With utmost concern and confusion, Frances helped Ela get to her room even when the woman could have passed for catatonic, it was unclear if she understood what was being said to her or if she recognized her surroundings at all.
Her gaze was lost in the great beyond and she could hardly manage to place one foot in front of the other to walk. When they finally reached her room instinctively she lay in her bed and looked out the window while her mind traveled to awful memories and anticipation of the pain she would have to endure once her family got hold of her and punished her body and soul for having run away.
She rubbed one foot against the other feeling the scars on her soles and wondering how much they would hurt when swollen and bleeding for what was to come, maybe now her parents wouldn't have any more restraint with other parts of her, and would hurt her completely.
At that moment Ela had the rush to stand up and finish the agony herself, she thought about how easy it would be for her to go get a razor from the cabinet, a knife from the kitchen, a belt from the closet, or simply turn on the water from the bathtub and end the pain by her own hand. A couple of tears ran down inadvertently down her cheeks and just when she was going to stand up and fetch whatever she could to put an end to her life there was a knock on the door.
Frances entered her room with a hot cup of tea and sat next to her on the bed eying the girl with compassion without saying anything that might disrupt the silence and offered the beverage, for the first time it seemed Ela was aware of her presence, and took the cup in her hands sipping from it.
None of them said anything, but Frances stayed with her even after she was done with the tea, leaving Ela no choice but to wait, wait, and get lost in her thoughts again. Thinking there was nothing left to do. Nowhere else to hide. No path that would lead to a different outcome than what she ultimately would have to face.
She felt even more feverish than before and the distress and tiredness got the best of her, and ultimately she surrendered to sleep, but no rest came, the nightmares of pain and anguish hunted her dreams in a restless crusade of an escapeless maze while Frances remained in the room watching the young woman fight the demons in her mind.
Polly watched as Tommy paced around the study while they discussed what could be done about the situation they were facing.
It would be a lie to say she didn't feel tormented by the news that had reached the house in a single letter. She cared deeply about Ela and it had been almost six months since she had started working in Arrow House, perhaps because of the lack of contact from her god-awful family Polly had put the idea aside of them finding her, and now it had come as a shock, but she couldn't show her sorrow as her nephew was already too distressed for her to fuel his emotional state.
-"Thomas sit down, you'll make a fucking hole in the floor from your pacing. We need to come up with a solution" She explained while he got over to the counter to pour his third Whiskey since she got there.
He gulped down the drink in a motion and lit a cigarette to ease his temper letting the nicotine wash over his system, but it was pointless, his rage was flowing in waves too strong to control.
-"What do you want Pol, eh? those fucking people beat her, torture her, she manages to escape and now they find her just to invoke their parental right to make her miserable again, fucking bastards" he ran a hand through his hair to keep it from his eyes as it was disheveling from his motions.
-"You're going in circles not focusing on how to solve this shit" Polly sounded more aggravated and decided to put some reason in Tommy's mind to get the issue fixed.
-"That's why I called you here eh, I need your help Pol," he said while sitting in a chair in front of hers knowing the real conversation had to begin if they were going to come up with a plan.
-"I'll help you, and her because I love you both," Polly said while dragging out smoke from her own cigarette and looking in Tommy's direction with security and reassurance in her gaze "But I know before you called me you had already found the same solution as me" Tommy made a knowing face and looked away knowing his aunt could read him perfectly well, they had similar ways of thinking and it was inevitable that they would draw the same conclusion from the situation
"So why did you call me Thomas? To dissuade you from it?" she said with a smirk playing on her lips from watching him trying to subtly struggle with the plan he had already concocted in his brain that was somehow as troubling as the situation at hand.
Tommy rubbed his temple with the fingers that were holding the cigarette. He had indeed hoped she would dissuade him or at least that she would have thought of something else to help Ela.
-"You have always come up with more elegant solutions, haven't you?"
Polly let out a humorless laugh and looked his nephew straight in the eye while leaning forward.
-"Hardly a more elegant solution than a wedding".
-"Not like this Pol, it would be fucking selfish," Tommy said pointing to her face while his eyes widened and his eyebrows rose to highlight how serious he was.
-"Since when do you care if the solution is selfish as long as is a way out of trouble?" she kept smirking wanting him to confess how he truly wanted to enjoy the idea even when a tiny spec of morality was bounding him to do so. It was a moral dilemma for him somehow, and even with his history of not caring about virtually anyone or anything when getting things done, this time he seemed genuinely conflicted about it.
-"If we do this, we'll be just like those fuckers" Tommy said in anger feeling like a bastard, just like Ela's parents he would be imposing an alternative that could solve her problem, only to put her in the middle of another "get her to do something she doesn't want, sort out a life for her she didn't choose", as much as he wanted her by his side, the turmoils of their relationship had been too complex lately, and bringing a sudden marriage to the mix was the last thing she would want to be put through.
-"Then talk to her" It was becoming clearer to Polly that since the ball, too many things had happened between them and those issues combined with the feelings Tommy was trying to hide were causing him to lose sight of reality. His perspective was compromised when it came to her.
"It's not dragging her into this shit and putting her in front of an altar in chains" Polly reasoned with him making him notice the differences between a proposal and the parental right imposition, and all in all, discussing it with the woman in question would only prove to her that in the end, it was her decision, even when Polly knew quite well what Ela would choose, the young woman feelings had also become more and more evident for anyone watching "she's a smart woman, Thomas, she'll decide what's best for her".
-"She won't want it, and I won't force her," he said more to himself than to his aunt. It was a life-altering decision not only for Ela but for him too, and he was more than ready and willing to take it gladly, but his only interest was her wishes even when that clashed with normal his self-centered nature.
-"No. but you'll convince her" Polly said raising from her chair and putting a hand warmly above Tommy's shoulder letting him feel her support.
-"This isn't a fucking deal with criminals Polly" he stated looking up at her with cold eyes that revealed only a hint of humanity "This is a woman who has always wanted romance and true love, not the fucking mess that's around us all the time, what life would that be for her?"
Polly got tired of the back and forth when she already knew they would end up following that route, it was time to cut the bullshit.
-"And still you displayed her in front of everybody as yours" She looked pointedly at Tommy, and even when his gaze did not falter a bit of remorse did cover his features remembering what he had done, how much he had enjoyed it, and the difference with the position they were now in "What? You thought I didn't notice what were your intentions on that dance floor at the ball? even before whatever happened inside this study".
-"It was different then Polly," he said slowly remembering what he had wanted back then and after hearing Ela's conversation with Arthur how he had planned to make her see how he was truly interested in being with her no matter her background or compelling nature, because he only wanted her. But now having so little time to figure out a way out of the mess she was in, he'd have to rush them both into each other's arms, but he'd not change his mind, somehow he would try and make it as easy and comfortable for her.
-"Maybe. But is evident if you talk to her it wouldn't be the first time she hears about your intentions, only this time it might be more formal than God knows what you have already said" Polly was not backing down on her blunt representation of what had recently happened, but seeing Tommy's expression change from complete apprehension to acceptance relieved her knowing he was starting to see things more clearly "and it may save her life".
-"Or it will kill her," he said and thought it for only a second, worrying again that yet another one of the women in his life could face the tragic consequences of being near him.
-"We won't let it happen," Polly said in a persuasive tone, knowing very well the ghost of Grace's death and the guilt attached to it still haunted her nephew. His fear of loving and being loved, of showing emotion and getting attached had only increased from the experience with her, but they had also grown from it, and there would be no second chance for the past to repeat itself "Maybe this time you'll learn from your mistakes".
-"I'll talk to her, but I will make it different than those fuckers. She'll have a way out of the agreement," he said while rising from the chair and walking to his desk while Polly nodded and smiled at him.
After Polly entered Ela's room Frances left them respectfully to talk, Ela tried her best to look as composed as possible to not distress the older woman with her worries but her sorrow was impossible to hide, not only because her complexion was too fazed by the events but because her anxious movements were too evident.
They talked for a bit with Polly comforting her saying there was a way to solve the situation, but she'd have to listen carefully and ponder it against the alternative deciding for herself what she would rather do.
Ela was confused and cautiously examined Polly for a hint of what she meant but the woman only smiled sweetly cupping Ela's face with her hand and Ela thought whatever it was, it couldn't be worse than the fate awaiting her if her parents consumated their plans. So she agreed to listen to the proposition with an open mind and Polly informed her it would be best if she talked with Tommy alone in the study.
Ela gulped when Polly walked away leaving her in front of the door to the room that held too many lustful memories from a few days back where this time she would meet the man that she loved for entirely different reasons.
She breathed trying to calm herself before going in and then she knocked on the door awaiting what he had to say.
Ela entered the office and Tommy got up from the desk and motioned for her to take a chair at the coffee table instead, she complied without a word and he moved to sit in the one next to her.
-"Ela, Polly already told you we have a way to help" Ela only nodded, she wanted to tell him although she appreciated his efforts she thought there would be little that could actually be done for her, and in no way she had intended to put them in a situation they felt obligated to help, perhaps it was her destiny, and they had already done too much to help her throughout the months they had known her, the last thing she wanted was to become a burden.
But she stayed quiet, she had promised to listen to the proposal and have perspective, so it would be disrespectful to shut him out when they were only trying to help.
-"If your parents want to invoke their parental right they can only do so if you hold your virtue and you're still single," he said looking directly into her eyes even when it was evident she was feeling shy and wanted to look away. Although it pained him to see she had been crying and he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, it was important for him to know she was listening carefully.
Ela frowned in confusion not understanding his point, both conditions applied to her.
-"But that's the case sir..."
-"That's what we can solve," he said looking intently at her waiting for the realization to hit her without him being blunt about it to prevent shocking her more than necessary.
Ela's eyes widened and she stood up from her seat in a rush, blushing and feeling lightheaded from what her own employer was suggesting.
-"Mr Shelby..." she found herself at a loss for words, not knowing what could be said with a proposal like that thrown her way. She would be lying to herself if she said she had never fantasized about it, but it had all been exactly that, a fantasy, something that entertained her mind, but not something that could be considered possible even when they were now discussing it openly.
-"Ela there's not much time left. Soon the house will be filled with coppers who have the authorization to take you away," he said gesturing for her to sit down again which she did realizing he was only telling the truth. In a few days, the authorities would come knowing down the door with a paper in hand signifying her life, she could be taken away to her family's land without any regard for her wishes "If we do this they'll have no right to you now or in the future" he looked at her with conviction in his eyes demonstrating how convinced and serious he was about his words.
-"But we would have to get married, and you would have to..." She couldn't continue, it was implicit in the deal, but she trailed off not daring to say the words, shyness taking over her and embarrassment over her naivety clearly displayed on her features. She was blushing even more than before.
-"Yes, we would" Tommy's lips turned into a small smile at her timidness around the subject and now would be the time when he would either tease her or get her close to him, but given the circumstances he let her gaze go to her hands that were fidgetting with a piece of her dress not managing to look at him "I know this is not the life you wanted, nor what you expected when you ran away from them".
He wanted her to notice he acknowledged it was not the perfect situation, and it was not her dream come true, but to perceive that he did care about those matters and would do everything in his power to make it bearable for her.
"I can have one of my lawyers set up a contract with any regulations you want; after the minimum period has passed and if you want to dissolve the union you will be able to do it too".
Ela became staggered at his words, why would he let her? why would he take the trouble to get her and then set her free? She knew of no man who would do such a thing, especially a man who could gain influence and power from the nuptials. Even if he was doing it because he didn't want to be tied to her for longer than necessary, although a sad thought, it was a possibility and not one that made sense taking into account him being a man who could still do whatever he wanted with whoever he wished without the turn of an eye while still married to her.
Then why go to all the trouble? In any scenario, he would get more trouble than gains.
-"Mr. Shelby, I cannot ask this of you".
-"You're not, I'm giving you the option" he explained wholeheartedly even when his tone and face didn't express much feeling. If she was going to be saved, she needed to accept, and even if the events would have to be sudden and rushed he was keen on getting her to see it was the only route now "It's your decision, Ela, I won't force you to accept".
Besides her lack of understanding about his reasons to help her to such an extent, she had to be sure she had comprehended what he meant about the agreement, what would he actually consent to? what could be the limits of his generosity in regard to her freedom? and even when her mind told her she would be content not asking for anything because, in fact, she wanted to be tied to him she wondered what could he mean.
-"What did you mean, that is, about a contract with regulations?"
-"For the marriage to be valid in the eyes of the law you know we'll have to... consummate it" he was careful with his word choice, his directness would surely startle her and it could be a setback for the conversation, for once he had to remain perfectly polite and conservative.
"Apart from that you can set up any clauses you want for your freedom" Ela looked up at him expectantly as if waiting for him to state any exceptions he might have considered, but he didn't, instead he listed what he would not interfere with "it's all up to you, your time, your space, your body; you will have to stay in this house to prevent suspicions, but I'll grant you any other liberties you choose" he was adamant and articulate, trying to make it as clear as possible that he would not request anything from her that she didn't give voluntarily.
-"You mean to say that you won't be against clauses about... children and my seasons or my?..." Ela wanted to keep asking but she couldn't bring herself to ask about her mating gland, it was so intimate to discuss in the open and with her employer nonetheless.
-"No, I won't. If you wish to end the marriage you'll have your mating glad intact," Tommy knew exactly what she meant, and pretending he hadn't thought about impregnating her completely on his scent would be a lie, but the entire idea of granting her complete freedom would be for her to decide on her own if she wanted to stay or leave once the time came.
Marking her mating gland would do the exact opposite if she ever were to find another suitable husband who would enjoy her body but the scent Tommy had left in her there would never dissolve, she would carry it until her dying day and everyone would know she had been completely his, that she surrendered to him in body and soul.
Even when that's what he wanted he would not influence her on that "The sole reason you left your house was to be free and I won't be the next in line to deny you of it in light of a proposition to save you from your family".
-"That is very generous of you" He was abundantly clear with his intentions even if Ela couldn't completely grasp how could he be so magnanimous with her needs not expecting much in return, even when she felt like a fool wanting to offer more than what he was asking of her.
-"Don't tell me you're feeling God in the room" he tried to lighten up her mood and change the tense feeling the air was holding with such a difficult conversation. She had remained rigid since entering the study and although understandable it was upsetting for them to keep that pace.
Ela smiled noticing how he was trying to make things easier for her to accommodate the situation. Even when he was known to make her uncomfortable and keep her on edge, right now he was quite sensitive to her feelings.
-"I am Mr. Shelby, he's in you"
Seeing Ela smile and feeling her mood change through her smell made Thomas pleased, more than anything he relished contributing to her happiness, even if the circumstances were fairly grim.
-"Then I believe we have come to an agreement," he said.
-"We have Mr. Shelby," She rose from her seat and considered how business-like the situation was, for some reason, she thought it appropriate to extend her hand to shake his.
-"Good" he answered contemplating her extended hand for a second thinking it was about time he returned to his taunting self, he wanted to see her squirm for him "But from now on" he took her hand pulling her to him and without letting go he managed to make her sit on his legs. She blushed furiously but didn't move from the position he had arranged her in "You won't call me Mr. Shelby anymore" he caressed her cheek and her eyes fluttered close leaning into his touch.
-"Yes Tommy" she answered almost in a whisper while her feverish temperature rose significantly from the contact. Her core heated up more than she thought possible and the first few droplets of slick wet her underwear.
-"Good girl," he said into her ear and she could almost purr at the warm breath and low voice that was making her insane with lust "Just you know that from today onward whenever you're on my lap or in my bed, I own you" he traced his lips along her neck and Ela gasped tilting her head to the side for him to continue while she grabbed her skirt tightly to keep herself from moaning from his actions.
Tommy tangled his fingers deep in her hair and tugged back lightly; Ela opened her eyes which had darkened completely and he smirked in victory "Say you understand" his voice was low and rugged as his look became animalistic with desire.
-"I understand Tommy" She complied revealing her need with her moaning voice and the waves of slick trespassing the layers of her dress and onto his pants.
-"Say it all" he pulled her hair again and was rewarded with a loud moan from her. He could feel her wetness on his trousers and became completely hard against her legs.
-"I'm yours" She deliberately left out the extent that he had mentioned, because, in reality, it didn't matter, she had realized long ago she was his, anywhere, everywhere.
Tommy smiled mischievously, and with content he hadn't felt in too long pulled her in for a kiss.
Both their minds got lost in each other's lips, finally getting some release from the closeness of their mouths, Ela thought about how she had never felt anything better in her life, he tasted of tobacco, whiskey, and a certain rough sweetness she couldn't quite place but it was entrancing.
Even when Tommy had intended to keep the kiss light the feeling of her was too intoxicating, better than any drink, snow, or even opium.
He couldn't get enough, he licked her bottom lip demanding full entrance and when granted their tongues danced together but evidently, he won the battle for dominance subduing her completely and she abied obediently letting him take whatever he wanted.
Just when Ela felt she could burst into flames as Tommy was lifting her skirt to trace her tighs a loud knock on the door interrupted them.
-"I've called for a family meeting, fix yourselves, they're on their way," Polly said trying to sound upset but the smile on her voice was transparent.
Ela lowered her head squeezing her eyes shut feeling mortified, but Thomas only smirked and helped her up from his legs.
When Ela turned around to fix herself and walk away, Tommy stood behind her grabbing her by the waist and she froze on the spot feeling his hard cock against the folds of her dress; he leaned down and talk close to her mating gland on her nape.
-"Go and change, I don't want any man to sense your scent until you smell of me" With that he let go of her. She didn't utter a word and managed to get to the door even when her knees buckled, a sight he would never grow tired of.