by Kylie Parker
12
For the first time since her arrival in Los Angeles, Helen was in high spirits. Her conversation with Michelle while on the beach had made things very clear to her. Even though Marcus had warned her about the risks, she would follow her heart. In her mind, there was nothing wrong with that. He was the first man, in a long time, who she had felt attracted to, and Helen was not willing to pass on the opportunity to get into a relationship with him, although such a thing could spell danger. The idea of dating a wanted man filled her with excitement. It was nothing like she had ever experienced. Moreover, the chances of having the same circumstances in her birthplace were very slim.
Michelle kept her promise that night. She drove her friend to “Enrico’s” restaurant and waited for her in the car. However, Helen was not going to just barge into the kitchen, like she had done the night before. Instead, she chose to walk around the building. Her heart sank at the sight of the basement. Of course, Helen did not need to lay her eyes on that room. The memory of the night before had been haunting her mind ever since the moment of Marcus’s sincere confession.
I don’t know if I can take away your pain. My God, that would be so hard; a lot tougher than anything I could have ever imagined. But, I want to be close to you, Marcus. I’ll hate it if you turn me down again.
Helen snuck a peek through the narrow window in the corner. There were four men in the kitchen, including Marcus. A mischievous smile formed on her face, as she noticed he was chopping a salad.
This gorgeous man is cooking. I am so turned on right now. I wish I could kill the power and seduce him right there on the counter, or out here. I wouldn’t mind. Get it out of your head, Helen! Focus! What should I do? Storm in? Nah. If I wanted to embarrass him, I would have used the kitchen door. I’m going to wait here. Sooner or later, he’ll come. I can’t wait to kiss him again.
Despite Helen’s expectations though, Marcus did not go anywhere near that door. Much to her frustration, he was very busy, cooking and ordering the waiters. Fifteen minutes later, she was left with no choice. However, just when she had decided to barge in, she spotted him heading towards the sink, under the window.
“Ok, now’s my chance,” she thought to herself, tiptoeing to the left. Her heart was pounding in her chest, as her slow footsteps brought her closer and closer to the door. Closing her eyes, Helen took a deep breath and knocked. Luckily for her, Marcus answered it, but, as soon as their gazes met, his jaw dropped.
“Hiiiii!” she sang. “How are you?”
“Um, hi,” He croaked, closing the door behind him. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” Helen said, her voice sweet, as she leaned forward. “Why else?”
“I thought I was clear last night.” Marcus spoke, a hint of annoyance in his baritone. “Are you looking for trouble or something?”
“No,” she whispered, raising her hands to his chest. “We just got off to a great start, Marcus. I don’t want to lose this. I don’t care about trouble. I want to be with you.”
His full lips curled into an evanescent smile, as his eyes blazed into hers. Marcus leaned in towards Helen, lifting his hands to her face, as she returned the smile. Cupping her cheeks, he tilted his head down. Their lips locked in a long, tender kiss, as she stroked his chest. Sliding her hands up his body, she pressed herself into him, as he gently pulled her closer. Marcus brushed her jaw with his beard stubble, as Helen circled her arms around his neck. His hands slipped up and into her hair, sending tingles down her body, as she caressed the back of his neck. The sensation of his thumbs, stroking her creamy cheeks made her heart throb with delight. Marcus let go of her left one and snaked his arm around her upper back, moving his lips to her cheek. A blissful smile spread across her face, as he pulled her into his embrace.
“God, what a big hug…” Helen purred, draping her hands over his back.
“You’re one stubborn country girl, you know that?” Marcus let out a short laugh.
“Please, don’t call me that,” she requested, leaning back. “What time do you get off?”
“I still need about an hour. Have you had dinner yet?” He asked.
“No. I was a little too anxious to eat,” Helen confessed, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“You must be starving. Dinner’s on me. What are you having?” Marcus’s kind words made her smile reappear.
“Lasagna would be nice.” She said, as he pressed his forehead onto hers.
“Go get a table,” He whispered. “Please, do a favor for me; will you? Go around and use the main entrance. I don’t want customers to see a woman coming out of the kitchen. They may get the wrong idea.”
“You got it, Mr.” Helen winked at him. “Just don’t keep me waiting for too long. I’m starving.”
“I won’t.” He shook his head sideways. “Go.”
Overflowing with a sense of joy, she tilted her head up, as her hands crept around his neck. Helen planted a quick kiss on his cheek, as Marcus let his arms drop to his sides. She turned around, feeling like a child with a new toy. Helen had no idea what had made him change his mind, but she was too happy to ask. The two of them would be together. For her, it was all that mattered.
Eager to share the good news with Michelle, she quickened her pace. But Helen did not have to speak. Her broad smile gave her away, as she approached her friend’s car. She stopped inches away from the passenger door, but Michelle was the one who spoke first.
“There’s the happy girl I met.” She teased. “You kids have fun. I want all the juicy details tomorrow, ok? Goodnight.”
13
After a delicious dinner, Helen had the chance to consider her options. She would be in a relationship with a man with a military past, who still clearly bore the scars of his ordeal. Helen didn’t have a clue as to how she would assist him in putting the past behind him, but she did know what she had to do first. Valuing family more than anything in this world, she would do precisely what she had asked of him the night before: try to convince him to get in touch with his father. Apart from being Marcus’s only family, David Donovan was a very powerful man. He had the resources and the manpower to seek the truth about his son. As much as Helen wanted to believe that Rick’s nephew, Peter would be able to discover clues concerning Marcus’s case, she couldn’t. The entire idea of a 20-year old hacking into the Pentagon’s database felt a little too unrealistic and even if he could accomplish such a feat, the chances of him finding anything were rather slim.
Eventually, Marcus’s shift was over. As soon as he emerged from the kitchen, Helen tried to take him by the hand, but she was in for an unpleasant surprise.
“Not here.” He murmured, passing her by. “Walk behind me.”
Baffled and somewhat irritated, she did as told. On his way out of the restaurant, he took a few, furtive glances around him. When the two of them were out, Helen couldn’t help but voice her frustration.
“Ok, what was that?” She wondered, her voice squeaky as she stepped outside.
“My father’s lawyers have a soft spot for pasta.” Marcus said in a firm voice. “They frequent this place. One of them was staring at me the other day. I like that, though.”
“What’s that?”
“The whole ‘ultrasonic’ thing with your voice.” He laughed, turning to her, as he unlocked the helmet case, mounted on his Harley. “You sound cute.”
“Thanks.” She rewarded him with a short smile. “Sorry about that. I was just surprised, that’s all.”
“Don’t mention it.” Marcus said his calm baritone as he handed her over her helmet. “Just remember that, ok?”
“Ok.” Helen chirped. “Where do you live?”
“A few blocks east.” He replied, mounting the Harley. The sound of the thunder-headers resounded through the busy neighborhood, as the engine roared to life. Helen placed her right foot on the foot peg and swung her left leg over the saddle, before putting on her helmet. They rode off into the warm night and, sec
onds into the ride, she could feel something was very different from the other two times she had been on the motorcycle. Helen had experienced the sense of freedom that it offered; yet, this time, it was much more intense. Perhaps it was the anticipation of a relationship with him that intensified the sensation, or the fact that she would finally see where he lived. At any rate, Helen was so excited that she wouldn’t bother searching for an explanation. She simply closed her eyes and rested her head on his back, savoring every second of the ride, as the cool wind rushed over her.
A few minutes later, he turned right and into a small neighborhood. Just as Helen expected, it was filled with large, old apartment buildings. Marcus was trying to hide his identity; living in an expensive mansion would draw too much unwanted attention. Easing on the brakes, he let his Harley roll to a halt.
“Don’t say you like it.” Marcus joked, hopping off his motorcycle.
“I don’t think my opinion matters.” Helen smiled up at him, the buzzing of the thunder-headers still ringing in her ears, as she stepped off. “I don’t live here. You do.”
“Why don’t you tell me more about where you live?” He said, as they started towards the entry door.
“Ah, Shandaken.” She spoke, a hint of sadness in her voice. “My house is drowned in greenery. Oak trees, balsam fir right under my front porch, great views of the mountains all around it. I can even see your friend’s cabin from up there. It’s really peaceful. Quiet. So quiet you can hear a pin drop.”
“Sounds amazing,” Marcus commented, turning the key in the lock.
“I’m kind of tired of it, really.” Helen’s voice came out hesitant, as she entered the building.
“We always want more. People, I mean.” He said, as they climbed up the stairs; “Always.”
“I’d love to live here.” Her tone was lower and even sadder, “or New York.”
“Don’t say that.” Marcus uttered in a stiff baritone, as he looked down at her over his shoulder. “Cities just suck people dry.”
“But a person has so many options in the city.” Helen persisted. “Anybody can do pretty much anything.”
“No, Helen. No one can.” He disagreed, unlocking his front door. “Maybe you think that’s the way it is, but it isn’t. People in the city don’t have time to do much.”
“But…”
“All I’m saying is you have to take the good with the bad,” Marcus interrupted, closing the door behind him. “That’s how ‘adjusting’ is done.”
“Point taken,” Helen said with a nod, as he scanned her body, from bottom to top.
“Hot curves;” he said, his voice raspy as he took one short step towards her. “I’d love to stay right here, but I need to take a shower. I smell like food.”
“What?” She gave a snort of amusement, lifting her hands to his chest. “You smell like pizza; I love pizza.”
“Keep your hands off,” Marcus smirked. “Wait here. I won’t be long.”
“Oh, man…” A sigh of frustration fled her lips, as he turned around.
Nah, I shouldn’t complain. I have him right where I want him. I don’t mind waiting for a few minutes. He’s going to come back, smelling minty fresh. Let’s have a look around.
Curious about his bedroom, Helen quickly crossed the living room. She started down the hallway that led to it, her ears picking up the sound of the water running, as she sped past the bathroom. When she found herself in his bedroom, she was in for yet another, much more pleasant, surprise. Three guitar cases, each one lined up next to another, were leaning against the far wall. A gorgeous, sunburst acoustic guitar was lying on Marcus’s bed, to the left. Immediately, an idea flashed through her mind.
Marcus and Mr. Grumpy are both playing the guitar; Michelle is singing … Oh my God; that would be fantastic!”
The pictures on his desk caught her gaze. There were five frames, all containing him and a few of his army buddies. Behind each one, Marcus had written their names. One of them even included the two men who had been executed in front of him. It was at that moment that Helen realized how much he missed them and his career as a marine. However, the presence of those pictures made her understand why he had been unable to move on all this time: Marcus had been clinging to his past. If he had any chance of healing, he would have to put them away, along with any other relics in his apartment.
“Semper fi…” She whispered, easing that frame down on the desk.
“Helen!” His deep voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “Come here. I need to show you something.”
Smiling to herself, she quickly turned around. She had a very good idea about what that “something” was. Helen couldn’t wait to touch him. With her pulse increasing more and more by the second, she pushed the bathroom door open. The sensual scent of alpine filled her nostrils, as she walked inside. Marcus was lying in the half-full bathtub. Foam was covering his legs and his groin. The water was shining on his chiseled abs and his chest.
“I’m waiting.” He smiled up at her.
“A bubble bath?” She laughed. “Really?”
“I just thought I should be there for you,” Marcus maintained, leaning his back against the far short side.
“With a bubble bath?” Helen could still not believe what he had done.
“It’s more than just a bubble bath.” He spoke in lazy tones. “Come on. Get in here.”
“Yes, sir.” Intrigued by the insinuation, she began to take her clothes off. Marcus’s shadowy eyes took her in, as she unbuttoned her shirt. As much as Helen desired him, she took her time, loving the attention being paid to her body. Kicking her high heels off, she ran her gaze down his face, as he stared at her big, supple breasts. The sight of his wet chest turned her on, but something else aroused her even more: Marcus was licking his lips, his right hand dangerously close to his manhood. Helen pulled her pants down and off her feet, aching for his touch. She raised her right leg over the edge of the bathtub, returning her gaze to his face. The sensation of the cool water on her skin raised every hair on her body. Bending her knees all the way down to the bathtub floor, she leaned forward, with a sexy smile on her face. The water rose up to Marcus’s chin, as she settled down into the water. Feeling his cock brushing against her right inner thigh, Helen laid a firm kiss on his chest. Marcus put his hands on her hips and gently pulled her closer.
Her lips crashed against his, as she gripped his sides. She spread her legs and put her knees down on the bathtub floor, the feel of his firm skin in her hands fueling her desire, as his hardening shaft began to rub against her pussy. Extending her fingers on her right hand, she slid it up his body, as she pushed her tongue into his mouth. There was something strange about him, something that she didn’t understand. Marcus’s kiss was not nearly as demanding as hers. He did not move his hands, either. He seemed passive, but Helen did not care. Aroused by the intoxicating scent and his masculine body, she thought nothing of it. Lost in their kiss, she stroked his stomach, her long fingernails lightly scratching his flesh. Helen ran her tongue along his lips, his breath heavy as she squeezed his skin. All of a sudden though, he tightened his grip on her hips. A playful scream escaped her, as he rolled her over onto her back. Marcus pushed her body upwards, bringing her head closer to his face. Helen smiled playfully, resting her head on his left shoulder.
“I said I wanted to be there for you.” He whispered in her ear, just before flicking his tongue over her earlobe.
“I’m yours.” She said in a voice riddled with unbridled lust, as she reached back for him. Helen rolled her head to the right, seeking his lips as she tangled her hand into his hair. Marcus snaked his arms around her waist, as their mouths joined in a long, fiery kiss. Feeling his cock trapped between her ass cheeks, she knitted her fingers through his hair, as his hands slowly traveled up her stomach. He flicked his tongue against her upper lip, as she grabbed a fistful of his hair. Helen was starting to quiver under his sensual touch. He had not done much and yet, she could feel her wetness inside her g
rowing by the second. Her free hand grabbed and held onto his hip, their tongues connected and swirling one another in a sexual mating dance, as Marcus’s fingers drew lazy, feather-light circles around her breasts. Helen dragged her nails up his leg, her body arching upwards, as their kiss left her breathless. She bit his lower lip, running her fingers through his hair, as he curled his fingers around her breasts.
“Oh, God…” Helen whimpered, shivering as she leaned slightly back. “What do you want to do?”
“Don’t you know?” Marcus whispered, his chest rising up and down, as he brushed his lips lightly across her chin.
“Say it.” She urged, her voice husky, as she gazed deep into his lust-filled eyes.
“I want to play you with only my fingers until you come.” He breathed, cupping her breasts, as he planted one more, sensual kiss on her cheek.
“Awwwww, my God…” Helen moaned, tilting her head back, as he pressed them together.
“Just relax.” Marcus whispered in her ear, laying yet another, soft-lipped kiss on it, as she released his hair. Sliding her hand down the side of his neck, she stroked his skin, breathing hard, as his fingers ran small circles around her rock-hard nipples. The sensation of his lips on her jaw sent shockwaves down her spine. Helen squeezed her eyes shut, as he rubbed his fingers over her nipples, trapping her sensitive skin between his teeth. Bringing her left hand up to his chest, she sank her fingernails into the firm flesh of his shoulder, as she slid back and forth against his shaft. She could feel herself growing wetter by the second. His sensual moves had awakened a slow burn inside her, one that she had not experienced before. The mere thought that a man like him was taking such good care of her needs sent her to heaven. This was more than just foreplay. Marcus seemed willing to give her all the pleasure that she needed, without thinking about himself at all. Helen placed her hand over his, as he squeezed her breasts at the same time. She pressed it down onto her, feeling his hot breath on her face, as he trailed more, hot kisses along her jawline.
