Page 93 of Prized Possession

So why the fuck haven’t I jumped into bed with him?

He reacted much better than I planned. He didn’t judge me, he wanted to help me, and he still wants to teach me to grow in sexual confidence, like I have been doing—so why haven’t I asked him yet?

My mind is a mess, and while talking about Frank brought a lot of the nightmares back, I’ve also been focusing on the conversation I had with Marcus about us.

I don’t know what on Earth possessed me to tell him how much I like him, but I was baring my soul, and it all just sort of came flooding out.

When he was honest with me in return, telling me he’s never had a serious relationship—and has never wanted one—I was both shocked and a little concerned.

I knew Marcus had a reputation. I grew up with him, so I’ve seen the revolving door of girls that are in his life for a night and are never seen again, but it never really occurred to me why he doesn’t want anyone serious.

It also never crossed my mind why me and Marcus might be off-limits. Of course, I know about the peace treaty between my family and Marcus’. It’s the reason Blackthorn is no longer stuck in the middle of a civil war, caused by the battle for power that was raging for generations between our families.

The peace treaty only works because our families worked hard to make sure there was a balance of power. Each family is responsible for their side of the town, and they deal with loyalty shifts fairly, so that no family ever gains the majority.

It never occurred to me that if I were to be with Marcus, that would give him more power than the Santoros, putting the treaty on shaky ground.

I guess that’s why my father always told him I was off-limits, and why Marcus spent the better part of our teen years either ignoring me or making it clear he didn’t like me. He knew I liked him, but pushing me away was the safest option.

Although he’s not willing to risk the peace treaty, or his friendship withJacob, he still wants to see what happens between us. But, for me, that’s such a vague statement.

What if we spend the next few weeks together and realise, by some miracle, that we actually love each other? What then? Would he be willing to take a risk on me, or does everything have to end once the clock stops ticking, no matter what we feel?

That’s the big problem for me. I know that spending more time with Marcus, handing over the trust that’s needed for him to explore my body in the way he wants, that will change me.

It’ll only strengthen what I feel for him, but I don’t think anything will change for him. I suspect he will end things when the time is up, no matter what, and I don’t know if my fragile heart can take that.

Which is exactly why I haven’t walked into his room completely naked, begging for him to finally fuck me. And believe me, that thought has crossed my mind several times.

Instead, we’re still being friendly with each other, having meals together, talking, getting to know one another, and it’s nice… but fuck do I want more.

Thankfully, Jacob will be here in about ten minutes, which should give me some time to be in the same room as Marcus without picturing what he looked like on his knees when he was eating my pussy in the car.

I’m pacing around the living room, while Marcus sits in the comfy armchair, watching me with the ghost of a smile on his face. He thinks I’m nervous about Jacob coming over, which is part of it, but that cocky smirk of his isn’t helping to stop me from thinking about other things that are getting me all hot and bothered.

Miles walks into the room and throws himself into the armchair opposite Marcus, leaning back with his arm over the top like he doesn’t have a care in the world. “So, how are you going to do this intervention?”

I look over at Marcus, wincing at the thought of how much Jake would hate this being called anintervention. Marcus seems to have the same thought.

“We’re not calling it that. We’re just confronting him over his issues, as we’re not really sure he’s all that aware of them.”

Miles rolls his eyes as he tuts. “No, he’s barely aware of anything when he’s off his face on drink and drugs. But what makes you think he’s going to want to do anything about it?”

I freeze before turning to glare at Miles. “Why wouldn’t he?”

Miles holds his hands up in a non-threatening manner as he speaks. “Well, he’s been blacking out, waking up in puddles of his own vomit and piss for a while now, and if that’s not enough to make him see he’s hit rock bottom and needs to change, why will talking to you?”

Marcus lets out a groan and Miles’ eyes go wide as he realises his mistake. “He’s been getting so bad that he’s passing out? Marcus, you knew he was that bad and you didn’t tell me, or do anything?”

Marcus looks like he’s about to reply, but Miles cuts in. “To be fair, you were going a bit wild yourself for a while, so I don’t think telling you would have helped.”

Both myself and Marcus shoot Miles matching glares, but he shrugs his shoulders like he doesn’t care. Marcus turns back to me.

“Honestly, I haven’t really known what to do or how to approach him. Even though he’s my best friend, this crosses the line into telling him how to rule, and that’s a very fine line.”

I never thought of it that way. Although we’re telling Jacob that he needs to get his shit together for his own health and wellbeing, the underlying reason is that we need him to be the leader we know he can be.

If he doesn’t step up soon, Dad won’t hesitate to find a replacement, and right now, that’s Scott.

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