Page 105 of Marked

“This is ridiculous,” I said, watching the soufflé collapse under a pour of warm vanilla crème anglaise. “How am I supposed to go back to instant ramen after this?”

“You won’t,” Derek said with such certainty that I paused with my spoon halfway to my mouth.

“Right, because Maria would hunt me down.” I laughed, trying to ignore how the wine made their intensity feel magnetic. “I swear she has a sixth sense for when I skip meals.”

“She’s protective.” Caleb’s breath tickled my ear. “Like us.”

The chocolate melted on my tongue, rich and complex. I couldn’t quite suppress another small sound of pleasure.

“Baby likes being spoiled,” Caleb murmured, his lips brushing my temple. “Don’t you?”

I turned to meet his heated gaze. “Maybe I just like the company.”

A low rumble came from Derek, while Marcus’ eyes seemed to glow. Another silent conversation passed between them, charged with something that made my skin tingle.

“Tell me something,” I said, partly to distract myself from how Caleb’s fingers had started tracing patterns on my nape again. “Do you three practice those looks in a mirror, or is it some kind of brotherly telepathy?”

“What looks?” Marcus asked innocently, though his eyes held enough heat to melt steel.

“Those looks. The ones that make everyone else suddenly remember urgent appointments across town.”

Derek’s laugh was unexpected and rich. “Maybe everyone else just knows better.”

“Knows better than what?” I challenged.

Marcus leaned forward, his voice dropping to a register that seemed designed to make me shiver. “Than to want what isn’t theirs.”

The possessiveness in his tone should have sent me running. Instead, that wild thing inside me—the part that kept responding to their touches, their growls, their heated looks—practically purred.

“Dangerous words, Marcus,” Caleb murmured, though his hold on me tightened slightly.

“Speaking of dangerous,” I said, trying to gather my scattered thoughts, “are we going to talk about how you three seem to have the entire town trained to treat you like visiting royalty?”

“Do we?” Marcus’ smile was all predator, but his eyes held something warmer when they met mine.

“Please. The maître d’ practically bowed. Even Professor Patterson looked ready to offer tribute.”

“You’re exaggerating,” Derek said, but his lips twitched with amusement.

“Am I? Watch.” I gestured subtly to where a waiter was approaching. As if on cue, the man’s steps slowed, his eyes carefully downcast as he addressed Marcus.

“Will there be anything else this evening, Mr. Stone?”

“Just the check,” Marcus replied, his tone making it clear the conversation was over.

The waiter retreated with impressive speed.

“See?” I turned back to find all three brothers watching me with an intensity that made my breath catch. “That right there. That thing you do.”

“What thing?” Caleb’s breath was warm against my ear.

“That… alpha male thing. Like you own the room.” The wine was loosening my tongue. “It’s kind of hot, actually.” I froze, realizing what I’d just admitted.

Derek’s sudden intake of breath was audible. Marcus’ eyes darkened dangerously.

“Baby,” Caleb said, his voice dropping an octave, “you have no idea what you do to us when you say things like that.”

“Maybe,” I managed, though my voice came out breathier than intended, “I’d like to find out.”

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