Ignite Me: Shards of Glass, Part One

by Mills, L. C.

  “Darling, I don't want to rush you, but we really do need to get going! Sorry about this!” He smiled at me apologetically.

  I sighed. “Yeah, I know, I am literally now on my way.”

  “Is that him?! He sounds like a toff! I bet his parents live in a huge mansion out in the country and have dogs named Tarquin! I'm not putting you down honey, but you don't fit that kinda life! My family is working class! I was and am just an average Joe!”

  I suddenly felt really angry that he was just as bad as Cameron's parents, making assumptions. “Oh my god! Dad, you have like a 7 bedroom house in the Hollywood hills and a penthouse in New York! Who are you to judge?! Let me tell you right now Cameron has worked for every penny he has! I actually feel pretty shitty about myself right now, thanks so much for making me feel like I'm not good enough for him! Your family don't even like me, they judged me without even getting to know me so yeah your working class family are totally salt of the earth aren't they!” I took a shaky breath and rolled my eyes upwards, I was not going to cry.

  Cameron shook his head. “May I?!” He held his hand out for my phone, his face was impassive. I knew what he wanted to do, take the pressure off of me, but this wasn't Sean this was my Dad, I hesitated.

  He smiled at me, but still held his hand out for my phone. I sighed. “Be my guest!” I gave him the phone and walked over to lean against the wall.

  Cameron licked his lips. “Hello Mr. Watson, this is Cameron, I'm afraid that I did overhear part of the conversation with your daughter. She's rather upset that you seem to think she's not good enough for me. Pray do tell why that is?!”

  I covered my mouth with my hand, that wouldn't have gone down well. Unlike the last time he'd taken my phone he hadn't put it on speaker so I couldn't hear what was being said.

  “As Evan pointed out, your so called family made quite clear she wasn't wanted! I have made her part of my life and vice versa because we love each other! Your daughter is the most loving, funny, and sometimes downright infuriating women I have ever met but she has taught me things that maybe because of how I was brought up I didn't value until I met her! She's opened my world up in many ways! I wouldn't care if she had no money what so ever! She's a lion hearted girl!’’

  I knew my dad wasn’t good with men like Cameron, in part I was sure that was because of who my bitch of a mother had ran off with.

  “It's that spirit that leaves her eyes when she's upset! If anything, maybe I'm not good enough for her! Have you ever thought that?! Instead of telling her she's not from my world, maybe you should be thinking about if I'm good enough for her world!” He turned his back so I couldn't see his face, but as he'd turned I caught a glimpse, he looked kinda upset.

  I blinked tears away. He had spoken with such intensity, if I had ever doubted how he felt for me, then that had squashed any fears I may have had.

  “I am coming to New York on business in the next two weeks and Evan kindly said she'd accompany me, so you can see for yourself that my intentions are genuine! I adore her, sir, I don't think you understand just how much I would risk for her!”

  I walked around him, my heart was so full of love at hearing his admission that I couldn't not show him that I cared for him just as much, even if I was catching him up. I didn't want him to see I had been crying so ducked my head as I wrapped my arms around his middle and held him as tight as I could, my face pressed into his cool leather jacket. He let a breath go, as his left arm rubbed my back.

  “That isn't even ever going to happen! I know what that arse hole did to her and there will be a restraining order served before we leave the UK! We are learning as we go! I will look after her you can be assured of that! I'll be sure to pass that on, and thank you! I look forward to meeting you! Goodbye John!”

  He cut the call and sighed. “I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn at all! I just saw how crushed you looked! And just so you know! There is no such thing as not good enough for me! It's the other way around! I'm probably not good enough for you!” He rubbed my back with both hands.

  I pulled back a little and looked up at him. “Why do say that?! You look after me! Yeah, sometimes you drive me mental but we're still learning! And we should go! Your sister's gonna wonder where we are!” I smiled.

  He sighed happily. “You make me a better man Evan! I don't think your father meant to offend you! He's just worried! He said to say he loves you and that he looks forward to seeing you soon!”

  I smiled. I knew deep down my dad hadn't meant to offend me but he had. I was looking forward to seeing him though. “I am sure once he sees us, sees how happy I am, then he'll understand! Thanks for taking over again! I would have probably had a huge hissy fit at him and not spoken to him for ages if it hadn't of been for you, which would have been childish!”

  He grinned at me. “I know that's why I asked for the phone! I am glad you heard what I said though! I would risk it all for you!” He lowered his head and kissed my forehead, his eyes searching mine intensely.

  I bit my lip, I didn't doubt his word, it just scared me a little, if I was honest, but I loved him even if he did have these dark qualities that sometimes crossed boundaries, I'd teach him how to love properly.

  “Let's go pick up your sister! I've got a good impression to make!” I smirked at him.

  He laughed. “You’re giving her band merch, you'll be at the top of her cool list I'm sure!” He chuckled. “She could do with some female influence!”

  I pulled a face. “I'm not sure I'm a great role model, but I'll give it a shot!” I picked his hand up. “Come on, let's roll I'm actually hungry!”

  He smiled. “Indeed, I also apologize in advance if she asks anything inappropriate, she's 14 going on 30!”

  I grinned as we reached the door, to leave the bedroom. “I'll be filtering what I say I can assure you that! I mean she doesn't need to know what we do!”

  “Hmm indeed she does not!” He placed his hand on my lower back as we approached the lift room.

  His hand had a presence, how it sat on my lower back just made my knees go weak. He damn well knew it too.

  The lift doors rolled open and he led me in. I turned to face him as the doors rolled shut and his arms twisted around me pulling me towards him. “The first time I rode in a lift with you I wanted to kiss you so badly!” He moved his hand to wrap around my plait, and pulled lightly so my head moved backwards exposing my face to him.

  My heart rate shot up thinking about that day in the shards lift, I'd never forget it.

  I took a breath in. “Really?! Cause the first time I was ever in a lift with you, I wanted to punch you and I thought you hated me.” I grinned, oh how things had changed.

  He raised a brow. “Well, I am glad you decided not to punch me and oh my darling, I didn't hate you, that isn't possible! You made me nervous, and I was conflicted about my feelings!” He moved his left hand to stroke down my cheek. “I am sorry I spoke harshly to you that day!” He brushed his lips against mine, softly, and slowly. Showing me how he felt physically was something I had learnt very fast was his way of saying what he couldn’t out loud.

  I closed my eyes and kissed him back as the lift reached the lower ground floor I was breathless as he let me go. “You bought me lunch that day, so I forgive you! Food is always a winner with me!” I smirked. The man that day in those lifts wasn't this man, not the man I knew! I had found a side of him that was pretty much an exclusive club only known to a few. I walked out of the lift and let him lead me to the SUV in its bay.

  “I'll get your door!” He smiled as he stepped ahead of me and pulled it open. I liked that he did it, but I didn't expect it.

  “Thank you kind sir!” I smirked as I stepped in and sat my bag down between my feet. I awkwardly glanced at Jones and half smiled. He nodded at me with a smile.

  I watched as Cameron got in the back with me, and did up his seat belt, I followed suit. He smiled at me when he caught me looking at him.

 
“So where are we picking your sister up from?!” I chewed the inside of my mouth, I was a little nervous about meeting her, but mostly this was mine and Cameron's first real public outing as a couple! I knew the music press would pick up on the fact we were there as a couple, I just wasn't ready for the circus that came with them!

  “It’ll be all be okay Evan!” He placed his hand over mine on the cool leather seat and rubbed his thumb over my knuckles. “And in answer to your question we are picking her up from Paddington! She’s been on some trip with the school so is coming from there on the train, she'll be at the pickup area. In this traffic, it will take around 25 minutes!”

  I smiled. “Oh good I can tell you about the band! Jack, he's the lead singer, then you got Johnno on drums and Andy on Bass and Jack also heads up lead guitar!” I was excited about explaining about them, they deserved the opportunity that Cameron could give them.

  “Okay, so how long have been touring the small clubs?!” He glanced out of the window as if he wasn't all that interested, but I didn't let it put me off.

  “Well, they started out a few years back in Jack's basement in Cali, they used You Tube to start with, yanno covers to get some fans then they started in smaller venues and did a lot of self-released stuff via iTunes! They are super talented! They soon picked up genuine fans and got interest from small labels, but it wasn't till Chad from Rare Delights started to dig them that things kicked off! He's really helped them out! He's the one that pushed to take them on this European tour! They are signed to a really small record label which is getting some good gigs, but not like the kinda support a bigger label would bring...”

  I breathed through my nose as he continued to stare out of the window, he looked miles away. “So if I'm boring you, please tell me, but before you ignore them, I happen to really rate this band! They make all their merch and sell it themselves either out of a van at gigs or from their own houses online! How many bands would even give a fuck about the fans! They aren't in this for the money, they just want to be able to play and not have to run second jobs at home because they aren't getting enough attention because their labels are tiny! Also the van they tour in the States is literally a wreck, but they can't afford to get a new one so they just repair it! I hate that they have all this talent and it go's to waste because they don't fit a nice little category! Or don't win some second rate talent show!” I shook my head and sighed. Why was he so quiet all of a sudden?

  He didn't say a word he just tutted.

  “Did you just tut at me?!” I pulled my hand out from under his and placed them on my lap. What the fuck is your issue. I mentally flipped him the middle finger.

  “I didn't tut at you at all! I asked you how long they have been touring small clubs and you gave me a whole ledger on why I should sign them! Which wasn't the question!”

  I rolled my eyes. “No I didn't! Okay, so maybe my explanation was a little long winded, but yanno, I love music and I am passionate about others who also love it!” I turned my head to study him. It was odd that considering he was the owner of a major label that he didn't seem interested in a brilliant band that could potentially make him a lot of money, I narrowed my eyes at him trying to work him out. Was he jealous or was it something he was thinking about that was distracting him?! What had my dad said?! It was the most recent thing that could have affected him.

  “Are you okay?!” I didn't know what else to say.

  His hand found mine on my lap and picked it up. “I am! I wasn't bored of your explanation! You have a lot of passion for music and it shows, but I am a little preoccupied with something your Dad said! I just want, a few moments before my sister gets here to process it. I will explain later what he said.” He squeezed my hand.

  “Oh, okay. Sorry.” I bit my lip. What on earth had my dad said to make him like this?! He was super vague, but I knew I'd have to wait to find out. I could wait, I could do that. He pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped at it.

  I glanced away and smiled as the city went by a little more slowly than normal. It was peak traffic now. I loved how London looked at night, all the buildings with their lights on as the city turned dusk. My phone vibrated in my left pocket and I dug it out and checked it. I rolled my eyes when I saw a text from Cameron.

  Forgive me for being distant?! Also, please stop saying sorry! I will have to punish you if you say it again for no reason! X CB.

  I breathed heavily out of my nose as I laughed reading the text. He often used texts to communicate when we were right next to each other, but in the company of others. He was a very private man and I respected that so I started to type a reply.

  Yes, I forgive you! Whatever my Dad said, ignore it!! I choose who I love not him! And I totally hope you don't 'punish' everyone like you do me! Cause that's twice you've punished me and both times I quite enjoyed it! Not that I did anything wrong the second time! x

  I hit send and grinned from ear to ear. I watched him out of the corner of my eye as his phone lit up and he read the text.

  He snorted with laughter and started to type. My phone lit up a few seconds later.

  1: It was more something I need to do, not what he said, but don't worry I will tell you later! 2: Oh, darling, I can assure you it's a club of only two members! That's you and me! And 3: You're mine! X CB.

  I bit my lip as I read it. I didn't mind that he'd claimed me as his and his only! I would play him at his own game. I did wonder if this was something to do with Sean but I would wait to ask. I tapped a reply.

  Okay. Since we're numbering stuff now: 1 - I just bit my lip cause I keep seeing you between my legs from earlier.

  2 - you're also mine! That works both ways.

  3 - I don't care what anyone says double chocolate fudge cake is better than sex! Challenge me by all means, but I really love cake! 4: I am making this up as I go along. X

  I hit send and laughed. I had deliberately mentioned two things to remind him that it worked both ways, also I knew he'd watch me eat cake and think of ways to challenge what I'd said.

  His phone vibrated and he snorted as he read it. I watched as he typed before my phone lit up in my hand.

  I like lists! Lists are good! 1 and 2: Challenge accepted! 3: I literally will prove you wrong and give you many more things to submit to memory! Trust me, I got plenty of you! Like how your skin felt under my fingertips the first time we made love! Or how you arched your hips this morning! 4: I do believe I am yours! I have never been anybody's before! And 5: You are rather lovely when you grin at your phone like you are right now! X CB

  I closed my eyes and took a breath in. I hadn't expected him to actually agree with me that he was mine, he hadn't been anybody's before, and I was working out if I was pleased about that or not. I linked my fingers through his and turned my head and smiled at him.

  He smiled back and mouthed the words ‘I love you.’

  ‘And I you.’ I mouthed back. I had forgotten about Jones upfront.

  chapter 21

  I left him to his thoughts, I knew he'd tell me when he needed to, I got a sneaking suspicion he'd need to tell me at some point if it involved myself. The SUV turned into Paddington Tran Station and drove down a ramp, passing lines of parked up cars and ranks of taxies all picking up people with suitcases.

  “Almost there now, she's on time too! For once! I can see her at the bottom.” Jones chuckled as he drove down and around the corner and over took the various taxies. I suddenly felt nervous. Oh my god... Take a deep breath...

  “Thank you! Yes, it is rather a miracle, but I think the presence of Miss Watson is why she's on time!” He took my hand and lightly squeezed it.

  “You'll be fine darling! She already thinks your ace or whatever the kids say these days!” He smirked at me.

  The lights from the inside pickup area of the station reflected inside the SUV, so I could see his face properly. I couldn't really read him all that well when he was back to being cold, business Cameron but his hand neve
r let go of mine and it was his subtle way of saying, you will be fine, don't worry. I smiled as the SUV came to stand still once it was level with Georgia. She must have known the drill because she pulled open the passenger side door and got in slamming it shut.

  “I swear to god there was a child crying all the way from Bristol! Seriously, its first class! Can't they shut the little brat up?! Nightmare! So when are we picking Evangeline up! Omg I am so excited!”

  She was so busy shoving her bag in the foot well and complaining about her train ride that she'd not looked who was in the back with Cameron.

  The smile spread across Cameron's face. “She's already here! Perhaps if you hadn't started off by moaning you'd have noticed! But I am so glad you shared your woes about train travel!” He shook his head.

  She fell silent, and I felt sorry for her.

  “It's okay, screaming children for a long journey would drive me nuts too!” I peeped around the seat so she could see me and gave her a huge grin.

  Her whole face lit up. “Oh my god! Hi... I have been so excited about meeting you again! It's so amazing your dating Cam, we all thought he was like A sexual or gay or I dunno what but you make like a totally hot couple!” She clapped her hands together excitedly.

  I blinked, I was actually overwhelmed at how fast she talked. The news about Cameron was interesting too, she hadn't thought Erin was his girlfriend then...

  I was about to sit back when I heard Cameron clear his throat.

  “Enough Georgia! You are making a show of yourself! Put your seat belt on, we can all talk over tea!” I heard him sit back against the leather seat.

  Georgia didn't bat an eyelash at his tone, she just rolled her eyes at me and did what he said. I grinned as I sat back down, she knew him too well to take offense.