Against the clock

38.

AN: I've been on vacation for a week now, so I've written al these chapters on forehand. Haha I didn't proofread it. Feel free to give me ideas, baby names, things you would like to see etc.

I entered our suite and promptly kicked off my heels. 'God, who invented those things,' I mumbled, adding, 'Did you know they were originally made for men?' I inquired, and he looked at me with a frown, 'were they?' As we walked towards our room, I nodded, 'Yep, it was considered a sign of masculinity, apparently.' The distant sounds from George's room caught our attention. 'He's already here,' Derek noted, glancing at me. 'Do you think he feels left out?' I asked while opening the door to our room. He furrowed his brow again and I added, 'well, it's Izzie and Alex. You and I are always chatting. I honestly didn't even notice him leaving, which makes me feel guilty-'

Derek cut me off with a reassuring smile and a gentle touch on my shoulder. 'Hey, don't worry about it. George is a grown man, and I'm sure he's perfectly fine. Plus, Izzie invited tons of people. There are people he must be friends with.' he said while looking at me. I couldn't help but appreciate his calming demeanor.

I sighed, letting go of the unnecessary guilt I had been carrying. 'Maybe I am just overthinking this.' Derek chuckled, 'Well, we all do. But trust me, George knows how to take care of himself.' He flashed a reassuring smile. We continued our conversation, slowly getting ready for bed. I glanced at Derek, 'Could you, um, help me unzip my dress?' I asked, turning to face him.

Derek's eyebrows lifted slightly, a subtle hint of surprise in his eyes. 'Sure,' he replied, stepping closer. His fingers delicately traced the zipper of my dress, and for a moment, I could sense a subtle tension in the air. His touch lingered for a brief moment longer than necessary. My back was now bare, and the room seemed to hold its breath. Derek, caught in the moment, gently placed his fingers on my exposed skin. A current of electricity passed between us, and I couldn't deny the magnetic pull. His touch was both comforting and charged with an unspoken desire.

A tentative smile played on my lips as I broke the spell, turning around to fully face him. The room was filled with a palpable tension, and a soft breath escaped me. 'Thank you,' I murmured, our proximity creating an intimacy that was hard to ignore. He settled onto the bed, his gaze still fixed on me as I took a few steps away, allowing the dress to cascade down to my waist. The fabric pooled around my hips, revealing a braless back. I was aware that Derek's eyes were on me, tracing the contours of my bare skin.

As I reached for a shirt, I slid it over my exposed back. It felt peculiar—this was the only part of me that Derek hadn't seen yet, even though it seemed like he knew me inside and out. Our kidnappers had never undressed me completely, so I was planning to cherish this side. I quickly glanced around the room and I saw Derek watching me with eyes filled with an intensity that spoke volumes. Love and desire mingled in his gaze, and the realization sent a thrill down my spine. With a swift motion, I turned back around and unapologetically let the dress drop, leaving me in nothing but my shirt and panties.

I gracefully made my way to the bed, Derek still seated on the other side. The sheets felt cool against my skin as I nestled myself into their soft embrace. Our eyes locked, the charged atmosphere lingering in the room. He leaned back, supporting himself on his hands. 'It'll take some time getting used to that,' he admitted, his gaze lingering on me. I couldn't help but arch an eyebrow, a playful smile on my lips. 'Used to what?' I asked, feigning innocence but acutely aware of the change in dynamics. Derek chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. 'Used to the fact that you're sleeping in my bed,' he replied, his tone holding a playful tease that carried the underlying warmth of familiarity.

I playfully shook my head, a smirk forming on my lips. 'Oh no, this isn't your bed,' I argued, trying to maintain the playful banter. 'This is the bed Izzie booked for me, and you were just lucky enough that I invited you.'