Page 27 of Prized Possession

“I’m confused.”

Marcus lets out a small chuckle, and I hate the way my core heats up at the carefree sound. “Honestly, I know I’ve not gone about this in the best way, but it’s all I could think of at short notice. Jacob feels bad, which we can work on. You get out of this house for sixty days, and we’ve delayed your wedding, whichis what you asked for. It might not be the greatest plan, but it’s achieved the goals.”

He’s right, yet I can’t help but point out something glaringly obvious that he’s failed to mention. “Dad looked so close to breaking the peace treaty over this. And if Scott takes the news the way we think he will, Dad may be forced to take sides.”

Marcus’ eyes darken, and as he presses his body against mine, I feel his hard length against my stomach. “Your father can make his own decisions. I, personally, can’t wait to see the look on Scott’s face when he finds out.”

I slap him on the chest, which earns me a glare. “You could enjoy this a little less.”

His smirk grows as he leans in close again. “I think I’ll enjoy this a lot. After all, you wanted someone to teach you what it means to be a slut, to be in control of your own body, and to have power over the man you’re a slut for.”

My eyes widen and my heart stutters. “What? That was just something we talked about after too much fucking vodka. You said this wasn’t about you forcing me into sex.”

“I won’t force you. It’ll be your choice,” he states firmly, but his smugness is driving me fucking crazy. I hate how sure of himself he is, when I’m a mess of emotions.

“So if I choose to stay away from you for sixty days, you’d be okay with that?” I challenge.

“Of course,” he replies, as he removes a hand that was resting on my hip and glides it up over my ribs, stopping to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Then he cups my cheek, rubbing his thumb across my lip in a way that makes my fucking knees weak. “In fact, I’ll make you a promise. I won’t touch you unless you beg me to.”

“Beg you?” I splutter, my brain a fog of emotions, intoxicated by his scent and proximity.

“Yes, you will need to beg me.”

I gather as much confidence as I can muster, and hope like hell it’s enough to be believable. “I won’t beg you.”

His smirk grows, and as his thumb traces my lower lip, he leans over until his mouth is almost touching my ear. A shiver ripples down my spine and my core tightens at the feel of his breath on me. “I’m up for the challenge. Game on, Mio.”

Before I can even comprehend how much he makes my world spin, Marcus pulls away, and I watch as he saunters down the corridor, like he didn’t just leave me in a puddle. I’m so fucking screwed.

Iexpected the evening to fly by, but every time I looked at the clock, it seemed to be ticking even slower than before. I feel almost antsy, waiting for the morning to arrive so that I can collect Chloe.

Miles interrupts my pacing, looking at me with his usual piercing gaze that lets me know he’s about to say something I’ll probably not approve of. I wait for him to get on with it, but when he doesn’t, I find myself snapping at him.

“Just get on and say whatever is on your mind.”

He lets out a chuckle, though there’s no humour in his eyes. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing? I mean, have you even considered what it’s going to be like having her living here for the next two months?”

I freeze as his words hit me. Honestly, this isn’t the most well thought out plan. It’s barely a plan, but it’s all I could think of, and so I need to make it work.

“She’s an independent woman who can take care of herself. It’s not like I’ve taken custody of a fucking child,” I grumble.

Miles rolls his eyes at me. “You’ve never lived with a woman before. Where’s she going to sleep? Have you bought anything that she willneed?”

I hold my hand out to stop what I’m sure would turn into a lengthy rant if I didn’t. “I have three spare bedrooms, so she can take one of them. And I’m pretty sure she’ll bring anything she needs. If she doesn’t, I’ll buy it for her.”

I keep myself from saying that I’d quite like her to share my bed, as I definitely don’t want to hear whatever disapproving speech that comment would produce.

“You have no idea what it’s like living with another person, especially a girl,” he adds, and this time it’s me who gives him an eye roll.

“I’m not socially inept, Miles. I can live with another person, I’ve done it before. Besides, you spend enough time here to almost be considered a roommate,” I reply flippantly, and he laughs.

“I’m definitely not your roommate. When I stay here, it’s as your bodyguard, or I’ve passed out drunk in the spare room I call mine. You’ve never had to deal with any of my bad habits, or any other annoying thing roommates do to each other.”

Even though I went to university, I had my own apartment, with Jacob in a matching one next door. I’ve never had to share with anyone else, and I’m certainly not used to having people in my space all the time. Even my bodyguards don’t stay in my home, other than when Miles does occasionally.

I’m an only child, used to getting everything I’ve ever wanted. Spoiled doesn’t even begin to cover it. And I’ve never had to share. Maybe Miles is right and I’ll find this experience much harder than I first thought.

“It’s too late now, the deal has been done,” I grumble.

---