by Jan Graham
Marcus’ subdued but sensual mood didn’t surprise her. They’d achieved a good outcome, but Nik’s injury hadn’t been part of the conclusion Marcus expected. He liked clean outcomes, acceptable minor injuries like the rest of them—splinter fragments, a twisted knee. Life-threatening meant Marcus failed, that he hadn’t accounted for every and all possibilities. He’d beat himself up about it, question the planning, and ultimately drive them all nuts until he reached that conclusion in his own way.
“The plan was an exceptional one, Marcus,” Beth stated, turning to drop her bra on the floor. Marcus stalked her through the house on the way to the bedroom. “What happened to Nik was unforeseeable. You’re not to blame.”
Marcus scoffed his disagreement and looked questioningly at Beth when she laughed in response. He could be a grump at times, and this was one of them. No matter how annoying it could be, it wasn’t something Beth would change about him. Marcus was a deep thinker. That’s part of what made him good at what he did. He took in the minute details, sought out every possibility for success and failure. He dissected things. Beth grinned, imagining Marcus as a young child, pulling things apart to see how they worked, then putting them back together again. It was his attention to detail that kept the team safe which was why, when things went wrong, Marcus became broody until he figured out what, if anything he’d missed.
“Don’t worry about it, Marcus.” She paused to remove her panties, easing the lacy boyshorts from her hips and down her thighs before allowing them to fall to the floor. She stepped out of them, noting that Marcus paused each time she did, silently watching the elongated striptease she performed with lust-hazed eyes. The muscle in his jaw flinched as she smiled at him, turning around so he could see her in all her naked glory beckoning him forward into the master bedroom with a crook of her finger and a wicked smile.
“Now, do you want to know what I have planned to take your mind off your concerns?”
When he spoke, his voice was more guttural than she expected, sending a chill of excitement down her spine. “I have a fair idea what the plan might be.”
Marcus moved toward her, stripping the tie that sat loosened around his collar. He’d certainly dressed the part of a rich businessman in need of a female companion for the sting last night. He prowled around her, and Beth shivered under his ravaging gaze as he perused her nakedness. She clenched her thighs together, the erotic pulse of her pussy causing moisture to pool between the lips. Her nipples hardened with every glancing brush over them. She moistened her lips, drawing in a deep slow breath as he completed his inspection and returned to stand before her.
“I appreciate the seductive routine to get me into the bedroom, but I believe you’ve forgotten one very pertinent thing about what happens here, baby girl,” he gave her a wry smile. “Can you think of what that might be?”
The deep throaty reverberation of his voice sent a shiver cascading over her body. Whatever she’d forgotten, she didn’t care. They were here, the only thing left to do was get him naked and inside her.
“I can’t even imagine what you’re hinting at.” Beth stepped forward, reaching for him with the intent of undoing his shirt, so she could run her hands over that firmly rippled body beneath it. She didn’t make it to the first button.
Marcus grabbed her hands, forcing her wrists together before securing them together with his swiftly knotted silk tie.
“I’m in charge in the bedroom.” He spoke the words directly into her ear, his breath warming her neck and the nip of his teeth on the lobe of her ear making her squeal in surprise. Of course, he was the Boss of all things bedroom related, and Beth loved that.
“How remiss of me,” her cheeky reply elicited a wicked grin from Marcus as he led her by the left-over length of the tie to the bed. He stripped the covers back, laying her down on the crisp, clean sheet beneath. After days spent attempting to sleep on the prison cot, the mattress felt heavenly beneath her. Marcus raised her hands above her head, securing the tie to the headboard.
The soft pillow beneath her head and upstretched arms forced her breasts to jut upward, displaying them prominently for his hungry gaze. It was her turn now to watch her man strip, slowly taking off his jacket, then shirt, revealing the hard, muscular body she longed to caress, inch by sexy inch. He sat on the loveseat to the side of the room and painstakingly removed his shoes, then socks, his gaze not leaving her for a second. This was payback for her antics that led him here, the slow boil of arousal excruciating, knowing she wanted his touch and to touch him in return but being unable to do it. Unlike the random discard of her clothing throughout his house, Marcus neatly placed his clothes over the back of the small loveseat, a wicked grin on his lips. He was driving Beth to distraction… intentionally.
His cock took the lead as he strode over to join her on the bed, the rigid phallus swaying with each step, pointing upward, hard and proud. Beth licked her lips. Marcus was a glorious specimen of manhood. Her body ached to have him on top of her, his rigid length buried inside, making her beg for mercy. Beth moaned as he stretched out beside her, his cock gently nestling at her side as Marcus stared down at her.
“Paybacks a bitch, isn’t it, baby?” He leaned in, softly kissing her lips, firmly nipping the bottom before laving the sting away with his tongue.
Her body was ablaze with lust as Beth nodded her reply. If she opened her mouth, she might beg him to take her—fast, hard, and without mercy until she screamed his name—but then, he’d probably enjoy that.
She lurched upward as his fingers stroked her skin, moving slowly along her thigh, over her abdomen toward her breasts. Marcus began a sensual game of pinching and flicking at the distended peaks, his gaze never leaving hers, smiling with each gasp of desire his actions provoked.
She writhed beneath his touch as he left her aching breasts, moving his hand down to her mons before slipping his fingers between her thighs to toy with the entrance to her cunt. His fingers slid easily between her pussy lips, the moisture allowing a free glide over her clit which he stroked at a maddeningly relaxed pace. He used the barest of pressure to brush over the bundle of nerves, making her groan as she spread her legs and raised her hips seeking more. He didn’t provide it, clearly content with the seductively infuriating pace he’d set.
To Beth’s surprise and pleasure her body tensed, a soft moan releasing from her lips as she rolled her hips, her cunt clenching and pulsing with a slow rolling orgasm she’d never known possible. Marcus inserted a finger inside her while continuing the rhythmic stroke of her clit, drawing another orgasm from her, this one more forceful but only just. She clamped onto his digit and pumped her hips in beat with the recurring pulse of pleasure sweeping over her. Why did she ever think slow and steady was boring? Marcus was making it an erotic art form.
“That’s my beautiful girl,” Marcus whispered in her ear. “I love how you come for me.”
He eased his hand away, the stimulation an absence worth grieving over. Beth needed more of him, all of him. He rolled onto her, his cock setting itself at her entrance as if it knew exactly where to go. She welcomed him inside her, the gentle slide forward, followed by its easy glide back making her moan. He filled her so completely, the hard shaft calmly thrusting inside her, stroking every nerve ending in her channel. His heavy frame cocooned her body beneath his, strong arms holding him gracefully above her, her nipples brushing his chest, her cunt squeezing him, a pleasurable pulse driving her higher toward ecstasy with each firmly controlled lunge of his hips.
Marcus stared down at her, his pleasure clear in those deep, dark, penetrating eyes. He moaned with each slow drive forward, the sound resembling a pleasurable hum, a sacred chant of worship.
Beth gasped his name as her body squirmed beneath his, the culmination of his sensual stimulation riding her close to release. She struggled against the restraints, wanting the freedom to touch him, to partake in the sensuality of this experience to a greater degree. As if he knew her exact need, Marcus loosened the
knot at her wrists. Her hands now free, she threaded her fingers through his hair, easing him toward her, their lips touching before their tongues entwined in an erotic kiss. Beth spiraled out of control, the climax washing over her, sweeping her into a sensual bliss. Marcus kept her in the maelstrom of pleasure as he increased his pace until he achieved a release to accompany hers.
They lay gasping for breath, still joined, Beth feeling the pulse of him inside her, a beat that echoed her heart’s. As he rolled to the side, taking her with him in his arms, Beth never felt such elation after sex. The tenderness with which he dealt with her body, drawing out her climax, touching her on an emotional level she’d not experienced before was mind-blowing. She’d decided tonight was the night to show Marcus how much he meant to her, to tempt him into being hers, instead he’d turned the tables in one truly seductive act. He’d promised her before the mission that next time they’d take it slow. She’d disregarded the comment as slow had never been on their agenda until now.
Beth snuggled closer to Marcus, her face resting on his chest, listening to the strong, sturdy beat of his heart and accepting the truth she’d always known. She belonged to Marcus, heart, and soul. Whether they worked out a way to be together or not, she’d always be his.
* * * *
Being inside Beth was heaven. Not that Marcus believed in religious deities or their divine residences. Still, if there was such a thing as paradise, for him, it was inside the woman now curled up by his side.
He liked to believe tonight he’d made love to her for the first time. Yes, they’d fucked before now, and it was always amazing, but tonight he wanted to make it different, he wanted to show Beth how much he loved and honored her body. He wanted to worship and savor her, taking his time to bring her to release. He’d done exactly that. What he didn’t know was whether Beth felt his love and adoration the way he wanted her to. He’d hoped to evoke those three words every partner wanted to hear—I love you. She hadn’t said it but then, neither had he. Marcus assumed after the turbulent disagreement they’d experienced prior to her kidnapping, Beth may just be playing it safe. After all, he was.
They’d danced around each other for so long, Marcus wondered if they’d ever meet in the middle. Be on the same page at the same time. He didn’t mince words or suffer from not knowing what to say except around Beth when it came to expressing his feelings.
“What are you thinking about?” Beth gazed up at him, her expression filled with the words she’d failed to express earlier.
It was the age-old question lovers resorted to when they weren’t sure where they stood in a relationship. It meant are you thinking about me, perhaps trying to find a way to leave this intimate setting. He’d rarely used the question, but he’d answered it often enough. When it came to Beth, however, he chose honesty.
“I’m thinking about you, us. I don’t want to ever lose you, Beth. I just don’t know how to make you mine, so we’re both happy with the arrangement.”
“I’m not a mission, Marcus,” Beth smiled up at him. “Either you love me and want to be with me like I love you or you don’t. You don’t have to make me yours, Marcus. You have me. I’m yours. I’m here. I always have been.”
She was right. He remained the only stumbling block in this relationship. He’d been the reason they’d been apart for so long, not her. Beth never denied her affection for him, he’d been the one holding back, letting her believe the excuses about why they couldn’t be together.
“I’m terrified, Beth. When those bastards hurt you during the capture, I nearly lost my mind. I kept thinking how I’d lost Suzanna and wondering if I was about to lose you to the violence of my life as well. A vicious world I’m responsible for dragging you into. It took all my reserves not to storm the place and bring you home. If it hadn’t been for Nik being with you, I would have.”
“I choose to be here and do the job we do. And for the love of God, Marcus, I’m not Suzanna. You’ve trained me well. I know what I’m facing every time I’m on assignment. I’m careful, and I know I have you and the team to back me up.”
Marcus pulled her closer, entwining his legs in hers, ensuring there wasn’t a breath between them. His logical mind told him everything she said made sense, but some part of him questioned that truth. Rejected it completely.
“I don’t want you doing missions like that again. I thought I could handle it, but I can’t,” Marcus stated emphatically.
He expected Beth to tense, to push away from him. To tell him he was crazy and yell as she tried to convince him to change his mind. She didn’t. Instead, she spoke quietly and calmly.
“Your life is in danger too, daddy. Losing you would destroy me. You’re not alone in that fear. And it’s not just me who’d be affected. It would devastate the entire team. You’re the boss. You hold us together and protect us all. You die we die.”
Again, her words made complete sense. They could all die, but what was he to do about that? Stop working? Dismantle the team and let criminals get away with the shit he and his crew protected against? Besides, this wasn’t about his team, it was about Beth and keeping her safe.
“I know you don’t understand why I want to make this change, but I want you safe, Beth. I won’t lose another woman who means the world to me because of this job.” His arms wrapped so tightly around her, he wondered momentarily if she could breathe. He couldn’t let go though, and he wouldn’t change his mind. Beth was never going to be in danger again. She would not die because of his actions. End of story.
“Before I say yes, I’ll step back and take the play-it-safe roles on assignment, I need to know one thing.” Beth eased herself up onto one elbow and stared into his eyes, with a determined look on her face. “What are you going to give up for me, Marcus?”
Chapter Eighteen
What was he going to give up for her?
Marcus pressed the remote gate key he carried with him for the safe house in the Highlands. Leaving Beth sleeping soundly in his bed, he’d come to visit Adrian and Clay, to let them know the danger for Adrian’s daughter was over. Yes, he could have done it all by phone, but Beth had thrown him a curve ball, and he needed to let off steam in the form of driving dangerously fast down long freeways and country roads. What was he going to give up, indeed? Their relationship wasn’t the human equivalent of Lent, and he wasn’t some goddamn Easter bunny giving things away for no apparent reason.
Give up? He never gave up, not in work, not in life and certainly, not in love. Giving up was a sign of weakness.
He slammed the door of his much-loved Lexus racing coupe and headed for the door. Clay walked out onto the terrace, strain showing on his face. Of all the men on his team, Clay was the easiest going which was why he’d given him the job of babysitting Adrian who could be cantankerous at times. Clay looked exhausted. What on earth was going on down here?
“What’s up, Boss? Why the surprise visit?” Clay smiled, but he didn’t look like he had any reason to.
“It’s over. Job done. Which means whenever you’re ready to ship out, just let me know.” Marcus clasped Clay on the shoulder giving it a supportive squeeze. “What’s happening here, you don’t look good.”
“It’s not been a laid-back or joyous family reunion. In fact, the reunion part only happened a few days ago, and this morning was the first time she didn’t try to scratch my eyes out for holding her prisoner and only after she’d seen a news report about Charlton’s arrest and the trafficking ring. We’re gonna need more time here,” Clay sighed deeply, then led the way into the house and to the sunroom where Adrian sat quietly reading.
“Ebony-Rose has gone to her room to think.” Adrian didn’t look up from his book and Marcus wasn’t sure if he even noticed he was in the room.
“From what Clay told me, it appears you might all need some thinking time.” Adrian flicked him a bored gaze.
“Don’t ever have children Marcus,” he stated dryly.
“I already have a twenty-one-year-old who drives me
insane. Come on old man, let’s make some caffeine and go sit outside in the sun.” Marcus led the way to the kitchen, glad to see a drip filter coffee machine sitting on the counter with a pot of steaming brew ready to drink.
The house looked out over the lush green mountains of the highlands, and Marcus walked out into the morning sun teeming onto the veranda that wrapped around the back of the house. Its high vantage point nestled close to a cliff edge gave a spectacular view and made penetrating the building from behind virtually impossible. Adrian’s second-in-charge had built the house a long time ago, bequeathing it to a lover just before his death. Marcus purchased it from her not long after and now used it as a safe house. He noted the irony, Samuel Barnes had built the high-tech fortress to protect himself from Adrian, should the need arise. Marcus grinned at the fact Adrian was now its tenant.
“I’m glad Angel sold the place to you.” Adrian took up position in the deck chair next to him and picked up his cigarettes from the low wooden side table to his right. “I’m also pleased you decided to hide us here. Sam designed it with safety in mind. The isolated location and position on this mountain make it virtually impenetrable, but then you know that.”
Marcus did, but he hadn’t come all this way to discuss architecture. He needed advice, and for all his past criminal misdoings, Marcus counted Adrian as a friend. His only friend outside of the team and mercenary life. He guarded Adrian, so technically, not being part of Marcus’ work wasn’t true, but he remained removed enough to be on the outside of things.
“I want to stay in Australia. I’m getting too old to travel the world. I want to be near my daughter, we both know my son’s a lost cause, but she’s a good girl, feisty at that. She’s alone, she needs family, and I’d like to be the father I never was. That’s if she lets me. Things are currently a bit tenuous, but I’m sure we’ll work it out. So, I stay here, or she comes with me. Your decision, Marcus.”
