Billionaire's Whispers

CHAPTER4

Emma and Nathaniel out onto the Blackwood Gallery balcony into the chilly night air. The show had gone well; critics had praised and shown interest in a number of Emma's works. Emma felt proud of herself and thankful even with the threats still hanging over her.

Nathaniel had supported her unfailingly all evening long. Emma sensed a different type of energy between them now, as they stood beneath a starry canopy—a tension that had been growing since their first meeting.

Nathaniel broke their quiet with, "You were incredible tonight."

Emma flushed a little as she grinned. Nathaniel, thank you very much. You were the reason I could have done it.

Nathaniel shook his head, appreciation shining in his eyes. Emma, you think too little of yourself. You have obvious talent.

For a time they stood motionless, the air filled with the gentle rustle of leaves and the sound of far-off traffic. Emma looked up at Nathaniel, a mixture of excitement and anxiety hammering through her.

"About earlier," Nathaniel said. Emma said in a voice hardly audible above a whisper. The moment you handed me the journal and the painting by your mother

Nathaniel looked at her, his features soft. Emma, I do.

And I just... Emma said, "I want you to know that I'm here for you," her words rushing out. I want to be at your side through anything you're going through and facing obstacles.

Nathaniel looked away, then reached out to softly cupping her cheek. Emma, thank you. To me, that means so lot; you have no idea.

Emma froze at the force of his contact. Heart pounding from both desire and uncertainty, she leaned into his hand. Neither of them could dispute the attraction that held them together.

Nathaniel approached more slowly, his lips softly caressing hers. Breath seized in her throat, Emma closed her eyes and lost herself in the feel of his touch. Deepening the kiss, passion, and longing blend with the crisp night air.

When they did separate, Emma's hands shook a little and she put her forehead against Nathaniel's. “Nathaniel”

Low and husky, Nathaniel said, "I've wanted to do that since the moment I met you." But I avoided rushing you.

Emma grinned and shook her head. "Good, you did."

Standing silently, they enjoyed the closeness of the moment. The stars overhead and the two of them were all that remained of the planet.

Emma said, "I don't want tonight to end," in a wistful voice.

Warm and comforting, Nathaniel clasped her hand. Nothing has to be.

On the terrace, he showed her to a comfortable sitting area with cushions grouped around a modest table. Seated with their knees brushing, they looked out at the metropolis below. For their quiet moment, the lights glistened like far-off stars.

Emma said, "I've never felt like this before," her voice almost audible above a whisper. 'With anybody.'

Turning to face her, Nathaniel had sympathetic eyes. Emma, neither have I. For me, you have completely transformed everything.

Long into the night, they exchanged hopes and dreams, concerns and anecdotes. Emma found out more about Nathaniel's early years, the difficulties and happy times that had molded him into the man he is now. In turn, Emma gave Nathaniel a close-listening account of her artistic career, her aspirations for the future, and the obstacles she had surmounted.

Their relationship strengthened throughout the hours, driven by a developing sense of affection and understanding. Though Emma thought she had known Nathaniel her entire life, every interaction with him unveiled fresh facets of his complexity and fragility.

Nathaniel stood aside at one point to get a bottle of champagne out of the cupboard. He came back holding two flutes and poured a glass for each of them, the bubbles swirling in the candlelight.

To us, Nathaniel exclaimed, toasting with a raised glass.

Emma repeated, clinking her flute against his. "To us."

With companionable quiet, they sipped their champagne, Emma's body warming from the beverage. She had not been this happy and comfortable in a very long time.

When the night drew to an end, Nathaniel pulled a blanket over their shoulders. Emma sank in closer to him, enjoying the feeling of his arm around her.

She said, a little unsurely, "Nathaniel." How now?

Nathaniel looked up at her, his countenance both serious and sympathetic. Emma, I want to be with you. More than everything.

Emma felt a heartbeat skip at what he said. Concerning the threats, though? The business of your father...

Putting a hand through his hair, Nathaniel groaned. Emma, nothing will happen to you that I allow. On my word. If you're afraid, though, I get it.

Emma looked at him, and shook her head. Not afraid, Nathaniel. I believe you.

Then Nathaniel leaned in to kiss her forehead, his eyes softening. To Emma, thank you. In believing in me.

For a time they sat silently, their unspoken emotions weighing heavily on one other. Emma was aware that there might be difficulties and barriers to get beyond in their relationship. But at that very instant, with Nathaniel's arms around her and the stars overhead, she thought they could take on anything.

Emma was given another soft kiss by Nathaniel as the first rays of morning started to illuminate the sky. It was an assurance, one of power, love, and an unending future.

The next morning Emma awoke smiling, the events of the night before playing back in her head like a treasured dream. Lazy as she was, she enjoyed the warmth of the early sun coming in through the windows.

Already up, Nathaniel was seated at the foot of the bed, his face serious. Turning to face Emma, he saw her stirring and a tiny smile played at his lips.

Warm and loving, he said, "Good morning."

Emma said, sitting up, "Good morning," and reached for his hand. That was last night.

With amused eyes, Nathaniel said, "Incredible," finishing for her. Enchanting.

With a happy surge in her heart, Emma nodded. Nothing seems the same to me, Nathaniel. Ideally speaking.

Gently, Nathaniel gripped her hand. Emma, I get the same feeling. Having you about is like going home.

Sat in cozy quiet, they enjoyed the closeness of the moment. Emma was aware that their trip together was only getting started and that there will be difficulties and unknowns to come. She also understood, though, that their love would only deepen the longer they faced them together.

Nathaniel abruptly exclaimed, "I have something for you," reaching into the bedside table drawer.

Curiosity gripping Emma, he took out a little velvet box. Breath seized in her throat, he opened it to show a lovely silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant entwined with a paintbrush.

It belongs to my mother, Nathaniel said quietly. Every time she painted, she wore that. You are to have it.

Emma lifted the necklace in her hands and started crying. Nathaniel's love and trust in her were symbolized by that lovely and profound gesture.

Emotionally choking her voice, she said, "It's perfect." Nathaliel, thank you.

He sank in to plant a warm, loving kiss on hers. Emma, you really are outstanding. Never, ever argue against that.

Longer in bed, they reveled in the warmth of their just discovered love. At last they got up and got ready for the day, knowing that the previous night's events had permanently altered their lives.

Emma struggled to dress.