Bound by Duty (Bound Series Book 1) by Stormy Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

explained any of my interactions with Aidan to Bethany yet. She was caught up in her budding romance with Micah, and I was still trying to figure out exactly what Aidan and I were doing.
    “Sweetie, you’ve got to get with the program.” Bethany gave me an exasperated look and an exaggerated sigh. “I know this is new to you, but besties tell each other everything . You’re holding back and I can feel it, so give it up.” Bethany pulled me to a stop and crossed her arms, making it clear we weren’t going to get that caramel latte I really wanted until I started the story.
    “Okay, okay !” I laughed as I put both hands up in surrender. “Coffee first, story second.”
    “HA! I knew it!” She clapped her hands together as if she’d actually won a prize. “I knew you’d been too quiet lately. You do that, you know? You clam up when things are brewing. I can always tell.” I had to laugh at her self-assured tone and serious look. She was right, she knew me better than most and I didn’t know how to not be an open book. It had caused problems between my dad and I for years because I couldn’t hide the fact that I couldn’t control my powers, and sometimes I didn’t want to.
    I was able to order my latte in peace, but as soon as we were tucked into our favorite overstuffed chairs in the back corner of the coffee shop, Bethany demanded the full story. It was hard to figure out which words to use with her. I wanted so desperately to explain the strange feelings Aidan stirred in me, but that would take explaining my powers. Some of dear old dad’s lessons stuck with me and I wouldn’t expose Bethany to a world that could hurt her. But, I seriously wanted to tell her that every time Aidan got within fifty feet of me, I felt this buzzing in my blood, as if my body were just waiting dormant for him and once I could see him, I came alive. That Pop Rocks feeling would bloom and spread, his touch like fire on my skin. Not the burning kind, but the kind you wanted to lean toward and soak in. If this was lust, I wasn’t complaining.
    So, I sat there for a few seconds, sipping my latte and trying to determine where to start. I had just opened my mouth when I saw Bethany’s eyes go wide and light up. “Well, hiya, Micah! Fancy meeting you here!” Micah came around the back of my chair and sat on the arm of hers.
    “Well, hello, ladies. How are you both today?” Micah was oddly formal. From what I had learned about him from class and Bethany, he was born in Europe somewhere, raised in boarding schools, and had pulled a typical rich-kid rebellion by moving to California and going to a community college instead of the prestigious Ivy League schools I’m sure he was accepted into. I’m certain his parents were thrilled.
    While Micah and Bethany engaged in small talk, I picked up a magazine from the table next to us and began absently flipping through. My mind actually on Aidan and not seeing a single word, I missed it entirely when Micah addressed me directly.
    “Amelia? Hello?” I quickly raised my gaze to his, trying to figure out what I had just missed, but something was off. I quickly stood and looked around. I could feel it. A strange pulling in the back of my mind. I’d never had that sensation before, but it was like I could feel someone trying to communicate with me, trying to tell me something. It’s that same feeling you have when you’re sure someone called your name but you don’t see anyone you know. I don’t know exactly what I was searching for, but I kept scanning the coffee shop.
    “Ame, honey, what the heck are you doing? You look a little crazy right now.” Bethany’s quiet concern brought me out of my trance and I noticed a quick look of surprise flash in Micah’s eyes before he stood as well.
    “Um. Sorry, guys. I swear I heard someone looking for me or something,” I said as I took one last look around. Bethany laughed and said, “Your ears are burning, huh? That’s what my mama