Ignite Me: Shards of Glass, Part One

by Mills, L. C.

  Cameron, thank you from the bottom of my little emo heart for my gift! I have never seen anything quite as beautiful as that! I'm wearing it right now! You made me cry! I love you and I am never, ever taking it off! XxxxxxxxX. EB

  I never normally signed my initials in a text but I figure it would be appropriate this time but I had been so busy texting I hadn’t noticed the mistake. I looked at the little booklet that came with the watch. I speed read most of it. “Oh perfect its water proof up to 20 meters!” I bulked reading the information. I had assumed it was something like sterling silver but it was actually 18 caret white gold, set with a blue Sapphire and diamonds. “Oh wow, now I'm terrified of breaking it!” I looked at it sat nearly on my wrist.

  My phone vibrated as a call came in. I picked up it was Cameron.

  “Darling, you have made my day you signed that last text EB! Evangeline Ballard has a ring to it don't you think!” He chuckled softly down the phone.

  I blushed realising my mistake. “Did I?! I must have been thinking about you at the time!”

  “I prayed you liked it! Send me a photo later, I want to see what it looks like on your wrist!”

  I took a shaky breath glad he'd not pushed the subject further. I wasn't ready for any kinda commitment like that even if I knew he might be. “Like it?! Baby, I love it! I've never even owned a watch that cost more than $50 so this is insane! I'm kinda scared of breaking it though!” I chewed my lip.

  He chucked softly. “You won't break it! It's also pretty sturdy, has a very good warranty also it’s self-winding too which means natural movement from your arm winds it so you wearing it all the time is actually good for it! Did you see the inscription?! I've not seen it myself yet.” He sounded in his element.

  I could imagine him sitting on the train in first class, his head back against the head rest, drinking in whatever I said. His eyes would be ablaze.

  I had wondered why there was no battery case. “Yes I did and that was what made me cry! No one has ever given me anything as nice as that, it must have cost you a small fortune! I love it but you didn't need to buy me anything!” I was keen to express that I didn't expect to be showered with gifts, being with him was quite enough.

  “I know I don't, and I also know you didn't expect it but I wanted to give you something that you could wear all the time! I bet it suits you! I wish I was there! I have had a slight change of heart about this weekend, I'll be back very late Saturday evening! Jones will pick me up and then drop me at yours! It will be after 10pm is that okay?!”

  I smiled, I knew he would never spend a night away given how he had acted earlier. “I don't mind, I will wait up for you, if I can! Just wake me up if I fall asleep! I'm actually still tired from the gig! Getting old! Urgh!” I laughed as I glanced at my watch to check the time.

  He breathed out heavily. “No Georgia you can't come back with me tonight! Maybe at the weekend again!”

  I laughed. “So can I get you something in return?! It would make my little emo heart feel better about the fact you spent money on me!” I hoped I'd find an equally nice watch for him, I had an idea for an engraving on the back.

  He paused for a few seconds. “I don't suppose I can say no, so okay but and I do mean this, don't look up how much yours cost! Price is irrelevant here! Don't spend too much on me, I'd much rather have your company! That said, I'll look forward to seeing you later on! I had better leave you to your shopping! Love you darling!”

  I sighed happily. “I love you too! See you soon!” I grinned lopsided at myself.

  “Yes soon my darling, soon!” He sighed happily and cut the call.

  I put my phone down and hugged myself. I had already decided not to look it up, the name alone sounded exclusive and very expensive, Audemars Piguet! I'd let Jess do the digging! She was always well versed on what things cost.

  I grabbed the handful of junk mail and got up taking it to the bin.

  I didn't see the point in changing to go shopping, so I just grabbed my bag off the counter threw it over my head and adjusted it so it would sit over my body. It was really warm today so I didn't bother putting my coat on. I pulled my phone out and brought up Damon's number and dialled as I walked to the lift.

  “Hey what's up?” He sounded sleepy. I hoped I hadn't woken him up.

  I smiled. “Not much, you still meeting for pizza later?! I'm hitting the shops first!” The lift doors rolled open and I walked in and waited for them to close.

  “Well if you can fit it into your busy schedule then sure! Where's Mr. Moneybags today?!”

  I sighed. “Damon don't be like that! Cameron is away seeing his family for the day so yes I am free so you meeting me or what?!”

  The lift doors rolled shut and started to travel down.

  “Yeah I'll meet you! What time and where!”

  I grinned. “Like 3pm and the food hall at Stratford city!”

  “The Olympic park one?!”

  I laughed. “Yeah that's the one! I'm getting my hair done before I go there so I'm gonna look a little different!” I bit my lip. I hadn't told Cameron I was getting my hair cut, it had been a last minute thing, but I knew they'd fit me in.

  “Trust me I'll know who you are! How could I not!”

  I rolled my eyes. “Right anyways, so 3pm! See you then!” I cut the call as the lift doors rolled open and I headed for the exit.

  An hour later I was sat in the alternative hair salon, the girls that worked there all had a cool vibe, I actually felt at home here.

  “So what I would recommend is cutting it to sit just below your shoulders that actually gets rid of the expanse of bleached out ends and leaves you with a good length for you to work with!” She smiled.

  I nodded. “Yeah okay, that's still nice and long, I just need to be able to brush it! I also wanna get rid of the red bits!” I grinned.

  She nodded and got to work. “So how are you finding the UK?!”

  This was the normal chit chat for salons but I didn't mind, I quite liked talking.

  “Cold but aside from that I really like it!” I grinned thinking of Cameron.

  She grinned as she wielded her scissors lopping off the damaged hair.

  “Yeah our summer isn't really all that warm, but it's better than nothing!”

  “True! Having said that I love the shops! Though choosing sizes here is so hard!” I sighed.

  “Oh yeah, I much prefer the American sizes! It's like voodoo over here! You off shopping today?!” She smiled.

  “Yeah! I'm on a mission to get my boyfriend a watch, not that he doesn't have like a dozen already but this one is gonna be perfect!”

  She smiled as she finished blunting the ends off. “Ah I see! You’re dating the dude from that band right?!”

  My face fell as I looked at myself in the giant mirror. “Uh no, I'm dating Cameron Ballard actually.”

  She stopped mid cut, her mouth wide open. “Cameron Ballard... Oh wow! I know who you mean! He owns like half of London! Sorry if I spoke out of turn before.”

  I grinned. “Yeah it's fine! It's all recent so!” I liked what she had done with my hair. It didn't look bleached anymore, but a honey blonde and I adored it. I prayed Cameron liked it.

  “Well you’re all done! That shade we picked for your hair looks perfect! It really brings out your eyes!” She smiled and brushed me down as she removed the cape.

  “Well you’re free to go out into the big bad world in the knowledge your hair is on point!” She winked.

  I laughed. “It sure is! I left your tip when I paid before! Thanks for fitting me in! I love what you've done!” I got up and put my bag back over my shoulder.

  “Thanks and you’re very welcome!”

  I made my exit and checked the time on my watch. It was now midday, I would eat pizza later so I pulled a cereal bar from the bag and paused as I went to open it.

  He'd go mad if he knew... I mused. I was hungry though so I ripped it open and bit off a
huge chunk I'd risk it. As I stuffed the cereal bar into my mouth I headed for the tube station.

  I liked getting the tube, no one gave a shit who you were or where you were going, you didn't make eye contact, you just stood or sat in silence. It was as close to me being a nobody as I would ever come.

  Half an hour later and I stepped into the fresh air of Stratford city. The shopping centre was spread over three levels. I walked over to the information board and found what level Agent Provocateur was on and made my way to the escalator stepping on. Mid-afternoon was obviously a busy shopping time but I oddly didn't mind it, I loved seeing the different people, a diverse array of fashions and accents all just going about their business.

  I stood for a few seconds looking at the shop frontage, I had never been the type of girl that bought underwear to impress men but Cameron wasn't just any man he was mine and I was keen to keep it that way. I sucked it up, I was a twenty year old woman that knew what she was doing so I pulled myself to my full height, pulling my shoulders back, my chin tipped up I walked into the shop like I owned it. It was actually really nice inside, the racks of various underwear stood in sections and had a warm vibe.

  “Hi, do you need a basket?!” The sales girl smiled kindly at me as I turned around to face her.

  “Oh yes please! Oh hey, I ordered something to be delivered to store, I was gonna ask at the counter when I had chosen the other bits.”

  She smiled again. “I can go get it, and leave it at the till for you, what was the name under?!”

  “Miss Evangeline Watson!” I was distracted looking at the row of bondage style underwear sets.

  “I'll go get it for you! If you need any help just give me a shout!”

  A while later she walked back over with a basket and handed it to me. “Your order is at the counter, you just gotta sign it for it, and I’ll leave you to browse.” She smiled politely and wandered off.

  I held the basket in my left and added some purple silk panties, they had little frilly bits of lace on them much like French knickers, I liked them and I bet myself Cameron would too. I walked around the store adding various bits of my basket before going over to the cash desk.

  “Did you find all that you needed?!” The same girl from before smiled at me as she stated to scan the items.

  “I did, thanks.” I waited for her to ring them all up.

  “That's £50 please, also I'll need you to sign for your parcel! I'll add it to your bag.” She slipped a pen and recite towards me.

  I smiled and pushed my card into the card machine. “Sure thing.” I picked up the pen and signed the paper to say I had collected it then typed my pin into the card machine and hit enter.

  She made herself busy adding the items into the bag and added the printed recite.

  “All done, thanks for shopping with us.”

  “Thanks.” I smiled as I picked up the bag and walked out of the shop. It was actually nice not to have been recognised for once.

  I paused a while as I worked out what I wanted. I didn't need clothes Cameron had fixed that issue but I did want a watch for him so wandered around the centre until I found the kinda shop I wanted. I walked straight in and was greeted by a smartly dressed guy in his 20s. “Good afternoon miss how can I help?” He looked me up at down as if he was thinking 'as if you can afford anything we sell.' So I smiled sweetly at him. “Yes you can actually I'm looking for a nice watch for my boyfriend he's just got me this!” I held my right hand out and deliberately flashed my watch in his face.

  His eyes went wide. “Oh okay, so what type of man are we buying for today?!” He indicated for me to follow him over to a cabinet full of very nice watches.

  I was almost temped to say 'as control freak that likes to fuck me into submission quite often' but instead I simply said his name. “Cameron Ballard!”

  He turned around and looked confused, as he studied me again. “A man like him probably already has everything he needs!” He hadn't understood what I had said that much was clear.

  I laughed. “No you’re not quite getting me, my boyfriend is him! Is Cameron and I am aware he has a watch for all occasions but this one will be from me so it will be different!”

  His mouth fell open. “Oh my god I am so sorry! I've just realised who you are! Miss Watson right?!” He held his hand out for mine.

  I nodded at him and took hold of his hand and shook it. “Sure is! I might get him a tie clip also!”

  “We have some very bespoke watches and accessories so feel free to browse, I'm here to help! I'll be over here if you need me.” He smiled and moved back towards the cash register area leaving me free to browse.

  After half an hour of being undecided I couldn't choose a watch I liked enough, the trouble was he had several watches all very nice ones too so I decided against a watch and had just gone for a very nice tie clip. I figured that was more practical and I hadn't seen him use one so I hedged my bets.

  I was now sat with a complimentary cup of coffee and a selection of chocolate biscuits while I waited for the clip to be engraved. I was ignoring the lusty stares the biscuits where giving me, I would not succumb to their chocolaty goodness, so I pulled my phone from my pocket and turned the camera on intending to send Cameron a picture of me wearing my watch.

  I made sure he could see the coffee cup a little on the photo and uploaded it to the text message.

  Free coffee always a winner! Also still totally love my watch! I hope all is going okay for you! Miss you! X

  I hit send and shoved the phone back in my pocket as Jason walked over. “If you want to check the engraving is as you wanted it, I will box it up for you!” He smiled politely and handed me the tie clip.

  “Sure thing.” I studied the platinum silver clip as I turned it over in my hand. It was lovely, the front had his surname in a type writer font and the back was my message to him, in the same font.

  For making time for me, and for us, your Evangeline. I bit my lip as I studied it. It was perfect.

  “Clips fine, thank you so much! You've done a wonderful job.” I handed it back over, and watched as he put it into a box and bagged it up for me putting the printed recite into the bag. It hadn't actually cost me all that much but its value would be found in how much Cameron liked it. I was sure he would.

  “Thank you very much and I hope Mr. Ballard appreciates such a thoughtful gift!” He sniffed in like he thought otherwise.

  I raised a brow. “I am sure he will!” I guessed his reputation was well known but they didn't know him like I did.

  I stood up and took the bag. “Thanks again.” I made my exit from the shop and checked my phone I smiled seeing a text from Cameron.

  It looks wonderful my darling! I look forward to seeing you wearing nothing but that later on! I've told my Mother what I did with Erin, well the censored version and needless to say it didn't go down well! However, my sister has waxed lyrical about you since we got home and my parent’s interests have been piqued! I'll explain later on! See you soon! Love you! CB X

  I closed my eyes as I read it. Oh god... How did he say things like that and get away with it?! I would never ever have found that acceptable before, him telling me I would wear nothing but my watch but I actually felt myself clench at the very idea that he wanted me naked aside from my watch... The fact was I would give him what he wanted because the idea thrilled me!

  Really well I'll see what I can do! You like me naked don't you! I hope you don't just want me for my body! X

  I hit send, it had been a joke for the most part but I did kinda wonder if I was giving in to easy to him. He was so good at just knowing what to say. I sighed as I glanced at the shoe shop opposite me, an idea played across my mind as I studied the shoes in the window. I'd be naked alright, naked and wearing fuck me shoes because I could. I wouldn't just let him dominate me like he had others.

  I walked in and picked up the pair I had seen and prayed they had them in another colour, red just wasn't gon
na do it!

  “Hey can I help?!” The assistant girl walked over and smiled.

  “Do you have these in a size 8 and like not red?!” I smiled politely, she looked bored.

  Her eyes went wide as she took me in.

  Oh she knows who I am. Great.

  “Oh wow hi! Yeah we do them purple and black too! I can go see if we have those in an 8!” She grinned widely.

  Her smile was infectious. “That would be great! Thanks.”

  “They are hot right! My boyfriend went mad for them!” She grinned.

  “Well that's good cause I hope mine does the same!” I grinned.

  “I'll go check, take a seat!” She scuttled off in the direction of the store room and I sat myself down on the large leather bench seat. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out to check it.

  I can assure you I am not just interested in your body as you should know! If you think that I would actually be disappointed! And just for the record I like you all types of ways! Naked is just one of them! CB

  There was no kiss, no playful joke he was actually pissed off. I sighed. I hadn't meant for him to take offence.

  I was just playing around! I'm sorry! I don't think that, please don't be cross at me! :( X

  I felt really bad now for even thinking it. I knew deep down he didn't but I was entitled to have a wobble. No one was perfect.

  I shoved my phone back in my pocket as the sales girl came back over. She had two boxes with her.

  “Hi, so I've found a purple pair in an 8 and a black in 7.5 I wasn't sure so I brought both out.” She placed them down and removed the lids.

  “Thank you! I do actually take a half size, so I'll try the black first!” I took out both black shoes, they felt so nice under my fingertips, and I loved the patient leather.

  I slipped my shoes off and thanks to Cameron's gifts I was actually wearing matching socks!