Bound by Love by Emily Jane Trent Read Free Book Online Page B

Louis Vuitton mosaic pumps looked made for the dress. And, Tanner felt joy, noting that Natalie had chosen to wear the diamond and black onyx, butterfly necklace he’d given her as a gift.
    Natalie was oblivious to Tanner’ s stare, lost in a discussion with her sister about all the wedding details. Jazzy pleaded with her to design her wedding dress, and Natalie easily agreed, excited to create a design for her sister.
    They chat ted, talking about the wedding, and agreed to set a date to go shopping, so Natalie could help Jazzy with her travel wardrobe. Ellis and Jazzy hadn’t decided where they would go for their honeymoon, but it would be some place warm.
    Natalie was so happy for her sister. It was a tale of true love, so pure and innocent. If only she could say the same for her love life. Yet, she was happier than she’d ever been, and couldn’t envision life without Tanner.
     

9 – Inflamed Passion
                  Dinner was electrified with all the excitement. The meal came and went, without comment, as the focus was on the newly engaged couple and their wedding details. Natalie honestly didn’t notice the handsome young waiter who took every opportunity to refill her glass, or ask if she needed anything. He was unabashedly smitten with her beauty. All of this did not go unnoticed by Tanner, who’d yet to subdue his jealous nature.
                  The blond waiter blushed crimson, when at one brush past Natalie, lingering a bit too long, Tanner gave him a burning glare that nearly melted the champagne bottle he was holding. The message was clear, and put fear into the admirer’s heart. Thus, he became occupied with service at the other side of the table, making sure to avoid looking at Natalie.
                  Tanner saw Natalie glance at the waiter when he brushed by, and Tanner’s glare caught her eye. But, she was used to his jealousy, and didn’t interrupt her conversation to pay it undue attention. That would be her mistake.
                  The fairytale love story and romantic engagement had Natalie in a dreamy state, which crashed apart, abruptly, the instant she was alone in the back of the limo with Tanner.
    “I saw you flirting with the waiter, and he couldn’t take his eyes off you. You weren’t looking a t me, but you sure noticed him,” Tanner accused.
    Natalie sagged. It seemed for every step forward, they took one back. Was she making any progress? Tanner was more fiercely possessive than ever, and for no reason. Didn’t he know how she felt about him?
    “I’m sorry you felt that way,” Natalie said. “I wasn’t flirting. Don’t you know what’s happening between us?”
    Tanner just look ed at her.
    “Your behavior at dinner,” she started. “I know what’s wrong with you. I know you well enough now to understand your reactions, at least partly.”
    Tanner stiffened.
    “I asked you what was wrong, and you said, later,” she went on. “Well, it’s later. And you don’t have to say it. Attending an engagement party is unnerving for you. You think I’m blind. Ellis has professed his love to my dear sister, Jazzy.
    Doesn’t that make you nervous? Are you worried I’ll demand more from you? Of course. But you can relax. You’ve made it clear that I can expect sexual pleasures. And, you do pleasure me, Tanner. You do.
    But I won’t force you into a commitment that you are uncomfortable with. I don’t want intimacy on those terms. If it ever happens, it will be because you want it, truly want it. Not because I demanded it.
    So don’t throw me off the track by accusing me of flirting. I don’t have any interest in any other man. You’ve ruined me for that. And you should know that by now,” Natalie fumed.
    Tanner knew when to be quiet, and this was one of those times. He’d walked into deeper water than he’d intended. Natalie’s words stung. He did care about her. He was obsessed with her .
    And, yes, the engagement