Ignite Me: Shards of Glass, Part One

by Mills, L. C.

  “I will but purely because I would never have bought red! So where do you stand with thongs and such?!” I grinned, I would never have normally have cared less if a man liked my underwear or not, but he was different, I wanted him to like what I wore also I didn't want to waste my time.

  He grinned. “Thongs yes! Pretty much whatever you want to wear, I just like the feel of silk under my fingertips and I hate red!”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. Why did he hate red so much?! “Is that why you didn't want me to dye my whole hair?!” I twisted a lock of hair around my fingers, it was now more of a peach than a red.

  He nodded, his face gave nothing away. “Yes, darling it is! I like it now though! Peach is good!”

  I grinned. “So you’re not gonna tell me why are you?!” I knew he wouldn't.

  He grinned at me as he stalked me around the coach. “Maybe one day, just not now!” His arms locked around my middle. “I would never tell you not to wear red, I just don't like it! It brings up unsavoury memories.” He nuzzled my neck, kissing lightly.

  I arched my head to one side, giving him access. “So blanket ban on all red stuff?! I don't want to wear anything that triggers bad memories!” I didn't, and I also was pleased he'd said because I had been planning on shopping for new lipsticks and shoes.

  His lips curled into a smile against my neck. “I would appreciate it!”

  I stroked my hands down his back. “I really don't mind at all!”

  He sucked at the tender spot on my neck just above my clavicle, his teeth grazing my skin.

  I arched my head back and moaned, gripping his shoulders.

  “Fuck.” He used giving me love bites as both punishment and rewards, today's was a reward for ditching the red stuff.

  “Eww aren't you too old to be giving her a hickey?!”

  I jumped hearing Georgia's voice in the room. I hadn't heard them come back.

  Cameron kissed the spot he'd been working on softly as he moved away, unbothered by his sister's presence, his eyes soft as he brushed his lips against my cheek.

  “Thank you.” He whispered almost silently into my ear before standing back and looking at his sister. “When I want the opinion of a 14 year old girl I will be sure to ask you what yours is, however, in the meantime, I'd thank you to not pass comment or embarrass Miss Watson! Whom has something for you if you’re nice!” He raised a brow warning her.

  She fixed him with a dark look. “Love bites are tacky, it also makes her look cheap, and why are you calling her Miss Watson when you're sharing a bed?! Also, thanks for lumbering me with Jones, that's an hour of my life I will never get back!” She rolled her eyes.

  “Enough!” His voice rang out loudly, making me jump.

  I glanced sideways at him, his whole posture radiated anger. He seemed taller when he was angry. I knew why he was and if I was honest, she was actually starting to get on my nerves, what was with this kid?! There were just some things you didn't say out loud.

  “Your attitude this weekend has been appalling! How I refer to my girlfriend is my business! You have literally no right to pass comment and I would thank you to mind your manners!”

  She started tapping her foot on the hardwood block flooring. “Well, maybe that's because you stopped me meeting my favourite band like ever, but still let her go though! It's not fair!” She huffed dramatically.

  I'd had enough of her attitude. “Georgia I am right here! I can hear you! Cameron didn't let me meet them! I've known Jack and the guys since I was 18! We are friends! As it happens I had some stuff for you, but since I'm so cheap and tacky you won't be wanting it will you!” I raised a brow at her. I knew how to handle kids like her. I had been one after all.

  She looked up at me, her eyes wide, opening and closing her mouth a few times before mumbling something I didn't quite catch.

  I glanced sideways at Cameron wondering what he was thinking, he'd not said anything. I hoped he didn't mind me saying what I had.

  He caught me looking and grinned at me. “I think that mumble was a sorry wasn't it?!” He prompted her.

  She chewed her lip. “I'm sorry Evangeline, I wasn't saying you were cheap and tacky! I was just being stupid! I'm really sorry.” She cast her eyes down at her feet.

  “Apology accepted, I'll give you the shirts and stuff Jack gave me, but don't assume anything about me, you don't know me! You only think you do from what you've seen on the Internet that's not the real me, but I hope to get to know you better soon, and that you will like the real me because I intend to stick around for a good long time!” I turned around and picked up the stuff I had gotten out for her and held it out to her, I hoped in friendship.

  “That's a valid point to make Evan, and I'm sure over the next few months everyone will get to know each other better!” His hand found mind and linked his fingers through mine in support. “Because as much as our mother thinks I've lost the plot, I haven't! Evan and I are very much in love with each other!”

  Georgia looked up at us both and studied us. “I know, and Evan, I am really thankful for the T-shirts and stuff, I guess I just got carried away because I've been following you on social media for ages now and I guess I thought I knew you better than my brother did but I was wrong! You’re really cool and I made a royal twat of myself!” She grinned and unfolded the shirts. “Oh, these are so cool!”

  I tried to keep a straight face, but couldn't as I snorted with laughter. “I swear down I will never get used to some British sayings!” I shook my head.

  The room filled with laughter. “Oh trust me my sister has a language all of her own! That's what expensive boarding school does for you!” Cameron quipped.

  I grinned at Georgia. “I think it's a boarding school thing though, like each school has its own codes and stuff, well mine did!” I grinned fondly.

  “Well the time has come that we need to leave! I hate this, but it's gotta be set straight!” Cameron's voice turned serious.

  I sighed. “Well then we have to go! I'll text you and I'll turn on the iPad later and we can FaceTime this evening! It's one night!” I grinned at him. “We can do this!”

  I wasn't sure I could though, I knew I'd spend all weekend until he came back worrying about if Erin was lying in wait at his folks' place waiting to seduce him.

  “I'll go tell Jones you’re on your way down!” Georgia turned and walked away, leaving me and Cameron alone again.

  “I know and we will, I just hate that I'm not gonna be around and he is!” He pinched the bridge of his nose.

  I sighed. “Then that's both of us that will drive ourselves mad all weekend until we see each other again then! Because I worry that Miss A Line skirt will be waiting to seduce you!” I cringed.

  “Darling, I can assure you, even if she was there I would not be seduced by her! I have you and you are enough! I do concede that we will drive ourselves bloody mental though! Oh god Evan, I would never be able to go cold turkey from you!” His hands shook as he picked up a rich dark brown leather weekend bag.

  I chewed my lip. Was I like a drug to him?! I wasn't sure how I was meant to take that statement, but at least he was just as nervous as I was. “I hope one day I can meet your folks and they won't he jaded by what they see, read or get told by others! I am so much more than what anyone knows!” I picked up my bags and with a heavy heart walked away toward the lift. I knew deep down it was gonna be hard. I had spent so long alone that now I had got used to his company it would be hard to be alone again. I was glad I was going shopping at least that would take some time up.

  “One day, my darling one day everyone will know that! When I come back Sunday I promise we will have that talk! Also make sure you eat while I'm gone and let me know if you plan on going anywhere but to the shopping center and back! It's for your safety!” He caught up with me at the lift and called it up.

  I sighed, but knew he'd never go if I didn't agree. “Are you having me tailed?!” It wasn't that I minded per-say
it was more I didn't see the danger!

  “Not tailed as such, but I guess it is, I am a very wealthy businessman my darling, and you are very well known in the public eye, I just want to make sure you're safe! It's not the same here in the UK as it is in the States!” His left hand pressed into my lower back, urging me into the lift as it rolled open.

  I knew what he meant, but I had been fine so far, but I wasn't intending to go anywhere but the mall, then back home so I wouldn't push the subject with him.

  “I understand and I promise I won't go wandering around! The mall is quite sufficient for me!” I grinned at him. “Oh, and I meant to say you look very handsome today! I am digging the polo jumper!”

  He grinned down at me, his cheek bones doing the thing that made my knees go weak.

  “Thank you! You look lovely as always!”

  I grinned lopsidedly. “Thanks.”

  We stood in silence as the lift travelled down to the Underground car lot.

  “We will drop you off, but if I come in I won't be able to go, so please forgive me for not taking you all the way inside.” He spoke with a reserved tone as the lift doors rolled open.

  “Cameron its fine! I totally get it!” I let him lead me to the SUV.

  “Thank you my darling!” He pulled open the SUV door for me to get in.

  I smiled at him as I sat down and did up my seatbelt.

  He closed the door and reappeared on the other side as he climbed in. “Jones if we can drop Miss Watson off home before we leave!”

  “Of course Cameron.” He started the SUV up and reversed out of the space.

  “So am I allowed to see your apartment?!” Georgia sounded hopeful.

  I glanced sideways at Cameron, I knew he didn't want to stop. “Maybe next time as I know Cameron is keen to get going! Next time you come round for pizza or something, maybe!” I figured that would be a good trade.

  “Oh, okay cool, I love pizza! Cameron makes the tastiest homemade ones!” She sounded happy with the solution.

  “Yeah, I know we made pizza together the other night! The best pizza I've ever had!” I smiled, remembering.

  The journey back to mine went annoyingly fast.

  “I'll park up at the drop down point!”

  “Thank you.” Cameron's tones were clipped.

  My heart beat funny in my chest as I pushed open the door and climbed down.

  Cameron met me at the side of the SUV and pulled me to him.

  “Please take care of yourself and your personal safety while I'm gone.” He let me down from the hug, but didn't release my arms.

  I placed my hands on his forearms. “I promise you I will! Good luck with your Mom!” I chewed my lip. “I'll miss you.”

  He took in a breath. “I'll miss you too! I will see you soon my darling.” He leant into me and kissed me softly on the cheek. He was reserved.

  I wanted to pull him to me and give him a real kiss, but I knew he was stealing himself to walk away from me so I respected his distance.

  “Yeah soon.” I let go of his arms and stepped back. “You'd better go before I change my mind and kidnap you!” I smirked at him.

  His face split into a smile that melted my insides. “Yes, I had better, though you can kidnap me when I come back! Love you!” He climbed into the seat where I had sat.

  “I love you too.” I blew him a kiss from my hand as he closed the door.

  CHAPTER 24

  I watched until the SUV was out of sight. It was odd to see it drive off like that, I just felt weird. I turned around and headed for the main doors. My phone vibrated as I pushed open the door and headed for the front desk.

  “Hey John, do I have any mail?! I've been away for a few nights.” I smiled politely at him.

  He gave me a warm smile and got up and went to check. “Ah yes, Miss Watson, here you go, plenty to sort out.” He grinned as he walked back with a medium sized plastic box full of mail.

  “Oh wow! Three days’ worth of mail huh!” I took the box and adjusted it so I could still call the lift.

  “Indeed!” He sat back down and made himself busy.

  “Thanks.” I smiled as I turned away and walked over to the lift calling it down.

  I felt my phone vibrate again in my jeans pocket and sighed. It was a text, but I couldn't check it until I had put the box down.

  The lift doors pinged open and I walked out, placing the box down at my front door I rummaged for my key, I unlocked the door and kicked the box in ahead of me, it was easier than picking it back up.

  I glanced around, the heat was stifling. “Oh wow I need to open some windows!” I didn't have air conditioning so unless my windows where opened the heat of the summer would build making unbearably hot inside.

  I put my bag down on the counter and walked over to the French doors on my balcony and unlocked it throwing them both back letting the fresh air come in.

  Pulling my phone from my pocket I found two texts, both from Cameron.

  I wish I could have held you before I left, I will miss you! X CB

  Are you okay?! You've not replied and I am trying to not act like a crazy person because there are 100s of reasons why you might not reply right away, I'm sorry. Please let me know all is okay.

  I sighed and started typing.

  Baby, I am fine! I had to collect my mail from the front desk, so no free hands and my apt is like boiling so I then had to open windows etc! I wanted to hold you too, but we can do that sun eve! Love you!

  I hit send and hoped he was okay and not making poor Jones do a U-turn to come back to make sure I hadn't tripped over my own feet, I knew he was worrying. Seconds later my phone vibrated again.

  Ah yes, should they not bring your mail up to you?! Now on the train with Georgia I'll call you later! Have fun shopping! Jones said if you need him you can call him! He's running errands for me today. I took the liberty of programming his name into your phone this morning! Your pass code was disappointingly easy to crack! Love you to. CB

  I stared at my phone screen. The fucker, I was actually pleased he had guessed it because it was set to delete the contents if the code was put in wrong more than 10 times. I didn't envision needing Jones but I knew it would make him feel better if I had the number.

  Good job you didn't guess wrong more than 10 times cause it would have deleted the whole contents! Surprisingly I'm not angry I don't have anything to hide! I bet you’re in first class! No screaming kids today?! Have a good time! I'll look forward to chatting later! X

  I picked up the box of mail and my phone and sat down at my table. I was aiming on going out for midday, so I had a few hours before I wanted to venture out.

  I laughed as my phone vibrated again.

  It took me 3 guesses and I didn't look at anything other than to input some new contacts for you! I may have taken a few selfies for you! I was bored while you slept! Also I always travel first class! I don't do screaming children! Enjoy your mail! X CB

  I grinned. I knew he didn't do children, he had very little patience with adults so it went without saying he wouldn't want to be around crying babies. I frowned as I read down. Photos?! I'd not seen any. So I keyed back to my photos and bought up the albums.

  I grinned like a total fool seeing the photos he had taken on my phone.

  The first photo was me and him in bed, he must have been in bed guessing my pass code. I actually looked very peaceful next to him. His hand was stroking my hair from my face. I stared at the photo for ages, I hardly recognised myself, and I looked more grown up. The second photo was him alone, his shirt off smirking, he knew he was hot. He also knew I'd love it.

  I typed out a text.

  Mm like the photos! We look cute! And that hottie with his shirt off... Swoon! ;)

  I hit send then made the photo of him my phones wallpaper. Then started on my post. After half an hour I was left with one parcel, it was square and black wrapping paper with my name and apartment hand written i
n perfect scripted hand writing. I frowned, I knew that hand writing!

  “Why did he post me something when he could have given it to me in person?!” I said out-loud as if maybe one of my ornaments might come to life and offer some advice.

  Cameron had been with me all morning why would he have it hand delivered and by who?!

  I chewed my lip as I pulled the paper off. Under all the paper was a deep brown leather box, it was too big for a ring, thank god. I wasn't ready for that kinda commitment yet. I snapped open the lid and my eyes went wide. “Holly shit! That is stunning!” I was staring at the most beautiful watch I had ever seen. I carefully picked it out and examined it. The strap was a rich night sky blue silk, but what blew me away was the watch head, it looked like a star lit midnight sky, it had Roman numerals to the left hand side and Arabic numerals to the right encased in a crescent moon, with an blue off centre hour marking disc, whose arm was shaped like a tiny golden shorting star all enclosed in a full moon. The moon phase disc was beautiful with a little golden waxing gibbous at 78% showing the current phase set between the two moons. The case was set with what looked diamonds. I undid the clasp and something engraved on the back caught my eye. I choked up reading it.

  For my Queen for bathing me in the moons light! Yours always Cameron. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as tears pricked at my eyes.

  It was the most thoughtful gift I had ever received and I was in love with it all ready. I took my old beat up watch off and put my new one on, it fitted like a glove, I felt like I had been wearing it for year’s not just moments.

  Was that what he had been doing in the kitchen last night?! It made better sense than emailing his legal team. I didn't even dare try to guess how much it cost him. I knew he'd chosen a night theme for a reason and I loved him for it.

  I picked my phone up and was intending to ring him but he was on a train with his sister and I was getting emotional so I typed a quick text.