Page 172 of Prized Possession

“When we get it all set up at her party, I’ll send you some more pictures you can use, and I will let everyone know who made it. I’m sure it’ll taste as great as it looks, but I can send you some pictures after we’ve cut it too.”

“That would be great,” I tell him as I begin reboxing the cake, much to Penny’s annoyance.

As I get to work, Marcus distracts her. He gives her some money from his wallet, and tells her she can go with her daddy to buy something that she really wants. Her eyes light up, and she looks at Marcus like she might be in love.

Get in line, kid.

Leo glances at his boss, looking a little shy. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“She’s a great kid, it’s the least I can do. She deserves to be spoiled, after everything you’ve been through,” Marcus says kindly.

Although Leo didn’t tell me much about his story, Marcus told me enough. His wife was ill for a few months before she passed from cervical cancer.

She had lots of operations and treatments in a short space of time, but just seemed to get worse not better.

Leo found it hard juggling work, and looking after his sick wife and Penny, so Marcus gave him the time off, making sure he got paid extra during that time too.

The kindness he showed Leo and his family made me fall harder for him, but it was the humble way he said he was just doing the right thing that blew me away.

The mask Marcus presents to the world is literally just that—an act. If you’re lucky enough to have earnt Marcus’ respect, or have him care for you, he will show you a different side to himself, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.

He cares about his staff, and he treats them well, which is why they’d protect him with their lives.

“This is the best birthday ever,” Penny cheers, waving the cash in the air.

Her father quickly takes it from her, putting it in his pocket for safe keeping, earning him a glare from his daughter. I quickly pull their attention away, as Penny looks like she might shout.

“This is all ready. All of the instructions are on the box, including which parts aren’t edible. It’s quite heavy, do you want help carrying it to the car?”

Before Leo can respond, Marcus reaches over and tells him he’s carrying the cake for him. Once we’ve got it secured in the backseat of the car, and Penny is in her car seat, Leo pulls me in for a hug, thanking me once more.

Just as he’s about to close the door, Penny shouts to me. “Will you make my birthday cake every year from now on?”

I look over at her father, who nods.

“I can do that,” I tell her proudly.

Her smile grows as she waves goodbye to both of us, looking a little too long at Marcus. As the car drives away, I turn to him. “Looks like I have a little competition.”

He laughs and wraps his arms around me, nuzzling my nose with his. “As cute as she is, there’s only one girl for me.”

He presses his lips to mine, his kiss sending shivers down my spine. He leads me back into the apartment, looking at me in amazement.

“I’m so fucking proud of you, Mio. That cake was fantastic. I think this is going to be the start of something great for you.”

And within an hour, I’d gotten two texts from people who work with Leo, asking if they could meet to discuss cakes. I was practically bouncing when I told Marcus. He just smiled, kissed me, and told me he knew I could do it.

“I want to celebrate,” I tell him.

Marcus looks a little hesitant, before saying, “I do have a way for you to celebrate, but it’s not exactly traditional.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, before we can truly celebrate this new start, I think we have to say goodbye to the last pieces of the old Chloe. To do that, you need to exorcise the demon that haunts your past.”

I don’t need him to say his name to know what he means. “You have him?”

A vicious smile crosses his face, making him look more dangerous than I’ve ever seen him.

---