Her Shield (The Uncut Series Book 1)

by D. Camille

  He knew that one day he would have to tell Isis the whole story and it was not something that he was looking forward to in any way. Isis was good, sweet and pure...everything he didn't deserve. He didn't want to hurt her and he damn sure didn't want to let her hurt him. He would court her and see how things progressed. Normally, Marc operated on that exact premise, he would date a woman and went with the flow until it fizzled out.

  That's what bothered him most. He didn't want this thing with Isis to fizzle out. He wanted it to continue because it felt right and good, two things he'd hadn't felt in a long time. Yes, he desired her physically, she was a beautiful and sexy woman; but he also wanted her in a way he'd never wanted another woman...with his heart.

  Isis was young with her whole life ahead of her. She could decide that she didn't want to include him in that life and walk away but he was determined not to let that happen and was content to wait on her...until he couldn't wait any longer. He pulled into his assigned parking spot preparing to exit the vehicle.

  Marc grabbed his phone from his pocket as it began to ring. Glancing down, he looked confused.

  “Sean?” he asked.

  “Yes Marc, its Sean. I need your help with something.”

  Marc looked confused. “For Ray?”

  “No, I need this to just be between you and me,” Sean told him.

  “What is it about?” Marc asked.

  “I need some information and I can't involve Jordan, Ray or Trent.”

  Marc nodded. “Okay. Who's the subject?”

  “Dr. Camille Smith, the cardiologist.” He paused. “I think she could possibly be a serial murderer.”

  Marc looked at his phone. “Sean, what in the hell?”

  “Meet me in an hour on the docks,” Sean told him.

  “Okay, I'll be there.” Marc disconnected the call and looked around.

  “Damn, now what is this?” he asked himself before heading into his office.

  His phone rang again as he walked into his office and closed the door. He answered on the first ring.

  “Isis, what's wrong Princess?” he asked concerned, since he’d only dropped her off a short while ago.

  There was a brief pause. “I just wanted to tell you thank you for everything.”

  Marc sat on his chair. “You don't have to thank me.”

  “I do. You've been so good to me Marcus, despite everything.”

  “Isis....”

  She cut him off quickly. “I want you to know that I'm still confused about a lot of things, but not about you. I mean, not about wanting to be with you.”

  Marc laid his head back against his chair. “I want to be with you too Isis. I'm not confused at all about that.”

  “So can we just start over?” she asked.

  “What exactly does that mean?”

  She took a breath. “It means can we put all this other stuff in the past and just be Marcus and Isis?”

  “Yes, I'd like to be Marcus and Isis because Isis is everything that Marcus wants.”

  Isis smiled on her end. “Okay.”

  “Okay Princess, I'll come by tonight to see you.”

  “Do you want me to make you dinner?” she giggled and he smiled.

  “Sweetheart, don't kill my sister.”

  She laughed some more. “Bye Marcus, I'll see you later.”

  “Bye Isis.”

  Marc hung up and placed the phone on his desk. It vibrated against the wood as a text came through. Marc threw his head back and laughed as he read the message from his sister.

  “Mommy's out picking china for your wedding to Isis. The countdown has begun handsome.”

  Chapter 13

  Ray arrived home that evening and walked into his kitchen to find Isabelle cooking dinner and reaching for a bowl above her head. He rushed to her side with a deep frown on his face.

  “What the hell are you doing Belle?” he questioned.

  Isabelle turned to him. “I'm getting a bowl Ray.”

  Ray grabbed the bowl and handed it to her. “Don't do that!” he admonished.

  She took the bowl smiling. “What? Get a bowl?”

  “You know what I'm talking about Isabelle Parker.”

  Isabelle turned to the counter. “I'm pregnant Ray, not handicapped.”

  Ray easily lifted her onto the countertop. “You're not just pregnant Belle, you're carrying my little Baby Goddess.” He placed a hand on her stomach. “She's my gift from the Universe.”

  He lifted her face to his. “Just like you.”

  She smiled and placed her arms around his strong neck. “I promise to be careful with our gift.”

  Ray studied her for a moment. He had been concerned since Milton's passing. Isabelle had not skipped a beat. “How are you Goddess?”

  Isabelle looked away. “I'm fine.”

  “Belle?” Ray waited until she turned back to him. “How are you?”

  She stared up at him with sad brown eyes. “I haven't cried Ray. I haven't shed one tear for my father. Is there something wrong with me?”

  “There's nothing wrong with you beautiful. People grieve in different ways. If you want to cry then it's okay, but if you're not ready, no one can judge you.”

  She shook her head. “I have so many conflicting emotions about Daddy. I honestly don't know how I feel about him being gone.”

  Ray stroked her face. “Goddess, however you feel is fine. I'm here to be whatever you need.”

  Isabelle stared into the bright brown eyes that always hypnotized her. “I love you.”

  “I love you my Moon.”

  Ray gathered her into his arms and held her closely before bending to kiss her softly.

  She pulled away. “I need to finish dinner.”

  He shook his head. “You stay right here, I'll finish. I don't know why you didn't wait for me to get here in the first place,” he said pointedly.

  Isabelle smiled sheepishly. “I wanted to surprise you and thank you for taking care of me and Isis.”

  Ray took the bowl and moved to where she'd starting prep for their meal. “I'll always take care of both of you, although Isis now has her own warrior to take care of her.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Really? What happened?”

  “Marc's mother came to visit me today. She says that Marc is in love with Isis and she's determined to make Isis her daughter.” He shook his head. “She wants to meet you so you two can conspire to marry them off.”

  “Alice Graham said that?” Isabelle asked surprised, putting a hand to her mouth.

  Ray smiled at her. “Yes, the Martin women have struck again. They're irresistible, I know.”

  She rewarded him with a smile. “Isis has moved in with Marc's sister. I spoke with her earlier today. She says she's trying to move on and get her life back on track.”

  “Good. I know you're concerned about her.” Ray moved to the stove.

  “I think she's falling in love with Marc, if she's not already. She wants to be sure he's really taking her seriously,” Isis explained.

  “Hmmmm...well according to Alice, he is.”

  “I want Isis to find happiness. She's always been so sweet and kind. She deserves someone who will love her and not expect anything from her,” Isabelle told him.

  Ray looked over at his wife. “I'll let you and Alice handle that and I'll just handle loving you beautiful.”

  *********

  Isis watched as Tasha finally contained her laughter in the kitchen where they were preparing dinner.

  “Wait, so you actually started a real fire?” Tasha asked still laughing.

  Isis continued working on the salad she was preparing. “Yes, and it's not that funny.”

  “And then you told him it was because you couldn't sauté?”

  Isis turned to give her a look.

  “I'm dead!” Tasha screamed. “No wonder he told me not to let you cook alone.”

  Isis' eyes widened. “He told you that?”

  Tasha shook her head turning back to the bo
iling pot. “Of course, he doesn't want me to die. I'm not as good at putting out fires as he is.”

  “That is so wrong. You and your brother are both wrong,” Isis told her.

  Tasha laughed again. “No you're wrong, talking about you can't sauté.”

  Isis turned back to her salad. “Marcus was fine with it.”

  “Uh, yeah because he only cares about how you heat up those sheets.”

  Isis gasped. “Tasha!”

  Tasha shrugged. “I mean he clearly cares about you...a lot, but I know my brother.” She gave Isis a look. “And you're a freak too.”

  Isis turned from the bowl she was preparing. “I am not!”

  Tasha pursed her lips. “So you and my brother aren't making each other sweat?”

  Isis flushed. “I'm not going to discuss that.”

  Tasha came and put an arm around Isis' shoulders. “We're sisters Isis. You can tell me anything.” She looked into her eyes. “Is my brother not putting it down right?”

  “You are such a mess Tasha Graham! I can't believe the things you say.”

  Tasha laughed. “Turn around.”

  “What?” Isis asked confused.

  “Turn around for a minute,” Tasha instructed.

  Isis looked at her before turning slowly. She glanced back over her shoulder. “What?”

  Tasha survey Isis' perfectly round backside in tight jeans and nodded her head. “Yeah, he's all over that.” She turned and moved back to the stove.

  “I should have just found my own apartment,” Isis told her going back to finish her salad.

  Tasha laughed some more. “I love you Isis.”

  Isis couldn't help but smile. “I love you too Tasha.” She walked over and hugged her. “Thank you for calling me when my father died and thank you for letting me stay here with you.”

  “I love my brother too Isis. I love him so much. Even after he left home, Marc checked on me constantly. I want him to be happy,” Tasha said passionately.

  “Marcus told me he ran away when he was sixteen, but he didn't say anymore,” Isis relayed.

  Tasha looked sad. “He'll tell you when he's ready.” She held Isis' gaze. “Could you love him if he'd done something bad?” Tasha asked.

  Isis looked at her. “I've loved a man all my life who's done many bad things.”

  The doorbell rang and both women looked toward the door. “That must be Superman,” Tasha said heading to answer the door.

  “He prefers Iron Man,” Isis corrected smiling.

  Tasha shook her head as she looked out of the peephole before opening the door for her brother. He smiled down at her. “Hello gorgeous.”

  Tasha threw her arms around him and he gently embraced her. “Hello handsome.”

  Isis stood a few feet away watching them. When they separated, Tasha moved aside to allow him to enter. She closed the door behind him and watched as he made his way over to Isis.

  “Hello Princess,” he said staring down at her.

  Isis stared up into his piercing silver eyes. For some reason she felt uncertain in his presence even after all they'd shared. Marc picked up on her uncertainty then placed a gentle hand on her waist before pulling her slowly against him. Lowering his head, he softly caressed her lips claiming her mouth before completely enfolding her in his arms. Isis could only submit to the pleasure and hold on to his firm body.

  While the two were locked together, Tasha moved away from the door and headed to the kitchen. “Yep...all over that.”

  When she was finally released, Isis continued to stare up at him. “Marcus...”

  He smiled down at her. “Yes, that's my name.” He kissed her again. “And I love to hear you say it.”

  “Dinner's ready!” Tasha called from the kitchen.

  Marc took Isis' hand and led her to where his sister was taking out plates and silverware.

  “I didn't know you were making dinner,” Marc told his sister.

  “Well we both know Isis couldn't,” she joked and they both laughed. “She told me how she tried to burn down the safe house.”

  Isis frowned at them and Marc pulled her closer to his side. “That's okay. My Princess picks up new skills very quickly.”

  Tasha lifted a brow as the brother and sister shared a look.

  “Are you two being nasty?” Isis asked.

  “Let's eat before the food gets cold,” Tasha said smiling.

  The trio sat down to dinner and before they were done, Tasha received a phone call that she decided to take in her room. She smiled as she left the pair alone to finish their meals. Marc stared across the table at Isis as she continued to eat the dish Tasha had prepared.

  “Are you going to watch me eat again?” she asked.

  He nodded slowly. “Of course, I told you it's sexy.”

  Isis paused in her eating and looked him over. “You're sexy.”

  “Can I take you out for dessert?” he asked watching her.

  She smiled. “I don't think we'd get dessert.”

  “You'd get whatever you want sweetheart.”

  “It's my first night here with Tasha. I don't just want to disappear on her, that would be rude,” she explained.

  He nodded slowly. “I'm not going anywhere. Whenever you want dessert, I'll be available to serve you.”

  Isis felt a blush come to her face thinking about Marcus serving her. “Thank you.”

  They both cleaned the kitchen and retired to the sofa. Marc had removed his jacket and loosened his tie as he took a seat next to Isis in front of the television. He took her hand and toyed with her fingers.

  “What did you do today?” he asked.

  “I picked up my car and went to visit my director. He says that I can come back this week so I'm excited about that.” She smiled happily.

  Marc brought her hand to his lips. “It's good to see you happy sweetheart.”

  She touched his face. “You make me happy, babe.”

  He pulled her closer, lowering his mouth to hers. Slowly he feasted on her lips, tasting them, teasing them until she moaned softly. “You don't know what that sound does to me,” he whispered against her lips gathering her into his arms.

  Isis went willingly into the warmth and comfort he provided. She lovingly ran her hands along the sides of his face as he engaged her mouth. Her fingers traveled along the sculptured cheekbones up to his close cut hair. Isis liked how he wore the tightly coiled curls cut low enough to appear as wavy. Marc wore his face clean cut when he was working, but when he wasn't working, he would let his mustache and beard grow out slightly. Isis liked it both ways because either way he was incredibly handsome.

  She pulled back and licked her lips. “Your sister is going to come out here...”

  He kissed her again. “Tell me when I can come and take you.”

  Isis felt a tightening below in his softly spoken words. “We're off for two days each week.”

  Marc caught her gaze. “I want to take you away from here.”

  “After the baby shower, then we can go.” She told him as he returned her to his embrace.

  “Do you want to go?” he asked stroking her back down to cup her behind firmly.

  Her eyes darkened and she focused on his mouth. “Yes, I want to go. I very much want to go away with you Marcus.” Isis claimed the lips she'd been watching and Marc allowed her to take control. She climbed onto his lap while holding his face and tangling her tongue with his.

  “What about my sister?” he asked smiling when she paused for a moment.

  Isis stared down at him. “She thinks I'm a freak anyway.” She resumed suckling his lips and riding his very evident erection.

  ********

  Jeremiah looked over at Millie lying next to him in the bed. She'd been going through some things for the past weeks but she'd been very secretive as to what they were.

  “What's the matter Millie?” he asked her. “You called and asked me to meet you but you're a million miles away.”

  She turned to him. “I jus
t didn't want to be alone.”

  “What happened? I know you've had some things going on.”

  “I need your help Jeremiah.”

  He sat up in the bed. “With what?” he asked.

  “My Daddy died a few weeks ago and his other daughter killed him,” she announced.

  Jeremiah frowned. “Your sister?”

  Millie pulled the sheet around her. “She's not my damn sister,” she hissed.

  “How did she kill him?” he questioned.

  “He said that he was going to die because of her and now he's dead!” She dropped her head into her hands.

  Jeremiah stared at her. “Maybe you need to tell me the whole story.”

  He listened intently as Millie told him a tale about having two stepsisters who hated their father and wanted him dead. She told him that her Daddy had loved her and wanted her but had been given no choice but to marry his wife in order to provide for Millie and her mother. She told him she wanted revenge on her sister for what she'd done and she wanted Jeremiah's help.

  “What are you thinking of doing?” he asked.

  Millie turned to him. “I don't know. I'm not good with ideas.”

  “Well, I can tell you what I did when I wanted revenge on my brother.”

  Her eyes widened. “What did you do?”

  Jeremiah stared at her. “I changed his whole life.”

  *********

  Marc entered his apartment and headed to the shower. He undressed then started the water to steaming. Stepping inside he replayed the day. He'd met Sean on the docks and listened to the evidence Sean had gathered on Dr. Camille Smith. He couldn't imagine this woman being a murderer, but stranger things had happened.

  Sean wanted him to check her out and find out exactly what she had been doing. It was far too much to be coincidental, but the question was why? Why would she want both Justin Black and Milton Martin dead? What was her connection to them?

  Marc let the water run down his back as he lowered his head. Sean was a genius and if he felt there was more to it then Marc would thoroughly check it out. He understood Sean's reasoning for not involving Jordan, Ray or Trent since Justin was both Jordan and Trent's father and Milton was Ray's former father-in-law.

  He turned and lifted his head allowing the stream to run down his chest. His thoughts moved to this evening having dinner with Isis and his sister. Quickly they jumped to after dinner with Isis on his lap. He placed both hands against the wall and lowered his head. Isis was in his blood like a drug that had spread slowly throughout his body.