Page 50 of Bound by Love
“Right…”
“But itisfunny to think how naïve I was back then,” she told them.
“I have to say, girlfriend, you were always true to your heart,” Lea said. “I loved that about you.”
“Well, I loved your goofball ways, and it all began for us with that MasterCard joke.”
Lea giggled. “That oneisa classic!”
“I sure wish I could have been a part of it,” Autumn mused.
Brie wrapped her other arm around her. “Well, you are now.” She looked at Mary. “Thanks for including Autumn and Candy.”
Mary snorted. “Sure thing, Stinks. I figured I’d keep it small and intimate.”
“I feel honored to be invited,” Autumn confessed, “and I kind of hate that we have to head back to Denver tomorrow.”
“Hey, if you don’t mind me asking, how is your training with Tono going?” Lea asked.
Autumn blushed. “I love everything about that man, and the more we work together, the closer I feel to him.”
“The jute does create an incredibly personal encounter,” Brie agreed. “Especially in Tono’s hands.”
Autumn look at Brie and Lea shyly. “You both know I’ve never thought of myself as beautiful but, with Tono, I’m beginning to believe it. And we’ve been practicing…” She trailed off, suddenly looking anxious.
“What?” Brie encouraged. “Unless, of course, it’s supposed to be a secret and you can’t tell us.”
Autumn shook her head, laughing nervously. “No, it’s not a secret. It’s just that I’m embarrassed to say.”
“Okay, now you have to spill, girl,” Lea insisted.
“Absolutely,” Candy said.
“Well…” Autumn’s blush grew deeper as the seconds ticked by. “You see, Tono has a whole show he’s been creating, and it revolves around…”
“Yes?” Lea prompted.
“Me,” she answered softly, looking extremely uncomfortable.
“Autumn, that’s amazing!” Brie cried, feeling tingles on her skin. She knew whatever Tono was planning, it was going to be big.
“I thought Tono was crazy when he first suggested it. But, after some time and a lot of practice, I see his vision, and it’s really exciting.”
“Dang, girl!” Lea said. “Youarethe lucky damn sub. I adore Tono’s rope.”
“That’s what makes this even more wonderful. The fact that I’m his sub-in-training makes every practice session meaningful to me. It never feels like work. It’s just…well, wonderful.”
“I have to admit, I am a tad jealous,” Brie admitted. “Spending all that time in Tono’s jute would be a dream come true.”
“I don’t get it,” Mary stated. “How is he making a show around just you?”
“The theme is transformation. At first, I was totally against the idea of anyone seeing me without my prosthetic. I’ve always been self-conscious about it and the scars on my face. However, he has convinced me that taking the audience on my personal journey, by removing each barrier I wear one by one until it is just me in lace panties and jute, will be empowering for others. Oh, and the music he has chosen is amazing.”
“Oh, Autumn, I can just imagine it!” Brie said excitedly. “You flying in rope, completely free by the end of the performance…that would be truly incredible to watch. Not only sexy, but profoundly inspiring.”
Autumn gave her a pleased smile. “You and Tono must share a similar vision, then. I couldn’t embrace it when he first approached me with the idea, but now? When we practice that last scene together, I get a glimpse of the way he sees me…”
Brie was so moved, tears came to her eyes and she was left speechless, nodding her head in amazement.
