Undeniable

Ch. 14

Over the past few days Thomas and I had put all business aside and just explored the ship. It wasn't hard to keep ourselves entertained and being completely oblivious to what was happening back at home actually put my mind at peace. My main focus was Tommy and his main focus was me. At night we would get dressed and walk down to the ballroom where we'd spend hours tipsy on champagne and whispering our opinions on other passengers outfits. His reactions to most never failed to make me laugh , most of the time turning heads. It was almost impossible to pin what Tommy actually liked and when I would ask it was always the same response .

"You, Ms. Weathers."

Every night he would bring me back to the room and place kisses on my neck til he descended downward , toying at the warmth in my core. It was repetitive but it was something I could get used too.

My mind would often wander to what would happen after this. When we returned home and I had my things moved into his guest room. I wondered if Tommy would make me sleep there or if I'd be allowed to share his bed. Would he make me sleep alone or would he find his way to my room in the late hours of the night? But the thought of waking up to a cold bedside wasn't something I wanted to dwell on. So like most of my anxious thoughts, I pushed them out and tried to focus on what was happening in the time being.

It was now our last day on the ship and we'd be docking in America early in the morning. Thomas's train of thought had returned back to business and the pacing had resumed. He would spend a few moments at the window watching the water wash over the glass only to turn and walk to the other side of the room . After watching him grow more and more nervous I got up and walked to the mini bar in the corner of the room to pour him a glass of bourbon . The ice clicked into the glass and crackled once I poured the drink in.

"Our first meeting is tomorrow night at 7 o'clock we're having dinner with some of the men on the list I gave you."

"I'm going to assume it wasn't any of the ones I refused?"

"No. I had those scheduled for a different evening but once we get settled I'll call them from the hotel and let them know we won't be meeting." He took the glass from me carefully before pressing it to his lips.

"And if they question why the sudden change of interest?"

"There is no change of interest, my wife has fallen ill"

"I'm your wife now?"

"No, you are with me so it wouldn't make sense. I would tell them my wife back home is ill so I'm returning early."

I shifted slightly against the wall crossing my arms. I didn't like the thought of Thomas using the lie and I also didn't like that it put a target on any woman that would be close to him.

"You disapprove?" A smirk slowly crept across his face before he took my chin into his hand raising it up till our gazes met, "Is someone jealous of my fictional wife and my non existent marriage?"

I rolled my eyes "Not at the slightest. Just thought that if you had a wife I'd need an excuse to be here with you. Traveling with a married man seems a bit suspicious does it not?"

He traced his thumb across my bottom lip slowly before placing a kiss on my forehead .

"Oh my , Miss Weathers , traveling with a married man? And sharing a bed with him at that." He chuckled, " Quite the scandal."

"How come in the past month I went from an accountant you never spoke too, your wife at the races, and now the mysterious travel partner whom your having an affair with?"

"And what would you like to be?"

"Your partner." I looked up at him, "and not in a business sense. I think we've already established that."

"Ive spent every waking moment dedicated to you for the last week and you think I don't already consider you as much?"

My lips tugged into a smile and I let out a small laugh more of relief than actual humor. He leaned into me, gently pulling me in until our lips collided. His scent seemed to get heavier the closer he came and it engulfed me. I wanted his touch to spread across my skin and his form to merge with mine. I wanted so badly to live in his embrace. My thoughts raced over his words while we stood there, his lips dancing across mine. The warmth of his skin pouring into me.

When he pulled away I took in a deep breath of air. It was like I didn't have time to breathe. His breathing hitched as well and it was the first time I had seen him succumb to me. It was the first time I noticed his weakness of my touch. It felt invigorating to see one of the most feared men willing to buckle at the ends of my fingertips.

He must have caught onto my thoughts because it wasn't long before he was pressed firm against me once more , my back pinned to the wall.

"We may be partners but I do not want you to forget the details." His hand slid up my side and over my chest continuing as his fingers danced across my throat and slowly slipping to the wall. His voice sunk lower to a whisper beside my ear, " You are my property. No one touches you, no one toys with you. Understood ?"

"O-of course."

"Good girl."

"Can I expect the same for you?"

"Emilia, you have every ounce of my attention. I guarantee you no one else will be entertained by me as long as you will have me."

--

We barely slept through the night. When Thomas wasn't looking over paper work we would lay together and talk about our hope for the future. Several times I'd have to stop him from only discussing the future of his business and talk about his personal goals. It was sweet to hear him speak of things like a family and marriage. The thought of him being a husband and father was refreshing considering what he was at the moment.

With our bags packed we headed to the top deck ready to descend into the gates of New York. It wasn't long before we were clinging hand in hand and rushing through an ocean of people all attempting to find their tickets , find their ship, or pour into the city. Thomas took the lead which made it a lot easier for me. His grip tugged me along until we finally reached the scattered sidewalk. I looked over the streets and buildings in front of me. It was just now that the regret began to settle in. I didn't regret my trip with Tommy but I did regret coming back here. The ambience gave me chills and sent a nervous twang into my stomach. I knew If we didn't get to our hotel soon I was going to be sick and the last thing I needed was to drag attention to us because I was puking in the streets at 7 AM.

We headed deep into the city, looking for where we were staying. Tommy told me the address and I knew exactly what street he was talking about. It was only a few blocks away from my old apartment. Once we reached the front doors, a man took our bags for us and helped us check in. We walked up the stairs and I looked over the golden architecture that surrounded us. Diamond designs painted the walls in different colors and patterns. Each door we passed was dark brown with a gold plated number facing outwards underneath the peep hole. It was much nicer than the ship but all of it was far nicer than anything I was used too .

"Mr. Shelby ! You did make it, how was your trip?" A man shouted from the end of the hallway.

"You go on in and I'll be there in just a moment." Thomas said opening our room door for me. His body was positioned to hide my face but in turn it also hid the identity of the man. I wasn't sure who Thomas was doing this for.

I gave him a warning look before going inside and hearing the latch click behind me as someone locked it from the outside.

"So he did send you in alone." The words came from the darkness in front of me, "What a pity."