8. An Unlikely Proposition Lucas
Chapter eight
An Unlikely Proposition Lucas
L ucas
"Easy now," I murmured, helping Emelia into the emergency elevators so there would be few, if any, witnesses.
Her movements were shaky with fatigue and injuries. The honey toned eyes, normally blazing with defiant intensity, were clouded by trauma and lingering disorientation.
Seeing someone normally so resolute now looking small and vulnerable stirred an unfamiliar protectiveness in me.
At her door, I deactivated multiple security measures then lifted her gently to the couch. Emelia's lean, graceful form felt impossibly delicate in my arms just then.
Fetching First Aid supplies, I began disinfecting each cut methodically, keeping my voice low and steady despite the thunder echoing inside at seeing this vibrant, brilliant woman so battered and drained.
"The cretins who did this will regret ever laying hands on you, I swear it," I said through clenched teeth, securing gauze around Emelia's slim wrist.
Her lids fluttered as consciousness tried to return, but slipped away once more.
I brushed back tangled raven locks from her forehead. "Rest now. No one gets past all the safeguards I've set... especially with me looking after you."
At that, Emelia's eyes opened halfway and focused on me for a long moment with a hint of her usual perceptiveness.
"Seems I misjudged you..." Her voice, barely a whisper, held a note of surprise as she studied my face so close to hers.
A hand reached out and ran diagonally over my face, then it fell limp on the bed. Emelia had gone unconscious again.
I carried her into her bedroom and changed her soiled clothes, careful to keep things decent.
Covering her with the large white comforter, I sat on the edge of the bed and watched her sleep for a few minutes before I switched off the lights and closed the door gently behind me.
I stayed up all night, watching for any signs of internal injuries and finally, at dawn, when her breathing came more steadily, I allowed myself to doze for a couple of hours.
When I woke up, I had a cup of coffee, cleaned her wounds, and forced a few spoonfuls of broth down her throat.
I let her sleep the whole day, then fed her again by evening.
I wasn’t sure how we ended up in each other’s arms, but somehow, at some point, I was holding Emelia firmly as though nothing in this world would ever make me let her go.
When she snuggled into my chest and breathed in deeply, then promptly fell deeply asleep, it felt as though we’d been soul mates who’d only just realized our star crossed destinies.
After a while, I couldn’t bear the direction of my thoughts, and I slipped her out of my arms and let her sleep throughout the night, only checking on her every couple of hours, but not getting close enough to touch her.
In the morning, I checked in on her and saw she looked better and her breathing as she slept was steadier.
Expectantly, I went to make us some breakfast.
I was just finishing when her bedroom door opened. Despite her bruised face and slight limp as she walked toward me, at that moment, I realized that I was so relieved to see her walking on her own that no woman had ever looked so beautiful.
It was later, after we talked about the men who’d attacked her, that she leaned back on the sofa, staring at me with narrowed eyes.
"Thank you for everything you did for me.”
A flood of emotions ran through me at her words. Was I guilty of protecting her for her or was I protecting my own interests?
She waited, but when nothing came from me but a small shrug, she pressed on.
"But why bother, Lucas? Why come back for me and risk... everything for someone who’s been chasing you... who wants you behind bars? I’ve been as relentless as an enemy."
I pulled free the matching comforter that was folded neatly over the sofa where she sat and covered her feet.
We were facing each other and I leaned on one side, then brushed some hair away from her forehead.
"For reasons that may soon become clear. For now, just know I plan to keep you from further harm."
She looked puzzled but did not pursue the subject. Looking suddenly tired, I watched the crease between her elegant brows relax and sleep carry her from pain and questions alike.
I sat beside her, watching her sleep. To be honest, I wasn't fully certain myself why I was so consumed with making sure Emelia was okay.
Perhaps I felt I owed her a debt. My role in her father’s death had haunted me for years. Or was it guilt because I had unintentionally put her in harm’s way when I’d robbed the auction house where she worked?
But those explanations felt incomplete. I knew only that seeing Emelia like this pierced me unexpectedly. And I would allow nothing to threaten her. Ever again.
Hours later I stirred from beside the couch where I had kept solitary watch, and listened to her breath quickening.
I Ieaned close; perhaps Emelia was having a nightmare or she was still in some pain. I stared down at her in that vulnerable moment as she creased her brows and shook her head sideways.
And in that unguarded moment, I realized an undeniable truth.
Here was a remarkable mind and fiery soul who had enchanted me utterly with her tenacity and passion. And now fate that bound us in unexpected ways.
I leaned back almost in frozen terror. Where were my thoughts and my emotions taking me?
I ran a hand through my hair and forced my thoughts to think of a way out of all of this. The earlier I stopped those men and safeguarded Emelia, the earlier she could go back to her life and I could return to mine—a life filled with globe-trotting adventure and intrigue.
My mind flashed to years of strategic planning and positioning. It had taken a lot from me, and I’d made so many sacrifices to get where I was. I was one of few art thieves who did work discreetly and successfully.
It had taken me decades to build a reputation and because of it I was where I am today.
After all of that, why was Emelia stirring odd thoughts in my heart?
I wasn’t one to shy away from female companionship, but I’d known that there was no space for anything deep or lasting. Or was my heart trying to prove that theory wrong after all these years?
When Emelia finally woke, I hid turbulent emotions behind a carefree smile. We had plans to make and vengeance to mete out.
Emotional sentiments could be suppressed or at least ignored. For now.
But I soon found it was easier said than done. The discovery that this remarkable woman now moved me so unexpectedly was like her magnetic handcuffs. Unbreakable.
Until I did. But was this new wave of emotions something even I could overcome?
Shaking my head, I moved to prepare a hot bath for her before starting dinner.
That night, I watched Emelia wince as she shifted on the couch. She had fallen asleep while watching a basketball game.
I knew her physical injuries no longer hurt so much, but wondered how deep the emotional pain had gone.
She shivered slightly and I sensed chaotic memories. Perhaps of the attack, maybe something else besieging her once more.
Moved by instinct, I switched off the television then slid closer to her, offering a comforting presence.
"It's alright Emelia, those demons can't reach you here," I soothed, running a gentle touch over her head.
As I stroked her hair, she became still and her breathing was soon normal. I continued to look down at her classic features.
Such a tender young thing, yet haunted by her obsession about her father and imprisoned by it so that she had no other life at all.
Was that really what Jacob would have wanted for his beloved Evelyn?
As though she knew how deeply my thoughts of her ran, her eyes slowly slid open.
She studied me with those piercing eyes, and I saw her usual wariness wrestling some new emotion I couldn't define.
Sensing a shift in our connection, we both hesitantly lowered the hardened barriers that had stood between us.
But even at that, I dared not hope Emelia would ever see me as more than an art thief who deserved a long term in prison.
What would her feelings be when she found out about my connection to her father?
I made to move away, to put some distance between us before I became too weak to resist anymore and kissed her.
"After my father's death, I learned early not to rely on anyone," she began abruptly.
Her unexpected raspy voice caused me to freeze in place.
I simply nodded for her to continue unburdening what I suspected was long-held trauma. She shook her head and some strands fell over her face. My hand reached out to brush the hair away.
"Foster parents labeled me too obsessive and withdrawn when I refused to abandon investigating dad's case or training in encryption. They didn’t understand that I needed to learn to encrypt to uncover the truth. I couldn’t get closer either way." Her voice held old resentment. "Group homes grew tired of me quickly..."
She stared absently as painful memories surfaced. "I didn't care about their arbitrary rules or standards... not when Dad's encrypted last message waited for me to decipher and prove his death was no accident."
Seeing angry tears glistening, I ached to comfort her yet hesitated to intrude. In this moment, she was no longer the untouchable adversary, but a wounded soul haunted by family loss much as my own.
"Guess a near-death experience loosens tongues..." she added ruefully, trying hard to regain some composure by lightening the mood. Her eyes met mine warily. "My apologies for that pathetic bout of self-pity."
"No apologies needed, I understand such early pain all too well, Em. My parents were murdered right in front of me when I was nine," I responded carefully.
“Oh, Lucas. That is- that’s unimaginable. I’m so sorry.”
I hesitated before I continued, knowing I was opening a can I could never close back. But perhaps Emelia was worth it after all.
“Your dad always talked about his sweet, brilliant Evelyn and how she was the ray of sunshine that made living worthwhile. He said he’d do anything to protect you.”
I watched astonishment flood Emelia's delicate features as my words registered.
I had revealed more about our past connection than I intended, but something about her artless vulnerability in this moment compelled me to give her a lifeline with something positive from her past.
"H-how could you know my real name? You called me Evelyn before," she finally managed. "Or what he thought of..." Realization dawned. She blurted, "You knew my father personally somehow."
I nodded slowly, seeing no reason now to omit key details. Only what would ease her mind. "Too briefly if you ask me, but he left quite an impression during a... difficult period of my adolescence." I steadied myself, seldom revisiting those painful memories.
"After I lost my parents," I explained simply, "I lived on the streets, surviving by painting and stealing before your father drove up to me one day and gave me some money for food." I smiled slightly at her gasp of surprise.
"Instead of anger, Jacob showed compassion—took me in as a scrawny errand boy at his antique shop where I slept in the back room."
I focused on a knot in the floorboards. "First person who treated me humanely when I was too bitter and reckless to deserve it..."
I met Emelia's rapt gaze. "He taught me code-breaking, and we read classic lit aloud during slow times. He made me learn the sciences and math and said my future depended on what I did for myself today. He offered me a glimpse of grace when I’d forgotten goodness existed." My voice tightened with emotion. "Fate took him away from both of us way too soon, but the impression he made in my life was indelible."
Emelia touched my arm lightly. "So that's how you recognized his encryption style... and my name,” she marveled. “He must’ve hoped to formally foster you before..."
"Before tragedy ended things abruptly," I finished quietly. Raw pain still lingered, both at losing my only advocate and failing him fatally with my naiveté in the end.
This time, it was Emelia that comforted me. She pulled my head down until our foreheads touched and we were looking into each other’s eyes.
We drank deeply from each other’s gaze, until pulled by forces neither of us could resist, our lips came together.
The first thing I felt was relief. I did not know why it was, but it was. Had I been waiting, hoping for this moment?
Her lips on mine were like the lightest of fairies’ wings fluttering to rest gently on me, yet it tasted like chocolate, wine, and strawberries all at the same time.
I sighed, leaning in. I wanted more, so much more from Emelia. I wanted all of her—everything I could get.
I drew closer, entranced by the curve of her neck and the soft swell of her breasts under the silk pajamas.
My fingertips tingled with the need to brush over them, to caress her skin, to give her pleasure. Her eyes were dark pools of longing that stirred a fierce ache within me.
We kissed hungrily. I sighed, wanting all my length to drown in the depths of her sweetness, to lose myself completely…
“Awww-” It took me a moment to register what had just happened and I jumped back.
“I’m so sorry, Em. I have no idea what took over me. Did I hurt you?”
She had a hand on her shoulder, and turned it this way and that, wincing.
“Yeah, yeah, I guess I’m fine. Maybe too soon to... you know?”
“Sure, absolutely. What was I thinking? I knew you needed more time to get in shape before-”
“Get in shape, right?” Her smile teased me.
“I meant- that you need energy to- ughh- I’ll get you some tea.”
I quickly turned away so she couldn’t see the way my neck burned with embarrassment.
As I made my escape, I could feel the warmth lingering beneath my hair, thankful for its length that allowed me to maintain at least a semblance of composure.
Still, I smiled at her girlish giggles that followed me out of the room.
I stayed in the kitchen until I had better control of my emotions, then returned with a tray of tea.
"We need a plan. Clearly these guys don’t want anyone finding out about what they did."
I handed her a cup, then began laying out surveillance photos, pointing.
“Oh, by the way, I called your office to tell them you were ill and would be away for a while.”
She raised one eyebrow. “What if they send someone over to visit me?”
“Oh, but trust is important in this game, Ms. Emelia Price.”
I cockily tapped my temple. “I told them you’d be in Texas with your uncle. Thanks to your recluse lifestyle, no one knows whether your Uncle Tom really exists or not.”
“And who did you identify yourself as?”
“Dr Stevenson Monroe, of course. Your family physician. At your service.”
“Hmmm. I suppose there is some wisdom in using the famous doctor’s name. No one would imagine anyone daring to impersonate such a well-known figure and if anyone wanted to follow up on your call, they would be discouraged by the traffic they might find at a private clinic.”
I tapped my temple again, and was rewarded by a smile. She had the most disarming smile. It was lopsided with a dimple and I wondered why someone with so much charm rarely let it show.
Emelia leaned forward to peer at the images.
As she examined the images, she paled as the reality of our current danger crystallized harshly.
"They won't stop now. You escaped their clutches once before so we're marked until they’ve eliminated us."
My tone hardened at the thought of further harm coming to this courageous woman beside me.
Locking a steady gaze on her, I adopted the neutral voice that sealed risky pacts between thieves and desperate souls. "I think we’d better leave the city until we figure out our next step... and why your father was killed by these criminals that are now haunting both of us."
30 minutes later, we departed the darkened alley garage in nondescript caps and overcoats, my duffel holding weaponry and tech.
I helped Emelia into the back seat of an unpainted sedan with no plates and wrapped her warmly under a blanket.
“Keep your head down.” When I was satisfied she was hid from sight, I slid into the driver’s seat and pulled away.
The sedan's route zigzagged purposely in case there were other vehicles tailing us as we headed north, toward less populated areas of town.
My eyes repeatedly sought the rearview mirror, not relaxing until skyscrapers faded into blurred foothills.
I turned right into an unmarked gravel track that jostled us steadily deeper into dense forest.
An isolated but cozy cabin hideaway I maintained lay miles further, a sole retreat I’d kept secret even from black market contacts. Tonight, our very lives depended on its seclusion.
Once I parked the car, I led Emelia quickly inside before I scanned with detection instruments for any tampering.
Convinced we remained alone and off-grid, I secured every entrance against unforeseen threats.
Then I monitored the interior video feeds and motion sensor arrays from the solid oak table.
Satisfied no hidden threats lurked, I sank heavily onto the plaid couch with a weary sigh, adrenaline ebbing at last.
Emelia brushed fingers through her windswept hair absently. Hours of driving through remote terrain guaranteed secrecy if nothing else.
I nodded approvingly as Emelia studied crossed off locations on a map printout on the wall. “Multiple evacuation routes prepped in case any unwanted guests come calling. This is quite impressive, Lucas. You thought of everything.”
I managed a small smile at the compliment. "Guess you're rubbing off on me a bit, though I’ll deny that in public.” I expected her usual quick witted retort, but instead, she stood slowly, emotions visibly churning behind a pensive gaze around our rustic hideout.
I crossed the polished floorboards to squeeze her shoulder gently. “I know it feels strange harboring here together this way. But the secrets we may unravel would hopefully explain the violence that has found us both.” My voice caught slightly. “And perhaps new purpose lays ahead for two lost souls fate saw fit to rescue from the shadows.”
Emelia covered my hand with hers tightly for a long moment before she nodded.
Later, I handed her a steaming mug. "It's just hot cocoa. My grandma's recipe—guaranteed to inspire trust between fugitives."
Emelia raised an eyebrow even as she accepted it.
“I trust you, Lucas. And thank you for saving my life.”
She took a sip, then nodded approvingly. "Should I rummage for smuggled artifacts too or just the cocoa stash?" But there was a softness to her tone I’d never heard before. She was taking the comfort I’d offered so freely.
I settled into the armchair facing her, sipping from my own mug. I smiled. "There’s nothing to worry about. I expect our stay here to be without event. We just need somewhere free from danger to think things through."
Our eyes caught and held with new understanding. "And hopefully to make sense of the painful history that brought us both to this point, eh?"
She glanced down as echoes of past loss stirred, both hands clutching her mug tighter.
I leaned forward gently, keeping my voice soft. "You saw some of the records your father kept before the attack, right? I can help fill in gaps if we compare our notes..."
Her logical side kicked in, overriding old defenses. "Well, piecing together these random clues has not gotten me closer to the truth before now. We might as well try to make sense of whatever information we both hold."
That fierce drive for answers kindled in her again.
Soon, every discomfort at our unfamiliar surroundings faded as we pored over her data files and journal snippets tirelessly.
I stirred the stew pot slowly, smiling as Emelia's agile mind connected dates and locations across the pages spread everywhere.
My respect grew for her relentless spirit to solve this puzzle despite the wounds they kept open... and an unexpected affection too, seeing these new sides of this formidable woman fate had crossed my path with.
"More tea?" I offered, refilling her cup. "You must be starving from all this non-stop sleuthing. We won't crack every riddle overnight."
Emelia's expression softened a bit as she reached for the tea. "You're probably right—obsessive focus often obscures perspective. Perhaps if we took a break we might be able to realign our insights properly."
I nodded knowingly. "Well I’m quite skilled at creating distractions if need be.” We exchanged tentative but genuine smiles in the firelight.
The hours slipped by as we shared stories and theories, two kindred minds circling tentatively closer to trust.
Finally, exhaustion pulled us into dreams, and we lay there together, curled up on those soft fur hides. The cabin was silent, keeping the outside world's chaos away.
I stretched luxuriously, feeling relaxed for the first time in a while, and slowly opened my eyes to see Emelia just inches away watching me closely.
As sleep's fog lifted, I became aware of how close we were.
Her black hair framed her ivory face. She looked calm and lovely in the glowing dawn light.
Without thinking, I reached over to brush back silky strands that had come loose while we slept.
A tiny smile touched Emelia's lips at my gentle touch, and she leaned just slightly into my palm.
Our mouths drifted closer... I hesitated just to savor the profound rightness... then joined in sweet, aching union.
Our mouths drifted closer... hesitated just to savor the profound rightness... then joined in sweet, aching union.
It felt like time itself had slipped anchor, and stood still to witness our immortal flames reuniting in the sheltering light after so long being storm-battered at sea.
Heart-wrenching in its perfection, our bond blazed into places where loneliness once ruled from the shadows.
I brushed my lips tenderly against hers, expressing wordlessly the depths of my heart.
My fingers trailed slowly, reverently along her jawline, memorizing every contour, every rise, every curve.
Her skin felt like the softest silk under my touch.
Emelia's arms encircled my neck, pulling me closer as our kisses deepened.
I ran my hands through her raven tresses, marveling at their softness. The floral scent of her hair filled my senses.
We held each other gently yet fiercely, as if any space between us was unbearable.
I nuzzled against her neck, planting delicate kisses along her shoulders as she sighed contentedly.
The world faded away until nothing existed except Emelia and I locked in our intimate embrace.
Time faded away in the tender exploration of each other.
I pulled her clothes off and stood back to take her in.
Emelia was perfect with full, high breasts and a slim waist widening to perfectly curved hips. At that moment I felt I could drink her in forever.
I stripped naked and pulled her down so we were both laying on the Persian rug.
I leaned forward and kissed her deeply, then without taking my lips off, I pushed her legs apart and my fingers moved to explore her already wet pussy.
One finger, then two fingers slid inside her, and I began to stroke her deep inside, imagining it was my full length inside her as she moaned softly, getting more ready for my cock.
Emelia reached for me, tenderly massaging my rock-hard cock. I kissed her breasts, then nibbled on one nipple.
She moaned and pulled me up so we kissed hungrily. Emelia tasted delicious and I felt strongly, irresistibly, the need to be inside her very soon.
But I wanted to stretch this feeling for as long as possible. I leaned into her upright breast, desperate to taste her erect nipples again and again.
I squeezed both breasts and nibbled one then the other. I leaned back so I could stick my tongue out and let the tip tease her nipple.
Emelia writhed side to side and her fingers reached for my cock, massaging it until I had to pause and hold my breath.
Emelia grabbed me by my hair and I felt her raising her hips in invitation, her legs spreading wider to open her for me.
Realizing I couldn’t wait a moment longer to fill her, I flipped Emelia on all fours and my cock sank deep into her, all the way, and we both moaned with the sensation of fulfilled longing.
I laid both hands on her smooth ass and ran my palm over them. She squeezed her pussy and it wrapped around me perfectly, shooting waves of sweetness into me.
I began to pump, but slowly, letting her get used to my length inside her.
Emelia felt so hot, right, and wet around my cock, and I realized I wanted us to stay just like this, for always.
At that moment, I would have given up all my skills in art thieving, my wealth and my connections to have Emelia always by my side.
I leaned in and out, pulled in and out, while I drank in the sight of my wet cock slipping in and out of her. My hands went to her waist and I held her in place as I pushed all of me into her pussy, out then in again, tilting so I felt the tip of my cock on the inner side of her pussy.
I flipped her over and her legs spread wide. I licked a finger and started playing with her clit, slowly rubbing it to welcome my finger inside her wet pussy.
I rubbed my cock on her vagina, slipped in, then out, and teased her clit with my finger.
I slipped once again inside her and this time, I lost all control and with my cock throbbing in and out, we were at the point of no return.
“Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck!”
I grunted just before I thrust all the way inside and connected us in every way possible.
Emelia moaned, over and over, calling my name.
I flipped her onto her back and plunged back into her wet welcome sweetness, harder this time.
She wrapped her hands around me and crossed her legs, pressing them over my ass to push me even deeper.
“Damn, you feel so good, babe."
“You feel better, Lucas. Ohhhhh…”
We continued to murmur to each other as I moved in and out faster and faster, not able to help it as the feel of her tight pussy made me want more.
I shifted her leg over my shoulder so I could reach deeper, then I pulled her over the edge of the bed and standing, I held her leg up and fucked her slowly, steadily, moving side to side, making sure I rubbed on her clit with each thrust.
When I felt she was right on the edge, almost there, I grinded my cock against her clit and she went off around me, pulsing on my dick.
“Fuck.”
I leaned forward until I buried my face in her neck as the base of my cock clenched and then shot cum into her.
We were both cumming at the same time, yelling obscene words and holding each other tight, and it was so intense, everywhere turned black for a moment, then multicolored stars shot all around me.
The pleasure went on and on, and when I’d emptied myself in her body, I rolled us over so I didn’t collapse on top of her.
“Oh, Emelia.” That’s all I managed to blurt out before I fell on the bed beside her.
After our breath steadied, I pulled Emelia into my arms and kissed her face and neck. I pulled her damp hair from her face and smiled when she reached for my cock and gently began to rub the tip.
In a moment, my cock was hard again and I rolled her on top of me. Emelia spread her legs and mounted me, slipping me smoothly into her.
It ended up being a long, long night and as dawn's gathering glow enveloped our secluded haven, we both felt blessed to have had this fated union.
Here in this lone luxury cabin far from civilization, our broken spirits mended and two wounded hearts rediscovered wholeness. A perfect moment neither of us ever wished to end.
Nothing could divide our spirits now; Emelia and I were woven forever into one.
Her lips trailed from mine, and kissed the wetness on my cheeks. Surprised, my finger tips tapped my cheek, then I rubbed them together. I hadn't realized my emotions had overflowed so freely too in that moment.
Our released currents merged, rushing through this sun-warmed safe harbor where no ship could founder again.