his head. “Just you. Well, I mean, yours was the only one I have ever actually taken much notice of. I have a vested interest in you, your sexy ass, and the way you shake it.”

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, I smiled at him and began to slip off my heels. Standing, Jared shook his head.

  “Leave them on. You’ve had your fun. Now I’m going to have mine.”

  I squealed and giggled as he lunged at me. Pressing me down onto the bed, he bit his bottom lip.

  “Mmm … hmm. This lingerie is spectacular. I’m going to enjoy every second of removing it from your body.”

  I grinned and closed my eyes as he trailed kisses from my cleavage, over my corset, and down to my sex.

  “With my teeth.”

  Sitting up, I stared down at him. Raising an eyebrow, he smirked. “I’m glad you approve. Now, lie down before I pull out the rest of those satin restraints. I’m going to give you the most incredible, knee buckling, Earth shaking, and intense orgasm you have ever had.”