Undeniable Desires

Chapter Six

Asher stared straight ahead at the blackout window the blocked them from the driver. The silence between the three of them was deafening, and frankly it was starting to pluck at his nerves. Silence was something that never sat well with him, especially when he wasn't alone, and no one was saying anything. In fact, no one had said a word since Emmalee had exited her room dressed and ready to go as Declan had stated.  Tapping his foot on the limo floor, Asher cleared his throat. "So," He questioned,  only gaining Declan's attention from the other side of Emmalee who was in the middle of them both. "Where are we going, exactly?"

Declan's eyes scanned over his partner, taking in his anxious state. Asher was never the type to sit still or be quite for long. He was surprised he lasted as long as he had.  Fifteen minutes was his new personal record.  "We're heading to Manhattan." He said simply. "Check out a few shops and then have some lunch."

"Ohh," Asher said perking up. "Famous Joe's?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking."

Asher flashed him a huge smiled before turning his attention to Emmalee. Lightly he nudged her with his elbow, finally getting her to look up from her folded hands in her lap, and offered him a simple smile.

"Have you ever been?" He asked, knowing that she was a native of New York.

She merely shook her head no in response. She never had a reason to go out and eating alone was depressing. Not to mention she really had no business out in Manhattan in the first place. It was far too upscale for someone like herself.

"Oh, my god!" Asher groaned. "I swear it's the best pizza you'll ever have. You'll love it. I promise."

Declan chuckled at how animated Asher quickly became, eager to speak about anything. At the same time, though, he noticed how reserved Emmalee was.  No where near the same cheerful girl he had first met that night a week ago. He just hoped a day of fun out on the strip would help opener her up and bring her out.  It was a common goal between Asher and himself to fix the damage that her father had caused, but at the same time he knew that was going to take more than a day out.  Her wounds were deep and extensive caused by years of emotional abuse.  It could take years for them to instill self confidence in her, but they were up for it if Emmalee would allow it.  

The limo came to a stop and Asher quickly jumped to his feet and opened the door, peering outside.  "Good morning Manhattan!" He yelled, jumping out as the driver rounded the car. He received a few wayward glances from people passing by, but paid them no mind as he turned and offered his hand out to Emmalee.

Emmalee lightly took his hand and climbed out, taking in her new surrounding. She hadn't been to Manhattan since she was a little girl, and even now couldn't recall the purpose of the trip.  Her attention turned to Declan as he closed the door. "We should be ready to be picked up half two mate." He said to the driver. "If plans change I'll phone you. "

"Alright sir," He responded. "I shall see the three of you then. " 

Emmalee watched the man turn and head back to the driver's side of the car before taking a deep breath and looking around. She couldn't help but wonder where the two of them liked to shop. Either way, she thought, she was about to find out.  "So, where to first?"

Asher and Declan exchanged a quick glance before turning their gaze over to her, their eyes examining her slowly. Emmalee couldn't help but stand a little taller under their critical gaze.  "What?" She asked, blushing slightly. 

"Armani!" They exclaimed together.

It was her turn to give the guys a look over. She wasn't at all familiar with the store or the brand other than the fact that it was expensive, but from looking at their clothing--faded blue jeans, Declan having various chains hanging from his pocket, and worn band shirts--she wasn't too sure they shopped much there either.  A small frown pulled her lips. "You guys shop at Armani?"