Page 36 of Mark

“Did you want to hang out in my suite?” he asks, and I feel his hand on my thigh, before he tries to slide it up my leg.

Fuck no!

I shove it off and glare at him. “No thank you.”

“Come on. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”

I shake my head, confused about the direction the conversation is going. “I’m not following. Who am I meant to be getting over? And why on earth would you think you’d be an option?”

“Baffles me too,” Nanna muses.

“Esther said you were finding their wedding hard and wished you could have someone to focus on.” He points to his chest, grinning. “I’m great in bed. Once you have me, you’ll never think of another guy again.”

No, I wouldn’t. Because the only way he’d ever have a chance with me is if I’m dead.So yeah, I’d definitely never think of another guy.

My lips tighten for a moment. “What exactly did she say?”

“That it was a shame you didn’t have a guy to focus on so it could take your mind off the wedding. And that you always had a thing for me, but because of Danny, you never acted on your attraction.”

“Yeah, that’s a load of bullshit,” I snap, pushing back in my chair. I stand and glower at my sister, who has the audacity tolook anywhere but at me. Yet she doesn’t move quick enough to hide the mirth in her gaze.

She’s finding this funny.

“Where are you going?” Nanna asks. “Do not leave me with these people.”

“I’m going for some air,” I bite out.

“Watch your tone with your elders,” Mum scolds. “And sit down and finish your food.”

“Trust me, you don’t want me at this table right now,” I bite out, and grab my bag off the floor.

I leave, heading towards the stairs that lead up to the first deck. I’m rounding the corner when I bump into a hard chest.

“Sorry,” I splutter.

“Why am I not surprised?”

I glance up into those hazel eyes and shudder. “Mark!”

He narrows his eyes at me. “I’m beginning to wonder if thesebumpinginto each other moments are actually accidents.”

“You bumped into me last night,” I point out, my words sharp and quick.

“That’s what you probably wanted me to think.”

I roll my eyes. He’s so damn self-assured, it’s maddening. “Whatever you say,” I mutter, and leave without another word.

Two minutes later, I’m standing on the deck next to the railing, looking out at the ocean. The sun reflects off the water, and I can’t help but admire the beauty. It’s serene. The seaside has always been my favourite place to visit. Being in the sea brings a calmness that nothing else ever has. There’s a freedom inside of you when the waves beat against your waist and your fingertips glide across the ripples of water. I also love that in all of the world, the sea still holds hidden secrets. There’s so much more to explore, so many secrets it still holds.

And looking out, watching the sun glistening off the sea, I can finally take a calming breath.

One.

Two.

Three.

It gives me strength to get through this week. I can cope with the whispers, the staring, and the pitying looks. I can handle them thinking I’m not okay with this wedding because I know different. The people who matter most to me know different. I just can’t cope with the drama that comes hand in hand with it. Sooner or later, I’m going to snap, and once again it will be my reaction to their actions that everyone focuses on.

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