Emery

So Damn difficult!

I feel confident. My gown swaying behind me, the girls falling into step behind me. The cool night's air caresses my skin as I glide into the waiting car. Mabel's chatter fills the air, Priska's laughter bubbling beneath it. I smile at them, my ladies—my family—my pride and joy. Diane, the eldest of the group, reaches out to squeeze my hand, steadying me with her calming presence. I have a soft spot for Diane.

The car glides down the boulevard, the lights of the city painting the night sky with colors. We finally arrive. The mansion is 10 times bigger than our's. The owner must be filthy rich. 

We walk in. My breath catches in my throat as I spot Theo across the room. The smile that had been painted on my face falls away, and I find myself frozen in place. Mabel and the girls continue their approach, unaware of the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

Theo, sensing my presence, turns towards me, a flicker of recognition and warmth in his eyes. I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks as he makes his way towards us. He makes small talk with Mabel and Priska, complimenting their dresses and engaging them in conversation. Diane and I watch, our gazes meeting briefly. He doesn't even compliment me...not like I need his compliments though. I don't know why it bother's me.

"Emmy, it's wonderful to see you again," he finally says, his voice deep and smooth. "I hope you're well."

I incline my head, a polite smile playing across my face. We take our seats at the dinner table, surrounded by senators, mayors, and businessmen alike. The conversation flows around us, punctuated by the clinking of silverware and the occasional peal of laughter.

I try to focus on the conversations around me, on the food that sits before me, but my attention is drawn again and again to the senator. His presence is a magnetic force that I cannot resist, pulling my thoughts back to him like a moth to flame.

Throughout the meal, our eyes meet across the table, the intensity of the unspoken words hanging between us. As the meal draws to a close, He slides a serviette to me. Another note:  

 I have a surprise for you. Meet me in the library. Upstairs, first door to the right.

His eyes fixed on me. My heart flutters in my chest, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through me. I fold it back and take  a sip of my wine. 

_______________________

I make my way through the darkened halls of the mansion, my slippers padding softly against the polished marble. The library door is slightly ajar, and I can see the warm glow of candlelight spilling from within.

Pushing the door open, I step inside, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. And there he is, waiting for me in the center of the room. The senator's gaze is like a slow burn, his eyes roaming over me with a possessiveness that makes my breath catch in my throat. Emmy," His voice sends goosebumps racing across my skin. "Tell me, are you here to see the library or me?" He says arrogantly.

I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. "I'm here for the books, of course," I tease, a playful smile dancing across my lips. ''You called me here...what is the surprise?''

He hands me a book. I'm not quite the reader but I take it anyway. 'The key to her heart ' . '' What am I meant to do with this?'' 

''Read it.''  Great so this man called me up here to give me a book. 

''I'm sure you're asking yourself if I really called you up here to give you a book?'' He says reading my mind. He really is getting to know me for him to be able to read my mind.

He walks over to fetch a box. A jewelry box. ''This ring signifies your beauty, also it just rhymes with your name so I figured...why not?''

 It's an Emerald ring. A very heavy and expensive one. Beautiful...that's all I could think of. It is absolutely beautiful!

Theo's hand caresses my wrist. I can feel the heat of his body radiating towards me, his breath ghosting over my skin. Every nerve in my body is alight with desire, aching for him to close the distance between us. 

My heart pounds in my chest, a wild bird trying to escape its cage. I yearn for his touch, his kiss, the physical intimacy that has defined my life for so long.

His gaze burning into mine. He leans his head in. I'm certain we're about to kiss... then... he steps away. ''I don't want to be tempted to kiss you. My way of showing how deeply I want you to be mine.'' I sigh in frustration. WHY IS HE BEING SO DAMN DIFFICULT!