The One Awakened: Book 1 in The One Trilogy (47 page)

Lifting the lid with a warm feeling, I note that the rose is as usual, stunning and mentally I clock in my head, it’s the fourth I’d received. He really is
very
romantic and I hope that this is an olive branch of sorts. I pick up the bud from its tissue-bolstered bed and smile at the now familiar jewelled middle. Each time I’d receive one of these special roses, I’ve added it to the large lustre vase in my lounge. It’s a nice feeling to watch it filling up, as our sexual relationship progresses.

The note is a caring but more friendly than romantic.
 

With no regrets? Regrets about what?
 

Taking the morning after pill or making the decision to sleep with him? At least he’d sent me said olive branch; last night had not ended well between us, mainly due to my own stubbornness and I hate the bad feeling between us, I wasn’t used to it at all. This meant he was still in the game.

Locking up with my goodies, I head for the lift. As I exit on the ground floor, I throw my bright coral handbag over my shoulder, nod to the security porter and head towards the huge revolving glass doors. Its only as I’m about to enter, I glance over my shoulder, with the prickle of someone walking over your grave, running over me, and I sense that I am being watched. I look both ways and back towards the lift, but no one is there and, shaking it off, I head out.
 

I’m seriously getting paranoid here
.
 

I need some sleep and pasta carbs tonight; the early onslaught of hyperglycemia, was making me feel overly anxious.
 

Later as I curl up on the sofa, with an indulgent hot chocolate with marshmallows, back-to-back The Good Wife and my trusty laptop, my Facebook page bleeps at me. Glancing briefly at it, mid deliberation between bedspread or bed throw, for The Ashton, I scrunch up my nose in annoyance. I had a private message from Seb.
 

See
Chris, I think spitefully, maybe Nathan was right?

Lu,

The other night did not go well. Probably our first proper argument - not so pretty eh?

Either way, I know you are independent but I wish you had spoken to me about the MAP, so I could have helped. Maybe driving 200miles was not the best thing to do without calling you first. Hope you’re not feeling too rubbish now. I’ll sort out protection from here on out. I’m here if you need me. Always.

Like I said I’m all in for this proposition. We’ve only just begun having some fun. I know your mind, let me get to know your body better. You really are more than I could have ever hoped for Lu. We have a sexual connection, a heat, which I’ve not experienced before and you’ve so much more to give.

Rules still apply. No.3: to be explored further.

Yours,

Seb x

P.S When I get home, you won’t sleep for a week.
 

P.P.S Look out for a delivery tomorrow & keep the night free - no excuses, as I know Finn is away.

I feel my smile reach my ears and I flush with overwhelming happiness. I couldn’t wait for the lack of sleep either. How wanton was I?
I wonder what flowers he’d send this time?
 

Crossing my foot underneath my knee, and settling back onto the cushions, I sigh in contentment - this message and the rose I’d received earlier today were all working wonders at appeasing my ongoing doubts - he certainly knew how to romance a girl. Not sure that was a good or bag thing? I’d placed the rose inside the vase on the mirrored console, alongside its predecessors and it shone, full of life against the three others, now losing their vibrancy, the diamante crystal pin, twinkling for attention within their centre’s.

My eyes flick over his message again and revert continuously back to the end, ‘
Yours, Seb x
’.
I’m beginning to wish he were truly mine, in mind, body and soul.

By Wednesday, after a much better night’s sleep, and feeling more organised, I’m much more Lulu-like. Its as I’m about to leave to meet Chris at The Ashton, I receive the promised
delivery or rather deliveries
to the office.
I know they’re from him, the minute Jackie hands them over to me, her excitement hardly contained. In truth I’d been watching and waiting since his message last night. Opening the first discreet brown parcel, I’m surprised when I ease out the palest iconic pink box emblazoned with the Agent Provocateur logo. Sensing that this is the type of gift to review in private I grab the other two boxes and remove myself from the office, disappearing to the ladies. I’m just glad that my co-workers appear to be deeply in talks about Colin’s love life.
Taking a second to indulge, I run my hand over the beautiful packaging, then anxious to see the goodies, slip off the black satin ribbon. It drops from the corner as I lift the lid, surrounding me with the scent of luxury, sensuality and naughtiness. Inside wrapped in tissue, sits a black satin and lace bra. At least I think it is. There’s not much too it! I hold it up to my chest, admiring the under-wired demi cups, sheer mesh, pretty lace, matt satin and bows - but they only go about a quarter of the way up? Each cup has a strip of satin, which reaches around the top of the breast and joined the strap with a bow - giving the look, a bondage feel. While the open top cups are barely there, just a whisper of French lace, scattered with the odd black sequin, which sparkles in the light. Finally my eyes are drawn to a huge drop cameo pearl, dangling from the plunged neckline - absolutely stunning.
Wow - my nipples would be completely on show!
Oh My
.
My belly flip-flops in excitement.
I select the next item; panties made from the same matching scraps of glittering and matt black satin - the back a thong made from a strand of creamy white pearls. I’d seen these before but never purchased any and as I turn the fabric around I realise that the front is missing too.
They’re
crotchless
!
I feel my cheeks flame and lick my lips. He’d chosen these for me. He’d thought about me in them.
A suspender belt with the same bondage strap detailing and lace topped stockings complete the evocative look. Beneath the erotic lingerie, winks a black satin mask, trimmed with lace and pearls and attached wide sashes; I presume, these tie behind the head.
Ok this was really getting kinky.
He did say I had to be open to anything. Hell,
I’d
said I’d be open to anything.
 
Sebastian had also said that the next time we were together I was to wear no panties.
I suppose crotchless comes close.
I open the smallest of the three parcels next - a white jiffy-bag
,
which houses a plastic business card, and a hand-scrawled note.
Eh?
Looking inside I discover a beautifully designed red keycard holder, with a monogram design to the front; the letters SH entwined in Gold. I can practically hear my heart pounding as I turn it in my fingers. I moisten my lips again and scan the letter.

He must be home?
 

Again my heart beats erratically, my palms clam up and my sex clenches in anticipation. Fuck me, this man is good. I reread his message, my eyes drawn back continuously to the last three lines.
 

Forget your fears. Give in to your desires. Untold pleasures await
.

I open the last box tentatively, almost afraid of what would be next but all nerves go out the window when I see the red soles, glossy and brazenly winking at me.
Oh. My. God! He’s bought me a pair of Christian Louboutins. He’s bloody bought me some Luby Lu’s!

I’ve wanted a pair of these shoes forever to add to my collection of do-me-shoes. Like an excited little girl I shriek in silence, careful not to alert my design team to my glee, and delicately remove each shoe from their tissued bed, marvelling at their remarkable design. They were black suede pointed toe stilettos, with at least a four-inch narrow heel and at the part where the heel met the shoe, three large chunky pearls were embedded and encrusted with diamonds.
They are bloody gorgeous and totally me!
 

Even if Niall had been drunk enough to relax his hold on his credit card, he’d never have chosen the right style to suit me or the right size. Sebastian had managed both.