Sunday, May 1, 2011

Clear and Bright: Chapter Thirteen: Little Blue Boxes

                                            

                                   
"Mmmmm... " I awake to a heavenly sensation, his fingers trailing gently through my hair.

I hear a soft chuckle and reach my hand towards the sound, my eyes still closed, and feel him take my hand in his and lift it to his lips.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Good morning. You smell good. Put it back."

"Thank you. If I put it back, you'll never get up."

"I'm unemployed. I don't have to get up. Put it back."

"As much as I know you would like to lay here all day while I play with your hair, we have things to do. Open those big brown eyes."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, you do. I promise to indulge your pretty head later, if you're good."

"I'm an angel."

"When you're asleep."

I open my eyes and he gives me a wink.

"You're evil. At least I'm laying down this time. What things do we have to do?"

"Feed you, take you shopping, a few other things."

"You look dreamy."

"Dreamy? You wouldn't be trying to earn yourself more presents, would you?"

"No. You just look dreamy."

"Well, thank you sweetheart. Would you like me to start your shower?"

"I'd like you to start and finish it."

"I'm taking notes, I owe you door rattling and a shower. As for today, I'll start it for you. You've got three minutes, don't make me come back."

I give him a playful salute and watch him leave with a cocky grin on his face. Nice jeans, Mr. Guillory...

Within seconds I hear the shower. I don't want to get up, but I do love presents. I climb out of bed and go to the closet. What to wear for an outing with my dreamy, good smelling, nice jeans wearing man? I've got it... some 'good ass' jeans of my own, a pale blue cashmere sweater, and black high heeled boots. Oh, who am I kidding... they're all 'good ass' jeans. Thank you, God.

I select some coordinating lacy goodies and lay them all at the foot of the unmade bed. I'll strip it later, I'm pretty sure I took some sugar with me when I climbed in a few hours ago.

He's standing in the doorway when I turn to head to the shower. I think he came to yell at me, but my lacy goodies seem to have distracted him.

"If you're still here in about ten minutes, I'll model them for you."

He gives me a stern look and points toward the bathroom. Well, it was worth a shot...

As I should have expected, I feel a light smack as I walk past him. I don't turn around as I say "I'm pouting, and it's one of the sad ones, just so you know."

"That's not a lie, is it Claire?" he calls after me.

I close the bathroom door. Like I'm going to admit that?


                                             ~


"I wish you wouldn't let insignificant things bother you."

"I wish there were no insignificant things to be bothered by."

"If I could change that, I would."

"Too bad you can't."

"You're the only one I see, Claire. No one else exists."

"Yet everywhere we turn, there they are."

"You have nothing to be jealous of."

"Don't I?"

"Absolutely not."

"I disagree. After all, they have knowledge of you that you won't share with me. I can tell the difference between the ones that want you and the ones that have had you just by the way they look at you. I have plenty in common with the first and none with the second. I think that's more than enough reason to be jealous."

"I assure you that you have nothing in common with either."

I should have known shopping with him would be this way. Women's shops have women in them. God, I'm so stupid. I am not enjoying this at all. Damn you little pink shorts! It's all your fault!

"And what's the point of them staring at me?"

"I imagine it's many reasons."

"For instance?"

"Look in a mirror, sweetheart."

"So I'm pretty, so what?"

"That's hardly a worthy description, but I'm glad you know."

"Of course I know."

He laughs a wicked laugh, "Now who's arrogant?"

"Still you. Can we go home?"

"No."

"Please?"

"We're shopping, or at least we're supposed to be. You are being impossibly picky. And you should stand your ground, not run away."

"I thought it would be fun. It's not. I want to go home."

"They're jealous of you. Have fun with that."

"I can't when I know you're what they want, or have already had and want again."

"You can because you know they can't have what they want. It belongs to you."

"You wouldn't like it if the roles were reversed."

"You're right, I wouldn't, and I don't. You're getting plenty of attention, Claire. You're oblivious to it, but I see. I see everything."

"I don't want any attention but yours."

"I know that, and that's one of the many things that sets you apart from them. Most women want to be looked at, by any and everyone, but you... " He gently strokes my cheek, before moving his hand to the back of my neck, pulling me to him. "You only want my eyes on you. You know who you belong to. You have respect for that. That makes me very happy."

His lips hover dangerously close to mine, his grip on the back of my neck strong and possessive. It's making me weak. I want him to kiss me, and his eyes tell me he wants to, but will he? Can he? I know we have an audience, he knows we have an audience. If it was an audience of men, I know he wouldn't hesitate, but we're surrounded by women in this shop... women that haven't taken their eyes off of us since we walked in. Some he knows. Intimately. He hasn't paid them a bit of attention, his attention unwavering on me, but to kiss me... something he's never given them... while they're watching... staring at this intimate exchange...

A smirk starts to form on his lips, and I know my arrogant bastard is here. His other hand is full of bags, but it comes up, his arm pulling my body against him. I'm completely swathed by him, his possession. I'm his. His mouth is on me now, he kisses me passionately, deeply, purposefully. Yours, his lips tell me, let them see. Let them know.


I've never been one for public displays of affection, their intent always a possessive show by whoever I was with, but I accept this from him. This is for me. I want it. This day has been difficult for me, the jealousy I've felt unbearable. He's taking it all away now, and my arms wrap around him shamelessly, forgetting everything and everyone else around us. Nothing else matters. He's mine.

He breaks the kiss, but his face stays close, our lips barely separated. He's looking at me, his expression arrogant and sexy as hell, his fingertips moving featherlight on the back of my neck. A gift followed by torture. He's doing it on purpose.

"Thank you," I whisper against his lips, "That's the best present you've given me all day, but if you don't stop doing that with your fingers, you're going to have to man up and take me right here."

"Control, sweetheart. I like it. I won't have mercy on you when I want it. I want you to learn how to endure it for me. I promise you will be rewarded for your efforts. When I see fit, of course."

My breath catches and he winks at me. "Just a little incentive... and you're welcome."

Well, if obedience is what he wants... 


And it will get me what I want...


Then I shall make my halo outshine the stars...


May God have mercy on my soul...


He knows the effect his words have had on me. He smirks at me and kisses the top of my head as he moves his hand from my neck to fervently stroke my hair before reaching down and taking my hand in his. That gesture serves only to make me weaker on my legs and I know when he squeezes my hand that he feels me trembling. Evil...

He doesn't in any way acknowledge our audience, or the gaping mouths or wide eyes he's left them with, but I see them. I don't avoid their eyes. I stand my ground, however wobbly, just like he told me to. I smile sweetly at each shocked face and I hear him chuckle.

"That's my girl."

"No one else's."

"Ever again," he says, planting a tender kiss on my cheek. Something a few feet away has caught his eye, and he pulls me towards it just as his phone rings. His conversation is short, a "Yes" and a "Thank You."

"Is everything alright?" I ask him.

"Yes. I like this, I want you to try it on."

"Okay," I smile at him. It's a blouse, very flowy, very delicate, very chocolate. It's the fourth thing he's picked today that's this color. I do believe my love has a favorite, or at least his favorite on me. I haven't forgotten his reaction when I wore it last. I'm taking notes too...


He hands me a few more things, his taste is impeccable, and he definitely knows what he likes. I watch him as he looks around the shop, seemingly looking at people now, not things, before turning back to me.

"I think we're making some progress. Look for anything else you want, I'm going to step out for a few minutes. I promise I won't be long. Stay here, don't go anywhere else, and I'll be back before you're done trying things on."

"Oh. Okay."

"Right back."

That's the second time he's stepped away today. My eyes follow him out the door and I see a tall blonde woman follow him out. It makes me uncomfortable.

Don't let your jealousy make you crazy. Just because she followed him doesn't mean he wanted her to. He said he'd be right back. Trust him.


You've been quiet.

Just letting you work things out for yourself. I'm always here if you need me.


I find a few more items to try on and head to the dressing room, trying to keep my thoughts from running away from me. I notice that the attention on me has not let up by his leaving, if anything it's increased. I suppose that makes sense, since they don't have him to look longingly at...

I try a few things on, everything he's chosen is perfect, and I'm not surprised at all. That's the way it's been all day. I pull on a pair of jeans I found and the chocolate blouse he gave me before he left. I want to see myself in the large mirror, and when I open my dressing room door I see that some of our audience has assembled themselves there. They seem to all know each other, and they appear to be waiting for me.

"I believe there are plenty of rooms open, if you're all waiting," I say brightly, before turning around to inspect my assets.

"Well, there's one obvious reason," one of them mutters. "He can't help himself, although I'm sure he has."

"I don't know about that, she looks a little sweet, like a perfect, pretty little doll you're only supposed to look at, not touch. He'd break her in pieces."

Words of wisdom from his bed post notches, great. They all laugh at her, and I'm again uncomfortable, to say the least. Her eyes are all over me. I can't say I've ever been looked over in such a way as she is doing, at least not by a woman...

"Is there a point to this little gathering?" I ask dryly.

"You know there is."

"And that is?"

"We've all fucked him, you know. Not at the same time... well, not all of us," she laughs, "but we've all had a turn or two."

Her words and tone make my stomach lurch, but I keep my expression disinterested. At least I hope I do. Please, if I am capable of a poker face, let it be now.

"Well, that's his business and yours. Is there anything else?"

"Why is he with you?"

"I suppose you should ask him that, but since he's not here... I imagine it's because he wants to be. That's generally why a person spends time with another, is it not?"

"He doesn't spend that kind of time with women. Or is this some dressing room fantasy waiting to play out?"

"Dressing rooms are for trying on clothes. That's what I was doing before I was interrupted. Now, if you'll all excuse me... " I let my voice trail off and step back into my room and close the door.

"We'll wait."

Of course they will. You have got to be kidding me. I pull my phone out of my bag... I don't need this shit, he can come and deal with it. I type out a quick text.

C : Where are you? Please come back. Your little friends are ruining my day. Dressing room party not fun.

Well, I'm not going to hide while I wait. Stand my ground. Okay, Jaimin, if that's what you want.

I step back out, hands folded across my chest. "Wait for what?"

"Are you fucking him?"

"That's none of your business. I don't appreciate your inappropriate question."

One of the harem chimes in, "Of course she's fucking him, what else would she be doing?"

"I don't know... they're shopping, for Christ's sake, don't you find that strange? He's never taken a woman anywhere, let alone to buy her things. And he kissed her. In front of everyone. You saw it. She's more than fucking him, and I want to know what more is."

"My relationship with Jaimin doesn't concern any of you. Have you nothing better to do with your time? I find that rather pathetic."

"Relationship? Oh, you poor, stupid, naive little girl... you are sweet, aren't you? Jaimin doesn't have relationships. He fucks. Hard and well, then he leaves. That's what he does, nothing more. Don't think for a second that he'll give you anything more than that. Don't think for a second that you're special, I assure you, you're not."


"Hold on... maybe she is? I mean, there's obviously something going on here. He's already giving her more.  He's intrigued by her, if nothing else. Can't say I blame him. She's very intriguing."

"Oh, please... he left, and we all saw who followed him out the door. He's probably got his cock down her throat as we speak. Maybe princess here doesn't do that, although she's certainly got the mouth for it. As for you, careful what you say, you might scare her."

They're all laughing again. I don't see the humor. I feel sick. The fact that he's still gone, and hasn't replied to my text isn't helping. Would he?

"Well, isn't this cozy?"

Everyone turns to look, he's standing in the doorway. He doesn't look happy, at all. I wonder how long he's been standing there. He's looking at me strangely. It's almost as if I'm the one he's angry at. What the hell did I do? He had to have heard at least some of what they said?

"It could be, if you join us. I like your pretty little doll."

"Shut your fucking mouth."

"What the fuck is that?"

The bitchy one is pointing to what he holds in his hand. He appears to have unloaded the bags he was carrying before, and all he holds now is a small Tiffany's bag.

I hate myself for even considering that he may have been... oh no... my stupid thought must have shown on my face... no wonder he looks like that...

"None of your fucking business. What the hell do you all think you're doing?"

"We're just getting to know your little doll. Don't get upset, we didn't hurt her. We were keeping her company. Don't blame us for being curious, Jaimin, you put on quite a show out there."

"SHE DOESN'T CONCERN YOU. DON'T LOOK AT HER. DON'T TALK ABOUT HER, AND SURE AS FUCK DON'T TALK TO HER, NOT ANOTHER FUCKING WORD."

He turns his eyes back to me. His voice is much softer, but I can see he's not happy with me. "I'm sorry I left you alone in here, I should have known better, and I'm sorry I got held up. If you're finished, get changed and we can go."

I don't say anything, just turn around and walk back to my dressing room. I'm just about to close the door behind me when I hear him.

"And sweetheart?"

"Yes?" I pop my head back out.

"In case there was any question... those jeans come with us."

I give him a cocky smirk. "There wasn't, but thank you, and it's all coming."

He smiles at me and I close the door. I hear her immediately.

"I told you her ass had something to do with it."

His response is chilling. "Say one more word about her, and I'll rip your fucking head off."

I wait for a reply, but none comes. It's eerily quiet, no one has moved. What are they waiting for? I dress quickly, anxious to see what the silent scene looks like. When I open the door, his eyes are immediately on me. Theirs are all on him. All over him. They know he's mad... God, have they no shame?

He holds a credit card out to me, "Take this, I'll be up in a few minutes. Wait for me there."

He wants to talk to them. He doesn't want me to hear. I don't think I like that. I open my mouth to object, but he speaks before I have the chance.

"It's not a request."

He knows I won't challenge him. He knows I won't disrespect him in front of them. I nod my head and take the card, leaving him with his harem.

The salesgirl is chatty, I shop here often. I excuse myself when I hear my phone, and check the incoming text. I recognize the number. It's Leal.

  You look beautiful. That shade of blue suits you.

Great, just what I need. He can see me. He's watching me from somewhere. I turn toward the dressing rooms, Jaimin is talking. He has their undivided attention, though they don't look happy now. He doesn't want me back there, but I'll catch hell if I don't tell him. It's a no win situation.

Salesgirl is waiting for me. I hand her the card, while I scan the area outside. I don't see him, but I know he's there. I scribble Jaimin's name on the slip and take the bags and head towards the conversation I'm not supposed to hear.

"Jaimin?" I say before I reach them, I don't want him to think I'm eavesdropping.

"I said wait for me up front," he says without looking at me.

"I know, but... "

"Go. Now."

"You told me to tell you immediately if... "

His head snaps to me instantly and I hold out my phone. He takes one look at the message, hands me the little blue bag and tears past me. "Stay here!"

He thinks the danger is out there? I'm not so sure about that. The Harem of Horrors is gaping again. And, unfortunately for me, not interested in heeding his warning not to talk to me.

"What's that about? Must be bad for him to leave you in our care."

I roll my eyes at her and turn my back, leaning in the doorway.

"While that's a lovely view, and I'm sure his favorite, I like your little doll face. You should turn around so we can see you."

Unbelievable. Is she serious? Although I suppose turning my back on them isn't the smartest thing I've ever done. I turn around, giving the overly attentive one a dirty look. She pouts at me. Ugh!

They're all very pretty, I'll give him that, although I can't help but notice there's not a brunette among them. No brown eyes, and not a sweet bone in any of their big breasted, nearly anorexic bodies. They're all as opposite of me as they could be.

"Don't you want to know what's in the bag?"

I look at her, but don't answer.

"He'll never know you looked. We won't tell."

I clutch the top of the bag closed.

"How long have you been seeing him?"

Nice try, blondie, not gonna happen.

"How did you meet?"

You wish.

"Was it at the restaurant?"

I wonder how many of them met him there. I don't want to know.

"Has he ever spent the night with you?"

I trust that my face has given the answer I won't speak.

"Have you ever been in his apartment?"

Now that is tempting. Really tempting. Judging by their expressions, my answer didn't need to be spoken this time either. Thank you, face.


"What did you have to do to get him to kiss you?"

We all have our breaking point. There's mine. "Exist."

"Twenty questions is over," he says from behind me.

Crap. I'm probably in trouble for that. "It's the only one I answered," I say sweetly, turning to look at him.

He takes the bags from my hand and wraps his arm around me protectively. "Come on, beautiful. I want to get you home where I can have you all to myself."

I smile at him, wondering what happened outside. His face gives nothing away.

"Where are you going, lover? We were in the middle of something."

"I just ended it. Address me that way again and it will be the last thing you ever say."

"Well, girls, looks like our fun is over. Jaimin... give me a call sometime, we can get together. Bring your pretty doll, I'd like a taste. It's the least you can do for her, since we all know you'll let it go to waste."

I don't know what I'm more shocked at, what she said, or that he let go of me and now has her by the throat up against the wall. I don't know what to do. I want to calm him down, but I don't know how to do that without making him angry at me. I'm distracted from my thoughts by my phone. I have another text from Leal.

  You're too sweet for him, Claire. He won't take care of you like I would. He won't appreciate you.   He won't be gentle with you. Please see that before it's too late, before he ruins you. He isn't right for you. I'm right for you. You know that. Please forgive me. I'm sorry. Let me show you. It will be different. I promise it will. Please. Let me love you. 


He heard it. He no longer has her against the wall. He's standing in front of me, his hand open. I put the phone in his hand and watch him while he reads it. He's not happy about what he sees.

He looks at me now and his eyes are very serious. "I need to know something... is there any part of you that believes that's true? Any part at all?"

Oh no. Where's my arrogant bastard? "No. No no no no no no no."

He touches my face and nods his head, and without another word or glance back to his sordid past, leads me out of the shop.

He has me tucked protectively against him as he scans the street and opens my door. I climb into the truck and he fastens the seatbelt over me, and tosses the bags into the back seat, with the exception of one, and locks the doors for the seconds it will take him to reach his.

He gets in and puts the little blue bag in my lap. "Don't worry, it's not what you might think, I don't ever want to see that again. I like you conscious."

Oh, Mr. Vulnerable... "I wasn't worried, and even if it was, the only thing you'd see is a very conscious, very happy Claire... in case you're still taking notes."

His mouth drops open and his eyes go wide and I smile at him. "When you see fit, of course."

He's smiling as he starts the truck and pulls away, "I had plans for us for the rest of the day, but we'll have to make them another day. There's a reason I got held up... "

"If you need to work... "

"No, it's not that. Don't worry about that, things are under control there. Not leaving you alone is more important to me."

"I don't want the restaurant to suffer, Jaimin, I'm fine."

"I'm sure as hell not leaving you alone now, not with him watching you. He's unphased by what happened last night, I know that now. I'm not going to let you out of my sight again. The restaurant is fine.

I want you to know why it took me so long to get back to you. I know they were planting doubt in you... "

"No, Jaimin... "

"Claire, I saw your face. I heard what she said, and I saw your face."

"I'm sorry... I don't think that. I don't doubt you. I had a hard time today... I was jealous and it was making me confused and stupid... it was one second... I'm so sorry... "

"You don't have to apologize, but it did hurt me that you could even consider it. I would never do that to you. I would never betray you that way. I would never, ever hurt you like that. I want you. I can't deny that I'm frustrated, but I don't need to run out and relieve that frustration. I told you I would wait. I meant that. I'll wait as long as I have to. The only person I want is you. There won't be any other women, Claire. Never again. You're the only one I want. You are the only one I will ever want."

"You have me, and you can have me. Just say the word. I'm not making you wait for anything."

He clears his throat and a smile touches his lips, "Back to why I got held up... I ran into my mother. Do you remember when we were at the market and I introduced you to some friends of my parents? Well, I knew it was only a matter of time before they mentioned it... I've been avoiding her calls for days. I knew she knew... I know she's been to the restaurant several times over the last few days looking for me. She's probably been by my apartment, but I've been with you... anyway, my luck ran out today. I walked out of Tiffany's and there she was. She was already about to explode, but seeing me walk out of there sent her over the edge. We can't avoid her any longer. It was everything I could do not to let her come back to that shop with me. I didn't want to bombard you with her like that. That's what took so long. I'm sorry you went through hell in there. I made a mistake. I didn't think any of them would dare approach you... obviously I was wrong. I'm so sorry sweetheart, I'd have never left you alone in there if I had thought for a second something like that would happen. When I got your text, I got rid of her and rushed back as quickly as I could, but I had to promise her something. It's not what I wanted, but we're having dinner with my parents tonight."

Oh no. So soon? He doesn't seem to want it... I'll just focus on that. "You don't want them to meet me?"

"It's not that, I just didn't want to be forced into it, or for you to be. I know it's not the best time. I'm sorry I'm doing this to you now, with everything else."

"If it's not what you want, Jaimin, then just tell them I declined the invitation."

"I'm not going to lie, Claire, and I'm certainly not going to make you the bad guy. Unless you are declining?"

"You don't seem happy about it. If that's how you feel, then I will decline and it won't be a lie."

We're at his apartment now, and he comes around to open my door and help me out of the truck. He grabs all of the bags from the back and I wonder why.

"Shouldn't we just leave those?"

"No. We're going to stay here, at least for the next couple of days. We'll get whatever else you'll need from your apartment later."

"But... "

"I know, sweetheart. I'll figure something out. I want you to have everything you need around you. I know you need to be able to paint, I would never take that away from you. I've been thinking a lot about that, making a space for you here, for you to have something for yourself when you need to escape. Can you just give me until tomorrow?"

"You don't have to do that for me. I don't want you to feel like I'm taking something from you. I don't want you to feel smothered."

"Smothered by you? Not possible. There's nothing that I have that I wouldn't share with you. I want to give you your own space because I don't want you to have to leave me when you need that. I want you to be happy, but my reasons are selfish, too."

We're in the apartment now. He deposits the bags in the bedroom and I follow him to the kitchen where he pours us both a glass of wine.

"What do I do with this?" I ask, holding up the Tiffany's bag.

"Bring it with you," he says, leading me into the living room and to the couch.

He hands me my glass of wine and sits his on the table, while he reaches down to pull off my boots. "So, dinner with my parents?"

I have to find a way out of this. Meeting his parents is the last thing I want. "I told you, you don't seem happy about it, so I don't want to."

"I just didn't want to share you, but I promised her. If we don't go, she'll probably show up here."

"If you don't want them to know about me... "

"They already know about you. Now they'll get to see that you're real."

"Real? What does that mean?"

He gestures to the paintings of me, "They've known about you for a long time. My mother thought I was crazy, but now she'll see that you really exist."

"And your father?"

"He knows how determined I am. He had faith that I'd find you eventually, but he figured you'd just run screaming from me."

"Too late now."

"Yes it is. So, we can relax for a little while, then I'll get changed and then we'll go by your apartment and you can do the same and get whatever you'll need for the next few days, then dinner. I wish I could prepare you somehow, but I've never taken anyone home with me, so I can't begin to know how they'll be, just that they'll be thrilled."

"They've never met anyone?"

"Of course not. There's never been anyone."

"There have been a lot of someones."

"Not that I would have taken to meet my parents."

"I don't guess your harem would be appreciated... not by your mother, at least."

"My harem?"

"Yes. That's what I named them today. Harem of Horrors, to be exact. Or whores. Whichever."

He starts to laugh, but then grows serious. "I'm very sorry about all of that. Their behavior was unacceptable. I'm mortified that you were subjected to that."

"Interesting bunch."

"Hardly."

"They were very curious. Too curious, one especially... "

"I wanted to kill her."

"I am a bit curious myself... "

He's immediately angry. "ABOUT WHAT?"

"What? Oh! No! God, no! Just about something she said."

"Nothing she said was worthy of your curiosity."

"There may be a reason you feel that way, besides your wish to shield me from all things inappropriate. Can I ask you something?"

He looks wary. "Go ahead."

"Are you a bit... oh, what's the word I'm looking for... selfish?"

"I'm not sure I know what you're asking me."

"Well, she said 'since we all know you'll let it go to waste'... I'm not so sweet that I don't know what that meant. So, are you?"

Now he laughs. Hard. "Sweetheart, I wouldn't kiss them, do you really think I thought them worthy of that?"

"So, you are."

"I was."

"Have you ever?"

"No."

He's very amused by my line of questioning. I suppose it's better than him being mad.

"I see."

He laughs again, "You're adorable."

"I'm glad you think so."

"But you're pouting."

"I am not."

"Yes you are."

"Maybe my feelings are hurt."

"Would you like to ask me something else?"

"No."

"Are you sure?" He's smirking at me now.

"Yes. I'm just thinking that forever's a really long time."

"I hope so. And sweetheart, I said I never had, not that I wouldn't. I've been known to make exceptions for you."

"Oh."

"Would you like your present now?"

"Huh?"

He laughs again, "Not that, though I promise to add it to my notes. This." He picks up the little blue bag and winks at me.

"Oh. Yes, but I'd like to request that you start writing your notes down. You know... just so you don't forget anything."

"God, I adore you."

"Good. I look forward to you proving it."

"Well, look at that... you're not even blushing."

His mentioning it was all it took to make it a lie. I feel it spread immediately.

"Perhaps I spoke too soon."

"Thank you for not getting mad."

"Why would I get mad at you? I told you many times, you can say anything to me. There are no limits on what."

"You get mad at me all of the time."

"It doesn't mean I adore you any less. And it doesn't mean I want you to be afraid to talk to me."

"I'm not."

"Good. And don't be afraid to tell me when you want something."

"Clearly not a problem. Like I said, don't forget."

"I think I'm feeling some pressure here. That's unfamiliar to me. I'm accustomed to being good at everything. Trying something new and unfamiliar that you clearly have high expectations for could crush my
fragile ego."

"I promise not to be too demanding. And don't worry... practice makes perfect."

"That's very sweet of you," he chuckles, "and I think a good place to end this discussion."

"As you see fit. Now give me my present."

He smiles at me and reaches his hand into the bag and pulls out a little blue box and hands it to me. "It's not quite as delicate as you are, but hopefully my intentions will be understood."

I open the box and inside is a silver charm bracelet with five charms:  a silver heart, a watch lock, a Tiffany's gift box, a painter's palette & brush, and another silver heart with Naughty engraved on one side and Nice on the other. It makes me smile from ear to ear.

"I love it."

"Can I explain it to you?"

"Please, and help me put it on."

He fastens it around my wrist and smiles at me as I watch the dangling charms. "That right there is the innocence I love so much."

"I'm just a silly girl sometimes."

"Don't ever change that."

"You make me that way."

He takes my hand in his and gently strokes my wrist, sending a shiver through me. It makes him smile. He knows.

"Okay... this heart is me.  Cold, hard, lifeless, and locked."

I want to disagree, but I know he's going somewhere, so I lock my lips tight.

"... Now, the clock represents many things:
All of the time I spent waiting and searching for you...
The limitless amount of time I want to spend with you now that I found you.
Time we have to feel.
Time we have to discover... "

He clears his throat and I stick my tongue out at him.

"... Time we have to make mistakes and learn from them. That's mostly me... "

I shake my head, but keep my lips locked tight and he squeezes my hand and continues.

"... Time we have to practice and make perfect." He winks as he says this and it makes me giggle and melt at the same time. Have mercy...


"... It's forever, and it's locked tight, and I don't ever want you to forget."

I shake my head at him. Never...


"... The little present is representative of the many I promise to shower you with, but more importantly, the perfect gift that you are. Nothing I could ever give you could compare to what I have because you give yourself to me. I have everything."

My lip starts to tremble and he reaches up and brushes his thumb across it. "Don't cry, silly girl. You know how I feel about you. You even told me so. I liked that."

I touch my finger to the paint palette and he goes on.

"Of course that's you, but more so than for the obvious reason. You bring everything to life. You make everything bright, and colorful, and beautiful. Not just with your magical brush in your pretty little fingers... you, Claire."

"I think you want me to cry."

"No, sweetheart, I just want you to know how special you are. As for the last one, it speaks for itself. It was too perfect, I couldn't resist."

"I'm not sure I know. Is it us or me?"

He laughs again, "My intention was a representation of us, but you've got it covered without me."

"I think it covers you too, without me. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about the nice part."

"No one would ever believe you anyway."

I climb into his lap and hold his face in my hands, "Thank you. You spoil me far more than I deserve, and in ways I never imagined."

Of course his hands were on me instantly, and now he slides me a few inches back and I pout. "I didn't do anything."

"I know, you've been very good, I'm just not done."

"That was the last charm."

"Yes," he says, reaching into the bag and pulling out a larger box, "but not the end."

"I'm sorry." I start to move off of him, but he pulls me back in place.

"You don't have to be sorry, and you don't have to move. Open this one."

I open the box while he holds it and I know what it means the second I see it. It's a white gold necklace with a filigree heart filled with diamonds and vibrant gems, and a diamond studded key. My eyes fill with tears.

"This is your heart now."

"Yes, beautiful. Touched by you. Opened by you. Filled by you. Brought to life by you."

He takes it from the box and slips it over my head, stroking the back of my neck tenderly with his fingertips as he pulls my hair free. The sensation overwhelms me, sends me over the edge that his words and gifts left me on. The tears break loose, falling down my flushed cheeks, and he pulls me into him as he whispers one last word to me.

"Yours."

"You're so beautiful," I whisper.

"No, silly girl, that's you."

"No, Jaimin, it's you. The things you do... the things you say... the way you look at me... the way you see me... the way you touch me... you. You're too sweet for me. I'm horrible and evil and... "

He grabs my face firmly in his hands, "Don't ever say that. Do you hear me? Don't ever say that again. There is nothing horrible or evil about you. You are the sweetest, most beautiful, innocent, purest person I ever could have imagined. You confound me, day after day."

"But I am... you were doing all of this and I was in there letting them get in my head just because you didn't come running when I called you... "

"You're not. That happened because of the way I lived my life before I found you. It's my fault and mine alone. I know it isn't easy for you. I know you don't understand it. You're too beautiful of a person to comprehend something like that. I'm glad, Claire, I don't want you to understand it. I don't want your beautiful mind to be tarnished by that kind of ugliness. I wish I could go back and change it, change so many things... for you. I've said it so many times... I'm not worthy of you. I'll always know that, and I'll always be in awe that you share yourself with me in spite of it."

I wish he wouldn't say that. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hurt you. I hate myself for even thinking such a thing, whether it was just for a second or not. You didn't deserve that. You've never done anything to make me doubt you. It doesn't matter how you lived your life before. What matters is how you are with me, and you are the sweetest, kindest, most wonderful man I have ever known. I'm not worthy of you. You should be mad at me. That's what I deserve, not these beautiful gifts and your beautiful words."

"Stop that. You deserve everything that is good and beautiful and I will do whatever I can to try to give you that. I don't blame you for anything and I can't be angry with you, you were backed into a corner and that was my fault. I'm mad at myself, not you. And you should expect me to come running to you when you call, because you're the most important thing in the world to me. I want you to know that. I want you to rely on that. You've waited far too long, Claire. You first. Always. I promise."

"I don't think you're real."

"Unfortunately for you, I am."

"Only unfortunate for me when my behind is on fire."

"Would you like to take back 'kindest'?"

"No." I look down at the necklace and take the small key between my fingers. "This is my favorite part."

"You'll never be on the outside of anything with me. I hope you only use that to lock yourself in."

That's exactly where I want to be, but there is something that could put me on the outside. "What if your parents don't like me?"

"That's ridiculous, they'll love you."

"How do you know? Maybe you're wrong." I know he is...

"Well, because it's impossible not to, for one. And when they see... don't you know how incredible you are that you could make any semblance of a human being out of me? I know, and believe me, they'll know. My parents are going to fall at your feet."

"You give me too much credit. Trust me, your mother won't like me. I'm not looking forward to this. It's going to ruin everything. Do we have to go?"

"Trust me, she will. What would make you think that she won't? What are you afraid of, sweetheart? Nothing's going to be ruined. Nothing could ever change how I feel about you. No one has that power."

"You don't understand. Don't get mad, but I can't explain it to you without using past relationships as an example."

His jaw twitches at the mere mention of it. "Okay. Explain it to me."

"Mothers never like me. Ever. They've all hated me. None of them wanted their sons with me. It always changed things. It made it difficult. It was always an elephant in the room. I don't want that to happen again, not with you, but it will, because I can't change who I am, and who I am won't be good enough in your mother's eyes. This night is going to be terrible, and if you make me go, there's nothing I can do to prevent that. You won't want me when you see how much she hates me. I will be on the outside."

"Listen to me very carefully, that will never happen. Take that from your mind right now. I don't ever want to hear that from you again. Nothing and no one could make me not want you. There is nothing on this earth that could put you on the outside with me. It's not possible. I dare anyone to try, I'll crush them, no matter who they are.

You're wrong, sweetheart. I promise you are. They are going to love you. She is going to love you. My parents know how I lived my life, they weren't happy about that. They know how much of an asshole I am. They will know I don't deserve you, the only thing they won't like is that I dared to claim someone so precious. Just wait, you'll see.

As for your previous negative experiences... all I can say, sweetheart, is that they must have been jealous. I think I'm correct to assume that every man you've had a relationship with has been completely in love with you... maybe they just couldn't accept that their son's hearts belonged to someone in such a way. It certainly isn't your fault."

"A mother wants her son to be worshiped, taken care of, treated like a king... I was never that girl. They all thought I was a selfish, cold hearted, self-centered little bitch who wasn't worthy of their son's affections. And the fact that I can't cook was always an issue, their babies deserved better than that. I even had one get furious with me because she knew I wasn't sleeping with her son - which she only knew because in a rant to him, she called me a slut and he set her straight - she told me that men had needs and who the hell did I think I was to deny him. I was stunned... "

"I can't believe what I just heard. What kind of mother wouldn't want her son to be with a sweet, respectable woman?"

"She didn't think I was sweet. She thought I was a bitch. They all did. Her reason was mostly because he asked me to marry him in front of their entire family and I said no. She said I humiliated him. And on top of that, if I wasn't pleasing him... I'm sorry... none of that is important, but it's always something. Trust me, she'll find a reason to hate me. I've never really cared... but with you... please tell her I can't come. Please. I'm not ready to have everything taken away... "

"No one is going to take anything away from you. I'm going to go out on an arrogant limb and assume by 'everything' you mean me... you can't lose me, Claire, even if you wanted to. Forever, remember? If you think I don't mean that, if this day has made you forget, then I'll just have to try harder to prove it to you. Dinner with my parents is a perfect way to start. We're going. I'm asking you to trust me. Can you do that?"

I want to say no. I want to scream no. Instead, I nod my head.

"Thank you. I know you don't believe it, but thank you for giving me that. And by the way... in case you hadn't noticed, I don't need you to cook for me."

"But the fact that I can't... "

"Will only amuse them. My mother has never so much as sliced a tomato, let alone cook something. Ever."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." He kisses the tip of my nose and stands, turning to drop me playfully on the couch. "I'm going to get you a little more wine, and I want you to relax while I take a quick shower. I want to see that worry gone from your beautiful face by the time I get back or else."

"Then you might as well just do it now," I say sadly.

He sighs and walks to the kitchen with my empty glass and I bury my face in my hands, praying not to be brokenhearted by the end of this night.




                                                ~ ~ ~

Thank you Tiffany & Co. for helping Jaimin spoil my girl. What girl doesn't dream of a little blue box?  ~CM






                                                            



























































5 comments:

  1. I loved it and OMG I wanted to kill the Harem of WHORES in the shop!!! I don't know how Claire kept her cool...Great job bb XXOO

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  2. Damn, gorgeous is a whore!!! LMAO!! I would have knocked that bitch out though,she was just too nice to do it!!

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  3. The harem made me wanna hit someone!

    The charm bracelet and necklace were beautiful! Brought me to tears once again! :)

    Ohh I can't wait to hear about dinner with the parents! *squee*

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  4. OK back to where I left off... I would love a blue box!! Our girl, Claire is a pretty lucky lady.
    Yeah, she had to deal with his past hookers and all but she did it well, with grace and got a nice treat in the end!

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  5. Those bitches in the shop. I wished I could have the power to slap each one of them. But he was a whore too..Never know how to deal with these pricks. But now that he keeps his stick in his pants,( hope he will get it out soon though..this candy needs to be taken care of..C'mon Claire..the sweet is all for you..) let's forget about that...I mean his past not the candy LOL) I really loved the gifts he gave to her, especially the charms, everyone of them meaning something.Now, hope the sex scene will come soon. I am exhausted..LMFAO.

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