I sat across from her. “Not surprising, given what you’ve endured. You’ll need a lot of sleep, food, and hydration to recover fully.”
She eyed me warily. “You’ve calmed down now, big boy?”
“I’m fine. Where’s Julian?”
“He said he was going downstairs.”
“Okay, I’ll go see him. Why don’t you lie down and rest? You’re safe here. No one can get in.”
I stood and headed for the door, stopping when I heard the soft sounds of socked feet behind me. I turned. “Bedroom is that way.” I pointed down the hall.
“I’m coming with you.”
“The hell you are. You’re going to rest. You don’t need to be involved.”
“News flash, asshole. I am involved. It was me they wanted—me they kidnapped. I’m as involved as I can be.”
I shut the door before she could scoot under my arm. “I said no.”
She slammed her hands on her hips, attempting to look fierce. “You are not the boss of me. I say what I do and don’t do, big guy. Not you.”
Those mossy-green eyes of hers glared up at me, alight with a fierce fire. She was strong and independent. Capable. Determined.
I was more determined.
Something about her glare and show of spunk did something to me. Twisted my gut and made me equally proud and angry. Turned me right the fuck on, lighting up all my buttons. I had no thought, no plan, but suddenly, I had her pressed against the door, my body trapping hers against the wooden surface, our chests melded. For a moment, I was transfixed, then realized I must be scaring her. I was bigger than she was, and I was no doubt triggering her fear. I went to step back and apologize, but then I met her gaze. It wasn’t fear in her eyes as she stared back at me. It was something else entirely. Something hot, bright. Longing. I loosened my grip, but she remained where she was, pressed into me. Once again, my body took over, and I spoke.
“I don’t think so, sweetheart. Because here? I am your boss, and you will do as I say.” My gaze dropped to her full, sassy mouth, wanting to kiss her, waiting to hear her snarky reply. Wondering with everything in me which would come first.
Missy
I glared up at Marcus, his dark eyes glittering brightly under the lights, the gold flecks evident. His large body pressed against mine. We touched everywhere from chest to hips, even his leg bent into mine. He was hard—everywhere. Muscles, strength, and power exuded from him.
And yet, I wasn’t afraid.
Given what I had been through, I should have been. I should have been panicking, screaming down the place for him to let me go. Except my rapid heartbeat had nothing to do with terror and everything to do with the desire that flowed through every atom of my being. I felt his fear of exposing me to more horror. His need to shield me. But even stronger was his need for me. His desire was evident and pressed between us. Mine was evident in the way my body craved his closeness. The heightened awareness I had of him every time he was near. I wanted more of him. Touching me. Melding himself into my skin, chasing away the memories of the other touches, the pain they had caused.
I knew his touch would only bring me pleasure.
Our eyes locked, desire passing between them, our bodies moving as if on autopilot. He slid his hands down my arms, his touch light and careful. I draped my arms over his shoulders, sliding my fingers into the dark hair at his nape. He lifted me easily, my legs wrapping around his waist of their own accord.
“Sweetheart,” he whispered, his breath warm on my skin as he buried his face in my neck. Shivers raced through me as his lips ghosted over my skin, soothing the marks with his tongue as if erasing them for me. His grip tightened as he lifted his head, our eyes locking once more.
“I shouldn’t do this,” he murmured.
“Yes,” I replied, bringing his face closer to mine. Our lips hovered, barely enough room between them for the air we shared. “Yes, you should. Please,” I whispered.
His lips covered mine, soft and tender. They stroked and touched, small, gentle kisses that teased and promised. I whimpered his name, and he growled deep in his throat, slanting his head and sliding one hand into my hair to hold me close. His mouth descended again, and I waited for my world to implode.
The rap on the door startled us both. Sofia’s voice broke through our haze.
“Marcus, you in there? Julian wants to see you, and I want to check on Melissa.”
Slowly, he released me, easing me down his big body so I felt his desire that still raged. Our eyes never looked away as he replied.