Author’s Note: This is actually the FIRST thing I ever wrote for the fandom (actually, maybe ever) when I was still dabbling with the idea of writing. I never braved up to finish and publish it until now. I just recently stumbled upon it and thought it would be fun to wrap up and release in honor of TRR Appreciation Week. I hope it makes your heart beat just a little faster when you read it. 😉
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He released a long exhale, enjoying the brief sensation of surrender as he continued to move at a steady pace. He felt a slow trickle of sweat glide down his forehead and catch in his brow. After everything that had happened, he needed this . . . Emotionally and physically, he needed this release.
He glanced up and caught a glimpse of her across from him. Her eyes were gently closed, lips pursed slightly in a silent hum. The candlelight flickered and the light danced across her skin.
The image stirred something inside of him, a deep hunger for more. He picked up the pace, pushing himself harder and faster. The only noises in his head were the quickened beating of his heart and the rhythmic pounding of his motion.
She started to rock gently and a small smile spread across her lips. He watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Her eyes opened slowly, catching his in a sleepy gaze.
Those eyes … his breath caught in his throat and he slowed for a moment before he found it again. As he steadied his breathing, he felt an overwhelming surge of energy course through his limbs. More, his body craved. . . Faster, more! He ignored the fatigue that was beginning to wash over him, more overcome by the desire her image instilled than the exhaustion.
As she emerged from her trance, she slowly focused her attention to his stare. A sheepish grin spread across her face, partially from the embarrassment of being watched but mostly confident in the obvious affect she was having on him.
“What, Walker?”, she murmured, “Can’t a lady enjoy some good music in peace?” She shifted forward, resting her elbow on the table as she softly settled her chin in her palm and raised her eyebrows at him.
“I, er . . . “ he stammered, “ just can’t believe anyone is so into this British chick.” And can’t believe I just got busted like some creep, he thought. He took a quick swig of his whiskey, hoping to quickly sweep his fumble under the rug.
“I’m sorry you don’t enjoy the vocals of music icon and Grammy winner Adele.” She smirked and leaned closer to him, releasing a slow breathy whisper. “Her sultry sound really makes me want to dance with someone.” His breath hitched. She languidly pushed back away from the table and stood up, maintaining his eye contact. After a few moments of intense silence, she turned to her Beaumont brother beside her. “Maxwell, shall we?” She offered him her hand, which he grasped with excitement. “Of course, my lady! You know Adele is my fave!” Maxwell jumped out of his seat and whisked Emma to the dance floor, leaving Drake alone at the table.
“Idiot!” He repeated the accusation over and over in his mind. His felt his gait falter, coming to an abrupt halt as he reached towards a nearby tree off the trail. He leaned his forehead and hands into the tree, grasping it as he caught his breath. He squeezed his eyes closed, as if this would chase away the images of Emma that he could not escape. Running was normally his retreat, the quickest way to clear his mind when it was too early to reach for the whiskey. But today it wasn’t providing the distraction he was hoping for. What the hell was happening to him?
Drake groaned in frustration and he turned to walk back towards the trail. As he picked up his pace to a brisk jog towards the palacd, a raspy female voice began echoing in his mind again. Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep, You had my heart inside of your hands . . . And there in his memory was Emma dancing in front of him, swaying seductively to the slow melody and occasionally catching his stare with a sly smirk on her lips.
END