Lorelei James - Bound

“Thinking about all the rules my parents set for me still has an impact on me, sad to say.”

“Why?”

“My dad is a minister. I grew up in a hard-core fundamentalist household. Anything fun was considered a sin and would be punished by God—or my father. My mom’s goal in life was to be the perfect minister’s wife. Her job was to make sure the minister’s children were examples of godly perfection in the eyes of the congregation and the community.”

“Were you the rebellious minister’s child?”

“No. I followed the rules, even when I didn’t agree with them, because it was easier than fighting with my parents. By age sixteen I counted down the days until I could be free of that life and that small town. I kept my grades up because I knew college would save me. And it did. My parents weren’t happy with my choice because I’d opted for a state school instead of a private Christian college. Even now I still struggle with acting bold, acting how I want to, when the girl inside me who abided by the rules for so many years tells me my actions and thoughts are morally wrong.” She wanted to hide her face after that confession. Would Ronin believe, as Tyler did, that she’d never be able to tackle those demons from her past?

“Seems family expectations can bog us down no matter how old we get.”

Tears sparked her eyes; he did understand.

“How’s your relationship with them now?”

She inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Strained. I almost never go home. They repeatedly subject me to the I’ve forgotten all my family and Christian values lecture. You’d think they’d clue in that their shaming attitude about how I’ve chosen to live my life isn’t making me want to come home. But the kicker is, they’ve never visited me in Denver. Not once in six years. I rarely hear from my father directly—which isn’t all bad. My mother calls me maybe once a month, mostly to see if I’ve had a ‘come back to Jesus’ moment or if I’ve met a decent man. I always need a stiff drink after that conversation. Or during it.”

Ronin kissed her temple. “That’s got to be hard.”

“It is. But I don’t miss anything about that life or who I was expected to be.”

“You don’t seem to be carrying much baggage from the way you were raised.”

She laughed. “Wrong. I just hide it well. Or try to. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I’m still really modest.” She looked at him over her shoulder. “Which is probably hard to believe since I’m lying here naked with you.”

“And we’ve sinned twice too.”

“My parents are probably holding a prayer vigil for me even as we speak.”

He laughed.

“Sorry about the weird pillow talk.”

“Don’t apologize. I want to know everything about you. Even the stuff that makes you uncomfortable to talk about.”

But that wasn’t a two-way street. He talked, but didn’t reveal much personally, only in the context of how it affected her. In response, she reverted to that “don’t ask questions” girl, because she feared if she pushed him to open up, he’d just walk away.

Do you really want to be involved with a man who keeps so much of himself to himself?

Yes. She’d take Ronin Black any way she could get him.

“This is totally off topic, but are you busy next Saturday night?”

“Not that I know of. Why?”

“There’s this Colorado Sports Banquet I’m supposed to go to.” He smoothed his hand over her hair. “I intended to skip it, but it might be tolerable if you went with me.”

Amery drew circles on his chest but didn’t look up. “As your date?”

“Are you surprised I want people to know we’re seeing each other?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure . . . what this thing is. If we’re just having fun or whatever.”

Ronin lifted her chin. “Should I be insulted you think I’m some fuck-around playboy?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to. I’m not involved with any woman, Amery, besides you. I haven’t been involved for quite some time.”

“Why not? You’re . . . perfect. Gorgeous, with a killer body, and you’re amazing in bed.”

He stared at her for so long she feared she’d said the wrong thing. “Because I don’t do this sort of thing.”

Was this his way of warning her this wouldn’t last? “What sort of thing?”

“Dating. And before you get all indignant, I said that because I want to continue this with you. It doesn’t feel casual to me.” His eyes searched hers. “Does it to you?”

“No. But if we’re going to be involved . . . or whatever . . . I need to know how long you’ve been enjoying casual sex. A guy doesn’t get to be an expert at anything without practice. Knowing what a sexual man you are, I doubt you’ve gone long without a woman in your bed.”

He rolled over to stare at the ceiling. “I’ve been selective as far as partners go. No woman lasted beyond two nights at the most. I’ve always worn condoms. I got a clean bill of health six months ago, but if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll get tested again.”

That was more information than she’d expected. “I’m on the pill, but I’ll get tested so we can ditch the condoms. But if we’re together, I want to make sure we’re exclusive.” For however long it lasts.

“You have my word.” Ronin rolled on top of her. “I’ll set up the appointments for Monday afternoon. We should have the results the next day.”

“That fast?”

“A guy owes me a favor.”

Wasn’t the first time he’d said that, and she wondered what Sensei Black had done to garner such a vast array of favors. “How far is this testing place from downtown Denver?”

“Across the river, over by me.”

“Okay. But . . . I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“I know, baby. It’s necessary, but a bit of a buzzkill. Would it help if we went together?”

“Yes.”

He kissed her. “So, is that a yes on the banquet date?”

“Of course it’s yes. What’s the dress code for this banquet?”

“Formal. I’m required to wear a suit and tie.”

“I can’t wait to see you in a suit.” Her hands trailed down his muscular back. “Then again, it’d be hard to beat how you look in your birthday suit.”

“YOU’RE shitting me, right?”

Amery looked at Emmylou over the rim of her coffee cup and frowned. “What did I say?”

Emmylou stalked over. “We’re having normal Monday morning conversation and you just happen to let it slip that Ronin Black asked you to be his date for the Colorado Sports Banquet?”

“Yeah. Why? Is that a big deal?”

“Yes! It’s only the most exclusive event of the year. All the biggest, hottest names in the Colorado sports world, including current and former Broncos players, Rockies players, Nuggets players, Avalanche players, and Olympic trainers, are involved. Million-dollar deals are made at this event. They choose an athlete of the year and give an award for most philanthropic work. Not only is it huge that Ronin is invited, but it’s huge that he asked you to be his date.”

“I guess he’s been invited in years past but he’s never gone.”

Emmylou jokingly beat her head on the wooden support post.

That’s when Chaz breezed in. “Bonjour, mesdemoiselles.”

“Chaz, you’re absolutely gonna flip when I tell you this news.”

“The cast from Magic Mike is making a sequel and this time it’s all gay porn?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, pervert. Amery is going to the Colorado Sports Banquet this Saturday as Ronin Black’s date.”

“Shut. Up.”

“I’m dead-ass serious.” Emmylou leaned forward and mock-whispered, “She had no idea it’s a big deal.”