Page 176 of Prized Possession

“I love you, Marcus.”

This time, even though I say it in a shy, somewhat uncertain way, Marcus’ face lights up, his bright smile growing as his blue eyes sparkle.

“I love you too, Chloe.”

Hearing him say the words back to me makes my heart almost double in size, and I can’t stop the girly giggle from breaking free.

He presses his lips against mine, looking at me like I’m the most important person in the world. I’ve never felt more alive, more loved, and it’s all because of Marcus.

I need to lose myself in this man right now.

“Take me home.”

It’s been just over six months since we disposed of that shit-stain, Frank, and my life just seems to have gotten better and better, which is definitely not something I ever expected.

Chloe’s cake business took off, and what started with just my employees getting cakes from her, soon expanded, and she’s always fully booked.

She put her pictures on social media, and with a little help from word of mouth, the requests for cakes flooded in.

She’s selective over how many she books in each week, as she never wants to compromise on quality, and spends a long time putting all her love and attention into each cake.

She also makes sure we still have time together, particularly on an evening when we curl up on the sofa together watching movies or crime shows.

It’s not just her business that’s blossomed, I’ve loved watching Chloe become the woman she wants to be.

She’s confident, feisty, and so incredibly kind. I still have no ideawhy she’s with a miserable bastard like me, but I thank whoever is listening every day that she chose me.

Although we usually enjoy a quiet life, tonight we’ve opted for a night out, since it’s Chloe’s birthday tomorrow. Initially, Chloe was reluctant to go to a club because of her brother’s sobriety, but Jake reassured her that he’d be fine.

He’s come a long way over the last six months too. He’s still sober, and sees his outpatient treatment physicians regularly to help him stay that way.

He’s also stepped up to be the leader I’ve always known he could be, and he’s surprised himself with how much he’s actually enjoying it now that he’s trying. Doing things his own way, instead of simply obeying his father is helping too.

Miles has even agreed to take the night off to celebrate with us, though he’ll have several members of security dotted around the club, watching over us.

As soon as we arrive, Jake and Miles are already seated in a booth to the right of the bar. They’re leaning in close to each other, talking.

Chloe and I still haven’t worked out what happened between them to stop their arguing, but they seem to be getting on well now, so we’re trying not to jinx it.

They both stand and wish Chloe a happy birthday once they spot us, pulling her in for hugs. Before Chloe can sit down, I grab hold of her arm and guide her towards me. Miles and Jake look confused, but I give them my best cocky smirk.

“We’ll be back soon.”

Jake looks like he’s about to argue when Miles grabs his arm, pulling him down into the booth. I ignore them both and drag Chloe through the club.

As always, the people part for me, some of them saying hello as I pass.

I greet everyone politely, while keeping my strides firm, not slowing at all. I’m aware Chloe is shouting something at me, but I can’t hear her.

Once we reach the door to the back delivery alley, I punch in the employee code and the security door swings open.

I pull Chloe out into the alley, dragging her down to the wall at the end, just like I did all those months ago on the start of our journey. I press her back against the bricks, crowding her body with mine and she smiles at me.

“This feels oddly familiar,” she laughs.

“Hard to believe this was over eight months ago now,” I reply, pressing a kiss against her neck.

“I was so fucking mad at you for leaving me the way you did,” she growls, rolling her eyes at me when I chuckle.

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