“Another trade?” he asks me and before I can stop myself, I answer yes. More than any other reason, it’s because I don’t want him to leave without knowing more. I need to know what happened.
“A touch for a touch?” he says and my eyes widen at the offer. “I didn’t let you last time and that seems … selfish of me.”
I can’t help the innate fear I feel. The idea of him getting closer to me, close enough to touch, to kiss, all while I stay buried in my bedsheets is both erotic and terrifying.
I know he must see it; I’d be a fool to think I could hide it. Hell, my heart beats so hard, he’d have to be deaf not to hear it staggering with dread. “I’ll sweeten the deal. I’ll tell you how I know your code. I’ll tell you now, if you want.”
My gaze peers deeper into his, and I find myself wishing for more light. His desperation is … not understood. He shouldn’t want me, but he does. I can sense it; his desire caresses every inch of me, preparing me for him.
Marcus wants me and I’m ashamed to admit what that knowledge does to me.
Met with silence for too long, Marcus continues. “I have small cameras on the outside of your building. I can watch who comes and goes and more importantly, I can see you put in the code, Delilah. And anyone else I want.”
“That’s not true. I searched the place down myself.”
With a huff of laughter, he leans back in the chair and responds, “They look like nailheads, so small, and everywhere I want them to be.” The arrogance doesn’t go unnoticed.
“How long?”
“How long have I been watching you? You have so many questions that you already know the answers to, don’t you?”
His taunt prompts me to remember the first week I moved in when there was a day when the power went out. There wasn’t an ounce of me that suspected anything. That was years ago … Years. The answer sends goosebumps down my shoulders that don’t stop until a shiver takes over.
“I have unusual ways, invasive, I know. But I tried to stay away and let you be. This is how I managed. And then … you kissed him. You fucked him. It … it’s taking a lot of effort to not be jealous. He’s been there for you and you’ve seen what he’s done for you. It makes sense. You haven’t seen what I’ve done for you, though.”
I can barely breathe listening to him.
His jealousy is a shock. And given all this new information, my body trembles. “You told me not to be scared, but I am.” I admit the truth out loud because it’s too much. It’s far too real.
“You’re a good girl for telling me.” Good girl. From anyone else, I would snap at those words. There’s a trigger inside of me wound tight and it would spring free. But from him …
He adds, “We’re going to have to work on that. Lie down and let me help you.”
“What do you want?” I ask and my voice shakes.
“Again … You already know the answer.”
He’s not wrong. I know what he wants; even my body is aware as my nipples harden against the soft cotton of my sleep shirt.
As if he’s read my mind, his nearly silver gaze drops to my chest. “Fear is a funny thing, isn’t it?” he comments but remains where he is. “I bet you’re hot too, aren’t you?”
All I can think about is Cody. Marcus may know things, but Cody may not. And whatever I do here, could come back on a man who has done nothing but protect me.
“Marcus … I’m with—”
“I know. I saw it all. I saw you kiss him again yesterday. Really kiss him like you love him. You do, don’t you?” There’s not an ounce of anger in his voice, only knowing.
“Marcus—”
“I’m not mad. You don’t have to be afraid. But I deserve a chance. I don’t regret much in life, but I regret not taking you when I had the chance.”
“When was that?” I ask only to allow more time to pass. To give space to the moment so I can think.
“Questions. So many questions, my Delilah.” Sitting straighter, his fingers wrap around the arms of the chair as if he’s holding himself back. “I answered you, I gave you more information