Bound Together (71 page)
Authors: Marie Coulson
I was playing games and I
knew it. As Henry sweetly, gently and caringly kissed me, my eyes
fixed onto Jared. His hand slid down Alicia’s back and gripping her
ass in his palm he pressed his cheek against hers whispering
something in her ear. She grinned at him and bit her lip before
sealing her mouth over his. Her eyes closed, she kissed him and he
reciprocated. My rage was reaching boiling point. I couldn’t take
my eyes off of them. It was like watching a car crash. It’s
horrific and ugly yet you can’t help but stare at the damage. There
we were, two ex-lovers kissing someone else and completely unable
to tear our eyes away from each other. It was so twisted it was
almost sickening. Her hand slid into his shirt and I saw a glimmer
of something sparkling in her fingers. Thumbing the shiny black
pendant in her hand she grinned at him. My pendant. Our pendant. He
let
her
touch it.
My stomach lurched and I instantly pulled away from Henry
breathless, tearful and completely devastated. I knew I had no
right, it was his pendant and she had every right to touch it all
she wanted but
that
was more than just a piece of jewelry, it meant something to
me. It was my heart, his heart, our time together. All the
horrifically bad and the heart stopping good too.
I stared at him in horror
for a moment before coming to my senses and storming past them
leaving poor Henry dazed and confused. I made a dash for the exit,
desperate for some air after the oxygen in my lungs had just been
ripped right out of me. Anger, grief and pure unbridled fury surged
through my body as I pushed my way through the crowded bar to the
exit. Stumbling out into the cool evening air I panted and gasped
for breath. How could he let her man handle something so important
to him? Well, what
I
thought was important to him. My insides were churning and
the alcohol was going to my head. Leaning my back against the wall,
I slammed my palms against it. He still had the innate ability to
totally disarm me and tip my world on its head. I hated him for it.
Closing my eyes I took a deep breath.
“
Are you ok?”
My eyes flew open to find
Henry standing in front of me. With a furrowed brow I shook my
head.
“
I’m sorry Henry. What I
did in there, was wrong. I saw my, well someone I used to be with
and I wanted to make him jealous. I used you and I’m really
sorry.”
He shrugged. “We’ve all
been there. He shook you pretty bad then if you had to come out
here.”
“
He’s with a woman. I
couldn’t watch anymore.”
Taking my hand he smiled.
“Well, if you stay out here he wins. I say you get back in there,
have a stiff drink and shake your ass like it’s on fire. No man in
there could take their eyes off you when you danced and I’m pretty
sure your ex was probably one of them.”
I gave him a grateful
smile and followed him back in. Layla Jennings, the strong
independent woman was not going to let him win this time. Spotting
me by the bar, Amy and Mel rushed over. “I cannot believe that dick
chin is here! Did he speak to you? Did he upset you? I swear I will
kill him.”
Mel was beyond angry, she
was practically foaming at the mouth.
“
It’s ok, I’m fine. He’s
just trying to screw with me. Did you see who he’s with?” Fisting
her hands, Amy glared up at the balcony.
“
Don’t even get me
started on that bitch. If she comes within ten feet of you I’m
going to rip her fake, tacky extensions off of her
skull.”
I chuckled and shrugged
at them. “Who cares? They’re welcome to each other. She’s a bitch
and he’s a dog. They go together well if you ask me.”
Amy growled “Has he no
respect or care for your feelings at all? He should have left the
moment he knew you were here. Especially if he’s dragging that ‘ho’
around with him.”
“
Well he didn’t care when
he was feeling her up and making out on the dance floor. Whatever.
It’s none of my business, I turned my back on him
remember?”
I gave Henry an awkward
smile. “Come on, forget about him, tonight is about fun and Jared
Garrett is not going to spoil it for me.” Grabbing Henry’s hand, I
pulled him to a table where his friends had a round of drinks and
shots waiting.
Picking up a shot glass
full of something that smelled very strong and bitterly pungent, I
was just about to take a seat when my cell buzzed. Glowering at it
I read the message.
Are you determined to
hit that fucking self-destruct button? I thought you had more
respect for yourself than that. You look ridiculous and you are not
fooling anyone. Last chance Layla. Put the drink down!
Received:
23.28
From: Jared
That’s it. Enough is
enough
. Standing up I held the shot glass
in my hand, faced the balcony and meeting his icy glare, raised my
glass to him and downed it before slamming it onto the table. His
eyes fixed on me, I took another glass from the table and again
raised it to him. He shook his head in warning but I was having
none of it. Tossing it back, the bitter liquid burned my throat and
I had to struggle to hold my composure, pressing the back of my
hand to my mouth. Pounding his fist on the rail he turned away and
I grinned to myself with satisfied triumph. He’d played, he’d lost
and I had proved my point. Sitting myself at the table I smiled at
Amy and Mel who applauded loudly at my winning performance. My cell
buzzed on the table and with a smug smirk on my face I scrolled
down to read his message. This ought to be good.
I warned you. You brought
this on yourself.
Received:
23.35
From: Jared
I stared at it then
frantically scanned the area but I couldn’t spot him anywhere. What
the hell was he planning to do? I got my answer. A loud, ear
splitting ringing sounded throughout the entire building and one by
one the sprinklers began to shower everyone with cold water. He
didn’t!? Grabbing my purse I followed as Amy and Mel darted for the
exit, covering their heads with their jackets. I had neglected to
wear one so I found myself getting predictably wetter and colder by
the second. Entering the crowd of party goers outside, I tried to
find my friends but in the struggle to get out we’d gotten
separated.
I was just about to call
them from my cell when I found myself lifted from the ground and
thrown carelessly over the shoulder of a tall man. Initially
horrified I kicked and screamed till I caught a glimpse of myself
in a passing window. “Jared! Put me down. Put me down right now or
I swear I’ll scream so loud they’ll hear me across the state!” He
ignored me and continued to walk down the street. Kicking even
harder and pounding my fists on his back I growled, screamed and
roared at him. “You are such a cock! Did you seriously just pull a
fire alarm? Put me down!”
We turned the corner and
he set me onto my feet. Slamming my palm against his cheek I
slapped him, hard. “Who the fuck do you think you are!?” I raised
my hand to strike him again but he caught my wrist tightly in his
hand.
“
Don’t do that ever
again. Understand?” His tone was clipped and serious.
“
Don’t do what Jared? Hit
you?”
Still gripping my wrist
he pulled me towards him so that my face was so close to his I
could smell the liquor on his breath. “You know what you did. Can’t
imagine your boyfriend would be happy about what I just saw
either.”
“
I don’t have one! I can
do whatever I want. You don’t get to tell me what to do or who to
do it will anymore. You gave up that right!”
“
I never gave it up and I
never will! See this?” He pulled his pendant from his shirt and
clasped it in his free hand. “This still means something to me and
I will never stop caring about you! You were fucking embarrassing
yourself in there and you were not kidding anyone but yourself.
You’re drunk out of your fucking skull, grinding up against some
stranger and then making out with him in some bar. It’s pathetic.
It’s a desperate cry for help just like your hair, over the top
make up and this fucking dress. I swear when I saw it I could have
spanked the shit out of you. You look ridiculous! This isn’t you.
What the hell happened to that fiery, sarcastic, take no prisoners
woman I fell for in the coffee shop?”
Twisting my wrist from
his vice like grip, I glared at him. “She got torn apart by the man
she thought loved, trusted and respected her! That’s what happened.
And you want to talk about humiliation? You are the only thing I
was embarrassed about in there! Feeling up the woman who scratched
my face, split my lip and got me arrested. That was by far the
greatest moment of my year so far! Congratulations Jared you’ve hit
rock bottom and are officially scraping the bottom of the barrel if
you’re screwing her. Which by the way brings me to my next point,
if this,” I swatted at his pendant which was hanging from his hand,
“if it meant so much to you then why the fuck would you let her put
her disgusting, dirty, whore hands all over it? You may let her
touch you, stick her tongue in your ear, mouth and god knows where
else but don’t try and tell me you care when you had the nerve to
stand there while I watched her manhandle the one thing I thought
was precious to you! She was right about you and I should have
listened. Chew them up and spit them out right Jared? Now I’m just
another notch on your bed post. Now serving number sixty
one.”
I could hear Amy and Mel
yelling my name and I turned to walk away but grabbing my waist he
halted my feet. “Urgh! Let me go!”
“
What’s the matter Layla?
Jealous?”
Glaring at him I smiled
sarcastically. “You’re right Jared. When I saw her hands all over
you, her tongue in your ear and rammed down your throat I did feel
something.”
Raising an eyebrow he
gave me a satisfied smirk.
“
I felt nauseous.” My
comment wiped the smirk from his lips and his icy glare returned as
his hold on my waist strengthened making my attempts to escape him
by fighting back completely futile. “I did not willingly let her do
anything Layla! I was so busy watching you sticking your tongue
down some guys throat I never even noticed her take out my pendant.
The moment I did, I gave her her marching orders. And I am going to
make one thing very clear right now. You were not, are not and
never will be a notch on my bed post. I loved you, I still do and I
will not just stand there while you destroy yourself. You have no
idea who that guy is. He could be a rapist or murderer for Christ
sakes. Stop acting like a child and grow up! You think I wanted to
be with her? I didn’t bring her here she came by herself and
happened to see me at the bar. I only decided to allow her my
company after you decided to let him touch you, dance with you and
stick his tongue in your mouth!” Standing in front of him I got in
his face.
“
I will kiss, touch and
sleep with anyone I like. You don’t own me Jared, I will do
whatever I want. Understand?”
Leaning close, I felt his
warm breath on my lips. “No, you
are
mine. And I will protect what’s
mine with every breath in my body and every beat of my heart. Go
home, sleep it off and get your shit together Layla because you’re
falling apart and I can’t stand watching you do it. It’s like you
want to get yourself hurt, punish yourself and I won’t let you do
it.” Holding my hands over my face I growled with frustration.
“Jared I’m not yours anymore. We’re over, done! Our relationship
has ceased to be. Just, for the love of god, let me go. Every time
I think I’m moving on, getting over you, you claw your way back
into my life and I can’t deal with it. I’m still getting over the
last time you tore my heart to shreds and I can’t grieve for two
failed relationships anymore.”
He gave me a puzzled
look. “Ollie left. He’s in Utah.” I stared at my feet as Ollie
rolled off my tongue and into my thoughts. Placing his hand under
my chin, Jared lifted my head to look at him.
“
I’m sorry.”
I snorted a laugh and
yanked my face away from him. “No you’re not.”
His lip curled up
slightly. “You’re right, I’m not. I’m glad he’s gone because I will
never be done with you Layla and we will never be over. I love you.
And even though, you hate to admit it, you still love me too.
That’s why you and Oliver could never have made it work, you’re
heart still belongs to me and you know it.” I swallowed hard. “No
Jared. Ollie and I couldn’t make it work because my heart is still
recovering from the trauma you caused. I’m still healing my battle
scars. I’m going to ask you one last time and then I’m going to
scream. Let. Me. Go. And leave me alone. For good.”
He took a step back all
the while gazing at me with his hypnotic piercing blue eyes.
Without a word he turned and walked away down the side walk. I
could feel my heart thundering in my chest as I made my way back
towards the bar.
“
Layla! Oh my god we were
worried sick. Where were you?” Wrapping her arms around me, Mel
held me tightly and feeling a little fragile from my encounter with
Jared, I squeezed her back just as hard. “I’m fine. I just got
separated that’s all. I don’t feel much like partying anymore,
could we just go home? I’m really tired and I’m all
damp.”
knew it. As Henry sweetly, gently and caringly kissed me, my eyes
fixed onto Jared. His hand slid down Alicia’s back and gripping her
ass in his palm he pressed his cheek against hers whispering
something in her ear. She grinned at him and bit her lip before
sealing her mouth over his. Her eyes closed, she kissed him and he
reciprocated. My rage was reaching boiling point. I couldn’t take
my eyes off of them. It was like watching a car crash. It’s
horrific and ugly yet you can’t help but stare at the damage. There
we were, two ex-lovers kissing someone else and completely unable
to tear our eyes away from each other. It was so twisted it was
almost sickening. Her hand slid into his shirt and I saw a glimmer
of something sparkling in her fingers. Thumbing the shiny black
pendant in her hand she grinned at him. My pendant. Our pendant. He
let
her
touch it.
My stomach lurched and I instantly pulled away from Henry
breathless, tearful and completely devastated. I knew I had no
right, it was his pendant and she had every right to touch it all
she wanted but
that
was more than just a piece of jewelry, it meant something to
me. It was my heart, his heart, our time together. All the
horrifically bad and the heart stopping good too.
I stared at him in horror
for a moment before coming to my senses and storming past them
leaving poor Henry dazed and confused. I made a dash for the exit,
desperate for some air after the oxygen in my lungs had just been
ripped right out of me. Anger, grief and pure unbridled fury surged
through my body as I pushed my way through the crowded bar to the
exit. Stumbling out into the cool evening air I panted and gasped
for breath. How could he let her man handle something so important
to him? Well, what
I
thought was important to him. My insides were churning and
the alcohol was going to my head. Leaning my back against the wall,
I slammed my palms against it. He still had the innate ability to
totally disarm me and tip my world on its head. I hated him for it.
Closing my eyes I took a deep breath.
“
Are you ok?”
My eyes flew open to find
Henry standing in front of me. With a furrowed brow I shook my
head.
“
I’m sorry Henry. What I
did in there, was wrong. I saw my, well someone I used to be with
and I wanted to make him jealous. I used you and I’m really
sorry.”
He shrugged. “We’ve all
been there. He shook you pretty bad then if you had to come out
here.”
“
He’s with a woman. I
couldn’t watch anymore.”
Taking my hand he smiled.
“Well, if you stay out here he wins. I say you get back in there,
have a stiff drink and shake your ass like it’s on fire. No man in
there could take their eyes off you when you danced and I’m pretty
sure your ex was probably one of them.”
I gave him a grateful
smile and followed him back in. Layla Jennings, the strong
independent woman was not going to let him win this time. Spotting
me by the bar, Amy and Mel rushed over. “I cannot believe that dick
chin is here! Did he speak to you? Did he upset you? I swear I will
kill him.”
Mel was beyond angry, she
was practically foaming at the mouth.
“
It’s ok, I’m fine. He’s
just trying to screw with me. Did you see who he’s with?” Fisting
her hands, Amy glared up at the balcony.
“
Don’t even get me
started on that bitch. If she comes within ten feet of you I’m
going to rip her fake, tacky extensions off of her
skull.”
I chuckled and shrugged
at them. “Who cares? They’re welcome to each other. She’s a bitch
and he’s a dog. They go together well if you ask me.”
Amy growled “Has he no
respect or care for your feelings at all? He should have left the
moment he knew you were here. Especially if he’s dragging that ‘ho’
around with him.”
“
Well he didn’t care when
he was feeling her up and making out on the dance floor. Whatever.
It’s none of my business, I turned my back on him
remember?”
I gave Henry an awkward
smile. “Come on, forget about him, tonight is about fun and Jared
Garrett is not going to spoil it for me.” Grabbing Henry’s hand, I
pulled him to a table where his friends had a round of drinks and
shots waiting.
Picking up a shot glass
full of something that smelled very strong and bitterly pungent, I
was just about to take a seat when my cell buzzed. Glowering at it
I read the message.
Are you determined to
hit that fucking self-destruct button? I thought you had more
respect for yourself than that. You look ridiculous and you are not
fooling anyone. Last chance Layla. Put the drink down!
Received:
23.28
From: Jared
That’s it. Enough is
enough
. Standing up I held the shot glass
in my hand, faced the balcony and meeting his icy glare, raised my
glass to him and downed it before slamming it onto the table. His
eyes fixed on me, I took another glass from the table and again
raised it to him. He shook his head in warning but I was having
none of it. Tossing it back, the bitter liquid burned my throat and
I had to struggle to hold my composure, pressing the back of my
hand to my mouth. Pounding his fist on the rail he turned away and
I grinned to myself with satisfied triumph. He’d played, he’d lost
and I had proved my point. Sitting myself at the table I smiled at
Amy and Mel who applauded loudly at my winning performance. My cell
buzzed on the table and with a smug smirk on my face I scrolled
down to read his message. This ought to be good.
I warned you. You brought
this on yourself.
Received:
23.35
From: Jared
I stared at it then
frantically scanned the area but I couldn’t spot him anywhere. What
the hell was he planning to do? I got my answer. A loud, ear
splitting ringing sounded throughout the entire building and one by
one the sprinklers began to shower everyone with cold water. He
didn’t!? Grabbing my purse I followed as Amy and Mel darted for the
exit, covering their heads with their jackets. I had neglected to
wear one so I found myself getting predictably wetter and colder by
the second. Entering the crowd of party goers outside, I tried to
find my friends but in the struggle to get out we’d gotten
separated.
I was just about to call
them from my cell when I found myself lifted from the ground and
thrown carelessly over the shoulder of a tall man. Initially
horrified I kicked and screamed till I caught a glimpse of myself
in a passing window. “Jared! Put me down. Put me down right now or
I swear I’ll scream so loud they’ll hear me across the state!” He
ignored me and continued to walk down the street. Kicking even
harder and pounding my fists on his back I growled, screamed and
roared at him. “You are such a cock! Did you seriously just pull a
fire alarm? Put me down!”
We turned the corner and
he set me onto my feet. Slamming my palm against his cheek I
slapped him, hard. “Who the fuck do you think you are!?” I raised
my hand to strike him again but he caught my wrist tightly in his
hand.
“
Don’t do that ever
again. Understand?” His tone was clipped and serious.
“
Don’t do what Jared? Hit
you?”
Still gripping my wrist
he pulled me towards him so that my face was so close to his I
could smell the liquor on his breath. “You know what you did. Can’t
imagine your boyfriend would be happy about what I just saw
either.”
“
I don’t have one! I can
do whatever I want. You don’t get to tell me what to do or who to
do it will anymore. You gave up that right!”
“
I never gave it up and I
never will! See this?” He pulled his pendant from his shirt and
clasped it in his free hand. “This still means something to me and
I will never stop caring about you! You were fucking embarrassing
yourself in there and you were not kidding anyone but yourself.
You’re drunk out of your fucking skull, grinding up against some
stranger and then making out with him in some bar. It’s pathetic.
It’s a desperate cry for help just like your hair, over the top
make up and this fucking dress. I swear when I saw it I could have
spanked the shit out of you. You look ridiculous! This isn’t you.
What the hell happened to that fiery, sarcastic, take no prisoners
woman I fell for in the coffee shop?”
Twisting my wrist from
his vice like grip, I glared at him. “She got torn apart by the man
she thought loved, trusted and respected her! That’s what happened.
And you want to talk about humiliation? You are the only thing I
was embarrassed about in there! Feeling up the woman who scratched
my face, split my lip and got me arrested. That was by far the
greatest moment of my year so far! Congratulations Jared you’ve hit
rock bottom and are officially scraping the bottom of the barrel if
you’re screwing her. Which by the way brings me to my next point,
if this,” I swatted at his pendant which was hanging from his hand,
“if it meant so much to you then why the fuck would you let her put
her disgusting, dirty, whore hands all over it? You may let her
touch you, stick her tongue in your ear, mouth and god knows where
else but don’t try and tell me you care when you had the nerve to
stand there while I watched her manhandle the one thing I thought
was precious to you! She was right about you and I should have
listened. Chew them up and spit them out right Jared? Now I’m just
another notch on your bed post. Now serving number sixty
one.”
I could hear Amy and Mel
yelling my name and I turned to walk away but grabbing my waist he
halted my feet. “Urgh! Let me go!”
“
What’s the matter Layla?
Jealous?”
Glaring at him I smiled
sarcastically. “You’re right Jared. When I saw her hands all over
you, her tongue in your ear and rammed down your throat I did feel
something.”
Raising an eyebrow he
gave me a satisfied smirk.
“
I felt nauseous.” My
comment wiped the smirk from his lips and his icy glare returned as
his hold on my waist strengthened making my attempts to escape him
by fighting back completely futile. “I did not willingly let her do
anything Layla! I was so busy watching you sticking your tongue
down some guys throat I never even noticed her take out my pendant.
The moment I did, I gave her her marching orders. And I am going to
make one thing very clear right now. You were not, are not and
never will be a notch on my bed post. I loved you, I still do and I
will not just stand there while you destroy yourself. You have no
idea who that guy is. He could be a rapist or murderer for Christ
sakes. Stop acting like a child and grow up! You think I wanted to
be with her? I didn’t bring her here she came by herself and
happened to see me at the bar. I only decided to allow her my
company after you decided to let him touch you, dance with you and
stick his tongue in your mouth!” Standing in front of him I got in
his face.
“
I will kiss, touch and
sleep with anyone I like. You don’t own me Jared, I will do
whatever I want. Understand?”
Leaning close, I felt his
warm breath on my lips. “No, you
are
mine. And I will protect what’s
mine with every breath in my body and every beat of my heart. Go
home, sleep it off and get your shit together Layla because you’re
falling apart and I can’t stand watching you do it. It’s like you
want to get yourself hurt, punish yourself and I won’t let you do
it.” Holding my hands over my face I growled with frustration.
“Jared I’m not yours anymore. We’re over, done! Our relationship
has ceased to be. Just, for the love of god, let me go. Every time
I think I’m moving on, getting over you, you claw your way back
into my life and I can’t deal with it. I’m still getting over the
last time you tore my heart to shreds and I can’t grieve for two
failed relationships anymore.”
He gave me a puzzled
look. “Ollie left. He’s in Utah.” I stared at my feet as Ollie
rolled off my tongue and into my thoughts. Placing his hand under
my chin, Jared lifted my head to look at him.
“
I’m sorry.”
I snorted a laugh and
yanked my face away from him. “No you’re not.”
His lip curled up
slightly. “You’re right, I’m not. I’m glad he’s gone because I will
never be done with you Layla and we will never be over. I love you.
And even though, you hate to admit it, you still love me too.
That’s why you and Oliver could never have made it work, you’re
heart still belongs to me and you know it.” I swallowed hard. “No
Jared. Ollie and I couldn’t make it work because my heart is still
recovering from the trauma you caused. I’m still healing my battle
scars. I’m going to ask you one last time and then I’m going to
scream. Let. Me. Go. And leave me alone. For good.”
He took a step back all
the while gazing at me with his hypnotic piercing blue eyes.
Without a word he turned and walked away down the side walk. I
could feel my heart thundering in my chest as I made my way back
towards the bar.
“
Layla! Oh my god we were
worried sick. Where were you?” Wrapping her arms around me, Mel
held me tightly and feeling a little fragile from my encounter with
Jared, I squeezed her back just as hard. “I’m fine. I just got
separated that’s all. I don’t feel much like partying anymore,
could we just go home? I’m really tired and I’m all
damp.”
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