The Secret (A Tom Hiddleston Fan Fic)

Two

Tom's POV

This trip I did not get as much time with Ashley as I usually do when home. Ashley is my safe harbor, my home no matter where we are, though that's most often London at either her or my house.

I straighten my bow tie as I sit in the back seat of the car on the way to the event. It's not the first time I've fidgeted since leaving London for New York. What Ash said has me thinking. I want us to have a normal relationship, more than anything. To be able to take her with me to red carpet events, celebrate anniversaries with trips or at least dinner at a nice restaurant. Hell, even going to the market together would be heavenly. This year for our first anniversary, we stayed home and because a strong storm hit, we lost power.

"These are the stories that anniversaries are made of, Baby," she had said as she lit candles. I couldn't help but wonder, though, if she was disappointed that I couldn't do more to make it special. In fact if I'm honest, I was disappointed and I think that's when the seed was planted for me that we need to figure how to make our relationship public sooner than later.

"Mr. Hiddleston, we're here," the driver announces, pulling me from my thoughts. I prepare to smile as my photo is taken, but I feel anything but happy as I know my wife should be here with me.

*************

"No one ever dances at these things," she says, the she being Jordan Peters. We're seated at the same table, though we have not yet spoken. It seems a number of people have been vying for her attention this evening, so I've spoken instead with the other table occupants. If I'm honest, I don't really want to speak with anyone. Instead, I'd like to call it an early evening and go to my hotel so that I can call Ash and tell her how much I love her. In fact, I was just about to make excuses and leave when Ms. Peters spoke.

"Yes, it's a shame really," I say, caressing the cell phone in my pocket.

"I love your movies, by the way," she says, scooting closer to me.

"Thank you. Your work is very good as well," I say. Jordan Peters is a household name in the US and most of the world. She began her career as a child star, then went on to recording. Now it seems when she's not putting out a new album or touring, she's acting in a romantic comedy with the likes of Chris Evans or other big-name actors.

"So, do you wanna?"

"Want to what?" I ask.

"Do you wanna dance, silly," she says, smiling and touching my hand.

I sigh internally but I put on a bright smile. "Of course."

*************

I kick myself internally when my phone goes off at 6:00 a.m. I had gotten in too late (or too early) to call Ashley. It seemed that Jordan wanted to introduce me to everyone at the event. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy for the connections. It's just my mind is still whirling with Ashley and our marriage.

I look at my phone and see it's Bruce calling.

"Tom, mate. I hope I didn't wake you...or anyone else who might be there." Bruce has made comments such as this over the time Ashley and I have been together. Normally I just ignore them. This morning, though, it bothers me... a lot.

"Oh, yes, well..." I whisper as if trying to keep my voice down. "Ashley flew in last night and we're having a bit of a lay in, so..."

There's silence on the other end before I hear a growl. "Tom, please tell me you're playing at this."

"I am. Now, please stop insinuating that I'm not faithful to my wife." Again, Bruce is silent before continuing.

"Alright, mate. Listen, you must have really made an impression last night," he says.

"Really, why is that?" I ask, getting up to make my way to the bathroom to piss.

"Because a particular person has been blowing up my phone this morning trying to get your number," he says.

As I aim at the toilet, I ask, "Who would that be?" while yawning and holding the phone with my free hand.

"Jordan Peters," he says, and I almost lose my aim.

"You're kidding."

"Not at all. It seems she has it for you bad, Tom"

"Hold on," I say as I flush and put down the phone to wash my hands. "It's early here, Bruce. Are you saying that Jordan Peters wants to go out with me?" I ask as I walk back to bed.

"It would seem so. I think this could be a real break, Tom. Think if your fans and hers combine forces. There'd be no role you couldn't get."

I flop back on the bed and rub my face. "No can do, Bruce. I promised Ashley I'd be back in London before I fly off to Oz," I say, rubbing my cock absently as I think of her. The last time we were together, we'd fucked like bunnies, and I grin at the thought of a repeat performance.

"Tom. We discussed this. This is your year. It's your time to seize everything you've worked for. Do you want to throw it away on a quick trip home? I mean, Ashley knew what she was signing up for. I would think she could be supportive of this."

"She's always supportive," I say in a low tone to let Bruce know he's about to overstep his bounds.

"I know she has. She's a real trooper. I just... damn it, Tom. The Jordan Peters of the world just don't fall into your lap everyday."

I think about Bruce's words. He's never advised me wrong. In fact, if I hadn't switched to his management firm right after Thor, I don't know if I'd be where I am today.

"Okay, Bruce. Let me ring Ash, then I'll get right back to you."

"Alright, Tom. Don't be too long," he says before ending the call.

I dial Ashley's work number, and it rings twice before it's answered.

"Hey stranger," her voice purrs, and I rub my cock again at the thought of her.

"Hello, Love. I'm sorry I didn't call last night. I got in rather late."

"It's okay, Baby," she says, and I hear her closing her office door.

"Did you have fun?" She asks once she's settled.

"It was fine. I'd rather have been home with my beautiful wife," I say.

"Awww. I bet you say that to all your wives. Plus, you'll be home in another day, right?"

I throw my arm over my face. "Yes, well... about that..."