He had given up too easily, and now, fucked another woman too quickly. His flippancy had bruised her heart and created invisible wounds that only her soul could see.
They were worn as a constant reminder that she wasn’t what he really wanted. The painful marks remained, darkening as each day passed. They deserved to heal. Not split open by a flimsy promise of something more.
He was playing a cruel game and Lana wasn’t prepared for the attack.
* * *
Tiny kisses flutterover her warm skin. She’s held captive by his long heated kisses that leisurely cling to her lips. Jeez, she loves how this man could turn her on with a flick of his tongue or a curve of his wicked mouth.
She willingly gives in to his possessive commands, displaying her quaking body to him. He grunts with obvious desire when she submits. He tugs her nipples and kneads her creamy breasts like they’re the best treat he’s ever devoured.
His beautiful chiselled features morph into another. Carl clamps his teeth down hard on her tender flesh leaving a stingy welt. The pain burns like acid.
He taunts her with words she doesn’t want to hear. His slimy tongue slathers her skin leaving his repulsive scent. That hideous smell of stale tobacco permeates her senses. It triggers her fear.
No, please. Let me go.
She struggles but her body is paralysed. It’s always rooted to the same spot. She is powerless. She can’t move.
He has won.
He has control.
* * *
Gentle fingertips brushed her cheek,smoothing away sweat laden strands that clung to her neck.
“Shhh, beautiful. You’re safe. It’s okay. I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” Powerful arms snaked her waist, pulling her closer, immediately comforting her distress. “I promise to keep you safe.”
Half asleep in a dreamy daze, she blinked open her eyes to the softly lit room, feeling the heat from his body enveloping her from behind. A familiar heady scent pacified her torment.
“Marcus?” she stuttered with heavy eyelids.
Turning into him, a wave of relaxation washed over her like heat from the summer sun. She became hypnotised by his beating heart. Instantly, his strength calmed her blind panic and brought her senses back to the room.
They lay together in silence. Her racing rhythm changed from a gallop to a canter. His deep exhale caressed her shoulder.
She was safe in his embrace and a peacefulness surrounded her fearful heart. For tonight she would sleep beside him, permitting his powerful presence.
Gazillions of stars could burn out all at once and the oceans could dry up into mounds of salt, but none of that would matter if she was lying in the arms of Marcus McGrath.
Lana drifted off into a heavenly dream, where she dreamt that Marcus showered her with kisses and they made love under the bright blue sky, only to wake hours later, completely alone and unsatisfied.
Rolling over, she noticed an indentation in the pillow next to hers. Pressing her nose to the cotton, she inhaled the male aroma that never failed to make her stomach flip.
Marcus had left her alone, again.
25
The next morning Marcus kept out of sight until noon.
He kicked back on the grand terrace like a king observing his land, lying on the sun lounger with a bottle of beer and a phone pressed to his ear.
“Thanks for the update. I really appreciate all the hours you’ve put in, Arthur. I’ll ensure the remaining funds are transferred into your account today. Let me know if you hear anything else.”
Jamie strolled onto the terrace wearing nothing but bright red ass hugging shorts, his toned muscular torso was on show with a detailed wolf tattoo on his brawny bicep. He was an exhibitionist, much like his brother, only Jamie had a brazen streak.
“Wee brother, I see you’ve stopped working out?” Marcus roared playfully.
