Knots Between Us

Chapter Five

Emma sat dazed in the airport lounge, her thoughts a whirlwind of humiliation. Every detail of the TSA debacle played back in her mind—the guards’ stern faces, the cold, impersonal tone of their instructions, the intrusive inspection. Fresh tears threatened to spill, and she swiped at them angrily, frustrated with herself for feeling so shaken.

“You okay?” Rory’s soft voice pulled her out of the spiral. Emma looked up to see her friend’s dark eyes filled with concern. Rory’s hand brushed lightly against Emma’s shoulder, grounding her.

“Yeah… just a little shaken up,” Emma replied, forcing a steadier tone than she felt. Her fingers clenched around the strap of her bag.

“You know they had no right to go that far. I would’ve backed you if you decided to file a suit,” Rory said, her voice low but laced with anger.

Emma shook her head gently. “It’s okay… they were just doing their job,” she murmured, her voice small.

Nearby, Connor let out a snort in his sleep, his head tilting dangerously toward Rory’s shoulder. Rory jumped back, narrowly avoiding his drool, and Connor blinked awake, confusion etching his features.

“Really, dude?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. Connor rubbed his eyes, flustered and embarrassed.

“Uh… we here already?” he muttered, glancing around the crowded terminal.

Rory couldn’t resist a mischievous grin. “Why don’t you grab your things and stand by the door before it gets too crowded?”

Emma opened her mouth to protest, but Rory held up a finger, silencing her. Connor hurried off, and Rory let out a snicker at his flustered retreat.

“That was so mean,” Emma said, her lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

“Yeah, but it’s fun,” Rory replied with a wink.

Connor returned moments later, escorted gently by a flight attendant back to his seat. He plopped down, arms crossed, muttering under his breath. Rory struggled to stifle her laughter, failing when Connor’s annoyed snicker filled the cabin.

“Asshole,” he muttered, turning his head away. Emma chuckled, her earlier tension easing slightly.

Far above, in the hushed luxury of his private jet, Sebastian swirled amber whiskey in his glass, staring out at the clouds below. But the soothing sight of the sky did nothing to calm him. Emma’s face haunted him—the tears, the vulnerability, the way she had trembled under the guards’ scrutiny. His chest tightened with an unfamiliar weight.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, a dull ache forming behind his eyes. “Damn it all to hell,” he muttered, frustration lacing his tone. He picked up his phone and dialed, waited, cursed when there was no answer, and hung up. He tried again.

“Hi, baby,” Lanie’s voice purred through the receiver.

“Lanie, handle the new intern introduction tomorrow morning,” he snapped, ignoring her greeting.

“Everything alright? You’re always there for the intro,” she asked, concern seeping into her tone.

“I know, but not this time. Take care of it,” he said sharply, ending the call.

He tossed the phone onto the marble console beside him and leaned back in his seat. He closed his eyes, attempting to clear his mind, but it was futile. Images of Emma’s soft, trembling hands and the pleading look in her eyes refused to fade.

Back on the ground, Emma, Jake, Rory, and Connor exited the terminal into the crisp evening air. An older man in a neat limousine uniform held a white board with their names printed in precise black letters.

“Mr. Connor Rhodes… Miss Emma Clarke…” he called, his tone polite and formal.

They exchanged brief pleasantries and followed him to a massive hummer limo parked just outside. Connor’s eyes sparkled with excitement, Rory let out a low whistle, and Emma just arched an amused brow at their reactions. She helped the driver with her bags.

“No worries, miss. It’s my job,” the driver said with a kind, weathered smile.

Inside, they were greeted by a woman who radiated quiet authority. Her pencil skirt and fitted blazer gave her a sharp, professional look.

“My name is Andrea, Ms. Shelton’s personal assistant. I will escort you to your living arrangements,” she said, handing each of them a manila envelope.

The envelopes contained contracts. Emma and the others carefully perused the dense text, noting the strict expectations and severe penalties.

After half an hour, the limo came to a stop. They stepped out, craning their necks to take in the building’s immense height. It seemed to vanish into the clouds above.

“Follow me, please,” Andrea said, leading them to an elevator. It shot upward so quickly that Emma felt a flutter in her stomach, a combination of excitement and nerves.

When the doors opened to the ninety-fifth floor, the penthouse took their breath away. The split-level space was flooded with natural light, the sleek modern design emphasizing every clean line and luxurious detail.

“This is incredible,” Connor said, grinning like a kid in a candy store.

“Glad you approve,” said a melodic voice from above. A petite blonde descended the staircase with effortless grace. Lanie Shelton, dressed in a crisp white skirt suit, stopped in front of them with a poised smile.

“I’m Lanie Shelton. Andrea has given you the contracts. Read them carefully—any breach will cost a million dollars and risk your scholarships. Mr. Rask will assign each of you to a team based on your strengths.”

Emma froze at the name. Rask. It sounded painfully familiar, and her pulse quickened.

“This is a full-time role with little pay but significant rewards upon completion,” Mr. Yang added, pulling her focus back to the present.

Lanie outlined expectations, schedules, and rules. Andrea explained the logistics of the penthouse: individual rooms, groceries, workstations, and privacy. Parties were forbidden, guests allowed only with approval.

Finally, Emma found her room. Sliding the key card, she opened the door to reveal a space more luxurious than any she had ever known. A soft carpet underfoot, neutral yet elegant decor, and a large window overlooking the city skyline made her feel both small and exhilarated.

After a quick call to her parents, assuring them she was safe, she showered and changed. As she tied her shoes, a knock sounded at the door.

Connor stood there, grinning. “We’re all going out for a bit. You in?”

Emma laughed softly and looped her arm around his. “Lead the way.”

Stepping into the cool New York evening, she felt a thrill. The city lights shimmered across the glassy streets, the hum of distant traffic alive with promise. Despite the chaos of the day, the setback, and her lingering embarrassment, she felt a spark of excitement. This was a new world—challenging, intimidating, but undeniably alive. And somewhere, in the back of her mind, she couldn’t shake the thought of him.