Bound, p.5
Bound, page 5
“Really? Thank you! And if you’re offering me the position, I would be happy to accept.”
“Wonderful. Could you start on the first?”
“The tenth would be better for me. I’m moving next weekend, and I’ll need to know my hours at the museum so I can work out a schedule at the Savoy.”
“Do you think that’ll be an issue?” asked Dr. Burton.
“Not at all. The hotel is very accommodating, I just want to give them a little time to get it figured out.”
“Very commendable. The tenth it is. Shall I change the address for your personnel records?”
“Yes please,” Corinne responded, giving her the address to her new flat in Charing Cross.
“I know that neighborhood. In fact, I think I know that building. Do you know Rachel Moriarty? No, wait, it’s Holmes now. I thought it was humorous that she was changing her last name from Moriarty to Holmes.”
“I know Rachel fairly well. It’s her flat I’m buying.”
“Oh, I am now pea-green with envy. I’ve been there a few times. Gorgeous place.”
“I know. I’m very excited.”
“Good enough. We’ll see you on the tenth. Come in through the employee entrance. One of the security guards will bring you up to my office, and we’ll get you settled in.”
“Sounds perfect, Dr. Burton…”
“Gloria, Dr. Adler.”
“Good enough, Gloria. It’s Corinne.”
“Good luck with your move, and I’ll see you on the tenth at nine.”
Corinne ended the call and hugged herself. It seemed her hard work was paying off. As she had a dedicated parking space, maybe she’d think about getting a vehicle of her own. Not an SUV, too big, but one of those Mini Coopers might be fun.
Knowing she had a lot of work to do in the next couple of weeks, Corinne got right down to planning. She made herself something to eat and began a list of things to do. One of the tasks she needed to accomplish was to buy some appropriate work clothes for the museum. On something of a whim, she dialed Rachel.
“Rachel Holmes. Oh, hi, Corinne, I didn’t look at the caller ID first. How are you?”
“Excited. I just talked to the National Gallery. My new boss found out I have been awarded my doctorate, so she confirmed her job offer. I start on the tenth.”
“That’s wonderful news on both fronts. We should all go out and celebrate.”
“That would be terrific, but I was wondering if I might impose…”
“Impose away. I understand from Saoirse we’re helping you move. And Spense was right—we’d love to help you unpack.”
“I would appreciate that more than you know. But I was wondering if you might go shopping with me. I’ve worked at the Savoy, and that’s one look…”
“Oh dear, that would never work for the museum. Do you have time on Thursday? I was getting together with the others, and we were planning to call you. We could come over. Anne’s really the one you want going through your wardrobe, but I’ll warn you, she can be ruthless.”
“Ruthless?”
“Yes, she’ll go through everything and tell you what to keep, what to donate and what to toss. Sage and Saoirse had already had a go at my closet, but they were amateurs compared to Anne. She’s fairly imperious about it, but she’s always right. Holmes worships the ground she walks on. Before I met Holmes, I tended to favor rather frumpy clothes. He kept encouraging me to buy things that better suited my body and my personality. He finally asked Anne for her help. She gutted my closet. I ended up with only about a third of what I had. I hate to admit it, but I’m so glad he did. The new things I have and the things I kept really make me feel better about myself. I look so much more polished and just feel more in tune with who I really am at my core. The funny part is that it translates to every other aspect of my life. Yes, my gorgeous, hunky husband thinks I’m sexier, but I look more like a successful businesswoman too—and I’m bringing in more money now than I ever have. I think the new look gave me a sense of confidence and pride. There are some situations I handle better because I feel like the clothing gives me a kind of armor.”
Corinne smiled, picturing it. “Then, I am definitely signing up for the Anne Watson makeover.”
“Oh good God, don’t tell her that. She’ll make you get a hair and makeup redo as well.”
“I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but I don’t know if you could do it in a day. I’d love it if all of you came. I’m hopeless where fashion is concerned.”
“Nice thing about Anne is that she loves fashion, but she’s also incredibly practical. What do you say we come by about eleven?”
“That would be great.”
Corinne ended the call, feeling far more confident about having what she needed to start her new job and finally ready to turn in. She puttered around her flat, just thinking about getting ready for bed, when her mobile rang again. When she glanced at the caller ID, she laughed.
“Anne, I should have known you would be calling.”
“Makeover? I’m in, but eleven won’t do. Let’s meet at the Savoy Grille at seven. My hairstylist doesn’t usually open until ten, but he’ll fit you in and his partner is a makeup artist. Then we’ll go shopping, have lunch, and adjourn to your place over the restaurant where I will be decimating your closet.” She laughed. “This is going to be so much fun.”
Anne rang off without even giving her a chance to respond. Corinne shook her head. She had a feeling she was about to experience what Gabe referred to as Hurricane Anne. It really was the perfect way to end her day. She stripped out of her clothes, stretched and hopped into her old, merely adequate shower. She’d already started her countdown to having a better bathroom to luxuriate in.
Eddy watched her getting ready for bed. He kept himself from looking—that wasn’t true; he looked, but he didn’t stare—at Corinne’s naked body as she stripped down. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to; she was the fodder for his masturbatory fantasies. He already used her laptop computer to keep tabs on her to ensure she was safe, but using it to spy on her just to see her voluptuous body without any clothes was a bridge too far. Watching Corinne, in or out of her clothes, was highly arousing and he spent enough time with a hard cock from unconsciously thinking about her. It just felt a bit creepy and stalkerish to intrude on her privacy to that extent.
Once she’d crawled into bed, though, he contentedly watched her settle down and fall asleep. He smiled. It was silly, but he found great comfort in watching over her while she slept. Here in the book, he didn’t really need sleep. Holmes, Spense and Roark all agreed that had been something that had taken them aback—their need to rest. But all three agreed that sleeping with your beloved was almost as good as fucking her…
Almost.
Chapter 7
The next few days flew by. Each day, Corinne made time to slip by her new place to take at least one box with her. Some days she had enough time to unpack it and others she didn’t, but each time she felt she was making progress. Rachel had been incredibly generous with the things she had left behind—beautiful antique pieces that weren’t at all fussy and were functional in the extreme.
The furniture wasn’t the only thing Rachel had been kind about. The price she had named for the flat was easily within Corinne’s market and gave her enough cash to not only fund her makeover but to buy new bedding and towels for her flat. When Rachel had remodeled, she’d had the entire flat repainted a beautiful cream color that not only complemented the natural wood beams, floors and trim throughout the flat, but the painted and distressed kitchen cabinets and island. What had surprised and delighted Corinne was Rachel’s use of natural soapstone for all the counters throughout the flat, with the exception of the counters in the walk-through closet, which were a gorgeous Brazilian red granite.
Anne called Thursday morning at six. “Black leggings, black or solid top and comfy shoes.”
Corinne laughed. “Good morning to you too. I’m not coming to the Savoy without makeup.”
“That’s fine; they can remove it before your mini-facial. Just pull your hair back. See you soon.”
Anne ended the call before Corinne could respond. Without a doubt, Anne was used to being in command, which was why it seemed odd that she would ever be submissive. And yet, when Corinne saw her with Gabe, it was obvious who the dominant partner was. In fact, ever since she and Spense had talked last week, she’d had a chance to observe all four couples and could see how each was unique, but how special they all seemed. Maybe that lifestyle was worth considering if she found the right man.
Corinne snorted at her own foolishness. Man? Relationship? She barely had time to breathe; there was no way she could add a man into the mix.
She arrived at the Savoy just a few minutes before seven. It occurred to her that she rarely ventured into the hotel unless she was working. It was a beautiful and grand old building complex, considered to be one of the best luxury hotels in the world. As a member of the staff, she knew they prided themselves on top-notch accommodations and world-class service.
The hostess for the Savoy Grille greeted her and showed her to their table. “Anne and Sage are already here. Anne commandeered the best table for you guys. God, I wish I had half her style and confidence.”
“You and me both. The girls are taking me out for a makeover today…”
“That would be so much fun. I can’t wait to see what they do with your hair and makeup… not that you look bad…” the hostess stammered.
“I like to think of myself as a blank canvas,” teased Corinne.
“Hey, sweetie,” said Sage as Corinne took her seat.
It didn’t take long before the quintet was completed by the arrival of Saoirse and Rachel.
“I just want you to know, Spense was not amused that I was leaving so early on his day off,” quipped Saoirse. “But I reminded him we were helping Corinne.”
“He isn’t foolish enough to think that you won’t be shopping as well, is he?” asked Anne, a sly smile lifting the corners of her mouth.
“Oh God, no. He’s much smarter than that.”
“Holmes told me to have fun and buy him something.”
“Are we going to a men’s store?” asked Corinne.
The other four women laughed, and Rachel placed her hand on Corinne’s arm. “That’s Holmes-speak for, ‘Buy something so sexy I’ll want to rip it off your body’.”
Corinne looked around the table at her companions and decided she was in good hands for her makeover. Once they’d had breakfast, they adjourned to the hairstylist they all used where she had her makeup removed. Corinne was treated to a mini-facial before being handed over to the hairstylist, where she was given strict instructions to keep her eyes closed. Instead of being nerve-racking, she was finding that it added to the excitement and fun.
The stylist explained what he was doing—adding highlights, lowlights and lots of layering—but they wanted her to wait until both he and the makeup artist were finished before she took a gander at the new and improved Corinne Adler.
“You have such exquisite skin,” said the makeup artist. “Instead of foundation, I’m just going to use tinted moisturizer, which has SPF protection and will even out your skin tone without being heavy.”
He took Corinne through both skin care and makeup, and she realized it took less time than it normally took her. The hairstylist had also promised her easy, wash and wear hair. When they spun her around and asked her to open her eyes, Corinne was gobsmacked. Staring back at her was a woman she’d not only never seen before, but hadn’t known existed. She felt gorgeous, feminine, powerful and most of all, herself. Six faces clustered around hers in the mirror, waiting anxiously.
“I remember reading that Michelangelo once said every stone has a sculpture within it, and it’s up to the artist to reveal it. That’s how I feel… like you guys revealed the me that was always there. It’s amazing.” She brought her hand up to touch her cheek and then ran her fingers through her barely curly hair.
“Mimosas all around,” said Sage, breaking out champagne and orange juice.
While they each sipped their drinks, Corinne couldn’t help looking at her reflection again and again. “I can’t believe the difference you guys made. I just feel beautiful.”
“That’s the reaction every stylist wants to hear. And it should be super easy for you to maintain.”
After purchasing both hair and skin products, Corinne and her personal fashion squad headed next to the foundation store.
When she handed Anne her sports bra, Anne held it up by one finger. “I’m going to assume this is the best you have?”
“I wish I could say no, but yes, that’s the best of the lot.” Anne rolled her eyes. “They’re comfortable and work well.”
“Sweetie, they call them a sports bra for a reason,” said Sage, gently.
Within the hour, she had an array of new bras that she had to admit enhanced her figure. She’d been a bit shocked when she had to suggest panties, and all four women admitted that unless they were going to a club and it was a thong that matched their corset, they didn’t bother. She bought one pair of matching panties for each bra but promised when they went out to dinner that night, she’d go without to experience the feel of it. That definitely intrigued her.
As they left the foundation store, Anne said, “Hmm… Anyone up for causing a little trouble?”
Saoirse started laughing. “Have you ever known this lot not to be? What do you have in mind?”
“I think our newest member needs a corset.”
“Why do I need a corset?” asked Corinne.
“Because Anne wants to cause trouble, and you’re the perfect foil,” explained Rachel. “And for the record, I am absolutely in, but what makes you think Louis will relent?”
“Easy. We’re going to play on the fact that he loves to make women feel beautiful and special. We’ll tell him it’s all part of her makeover. Besides, I don’t think he’ll be able to resist the idea of helping her find her first corset to introduce her to the lifestyle.”
Sage laughed. “How can she find a Dom if she isn’t properly dressed? And does he really want her to have to wear one of the ones they offer training subs at Baker Street? You really are evil, Anne.”
“Evil, but persuasive.”
Corinne couldn’t help but get caught up in their fun and camaraderie. Besides, it would give her a chance to talk to them about their chosen lifestyle. Ever since the brief conversation with Spense, Corinne had been intrigued.
“I’m in,” she said. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to broach the subject of your lifestyle and Baker Street. I mean, I know what Baker Street is; the Savoy has a lot of high-powered guests who are interested in it.”
Saoirse nodded. “Spense said the two of you talked briefly, and he thought he might have given you food for thought. I think I can speak for all of us… Ask whatever you like. If someone feels uncomfortable answering, they won’t.”
“Let’s see if we can persuade Louis to help us…” suggested Sage.
“I think if we can, we should promise to keep it to ourselves. If the other subs at the club find out we got him to bend his rules, he’ll be inundated. And he really does believe that Doms should be involved,” said Anne.
“I’m surprised to hear you say that,” said Saoirse.
“Sweetie, true power isn’t about who knows what you did. True power comes from being able to do it so that you get your own way. Think about it—wouldn’t you love to surprise your significant other with a new corset now and again? If we pull this off, I’m going to get him to make me several to take with me when we immigrate. I talked to JJ, and she says there are some good custom corset makers on the East Coast, but the best one is Cable Car Corsets in San Francisco. It would be so much easier when I want a new one to just call Louis and have it sent.”
Once they arrived at the Dark Garden, a custom corsetier, they had to wait before Louis would even deign to receive them.
“Anne, this is highly unusual,” he admonished their leader.
“I know, Louis, but our friend Corinne is having a complete makeover. We bought her all-new underthings. She has on one of her new bras now. I won’t show you the awful bandage thing she was using before. You’d have to put your eyes out, it’s so ugly.”
Louis grinned. It would seem even the crusty corset maker wasn’t immune to Anne’s charms.
“Besides,” Anne continued, “if she’s going to go to Baker Street, you’ll want her to look her best to catch the eyes of the right Dom, won’t you? And who, but you, could help her with that? Please, Louis, we all promise not to tell a soul. Don’t we, ladies?”
They all agreed, and Louis shook his finger at her. “You are a mischievous minx and if I was half my age, I might challenge your Gabriel for you.”
“Really? I’d never thought of you as a masochist,” Anne teased.
“Bien. But I must have your word that what I’m about to do goes no further than the six of us.”
“I’ll get Spense to say he sponsored her. He works with Corinne and is extremely fond of her. In fact, Spense was the first person Corinne talked to about all this.”
Anne not only persuaded Louis to make Corinne a beautiful brocade corset that complimented her coloring, but to make her a new one as well so she could surprise Gabe with it for his birthday.
When they left the Dark Garden, they stopped for lunch at one of the multitude of pubs in London’s vintage shopping district. At breakfast, they had discussed what Corinne wanted, which was a mix of Rachel’s very polished and professional look with Sage’s slightly quirky one. While she loved Saoirse and Anne’s more bohemian style, they all agreed that it might be a bit much for her work at the National Gallery, at least to start.
“Who will you be working for?” Rachel asked as she took a bite of her macaroni and cheese.
“Gloria Burton.”
“Oh, you’ll like her, and you can probably push a little on your style—maybe not the first day, but fairly quickly. Most of the time, Gloria likes to dress pretty avant-garde.”
