Bound: Book One

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I love watching him sleep. It's like my new meditation. He's so calm and entrancing. I can feel he's finally at ease. Even if it's for a couple of hours I can also relax for a little bit too. I decide to sneak out of the bed and leave him in peace. I throw on my sweater and jeans. Slowly tip toe out of the room and carefully close the door. I am suddenly am reminded that I should have put on shoes or at least socks. The cold marble floor sends shivers up my spine, but I grit my teeth and head towards the library.

"Mam!"
I am in sudden surprise and let out a scream.
"Clara! You scared the crap out of me!"
"I'm sorry but you shouldn't be out here alone! You didn't bring a guard." "Oh no. I forgot I'm sorry."
"Well I can escort you. Where are you off to?"
"Just the library."
"Ah well I've been meaning to get a new book. Just finished a lovely story about this odd pair...well I won't ruin it for you if you want to read it?" "Huh? Sorry I have a lot on my mind Clara. I don't mean to be rude."
"It quite alright. I understand. You and Liam have a lot on your plate."

I give her a half hearted smile and push through to the library. I make my way upstairs and to the back. I sort through the books but can not find the one I read the other day. My eyes go over and over the same books. But it is no where to be found.
"Miss." Clara hollers.
"Yes?" I holler back.
"I have to attend to Liam's grandmother but I will have a guard outside." "Thank-you Clara."

I start going through the other rows of books thinking maybe I misplaced it. Book after book row after row and nothing. Am I going crazy?

"Just give up already." A voice says.
"Excuse me?" I say getting up.
"Just give up. I'm on to you." Devin says lurking from the shelves.
"On to me?" I say baffled.
"Let's cut the crap ok? I know you haven't bounded on Liam and you're just playing along."
"Huh...Is that what you think Devin? And how would you know?"
"Because I already know who he belongs with and it isn't you! So, just come clean and we can send you back to America to your normal life."

"You know nothing Devin. Get away from me!" I say as I push my way through him.
"You're a liar just like your mother."

I stop dead in my tracks and turn around.
"You don't even know my mother!"
"No, but I know she lied about bounding to your father. So, why wouldn't you?"
"GET OUT!" I scream.
Devin laughs to himself. "Oh my dear I'm here for good. It's just sad that your stay will be limited once they find out."

I am shaking with anger at this point and can not even see straight. I am trying with all my might to not lash out and reveal what I know. I hear a crash come through the doors.
"LILLIAN!?!?" Liam shouts.
"Liam! I'm up here" I shout back.

I hear him run up the stairs with his heavy foot steps.
"What's going on here?"
"Nothing Liam we are just talking. Isn't that right Lilian?" Devin says with a snide smile.
"No, we're not just talking. He's accusing me again."
"Accusing you of what?" Liam asks.
"Of not actually bounding with you."
"Devin, are you serious?"
"Well, sire she..."
"She nothing. I can tell you right now she's not lying."
"He also said my mother is a liar." I add crossing my arms.
"Devin, what has gotten into you? Go to my study now!" Liam demands of him. "We're going to talk about this."
"But sire..."
"But nothing. Go and I will meet you there. This attitude you have towards Lillian will not tolerated."

Devin cowards away but not before giving me a dirty look. As soon as the doors close I breakdown and cry. Liam wrapping his arms around me. "God, I've never felt you so angry and scared."
"He's so awful!"
"SSShhhhh I know. I know. I'm so sorry." He says trying to soothe me.
"He said my mother lied about bounding to my father. And that I must be lying too."
"Did you say anything?" He whispers in my ear.