Secrets, Lies,and Love

Chapter 15

THOMAS' POV

I tilt my head back and blow out the smoak, my eyes flutter closed and I just listen to the horns of new york, my hands tighten on the ledge and cigarette trembles between my fingers. It's been three days since the incident, the murder. I want to be in Virginia with my family, I want to help out my brothers and sisters through this time. I want to hug my mother like she held me when I lost Ben.

But Alex was right,I had a job to do.

I slowly bring the cigarette to my mouth and inhale deeply, I hold the smoke for a few moments before blowing out through my nose. I open my eyes again and scan the downtown lights of New York City.

"I thought you quit that in high school. " I look over my shoulder at James and smile softly. I used to have a bad time handling my drugs and alcohol ,I used to show up too school drunk and high alot. I then learned that in order to get into Princeton I needed to be clean.

I look down at the soft red glow in my hand, it's a killer and I know it. I guess that's why I was so drawn to it,I liked living on the edge. My fingers run over the smooth paper slowly and barely brush my thumb over the glowing tip.

"I did," I sigh and take one more draw before stamping it out into the concrete. "Then I realized how stressed I was without it."

"Awe come on Tom."He sits next to me and eyes scan the star naked night sky with the soft orange tint from the lights." You know there's better ways to deal with this shit. Talk to Alex." I cock an eyebrow and I look inside the penthouse window behind me.

James and I were sitting on the edge of the patio railing, the dining room having an overlook of downtown. My eyebrows furrowed together as I watch Alex work at the dining room table, the low glow of the screen reflecting in his eyes and papers scattered all over the table. I can see the spotless white living room behind him with gold accents, the TV on the news channel as it was on most days now. I told Alex to

go to bed an hour ago, I wasn't going to fight with him tonight on this.

"If you could get him to look away from the computer for more than five seconds, I'll gladly talk to him." I shrug and swing myself into the patio, eyes studying him worriedly.

"He does care about you, you know." James sighs and leans against the glass table." He just... has a really odd way of showing it." I laugh dryly and nod.

"No kidding." A comfortable silence falls between us for a few minutes.

"Any calls from your folks?" James' eyes land on me and he tucks his hands into his pockets. He was just stopping by for a few minutes to chat ,he lived a few floors down below us.I shake my head and check my phone.

"No,nothing." I sigh and my grip tightens on it. " I was going to call them in a while here, after the kids went to bed .' James nods.

"You can go see them Thomas,I'll keep an eye out for Alex." James offers, I sigh and shake my head.

"I don't want to leave him alone with that lunatic running around out there and Washington and Burr back in the office. "I fidgeted with the box of cigarettes that I hid outside.

"I... understand. But he has a whole team of people looking after him, protecting him, I doubt anything would happen." James' looks inside.

"I just," I rub my face, upset with myself that I was stressing myself into a corner over someone who I knew would be okay. "I love him James!" His eyes widen and he looks taken back.

"Are you guys....together yet?" He blinks, shock in his face.I nod." How long?"

"Five whole days and we've almost killed each other eighteen-hundred times. "I sigh and look back at Alex. I watch the sag in his shoulders as he sighs and rubs his face, moving his glasses on top of his head. I smile and look at the ground." I know I love him James, I know that if anything happened to him because of his father I'd die." I look at James, tears treating too spill." I love him James, I'd give everything for him..."

James gives a smile and looks at Alex." I'm glad you can finally heal Tom." He pulls me into a hug and I hug back. He leaves with a goodbye, now I'm just left staring at my phone, my dad's number pulled up.

I hit call. It rings for a few minutes, he picks up.

"Thomas ?" His low, almost gruff voice, comes through. I can't help but smile at it as it brings back memories of calling him at the office when he worked late nights. Which was every night.

"Yeah, It's..." I take a deep breath. " It's me."

"Where the hell are you?" He snaps. I hear background voices, my second eldest sister and mother I'm guessing. I flinch at his tone and rub my arms.

"I'm in New York." I sigh and pull a chair out from the patio set and sit.

"And why aren't you here? With your family, Thomas Jefferson." He's annoyed,I can hear his teeth grind to keep from snapping and yelling at me. I'm silent for a minute, I look inside my, our, home. I watch Alex as he watched the clock. His eyes land on me and he smiles.The dull tired flicker in his eyes disappears and is replaced with love, he smiles and gives a small wave. I can't help smile and wave back." And I swear if you say your job..."

"I found someone. " I spit out, the other lin goes silent and I thought they had hung up." I found someone in New York that I can't leave."

"Who?" His tone almost changes immediately, it's softer and kinder." What's her name?"

Her. Oh fuck.

My eyes widen and I panic, picking the first name that comes to mind." Peggy!" I spit out and face palm. You've gotta be fucking kidding me.

"Schuyler?" I can hear the glee rise in his voice, the Schuylers are a longtime business partner with my dad's business. Of course I panic again.

"Yes! Peggy Schuyler." Oh what hole did I just dig myself into? I put my hand on my forehead and mentally curse myself.

"Good choice son," I hear pride in his voice. " A beautiful young lady." I bang my head against the wall.

"Thanks dad." I groan." Hey, it's pretty late, I've gotta go." I look at Alex in surprise as he starts to pack up his things. I smile and my heart melts, God I love this man. I can't help but smile.

"Alright Thomas, your mother says she wants pictures." Oh fucking great. " Good night, we'll see you soon."

"Bye dad, love you." And we hang up. I trudge inside of the house and kick my shoes off, I slowly strip as I get to the bathroom. I stare at myself in the mirror and groan." You're a fucking moron. "

"What'd you say?"Alex comes from the bedroom, he let his hair down and is combing through it with his fingers. I smile and wrap my arms around him tightly yet gently, I lean down and press a kiss to his lips. He smiles and leans into it, arms looping around my neck. My hands fall to his hips and I bury my face into his neck.

"I'm just tired babes." I sigh, he smiles and pulls me into the bed.He pulls me into his side and runs his hands through the kinks in my hair, I lean into the touch and close my eyes. He smiles and presses a kiss too my forehead.

"Than it's a good thing we're going to bed." He chuckles and we get more comfortable. I nod and press one last kiss to his lips before laying my head on his chest.

"I love you Alex." I sigh happily, I can feel his smile against the kiss he pressed to my forehead.

"I love you too Thomas."