Chapter 2—Subtle provocation
Someone knocked on the door for a second time, this time more insistently. Dr. Watson and the elegant Mr. Thornton were surprised by this sudden call that had interrupted their speech and closeness.
Dr. Watson was the most stunned, he inevitably made an almost inaudible sigh of relief apparent. Instead, Thornton felt a little annoyed, he had been about to begin what would be a discussion of business matters with the blond Doctor Watson but more than that they had been to begin to know more about each other. Actually, Thornton had a special interest in Dr. Watson and he would not give up on having a closer relationship with him, something beyond business. They heard a couple of knocks on the door made of the mahogany wood before Thornton decided to go to open it.
"Excuse me, Doctor Watson, I have to go to open the door, wait a moment please" Thornton said forcing a wan smile, trying to hide so some of his dissatisfaction. Dr. Watson nodded and when Thornton went to the door, the blond gave another short sigh.
"Okay," he managed to mumble the doctor.
Thornton turned the doorknob and opened it. He realized that who had called was Henry Watson, the older brother of the blond doctor.
"Good evening John. Excuse me the delay. My apologies!" Henry spoke extending his right hand to greet Thornton. John Thornton smiled at him friendly and immediately politely motioned with his hand to invite him to come into the office.
"Hello, Henry. Do not worry, please come in. Your brother John is here" said Thornton and Henry realized his younger brother was actually standing in the middle of the office, behind Thornton.
"Hi, Johnny! How good you have arrived on time. I had a little inconvenient to get more soon but I think I arrived in time for the feast. I hope John ... or I mean Thornton and you were able to talk about some of affairs that concern us, or at least I hope that you both know about each other a bit more" said Henry looking at both men simultaneously. Thornton smiled again politely watching the elegant demeanor of Henry. The older brother of John Watson wore a fine, modern suit.
"Oh well ..." he mumbled John Watson tried to answer it, somehow he wanted to tell his brother that he had previously met Thornton in an unexpected location but before he could articulate a sentence, Thornton interrupted.
"Yeah, well... in fact, Dr. John Watson and I already had met just a few days ago," said Thornton. An affable smile was outlined on his lips again.
Henry was greatly surprised to learn that. It really seemed fabulous. Anyway he had always had the concern to introduce his brother to his good friend John Thornton, with who he had such good relations within his alma mater in his youth.
"Really? That's really amazing. I see that the world is really so small," said Henry a little laughable. Dr. John Watson was now who smiled at the moment and spoke.
"Yes. It was a few days ago on a rainy day, but the truth is that this time we only met us by accident. And well I really never imagined that our future partner would be a very distinguished and friendly gentleman like Mr. Thornton" John Watson said respectful.
Thornton gave a short laugh of satisfaction and added.
"Yes, the truth is that the circumstances in which Dr. Watson and I met that day were accidental, I think it was like if fate wanted that, especially now that we have returned to meet us, which of course for me is very gratifying. Dr. John Watson has proven me to be a very polite gentleman, despite the short time to know each other" Thornton finished speaking.
"haha that's really good. And can I ask how exactly did you two meet?" Henry asked curious. John Watson felt a little embarrassed at the moment but Thornton explained specifically how it had happened.
Knowing the situation, Henry laughed a bit more. Henry really felt glad to know the accidental way in which his younger brother and Mr. Thornton had met sharing a horse-drawn cab. After that the three men began to talk a bit about their business and the way they could be partners in the near future.
"Okay gentlemen, after this short business conversation I think it would be convenient to introduce you to my two young nephews. Well, you know Aidan already, he told me he could talk a while with you two when he went to your house to leave you an invitation to this feast but also I want to introduce you to my other nephew, Dean" Thornton explained polite.
"Of course, we will be more than glad to meet him," said Henry cheered. Dr. John Watson was sitting beside him, in one of the luxurious carved wooden chairs that were in the study room.
"Then I'll call them now" Thornton said "excuse me a moment, please gentlemen."
Thornton left the office for a couple of minutes leaving Henry and John inside. During that time both brothers exchanged some assertive words about the issue business that they were about to consummate with the wealthy Thornton.
Soon John Thornton returned to the office with his two nephews, dressed elegantly suits of very good category. Aidan and Dean smiled kind to both guests and future partners and politely extended their hands to greet each other with respect.
"Good to see you again, young Aidan" said Dr. John Watson when Aidan shook hands warmly with him. Henry also did the same.
When it was the turn to shake hands with the young Dean, Thornton introduced them.
"Gentlemen, this is my oldest nephew, Dean. He is in charge of administration and supervision of our factories in the north. He is certainly a young man with great potential and is not my intention flattering just because he is my nephew but you could see his great efficiency for yourselves in the near future," said Thornton formally. Henry and Dr. John smiled greatly and internally they both felt eager to know him more deeply. Aidan also outlined a big smile, he more than anyone was proud of his older brother. And Dean could not help feeling flattered and happy to himself.
"That sounds great. Now I have more interest in learning more about your outstanding leadership, young Dean" said Henry sincere. Dean made a brief smile in gratitude and smiled at him friendly. He was also very interested in this new business with The Watson, his uncle John Thornton had spoken much about them for years.
"For me it is also of great interest to start business with polite people like you, distinguished gentlemen Watson, because I have to say that our uncle John has told us good things about you and your family, especially good things about you Mr. Henry, who has been his friend for years."
"And soon I hope to establish a good friendship with Dr. John Watson as well" Thornton added, a little daring. He could not help posing his eyes on the blond doctor. The doctor blushed a little.
Amid all, for Thornton the Dr. Watson looked fragile but tough at the same time. The temple that he showed on his face was something that greatly aroused his curiosity. Certainly, unlike Henry, John Watson was a serious man and somewhat shy and uninterested. His interest increased with the passing of the minutes and still could not explain why but it was a feeling that was quite nice.
The fine wooden clock that was placed on the right side of the wall suddenly said the hour in which the dinner for the celebration would be served and the five men inside the office then decided to leave for another time the talk about their association. The best was now serving all the guests who had attended the banquet.
"Please gentlemen, be so kind to accompany us to the banquet that will be specially served for celebrating the anniversary of one of our factories in the North. The first factory built that my family established in England about a hundred years ago," said Thornton.
"Of course John, will be a pleasure," said Henry cheerful.
"Oh Henry, you can call me Thornton when your brother is present, I do not want he to feel uncomfortable. I mean, we both have the same name and that can cause some of confusion," Thornton said.
Dr. John Watson laughed wryly. Thornton was right about the confusion but it was not something that really bothered him at all.
"No, well, for me no problem," the doctor said softly, crossing his arms slightly.
"No, I think Thornton's right. I'll have to measure myself a little my habit of calling you by your first name" Henry said.
"We will advance a little to serve to the guests, uncle," said the young Aidan with jovial voice, he and his older brother had gone ahead to open the office door.
"Okay, that's fine, then let us go as well" said Thornton.
Dean and Aidan walked with relatively fast pace down the corridor to reach the stairs, passing near of the great portrait that had caught the attention of Dr. Watson a few minutes ago and soon they descended the spiral stairs. When they reached the top step, they noticed that all the guests were already seated at the table talking to each other, waiting for the host. Dean and Aidan's mother, Mrs. Dis was sitting among them in an important place in the dining room.
After Aidan and Dean had left the office, Henry came out first from there and after he left, Dr. John Watson tried to follow him. But as soon as he stepped outside the office, the blond could feel the gentle hand of the elegant Thornton rested on his back pushing him slightly as if he wanted guide him, an act of the most common thing that anybody could have with him or with someone else, but it had caused him an unexpected internal furor, a sense of wellbeing. That simple action had been something that unconsciously John Watson had been waiting to happen even if it were only for a brief moment. Then John Thornton also finished get out of the office and made sure to lock the door and then kept the keys in his pocket. Even to make it he never lost his fine elegance.
By that time Henry had walked fast to the end of the corridor and he achieved to reach the stairs soon. He was about to go down stairs without thinking, anyway he had been in the mansion countless times and already he knew quite well the great house since a long ago. But instead, John Watson had stopped for a moment, without even trying to reach to his brother. Somehow he thought it would be more polite to wait for John Thornton finished ensure lock the door lock instead of walking down the corridor boldly as if it were his own home. Or maybe it was his unconscious urge to be closer of him. John Thornton caused him a heightened interest and inexorable attraction.
"Come on, Dr. Watson" Mr. Thornton mumbled elegantly and fixed at him a penetrating and rapt look that combined with the framed grin on his face. The fact that Dr. Watson decided to wait for him even for something as trivial gladdened him greatly.
"Come on, Mr. Thornton," said the blond and looked back at him, but instead, his smile was brief and timid. For a moment Dr. Watson had a strange sensation to feel a great urge to take his arm. A hosted inner desire deep in his subconscious urged him to do that. He never before had felt the same with anyone else. But he did not. That in no way was right. And if he had dared to do that even jokingly, surely that would have provoked that Thornton thought he was a weird guy that was insane. Watson withdrew his absurd desire. But Thornton attracted him too much. He didn't know why but he couldn't deny it anymore.
"So, let's hurry, doctor" muttered Thornton. There was a couple of seconds of silence between them before heading to the dining room. Thornton noticed that Watson had a very brief moment of indecision and he thought it was funny and adorable in him. He had never met a man with a subtle air and sweet kindness like him.
"Oh yeah, sorry sir," the doctor excused himself and then they began walking down the corridor.
"We're a couple of minutes late for dinner, Dr. Watson. It's not like a good Englishman" he muttered Thornton trying to joke. But Watson only managed to feel a little self-conscious and it also made him feel a little silly. In addition Thornton was walking a bit faster than him but then Thornton realized it and as a gentleman, decided to let Dr. Watson walked before him.
They finally managed to reach the long table where the banquet would be served. Although it was no more than maybe five minutes late, Dr. Watson was a little embarrassing for have somehow delayed the arrival of the host John Thornton to the table for such an important event.
"Sorry for the delay, ladies and gentlemen but we had a little mishap when I closed the door of my office, you know how are the keys sometimes, especially when you have a large set of them," joked Thornton to the guests with remarkable finesse in his voice. After that, everyone laughed in unison and John Watson also did the same and found out that to hear Thornton speaking in that tone of elegance, even to tell a joke like that, was really marvelous. But what he really loved was hear him speak with such an aristocratic English accent. No doubt Thornton was all a British gentleman.
All the guests gave brief applause and bowing for Mr. John Thornton. Then Thornton told John Watson where it was established his assigned place in the table and they walked up there. Thornton would be sitting on the main side and John Watson and Henry Watson would be sitting next to him. After all, they were his special guests and Mr. Thornton would make the official announcement of it soon.
At that time Henry was already seated at the table right next to the lady Dis. When John Watson approached, Thornton approached a chair to him politely to sit down. Dr. John Watson was thrilled and felt ashamed at the same time. Although, Doctor John Watson thought it did not seem quite right that they were sitting so close to John Thornton. They were only future partners, they were not even part of the aristocracy who made distinction there between all the guests, because Dr. John could see that who had attended the fest were dukes and marquises. Somehow John Watson felt he did not belong there at all. He could not help but felt uncomfortable with the idea that at some point Thornton introduced them to others. But instead, contrasting him, Henry felt no modesty.
Lady Dis then rang a small bell that was on the side of his cutlery. That was the indication for the servants to begin to serve appetizers.
The table was decorated in a highly selective manner. They had placed several candlesticks with long candles that lit very well the table at center. The tablecloth had embroidery in distinguished way with total Victorian style and the dishes where dinner would be served that night were made of fine porcelain. Dr. Watson soon realized it was the same type of dishes that he had bought a few days ago. He also noticed that the entire cutlery was made of silver. No doubt the Thornton was very wealthy people.
After tasting the delicious appetizers, all the guests could enjoy the stew and then the main course. Throughout dinner the guests talked a little about their own experiences, or said things to chance. Talks in which they could not fail to praise the Thornton family.
The dinner was enlivened as planned. It had been a very pleasant evening. In the background violinists who had been hired for the party still they played every tune with dedication.
After dinner, John Thornton stood before all the guests and raised his glass he had served with red wine. That red wine was came from a very good harvest for almost a century old and he had especially purchased it for a good celebration after the banquet to introduce The Watson as his new partners, taking advantage of the anniversary of the parent plant that had started the fortune of his family in Leeds.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted that everyone has attended this feast to join my family and me in celebrating for our main factory. The banquet was very pleasant and we honored to have your important and solemn presence tonight" and after Thornton uttered those words, he stared for a brief moment at Henry and John Watson but fixing his insinuating glance especially at the doctor, and then he added "and also want to announce that I have great pleasure to introduce to all of you Ladies and Gentlemen, our new and distinguished partners. The gentlemen Henry and John Watson" when he finished to pronounce this, the guests set their eyes on the brothers and applauded at the same time. John Watson blushed a little but smiled kindly.
"We are really glad that Mr. Henry, a close friend of mine for years and his brother, the remarkable Dr. John Watson, join our franchise that has prospered with complete success throughout England, part of Scotland and soon also to Northern Ireland" he said John Thornton while still reeling slightly his glass raised in his hand .
All the guests returned to clap in unison. It was no longer new news that Thornton had the intention and the firm intention to expand even more his chain of factories further and perhaps even in the future they would do also throughout the UK.
The presentation to the guests ended up and then they all left the dining room and headed for the ballroom where they had placed tables with drinks served or could be served by waiters hired for the occasion.
John Watson could not help feeling curious to admire the fine decoration with which had been decorated the place but caused great astonishment to see the size of that room. When had walked for the second time around the entire ballroom, he glanced at his fine pocket watch and saw the time showed less than one minute before midnight on the dot. When he put the watch back into his pocket he approached the huge window where he could perfectly see the entire city and then the Big Ben, also showed from there, announced the hour o'clock.
"Oh, there is you, Dr. John Watson" Thornton said speaking from behind him, a couple of steps behind him. Hearing the male voice whispering of Mr. Thornton talking right behind him made feel to Dr. Watson a kind of pleasant sensation running into his chest. It was a feeling he enjoyed. Dr. John Watson turned to face him without meeting his gaze immediately; sometimes he forgot that John Thornton was significantly higher than him. Then he looked up and smiled nervously, while fiddled aimlessly the watch that he had into his pocket.
"Oh Mr. Thornton" muttered Dr. Watson. The placid background music that violinists were playing was heard and could also hear the guests talking to each other. It was a very elegant party and Dr. John Watson had really enjoyed everything but by that time of night, he already was a bit bored.
"How are you enjoying this party, Dr. Watson?" Thornton asked with whispery voice and moved a step closer to the blond doctor. Thornton had two drinking-glasses with red wine in his hands and then gently gave one of them to Dr. Watson, still looking into his eyes. The doctor Watson took it politely, he did not want to stop watching the profound gaze of Mr. Thornton, although at the same time it made him feel a bit unquiet. John Watson enjoyed much seeing the vivid blue of his eyes, as vivid as the blue sea to the daylight. Also, Thornton had a masculine look that amazed him. Also that made encouraged him to learn more about him. Furthermore eyes had always been a reflection of the soul. If so, then John Thornton had a uniquely gentle soul.
"Thank you very much for the drink, Mr. Thornton," said the blond, bypassing the look briefly to give a short giggle of satisfaction "and yes, I have indeed enjoyed such elegant party. Everything is so fine that I almost feel I do not deserve to be here" he muttered and giggled a little again. Then John Watson took a small sip of wine from the glass. Even the glass in which he was drinking the old wine was made of fine cut crystal. Thornton had commanded bring those drinking-glasses from France, also especially for the celebration.
"Oh please don't you say that doctor Watson, you are now part of our business of The Thornton family. Besides you're a very special guest tonight in this celebration" said the elegant dark-haired man. Thornton enjoyed then seeing how the blond Doctor licked his lips after tasting a little of sweet-sour good red wine. Somehow seeing that was very provocative for him.
"Oh well thanks, is that you are a truly important family and being surrounded by so many rich people known throughout the British people is too much for me...well I think this society is even something truly eccentric for me, a military doctor who has been surrounded by dust and devastation in distant lands," said the blond and returned to sip some of wine. He laughed a little again to show a bit of his joy and sense of humor but he really was sincere.
"Oh it's true! You are a military doctor! That's even more admirable so I am pleased and still is much more pleasing to know that among my guests and above all my most special guests, there is also a doctor that more that save lives has served the nation," Thornton said extolling his admiration.
"So you know that I am a military doctor?" inquired the curious and amazed blond, was he who this time took a step in front of Thornton and stared at him with some determination
"Yes, indeed your brother Henry was the one who always told me. And even if at that time yet I didn't know you, I felt great admiration and interest in you since then."
"I see. I did not know my brother told you about me" whispered the blond.
"But hey Dr. John, we could start letting formalities, do not you think?" Thornton suggested.
"Haha, do you really think is that convenient? I mean, you're a fine gentleman and I..." Watson questioned laughable.
"And you are a distinguished doctor who has top honors than any other may have" Thornton said and sipped his glass of wine.
"Well then…"
"You accept my suggestion then? John?" Thornton asked again, in a provocative tone.
John Watson hesitated before giving his answer.
"I accept. That's fine. Although I hope this does not create confusion in the future."
"Oh it will do it, of this I am sure. But we can start trying to get used to. The truth is always rather having more liberty and confidence with my close friends calling them by name. That makes closer to the people," muttered Thornton. His deep male voice captivated more to the small doctor. Or maybe the feeling that this caused him, further increased by the consumption of alcohol. Doctor John Watson still had not drunk much but he started to feel a little dizzy.
"Well I'm agree, John" replied the blond, "then we are very good friends from now," he added. Then Doctor Watson extended his hand inviting Thornton's hand to shake hands, as it were like a deal. While he was waiting the response of Thornton and still he had his hand outstretched, Watson smiled this time more gently. Thornton smiled a great smile back in response and finally shook his hand with his.
Feeling the contact of their joined hands was at first a delicate touch but Thornton could see well the doctor's hand was a little cold. It was small, without that glove that he had the time before. Thornton's hand was also ungloved. It was truly the first skin to skin contact they had each other. And then they shook hands for several seconds. Both had the inner desire to prolong a little more that contact, especially Thornton, he unconsciously felt the need to give warm a little to doctor's hand.
They both smiled at each other and finally gradually separated their hands.
"Dr. John really I do not know why I feel like I've known you a lifetime," muttered Thornton.
"That sounds very romantic John, I'm always glad to meet people with sensitivity so good," said Watson and unconsciously stepped away from him as he held his glass in hand that now was almost empty.
"Oh Dr. John please, don't you make fun of me" Thornton giggled and shrugged his shoulders a bit and took a step forward to be closer to the doctor again, who unwittingly was suddenly really showing a somewhat evasive attitude. Doctor Watson returned to sip from his glass, finished the last content of his red wine.
"I'm not kidding, I'm serious," Watson said hesitantly.
"I'm serious too, John" muttered the dark-haired.
"It's just that I guess you're a learned man, very well educated and therefore a man of the world who knows many things. Among those kind of thing surely also you know good literature. The poets and writers have a subtle sensitivity, you know?" Watson muttered now bypassing the look. Thornton instead kept his gaze on him at all times and smiled laughable. No one ever made him such praise.
"haha well in some ways maybe you're right. I know some scholars and leading scientists, fortune always gives you the opportunity to meet such distinguished people. In the same way I know some writers and playwrights," said Thornton, elegantly turned to drink some of his wine.
Watson giggled cheerful. Alcohol made him feel more encouraged progressively but also he really felt glad to hear what Thornton had said. No doubt all this must be true and that caused him a lot of curiosity.
"Really? Now I feel inevitably curious to know more about you. I was right in thinking you knew important and gifted people of success and talent.
"Well I start by telling you that I know Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. They're very good friends of mine, indeed, doctor John..." he muttered Thornton doing a feline intonation in his whispery voice. Watson noticed that sounded extremely provocative and was truly amazed to find out such good fact.
"That really sounds great, now I do not know what to say..." Watson said cheerful and a little shy. His eyes were lost again in Thornton's eyes inevitably. Thornton was leaning a little to look at him head on.
"I can introduce them to you whenever you like..." muttered Thornton.
"That would be really wonderful. I am very fan of the famous works of all of them" said the blond. In vain he tried to drink more of his glass, he had finished a while ago all his red wine that Thornton had served him, but Watson had forgotten it or perhaps unconsciously his drunkenness gradually began to wane his senses. Thornton laughed funny to notice how Watson drink nervously tried to reach the last drops of wine left in the cup. When the last drops touched the lips of the doctor, he licked a bit again. Thornton looked that act more closely than before when Watson had done the same only a few minutes before, during their talk. But this time for Thornton the act seemed more inviting, very sexy. Alcohol also made him feel a growing excitement to it.
Thornton giggled again.
"Do you want I serve you another drink?" asked Thornton friendly, sliding his fingers lightly on the fingers of Watson that held the empty glass, with the intention of taking it and waiting for an assertive response from the blond.
"Mmh yes, please Mr. Thornton. I regret to be a bit impertinent. Surely I looked like a fool" he said the doctor blond laughable and let Thornton took the empty glass in his hand and then being a little reckless he dared to squeeze a little one arm of Thornton. The dark-haired leered again.
"Okay Doctor Watson, please come with me. I'm going to serve your drink right away," Thornton said and then turned to head toward the table where the drinks were. The violinists were playing an exquisite melody that sounded wonderful to the ears of all the guests present. John Watson walked behind Thornton, following his steps and trying to accommodate a little fist of his suit like a reflex action. And though he had not noticed, some of the guests had noticed for a long time that Mr. Thornton had been talking to the blond doctor Dr. Watson during a long period, together cornered against a wall, in closeness to each other that anyone had never seen before that Mr. Thornton had with anyone else. He had always shown a singular seriousness with everyone. They thought that certainly Dr. Watson was a close friend of Mr. Thornton. No doubt they had a very good friendship. Although some of those guests could not help whispering and criticize that, because Dr. Watson was not a true aristocrat even if his family had good money saved in the bank. Gentry like him were far from to be a duchy or someone of a noble class.
"I hope you like this red wine, Dr. John" Thornton said when finished pouring again a glass of red wine for the blond. Doctor Watson took the glass while outlined a gentle smile on his lips. At that time, the view of John Watson was beginning to get a little blurred but could well take the cup without problem. He decided that this would be the last drink that he would consume for the night.
"Thank you very much John. And yes, it is a very good wine. Sure made of a good harvest," he said the blond, took the glass and moving it a bit between his fingers.
"Yes, it is a very good harvest. The wine was sent from Paris and also the glasses in which we served it tonight. But we also have whisky, brought directly from Scotland. If you want I also can serve a bit for you in a while," said Thornton. He had also served a little of red wine again for himself.
"Brought from Scotland? That sounds really good ..." mumbled the blond and sipped some of wine.
"Well, I bought this whisky personally because in fact one of our factories is there, in Scotland ..." said Thornton.
"Definitely you are from a very important family" said the blond sincere.
"Well, now we're going to be partners, I think it will be my duty to show you each of our factories. I will do it gladly personally."
"Haha all this time you've been talking as if our society was a fact and the fact it's that we have not finalized any deal formally. Everything was reduced to only a brief talk in which only introduce ourselves personally, but we have not decided anything until now," Dr. Watson said a little hesitant, avoiding his gaze for a moment because suddenly feared that his sincerity did not seem right to Thornton. Maybe he had talked too much, maybe he had done too quickly. Suddenly he felt more awkward than drunkenness raised him.
But Thornton laughed. For some reason he had been hoping that John Watson talked bluntly. John Watson was a tenacious and direct man and it was indeed a fact that they had not yet finalized any deal but Thornton had had the audacity to officially announce it to all the distinguished guests.
"Well you're right about that Dr. John, I do not blame you for reprimand me, mainly because even I announced it to everyone, it was very daring of me," Thornton said and stepped closer to Watson who again seemed a little elusive.
"Yes, you dared to do it," he said Dr. Watson laughing ironically.
"That's because I trust blindly in the Watson family, because I know Henry since a long ago."
"I know it, he and you went to the same University for a few years," he whispered the blond trying to avoid showing too much that whenever Thornton mentioned his brother caused him some of discontent that could not help and could not explain.
But Thornton noticed his apathy for it.
"Well, Dr. John Watson. We have not finish our deal yet but ... we can go to my office for a while now and there I can show you some of the agreements that we can get to make together and sign later with notary formally" suggested Thornton, his masculine voice again resounded beautifully for Watson's ears despite in the background still was sounded the beautiful classical music played on violins of the musicians that captivated to everyone.
Dr. John Watson hesitated at the suggestion but agreed mainly because his head was spinning more and noise of the party and the people gathered in general began to cause him some of discomfort.
Some couples were dancing in the middle of the ballroom, ladies wearing fine and wide dresses of Paris Fashion were gently guided by the gentlemen who had asked them to dance these melodies. Thornton glanced at it while was waiting for the response of Dr. John.
"Or would you rather stay here and dance a little?" said Thornton provocative, trying to joke.
"Are you inviting me to dance?" He asked the astonished blond, trying to sound annoyed but could not hide his giggle.
"It was not that precisely what I meant Dr. John, although the idea does not seem bad," Thornton said in response and chuckled wryly. His deep eyes fell again on the doctor in an effort to provoke him and even if he had not considered that before, the idea did not seem so bad at all.
But Dr. John Watson soon gave up and made a face of wonder, Mr. Thornton seemed quite daring.
"Of course not. How daring you are! Better let us go to your office to treat business like gentlemen we are," said Dr. Watson, trying to sound a little rough, but for Thornton, direct attitude of the blond only caused him more seduction.
"Okay Dr. John. Follow me please."
Both men walked together to leave the ballroom and reached the corridor where they could see the spiral stairs going up to the second floor. During the walking, Dr. John Watson could feel that alcohol had been affecting him. Maybe, tonight he really had drunk more than he wanted. However, he tried to hide it as much as possible, but at some point his steps turned a bit slow because his coordination was beginning to be a little erratic, even he tripped with something just when he put the first foot outside the ballroom. Noticing that, Thornton touched his shoulder. John Watson felt again that contact was so pleasant and then Thornton's hand began to slowly go down to the back of doctor and pushed him a little to guide him up the stairs. There were no words between them, just a couple of shared glances, until they had begun to climb halfway up the stairs, right where the great oil painting made with a hyperrealism was.
John Watson stopped for a moment to contemplate the amazing painting, despite his blurred vision and even if there was not so bright, he thought the painting seemed much more amazing than when he had seen it for the first time.
"It's a very good portrait, John. I wonder if perhaps it's a member of your family who was portrayed in such an amazing painting" He asked the blond doctor with curiosity.
Thornton also stopped for a moment to answer the question of the blond doctor and smiled.
"You're right, Dr. John. The man in the portrait is a relative of mine. An ancestor, indeed" Thornton said looking at him with seductive look.
John Watson turned to look up at the magnificent picture. He tried to look at it from start to finish seeing each of its incredible details. He did not know if it was the result of his intoxication but the colors and details painted in the picture stood out so beautifully in such close proximity that he could almost feel as if the man in the picture were about to out of there.
"Then surely he must be your grandfather or something. Now I understand why I found something very familiar on him like you, John," Watson said.
"No, in fact he was a great, great, great grandfather. Haha indeed I have lost the account exactly which generation belongs but I can say that he lived in the late XVII century"
"I see, it means that the painting has at least one hundred and fifty years," said the blond.
"Yes, actually it was painted by one of the foremost realist painters of the time and my great grandfather, I mean, who was portrayed there, was an important sir. But that I will talk you about it in another time, now maybe we should better to go to the office. There will be more comfortable being the two alone without all these people," Thornton said and extended his hand chivalry as if he tried that Dr. Watson took his hand. But the doctor looked hesitant and desisted, leaving Thornton with outstretched hand for a moment, Dr. Watson started up the stairs again. Thornton then did the same. When both reached the second level of the big house they walked down the corridor that connected with the main rooms and went to the bottom where the study of John Thornton was.
"Please come in, Dr. John" Thornton said after he could open the door that had been closed under lock and key, as always.
Dr. Watson obeyed and entered the large study. The scent of the luxurious mahogany door raised up his face. It was undoubtedly a new door that Thornton had ordered put just a couple of days before.
"Sit down here please, Dr. John" said Thornton friendly.
"Thank you," Watson said.
"Do you want some of whiskey? I kept the best in my drawer," Thornton said approaching the drawer that was on the right side of his desk.
"hmm... okay John, but just a little please," said the doctor in response.
Thornton smiled and pulled out a pair of glasses that had inside a special shelf on the side of the drawer. Soon he served two glasses with water and whisky for both and offered one to the blond.
Watson thanked him for that and took the glass between his fingers with delicate finesse. Thornton then sat down at his desk and clasped both hands clenched and his eyes fixed on the doctor suggestively.
"We can start talking more about Thornton factories that my family have throughout England, Dr. Watson, but as I have already mentioned, I myself can show you each of them personality."
"mmh yes, but I think it would indeed be interesting if now you begin to tell me the location of each of them. I am very interested to know where the factories are established."
Thornton smiled greatly still looking at him with intent and then pulled out the drawer of his desk a series of maps that he showed to Dr. Watson soon. They were maps of the UK and in part of England were perfectly indicated the locations of each of the factories belonging to his family. Thornton allowed Watson observed each location in detail. Dr. Watson had noticed that there were a factory in Manchester, one in Leeds, one in Leicester and a main factory in London. He also noticed that above, in the part of Scotland in Edinburgh also there was a factory located.
"We're about to open one in Northern Ireland and one in Hampshire."
"Really? It looks really good," said the blond doctor softly while looked at the map.
"I would be greatly delighted to show you myself... I mean, you can join us for the opening of each."
"For me it would be a great honor," Watson said, smiling.
"Then we could assume our association" persuasive Thornton said. From a folder he took some papers and an inkwell with a fine fountain pen
"haha yes, but it will be when you show us the factories and also you know I should ask my brother. We cannot advance anything yet."
The smile of Thornton faded of his face slightly and then he put the papers back in place. Although in truth, he took out those papers just to intimidate him. Thornton had never intended to make him sign anything at the time; those papers were not credited documents to do the deal of both families. Thornton just had tried to see the reaction of Dr. Watson.
"You're right, Dr. John, I think now is not good to continue talking about our business. It's just that I wanted to show you a little about our expansion. Well now we're here and we can talk a little about other things, besides a few hours ago here we were interrupted," Thornton said, smirking.
"Other things? Well, I can see that you are an avid reader. I could notice there in your bookshelf you have a very good personal collection of outstanding titles" the blond said as he took a sip from his glass with whisky, trying to avoid his restless nervousness.
Thornton smirked and got up from his place. He approached the doctor and he reached out to invite him up. Watson accepted his offer; with alcohol in his blood he was no longer able to be hesitant at all.
"You are very good observer, Dr. John. I can show you which my favorite titles are if you like."
"I would like it very much John."
Thornton guided the doctor walking towards the bookshelf and posed for a moment his adventurous hand in daring way on Watson's waist, which only cared to conceal his intoxicated state as much as possible.
But perhaps because of his intoxication, Watson can feel that caress on his waist as a pleasurable feeling which in other circumstances might have bothered him greatly.
"Look this novel, it is magnificent, doctor" Thornton said as he took one of the books from the bookshelf and handed it to Watson in his hands. The blond watched the book for a moment, although at that time it was hard for him to concentrate on what he was doing.
Watson pretended some interest because at that time it was hardly possible to him to read well even the title written on the hard cover of the book. Also in the office, lighting was quite dim, just from just a single oil lamp placed on the desktop.
"I must not keep drinking more," Watson thought to himself. In his head he felt terrible dizziness.
"Doctor, do you feel good?" Thornton asked a little alarmed and held Watson by his arms.
"Yes, I'm fine, don't worry. But you know? I really like your voice John; I was really amazed to heard you expressing that speech solemn you said a while ago to all your guests. I'd love you to read a little of this book that you recommend" the blond said smirking, still holding the book in his hands but soon Thornton took the book from his hands gently and opened it on a specific page to heed the request of the blond.
"Okay, Dr. John, I'll read one of my favorite parts for you," said the dark-haired "you can sit down meanwhile if you wish," he suggested, but Watson preferred to be stand up.
"No, I'd rather be in front of you, John, I would listen you closely," muttered the blond with sweet voice. Thornton smirked mischievous and then he began to read a verse recounting the beginning of one of the chapters of the novel, it was one of his favorites pages that always made him feel filled with emotion.
When Thornton finished reading an entire page he paused and looked up at the doctor, who had heard him attentively. The face of Dr. Watson showed charms in full just by the fact that he had heard the deep male voice of Mr. Thornton telling for him such an exquisite prose, amid the solitude of his own office.
"Wonderful, you have an English accent so elegant, Mr. Thornton. Is impossible not to be captivated listening you."
"You flatter me greatly, Doctor. But what do you think of the text? Is not it great?" Thornton questioned curious. The smile on his face could not disappear, those praise of the blond thrilled him greatly.
"yes, it is..." said the blond taking a step backwards because it felt good that Thornton began to approach him with the intention "so good as those beautiful melodies that the musicians of the party are playing just now, is so magnificently to hear them at this moment, John" even with the distance of the study room to ballroom they could heard well the melody that violinists were playing.
Thornton smiled and did not yield to his purpose of getting closer to the blond doctor.
"You did not accept my invitation to dance with me, Dr. Watson. But now we are in a more private place, can again ask if you accept my request? I can see in your face that you really want do it" he muttered Thornton making a sexy tone in his voice. Watson felt a little blush. Before he could dodge, Thornton recklessly took the blond by the waist and pulled him slightly toward his body causing the Dr. Watson pose his arms over his, what almost seemed a hug.
Thornton kept that position a bit to admire the surprised face of the blond, a face that he could finally see closer despite the difference in their heights. He could feel the small body of the blond doctor in his arms. It greatly comforted him. He just didn't remember to feel something so good like that with someone else since a long time ago.
Despite the boldness of Thornton, Watson did not object and allowed Thornton guide him when they began to dance a little inside the room. Not long after, delicately Thornton took the doctor's hand in his and made him follow the pace subtly.
Watson giggled. He was carried away by the moment but he really was enjoying it so much.
"Your hair smells so delicious, Dr. John" muttered Thornton sensually.
Watson laughed again softly. He had discovered that Thornton also smelled too good having him in that closeness, his face was now close to the chest of Thornton.
"I can say the same about your fragrance, John," said Watson laughable; avoiding the gaze constantly to prevent Thornton noticed his blush. Watson's eyes turned toward different directions frequently but always avoided looking Thornton's face front. Thornton could not stop smiling and then further tightened the fingers of Dr. Watson with his, in a strange romp of caresses.
"I feel very excited, doctor."
"Me too, haha, it should be due to alcohol, is not it?" blond replied softly, giggling low.
"I do not know if it's just for that but I must insist. I do not know why I feel that I know you of another life, doctor," Thornton muttered with elegance and masculine, seductive demeanor, lost in the sweet expression of smile that Watson had in the face at that time. Definitely seeing that tender expression on his face, Thornton had unconsciously convinced that Dr. Watson was someone very familiar for him, though they had very little time to get to know each other.
"I do not know, I do not remember having met you before, John" muttered the blond hesitant, finally looking up at the dark-haired, lost again in the blue sea of Thornton's eyes.
"You have very soft hands doctor, being a man of war," Thornton mumbled.
"Oh, don't tease," said Watson laughable, he was self-conscious again, and bypassed the look, looking slightly to his right side, feeling Thornton turned to squeeze his fingers with his.
Suddenly, Dr. Watson could feel the warm breath of Thornton near his left temple and soon felt it near his ear. Watson felt more lost in his drunkenness but could feel a slight nibble on his earlobe. His joyous laughter rose before he could realize. The sublime melody that was heard from the ballroom continued delighting such good moment.
The next morning, Dr. Watson would have vague memories of what happened in the midst of his hangover. That beautiful melody could not stop listening in his mind, nor could avoid introspectively vaguely remember feeling soft lips touching his.
"Maybe it was just my imagination"
…..
Final note: Okay I could finally update this fic xD I greatly regret the long delay :v but the other fics that I post simultaneously keep me busy, but well, I never lose the inspiration for this fic.
I always have a lot of inspiration and ideas that I really want to develop trying to make a good plot :3
I apologize if I made mistakes xD I tried my best ^^
I will try to compensate the delay publishing the next chapter soon ;)
Much appreciated each of your comments ^_^