Page 24 of Never Less

Thoughts of bending her over the kitchen table fill my mind. I could fuck the sadness and insecurity out of her. Make her scream loud enough to wake Nate up so he has to face the same feelings he forced onto her. And god, she’d look so pretty with that little dress pushed up and her panties bunched around her ankles.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I round the counter until I’m standing right beside Liliana. She turns to face me, a question written on her face.

“Got something,” I murmur, swiping my thumb across her cheek and getting the little bit of peanut butter that was there. Eyes connected with hers, I suck it off, enjoying the sweet and salty taste on my tongue.

Her blush deepens, and her voice is regretful as she whispers, “I should go to bed.”

There’s no denying what she feels for me now, but I have no doubt she’ll try to. As she should.

“Goodnight, Liliana.”

Chapter eight

Liliana

I toss and turn all night before finally giving up around six. Morning sunlight is streaming through the windows as I make my way downstairs. There’s already coffee brewed, which is unsurprising. Marcus works in investment banking or something, so I don’t think he has to get up early, but he does anyway.

After pouring myself a mug, I bring my laptop into the library and get to work. I’ve gone long enough on this trip without checking in on my business, and all it’s done is piss me off more.

Do I wish I didn’t have to work as much? Of course. But opening a business in a smaller city comes with challenges, and I knew that when I got started. Trying to build my client base has only gotten harder and harder, which means I have to pour more time, energy, and money into marketing.

Sometimes it’s exhausting, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I wish Nate and I lived in a better place for securing clients, though.

“Hard at work, I see.”

I freeze with my hands on my keyboard. “Just… had a few emails to answer. And stuff.”

Marcus hums. “If anyone understands, it’s me. I have my projects, and you have yours.”

“Fair enough.” I glance around the library. It’s a small room, and Marcus has put every inch to perfect use. White bookshelves, teal curtains, and the comfiest armchair have transformed it into a quaint, cozy library. “Your latest one has turned out pretty damn great.”

Marcus’s smile lights up the room, and warmth cascades down my body at the sight. “You think so?”

With a nod, I take him in. He’s dressed in light gray dress pants, a crisp white button up, and a burgundy blazer. As long as I’ve known him, he’s always kept himself in shape, and it only makes the outfit look even better on him.

“You look…” I swallow. “Nice. The blazer looks good. Your favorite color, right?”

His devilish smirk makes me want to sink into the armchair and disappear. “Didn’t think you’d remember.”

How could I forget?

“I remember any time a man knows the difference between burgundy and maroon. Dressed up for any particular reason?”

“I have an early meeting.”

At that, my stomach sinks. “I thought you took the week off.”

“I did, but something came up.”

Nodding, I let my gaze drop to my laptop. I didn’t realize I was looking forward to spending time with Marcus without Nate around until I had the option taken away from me.

“Shouldn’t take long,” he says. “I should be back before lunch.”

“Oh. Um… good.”

Footsteps sound on the stairs, and Nate pops his head into the library a moment later. “Matt and Levi should be here any second to pick me up.”

“Good, I was hoping to catch you before you left.” Marcus glances at his watch. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

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