Chapter 35
Chapter 35
:
Marcus couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss.
:
5 vouchers
Her lips had been so soft. Softer than he remembered from the fire exit. Her entire body had been soft when he’d pulled her close. So warm and perfect.
He’d felt her breasts touching his chest. Felt her nipples hard through her dress, she had no bra, of course. They’d been holding each other so tight that there was no space between them. No air. Just heat and want her mouth on his.
He’d wanted to pick her up right there. Pin her against that balcony railing. Slide his hand under that gold dress and finger her until she couldn’t remember her own name. Or better yet, drop to his knees and eat her out properly. Make her scream his name while the entire city watched from below.
Damn.
Where was she anyway?
She’d told him she was going to the restroom. That was ten minutes ago. What was taking so long?
Marcus smiled to himself as he started walking toward the bathrooms. Maybe he’d just go grab her. Finish what they’d started. Sex in a restroom at a charity gala wouldn’t be the worst thing he’d ever done.
He reached the hallway outside the women’s restroom. Was about to knock when he heard a voice inside.
“So how much did he offer you?”
Penelope.
Marcus’s hand froze on the door handle.
He should probably go in. Stop whatever damage Penelope was about to do. Protect Elara from his stepmother’s venom.
But something made him wait. Made him
He wanted to know what Elara would say.
and there and listen instead.
if this was all just about the money for ho. anted to
“One hundred million.”
see if she was trustworthy. If she actually had his back or
Marcus almost laughed out loud, One hundred million. Elara had balls.
Penelope’s voice came through sharp. Angry. “Are you
Sane?”
Then Elara laughed. Actually laughed at Penelope’s face.
“Oh, you don’t have that? Broke?”
12:09 Fri, May 8 N
Chapter 35
:
Marcus grinned. This woman. This woman had just called Penelope broke to her face.
The conversation continued. Elara’s voice getting stronger. More confident. More aggressive.
21
E 5 vouchers
“You didn’t expect him to fall in love, did you? Well, Marcus and I are so much in love. To your dismay.”
Something warm spread through his chest. She was defending him. Defending them. Even though it was fake. Even though she had every reason to take Penelope’s money and run.
“I’m all for respecting elders. Mostly the ones that respect themselves. The next time you ever lay a finger on me, I’ll remove my heels. Remove yours too so you don’t get a broken spine. And I’ll make sure I beat you blue and black.”
Marcus felt his dick rise.
This was hot. Elara standing up to Penelope like that. Threatening her. Not backing down. Not showing fear.
People were always scared of Penelope. She’d built her reputation on being untouchable. Cruel. Someone you didn’t cross unless you wanted your life destroyed.
But Elara had just told her she’d beat her ass in a bathroom at a charity gala.
That turned him on more than it should have.
“Then why are you so scared of this age; y
Perfect. Elara had backed Penelope into a corner. Made her show weakness.
Marcus heard movement. Fabric rustling. Then silence.
Time to break up the little gathering.
He pushed the door open just in time to see Penelope’s hand raised. About to slap Elara across the face.
No.
Marcus stepped between them. Fast. Caught Penelope’s wrist mid-swing.
“Oh, the witch. Now you have nothing better to do than
bully
my girlfriend?”
He released Penelope’s wrist with more force than necessary. Turned to Elara. She looked fine. Angry but fine. Beautiful even with that fire in her eyes.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded.
Marcus pulled her close. Put his hand on her waist where everyone could see. Where Penelope could see.
He leaned close to Elara’s ear. Whispered so only she could hear.
12:09 Fri, May 8 N
Chapter 35
“That was hot and sexy.
:
จ
21
5 vouchers
He felt her body react. The slight intake of breath. The way she pressed closer for just a second before catching herself.
Good.
“Let’s go,” he said louder. Took her hand. Started leading her out.
He paused at the door. Looked back at Penelope standing there looking like she’d been slapped instead of stopped from slapping someone else.
“Next time you have a problem, confront me instead.”
They walked back into the hallway. The party was still goin flowing.
Music playing. People laughing. Champagne
Marcus kept his hand on Elara’s waist. Kept her close. She was smiling. Actually smiling like she’d just won something.
He liked that look on her. Liked knowing she could handle herself. That she wasn’t just some fragile thing he had to protect.
“Marcus!”
A voice called from behind them.
He turned. Someone was waving him over toward the donation podium. The main event was about to start.
Marcus started walking that direction. Elara beside him. Still smiling.
Then he saw him.
Standing near the podium. Tall. Dark hair. Expensive suit. That same arrogant smirk he’d worn since they were kids.
Damian.
His stepbrother. Penelope’s son.
Marcus felt his entire body go rigid, Rage flooded through him. Hot. Immediate. The kind of anger that made his vision narrow and his hands clench into fists.
He hated Damian. Hated him almost as much as he hated Penelope. Maybe more on some days.
What they’d done to his mother’s memory. What they’d said at her funeral. The way they’d moved into his father’s house three weeks later like she’d never existed.
Story for another day. Not here. Not now.
Marcus pulled Elara closer. His hand tightened on her waist. Possessive. Claiming.
12:09 Fri, May 8 N
Chapter 35
Let them all see. Let Damian see. Let Penelope see. Let the whole damn party see.
Fake or not, Elara was his girl.
5 voud
