To her surprise Thomas reached over and pulled her against him, their faces now only inches apart.
“Look Lia, I don’t know what you think,” he started softly. “But I’d never force myself on you against your will.”
Her big brown eyes only gazed into his not knowing for sure what to say. Then he neared her more and kissed her gently then drew back to look at her again. She didn’t resist so he approached again and this time kissed her even more passionately then ever before. Lia found herself wrapping her arms around him at the same time she felt his curling around her body then he slowly pulled back the blanket but stopped again to face her.
“If you’re not ready I will understand,” he stated as if to give her one final chance to resist him.
Lia felt overwhelmed instantly at his compassion for the situation she was in. It was as if he had warmed her body with his concern and she had a sudden feeling come over her that she had never felt before. And this time it was she that approached him and initiated the kiss.
Thomas looked a little surprised as he stared back at her now. “I am ready,” she whispered out.
Without another word he yanked the blanket back from both of them. Lia couldn’t believe this was happening to her but she liked it. Never had she felt so good than she did with this man. Thomas was now on top of her making love to her as a man and wife should and she never imagined it to be so wonderful. She only held him tightly and returned his love and enjoyed every moment of it.
The next morning Lia opened her eyes only to come face to face with her sleeping husband. She gazed down realizing their naked bodies were only covered now by the blanket and their legs were still entwined together as she watched him sleep and she was still smiling. Finally he opened his gleaming eyes and met with hers.
“Good morning Mrs. Bransford,” he greeted.
“Good morning,” she simply replied now feeling the roughness of the hair on his legs brush against her bare skin as he moved around in the bed now.
“How did you sleep?” he then asked with true concern.
“Very well.” Then they both heard a knock on the room door. She had a puzzled look on her face but Thomas didn’t seem surprised.
“I’ll be right back…don’t you move,” he ordered as he began to turn and sit.
Lia turned her head with embarrassment as his nude body came to sit on the edge of the bed and he reached to floor to grab is robe and stood up to put it on. As soon as he left the bedroom she took her chance to quickly find her robe as well and cover herself. Then she heard voices from the other room and sat up in bed wondering who it could possibly be.
Thomas again appeared pushing a cart filled with dishes of food. “Breakfast in bed for my wife?” he then asked.
“Oh, you’re so sweet,” she replied with her now blushing cheeks at his kindness knowing he had all this lined up for her.
He lifted one of the trays and placed it over her then lifted the silver domed lid exposing fresh fruits and rolls. “Nothing but the best for my wife,” he then stated. Lia didn’t hesitate as he came to sit on his side of the bed with his own tray of food.
“This is so romantic,” she exclaimed at last. “I would’ve never known how nice life could be if it weren’t for you,” she admitted at last.
“This is only the beginning,” he promised.
They spent the rest of the week scavenging as many of the sights as they could Thomas buying her any souvenir she wanted and spoiling her like a child. They rode every canal possible and took walks across the bridges stopping to stare down into the water and watch as the other tourists came and went.
Finally they had their bags packed and it was time to start their new life together in New York. As the bellman rolled their luggage into the hallway Lia reached for Thomas and stopped him just before he went out the door.
“What is it Lia?” he asked with a little concern seeing such a serious expression on her face.
“Oh, nothing is wrong,” she promised. “I just wanted to tell you something.”
“Then tell me,” he insisted still a bit worried.
“I just wanted you to know that you were right. You were able to make me fall in love with you,” she admitted at last never moving her eyes from his.
Thomas grasped her around the waist and yanked her body against his and wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Then say it,” he demanded in a whisper.
“I love you Thomas Bransford,” she exclaimed at last.
Thomas lifted her in the air and swirled her in a circle before putting her down again. “I love you too Lia,” he exclaimed with a huge smile. “Now let’s go home.”
They walked from the room arm in arm and Lia was now anxiously anticipating her new life with this man in New York City.
Chapter 7
Lia never thought it possible to be as tired as she was now. She was always so full of energy and ready to go but not now as their plane was landing at JFK airport in New York.
“How soon before I can take a real nap?” she asked as she gazed up at Thomas who now seemed to be as exhausted as she was. It was early morning now as they he arrived in this new city.
“Hopefully within the hour,” he replied chuckling out at her. “I never thought I’d see you wear out on me.”
“I am worn out,” she admitted. “But all I need is a little rest and I’ll be ready to go again.”
“Oh yea?” he asked teasingly then kissed her gently.
“Absolutely,” she promised with a smile.
It took about thirty minutes for them to gather their luggage at the airport and make their way to the street where Thomas had his driver waiting for them. Lia was again scanning her new surroundings with amazement at how huge this city was filled with all its towering skyscrapers as they climbed inside the dark SUV and sped away.
She tried to watch as they drove but was so exhausted she found herself propping her head on Thomas’s shoulder and nearly falling asleep instead.
“Wake up sleepy head,” he teased. “We’re pulling up to our new home,” he then informed her.
Quickly she lifted her head to look out and admire the towering building before them. “Oh wow. This looks nice,” she then stated starting to perk up a bit.
“C’mon, I can’t wait to settle you in,” he then stated as the vehicle came to a stop and he opened the door.
They made their way up to the top floor of the building with Thomas’s driver carrying in what he could of their luggage trailing behind them. Thomas reached in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys and unlocked one side of the heavy double doors in front of them then turned to face his wife. To her surprise he scooped her up into his arms.
“What are you doing?” she laughed out at him now.
“I have to carry my bride inside,” he then stated proudly.
Lia giggled at him as he kicked the door the rest of the way open and walked through it and finally put her down in the massive foyer.
“Oh my,” she exclaimed as she looked around. “Thomas this is beautiful.” Her eyes scanned the massive marble stairway just ahead with its carved railing. Then she slowly turned to the right staring at the gleaming solid white tiled floor with a stoned archway with roman columns on either side of it. She could see it led to the living area decorated exquisitely with elegant arm chairs and matching tables, a huge fireplace on the far wall and expensive paintings hanging throughout the room. Now she stood in the middle of the room not sure where to go next.
Thomas made his way to her. “Do you like it?” he asked hopefully.
“I love it,” she exclaimed, still eyeing her new home.
Thomas turned and made his way back to the front door hearing his driver coming down the stairs.
“I put everything in your bedroom sir,” he then informed him.
“Thank you. I’ll call if I need you,” Thomas then told him as he showed the man out. Then he returned to Lia.
“The rest of your things should be here by now if you w
anna go check,” he then informed her. “Randle was having someone fly it all out here while we were in Venice.”
“Oh, ok,” she muttered meekly realizing now it had been days since she had even thought about Randle.
“C’mon, I’ll show you around and you can get some rest then start putting your things away.”
“I would really appreciate that,” she admitted again. “I am totally worn out.”
Thomas showed her around the rest of the apartment and she tried to savor the breathtaking view from the windows but was just so tired she couldn’t wait now to make her way to the bedroom.
“Well, this is it,” Thomas announced as he opened the door just at the top of the over wide stairway.
“Oh this is beautiful,” she stated as she entered the room and saw all of her personal belongings lining the side wall of the room.
“If you really don’t mind I would love to take a hot shower and sleep before I start putting all that stuff away,” she then stated nearly pleading to him.
Thomas laughed. “I’m not rushing you my love. The bathroom is over there. Make yourself at home…because this is your home now.”
Lia felt a rush running through her hearing this but it was a good one.
“I’ll be downstairs making a few phone calls if you need me. I’ll try and let you rest,” he then stated just before leaving her alone at last.
Making a few phone calls she suddenly thought to herself. Where have I heard that before? She shrugged it off and took a quick shower and finally made her way into her new bed and fell fast asleep.
Later that afternoon Lia found the energy to drag herself from the bed and decided to find Thomas and look over her new surroundings a bit better. She made her way down the stairway into the foyer and finally down the two small steps into the huge living room. Thomas was pacing along the far wall just in front of a huge window talking on his cell phone. She made her way over to the window trying not to bother him. Her eyes widened again at the beauty of this city before her. Finally Thomas ended his call.
“Well? Feeling better?” he asked as he joined her by the window.
“Oh yes, thank you. What the heck is all that?” she then asked seeing what seemed to be a huge field filled with trees and water with people walking all around.
“That is Central Park,” he informed her proudly. “Beautiful view isn’t it?”
“Gorgeous,” she exclaimed. “I can walk there from here. I will definitely be checking it out.”
Thomas chuckled at her. “That’s why I love living here. It’s a great location.”
“Indeed,” she answered softly then turned to face him.
Thomas put his hands around her waist. “I sure hope you’re hungry because I made special dinner plans for us.”
Lia smiled again at him. “You’re so sweet, you know that?”
“I just want you to become as comfortable as possible here…that’s all,” he answered with such sincerity in his voice.
“Oh and you’re doing a wonderful job of it,” she admitted happily.
“Now,” he started again looking as if he were up to no good. “Run upstairs and change into something hot. This place is fancy.”
Now he had her undivided attention and she perked up even more. She quickly ran back upstairs and rummaged again through her things finally picking out the perfect dress she had purchased while on their trip to Venice.
Quickly she changed into her tightly fitting blue mini dress with its v-shaped crossover top made with fabric that was ribbed from top to bottom more fully accenting her already slim figure. Then she flipped open another case she had packed some of her jewelry in and picked out a pair of diamond earrings and a necklace with a heart shaped pendant that fell just to the top of cleavage realizing now it was the same necklace Randle had given her for her last birthday but knew Thomas had no way of knowing this and she surely wouldn’t bring it up.
Again she began to descend the stairway much slower in her pointed heals seeing Thomas smiling widely waiting for her just below.
He whistled with admiration. “Now that’s what I call a woman!” he exclaimed as he reached out his hand in anticipation.
Then he took her hand in his and led her out of the apartment to the parking garage below. Lia scanned all around making sure she remembered everything about this place. She knew soon Thomas would have to return to work and she would be left alone to roam this city.
Thomas opened the door to his silver 4 door Lexus and waited for her to get in then rounded to the driver side. Lia watched earnestly as they drove amid all these high rise buildings and was astounded by the hustle and bustle of this city. Finally Thomas pulled up to the front of a swanky restaurant allowing them to valet park the car. He rounded to open her door for her.
“Thank you, you’re such a gentleman,” she teased flirtingly as he took her hand and led her inside.
Again she was aghast at the beauty and elegance of this place. It was very dimly lit with calming piano music playing in the background. Sparkling chandeliers lined the ceiling throughout and small round tables spread through the large dining area all with candles burning in the center. They followed their waiter to their table and he seated them.
“Your finest wine please,” Thomas then told him.
“This is exquisite,” she whispered out to him.
“Nothing but the finest for my wife,” he assured her.
They dined and Lia felt this was the most fun she has had with him yet. She couldn’t believe how comfortable he made her feel and how quickly she had adapted to being with him. All the fears she had before the wedding seemed to quickly vanish.
Back at the apartment they again sat and cuddled on the sofa watching tv before finally turning in for the night. She was so enthused about her new surroundings but she could hardly keep her eyes open.
“I really think I need to turn in,” she finally admitted with a yawn.
Thomas laughed at how cute she was. “I’ll take you to bed,” he then teased as he rose from the sofa and scooped her into his arms. Lia giggled again as he playfully carried her up the stairs and carefully placed her on the bed.
“I guess I’d better get changed,” she then stated as she pushed his playful body off of her and stood then reached for one of her bags that she still hadn’t unpacked.
“It won’t take me long.”
Thomas watched enviously as she grabbed her purse from the night stand as well and disappeared into the bathroom.
“It had better not,” he yelled out jokingly.
Lia fumbled through the bag this being one that she had packed and let Randle ship here for her. Then she suddenly stopped feeling her small revolver below and now remembering she had hid it there before she left knowing full well she would never be able to sneak it to Venice with them. She thought for a moment then carefully slid it into her purse. No need to mention it she thought making sure she zipped it closed so Thomas wouldn’t know she had it. She was afraid he might take it away from her and felt now if she was going to be on her own in this great city she would feel much safer with it along.
She quickly changed for bed and re-entered the room. Thomas had already changed and was waiting for her beneath the blanket. As soon as she slid in next to him he turned off the lamp and cuddled closely to her.
“Lia, I need to return to work tomorrow. Are you sure you’ll be okay here?”
Lia looked slightly disappointed but understood the man had to make a living. “I’ll be fine…I promise.”
He rubbed the side of her face gently and kissed her. “I just feel bad about leaving you so soon,” he then admitted.
“No really…it’s okay. I wanna check out that park anyway. I have a feeling there’s plenty to do around this town to keep me busy,” she replied with confidence.
“I love you Lia,” he then whispered out and kissed her again.
“I love you too Thomas.”
The next morning Lia was a bit nervous watching Thomas dres
s knowing he was about to leave her alone for the first time. And for the first time ever in her life she would be completely alone and free to roam as she pleased. It was the weirdest feeling she had ever had and now she was having second thoughts. The last time she ventured out by herself was Vegas and things didn’t turn out too well. And what if someone out there still tried to use her against Randle? But he too had assured her that she would be fine.
She rose and followed him down the stairs and they now stood just inside the front door, Thomas dressed in his snappy business suit and tie carrying his briefcase in one hand and his car keys in the other. He too seemed a bit nervous.
“I really feel bad leaving you alone so soon,” he repeated. “But the office keeps calling and I need to take care of a couple of my biggest clients.”
“I’ll be fine. I already told you that,” she answered with a smile but had knots in her stomach at the same time.
He kissed her good-bye at last and left. Lia turned and strolled into the living room and sat on the sofa only to stare and the blank tv trying to think what to do next. Then she rose and made her way back to the window and again looked out at the beautiful park below her.
I just don’t know if I can do this she thought to herself staring down at its beauty and seeing all the small figures of people walking and some jogging for exercise. She made her way back to the sofa and turned on the television and started flipping through the channels. Finally she found a movie that caught her interest and decided to watch it first then she would decide whether or not she would venture out.
Two hours had passed now and another movie came on. She made her way to the kitchen and scavenged through the refrigerator and gathered up enough ingredients to make her a sandwich, poured herself a glass of iced tea, then returned to the sofa and ate as she watched it.
Before she knew it she heard the front door open and Thomas was already returning home from work. She jumped from the sofa and ran to him feeling elated to see him. She wrapped her arms around his neck before he could place his briefcase on the table next to the door and hugged him tightly.
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