Didn’t weigh her down.
But more than that.
She loved him.
It was different than she thought it would be. It wasn’t the kind of love that you saw in movies. Where the hero rushes in and the heroine falls to her knees thankful at a chance of love, for the chance to be with her knight and shining armor.
It was the kind of love where the hero blasted in guns blazing, surrounding you, protecting you, till the heroine was strong enough that she could rise on her own.
It was the kind of love that was powerful, heartfelt, and at times it was painful. Mark had been there from the beginning, watching her build herself up. She still had a way to go, but where she was now, it was all because he had believed in her, pushed her in her healing, rooted for her, and never left her side.
It was the kind of love that gave her the courage to not only live her life, but to live it to its fullest.
Without the demons of her past.
She heard the key in the lock and stood up as he came in the door, his eyes coming to her first, scanning her as if looking for something that was wrong, and then he closed the door.
He was carrying several grocery bags, and she met him at the table as he set them down.
“I’m sorry but there wasn’t much open at this hour. I hope this is okay,” he said as he looked down at the bags worriedly.
“I’m sure it’s fine,” she said using a finger to open one of the bags.
“Oh! There’s raspberries!” She reached in and grabbed the container flipping it open. “These are my favorite. Thank you!”
He didn’t say anything as she popped a berry in her mouth, and she looked up to see his eyes on her.
The blue an endless abyss that she could get lost in. The color swirling around her, wrapping her up, till she was drowning, and she never wanted to leave.
A gaze that could sear her from the inside.
Clear to her soul.
“I love you, Mark,” she whispered, not able to hold it in anymore.
His shoulders jerked, his eyes widening slightly before he lunged. The raspberries fell from her hand as his lips met hers. His hands cupping her face, pulling her up into him, as he moved forward backing her up against the wall, and a gasp left her as his lips met hers.
It wasn’t a soft kiss.
It was strong.
It was full.
Full of desire, love, and heartfelt longing that they had maybe, finally found what they needed in each other.
A breathy moan left her as his teeth nipped her lip, the pain and pleasure rolling over her, lighting her skin on fire.
“Fuck,” he muttered pulling back quickly, his hands leaving her face and falling to her waist. “I’m sorry. That … I’m sorry.” His head fell to her shoulder, his hands on her waist still holding her to him, as she reeled from his kiss.
Slowly she ran her fingers up his broad shoulders and to his neck, the edges of his hair brushing against her fingers.
“I’m sorry, little bird,” he whispered.
“Why are you apologizing?” she asked.
Her Mark.
Always looking out for her.
