Marcus: The M Series, Book Three

by Ryanne Anthony

  I nod. “That's right, even with the twins. She just can't stand the smell. It's usually a first sign. We eat a lot of seafood when she's not expecting.”

  “Daniels! Fish markets and coffee houses in a one-hundred-mile radius.” He looks at his watch. “Wait... better make 500. Some place where a crime could be hidden, especially a woman screaming,” Richards orders. “Back to who has her. Mrs. Cannon said 'this is about New York and a promise you broke.' What promise did you break? Please think a moment before you answer. Any promise you made, Marcus, since you've known her.”

  “I can't think of a single thing. Ever since that break up we had about my name, I've made sure to be one hundred percent honest with her, never promising anything I even thought I might have to back out from.”

  “‘Despite who their father is’, is what I'd like to focus on.”

  I shake my head. “No, Parker… that was scripted. Next question.”

  I look at Nathan, who is muttering something behind me.

  “Wait... No, go back,” Mother says, closing her eyes. She does that when she needs silence and she's thinking deeply.

  Suddenly, Mother rushes over and sits on the coffee table in front of me, leans in and looks me right in my eyes, like she used to do when I was little and she wanted me to figure something out on my own.

  “‘Tell everybody I love them,” Mother recites slowly. “‘I've always loved them, and I shouldn't have promised to do something and didn't... even though I knew it wasn't right. I was only doing it because everybody gave up on me years ago.’”

  I frown at her then turn my head to break the gaze. She grips my chin and turns my head back. She speaks again in a slow tone, very deliberate, staring into my eyes.

  “‘Tell everybody I love them. I've always loved them, and I shouldn't have promised to do something and didn't... even though I knew it wasn't right. I was only doing it because everybody gave up on me years ago.’”

  “Mother...” Joshua starts. Mother holds a hand to him.

  “What are you getting at, Mother,” Matthew says, irritatingly.

  “‘A freak like me’,” Nathan mutters. “What did she mean, ‘a freak like me, mm-hmm?’ Sounds like that damn song she used to sing when she wanted to irritate me.”

  “What song, Puppy,” Lisa asks him.

  “That song... The one she was singing the night she got that stethoscope and we wouldn't stop teasing her. She knows that song drives me nuts; an irritating, infatuated girl used to sing it at me at UIC.”

  “You mean that 'freak in the morning, freak in the evening' song,” Mandy asks.

  “Yeah, that's it,” Nathan mutters. “Wait... Who sings that?”

  “I’ll check,” Ethan says, and pulls out his cell. “Uh... that’s Adina Howard.”

  I scowl again, and am about to snap off when Mother raises her eyebrows slightly, then says, “‘I was only doing it because everybody gave up on me years ago.’”

  My eyes widen as it hits me. “No... no! I will fucking kill–”

  July 1, 2011

  “She thinks you're engaged, Marcus. That's why she rejected you,” Nathan said, shaking his head. “She’s not that girl; never has been.”

  “I figured that out after she ran. I was coming here tonight to explain but when I saw her with you, I became angry. I stupidly assumed she was with you.”

  “Is that why you called her a slut, Marcus,” Lisa snarled. Damn, when that one’s mad…

  “You didn't,” Rachel gasped at me.

  “She said he implied it, right before she collapsed,” Lisa snapped.

  I took a deep breath. “I'm very sorry, Mrs. Harvey, and I have nothing but contempt for myself for implying it. I did try to apologize but she wouldn't hear it.”

  “So why are you here now, Marcus,” Thomas asked, scowling.

  “I love her,” I stated, looking straight at Rachel.

  They sat in silence, gawking, disbelief all over their faces. I pulled out my cell and hit my mother's icon.

  “Marcus,” my mother answered, sounding confused. “It's almost one a.m. Is something wrong, darling?”

  “Yes, but I'm trying to fix it, Mother. I'm going to give Mariah's mother the phone; I'd like you to talk to her about when I met Mariah, all right?”

  “Do you want me to tell her about that collision, too?”

  “Yes. Everything.”

  “All right, darling. I'm ready.”

  I give Mrs. Harvey the phone. “Good evening, Mrs. Cannon... All right, Katherine. Please call me Rachel.”

  “I'm going to check on Mariah,” I said to the others.

  “I'll come with you,” Nathan volunteered, but when we got to the stairs, he stopped me.

  “I believe you love her. I told her so when she told me about you and what happened this afternoon. She's torn up over it because of the 'engagement.' Otherwise, she wouldn't have hesitated. Also, Mariah is a wounded bird, Marcus. She once had a boyfriend that hit her, and he said he loved her. Don't tell her you love her yet.”

  “Shit... hit her?”

  He nodded.

  “I have to tell her. I can't let her think I’m only after her body.”

  “If you tell her, she will reject you. I think she loves you, too, so let her say it first, when she feels ready. Trust me.”

  “She doesn't have a problem telling you she loves you.”

  “Of course she accepts my love; she knows it's genuine and unconditional. Mariah and I have known one another for years and she's been like a little sister to me. There has never been any interest in each other in any other way; unlike you. She's only been out of therapy a couple of months. Dr. Wilson wanted her to find love; be open to it, but she's reluctant. You tell her of your feelings, and she’ll bolt. Just wait; I’m sure she’ll be ready soon, now that she’s found you.”

  When I make it back to Mariah's living room, our mothers have finished talking and Mrs. Harvey hugs me.

  “Katherine is sending your brother with a change of clothes for you, Marcus. She’s sure Matthew will be here soon,” she informed with a smile. “Let's go check on my baby.”

  I nodded, realizing Nathan and I never made it up the stairs. I checked my watch and see it's been four hours already. I go into the room and clicked the night light back on.

  She moaned as I gently sat on the bed and checked her carotid pulse. I tried to move swiftly and lightly when I checked her temperature and blood pressure, but she winced as I inflated the cuff. I felt bad, so I whispered a quick 'Sorry, baby' then kissed her cheek. She smiled a little, never opening her eyes. Lisa replaced her towel as I stepped in the hall.

  “Why don't you go get some sleep,” I whispered to Rachel and Thomas. “It's after midnight, and I don't think she's going to be okay for a while. I'll sit with her.”

  “Are you sure, Marcus,” Thomas said.

  “Absolutely.”

  Rachel studied me a minute before she spoke. “Okay. But we'll be just downstairs. I'm not leaving here yet.”

  “Fine.” I checked my watch again. “Nathan, I think she should have another dose.”

  “I agree,” he nodded then enters the room.

  I watched as he measured a syringe then bent at Mariah's arm.

  Her weak call for her mother tore my heart out, almost as much as watching her endure the brief pain she experiences when she's being medicated.

  When she went to sleep again, Lisa stayed with her while I went outside to wait for Matthew, not wanting him to ring the bell and hurt Mariah’s head. When he arrived, he gave me a duffel bag and questioned what was going on.

  “Damn,” he murmured when I told him. “Will she be all right?”

  “I think so. Her friend is a doctor and he’s here, treating her.”

  “What’s his name and age,” Matthew pressed, pulling out his cell.

  “No, Matthew. He’s her best friend; he loves her and has been nothing but professional with her.”

  He stared, studying me. “If you
change your mind, call me.”

  I nodded and watched him leave.

  July 2, 2011

  I stared at the back of her head. Something I said pissed her off or scared the shit out of her. I bent to get my clothes and slowly put them on, willing her to talk to me. She stood there still shaking and wouldn't turn around. Fuck, I should've listened to Nathan, but being with her, her responding to me the way she did, only cemented what I already knew was there.

  I loved this woman.

  As I dressed, I thought to the previous night and the pain she was in. I felt a tug at my heart. She was so helpless, begging for my help, then dismissing me like I was nothing and having to explain to her mother and the rest of them what that was all about.

  I stepped directly behind her and breathe deep, committing her scent to memory. My throat constricted and I grabbed her, pulling her close as if I wanted her to be inside me. I kissed her head, and lingered there, silently begging her to change her mind. She wouldn’t.

  I couldn't take it anymore, so I released her, and stepped back.

  “Thank you for taking care of me last night,” Mariah whispered softly, almost inaudible.

  My voice caught and I cleared my throat. “Goodbye, Mariah.”

  It came out like I'd had enough. I felt nowhere near it.

  I picked up the bag Matthew brought last night and went to my car, where I sat and waited, praying she'd change her mind. She didn't and I felt anger boiling in me. I looked at the passenger seat and saw the gift I'd gotten her that I left in the car when I saw her with Nathan. I threw the thing out the window and sped off.

  When I got home, as I searched for something harder than wine, Matthew called me.

  “What is it, Toad,” I snapped into the phone.

  “Calm down, Cramp. Just wondering if Mariah's better.”

  “She's great,” I acerbically replied. “Just fine. So fine, she fucked me then threw me out.”

  “Excuse me? What,” Matthew chuckled.

  “You heard me, Toad.”

  “I thought she had a migraine.”

  “She did. Couldn't even talk. She felt better and we had sex. I told her I loved her then she... She threw me out.”

  He laughed. “Why would she do that? Were you that bad?”

  “Fuck you, Matthew.”

  He laughed again. “I'm just saying–”

  “Rockford,” I mumbled before he could another crack in.

  He took a deep breath. “Are you giving up?”

  “I can't.”

  “Then you need to see her, find out what the problem is. Only whores fuck and leave; Mariah is no whore.”

  “I know that, Toad.”

  “So something spooked her. You're supposed to go to that party at the Harveys on the Fourth, right?”

  “I was invited; she's sure to be there.”

  “My point exactly. Get her to talk to you there.”

  “Shit. I hate this.”

  “But you love her... and you want her.”

  I took a deep breath. Damn it... I hate when Matthew is right!

  “Fine. I'll go. If she rejects me again, I'm kicking your ass.”

  “Please, Cramp. Only way that's happening is if you use your fancy wrestling moves.”

  “That's what you think.”

  “I'll see you Tuesday,” he laughed. “Lunch or dinner?”

  “Hopefully neither. I have to work anyway and if I get Mariah back, I'll spend my birthday night with her. I'll call you.”

  “Good. By the way...”

  I sighed. “What, Toad?”

  “Mariah... was she good?”

  I hung up on him.

  July 4, 2011

  I arrive at the Harveys and as I parked, Jeanelle drove in. I got out and waited for her to park next to me.

  “Would you like me to escort you in, Jeanelle,” I asked politely.

  “I knew you'd come back,” Jeanelle purred at me, looping her arm in mine. “You had a good time.”

  “I’m sorry, ‘come back’?” I asked, annoyed. I knew exactly what she meant.

  “Yeah, Marcus. I heard your engagement fell through.”

  I scowled. “Jeanelle, I'm in love with someone and she may be at this party. I'm only escorting you in, since we've arrived at the same time.”

  “Wanna make her jealous?” she purred again, licking her lips. “I'd love a repeat.”

  Mother and her teaching me manners. Some, she should’ve bypassed.

  We’re escorted to the rear doors and Thomas approached us as we step out of the house. Nathan caught my eye but turned quickly and went around a bush to my immediate left.

  “Welcome, Marcus. Jeanelle. Didn't expect to see you two here. Together, that is. You know Cookie is here, right, Marcus?”

  “I think she's in the pool which is behind those bushes. Am I right, Thomas?”

  “Yes, that's right,” he frowned.

  Mariah and her siblings walked to the opening in the bushes and I turned my back to them. Yeah, Jeanelle, let's make her jealous.

  “I saw Nathan go off in that direction when I walked out with this pretty girl.” I looked at Jeanelle and she laughed, touching my chest. I frowned at her as I whispered, “Enough. I already told you it's not happening.” She pouted and turned away.

  “Excuse me, Pops, Mom. Alexander?”

  I turned at my name. A blonde guy in swimming trunks approached me. He stuck out his hand. “Ethan Harvey. I'd like a word; do you mind?”

  “Sure.” I shook his hand then turned to Jeanelle. “Thanks for your unsolicited help,” I whispered at her and to my surprise, she giggled.

  Ethan led me to the side of the garden. He gestured to the bar and I sat on a stool. I crossed my arms as he paced in front of me. He stopped and after assessing me a little too thoroughly for my taste, he spoke in a mildly aggressive tone.

  “Are you aware Mariah is here?”

  “Yeah and I'm hoping her seeing me with Jeanelle will get her back to me.”

  “Are you sure that's the plan? Jeanelle looks ready to jump your bones and my sister does not appreciate watching it.”

  I felt like I'm being interrogated.

  “I am not interested in Jeanelle. I didn't come with her, we arrived at the same time.”

  “Marcus!”

  I looked up; Nathan and Tom Harvey were walking toward us. Nathan stopped at my side, his face showing all the anger he’s feeling.

  “Didn't I ask you to wait before telling her you love her?”

  “Wait... you told her you love her,” Ethan asked, frowning at me.

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Did you mean it,” Tom demanded.

  I scowled. “Of course I did. That’s not something to lie to someone about.”

  Nathan lowered his voice and leans in. “What I told you, it happened last February. She really hasn't had time to... process it all. She hasn’t let herself.”

  My heart skipped a beat. “Why didn't you say that Friday night? No wonder she freaked out on me!”

  “I told you to leave it for now,” Nathan shouted back.

  Shit! “Where is she?”

  “In the pool, doing laps,” Tom answered. “She's hurt by your display with that predator.”

  Ethan looked in my eyes. “Did you fuck her?”

  “I never touched Janelle,” I answered as I scowled at him. “I'm with Mariah, only Mariah and I don't mess around. Damn it, I hope I didn't fuck this up again!” I looked at Tom. “Get rid of her,” I snapped, then walked off toward the bushes.

  “Damn right, I will,” I heard behind me.

  At the pool, Mariah was swimming like a pro. I stood there, watching, waiting for her to finish. After a few minutes she finally swims to the side. I'm angry as hell and determined to make her talk to me. She exits the pool, sexy as hell, all wet in that one-piece green swimsuit. I remember thinking, this is a woman who should never be dressed, as I wrapped a towel around her perfect body.

  * * *

>   Later, I approached her parents with a spring in my step, not caring the party is now in full swing and a lot more guests have arrived. I started hoping they don’t insist she stay.

  I smiled at them. “Thomas, Mrs. Harvey... Mariah and I are leaving. She's agreed to talk.”

  “Good, Marcus. I hope you two can work this out,” Rachel cooed, looking around. “Where is she?”

  “She wanted a shower first and asked me to meet her in the living room.”

  “Be careful but strong with her, Marcus. Mariah can be stubborn and unyielding. She needs to feel safe, secure. Just... wrap your arms around her tight and listen to her; you may have to fish, but she'll tell you exactly what she needs in her own way.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Harvey. I’ll keep that in mind. I'm going in and wait for her now.”

  “Take a drink with you, Marcus. She's a woman, so she'll be awhile,” Thomas murmured.

  “All right, I will. Thanks, Thomas.”

  “What did that mean, Thomas,” Rachel snapped.

  “Nothing, Rachel, honey...”

  I chuckled, glad I wasn’t the only one in the dog house.

  I grabbed a water and went to the living room. I waited for her, praying we can work this out.

  Finally, she bounded down the stairs, and I stood. Yellow... wow. Is there any color she in which she doesn't look beautiful? Nope.

  July 4, 2011 – Who cares about time?

  She rocked my world and conked out on me. I could have gone another round, but she looked so peaceful lying in my bed. I guess all the swimming then pleasing one another got to her.

  I couldn’t get that fucking Vince and his hitting her out of my head. He’d better not come near her if he ever gets out of prison.

  And she's a squirter. I've heard about it but I've never met a woman who did and it's just... mesmerizing... how her hot cum rolls down my shaft, teasing my sensitized skin. Feeling that turned me on more than anything, and I couldn't get deep enough inside her. I got so fucking dizzy when I finally climaxed.

  “Mmm,” she sighed as she snuggled closer.

  Damn, even in sleep she sounds sexy as hell.

  I nuzzled her. “Baby, let's move to the head of the bed.”

  She threw her arm around me and cuddled. It made me grin. Even cuddling, she feels good.