Ember. | #1 Axis Series

5. The Introduction

...Part One...

- Troy Lancaster -

I wander over to the long, French doors in the living area after looking at the pictures, a tightness in my chest. The waves of the ocean are active today and a storm is rolling in from the distance. I hear footsteps coming down the hall a moment later.

"I'm ready," Ember announces. I turn around and walk towards her. I take the bag from her hands and kiss her forehead before leading her to the car. Once we're inside and buckled in, I decide to bring up the issue with the press.

"I need to tell you something," I start. I don't want her to be worried or angry about what I'm telling her. My life shouldn't affect her in this way.

Her head turns and her eyes shoot to mine. "What is it? Is everything okay?"

I run a hand through my hair. "The press got a hold of a few pictures of the two of us. You're all over the news. I'm in the process of making sure it disappears, as we speak," I explain to her. "You don't need to worry about a thing, babe. I've got it taken care of."

She casts her gaze out the window and turns completely silent. I take her hand in mine and she looks at me once more. "Baby, I promise you. I'm taking care of this."

She sighs. "I trust you. I just don't want to have my privacy invaded by someone fishing for information."

I place a kiss on her temple, making her blush. "I love seeing you blush, sweetheart," I tell her.

I nod towards the car behind us where Xavier and Dallas are following us. "There are two of my security staff in the car behind us. They'll be following and escorting us everywhere we go. When you're not with me, they will be looking after you. Two other men will be with me."

She looks shocked. "Is all this necessary?" She asks.

"Yes. I don't want this part of my life to affect you and I'll do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't."

About fifteen minutes later, we pull up in front of the restaurant. I unbuckle my seatbelt and exit, coming to Ember's side. I open her door for her and she steps out, taking my hand. I lead her to the entrance and hold the door open for her.

"Aren't you the perfect gentleman?" She jokes lightly.

I snort a laugh. "Only for you, baby."

* * *

"So, you really want me to meet your parents?" Ember asks. She and I decided to come back to my place after dinner. Now, I've got her laying beside me on my couch, her legs tangled in mine and my eyes on her soft, gorgeous features. The house is quiet and only the light in the kitchen illuminates our surroundings. The sound of rain and thunder echoes through the house.

"Yes, I do. My mother just jumped the gun by calling," I respond.

She giggles. "She sounds like a great mother."

I smile. "Yes, she is," I whisper, coming closer to her lips. I stop when I'm less than an inch away.

"I want to kiss you, Em."