The Ties that Bind (The Forever series, Book Five) by Eve Newton Page A

already
ditched most of my friends, so I don’t think it will come as any great shock
when I drop off the grid. You will have to keep me, though, in the life to
which I have become accustomed.”
    “Always, my love. You don’t have to drop off the grid
completely, Cole. You just have to keep our secret. That’s all.”
    “I know, but it is easier this way. I find that I no longer
have anything in common with them anymore.”
    “Yes, I can understand that. When all of this is over I want
to take you away. Far away. Just the two of us.”
    “Hm, how far?”
    “Very far. Where no one can find us.”
    “Too bad we can’t stay there for very long though,” he says
sadly.
    “Don’t worry about that. Leave it to me. There may be
concessions on my part but I will deal with the fall out.”
    “Fall out? No, Liv. Don’t risk it if it is going to cause a
rift again.”
    “It won’t. Don’t worry about it and I will sort it. You just
keep thinking of where you want to go.”
    “Is New Zealand far enough away to stop everyone from
interrupting?” he asks sarcastically.
    “No,” I giggle.
    “I didn’t think so. I have to go now. I will try and ring
you later. Are you expecting her up anytime soon?”
    “Tomorrow probably, or the day after. We are staying here
until she does. It unfortunately means all of us will be coming up to Toronto
on Saturday. But they will all be under strict instructions to leave us alone
unless there is an emergency.”
    “There’s always an emergency,” he grumbles.
    “Goodbye, my love. I will speak to you soon.”
    “Bye, I love you.” He hangs up.
     
     
     
    I quickly make my way to the ladies locker room and disrobe
before I jump in the shower. My mental note to always go via the shower is
working, it seems. I hastily dry off and get dressed again. I put the pant suit
in a locker and magickally pull out a backless halter top and black leggings.
Slipping my Louboutins back on, I head back upstairs.
    Pushing the door open, I enter the suite, suddenly weary. I
look at the clock: it’s only 1 PM. Christ, it feels like midnight.
    I stop dead when I see Sebastian. He is standing uncertainly
in the sitting room. “Hi,” he says.
    “Hi.” I stay where I am by the door.
    “I’m not going to bite,” he jokes badly but I move further
into the room anyway.
    “I am here to apologize. I was an ass and I am sorry as to
how I treated you and how I disrespected not just you but your husband as
well,” he adds formally.
    I come closer and see an array of gifts on the sofa. He sees
me notice them and says, “I brought gifts. One for every letter of the
alphabet.”
    “I can see. They are all lined up nicely in a neat little
row.”
    He cringes, “Sorry about that remark. Please know that is
not what I think of you. I was only saying it to hurt you.”
    I cast my eye over the variety of gifts and I am impressed
he went to so much trouble. I was only half joking when I mentioned bringing
presents.
    I chuckle with delight as I see lined up in the fourth place
a cuddly black Dragon. I pick it up and smile. “Thank you. This is very sweet,”
I say to him and he smiles. I look down the row and under “V” I find a pair of
plastic Vampire teeth, the kind that kids use on Halloween. I snicker as I pick
them up. “Couldn’t think of anything else? I hardly have a use for them.”
    “They are decorative.”
    “Thank you, Sebastian. I accept your apology and while you
didn’t need to go to this extent, I appreciate the effort.” I step forward to
hug him and he accepts.
    “Friends?” he asks cautiously, picking up the “F” present
which is the Friends DVD box set.
    I laugh with delight, “Yes. Just don’t try any more shit on
me. I will kick your arse.”
    “Don’t I know it. Christ woman, you are strong. You did
flatten me earlier,” he complains.
    I laugh a proper laugh now and we are at ease again.
    “Everyone happy again now?” CK says, coming out of the
bedroom.
    I nod