Page 12 of Marked By The Grouchy Grizzly

But he’s right. I fucked up royally.

I hope my mate can forgive me. I drop my head, feeling sick to my stomach.

I was so close and now I’m further than ever.

She might never talk to me again.

And honestly, I wouldn’t blame her.

CHAPTER FIVE

Lainey

Julian.

My body is flooded with a comforting warmth as I trace the swooping J with my fingertip. I can’t stop staring at this tattoo.

I’m in the bathroom of our townhouse, staring at it in awe.

My neck hasn’t stopped tingling and I can’t help but think that it has something to do with him.

Being in his presence was so intense. It was so… unexpected.

I felt drawn to him. I still do.

Even after what he did to me, I can’t stop thinking of his bright green eyes and strong gentle hands. The way they felt on my skin. The way I wanted them to keep moving, exploring my body…

A warm tingling blooms between my legs, making me all wet and needy.

“Oh,” I moan as I trace his name again on the back of my shoulder, loving that I have a piece of him to keep forever.

The thought that I’m somehow marked by him is turning me on in a way I’ve never experienced before. It’s so intense. So all-consuming. My hand slides down my stomach and into my jogging pants. I slip my fingers into my panties and start playing with myself as I think of the possessive way he was looking at me.

“Yes,” I moan under my breath when I remember how growly and protective he got when that guy tried to take a picture of me.

My body is so primed and ready that it only takes a few seconds of rubbing before I cum all over my hand.

I collapse against the counter, heaving shallow breaths as the warmth floods my body from the top of my head into my curled toes.

I need to see him again.

Tonight.

My body is demanding it. Even after pleasuring myself, the intense desire only heightens.

I need to talk to him. To ask him why he tattooed his name on my shoulder. To know what it meant.

Everyone was yelling and freaking out, and I didn’t get the chance. It seemed like everyone was upset except me.

I wash my hands and splash some cold water onto my face, staring at my reflection as the water drips down my cheeks.

Go to him.

It’s a voice from deep inside me, urging me to go.

When I get myself together, I slip out and head into the kitchen. Carly is on the phone with her dad and Himari is texting everyone she knows about this. They’re still both furious.

Neither of them has even bothered to ask me how I feel about it.

---